bravenewworld | Soul Fasting Festival Log

Entry tags:

Soul Fasting Festival Log

Who: EVERYONE
What: Soul Fast
When: During Soul Fast
Where: All over Ninetails Vale and in people's houses, etc.
Summary: The Celebrations of Soul Fast Begin! More beneath the cut.

A description of Soul Fast, as provided by Sheepy:

"The Soulfasting is a week-long festival celebrating the union between the living world and the spiritual world. It was said that once, these two were not able to communicate with one another, and because of this, the spirits of those that passed were angry and restless. People did not respect their ancestors, and because of that they rebelled. Spirits and Ghost-type Pokemon alike lashed out at the people, sorrowful and angry that they could not be together.

The first masks were worn by channellers. Carved from a sacred tree, they allowed the channellers to be able to communicate with the dead and to try to quell their anger. A compromise was made: every year, the spirits of the dead and their ghost-type servants would be paid respect.

Early ceremonies for the Soulfasting involved a person dressed in a mask (usually, although not always male), a person in a veil (usually although not always female), and a third person—often a priest/ess or other holy figure. The person in the mask and the person in the veil would be tied together with a cord or rope, to symbolize the tie between both worlds, in living and in death. This is followed by a week of celebration, dance, and spending time with one’s family. Many families would even display an ornamental knotted cord in their homes to show that, even in death, they are still one with their family and friends.

Foods eaten during that time are often full of flavor, and there are offerings left out for those that have passed. These usually consist of sweeter berries and foods, as it is said that the spirits tend to prefer these. Families would often exchange sweet foods with one another to show appreciation for one another, as well as other families’ ancestors.

As time has passed, many of the traditions have fallen to the wayside, but a few things have remained. The masks have become extremely popular of late, and have even given way to costumes. While those that first practiced the tradition only used masks of ghosts, stories have circled around that mischievous spirits like to trick the living during the holiday; because of this, ghost-type and dark-type Pokemon masks, and even entire costumes, have become popular. Celebrating with family and having parties with friends is not entirely uncommon. The spirits’ love of sweets has also translated over, and there has been a small following that has started to give away treats to those that visit them on the final night of the Soulfasting. Usually children are the ones that partake in this (often in masks or some form of costume), although it is not entirely unheard of for some older people to try to snag some sweet treats from others."

I'll be putting up top levels for all the different things, but if I miss anything, please feel free to put up your own top levels!

Kids of all ages should also feel free to beg for candy, because that's what this is all about, don't you know.

Remember, masks and costumes aren't limited to ghost pokémon, and absolutely everyone is allowed to participate.

Mingle threads can reply to the post itself! Feel free to just wander around Ninetails Vale, react to the attractions, or show off your costumes. Anything goes. Also, don't feel obligated to reply to any particular top level! Many exist to show what all activities are available during the festival and don't require interaction.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There was no way that Rei was going to miss out on the Soulfast festivities this year, no matter how many books on battle strategy he needed to read up on or how many tests he needed to study for. The holiday only came but once a year, and there was no better time to take a break, have fun, and meet new people!

Out and about in a yukata that he had specially picked out, with his Azumarill and Zorua in tow, Rei can be found anywhere and everywhere-- be it playing some of the games, taking part in some of the shows, or enjoying a hot drink he had gotten from the concession stands.

He seems particularly taken with investigating any Ghost types he finds lurking about. Learning is plenty fun too, and there's always an opportunity to learn!]

Leavanny.

[ Don't mind this sound from between a couple of the vendor booths, Rei, as your Pokémon examine a passing friendly Gastly. There's nobuggy hiding here. Certainly not a Leavanny who looks nervous they're getting that close to the ghost. ]

[Unfortunately for the hidden little Leavanny, Rei does mind-- and he's curious enough about the stray little buggy sound that his attention is drawn from the Gastly (who didn't mind being subject to such an astute study at all).

With a push of his glasses both he and the little Zorua perched on his shoulder peered around the corner.]

Hello?

[Neither human nor fox realized that the Gastly had silently followed them...]

[ The Leavanny who most definitely isn't here peeks out for a moment, encouraged by what looks like a delightful pattern on that human's festival wear - so crisp and clean - only to shrink back at the sight of the spook. H-he's not here! Don't investigate! He's embarrassed!! ] Vanny vaaaaa!

[ Covering your face with your arms does not actually make you invisible, Leavanny. Sorry. ]

Look at you-- a Leavanny, right?

[He's read about pokemon like this in the library, and he offers a friendly smile in hopes to appease the frightened little guy.]

You're lost, aren't you?

[The Zorua, howevever, understood the Leavanny and peeked over it's shoulder-- only to quickly leap from Rei's shoulder.]

Zo! [The pokemon barked. C'mon, man, we know you wear glasses but are you really that blind to the spook who was sticking it's tongue out at everyone?!]

Shinkiro? What's gotten into you?

[The Zorua sighed, and covered his face. Gosh, his human was so dumb sometimes...]

[ He doesn't know. The human doesn't know. The poor human is making himself an easy target for that terrible ghost....

...okay, out here among the booths they aren't so scary, but this Leavanny has jumped at shadows enough today to be feeling very discouraged. But it's only right to alert the human to the danger. Swallowing, he lifts an arm to point at Gastly. ] V...van...

[ Zorua, you're so brave. He's sure you'll protect your Trainer. ]

[...

Rei had a feeling he was going to regret this.

Swallowing his uncertainty, Rei quietly followed the two Pokemons' cue and slowly peered over his shoulder....

Only to come face to face with the most intimidating face that the shadowy ghost could summon up.]

Eeeehhhhh?!

[...it worked.]

Leavanny!!

[ ....That it did. Natto scuttles further back in his hiding spot, making room for if the human wants to join him. They're safe here, right??? Right????? ]

[There was no way that the human would be able to fit back there, Leavanny, but he would have thanked you for the thought had there been time!

The Zorua, despite his own misgivings, jumped forward and barked at the Gastly. This wasn't part of their agreement!

Laughing, the Gastly agreed. No, it wasn't-- but a little fun was allowed too, right? Blowing one last raspberry at the trio, the ghost faded from sight....

And Rei heaved a sigh.]

Thanks, Shinkiro. [He reached down to scratch the little fox behind the ears before turning around to look for the cowering Pokemon.]

He's gone now, [Rei said, trying to make himself sound more certain.] It's safe for you to come out.

Lea? [ Really? You fixed the problem without fighting or anything?

That ghost really hadn't meant any harm. He's so relieved. Natto takes a deep breath, then hesitantly ventures out. He has to thank you for being worried about him! ] Vanny leavanny.

[ And - ta-da! He brandishes a nice, fresh, new leaf in each hand. These are for his two new friends! Now, where should he put them... ]

Zo, zo!

[Of course they fixed it witout fighting-- they had made a deal before about no funny business. Shinkiro wasn't the only Pokemon that this human had with him!

Rei just chuckled and knelt down before the little Leavanny, curious about what the pokemon would do. The Zorua, after a curious look, mimicked his human's actions and earned himself another scratch on the head.]

There. Does this help?

Van! [ It does! Namely, by making Rei's torso accessible. You and Zorua are Trainer and Pokémon, so you should get your leaves in the same places!

Gumming up the back of the two leaves with a dab of sticky silk, Natto the Leavanny affixes them to Rei and Shinkiro just over where their hearts would be. Here! An accessory for the party! ] Leavanny van. Leavanny.

[ Yes, this pleases his sense of aesthetics. This....is beautiful. ]

[Rei had no idea about what the Leavanny was saying but, going by the body language, he had an idea...

He smiled brightly at the pokemon, clearly delighted by the little gift.]

Thank you! [Because, what else was there to say? He reached out a hand toward the Leavanny and bowed his head.]

This is a lovely gift-- and, it's an honor to make your aquaintance.

[ Wow, what good manners! Leavanny climbs completely out of his hiding place, accepting that hand. It's nice to meet you too! ] Leavanny!

[ Now, if only you could meet -

But his antennae perk up. Trainer! Is that his Trainer he hears?

From across the crowd, someone is slipping their way through the festive throng. ] Excuse me....

[Rei, who was in the middle of shaking the Leavanny's offered hand, looked up when he heard the new voice. ]

Good afternoon. Is there something I can help you with?

[ Oh, there he is! Haruka's shoulders relax when she sees the Leavanny and the company he's keeping. You made more friends, didn't you. This little guy sure is social.

Leavanny, for his part, runs over once he's done the handshake. Trainer! Look! These people are so nice! ] Leavanny vanny!!

I guess you've been babysat. [ She quirks an eyebrow at Rei, looking quite dapper in her male Meowstic yukata. ] Was he bothering you?

[Shinkiro jumped onto Rei's shoulder as he stood up to meet this dapper stranger on more level terms, smiling brightly in reply to the question.]

No, he was just scared of a Gastly who was nice enough to let me play with him a little.

[Because, seriously. How do ghost types like Gastly manage the incorporeal bit while still being visually present? As an academic, Rei had to know!]

He's quite a sweet little guy, though. Are you his friend?

After a fashion. [ This human is his Trainer! Natto informs Zorua in no uncertain terms. His super amazing Trainer who can do anything, no less. ] Vanny leava vanny lea.

[ She offers Rei a hand - and a stupidly glittering smile. Her teeth might actually twinkle. ] Haruka Tenoh. Thanks, ah...?

[ Name please? ]

Zoru?

[Shinkiro tipped his head and wiggled his ears, as if confused. Trainer? This human never used the word 'trainer'. They were all friends who liked to hang out together. One of them just happened to be a human whose heart was in the right place even if he was sometimes embarrassing.]

Ha-Haruka Tenoh?

[Rei numbly took the offered hand, his surprise plain in his widened eyes. He shook it and barely remembered to take a breath before--]

The Haruka Tenoh? With the Divine Theater? The famed actress who has stolen the hearts of fans all across the city?

[ ...How about that. Haruka blinks, surprised, but her theater training takes over and she's replying before she really has any idea what she's saying. ] ...I'd hope they gave them willingly.

[ Right, she's in control now, it's all good. Haruka's smile is back on now. A fan is a fan. Especially one who helped Natto, even though -

Yeah. This is weird. She had no idea there were guys who liked the plays too, though really, she lives with one. Okay, he's a Nidoran, but the point stands. ] You are?

Leav! [ That sounds like fun! And is pretty much what Natto does with his Trainer. Come to think of it, she's probably just Trainer because there are some Pokémon she is raising to fight. But only the ones that want to! She is very fair.

Gosh, humans are just the best. ]

[Of course there are guys who like the plays. Not every guy has to be the jock stereotype-- even if they are into sports, they're allowed to exercise their creative interests too.

Rei himself was living proof of that.]

Rei Ryugazaki, [he replied, quickly releasing her hand before the whole situation became uncomfortable for either of them.] I went to the theater every weekend last winter. The way you improve on stage is impressive!

[Shinkiro bobbed his head in agreement with Natto.] Rua!
[Definitely. Humans are totally the best, especially when they take everyone out like this, or bring a pack of pokepuffs to the habitat for everyone to share!]

Leavanny. [ Oh, that sounds lovely! Natto has to admit he has never lived at the Habitat, though. Is it nice?

Haruka chuckles but refuses to openly acknowledge her script aversion. ] That's my job.

[ And she opens her mouth to say more, but Natto has overheard them talking theater things, so he holds up a hand to Zorua - excuse him for a moment - and interjects, smiling at Rei. Sorry to interject, but he's really glad you like the plays! If you have any ideas about costuming, he'd love to hear from fans - in the next play, he's going to be in charge of all the outfits, and wants them to be perfect!! ] Vanny! Vanny leavanny vanny van!

[ Haruka lets him gush. It's just a bunch of people dressing up and singing on stage, really. Funny that so many people make such a big deal out of it. ]

[Shinkiro and Rei both share a look as Natto all but blossomed in his eagerness to express....whatever it was that he was talking about. Rei didn't understand any of it, but that was no reason not to smile politely.]

I'm sorry, I--

[Shinkiro cut in. He knows you don't understand, but he knows you'd love to be in on this!]

Zo zoru zo! Zorua!

[They'd love to be involved! Thanks for offering!

...Rei's utter confusion was plain on his face. He really wanted to know what was going on..]

Edited 2014-11-25 05:01 (UTC)

Vanny!!

[ Oh, that's so wonderful! Leavanny claps what passes for hands together on the ends of his arms. Don't feel pressured to say anything on the spot right now, but he'd love to get opinions from people who have sat in the audience to see what things look like on stage! He's still learning, but he's going to do his best to make the plays as beautiful as possible...

Haruka lets herself laugh before Natto launches into another full monologue. And the little guy thinks he shouldn't be on the stage. ] I think you just got drafted.

[Haruka, that is a decidedly odd term to use.]

How so?

[He looked up at her, genuinely interested. He was curious about what the pokemon were speaking about, especially if it was about a topic that he was interested in.]

Soul Fasting Festival Log

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