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

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.

[hasitsthorns]

[ If it is, she doesn't notice. She definitely doesn't say anything, at least, but that's probably because she's a little tipsy herself. ]

No problem, dude! I mean, you know what humans say- Something borrowed, something blue. I couldn't imagine my wedding without the splash of color that's you.

[ Okay, so. Maybe a little more than tipsy. It's fine!!! ]

Let's dance, dude. You down for that? I wanna' talk, know what your plans are.

[shadowblends]

[what the hell, rosie? there's no way he can resist wibbling a little at that, averting his gaze and drawing one hand around to rub his eyes. don't look at him— someone started cutting onions.]

That... makes me feel really good, Rosie. [pause, a bit of sniffling.] I hope my blue gives the both of you good fortune through your marriage.

[he huffs, straightens himself up and takes hold of both her hands, head nodding firmly.] I'll never object to showing off my awful dance skills. Discussing future plans will be totally worth it.

[hasitsthorns]

[ Don't cry, Kurt! Then she'll start crying, really, and it'll be a mess. Only she'll be crying for less sentimental reasons, unfortunately. For as happy as she is in this moment, there's a lot on her mind. ]

I can't imagine it wouldn't. [ She says, heartfelt. ]

And it better be! So, what're you going to do?

[shadowblends]

[then the both of them would dissolve into the grossest pile of feelings and someone would have to separate them. so, he gathers himself a bit better, releasing one of rosie's hands to gesture.] Do you want to lead or shall I?

[dammit, rose, don't make him lose it when he just got back together.] Thank you.

Actually, it's... something I'm still deciding on. I need to protect my world. I want to ask Kavinsky to come with me, but— [kurt stops, inclines his head with shame, but doesn't finish. because he's a big, fat coward.]

[hasitsthorns]

You lead the way, dude. This is my wedding. I should be spoiled.

[ She's not trying to make this difficult. Not really. But she does want to know. ]

But what? [ She asks, immediately. ] What's stopping you?

[shadowblends]

As you wish, Mrs. Vanyel Greyjoy.

[at the very least, he can momentarily distract from the question by encircling rosie's waist with one arm, the other moving so he can take her left hand then lead them into some soft, round and flowing movements.]

I don't think... [he trails off, expression faltering a bit before he catches himself.] I'm not sure he'd want to.

[hasitsthorns]

If he doesn't, he's an idiot.

[ She's blunt about it. It's her wedding, she can get away with a lot more than usual. That's how this works, right? That's how this works for her now. ]

And you deserve a lot better in that case. I'm expecting him to be ridiculous and difficult about it because he is but- Don't give up on him, if it's what you really want it. But also don't take his bullshit.

[shadowblends]

Wow, Rosie, tell us how you really feel!

[but he's amused, nonetheless, releasing her hand a fleeting moment to laugh into his own before clasping hers once more.]

I won't give up on him, though. Like I said, I'm not sure he would, but I haven't asked him, so I have no idea how he feels on the matter. I'll at least give him the benefit of the doubt for now.

[hasitsthorns]

I just did!

[ Tonight is not the night for holding back. It's all going to be over soon, so why not say and do everything she can before that curtain falls? ]

Well, you guys gotta' talk at least before fucking off to wherever in the multiverse you're planning to go.

[shadowblends]

I mean, you aren't wrong.

[kurt appreciates her sincerity, for what it's worth. really puts things into perspective sometimes.]

We're going to. I've made plans to chat with him about it tonight, whether my nerves are present or not.

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.]

dude i never received a notif for this?? is it bc you did a name change

[pillz]

[past him probably would have made fun of present him for locking lips with a boy who has blue skin and raised scars and a pointy tail. past him would have made fun of him for giving up cocaine. past him didn't know much, probably.

present him feels his unliving heart leap up in his chest and his fingers to remember what sweating was like. kavinsky's cool to kiss these days, but that's only a matter of body temperature, really; in every other way, he's as uncool as they come, his hands fumbling up to kurt's wrists for a moment, falling again. a little uncertain about which kurt he's going to get. a little nervous. a little sad.

this is the end, right?]

You ain't so bad yourself, [he says.] One day I guess I'mma find out if my dick is gonna fit between your fangs. [becauase-- he has to. he has to say that, right? his eyes crinkle.] Might have to be sooner than later, with the shit coming up.

oh my gosh fdjhghsf m...aybe? i really have no idea tho haha

[shadowblends]

[he's grown used to kavinsky's unusual coldness by now. the chilled press of vampire lips still feels a little odd, though it's something he seeks more of rather than retreat from. what's unexpected is when the other boy's fingers find his wrists, hesitating long enough for kurt to notice before falling again.

parting is such sweet sorrow, but blue draws back once the kiss breaks, eyebrows raising high with bewilderment at joseph's comment. honestly, why's he surprised anymore? different from their last 'date,' though, kurt flushes and inclines his head, reaching one hand up to brush through his dark (still single-colored) hair.]

Glad to hear it. [a beat, long enough for him to sigh and shake his head.] Sooner rather than later, then. [the least he can do is follow along.] Yes, about that... I was going to ask what your plans were. Are you going home?

holy shit i found it in my spam filter, i think maybe just having "hello" in subject threw it off??

[pillz]

[instinctively, kavinsky raises his gaze to look at kurt dead in his eyes. most people shy away from making direct eye contact when they're lying or pretending, but kavinsky is the opposite. he may not be the most convincing make-believer, but he is certainly bold about it, and sometimes the confidence is enough to confuse people.

he's pretending not to be nervous, but he is. so nervous.]

Not my home, [he says.] I dunno. It was a shit sty. [a beat.] Or I was the shit sty. [a brilliant flash of insight!] Anyway, ain't jack shit left there for me, not in any kind of timeline that would make sense. And I don't think I wanna go back to Eudio. Not yet, anyway. Even though it got rebuilt. Actually, Rafa invited me. Back to the one he's at with Hunter, Shane, Wyatt, and the rest of them. Some kind of Earth with magic. Like mine, but more sci-fi.

[more sci-fi? to be fair, kavinsky doesn't read sci-fi. his eyes sketch across kurt's face.]

You gotta save your world, right?

why hands what are you doing spam filter 8(

[shadowblends]

[kurt has never done well when it comes to masking his emotions. he's always been open and unreserved most of the time, a real 'wear his heart on his sleeve' kind of guy, but his confidence is waning in the moment. so, as kavinsky meets the blue boy's eyes, he fights against all natural instinct to turn away and holds the shorter male's gaze.

just. ignore the way his breath quivers when he exhales and everything will be totally fine.]

I never did get the full story of Eudio. Your mother, though? [his tone is warm, mirth clear in the slight quirk of his lips.] Wyatt is another name I recognize. Good company and sci-fi action, huh? Not much else you could ask for. [xistentia's enough sci-fi for kurt. he still holds eye contact, despite his severe lack of nerve.]

Right. [feels like a nail in his coffin.] I was thinking about staying here or maybe... maybe I fooled myself into thinking I could convince you to come back with me. [a beat.] Except you wouldn't like it. Not enough technology or fancy cars.

[pillz]

[kavinsky's face almost twitches. kavinsky's face almost twitches, except he's been practicing with nearly a decade of cokehead tweaker jitters and compulsive lying besides, so he doesn'tw twitch. his face is a mask, as smooth as glass, perfect, a flawless rendition of creepy jerk serenity.

apart from, you know. the fact that his ears are turning pink, in a way that would have been impossible, just three years ago. first raf, now kurt. it's incredible. unimaginable, for the boy monster that used to be; unimaginable, because he couldn't even conceive of trying to earn this kind of invitation. back then, he'd taken love like he took prisoners. through blackmail and fucking abduction.

these days, he knows that the complexity of two is often more painful than the simplicity of being all alone. but the rewards— his eyes search kurt's face with as much hunger as he ever used to show his drugs.]

You think I'd make a good X-Man? [he asks. his tone isn't as sarcastic as it should be.] You think I'd save a world for you?

[shadowblends]

[he's pretty sure his heart back-flipped then proceeded to freefall into his stomach. the whole experience is rather uncomfortable, yet kurt steels himself, adam's apple bobbing with the effort it takes for him to swallow down his anxiety. kavinsky seems... well, fine, actually? maybe he's overreacting about the whole thing and his calmness isn't awful.

which is exactly what he thinks when he notices the pinkish tinge to joseph's ears. his eyebrows raise, bewilderment obvious, although the way he smiles shows just how much of a smitten little kitten he's become.

and when kavinsky studies his face, he meets him with an equal amount of desire, answering the questions by laughing warmly at first.]

I think you could try. [kinda like how blue'll later believe in a mutant he doesn't know yet. he finally averts his attention, scoffing and shrugging his shoulders, total self-deprecation when he answers,] A silly idea, isn't it?

[pillz]

[kavinsky rubs his hand over his ear, his fingers forking through his hair. splits the locks into weird gelled spikes, which he then has to flatten back into the stylish trajectory of his head with the flat of his palm. this is so awkward. he is a ridiculous person, probably. he'd been shocked, too, when rafaello had extended his final invitation back to his homeworld; final because it's finally time. (rafa, in the meantime, had thought it should be no shock at all.)

it's rafaello who comes to mind, of course. that very same invitation.]

It's not a silly idea, [he says.] I mean maybe the world-saving, heroics shit is 'silly,' but like. There's this-- uh. Rafaello already asked me if I was gonna go home with him and his whole family. Like, [and there's only the smallest awkward hitch before he says,] my whole family. Actually, uh. I was thinking-- I was wondering. I mean I'm not trying to make it fucking weird or anything--

[kavinsky never hedges. he lies, sometimes. he misdirects. he swears. he erupts into furious, ludicrous tantrums. but he doesn't hesitate, not like this.

and yet.]

—I thought maybe you might wanna come. With us, [he mentions, to the breeze rippling coolly by,] If you didn't have to save the fucking world right away.

[shadowblends]

[the cobalt-colored teen watches kavinsky's hand, silently admires the way he rubs it up, musses through his hair and ends up smoothing the strands back into place. it makes kurt's lips quirk, fond amusement in response to the odd little motion. part of him even wants to muss the other boy's hair again, but he decides against the gesture for now, focusing instead on what they're talking about.]

We wouldn't have to be heroes all the time. [or at all? maybe things would be different if joseph had gone home with him instead. a huge maybe he's starting to rethink the whole time the fledgling hesitates, fumbling with whatever he seems intent on telling (or asking) kurt.

when he finally says it, though, his eyebrows abruptly raise, astonishment obvious because was he hearing that right?] You want me to come with you, [a statement, no hesitation while he segues forward.] Not right away, it would seem. There doesn't seem to be any immediate danger in my world at the moment...

[pillz]

[for a boy who seems soft and quiet and a little shy, kurt sure is rather forward. presumptuous.

extremely correct and accurate, dead on about kavinsky's intentions.

the vampire looks at the mutant for an instant, and then laughs, gives him a little push. just a little bump that shuffles him backward a few degrees before he'll have to sway back into place. he's strong enough that he could put kurt off the edge of the building, but this isn't that. this isn't anything he can remember having done before at all.]

I, [he says, looking everywhere before he looks at kurt.]

Yeah. I want you to come with me. Least til some immediate danger happens to your world.

[he smiles, and it trembles on his face but stays.]

[shadowblends]

[when one has dealt with kavinsky's bullshit long enough, they learn how to approach it. in kurt's case, that means straightforward now-- no beating around the bush or trying to dance around things.

who cares if it's a little audacious?

kurt oomphs when he's shoved, vivid golden eyes blinking confusedly before his expression softens, gentle mirth toward kavinsky's playfulness, his blatant anxious demeanor. he shuffles back forward, arms tucked beneath his tail, upper-half leaning so he can nudge the shorter boy with his shoulder.]

I'd love to go with you. [his own grin wavers, too, though he does his best to hold steady.] For however long you'll have me.