[open mingle] let's go to the beach-each, let's go get a wave

[orphne]

Who: Anyone in Aldrip on June 12th
Where: The beach close to town
What: A totally open mingle for a party on the beach
Warnings: potential for injury and alcohol use -- let me know if y'all do anything that needs to be warned for, and I'll update it!

The prompts are just suggestions below -- this is a completely open mingle, so feel free to make your own starters, tag around, and go wild!

The weather doesn't change overmuch in Aldrip, but what is summer if not a state of mind? If anything, the too-pleasant weather makes planning ahead a little easier. A video message from one Kotone Shiomi had gone out the day before to invite everybody -- and that means everybody, locals and Chosen alike -- to a party on the beach, starting in the afternoon when the sun is consistently warmest and going until- well, until everybody leaves.

The morning of... Kotone can't do it all on her own, though! Maybe the prospect of a party is enough to get you digging around looking for supplies that could be useful on the beach. Games? The shops must have something, surely. Food? The kitchens are, as always, available. Hauling wood for a bonfire? Hey, someone's gotta do it. Maybe you're helping some of the locals go fishing early in the morning for extra food, or harvesting some fresh fruits and veggies from their gardens and farms. Many hands makes light work, or something like that. If nothing else, if you missed the initial annoucement, the bustle should at least clue you in that something's in the works. Don't forget to buy (or make, or "find") a swimsuit! Modernity not required.


If you can dodge a chore, you can dodge a ball, or, with or without your help, there are plenty of things to do on the beach itself. Some of the sports and activities might seem a little anachronistic to the generally old-fashioned vibe in Aldrip -- the volleyball net and ball are local, but the beach ball and water guns are a little too brightly-colored and plastic, the water balloons in their bucket too obviously mass-produced, to be local, but they're there for anyone to play with (or torment others with). The band's set up as well, though with some different music than they'd played for the inn party. Maybe someone can make a request for more appropriate beach music? Or maybe you just want to see if you can launch a water balloon from a trumpet.

Eventually, someone starts a volleyball tournament. Time to let that competitive streak shine! Or at the very least, you've got to try cracking open a watermelon with a bat... but maybe not too close to the people relaxing on lounge chairs under umbrellas.


Y'all gotta eat, right? Whether you helped the locals earlier with catching fish or preparing food, there's an array of grills that have been dragged out to the beach. Hopefully some of the more magically-inclined among you can figure out how to keep the insulated boxes of ice and ice cream cold away from electricity (or maybe you're using the trek back to town for more ice as an excuse to get away from the party), but even if not, there's plenty of fish, vegetables, and meat available for grilling. Maybe you're the chef, maybe you're just here for the food, but there's plenty available no matter what you choose.

The food is hot and the drinks are cold. Unlike the inn, there's plenty of space around to try to avoid mingling with others if you're the quiet type, but watch out! It also means there are fewer places to hide. It's harder to wallflower without any walls.


As the sun starts to set, someone gets the bonfire going. Marshmallows exist, though maybe in a less-manufactured way than you might be used to, and there's plenty of other leftover things to roast if you're the type. It's another beautiful night in Aldrip to watch the stars and take in the fresh air with some friends. In light of everything that's happened, maybe some quiet relaxation is finally in order.

Well, for some of you. For others, night is when the party gets rowdier and it's time for drinking and party games. Just try not to make too much of a mess! Because somebody's going to have to clean it all up tomorrow.

Comments

ii

[murderingjustice]

[After helping Kotone out with carrying stuff and setting things up Akechi thinks he's earned some relax time! So, he's now settled to rest on one of the beach chairs under the shade, actually enjoying himself.

He's wearing one of the swimsuits that he could find from the downtown with a white unbuttoned bowling shirt, looking sharp as always.

Well, too bad that his peace and quiet is disturbed when a water balloon suddenly hits back of his head, soaking him]

Wha--!! The fuck, [He yelps, jumping on his feet to see who the fuck dares -- only to spot the ever so mischievous Kotone.]

Very funny, Kotone.

[orphne]

[She bursts into loud, genuine laughter at his reaction -- what a mouth on the Detective Prince! -- and grabs another water balloon out of the bucket she'd been keeping them in to lightly toss it from hand to hand.]

Are you just gonna sit there and take it, Goro? [she teases with a wink before nodding toward another bucket she'd set up several meters away.] Or are you gonna fight back?

[Throwing down a rather wet glove, but a challenge nonetheless. Well?]

1/2

[murderingjustice]

[stare...

Oh Kotone.]

[murderingjustice]

[Then he sighs and shakes his head, placing his hand against his hip to assume his trademark Gay Pose. ]

I'll have you know that I will not go easy on you just because of our prior relationship, Kotone. [Competition mode engaged! A new challenger appears and so.

And with that he takes the quick steps towards the bucket stacked with colorful water balloons. Within a blink of an eye he's already grabbed two of the balloons, and hauls the first one at her, aiming more towards her left. Now if she's to dodge that he's sure to toss the second one swiftly to where he assumes her to move.]

[orphne]

You'd better not!

[Go easy on her, that is. If anything, her laughter only redoubles as he grabs the balloons two at a time. Predictably, she does dodge the first directly into the second, which only makes her shriek with surprise laugh louder with unrestrained joy.

Then she's diving for her own bucket of water balloons, hurling one first toward his head to try to get him to duck, then another one right behind it in an attempt to catch him in the sternum.]

[murderingjustice]

[Well, he does enjoy a good challenge. And Kotone has, in fact, proved herself to be a worthy opponent in the eyes of Akechi. And he doesn't stop for a break when his second balloon hits, but instead grouches down to pick another one to throw at her way.

Oh, what is this? Trying to apply his own tactic of a decoy against him? Akechi does dodge the first one, but instead of ducking he jumps to his side, throwing his whole body on the sand. He manages to avoid both of her attacks, the second one just barely tho, and once in ground he quickly throws the balloon on his hand at her feet to get her jump back as well.]

[orphne]

Gotcha!!

[She grabs a few more balloons and then jumps into the air. It's the same motion she'd used when playing volleyball with the other club members, and not totally dissimilar from the leaping attack she'd make with her naginata. With another peal of delighted laughter, she hurls balloon after balloon Goro while he's prone on the ground.]

[murderingjustice]

I don't think so!

[While he might not have the same bs-level of agility that he has in metaverse it still doesn't mean he should be taken a lightly! He counts on her to launch a counter attack once he's down, and moves accordingly. He rolls forward and quickly prompts himself up on his feet, staying in a grouched position.

...Although, it should be noted that he hardly survived from her rapid fire unscathed. So, yeah. She totally gets him with a few balloons oop.

But now that he's close to the bucket he quickly reloads his ammo, picking up four balloons to his left arm. Then, using his right hand he begins to throw balloons at her direction. He's getting more serious here now that she's scored more than he has, so his aim is more precise and he uses more force when throwing the balloons.]

[orphne]

Eek!

[The downside to jumping means that she lands hard on the sand and gets hit a few times for her efforts. She hasn't been keeping count, honestly, so it's up to Goro to keep track of how many "points" have been scored. She just wants to have a good time!

So even though she shrieks at getting hit with the combo attack, it's a shriek as much of laughter as surprise. Loading up on more balloons, she charges at him, dodging this way and that to try to avoid his assault so she can get in closer and really just smack him with them.]

[murderingjustice]

[Yeah, there's no such thing as chill time with Akechi. So he's definitely keeping track of the points. How else are they gonna figure the winner?? But that doesn't mean he's not having fun, quite the opposite actually.

So, she's changing this to a more close-combat? That works perfectly for him! Akechi still holds one balloon and waits for her to get closer, before reaching for it with his right hand, to give her impression of from which direction his next attack is coming from -- Only to switch his hands on the last second, throwing the balloon from completely different angle.]

[orphne]

[Another shrieking laugh as she dodges right into it and takes the full force of his water balloon attack, but then she's on him and from this close of a range, there's no way she can miss!!

That, and as she's circling around to bombard him with balloons, she's getting in between him and his bucket. It's what's called a pro-gamer move.]

[murderingjustice]

Hey--! [That's all he manages to shout out before she launches her merciless All-Out-Attack. This time he brings his both arms up to cover his face from the balloons.

Ok, if this is how she wants to play he's a game. Akechi waits until she's close enough before lunging forward, one hand grabbing the edge of the bucket and one hand to reach out for her wrist holding a balloon. If he manages to do just that he raises her hand above her head, raises the bucket high up and... just dunks the contents on her.

This is what you get for being so tiny.]

[orphne]

Wha- hey! No fair!!

[You're not supposed to grab during a water balloon fight! She dodges forward into him in an attempt to if not escape from the water balloon deluge, at least make sure he gets hit with some of the splash! At best, she'll bowl him clean over with surprise. At worst, well, at least she'll have surprised him! And hopefully gotten him a little wet in the process.]

[murderingjustice]

You know what they say about love and war, Kotone.

[He let's out a laugh, enjoying his spoils of his victory way too prematurely, as his opponent isn't done just yet! He lets out a surprised sound when she pushes forward, making him lose the balance. To avoid doing that he let's go of the bucket, allowing it to drop next to them as he grabs on her shoulder... Which also, unfortunately, means that her last Hail Mary actually lands this time.]

[orphne]

[Success!! Kind of. Even a Pyrrhic victory is still a victory, kind of? She's laughing, though -- they're both completely soaked, and she got to see a side of Goro that's been hinted at, but one she hasn't really gotten to see in action, yet.]

You hate losing, huh?

[It's said with a teasing lilt to her voice and a sparkle in her eye as she laughs.]

[murderingjustice]

I didn't lose.

[He answers right back with a hint of grumpiness.. Which yeah, pretty much proves her point. Anyway, now that there's no danger of her rushing at him again he let's go of her and takes one step back. Giving her proper space so that they're not up in each others skin. Respect women and all that]

But you're not half-bad, Kotone. I take it that defeating shadows has taught you a thing or two.

[orphne]

[She laughs again, bright and clear at his grumpiness as she takes her own step back out of his space and picks a few stray pieces of rubber off her skin.]

Sometimes the most direct attack isn't the best one, but sometimes, you have to just brute force it and try for an all-out attack.

[She points, starting to reach toward him, but stopping herself short.]

There's water balloon in your hair. Right there. [She points instead of grabbing it herself.]

[murderingjustice]

Yes. That is a tactic that I'm rather fond of myself. The brute force I mean. It's always good to put an end to things before they can escalate out of your hands.

[Which is why he had grabbed her, really. Kotone might be lacking the physical strength but she was a fast one. Even if Akechi has more stamina than her it doesn't really help in a fight with a limited ammunition.]

Hm? Oh, thanks. [He reaches out to pet his now soaked hair, trying to get rid of all the pieces that are tangled up in his hair. Great ugh.]

[orphne]

Mmhm! Sometimes it's easiest to just use Morning Star and, [she makes a noise with her lips and gestures with her hands, mimicking a huge explosion. Helel can do that one, and it really is one of her favorites.

Watching him with his hair for a moment, she shakes her head and holds up a hand.]

Let me? [She knows better than to just reach, but it'll be way easier if he'll just let her do it.]

[murderingjustice]

Ah, yes. I'm familiar with that one. I prefer using Megidolaon myself. [Since you know, he doesn't have access to Morning Star.

He looks down at her, lips pressing into a thin line at the suggestion. He gives his hair a few more tugs, but eventually decides that it's better let her do it rather than pull out hair. He's too vain for that. ]

..Alright. [He mumbles and leans forward so that she can reach with more ease.]

[orphne]

[This is a sign of trust, and she knows it. With other people, she might tease or tug their hand, but not with Goro. She steps in and, with careful fingers, pulls the little scraps of balloon out of his hair with as little fuss as possible.]

You take really good care of your hair. Maybe we should exchange routines! [she offers with a smile as she gets the last few bits out of his hair and then -- grabs his wrist and puts them in his hand. These are yours, buddy.]

[murderingjustice]

[His brows knit into a light frown as she handles his hair. Well, at least she's careful enough not to tug uncomfortably so it's really not too bad.]

Well, yes. It was important for my career to take a good care of my appearance. Your brilliance doesn't mean a thing to media and public if you have a fucked up face. [He sighs, while craning his neck awkwardly until she's done.] I also had many skin and hair companies working as my sponsors at one point, so I got into a habit of using their products.

[He straightens his neck and is about to huff out 'thanks' for her help when he's suddenly just.. left with the rubbery remnants. So, he just stands there awkwardly hand stretched and palm open.] It's too bad this place doesn't exactly prioritize recycling.

[orphne]

Oh... yeah, I guess that's true.

[It kind of reminds her of the stuff President Tanaka would say. Like, sure, it would be nice to think that stuff like appearances don't matter, but considering that it seems to be people like him who run that industry... yeah. It's not surprising at all.

But his reaction is funny enough that she giggles at him, clasping her own hands behind her back in the universal symbol of "no takebacksies."]

I guess they didn't figure they'd need it, considering that the balloons came from who-knows-where instead of something I bought here. All that modern beach stuff just appeared out of nowhere, along with a bunch of things from some of my friends. Like someone was giving me a present.

[murderingjustice]

[Showbiz is pretty cruel, yeah. Akechi knows very well that he would have never made it in that industry if it wasn't for Shido's influence. Something that he will forever be bitter and angry about, and which is exactly why he'd like to cast off the mantle of the Detective Prince. To be rid of at least that part of the man's shadow.

BUT ENOUGH OF TRAUMA DUMPING.

Because what she says is quite interesting.]

So it's just like with the record player and the jacket for me. [He thinks out loud. It makes him think back to the other more modern elements of this town, like the washing machines, and the Those Who Were There.]

Is there any personal connection with you and these gifts or to the beach itself?

[orphne]

[Tanaka had wanted her to be an idol and shill his scam products for him, so... you know. It be like that sometimes.

Anyway, she hums with a bit of interest, nodding at the memory of the record player and walking past him. She's going to plop down at the edge of the ocean and let it wash over her feet.]

Not the beach itself, but the stuff I got given was the stuff I'd taken with me to the beach when me and my team went last summer. [She hesitates a beat, then leans back, planting her hands in the sand and closing her eyes to let the sun warm her body.] There were some other personal things in there, too. Gifts my teammates had given me. One from everybody.

[Except Fuuka and Shinji, but that's because she'd already had their gifts with her when she arrived.]