The Day of Fire. [Calderan Summer Solstice OPEN log]

[expertonshutters]

It's the morning of the 21st and it's clear even to the inexperienced Unionite, Refugee, or Citadel resident that the city has a different air to it. If it wasn't the atmosphere that got them, then the stalls lining the streets would. Many people are still working on getting set up for the night festival, but the stalls that are complete are lining many corners and they are filled to the brim with bright colors. From afar, the streets look like someone threw a rainbow of paint across the city.

They haven't seen anything yet.

It's not yet time for the festivities so any visitors are free to wander the streets. The natives seem to be delighted if amused at all the people interested in the holiday and are happy to sell anyone as much colored powder as the want. Sometime close to noon is when things change. The natives all kind of stop what their doing. The colored stalls start to close up and everyone looks tense.

A long, rattling trumpet sound rings through the streets and that is when all hell breaks loose.

It's every man and pokemon for themselves. Have fun everyone.

[Ooc: Feel free to make your own top levels in addition to using the prompts below! Have fun guys!]

Comments

[wishingalone]

[Mami isn't throwing colors at people. Oh, no. She's just standing there, staring. A ribbon hangs limply in hand; she doesn't know what she was going to do with it. She watches some paint fly there -- and there. Then she turns her head, and stares in terror.]

[Maybe it looks like she's talking at someone nearby, but really, she's speaking to the universe:]

I... I don't understand.

[imprudens]

[Totsuka is less culture-shocked than she is, it seems. He's not completely doused in color yet, but splattered with a few here and there. His Union clothes make him stand out, as well. An Absol follows at his heels as he steps out of the crowd to take a bit of a breather, and it lands him near Mami.]

Ah... what's so difficult to understand?

[wishingalone]

Everything! They're--they're throwing colors.

[She waves a hand around in confusion.] What could this possibly mean? Won't it ruin their clothing? They will need to buy new shirts!

[Mami, they're not wearing shirts...]

[imprudens]

[He gives an airy laugh. What a thing to worry about.]

I think it washes out easily. Besides, it's fun, right?

[wishingalone]

It may be fun, but--but the cleaning! Surely, that doesn't sound fun!

[This is still quite alien to the Valkyrie.]

[imprudens]

You're really hung up on this, huh?

[wishingalone]

Perhaps. But--but look at them!

[She points at someone who is more painted than not.]

I would be afraid of the damage caused the entire time!

[imprudens]

Well, maybe look at it this way. The people here all know what they're getting into. They actually enjoy it quite a bit!

[wishingalone]

I think that's what baffles me. They seem to hardly mind.

[She's the one with the problem and she's aware of it.]

I wonder who has to clean this entire area, though...

[imprudens]

Do you think someone has to? I mean, I get they probably don't have a lot of rain that'd wash it off again. But isn't it nice to be reminded of a cheerful time like this for a while?

[wishingalone]

Well...

[Perhaps he has a point. The thought makes her smile, and she nods her head, perhaps hesitantly.]

...that would be truly nice, I admit.

[imprudens]

[Ah, that's good! Makes him smile more brightly, too.]

Do you think you'll try it out too?

[wishingalone]

It's hardly ladylike, but...

[Plenty of other girls hurling paint out there. Mami's not one to be shown up.]

...I suppose I should try it before I dismiss it, no?

[imprudens]

I agree!

[And he reaches into his pocket for a handful of pouches filled with powder, which he offers to Mami.]

And here's some ammunition, if you'd like.

[wishingalone]

Ah, you're a lifesaver. I'll put them to good use, of course.

[She takes the pouches and looks down at them, before she pockets them. Then she extends a hand.]

I'm Mami Tomoe. I should have introduced myself before.

[imprudens]

Tatara Totsuka. It's nice to meet you.

[He shakes her hand.]

Oh, and this is Yin. [Gestures toward the slightly paint-splattered Absol that's been watching his back. She murmurs a greeting.]

[wishingalone]

You, too. [She peers back at the Absol, then she smiles. Mami tilts her head, curiously.]

Is Yin enjoying the festival, too?