[Open Log] Ch-Ch-Cherry Blossoms

[vianca]

Who: You!
What: Cherry Blossom Festival
When: April 10th - 18th
Where: All over town & campus. Wherever you find a cherry tree. Probably even up there on that mystery island for whatever reason, if you're so inclined.
Rating: Flower power.





Pink is everywhere. No matter where you look, you're sure to see the signs of soft pink and white blossoms. There's a fresh spark of life filling the air and just beckoning for everyone to come outside and enjoy the sweet scents of spring. Well, except for you, people with springtime allergies. They just want to make you miserable. But perhaps for everyone else, it was a wonderful amazing time to be had.



There are wonderful spots for picnicking! Frolic inducing atmosphere and the space to do it! Every so often you will see vendors selling treats for the event! Cosplayers taking advantage of their natural environments for photo ops! Hot date spots! Blossoms! Sparkles! Everywhere! Even when it rains.

This log is completely open! You can do whatever you'd like with whomever you'd like whenever you'd like. Just start up a thread and go!

Have fun! Don't forget to add your character to the entry tags! ♥

Comments

[lovesthepain]

Harpuia had never seen anything like this before.

It wasn't the food stands or the cosplayers or the festivities that captured his attention. Rather, it was the blossoms themselves. Trees were an extreme rarity in the time that he'd called home. Unheard of, in fact, outside of carefully controlled and restricted areas like the Forest of Dysis. For the world here to be so explosively -- almost carelessly alive -- was far beyond the reality he'd grown accustomed to.

He hadn't meant to linger, but somehow, that was precisely what he ended up doing. Standing in a spot away from the bustle and noise of the festival, but surrounded by a soft, snowlike rain of little pale blossoms.

[pyroblasters]

Suddenly descending from the sky beside Harpuia, is a man on fire.

"Huh. Wouldn't expect a robot to be appreciating nature like this! Assuming that's what you're doing. And assuming you're a robot, but Pyrrhon's pretty sure you are. You look a lot like all the other robots Pyrrhon's met."

[mohawk_tomahawk]

By all accounts, the average person who went through what Connor would've passed up on going. This was the first thing he did that wasn't serious of any sort. The first event when he relaxed and just enjoyed what this place had to offer. He just sat under one of the blooming trees and took in the colors, mostly blocking outside noise unless if he was with a peer.

But in the two times he was here, he was with her. Then she wasn't. Then it was just him.

Yet he was here anyway.

He mostly sat under the tree alone, purchasing the same plate of meatballs that he grew to like for whatever reason. What an odd tradition he made for himself.

[trustycrowbar]

Gordon knew he had to get out of his lab. Even though it was nice and busy, and in there it was easy to forget the absence of something, someONE that had been central to his life, he realized that he says going to go insane in there. The daylight was blinding when he did finally step out of the science building.

...he had no particular destination in mind when he started walking, but when he saw Connor sitting under that tree, ha knew when to stop.

Without a single word spoken, he joins the man, sitting with his back against the tree. He's quiet for a long time. Looking up at all that beautiful, romance-soaked, goddamed spring foliage.

[punchtheflute]

Essentially? Cherry Blossom Festival was Sonny Moe's Jam.

Food vendors! Pretty places to sit and take in the scenery and play his Ukulele!

So, you have a couple of options when it comes to chilling out with this guy:

1) Jam session! Got a musical instrument you want to try out? Need a backup singer or think a little strumming is the perfect accompaniment to that kickass drum solo/sick guitar shredding/mean flute tooting/tasty accordion jam? Sonny is ever ready, even if it means he'll have to play it by ear.

2) Impromptu picnic! Are you hungry? Sonny has plenty of festival food at his disposal, considering he always buys in bulk and has no qualms sharing! Grab a paper plate and grab a handful of takoyaki or an onigiri or a corn dog. Or some pizza. Or some doritos. Or a sausage sandwich. If you want something in particular? Chances are he can or will or has found it.

3) Napping! Have you ever wanted to use a giant panda monster as a bed but never had the opportunity? Well, consider your oddly specific problem solved, my friend! Sonny, in Snorlax form, can take up residence under any given tree for a restful nap only to awake awash in pink petals.

4) Choose your own adventure! If it's something you want to do and you want Sonny to do it too, he's open!

1

[thishereismonapizza]

The cherry blossoms and their sweet fragrance wafting through the air brought a calming effect to Mona. In the past couple of weeks the red head had been in a rotten snit and the most foulest of moods. Who could blame her really when her beloved vespa lay out of commission for the time being, sitting back in the academy parking lot with dents, scratches and a broken mirror. It pained Mona to even look at her damaged vehicle that she'd hidden it from her own view with a tarp until a proper mechanic could be sought. In the meantime, the normally bubbly girl was less so cheerful with the major bike calamity hanging over her head.

But the cherry blossoms were helping to alleviate her anger and bring about a reason for Mona to be out wandering. Her mind needed to be taken off her bike for the time being and focused on another task more pleasant bearing. What better way to beat her frustrations then to dust off her bass guitar and go strum out a few chords under the cherry trees. Rusty as she may be since playing in her band, there wasn't a reason to fret. Wasn't like she was playing for a full house. Just her own, simple self and a couple of trees.

With her guitar slung to her back, Mona walked through the path of trees to find herself a secluded spot to practice. She stopped in her tracks as her ear picked up a sound on the wind. Was she hearing things? She could have sworn she heard a note play...

And there it was again. Someone in the near vicinity was playing an string instrument of some sort. but who, and what? Mona put a hand to her chin in thought as she headed to the source of the tune. Of the few people she'd mentioned about her band days to, not a single one offered to give her the names of students in the school who played. A shame really.

Mona picked up her pace once the music grew louder, and turning a corner she slowed to a stand still as the figure loomed ahead of her. Quietly she stood as on onlooker, not daring to disturb Sonny in the middle of his playing. Instead, Mona leaned against the nearest blooming tree and settled in to listen. It was bad form after all to interrupt a musician while they played a cue.

[rivalthunderbolts]

DID SOMEONE SAY FROLIC? JOLT HEARD YOU SAY FROLIC.

SO HE WAS GONNA FROLIC.

He ran around as a sparkledog, catching blossoms as they drifted down in his teeth, diving into piles of foliage just for the sake of it, and having a grand old time.

BUT THEN

[rivalkidneypunch]

[golonghorns]

....oh yeah. He remembered this going on last year, too.

Luckily enough, Joel had never been a severe sufferer of hay fever. He'd also never been particularly enamored of blossoms or the color pink but that was besides the point, most likely.

He took a stroll here and there, looking at all the flowers and sampling a little of the food from the stalls. Some of it was stuff he wasn't used to, but there was no pickiness left in the man, so, he was open to sampling a little of everything and really, when you got down to it, the scenery was kind of nice.

You can find him most places, if finding him is a thing you'd like to do.

[tank_rockarms]

Congratulations, you have found one (1) Maximilian Justice Powers, eating grilled chicken skewers by the dozen.

He waves a hand full of chicken skewers in acknowledgment at you.

[monotreme_101]

Daaaaaaag - look at all the pink trees!

Knuckles was a little bewildered by exactly how pink they were. Being mostly tropical in nature, the plants of Angel Island didn't include these sakura blossoms.

Being the nature loving guy that he was, you could find him pretty much anywhere, just looking up at the trees, brushing blossoms from his face and chest when they landed there. He had to wonder - he'd heard that these were cherry blossoms from one of the people running a stall. Did that mean the place was going to be filled with cherries, soon? Because even though his favorite food was grapes, he was sure down for eating some cherries.

[jonny_talbain]

A book, a thermos of hot, black tea and a gently shaded spot under a cherry tree in full bloom.

You couldn't find a more tranquil way to spend a cool spring morning.

Jon was taking a break from training to enjoy the weather and the scenery and stretch his mental muscles a little with a book or two. That's not to say he can't be approached. In fact, he'd be fine with a distraction or two to pass the day.

[magicdancer]

Shantae enjoyed the signs of springs, and was out and about enjoying the falling blossoms. Admittedly it did make her miss Alorah, but she was determined to enjoy herself for the sake of her absent friend.

[alouest]

❝ Hanami is a sign, Clear. It is the beginning of renewed life come vernal equinox. With these pink petals comes the fruit of Mother Nature. It is a day to celebrate. ❞
His grandfather's words still remained embedded deep in his heart. The fond memory of watching his grandpa's old slides, displaying sakura trees of different shapes and sizes, was vivid. Still, none could hold a candle, apart from the obvious sentimental value, to the sight of them in person, pink fluttering in the breeze and raining upon the earth with vibrance.

Clear simply spent his time sitting beneath the trees, eating sakura mochi that Nancy had made for just this special occasion. He himself had also made dango with a sweet sauce, dyed the same color as the surrounding petals. Not only did this particular season tickle his sweet tooth, but it also renewed him with hope, a desire to become one with everyone else celebrating, with humanity.

Eventually, he'd fallen asleep, laid spread-eagle beneath the trunk of one tree. His body was dusted in the spring time petals, some even landing on his respirator.

"Guuuu... guuuu..."

[planking]

At some point, a wet dog nose might smear up the eyes on Clear's mask as Boney investigates the funny noises he's making.

[itsjustrats]

It was hard to go unnoticed on a bright, sunny day with cherry blossom petals sticking to all-black clothes, so Garrett was forced to forgo picking any pockets today. Instead, he found a row of cheesy and out of place looking carnival games among the vendors. They were rigged, of course. He knew a con when he saw one. Which meant, of course, that he just had to beat them at their own game.

If any of those over-sized stuffed toys they're giving away as prizes catches your eye, you might want to keep an eye on the creeper throwing darts at balloons.

[mohawk_tomahawk]

Another hooded figure? Here? Garrett was a eye sore from a mile away, and Connor grew instantly curious. Since Desmond left, he had seen no one else of his "kind". This could not be, but it was worth looking into.

They were out in pure daylight surrounded by people. Nothing odd could happen, or SHOULD happen.

He was winning at this cheap dart game, and very finely. Like as if this man knew what he was doing. It was all about precision. Yes, Connor had partaken in these dumb games and got a bit competitive with them. Only when bored. The prizes didn't matter.

"You are a fine shot," said the Native.

[babylonmechanic]

Sure, Wave loved spring as much as the next person. Except she wasn't used to spring taking place after summer by her reckoning of time. She could have gone out and done some frivolous things, but she would have rather kept herself busy. And the warmer temperatures meant she could enjoy the outdoors while sitting in the middle of a pile of spare parts and tools, working on Extreme Gears, and then test them right there.

[trustycrowbar]

"HuaCHOO!"

Gordon had his own issues with the spring, but not the same as hers. He sniffles into a bandanna-turned-handkerchief on his way out of the autoshop, his shirt a mess of oil and metastable liquid gravitons that cause it to sag strangely on his form. He happens to see the feathered girl with a circle of parts around her, and halts.

"Mind if I ask what that is, that you're working on?" He asks from the periphery of her mechanical summoning circle.

[vela_nova]

Blaze had spent several springs in Final Destination City now, and she had to admit, it was a very nice time. The festival was back in town, and Blaze wasn't going to miss it. Wearing a light yukata, she went out to see the sights, relaxing and enjoying the activities.

[mach_n_roll]

As she's walking between the trees, one of them sneezes.

That's the best way to describe the rustling and the sudden, startled shower of petals that cascade over and around her. You know, normally it's the trees that make PEOPLE sneeze... The source of these inverted case of allergies becomes clear when Sonic's blue head pokes out from among the pink flowers in another shower of petals.

"Hey Blaze!" He blinks, taking in what she's wearing. "Whoa. You look amazing!"

[givemeyouranswerdo]

Where else did you expect the flowery princess to be than out and about enjoying the first blossoms of spring? She was ready to enjoy the festival, but more excited to prepare for that wonderful tradition of spring: sports starting up again.

[iamtheeggman]

Eggman didn't have time to enjoy the cherry blossoms. He had SO MUCH TO DO! He had his wedding with Flurrie to prepare! He had his evil empire to rebuild! He had to rebuild his robots!

He had to... get in shape? Maybe?

Was he working out...?...!...?

He was trying to turn himself into Sonic Boom Eggman.

[raced_god]

Some things could not possibly go ignored. This was one of those things.

Falcon was not currently working out--Falcon was currently enjoying a churro from one of the festival vendors, watching Eggman try to do jumping jacks, or something, and wondering just what the dick was going on over there.

[megabuster]

Oh wow, everything was so pretty...! Rock had never really taken a chance to enjoy cherry blossoms before, but it was so colorful! And there was a festival full of games and activities! He so had to check it out!

And so he did! He was decked out for the occasion, with a traditional outfit Roll sent him for enjoying cherry blossoms. He was ready for this.

[lovesthepain]

Entranced as he was by babby's first cherry blossoms, Harpuia had been spending an awful lot of his free time outside. Having had time to appreciate the flowers themselves, he had begun to explore the festival itself. Civilian festivities like this were never really something he had the time to indulge in, and being able to people-watch with so many excited faces going by... it was kind of nice, truth be told.

Though one face in particular did catch his eye. When Harpuia had met Rock, he had been in full armor. With the blue metal traded in for a traditional yukata, the difference was staggering -- truth be told, Harpuia was a little unsure if this was the robot that he'd met on his arrival or just an ordinary human. He hesitated, a little thrown off by the sight.

[birdlady]

Near the vendors was a stall with a sign that proclaimed it belonged to the 'Chao Rescue Humane Society'.

Melia was sitting at the table, flanked by some of her personal guard. A few of the adorable little creatures in question were climbing around on the table, fluttering with their tiny wings, and one was sitting on one of the guards' heads.

"Hello!" Melia greeted anyone who wandered by with a smile and an informational pamphlet. "Would you perhaps be interested in learning about the well-being of the Chao?"

[flamejock]

"What's a Chao, wingy-hair-lady?" asks an earnest young man who may sort of be flexing his muscles at you a little bit as he asks the question.

[ihateplumbers]

Bowser is doing what you're supposed to do at a hanami festival.

He's drunk. He's very drunk. Who let him have alcohol? Who knows. Why did he decide to do this? A good question. Does alcohol make his fire-breathing skills more or less potent? Yes.

But here he is. A bottle of something that a good, late-90s/early-2000s-era anime would describe as 'tea' or 'hot sauce' in one hand, a giant pile of dessert in the other. Bowser is having a good time. Clearly.

oh no

[lovely_wind]

A mysterious, voluptuous woman in a yukata wanders past Bowser, her face obscured by an oil-paper umbrella. Who could she be?

[insbarational]

Kai is doing what you're supposed to do at a hanami festival.

He's sitting on a blue tarp beneath a cherry blossom tree with what looks like a homemade assortment of Japanese picnic foods. Gyoza, onigiri, tamagoyaki, sakura mochi, tea, beer, & senbei and a dozen other things in adorable little boxes. He's sitting in seiza and considering the end of things.

He may be very slightly drunk. Or he may not be! He's more than happy to share his bounty, if you ask. He clearly has way too much food. You should ask him for some food.

[inspirethewires]

"Sir."

Hajime idled nearby, eying the spread his danchou had set out. Though he'd largely made it past his worst stages of depression, he'd still come out of all that happened rather... subdued.

"Would it be all right if I joined you?

[crystal_ballin]

Hagakure is doing what Hagakure does at a hanami festival.

He's got his "JAPAN'S NUMBER ONE PSYCHIC" stand open. UnReasonable Rates. Also, there's a little photo montage of young chickens on a poster-board with names, asking for volunteers for the chicken stand -- thanks for leaving him, Itchymarbles.

"Fortunes told! Japan's Number One Psychic!" he calls. "Will you find romance in a shower of sakura petals? Find out here!"

Who could resist this.

[punchtheflute]

"Oooh! I'll try! Do me, do me!" Sonny said, jogging over to his Hakkō-ryū buddy and fumbling for his wallet. He was a young man in his early twenties with steady employment and few prospects for the future so why not blow money on a festival psychic!?

[trustycrowbar]

Gordon has some problems with allergies, and a sudden plethora of spring blossoms isn't kind to his nose.

HOWEVER. He likes beer, and has been told that there's plenty of it down at the festival. Ziio's memory isn't going to drink ITSELF away, either. So, with a couple of different allergy meds in his system and a SMASH ACADEMICS t-shirt on to welcome the spring warmth, he ambles down to the line of stands and games for food and drink.

And more drink.

And maybe some more.

[tempus_fixit]

In the morning, Lucca finds herself a nice, fluffy tree to rest under, a large tome in tow for her to read. There you'll find her, maybe reading, maybe reading while sipping some tea she'd gotten, maybe reading with a snack. But always reading.

In the afternoon, however, she's on the midway, shooting targets and throwing rings, trying unsuccessfully to scoop up goldfish, and all that comes along with a sakura festival. Or she could be grabbing lunch. Or taking a walk. You can find her anywhere, really, and probably will!

[itsjustrats]

Garrett had figured out most of these dumb carnival games, but this one with the fish had him stumped. He kept at it, determined not to let this stupid thing get the best of him. He casually glanced over at Lucca a few times to see what she was doing and make sure he was doing it right.

[thishereismonapizza]

Mona is in the spirit of entrepreneurial business for some fresh, crisp green moolah, so she's set up shop at the festival as a food vendor. What kind of food? Dumplings of course! It's a cherry blossom festival after all. Her cute stall is set up under a pair of cherry trees and she's dressed for the part in an equally cute cheongsam. The woman isn't new to this business either, she's set up shop before and sold dumplings back in Diamond City.

"Come try my delicious snacks! Get 'em while they're hot!"

You'll find her actively standing in front of her booth holding a tray of dumplings in her hand as she calls out to entice potential customers passing by.

[twotailedgenius]

Tails was content to walk around outside and enjoy the spring air and the view. Sometimes he'd bring a book out... but he still preferred to work on his projects inside. So anytime he was seen outside, it'd be to enjoy the weather.

At least he didn't have allergy issues like some were having. Must be rough on them. He's more than willing to strike up conversation with anyone, and he's all smiles, so feel free to approach him!

[mach_n_roll]

"Hey Tails!"

With all the festival food that is flying around the town... somehow, somewhere, Sonic had managed to find a chili dog stand. He waves with one hot dog in one glove while he munches on the one in the other. He makes a hot-doggish gesture towards the food stalls.

"Y'hungry? Chili dogs aren't bad here! Could use some jalapenos, though."

[mach_n_roll]

Sonic is everywhere. He is everything, he is in all of us He's so damn fast that people can find him at any time of day:

At the food vendors, munching on corn dogs and takoyaki and jelly snacks... Among the trees, admiring the surrounding flora... IN the trees, taking a five-minute snooze... parkouring the city, just because it's there... apologizing to a food delivery guy that he's crashed into... Or just passing by on anything else that others might be doing.

[almost_a_mermaid]

The cherry blossoms in bloom has and always will be a favorite time of year for the blue haired female. It brings back fond memories of a fellow blue haired male she befriended years ago at this exact moment in time. She loved the rustle of the leaves and blossoms in the air, the liveliness of the nearby festival...

This year, you can find her situated beneath one of the blossoming trees raining its petals down around her. She's peacefully reading a novel and, from time-to-time, she'll glance up to admire the gorgeous nature around her. At one point, she'll have grown to be so relaxed that you may find her sleeping.