STARDROP CELEBRATION: FINAL DAY

[starhuemod]

LET'S PARTY!
premise | rules | taken | pick-up

A. Arrivals and Much More

You’re here because you were dropped somewhere that tried sending you home, or you're someone with a call to the heart to explore the vast universe. The buses run at odd schedules, so please pardon any interruptions! I hope you fellas make yourselves at home, here!

[ Marjorie’s whole speech rings through your ears as you begin to explore the area. It seems a few people who arrived on the TDM have already been here for a week, but you’re just a newcomer. So where are you when this all went down? Are you trying to get back on a bus that’ll take you home, or…?

B. Home Sweet Home

[ The dust has settled on the bus ride here, and you can’t help but notice that your farmland… well, it’s a mess. Rocks and grass everywhere, no matter which layout you were set with. You were given a set of tools, and the message that this land is yours to shape or change or build on no matter what you want, so long as it’s yours. The little crate by the edge of the house is what will hold your bounties from farming, collected nightly with money delivered to your mailbox the following day, like some kind of Produce Fairy visited.

The house is in alright shape. It’s not brilliant, but it has a kitchen, a bathroom, and a studio bedroom where all your belongings can be. It’s wide enough to accommodate several things until you upgrade it.

Sometimes you see a stray dog or cat at the edge of your property. Do you adopt it?

Anyway, it’s time to make what you will of your farm. ]


The Last Day Of
The Stardrop Celebration!
FESTIVAL PLAYLIST

[ Down a hill a little ways from Pelican Town is a remarkable festival set-up! Several attractions and vendors line the streets where everything is going down. Where will you go? ]

C. Food Stalls

[ Surrounding the entire property are dozens of food stalls, from all around the universe. Marjorie bussed in caterers from all around with a healthy sum of gold, and they’re happy to sell their wares in this strange place tonight. Where you might find octopus balls, you’ll also find kraken balls. Where you might find corndogs, you’ll find dogs selling corn.

It’s a veritable buffet! And the gold you’ve started with is more than enough to go shopping for food. Have fun! ]

D. Games

[ All manners of Carnival Games are set up! From throwing a baseball at bottles to catching goldfish with a paper net, everything you can dream of is here. There are even some unorthodox games, like dance-offs, karaoke, and a little bit of everything. Apparently, the NPC couldn’t choose who to go with what. It definitely makes for a big festival.

In addition to the above, there’s water gun races, squeaky duck ponds, skee-ball, target shooting, test your strength with a hammer, pitching speed, shooting hoops… and more! ]

E. Three-legged Race

[ You didn’t think this festival was going to go by without tomfoolery, did you? For the prize of 1,000 Gold, you can rally up a partner and get tied to them by the ankle, participating in a no-rules no-bars-held race. The winners will be randomized! But the real gift is going to be the fact that the ties around your ankles? Aren’t coming undone. You’re going to have to be tied together until 11 PM! ]

F. Fireworks

[ Errant magic and mishaps aside, you have to admit, the fireworks show at the end of it all is really something. Marjorie hired a pony for them, and the lights are as ethereal as they are non-traditional. It’s a good moment to snuggle up to someone or enjoy company with a new friend. ]

G. Wildcard

[ Exactly what it says! Make your own prompt. ]

[ OOC; Hello, everyone! This community is L I V E, from now on, you can make both network and action posts on this community, as well as use the notice board pinned to the top of the community! You're also welcome to make IC inboxes for one on one conversation and messaging! We hope you enjoy the community and if you need anything, please leave a note on the contact page! Thank you!

People who want to keep their CR from the test drive; you may! Your characters just arrived a little earlier than others! ]

Comments

!!!

[righteyed]

[Of course he does the thing with the sake, because who wouldn't when it's just dropped out of nowhere like that? Sure it's explained when Sasuke shows up right afterwards, but come on man he had a candy apple and some goldfish to think of too this is unfair.

Once he realises exactly what he's been gifted with, however, he smiles warmly against the half-eaten apple and tucks the bottle into his yukata, where it'll be safe and sound until he gets back to the farm.]

You really think so? The red fireworks are impressive, I agree...But they burn too brightly and fade too fast. The blue ones stand out more against the night sky, and they seem to linger in your view, I think; lasting power to burn into your memories.

...I don't have a set of cups with me at the moment, I'm afraid. But I will save this, and keep it for a night when I do; it wouldn't do to drink it alone and out of the bottle like a drunkard, hm?

[gatescostmoney]

[ Does Kojuro really think Sasuke cares about being fair? He's a ninja, after all. ]

Go ahead and save it. If you think the blue fireworks stand out the most now, I'd hate to see what you'd think after sake. Blue just blends in with the dark sky.

Unless you mean that blue makes a great backdrop for the red fireworks to shine in front of. Then I'd have to agree.

[ Of course, just then a booming red-orange firework bursts in the air. It's followed by an equally loud and crackling red firework. It almost looks like it's dashing toward the other only to be hit away. They collide and separate again twice after. Then the motes of light fall towards the ground. ]

Now that's impressive.

[righteyed]

After sake, I would headbutt you to make you stop arguing pointlessly with me. That is all.

[Oooooh, aaaaah, fireworks...And of course, where there is red, there is blue. Kojuro snorts softly, apple rolling between his fingers, as he watches the display of searing red fading into smoke silhouettes, blue still popping and sparking electric against the clear black sky.

He even points loosely at one, like it proves his point.] If you cannot define the edges of such a brilliant firework, Sarutobi...I worry for your eyesight. What's a ninja if he can't see something so beautiful and blinding?

Perhaps I should buy blue curtains so that you can better appreciate the colour.

[gatescostmoney]

Master Katakura, you're so cruel.

[ With an over dramatic sigh, flops onto the bench. ]

Do you really think someone among the shadows can't see what's in them? I'm an expert in the field. Something like a dim blue firework is easy for me to see. But, it's the brightest fire that casts the darkest shadow, you know. Without that fire, what am I?

[ Damn it! He didn't mean to say that. He should be better than this! His body tenses, ready to bolt or melt into the shadows. Quick, play it off. Running would just make it more noticeable! ]

Well, we can't all have good tastes. I suppose you could be forgiven.

[righteyed]

It's not cruelty, it's discipline for fooling around so much.

[This time it's rapid-fire, a rainbow of crackers rather than fully blown fireworks; Kojuro hums and reaches inside of his yukata as he watches, only to pull something out that...Doesn't seem to have much mass at all, going by the way it fits easily into his fist.]

I more think that your vision's been dulled by having to look into dull grey all the time, instead of at the beauty of the sun or moon's light. But clearly you still know something very bright, Sarutobi.

[He opens his hand to reveal-- ah right. At the start of the festival, he'd made a wish and gotten The Eyepatch thrown at him in turn. So that's what he's been hanging onto...] ...If you did not feel any sort of affection with your loyalty, I'd worry about your abilities as a retainer. You fight best when your precious things are at risk, as much as it hurts to think of that situation.

But they don't have to miss us. That much should be a relief.

[gatescostmoney]

[ Underneath the collar of his cowl, Sasuke wears Yukimura's six coin necklace. He wished for a raise back home, and the powers that be decided to honor what was actually in his heart his wish with a six coin bonus. The weight of the necklace is a heavy reminder.

But he has sense enough to not reach for it, though the urge is there. The necklace is his secret, and he'll keep it as such for as long as he's able. Alliance or not, he's not about to spill his heart out. Sasuke would much rather bury all his doubts and fears down where no light at all can touch them. ]

That is the only relief.

[ With Yukimura (and himself) buckling under the pressure of running an army in the wake of Shingen's illness, the fact that he won't come home to all of Kai destroyed is the reason why he hasn't torn the place apart to look for a way out. ]

[righteyed]

[BRO? YOU OKAY OVER-- ok he's not okay over there. Maybe Kojuro got a little lost in the wistfulness thing? He tucks the eyepatch away once more and frowns vaguely; if nothing else, then trying to keep things pleasant during their alliance will make his own stay more pleasant, and he doesn't exactly want to have to deal with Sasuke if he's going to sulk about being here. (Brutal, man. Absolutely brutal.)]

The only one? I suppose you're not wrong...If it weren't for that one fact, I'd be down where those buses are, getting on every one that came through to go home again. [He sighs, gives Sasuke a Look whether he notices it or not. It's so, so tempting to just conk him on the head but...That'd get his ass kicked in ways unknown before, in this kind of mood.] ...You're here, and you're here for some time. One relief or ten, you're going to have to do something with your time, or you'll be useless when you return.

Shit, Sarutobi. You're pushing me to drink. [As in literally. He pulls out the sake, uncaps it, and tips enough into his mouth (from a distance) that he has a decent mouthful, before holding it out. Go on man, at least get drunk with him to cure this downer.]

Kojuro doesn't deserve this

[gatescostmoney]

[ YES HE'S PERFECTLY FINE HE HASN'T BE HAVING ANY SORT OF CRISIS OF SELF AND HUMANITY

But it is telling that Sasuke has let his guard down around Kojuro. Maybe not enough to actually talk about what's been bothering him but enough to show that, hey, he's got some issues to work out. Perhaps even the reason why he wound up in this world to begin with.

Sasuke gives a pointed look at Kojuro before snatching the sake and pours down a large gulp. He wipes at his lips with the backside of his hand before returning the bottle of sake to Kojuro. And there's even some left. Isn't he considerate? ]

Funny, I could say the same about you.

[ It's a very feeble jest with no real bite behind it, but give him credit for trying to rein himself back into form. ]

Sasuke doesn't deserve his crisis, so it works out ok

[righteyed]

You could, but you won't.

[He takes the bottle back and drains it, not even bothering to go for the distance drop if Sasuke won't. Also, to hell with you man you gave it to him it's his now to get germs on!] So? What's your answer? What are you going to do without Sanada?

...Not that I know what I'm going to do once farming stops...Requiring so much time. Don't even have my swords, so we can't spar.

[It's okay to share this. This is the Starhue Kojuro, not the Right Eye from Oshuu concerned with tactics. What can be gained, possibly gained, from the fact that they're both lonely and sad?] Still, if you ever want to go a round or two with just fists, I won't exactly say no. I could do with feeling my blood roar for a little while.

[gatescostmoney]

[ Rude. He poured from the air like you did. He just didn't have to hold it up as high because of his skills, okay? But hey, he won't wake up with a hangover in the morning. Maybe Sasuke is a lightweight because he doesn't drink much due to not wanting his senses dulled. Or would various forms of poison training give him an edge towards alcohol tolerance? idk both are possible

Sasuke is silent for much longer than expected, staring out to the night sky and fireworks. There's no quip he can come up with. And he doesn't give an answer. To give an answer means that he has an answer. He doesn't.

No doubt Kojuro can easily read into that silence. ]

Maybe I'll take you up on that some time.

[ Yeah he'll just... pass over that question entirely and move onto the sparring offer. He'll even be nice and play fair by not using any of his shadows. ]

[righteyed]

[WELL IT'S NOT KOJURO'S FAULT he's played by a dumbass. Hangovers don't keep Kojuro from working they just make it more challenging, what weenie trains out resistance to alcohol to keep from being inebriated on the job???

The silence is very easily read though, yeah. He fixes his gaze back on the fireworks too, lets it hang open just in case Sasuke changes his mind, and when he doesn't...Well. Yeah, maybe Kojuro is being loose-lipped about his feelings. This is a reminder that he shouldn't get soft just because this place seems to be at peace, right? Yeah.]

Might even let you beat me once or twice if I feel generous. [Punctuated by a snort, at least; he knows full well that it's always the most even of matches between them when they have gotten to fight before, and there's no debating it.] Sarutobi...Any food you like most? Or do ninja get trained to not like one food over the other?

Maybe the little things will tide us over.

[gatescostmoney]

[ He's not about to risk the life of Yukimura just because he got plastered. He is a kagemusha. He has duties, you know! But they are drifting back into more comfortable and easier topics. More of Sasuke's playful, carefree attitude comes back. ]

You can try, but I'll be the one having to let you win.

[ Except with the headbutts. He doesn't like those that much, you jerk. But yes, they are equally matched, even when Sasuke plays tricks using his shadow clones or shapeshifting into other people. ]

Even we ninja have favorite foods. Mine's... well, it's miso soup and pickled vegetables. I'm a simple man.

[ They both know that isn't true at all. He may have simple tastes when it comes to food (and he's usually the one making the meals), but Sasuke is not a simple person.

He also has a slight bias towards dango as a dessert thanks to Yukimura's sweet tooth. ]

[righteyed]

[That much earns another snort; fight club seed 1 has now been planted, good job Sasuke. ...At least maybe he can ease up on the headbutts, though. Only kicking? Is kicking allowed? Please say yes,]

I was thinking of pickling some of our daikon. [Ah yes, segue.] And what better to go with miso and pickled daikon than negi? I'll ask at the stores in town to try and import some miso paste, if they don't already stock it.

...This is only to clear you of this mood, however. Not a constant service. After the first batch, our pickled produce is for sale unless you make your own for yourself; no free rides. [That sounds super convincing, yeah. His smug little smile is audible in each word. What a dick.

...Ahhh, now there's a rainbow of fireworks. It must be nearly over, huh? Red and blue shoot off together, blinding against the darkness, and Kojuro shields his eyes even as he tries to watch.] Perhaps red and blue are only as striking as they are for the other's existence? I wonder.

[gatescostmoney]

[ Kicking is allowed. Kicks, punches, full scale tackle attacks, all valid. He just doesn't want to get headbutted, okay? ]

I guess that's fair enough. You're more into this farming thing than I am after all.

[ But he's not going to give him the satisfaction of having set down the ground rules. Sasuke doesn't need a babysitter. He can take care of himself with his random side jobs he's been taking on.

When the fireworks finale starts, Sasuke gives it his full attention. These ones really put the previous ones to shame and puts to shame a number of ones he saw back home. That doesn't count the sparks that fly when the Tiger Cub of Kai fights the One-Eyed Dragon. Could anything really top those? ]

You may have a point. They cause one hell of a PARTY when they do.

[ May have a point. Kojuro can enjoy that satisfaction instead. And then turn around and groan at the obvious mimicry of Masamune's unique speaking style. ]

1/2 SASUKE...

[righteyed]

They--

[what

Sasuke how could you? Sasuke...Just the face in the icon okay, that's all he's got. Shot through the heart etc etc.]

[righteyed]

...Those fireworks certainly are magnificent, de gozaru.

[Eat shit, bro. did I even use it right? who knows. I'm dumb as hell.]

Isn't it strange? I've been speaking in Dragon tongue too, and I'm not exactly sure why...But never mind that. No matter the tongue, they are both striking and we are lucky to see them up close; I'm sure we can agree on this much.

[gatescostmoney]

[ Sasuke can help himself; he has to laugh. That is very close to how his master would speak, but there is something missing to make it truly his speech pattern. ]

RIDICULOUS. You need to shout your words if you really want to get him down.

[ The smile doesn't leave his face, and it's safe to say that Sasuke agrees with Kojuro. His mood has definitely improved from his little... mishap earlier. When the noise of the fireworks begins to die down, Mr. Tori swoops from the sky and settles in Sasuke's lap. ]

Hey there, Mr. Tori. I saved you something.

[ He pulls out a wrapped stick with one dango still on it. Mr. Tori caws, "Dango!" before pecking it. Sasuke's expression is gentle, one that is rarely seen. ]

[righteyed]

As much respect as I have for Sanada's ability to constantly shout no matter the time of day...I'm afraid I can't commit like that. No matter how much Dragon you speak to me.

[Still, it's tempting. Get him blitzed and you just know he'd put his all into that imitation, shit as it would be. For now though...Knowing that Sasuke's out of his funk is enough to get a little smile back on Kojuro's face in turn, even when Mr. Tori comes to join the Mom Crew.

The thought crosses his mind to try and pat him, but...Better to not push his luck. That sort of trust has to be earned, anyway. (With both bird and master, if he wants it. Which is why he doesn't immediately comment something about Sasuke being soft on a bird. That's not how you make friends okay.)]

He can talk? Somehow that makes me feel as though the crops are a little safer still, for him being about. Maybe I should teach him some really scary words so he can scare off human intruders too. [LET TORI SAY FUCK] Or does that fall under your lot? I don't want to take anyone's jobs away, after all.

[gatescostmoney]

[ Clearly Kojuro needs to get his Tengu Kamen on because even when he breaks character he's still in character... somehow. No sake needed.

Mr. Tori finishes his treat and settles down into Sasuke's lap as if to nap. Sasuke begins to pat the bird without thinking. In time, Mr. Tori will also allow Kojuro to pet him; food helps. That's what Yukimura did. ]

His vocabulary is limited, but he's clever. I'm sure he can scare off anyone who tries to--

[ As if on cue, Mr. Tori loudly caws "YOUR LORDSHIP! YUKIMURA! YOUR LORDSHIP! YUKIMURA!" complete with wings flapping. ]

All right, that's enough from you.

[ Sasuke places his hand over Mr. Tori's beak. He gives an exasperated sigh, but there's no real annoyance. The smile doesn't disappear from his face. Yeah, he loves this bird. Mr. Tori settles back down, pleased. ]

1/2 i love u mr. tori

[righteyed]

Clever is to be e--

[o h m y g o d.

Kojuro just stares, flabbergasted.]

[righteyed]

[And then bursts out l-- okay not laughing, he's still Kojuro no matter whether he's the tiniest bit tipsy or not.

But that's a definite chuckle. Mr. Tori has just gotten the first level of Kojuro's social link.]

Very, very clever. As I was saying, that much is to be expected. To see you tote some stupid animal about would surprise me very much, Sarutobi; this is fitting, I believe. ...Imagine what we could do with him yelling that. Security concerns would be null and void; I know I was scared witless, hearing that when we took advantage of Lord Shingen's hospitality.

Mr. Tori is a good birb!

[gatescostmoney]

Be thankful you only had to hear that. They can forget not everyone can withstand those punches they throw. I'm not sure how I didn't lose my head.

[ That isn't bragging, by the way. Sasuke is actually cautioning against getting involved in one of those squabbles. It hurts, and somehow awesome ninja shadow skills didn't save him. Danna throws one hell of a punch, and what the hell! He didn't want to get involved. He's not the yelling-punching type.

And he was still expected to make dinner that night! The nerve of Danna! ]

This one won't throw a punch, but he packs some sharp pecks and knows when to call for back up.

[ Be it getting Sasuke or calling for a murder of wild crows to come help. Crows are very smart birds. ]

he's my goddamn son now i hope youre happy.

[righteyed]

[I poured one out for Sasuke in Judge End, goddamn. Wild. Anyway.]

Mm...The battlecries were enough for my sensibilities; I know better than to wander too close when your lot are ablaze. Clearly you didn't, if you took a blow to the head?

[And he has the gall to look a little tiny bit smug about that. After all, Sasuke is here so it's not like it put him out of commission forever; that means that it's okay to laugh in hindsight!] You should train your Mr. Tori to warn you of incoming brawls at home. I have no idea how you would, but if you managed talking, then that much should be easy with all of the training opportunities you would have.

If you like pickled daikon...Would I win him over by offering this to you both? Or is that just something you fancy, Sarutobi?

Sasuke will never give up custody of his birb!

[gatescostmoney]

[ He scratches his cheek. Putting it that way does sound pretty careless, but he's not about to admit that maybe he had his guard down too much. Plus, it's Yukimura. Yukimura wiggles past his defenses too easily... ]

You forget my job is to keep an eye on those two, and when are their spirits ever not ablaze?

[ Don't answer with now because Sasuke does not want to think of the ailing Shingen and depressed Yukimura. He just got in a better mood. Mr. Tori seems to sense a bit of that darkness in him and nudges Sasuke's hand with his head. The petting resumes. ]

But I usually save a portion of my meals for Mr. Tori. He'll eat pretty much anything.

[ That does mean Sasuke doesn't eat full meals, but it's a worthy sacrifice for his familiar and partner in crime. ]

WHAT IF mr. tori has two dads now and he just loves one way more than the other...

[righteyed]

[Understandable. Maybe that's why Kojuro's smugness fades just a little, because he knows the dad feelings. It's definitely why he holds his tongue on the current state of Ueda; that much is a blow that would be far too petty even for him at his crankiest.]

A very fair point. I wonder if they have ever managed to hold a conversation without throwing punches at the end? I know I could not withstand getting caught in the middle of a brawl such as that, so...You have earned some credit, for maintaining all function.

However. [Whoa okay, we're going back into lecture mode? Apparently, going by how stern his tone's just turned after all of the casual chatting.] If you will occasionally stop by my farm and eat, then I will feed you both properly. Anything less during our alliance is unacceptable, and I will make sure that I can supply this much. You cannot function fully if you are hungry.

[It really...will be a battle of the bentos...oh my god...]