YEAR OF THE TIGERDRAGON

[vengaboy]

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!

Comments

[righteyed]

[In amidst all the screaming and punching and music, Kojuro can be found constantly wandering. If his lord is going to unleash, then someone has to keep an eye on proceedings.

...That doesn't mean that he has to keep an eye on proceedings in a boring way, mind. He's certainly dressed for the occasion, and instead of his swords hanging at his side, there's...There's a flute. He's even smiling faintly at everyone, head bobbing respectfully as he winds through the party and checks that the cooks are doing well, that the drinks are not running low, that no one is causing trouble. (Anyone who dares to even look like they're engaging in a brawl unfriendly will get hauled out by the scruff of the neck. Don't even try. His son's party will NOT be ruined by shitty fights.)

...If you only manage to catch him later in the night, however, he'll be sitting by a fire somewhere, ears pricked for Masamune's voice even as he pulls Shiokaze from his hip and starts playing. There's a definite pink flush to his face, an empty sake bottle by his side, and the bastard's got the gall to still be a fantastic flautist.]

[powerhittou]

[Okay, but what if Kojuro's hearing Masamunes in stereo? That rough raspy slur is pretty distinctive, after all, and so is the unnecessary English liberally peppered in.

Hearing two of the same guy might be weird. Know what's weirder? Hearing yourself, from outside of the echo chamber of your own skull. And seeing yourself from across the room, taller and maybe just a little older and with a lighter shade of hair but you still know it's you as you're sure you've been once upon a dream, and-

You know what? Forget it. Thinking about it is freaking Masamune out all over again. He's already desperately trying to avoid his doppelganger, half-convinced this is another dream but terrified of what could happen if it isn't. Even an idiot like him can only recklessly tempt fate so far.

One familiar-but-different face he is glad to see is Kojuro. Old Grandpa Kojuro! The Kojuro from his dream, yes, but the Kojuro from that weird summer at the farm, too. So he hopes, anyway. He can't believe he forgot about all that while he was back at school. Surely Kojuro hasn't... right?]

Kojuro!

[Even with the noise all around them, he keeps his voice to an urgent stage whisper as he flags him down, rudely cutting in between two conversing partygoers (it's not like he spilled their drinks, it's fine).]

Psst! Hey, do you recognize me?

[vengaboy]

[Masamune might not own the place, but he sure is going around like he does.

Full disclosure: he's not supposed to have anything to do with hosting at all. But why would anybody invite Feudal Frat Boy, Date Masamune if not to covertly beg him to bring the CRAZY PARTY? Besides, he's been hoarding fireworks for months and he's not letting those babies go to waste. Not when he can outdo two tigers at the same time.

He may not be wearing his trademark armour, but he's made sure he stands out even in a sea of colourful silk. Of course he's wearing that jinbaori over rich blues and golds, and the eyepatch makes it even easier to pick him out of a crowd. Catch him doing the following:

-Drinking.
-Yelling a lot at or about SANADA YUKIMURAAAA.
-Probably causing property damage at least once with SANADA YUKIMURAAAA.
-Drinking more.
-Attempting to take over the kitchen.
-Putting on a flashy shirtless drumming performance. He's got six sticks and keeps doing shit like asking the audience if they're READY TO ROCK. Why is he like this.
-He's probably managed to arrange some other unorthodox music.
-Conveniently being wherever he needs to be for your ideal thread.]

1/2!!!

[righteyed]

[Honestly, in stereo doesn't mean much to Kojuro. He figures that it had been just a trick of the acoustics, that Masamune's been just that loud that he's finding it hard to pinpoint exactly where the noise had been coming from.

Still, when he hears that raspy slur directly addressing him, with that level of urgency, he stops and turns--]

[righteyed]

Masamune!

[Of course he recognises his farm son. ...Of course he's hit with the knowledge of leaving him early like a bat to the stomach. Tears spring unbidden to his eyes, and he scurries over to take Masamune's face in his hands and kiss his forehead. His precious son. His precious Masamune who showed him so much.]

I am so, so glad to see you. Are you well? Are you alright? I...

[Oh god he's gonna cause a fucking scene isn't he. Yeah, he is. Cue Kojuro dropping to his knees and touching his forehead to the ground.] This Kojuro has let you down against his word! Please forgive me for my poor conduct!

3 Sasuke for the price of 1! Choose your ninja

[gatescostmoney]

[ Given that party is partly sponsored by the Takeda (RIP finances. Again.), it shouldn't be any surprise that the Sanada Ninja Corps are present. What might be a surprise is how many Sasukes are dashing around. They're busy keeping things running smoothly, making and delivering food or sake, stopping conflicts from developing into anything serious, and tackling whatever task like repairing that wall his master just went through comes up. He really should get a raise with all the hard work he's putting in!

But there's an even bigger surprise. Not all the Sasukes are actually shadow clones!

One will see the usual Sasuke Sarutobi (gatescostmoney) taking the occasional break to either rest in a tree to people watch or chat with a few guests. Later, with a lot of goading and harassing, Sasuke finally joins the party proper. He may even be persuaded to sing a song as the night goes on. Who knew a ninja could sing so well?

There's a younger, modern student Sasuke Sarutobi (shinbunshinobi) who keeps himself busy with a camera. All of this is so different and new. He's not sure what kind of article he could make from this, but he'll be damned if he doesn't get some material out of this. No singing from this kid, though. His agent won't let him. (Why does he even have an agent?)

And those with sharp eyes may catch sight of a rare, bitty Sasuke (sixcoinsshort) watching from the edges of the party or sticking to the shadows. He seems... unsure, hesitant to join in the festivities. He's still settling into his new job of being kagemusha (and caretaker) of Benmaru. Cut him a little slack and sympathy. ]

[retainya]

[ Where there's festivity, there should be his lord somewhere. Keywords: somewhere.

He can't seem to find Masamune anywhere, but he was just with him just now! But then Kojunyan finish reading the letter in his small paws and he's transported to a party? He needs to be with the One-Eyed Dragon at all times, or else he would be a very bad retainer. He has a trusty leak ready with him at least, so if some punk wants to fight, he's ready to fight them any time. He would rather not fight just yet until his personal mission is done, however. It's really hard to look around when most of these people are taller than him, and not fluent in cat-speak.

Fortunately, the cat found himself a brush and paper and manages to draw a portrait that's liken to his lord. For every tall person that takes notice of him, he shows them the picture. Have you seen the One-Eyed Dragon? ]

[powerhittou]

H-hey, cut it out! Everyone's staring...

[Masamune does thrive on being the center of attention, but not like this. Not with so many stunned and bewildered eyes fixed on him, or the hushed whispers seeking anyone who's seen the Dragon's Right Eye do that, or anyone who can verify if that's really Date Masamune, who looks so much younger out of armour (and what is he wearing anyway).]

You- this is where you went back to, right? I get it, this place really needs you.

[His Masamune really needs him. Yeah, this one was bitter and angry and cried a little and drank a lot when he came home to an empty farmhouse, but does he really need to bring that up now? Now that he's experienced first-hand just how dire circumstances are in this time and place? This is where Kojuro needs to be. Not even only for his other self's sake.

What do you know, Masamini can show a bit of maturity after all. Although he is doing that thing where he avoids eye contact entirely so nobody gets to see how upset he really is.]

[righteyed]

[Ah...

He feels the stares, feels Masamune's unease, and gets up again to dust his knees off. Yeah, not the smartest idea, but he would readily give up all his dignity to apologise for ever dishonouring and abandoning any Masamune. Especially when this one has just shown exactly why Kojuro loves him so much. What a good boy. What a mature young man. He's so proud...

So instead of grovelling, he easily winds one arm around Masamune's shoulders and guides him away from the main thrust of the party, where they can at least not draw so much attention (THOUGH MAYBE NOT ROLLING ON THE FLOOR WOULD HELP, KOJURO???).]

But I left you. You were in need of a Kojuro then, and I left all the same. I will never forgive myself for this, but neither will I deny that seeing you fills my heart with relief and happiness. ...Will you stay for a while with me? I would like to hear of how you have been, my lord. [...Fuck it. Time's way too precious with Masamini, and he's found that out the hard way; there's no point in holding off a bear hug any longer.]

[alloutoflove]

[ With a student like Tanaka Gundam, you would think that Chisa would be more used to serious little animals doing very humanlike things.

And she is! Just, you know, not when he isn't around.

And while she didn't zero in on the cat immediately (she likes people! if it's a party, it should be about socializing!), it doesn't take her that long. And once she does, she heads right over, dropping into a crouch to be more on eye-level with him. A cat would be trouble even for the (former) Ultimate Housekeeper, especially with those white suits Kyousuke favors... but...

But that thought gets derailed as she takes in the picture. Huh. ]

Ah--... is this a friend of yours...?

[vengaboy]

[Holy shit, there's a cat running around that looks like Kojuro.

Holy shit, that's hilarious.

Holy shit, he must be waaay drunker than he thought.]

[alloutoflove]

[ She's a modern girl, let's go with a modern boy.

She's a little older than high school aged at this point, but she was a teacher once; she's all about encouraging people whenever and wherever she can. And it's for real now! Not It's Complicated Real.

For the most part she's here to flit around and chat with random people, dressed for the occasion with silk peony blossoms plaited into her pinned-up hair. At first glance, she might look like she's more in line with the past-era folks... but when she catches sight of Sasuke with his camera, she strikes a pose, one hand up in a V-sign. ]

Hi, cheese~! ♥

[retainya]

[ Indeed, even Kojunyan would have cause some worry! The small cat still has a still-wet brush with him, some ink might have landed on the floor earlier that night.

At least this tall lady gets it. Kojunyan gives the most solemn nod to her before holding his paw out to get the paper back. With careful (shaky) pen maship, he writes Ma5amun e just above the drawing. Do you know him, miss tall lady? ]

[retainya]

[ This (feline) Kojuro has been looking left and right for his lord, thank you very much.

Occasionally though he steals glances at the tall eyepatch man.

Eventually however he stands across eyepatch and looks at him critically. At least you have an eyepatch, that's acceptable. Maybe you could take your time to help him out. ]

[alloutoflove]

Masamune... eh, like the historical guy?

[ At least she knows who he is. History was not exactly her strong point in school. ]

Mm, I haven't seen any other cats here, but... I could help you look! If you wanted.

[shutheckup]

[It's not everyday that Isaac sees some sort of sentient cat artist. Seriously, what the heck? This party is strange, but he didn't think it'd get any weirder! He must be dreaming for sure. Or he could be outright dead. Maybe even both? Ehhh, on second thought, he doesn't to think about it anymore.

Either way, he is pretty curious. Excuse this kid as he tries to pick him up.]

Daria Morgendorffer is FC/PC/Starhue!verse

[standingonmyneck]

[But it's been a whole year since then. An entire year, undisturbed and not sent to some weird fantasy place against her will. A whole year to get acquainted with experience good and bad back home. With everything under her belt, Daria was here...starting into her twenties and...well dressed.

Daria would just slowly blink, look around her surroundings, take a big sigh, and go see what kind of hell she's into now. Happened to the veteran in her, so she couldn't even be fussed anymore. You could say she's chilled out considerably. A little. Maybe. She's written too many stories about her experiences to really see these things as the worst things ever. Besides, knowing a party setting and made to dress for it, the likelihood she would be here after tonight was 50/50.

Tonight looked like there was special madness going on, so...hey, in the end, might as well enjoy it from a safe distance. Or at least, try.

She's here going to be a wallflower as much as possible but you are free to talk! She's not completely against it, this time. Particularly if you're a familiar and friendly face. Or maybe you're a new face that saw her being a rather modern looking wallflower, or maybe verbally shutting down some drunk men trying to pick her up.]

[alloutoflove]

[ Chisa is also dressed up for the party, with silk peonies plaited into her hair, every bit the delicate young maiden at first glance. They probably had a polite exchange of nods earlier; she's been mostly chatting with people who look less like they're working (after all, she's also been the shadow hostess of parties; she knows what it looks like), but later in the evening, when she wanders out for air, she hears the sound of playing and drifts in that direction.

The truth is, most of Chisa's music tastes lean towards bubbly j-pop and k-pop and the like. But there is still a part of her that's very appreciative of something that is more traditional. She might be a modern girl, but she's still Very Japanese in some ways. She stays quiet while he's playing, and even for a few seconds whenever he finishes, in a respectful hush.

But once there is a long enough pause, she starts to clap. ]

Ehhhh, not bad, not bad~ you've got a real talent for that!

[alloutoflove]

[ Well sure why not,

If the man's gonna provide a show with shirtless drumming and fancy moves it's just another day at Hope's Peak she can be there in the crowd, and maybe she's dressed like a proper Japanese lady, but she's doing that whole thing, you know, where you whistle with your fingers in your mouth that I don't understand how people manage,

that's just what Talented people are like I guess. ]

[shinbunshinobi]

[ Sasuke takes the picture before it clicks in his mind what he took a picture of. (Part of the job is to review all the snapshots after, okay?) Now, that's interesting. Her reaction clearly puts her outside of the Sengoku Era. Well, that's interesting. ]

It looks I'm not the only one who got sent here from the future.

[ It's actually the second time this has happened to him, so he's not as confused as he could be. ]

hey, uh, what the fuck. where is the kojunyan suki suki sticker?

[righteyed]

[When you're Big As Fuck, it's hard to notice tiny little cats holding pictures up at you. Case in point: the way that Kojuro nearly walks straight past...Kojunyan. Then he stops. One of the regular cats that someone's been a total dick to and put armour on? He wouldn't put it past Masamune, to be honest.

...and then...the portrait comes out...and he squats to just stare at his counterpart in absolute bewilderment for about 100000 different reasons.]

...I like the helmet. You looking for your boss, then? [He's just tipsy enough that he's not going to completely lose his shit so much as numbly accept that this is his life right now, that there is a small bakeneko holding up a portrait of a Masamune bakeneko, he thinks, and that helmet, holy shit he's so thankful he's not more sober or drunk, really.] ...I haven't seen him, but we can look together, if you'd like. I'm sure that he's lonely without his Right Eye, too.

[WHICH BITCH IS PRANKING HIM RIGHT NOW HE'S SO TIRED]

[righteyed]

Thank y-- [OH SHIT IT'S MISS GOLDFISH. Recognition dawns on Kojuro's face when he looks up to see who's applauding, before he tucks Shiokaze down his yukata and zooms over to clasp Chisa's hands. Look, maybe he misses Farmville life just a little, including all of the really kind people he met. Just a little.]

I apologise for not being able to greet you properly until now, Yukizome! You look beautiful, just as I remember you. Have you been enjoying yourself? No one has been hassling you? Some of the men get rowdy when they unwind at parties like this, though they mean no harm...But I can discipline them all the same, if required.

[He'd ask The Big Question, but...Not really the time or place, is it? If she's here and safe, then that's all that matters. Things will work out for everyone in the end.]

[whyyyy]

[Hey, who said that some red and blue chumps got to have all the fun? Kanbe's never invited to like, any parties ever (mainly because he's a general cloud of gloom and also a huge inconvenience), but tonight he's actually managed to tunnel his way into the party of...Uh, the week? Shit, the Date are always partying. It's hell on his tunnels underneath Oshuu, let me tell you what.

But anyway.

Kanbe's basically staying on the fringes of the festivities, tonight; why lug his ball and chain into a crowd and get escorted from the premises when he's got more than one skill rattling around in his genius, handsome head?

There are little crudely-carved karakuri automatons shuffling around underfoot the whole night, most holding sake cups or little bowls. If they run into anyone, they wiggle their empty crockery upwards and refuse to leave their target alone until an offering's placed on their trays, and then off they go. Following any one of these little monstrosities back will lead you right to Kanbe, who's sitting behind some bushes and happily scarfing down whatever he gets.]

[akazonae]

[ Here he is. Here is the boy. In a likely fashion, this Yukimura spends the first better half of the party attached to Oyakata-sama at the hip, or following Sasuke around in a vain attempt to help “assist” him with his duties, only to be shooed away after several disastrous, hilarious attempts. Because despite his own clumsy footing, he really means well – it just doesn't translate over as well.

[ a ] But at some point, he does retract away from his dadlord and walks around and about the compound. Doing his part in greeting people, maintaining diplomatic airs (whatever that means) and being painfully polite as he can be to all the guests until he works himself up an appetite and just... engorges his plate with numerous sweets. It's almost embarrassing to see how much is toppled on his plate and how much of it held solid actual food as opposed to sweets and various confectioneries on the other side. But was this not a party? Is he expected not to live it up? He thought so. So, just for that, he'll use and say anything to justify his excuses if and when asked. Also, don't look at him like that. You're standing at the assortment line too after all.

[ b ] It's inevitable but property damage? It's a massive thing here in Sengoku Jidai, especially in the Takeda household since that's where most of Sasuke's raises the budget goes and it's considered a common everyday routine. The staff at Kai don't even bat an eye towards Shingen's unorthodox methods of instilling his wisdom into his hard-headed general's head anymore. However, outside Kai borders, the reactions have always varied far and wide and it's proven no exception here when he's engaged in a screaming match with his Lordship and is sent out careening headfirst from the audience chamber out to wherever your unsuspecting character is standing as a result. Soon enough, you'll learn this golden rule about Sengoku Jidai. It runs on two speeds: fast and dramatic.

[ c ] If it wasn't news to anyone before, let it be told now: this Yukimura was not a fan of the cold weather. Period. Such becomes as apparent when he's seen huddling dangerously close to the bonfire constructed outside, for the sake of getting a good view of the fireworks display going on around and above the castle grounds. While anyone with some damn sense might have been able to find a way to do so inside, he stubbornly refuses himself the comfort and is looking something almost as pitiful like a kicked puppy but!!! Fireworks!!! How could one resist such a sight, especially when the Date Clan brought their best pyrotechnicians from Ōshu? ]

a Grand Theft Dango!

[sixcoinsshort]

[ There's a tiny shadow who has just nabbed himself a whole plate of dango... not just taking a plate full of dango, mind you. He's grabbed the whole serving tray, and he's trying to make a break for it before any of the adults stop him. And he's fast too. He's a pre-teen on a mission!

But... little Sasuke doesn't realize that he's also stealing the treats from his master... just a few years older and a name change. ]