FINAL EVENT: FAREWELL

[spoofer]

Characters: Ensemble cast!
Summary: The final event in Xistentia is necessarily one of farewells. Characters will be given a forum to decide where they go and with whom, or if they want to be part of the skeleton crew that stays. There is also a lantern festival, mingling Tanabata and the Chinese lantern festival.
Date(s): Month of July
Warnings/Notes: Feels, possibly sexual content, please warn in subject headers!

Farewell

a million billion trillion stars

The Battle Won

Late Sunday evening, a notice goes out across all the daemons. With critical blows struck against D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. during the prison world missions, F.A.T.E.S. is prepared to go into maintenance mode. That means only a skeleton crew of one hundred citizens needs to reside in Xistentia at any given time. The rest of the populace is free to return home. Or...

Destination Forum

Perhaps it's not your own home that you want to go back to.

Hence: the forums.

Public meetings take place at the Citadel, where larger groups and individuals can offer safe harbor for those looking for a fresh start and a new change. F.A.T.E.S. will offer each individual a change of powerset if they so wish to blend better into their new world. Though most of these decisions will be voluntary, a vote of all travelers following majority rules will determine significant changes likely to affect others, such as the nerfing of god-like individuals or weapons, or whether compulsively malicious individuals may be allowed into other worlds at all.

To enforce transparency in a discussion, a truth zone encompasses the gleaming tower, preventing anyone from telling a lie.

However, characters also have the option for private meetings— in which groups of travelers smaller than 5 individuals may be able to negotiate the terms of going to worlds outside the Citadel. This, you may do in whatever informal circumstances you like— from the privacy of a home to the local knockoff British pub. And if you aren't taking your friends home with you, perhaps too, it's time for your own personal good-byes.

D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. Lurks

As for D.E.S.T.I.N.Y., they seem to be gone. There's been radio silence ever since F.A.T.E.S. made their announcement. Any attempt by their Agents to contact them results in static - but not, strangely, in disconnection. It seems they aren't so much defeated as licking their wounds. Make no mistake, D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. will be back. Agents, be ready; this isn't the last you'll hear from them.

Festival of Lights

Such occasion asks for more than logistics; we also have reason to celebrate.

In true Xistentia spirit, the festival that ensues is a mix of traditions from around the multiverse. It all kicks off with a spectacular fireworks show over the city, amid raucous sharing of alcoholic beverages and food aplenty.



From Japan, we have Tanabata, where characters are encouraged to write down their dearest wishes for the future on tags of colorful paper and then tie them to the forest trees. With a little luck, your character will get their heart's desire.

From Thailand, we have Yi Peng, where your characters will send ill feelings, grudges, regrets, and old mistakes up into the air in the form of paper lanterns. It is the tradition of letting go and welcoming in the new. Don't worry about the fire hazard— F.A.T.E.S. has you covered.

And Diwali from India signifies the coming of a new time, a transition. Candles lit and traditions such as decor and sweets represent the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

The Marriage of Vanyel Greyborn & Hanako "Rosie" Nurumi

It's probably a little more slapdash than most weddings people are used to. When the bride had never anticipated getting married and the groom is from a place and time before most wedding customs people are familiar with, maybe it's to be expected. But, just like them, it all seems to come together despite everything. It makes for a beautifully unique ceremony.

The flowers are a mix of Rosa rugosas and Dragon's Tongue. A pink and gold motif that's warm but elegant. It's set at night so that everyone they both care to be there can attend. While not a full moon, Rose's ears are out anyway beneath a veil of matching white lace. It was important to both of them that they marry each other true; that they loved every part of each other and symbolized it in some way on this day.

The vows they exchange are simple but heartfelt. They agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever. Rings are exchanged. It all goes according to plan, which is probably the multiverse giving this particular couple a break after everything else. And while the ceremony is all well and good, it's the reception that most people are likely looking forward to. Everyone is invited to attend this part of the two's union.

By Vanyel and Rose's standards, it's probably pretty tame. They host a giant feast in which most food was provided by the groom himself. The meat of choice is mutton, which just so happens to be the bride's favorite. It was also a show of being able to provide for their future life together. Meanwhile, the alcohol was supplied by the bride so everyone knows its quality. If it's enough to get a demon drunk, it's likely enough to get just about anyone drunk. Non-alcoholic and vampire friendly drinks are provided as well since they want to make sure everyone is accommodated and having a good time.

The reception lasts well into the night and rays of early morning light are creeping up on the horizon by the time its time to wrap things up. All in all, they'd call it a successful event and a high note to end hopefully many people's time in Xistentia on.

Footnotes

1. Please ensure that threads are marked with appropriate content warnings!
2. The original announcement with some other details is here.
3. You are loved. Farewell!

Comments

Rafa | OTA

[mordacita]

i. Wedding

---

[ It's time to leave. Rafa feels it, has been feeling it ever since the announcement. It tingles through him like an itch, a need to be away from here and be home again. He might have gone already, except...

Except that he couldn't miss the wedding. He couldn't miss seeing Rosie and Vanyel's day, because he expects it'll be the last time he'll see any of them. He dresses in his best suit, the nicest one he's been able to find here. He can be found at the reception with an alcoholic something in his hand, but he isn't drinking much. ]

It was a nice ceremony. [ He says, in passing, to those around him. ] Have you seen the bride?

ii. Closed to Vex

---

[ This takes some working up to. Rafa means to go for days, and puts it off and off, until finally he can't anymore. It's the morning before he's planning to leave, meaning he appears on the beach in his sunglasses. Wearing them has been a rare event since he got burned in Panultima, but necessity makes an excellent motivator. He's at the door, but even so, he sends a text instead of knocking. ]

vex, i need to see you

[ Then, a second later: ]

please.

iii. Closed to Kavinsky

---

[ That seem evening, shortly after sundown, Rafa arrives at Kavinsky's place. This time he does knock, but he climbs to his fledgling's bedroom window to do it. When he catches his attention, he gives him a bright smile, and a cheerful wave. ]

Kavinsky! Let me in, there is something I must say.

[ Do it now or he'll start calling you Joseph!

iv. Festival of Lights

---

[ Finally, before he leaves, Rafa can be found around the festival. Diwali, Tanabata, Yi Peng. Some he's never even heard of before. He goes around them all, anyway, trying to take in as much as he can. His wish is written on a page that he shows to no one, but he might tell it to you as he ties it to the trees.

After that he moves through the streets, taking everything in, watching lanterns fly. He feels strangely sad, and yet it doesn't at all change his eagerness to go. It's not quite the deadline for leaving, but he's made the decision anyway. If he knows you, and sees you while he wanders, he'll stop you with a gentle touch and a smile. ]

I will be gone tonight. Now is the only time left for goodbyes.

v. CREATE YOUR OWN

---

[ Prompt Rafa! I'm available on plurk for plotting at halfbloodly ]

ii

[vexy]

[ It was honestly a text he hadn't been expecting, and he might have never seen it if not for his persistent daemon nearly tripping him as he packed up what few things he had. He sighed as he stared at it, then eventually gave in: ]

ok

[mordacita]

[ Rafa pushes the door open. Vex probably hadn't been expecting him right now, but he hadn't wanted him to change his mind. And also there was the chance that he might have changed his own mind, if he thought about it for long enough, and he doesn't want that either.

He follows the faerie's very familiar scent to where he's packing, and he stands in the doorway, his daemon unicorn clipping up beside him. ]

Vex.

[ He sighs. ]

Can we sit down?

wedding duh

[hasitsthorns]

Oh, have I!

[ The exclamation comes from nearby. It's not long behind it that Rafa will be crushed by a surprise hug. She's not usually so affection, of course, but hey. It's her big day. She's allowed to be excited.

Don't worry though, she's careful not to spill his drink. She pulls away, smiling big and bright and genuine. By now, Rose has dressed in a lovely lavender number for the reception. ]

I'm so glad you stayed to make it, Rafa. It... means a lot to me.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa hooks an instinctive arm around her, pleased to be hugged and eager to return it. He turns his head to kiss her cheek, which he's hoping Vanyel won't mind. ]

I wouldn't have missed this. After all we've been through, I couldn't miss your big day. Do you remember that day you came to the Wolf's Den, Rose, after you ran away? Everything that we spoke of then, and now here you are. I am proud of you, little wolf.

[ He sets his drink down on a table (death to anyone who dares to try stealing it – he's not done, thank you) and wraps both arms tightly around her. ]

closed to rafalfa;

[pillz]

[kavinsky is fucking around in his home. it's felt rather empty since amanda left xistentia, but he's managed to make it feel like home by expanding his garbage pile of dreamcraft and extra belongings slowly until her tidy little space has been enveloped by spare televisions, bongs, sexually explicit stuffed toys, random car components, pill bottles, and assorted nails and knives. they are kind of loosely sorted, though. he has that going for him, for a given quantity of 'going for him.']

Yo what's up?

[he's either pretending he doesn't know, or he hasn't been checking his daemon. the latter seems imminently likely, considering he's currently standing over the big, fluffy white dog with a brush in hand, apparently trying to stencil bright orange dicks into her fur as she talks brightly about the weather. it is debatably an improvement over his relationship with his daemon in the past, back when he used to hate that she seemed to be a robot wearing his true dog's skin.]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa slides the window open and climbs in. For a moment he just watches Kavinsky, and then he goes to sit beside him. He gives the poor daemon a sympathetic look, before touching Kavinsky's stencilling hand. ]

There is something we must discuss; we cannot avoid it any longer. It is time for me to leave this place, Kavinsky. My kingdom is waiting, and it is long past time that I should have returned.

[ He'd been ready to go when he left Eudio. Xistentia has been a difficult, and often painful experience for Rafa, and he can't say he'll miss the place. The people are another matter, and this one in particular…

Well. This is one he hope he doesn't have to miss. We'll just have to see. ]

Wyatt | OTA

[bratpack]

i. Wedding

---

[ Wyatt can be found mostly on the dance floor. He has no particular skill with this, but he'll grab hold of anyone who's willing and swing around the place with them. He's also more than pushing drunk at this stage, despite his werewolf metabolism making that almost impossible. He's going to miss these drinks. You're the lucky person whose arm he grabs hold of and pulls close to him. ]

Hey! Can I steal a dance? Let me steal a dance, we'll probably never see each other again!

ii. Festival

---

[ Wyatt sits on the ground, legs crossed, at the base of one of the wishing trees. He has a piece of bright orange paper on his lap and a pencil in his hand, but the paper's blank and he's just staring at it, frowning. ]

What do you even say on these things? I think we just saved the goddamn world, feels stupid to wish for a fruit cake.

[ Or any kind of cake. Or anything, really, is his point, because haven't they already done the thing they were trying to do? They just saved all their homes and families, and now they can go back. What's left to want? Wyatt's not really the kind of person who wishes for things, anyway.

In the end, he writes: ]

whats up fates! thanks for all the good times. don't take it the wrong way but i hope i never see you again.
peace out!
- your friendly neighborhood wyatt

[ He holds it up, considering. ]

You think that works? I mean it's not a wish, but...?

iii. Closed to Ignacio

---

[ Wyatt knows they're leaving. He's gotten the summons from Hunter, and he knows there's nothing more to say about it. It's just that there's something he needs to say, to a person in particular. He wakes up beside Ignacio, head on the vampire's chest, and he sits up to look at him. He waits until he sees his eyes open, and then he smiles. ]

Hey. So, we gotta talk about a thing, Iggy. It's important.

iv. CREATE YOUR OWN

---

[ Prompt Wyatt! I'm available on plurk for plotting at halfbloodly ]

iii

[sadico]

Mm...

[ Ignacio let's out a pleasant hum as his lover awakens, a content smile on his lips. ]

Oh? Is this the conversation where we decide if we are returning immediately to your home or if we want to see if there is a way for us to traverse multiple worlds and universes until we can travel no longer?

[ It seems that, at least for him, the 'we' was never in question. ]

[bratpack]

[ Wyatt stops short, mid-breath, his eyes wide. Did that really just happen? He turns to look at him properly, climbing onto his knees. ]

Are you serious?

[ A slow grin is starting on his face. ]

You'll come with me? I was gonna ask! This was me asking. Jesus.

[ He crashes back down on top of Iggy, hugging him tight. ]

i

[shadowblends]

[honestly, kurt should be used to being grabbed by now — especially by wyatt — and yet, when the werewolf clasps his arm, pulls him in real close, the blue boy can't fight the surprised noise that escapes. he huffs, eyes briefly narrowing.] Wyatt, [urges the teleporter, totally free of venom, maybe hinting at playful.]

You always know I'm willing to dance with you.

Re: i

[bratpack]

[ You know, honestly, Wyatt is just so glad to have the real Kurt back in his arms that he completely ignores those narrowed eyes. He spins him around, lacking pretty much any sense of rhythm, and not caring a single bit about it. ]

You better be! This might be like the last time. Gotta give you something to remember me by! Hey, didn't Rosie look great? Weddings are awesome.

[ Listen, he's had a lot to drink and his mood is higher than high. Party with him, Kurt! ]

wedding!!!

[hasitsthorns]

[ She can only laugh soon as she's grabbed. ]

Somehow, I don't think the groom will mind. [ They've already had their first dance. It's fine. Besides, everyone was already well aware of how unconventional their coupling was to begin with so. ]

I'm glad you're having a good time, dude.

Re: wedding!!!

[bratpack]

[ Seeing it's Rosie he's taken hold of, Wyatt lets out a laugh, and pulls her in for a hug. ]

Hey! Hey, you looked great up there, Rose. I'm so happy for you.

[ This is kind of a crushing hug, but Rosie's stronger than she looks. Wyatt manages to pull back after a few seconds. ]

I'm real glad we got to see this before we left. It's good to know you'll be happy.

kurt wagner [nightcrawler] ❧ ota (+ one closed prompt)

[shadowblends]

festival of lights;

[everything starts with a bang-- fireworks and alcoholic drinks alike. this may be the last time he ever sees some of these people, so kurt will not hesitate to enjoy himself. not excessively, of course, but if your character approaches him while he's watching the bright bursts of light in the sky and they're up for it, he may offer sharing a farewell beverage.

aside from those festivities, he'll partake in the tanabata, filling out pretty paper slips and hanging them in trees, participate in yi peng by sending lanterns into the sky and be devouring as many sweets as he can for diwali.

regardless his location, the teleporter is enthusiastic and wholeheartedly involved with everything, curiosity running rampant.]

festival of lights (pt 2, closed to kavinsky);

[the last time they were both on top of the citadel, things hadn't quite gone according to plan. it was his own fault, really, letting himself be taken over and acting a fool like that. he didn't mean for things to happen the way they did, which is exactly why he's taken initiative this time, planning a small picnic of his own.

it's even similar to the one kavinsky had planned some time ago (right down to the adorable little fake flame space heater), but with less actual food and more candy and alcohol. he's not all that hungry, the unceasing fluttering in his belly makes it almost impractical when actual food comes into discussion.

his clothes are far more modest, too, for rosie and van's wedding. kurt never knows how joseph will react when it comes down to the wire, although he has a feeling what he's planning on surprising the fledgling with will really shock him.

and so, he waits for him, sitting with his legs dangling over the roofs edge while he rolls paper slips between his hands.]

wedding;

[he's quiet throughout the whole ceremony, smiling and wholeheartedly teary-eyed. everything just seems so perfect for both of his friends; he's truly happy for them and the happy ending they (somewhat) get. vows exchanged and flowers tossed, there's an eruption of applause and cheering, which kurt doesn't hesitate joining in on.

once the reception comes around, nightcrawler helps himself to too much food, warily avoiding the drinks at first. as time goes on, though, he has some of the lesser fueled drinks, until he's tiptoeing that line of sweet buzzing sensation and maybe a little too inebriated, the tie of his outfit hanging loose around his neck.

should someone ask him to dance, sing or take part in other activities, he'll go along without hesitation. there's no telling how much longer they all have together and he's determined to make their last moments together perfect.]

wildcard;

[ooc: hit me with something of your own! thanks for being such wonderful people and giving an awesome game a chance!!]

wedding!!!

[hasitsthorns]

Kurt!

[ The yell comes from a slightly inebriated Rose as she charges towards him on the dance floor. Only slightly inebriated, really. She's trying to be responsible this evening, actually. For once in her life! Imagine that! If it was any time that she would be though, it would be her own wedding. ]

Thanks for making it, dude. I know it's a bit bittersweet, but- I appreciate it.

drunken bffs are a go!!!

[shadowblends]

[usually, despite how drunk he is, kurt's pretty graceful. when he pivots on the ball of his foot though, he stumbles slightly, quick on the uptake by stretching one arm out and looping it around rose's shoulders. enough to help him catch his balance to the point of the embrace being awkward, but not sloppy.]

Hello, Rosie. [he gives her an affectionate squeeze, hoping his smile doesn't falter in the process.]

You're welcome. Thanks for inviting me, by the way! Yes, it's going to be exactly that, but I'm still so thrilled for you and Vanyel.

meeeee

[pillz]

[kavinsky appears abruptly, if not quite as abruptly as kurt wagner can appear. vampire-fast. there's a flicker of movement on the ground one minute, and a few minutes later, he's settling into the space a few yards behind kurt, a taut summer night wind picking at his immaculately gelled hair, the close fit of his tanktop around his skinny frame.

he's here, he's queer, and he's — just a little guarded, judging from the line in the permanent pout of his mouth, but that's not a bad thing. it at least means he isn't going to be pitching a bitch fight right this moment, probably, his eyes shifting less and right like a cobra dancing its dance, trying to estimate the likelihood that kurt is suddenly going to flash sexy boy sideboob, show a little leg, start going all femme fatale on him. i mean, worse things in life. he just prefers to be the one to act with powerful unpredictability, if somebody's got to do it.

two seconds pass. no sideboob. kavinsky is relieved, disappointed, or maybe a little both.]

You know, if you're gonna give me some sugar, I ain't as interested in that kind. [he nods at the candy in the basket, then tries on a smile, super casual-like, as if he hasn't heard the news. as if he doesn't know that this is, in some way or another, the end.]

yooou! hello there bean

[shadowblends]

[enhanced senses certainly help when it comes to having a vampire boyfriend. he doesn't necessarily take note at first, but he can hear him arrive, faintly pick up on the scent of hair gel and something that's totally kavinsky.

still, in spite of his decision to stay seated, kurt stands rather promptly, observing how far down it really is, where his toes dangle on the precipice. he breathes out, slow and steady, taking a step backward before turning to face the shorter brunet. the papers in his hands flutter with the breeze, reminding him that they'll likely blow away should he keep them there while greeting the fledgling.]

I know what kind of sugar you're looking for. [his lips curve, mirth evident in the smile as he tucks the slips away. too bad nightcrawler's pluck he'd gained the last time they were here wasn't more present; he steps forward, regardless the severe lack of determination and draws kavinsky into an embrace.] Enigmatic and handsome as always, Joseph.

[then he inclines his head, dips forward and slots their mouths together, affectionate and wholehearted.]

rosie-dear | closed + ota

[hasitsthorns]

wedding (closed to vanyel);

[ It was a beautiful ceremony. It was... everything she wanted. More. It still doesn't feel real, in some ways. It's a surreal sensation of everything feeling changed and simultaneously the same.

Also, they still have to discuss... ]

So, this is it?

[ She sounds like she doesn't want it to be but they both know what this good-bye means. Despite the fact that they just got married, despite the two years together, despite everything- They might be parting ways soon. Not forever, of course, but it feels invetiable in a hopeless sort of way.

Her fingers clutche to his shirt tighter. She refuses to cry at her own wedding. ]

wedding (ota);

[ The bride can be found all over during the reception. She's dancing with whoever desires it. She's singing a melancholy-sounding song at some point where she's between tipsy and drunk.

She's also stuffing her face with cake so, like. Catch her in the midst of that if you want to be real awkward. It's all fair game! Anything that happens, she'll be nothing short of jovial. It's a completely joyous occasion.

And for the most part, she genuinely believes her own lie. ]

closed prompt!

[drehnifusbahi]

[Back when he'd first proposed, he never expected this day to be quite so... bittersweet. On the one hand, it's the happiest day of his life. On the other... it comes on the eve of a parting after spend damn near every day if not physically together than at least never more than a phone call away for the past two years.

He never expected to have to let her go, and he doesn't want to now - especially knowing what she's going home to. He will, because he knows he must, but... that doesn't make it ache any less.

His grip on her shifts when she asks that, one arm wrapping around her just as tight as she's holding him as the other can cups the back of her neck, fingers twining into currently-white curls.]

I suppose it is, [he admits, no happier about it than she is.] But it won't be forever, I promise you that. [And he seals that promise with a kiss to her forehead.]

[hasitsthorns]

[ Her wolf-ish ears flatten back at the touch to her neck, at the arm wound tightly around her. She almost wishes he wouldn't. It makes it harder knowing what she's going to be missing. ]

It won't, [ she says. While she'd actually not been sure before, she seems resolute now. ] We'll... figure out something. We have to.

[ Up until now, she'd done so well to keep her composure.
Her eyes gain a misty sheen to them, salty runoff threatening to spill over and she drops her gaze. She doesn't want to cry tonight, she doesn't want one of the last memories of her to be this but- It's so difficult.

It's so unfair. The woman takes a deep breath, steeling herself against the tears threatening to fall. ]

I love you. That has to count for something, in the grand scheme of things. [ She can't believe it doesn't anymore. ]

wedding; (powerpose, lmk if not ok)

[pillz]

[one moment, she's dancing among vivid roses and tables trimmed with gold curlicues, her skirts spinning like a pastel pinwheel, in a self-generated breeze, untouched, looking every bit as free as the old jokes about marriage would defy.

the next, there's a skinny arm around her waist. a knee between hers. fangs grinning above her, a grin as bright as an acid hallucination. kavinsky smiling, as he dips her down low. he doesn't dance, not really— but he's here for her.]

You never asked me if your dress makes you look fat, [he says.] Should I be fucking offended?

barclay odell ⛵ ota + closed;

[disbands]

closed to kenzi;

[After she went back to being herself, Barclay had been incredibly grateful. Any outstanding notions he might have had left about the benefits of a traditional woman with conservative sensibilities had been soundly blasted out of his mind by the sheer frustration of seeing his dear beloved pack her trunk and refuse to so much as squeeze his hand. A year ago, the end of the world had indeed been terrifying, back in eudio. But the fear that gripped his heart as she turned her corseted back on him and her heels clicked as she walked away— that had been something different entirely.

And now the world is healed. In fact, all three of the prospective worlds are healed— Eudio, but also her home peopled with faeries, and his with anachronistic toilets and antibiotics not yet invented.

The two of them are currently at their wide, glossy dining table. Above them, beach sunlight shines in through tall lighthouse windows. They're making this decision together-- this very serious, very important decision. And thus naturally: there is a huge plate of cheese and meat on the table, quite a few bottles of wine, and currently, his head is planted on her lap.] We can rule my homeworld out, [he proposes.] Nothing for me there. Not unless you particularly want to experiment with very old-fashioned latrines.

wedding, open;

[It's a beautiful event. Maybe it even gives Barclay ideas of his own, for some remote and far-off someday, with Kenzi. Maybe someday.

But today, he is here in the now. Clutching a cup of vodka, laden with ice, and leaning on a tree that has already begun to shed bits of slightly bioluminescent bark on his frock coat. He's pleasantly buzzed, and happily watching Kenzi flit from cluster to cluster of warm-spirited conversationalists from afar.

At some point, though, he does recognize that he's being a touch asocial, and pulls himslf off the tree with a shrug of shoulders and a tiny shimmer of falling vegetable dust. He's by you in a moment, his cup tipped expectantly over yours.] Another sip and I'll be laid out on the lawn, [he says.] Do you care for it?

[moshennik]

[ Kenzi was not a fan of the person she'd become during that weird curse, herself. And if she knew just how rattled Barclay had been by it, she would have done even more to reassure him that she wasn't that person, that she'd never willingly walk away from him forever, she'd have to be dragged away, in fact.

She was his to love and he was hers and man oh man, she never knew she could have something like this, that she could ever feel this complete, this loved, this happy.

However, right now, she's stroking his head as he lays it in her lap, both of them filled with cheese and soaked with wine. They have a very big decision to make: which world to end up in.]

I'm pretty sure they'd burn me at the stake for being a witch. [ Which would be a problem if she tried to use any of her knowledge of the future to benefit them.] And I'm not sure I want to drag you back to my world either... [ She glances down at him, drawing a finger along the bridge of his nose, thinking about how much she misses Bo and Dyson.]

I think we should go home. Our home. [ Eudio. Where it all started. Where the others might still be or be brought eventually. Where Barclay had a business he loved and she didn't have to look over her shoulder all the time.] What's your vote?