hotsteamynights | YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

No matter what language you speak, no matter what country or universe you reside in, a mysterious letter has found its way to you. Those who can read it will recognize it as an ornately scripted Japanese new year's invitation; those who don't might not even know these elaborate squiggles mean anything at all. Either way, when you look up from the neatly folded paper, you're probably nowhere near home anymore.

Where is this?! When is this?! Welcome to Japan as it was ~~kinda, sorta,~~ just shy of the year 1600, esteemed guests! If it somehow feels like it isn't even the right month anymore, that's because local time and date is still on the lunar system. It's fine. New Year's parties are New Year's parties.

And those parties mean alcohol! Music! Dancing! Feasting! Don't be shy! There are a number of attendants in colourful livery nearby, eagerly expecting an influx of new guests. They're all friendly enough, but they don't seem to bear the crest of any particular clan and sharp-eyed visitors may catch the briefest glimpse of a striped fluffy tail or a foxy grin... or is it a trick of the light? If you want nothing to do with any of this, they might pout a little but will send you home without any problem. But if you choose to follow them beyond the gates, get ready for one hell of a night. The only kind of explanation you get for what's going on is that the Takeda and Date clans have set aside their rivalries for a night of PEACE AND PARTY and everyone's invited. What does that mean? Go find out for yourself.

Of course folks from all over have been invited to this thing, but outnumbering the other guests by far are a bunch of rowdy samurai types, some in their armour, many in more formal robes, several proudly bearing banners of red or blue. Nobody appears to have any weapons on them, but if any guest takes that as an opportunity to start some shit they're going to be swarmed in like two seconds, so... maybe don't do that. However! There is plenty of space outside to spar in, if that's your thing! Or you can stay inside and drink, eat, enjoy the music, exchange raunchy stories, be an awkward wallflower, drink some more, witness some weird and kind of horrific family bonding, watch the unique display of gun- and canonfire alongside the fireworks, explore the scenic countryside outside of the compound, listen to some smug asshole in an eyepatch and some kid in red scream really loud at eachother, get playfully bullied into taking part in a ceremony you know nothing about, drain a bottle or two, flirt with famous historical figures, or... whatever you want!

All fandoms, all mediums, AUs, doubles, OCs, etc are all fair play here! Invite your friends! Invite your dog! Go nuts! Just slap a warning up if any threads take a particularly violent or sexy turn. Or both. I ain't judging.

LET'S PARTY!

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[WHAT IF KOJURO'S HEARING MASAMUNES IN S- wait fuck i already did that one

uh

Okay, fine. What if Masamune's the one doing the hearing? Use a pipe to lure rats, use a flute for dragons; not even a minute in to Kojuro's playing and Masamune has found a way to extricate himself from whatever social obligation he was tied up in (not that he's ever been one to waste time on tactfulness anyway) and seat himself on the floor behind Kojuro, leaning fully against his back. The very same routine they've had for years, from when Bontenmaru's head barely reached Kojuro's shoulder blades up until now, as Masamune comfortably the back of his head against the curve of Kojuro's neck. Two perfectly fitting pieces.

Of course he doesn't dare interrupt that peaceful, nostalgic tune. Amongst all the chaos of the party (which he instigates by choice), it's nice to have something that's calm and familiar to grant him just the briefest respite. He's not tired, per se, but he's had more than enough alcohol to feel warm and fuzzy and veeery relaaaxed... enough so that he might fall asleep, were he in his own home, and if he weren't sober enough to remember that Yukimura's still wide awake. Like hell Masamune's going to let anybody out-party him, but especially not him.

It doesn't even take being as attuned to Masamune's needs as Kojuro is to catch on that he's hit a lull, though. When the music does stop, the most commentary he offers is a pleased, sleepy little hmmmmmh. Beautiful playing as always, Kojuro.]

Ehehe... something like that!

[ At this point, honestly, Chisa isn't really sure where she qualifies as being from, though at least "the future" is a fair enough assessment. Even if her current home is more antiquated than the modern day she was born into, it's still further forward in time than this. But at his comment, she drops the pose and trots over. ]

It looks like they cast their net pretty wide for the guest list. There are people from alllll over.

[ Including not from Earth as they know it, probably, but that should also count in "all over," right? ]

So are you in a newspaper club, or a photography club?

Wha--

[ She's surprised for a moment before that melts into genuine pleasure, and she returns the handclasp, beaming. ]

Oh, so it is you! I can never be sure, these days.

[ Because honestly, the more used you get to casual "travel" like this ~~through memes and their ilk~~ the more difficult it becomes to be absolutely certain that a familiar face is actually someone you've met before. Being recognized at all is a surprise, but a good one in this case. She gives his hands a squeeze. ]

You're looking good. Ah, I saw you working the staff earlier! Don't worry about that, I know how it is... is this what your home is like?

[ Home is such a fraught word, but it feels like a safe enough guess, with how he was keeping an eye on things earlier. ]

[ So. Time traveling through portals and ending up in different dimensions entirely? Not exactly a foreign concept for Bayonetta here. Honestly, she's been here and done that so many times, she still gripes to this day about not being able to collect frequent flyer miles but that's neither here not there. What is very much apparent is the festivities and after a ~~honest~~ hard day's work poofing the divine harbingers of Paradiso, she figured she could use a little break at someone else's expense because why not?

[ a ] In less than an hour, Bayonetta can easily be found in the hearth of the audience chamber, leisurely puffing away at her kiseru while being surrounded by women varying from all different ages and classes. Some women native to this time period, others not. Some happened to be guests, while others were actually made up of the staff here. It didn't matter here. Sure enough, the Umbra Witch made the chamber a safe haven for women to carry on their conversations without having to worry too much about outside opinions and persecution from the male population. Predominantly owning and declaring the said audience chamber as her space, she'd dedicate her idle time involving herself in conversations between all the girls, and opened the door to answering any questions they had in mind to ask her or any other girl in the group.

Honestly, there's no such thing as taboo when it comes to Bayonetta. She's seen it all, heard it all and practically lived it to some degree. So, why not impart some her wisdom to anyone who wanted it? Go on ahead: ask her for self-defense tips, how to handle pesky relatives, relationship advice, fashion consultation, how to build up self-confidence, tips on how to usurp dominance from your man in and out of bed, murdering angels for a living – okay, maybe not the last one but still!! It's a free-for-all and it's a special beginning to form sisterly bonds with ladies outside respective ~~canons~~ realities.

Though, let it be foretold to any males thinking of walking over or approaching her little group with any intent gong farther than offering to refill their refreshments, best believe they're getting the boot and flown right over the castle gates, no matter what who they are or what ranking they stand on. Go on, ask the tricksters loitering outside the gates how many men she sent out there. She'll wait.

[ b ] Very much so a being of motion, Bayonetta didn't like to stay in one place for too long. She left the audience chamber with lingering satisfaction that she was able to help bridge connections between the girls, but for all her charity, she too needed an outlet and didn't think it was appropriate to trouble them with her concerns when she could efficiently do so by instigating fights here and there. There was enough room for sparring after all, and with the entire male ratio being out and about, why not take advantage of their tempers while she was at it? Seemed easy enough to start when she caught two men going back and forth with one another.

About what, she didn't really care but the maneuver seemed easy enough and offered her some entertainment to watch the men strain themselves by lifting the weapons she picked out for them. As far as anyone knows, she's just an eccentric magic woman whose stands freakishly tall at six feet and has the ability to pull bizarre weapons out of her hair. It's enough to cause a stir and while she happens to be the only one aware of the risks lending out her possessed devil arms, she's not so cruel of a mistress to leave them unsupervised either.

[ c ] There was something wrong with this picture. Very wrong, and Bayonetta is... not exactly sure what lures her into situations like these. Honestly, she just came out here to have a good time and a laugh at the expense of someone else, not to be saddled with some overly-emotional 8 year-old with separation anxiety, clinging tightly to her chest. Part of her wants to fling this child off her chest and throw him straight into the deep depths of Inferno for crying up a storm about losing his ninja friend. But somehow, by the grace of God... he fell asleep and she's admittedly... worried to move? Which, fine whatever, she surmises she can manage on her own and goes as far as to pour herself a drink with her free arm, only to freeze when he stirs in her arms and whimpers in his sleep again. A telltale sign he's likely to wake up crying again and to avoid the waterworks again, she rocks him and does the next best thing: she sings to him back to sleep in a low whisper. The very same thing she did to Cereza, only this time it wasn't her past self and it seemed to work until she reached for her bottle again and sighed when he stirred again. ~~Someone save her~~. ]

[ Well, Masamune is pretty famous, it would be surprising if his achievements aren't well known so he agrees all the same, he is a historical guy. Kojunyan really appreciates it, he's going to send the lady good gifts for her troubles; some leeks and maybe a nice drawing or two. It's the least he could do for helping him find the troublesome One-Eyed Dragon.

Kojunyan nods twice and motions her to lead the way. ]

[ No! You're not allowed to pick him up, just who do you think you are, punk? Kojunyan drops the brush and uses the leek to smack's Isaac's hand away.

He has a leek and he is going to fuck some shit up. ]

[ The portrait is very much his Masamune. You can tell by his excellent penmanship that it's Ma5amun e. His ears underneath the helmet before he nods a little more enthusiastically than he did with the other tall people. It's nice that there seems to be someone in this party that truly understands his concern for the boss's well-being. What if he's out there ice skating alone and dramatically or wearing his green dragon costume by his lonesome?

So yeah, maybe he's lonely but he also needs to stay by Masamune's side. The (really) tall person is right though; maybe the One Eyed Dragon is lonely without him, too.

He lets out a sad mewl, he can't talk back but he hopes his voice and eyes convey enough that you, really tall person, you get me. You really get me. ]

Interesting design choice.

[ She says in idle observation, mostly in reference for Daria appearing to look okay with being thrown back several centuries back from her time period. Considering the roster of colorful characters brought here against their wills, Daria seems put together enough to be holding her own ground surprisingly well and she couldn't deny her own curiosity wanting to get the better of her. ]

You're taking this awfully well than most would. Any reason for that?

It wasn't so bad. That m-- ..Sarutobi kinda took care of me a bit I gueeee---HHNGH!

[OH GOD. Kojuro so big and Masa so mini. Even if he did want to ditch Kojuro's traitorous ass it's not like he can while his arms are pinned to his sides and his feet are barely touching the ground and his lungs would be screaming for mercy if only they had the air. He squirms until one of his arms is at least loose enough for him to smack a fist against Kojuro's back a few times.]

Okay! Okay!! I forgive you already! Leggo!

[FREE HIM... and when he can breathe again he can be a little more talkative, if not a little embarrassed about all that open affection and shit. What is he supposed to do with that? Moooooommmm!! This is worse than the meme thing!

He rubs the back of his head while he walks, pretending it's just to muss his hair up the way he likes it best.]

Anyway. I got to go back to school before too long. Things there were just as crazy as ever. I forgot that dumbass student election was happening. You guys said you know an Ieyasu too, right? Wouldn't happen to also have some version of a guy named Ishida Mitsunari...? He's a real headache, running around constantly screaming his opponent's name and disrupting everybody else. Pisses me off.

[WHAT KIND OF STUPID ASSHOLE GOES AROUND DOING THAT. GOLLY.

Masamune's hand drops to his side and he halts mid-step, furrowing his brow.]

I guess even that's nothing compared to here.

[ ... Yeah, no. You would've thought you'd get away from her sight BUT YOU THOUGHT WRONG. ]

Now, what's a little thing like you doing hiding away? The party isn't going to come to you, you know.

[ Look! Out there in the distance -- it's a bird, it's a plane (~~what even~~), it's -- ]

DATE MASAMUNEEE!!!

[At least whistling with a mouthful of fingers is a thing real people can do in real life. There's Talent, and then there's complete Bullshit, and guess which one the One-Eyed Dragon has oodles of?

Masamune points three thick drumsticks at Chisa, his grin looking downright manic plastered all over his flushed, sweaty face, and he whistles right back.]

There we go! I like your spirit! Yeah!!

[He tosses one handful of sticks high over his head, then the other, and then himself with a ridiculously high and kinda dangerous-looking backflip. Of course he catches each stick one by one before he hits the ground, and when he lands he finishes up with one last round of going completely nuts on every drum in range.

Then he holds both hands high in the air, letting the sticks clatter to the floor like a jackass. Go on, admire him. He'll make time for it.]

[Holy shit the cat's coming right up to him and yeah that is definitely Kojuro's fierce frown except now it's cute and fuzzy. And his little helmet!! And his surcoat! The bleary look on his face might make it hard to tell but his heart is on the verge of exploding right now.

Masamune glances down to his half-empty cup of sake and sets it to the side. Thaaat's enough for now, he thinks. Especially now that the cat is presenting him with a piece of paper. If it says something like 'help I've been turned into a cat' he's outie.

Thankfully, it does not. Masamune squints a little.]

That a picture of me? Isn't that cute.

[Drawing cats. For fuck's sake. What's next, horses that can't fly? Yeah right.

Cats are cats, and Masamune is fond enough of them, so he reaches out and wiggles his fingers a bit. Come here kitty, come get the chin scratchies.]

[ You see, there's an art form when it comes to layering food on top of one another. You start with the rice so it works as a leveled base foundation and then you move on to the... huh? NO!!!!!! ]

E-EXCUSE ME!! I DO NOT THINK THAT ENTIRE PLATE BELONGS TO YOU!!

[ ~~POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK, YUKI.~~ ]

[Did someone say alcohol and feasting?! A party like this could attract the wrong kind of attention all too easily.

The ornately dressed, though quite small, girl sitting at this long table surrounded by food and sake might look human at first glance, but, let's face it—probably only if you're already drunk. There's nothing subtle about those long horns coming out of her forehead, or those demonic claws. Instead of tearing any viscera with them, though, she's instead shoveling down quite a pile of . . . konpeito, at the moment, but this is only one stop on the neverending feast train. And if the black hole sucking down all the food and alcohol isn't attention-grabbing, the periodic cackling and ringing out voice probably is:]

Hahaha! Ahhh, it's tasty . . . keep it coming, and maybe I won't torch this party to the ground when I'm finished with it! Mmmffhgh!

[There was probably more to that threat that got cut off by that meat bun she just stuffed in.

Even she can get full, though, not to mention drunk, so you might catch her flopped around in a better mood later in the evening. She's taking a break, but refusing to be budged from where she's lying, which is right in the way of whatever you need.]

Hands off! I'm not dooooone.

[It's a good thing he's only talking with his own men right now. They understand - as much as any normal human being can - and aren't too offended when Masamune cuts himself off right in the middle of a punchline to perk up like a fucking meerkat, whatever those are.]

SANADA YUKIMURAAAA!!!

Edited 2018-12-23 05:31 (UTC)

[ It's a good thing too. He spared them from hearing his ~~hot~~ terrible Engrish after all. ]

DATE MASAMUNEEE!!!!!

[ Assuming that this is a Chisa post-games and all, she has some experience with her own children at this point. And even if not -- even with the memory of what she'd done to children during years of Despair -- she finds herself instinctively drawn to the sound of a child crying.

For the most part, she's a girl who likes mingling with all-comers, so she'd dropped in briefly in the audience chamber to say hellos and chat, but she'd also drifted away from it before too long. It's not that she doesn't approve of a space for women only to talk! But she likes to talk to everyone, and so she'd taken her leave.

It is a surprise, though, to see that statuesque woman holding onto a child like that, and Chisa finds herself actually approaching now, more focused on the scene as a whole image and not (yet) two individuals. ]

Ahh... he's a little young to be here, isn't he...?

[ It's possible he's of the same caliber as the elementary division of Hope's Peak, but also, possibly not. ]

[Yeah, but now everyone has to listen to this garbage. Is that any better?]

SAAANAAADAAA!
YUKIMUUURAAAAAA!!!

Edited 2018-12-23 05:48 (UTC)

Whoaaaaaaaaa!! Nice!

[ She claps enthusiastically. That's not bad! Usually Akane only ever bothered to do stuff like that when food was involved; it's nice to see it as just a spectacle and especially for a party.

But after some applause, she trots up to him, hands up and holding onto her sleeves, walking mostly on her toes in her geta. If he's gonna go for a rockstar persona, she can play along as an admiring groupie for now. ]

The flip was especially nice! Is that the highest you can go??

[ Unfortunately, if you quizzed her any further, it's unlikely she'd be able to tell more about him than that. Some historical guy, who fought a lot in early Japanese history? Something something the Sengoku Era.

There's only room for only one ridiculous one-eyed swordsman in her heart, after all.

But she remains crouching for just a moment longer. ]

Do you think it'd be easier if I carried you? You'd be able to see over more of the crowd that way.

[ Also she just wants to be able to hold a cat... ]

[ Yah bro, it's our mating call.

Also, if their yelling doesn't already clear a way to one another, it will now. Because he's running towards him riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight... now. ]

DAAATE MAAASAAAMUNEEEEE!!!!!

Edited 2018-12-23 06:01 (UTC)

[Guess who else automatically looks up? Of course he would at the sound of his own name, but only that voice makes his heart race like this. ALL MASAMUNES ARE THE SAME...]

SA-

[Oh, uh, that sure is the other Masamune beating him to the punch. Uh. Hm. Okay.

Weird.

Guess he'll just go back to minding his own business and pretend like he doesn't want to answer the call and join in anyway. Even though it's pulling at his soul.]

Edited (HTML PLEASE) 2018-12-23 05:54 (UTC)

Ueeeeeeee...

[ Listen, Chisa has seen a lot of Big Appetites in her time, both as a student and as a teacher as Hope's Peak, and this is still pretty impressive even by her standards. It's probably at the tail end of Ibaraki's food rampage, so she's probably not quite as distracted by food as she'd be at the start of it.

And of course Chisa is dressed cutely for tonight. What do you take her for?

Though she's not quite ladylike in her tone as she mutters. ]

You're gonna make yourself sick that way...

[Ah, a guest. A guest that came and asked an appropriate question too. Surely she was sticking out like a sore thumb. Not of this time period with the large coke bottle glasses to prove it. Not only was Daria chill, but she was in a fairly good mood. Strange, she even knew. So she regarded her guest just as calmly as ever.]

Call me a veteran or crazy, but this isn't my first rodeo. I'm practically numb to the numbing atmosphere.

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YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

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you can't just reveal my secret weapon out in the open like that

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i'll take bitty ninja for 400

feudal frat boy looking like a portable twister sheet in that jinbaori

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lmao i see what u did there

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https://66.media.tumblr.com/33ce09eb365509dec2607102e6500b2b/tumblr_pk3h3waR9Q1wsbn2ao1_500.jpg ?

you smooth motherfucker

C

B)

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i actually don't have a comeback for this WHAT GIVES

BUT ALSO

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