synflux | ( open. ) masked gala

Entry tags:

( open. ) masked gala

WHO: Any Outsider is more than welcome!
WHAT: The Royal Gala (citation needed)
WHERE: "Ruby Room," an event hall in Neo Tokyo.
WHEN: 10th day of September.
WARNINGS: Alcohol, potential suggestive topics, and will update as we go!

Throughout the week leading up to the event, every Outsider will have received an elaborate invitation in a wax-sealed envelope. Each letter will be relatively unique, but ultimately seems to carry the same contents:

Your presence has been summoned to the first annual royal gala, which will take place at the Ruby Room on the 10th day of September, the year 2078. Please come dressed appropriately, and do not forget a mask. While not required, depending on your dancing abilities, it is highly suggested.

- Callisto Regulus

CODED BY TESSISAMESS
Whether people attend out of a sense of obligation, out of suspicion in finding more about the event (and by extension, what it entails), or even simply as an excuse to dress up and raise ones spirits— all is welcome. While no theme is established, one could likely surmise from the envelopes that the colors of the venue will be predominately decorated in reds, black, and golds.

No matter where one looks, the entire hall has been intricately decorated. While the vast majority of the venue appears to mirror what one would see in a palace, including all the pillars and seemingly expensive items put on display, if one peer through their oculars, they will find it is designed much like ones room upgrades are: through technology. Though, a smaller percentage of some of the items appear delicately handmade, including the lace on the dining tables thanks to some assistance. It is as much the decadent scenery as one could envision, even if to some degree, it's fake. But, listen, they do technically have some sort of budget.

Additionally, as specified on the invitation, as soon as anyone walks through the doors of the venue, and have their names announced (per course of a royal celebration)— if they are wearing a mask, they will find that their identities are obscured from others. This includes their appearance and voice, which may appear blurry or slightly different to what it usually is. This is because the venue itself casts an affect on anyone wearing a mask, making them completely anonymous to one another. However, the illusion is quick to break if one just removes their mask!

Aside from the mystery of the masks, there will also be several other forms of entertainment available for the night:

1. DANCE
As with any gala, there will naturally be music and dancing throughout the night. Soft music will play throughout the venue and will include several tunes. If one doesn't know how to dance, perhaps they will have a partner who knows all the steps? If not, if they open their oculars, they will find several guides passive aggressively attached to a folder dropped to all Outsiders called "Educate yourselves" made by yours truly. They do, however, appear to be fairly good guide videos, even if they are made through AI, and may even utilize your own face? Oops.

2. GARDEN MAZE
There will be a section in another room of the venue that is labeled as being a maze. When one enters, they will find themselves surrounded by extremely tall shrubs, or what appears to be that. Instead, it is much like a virtual escape room. The point is to find the exit that will lead them back to the dance hall. However, it won't be so easy. Hopefully no one loses their partner for the night in here.

3. SECRET PASSAGEWAYS
If one explores the maze deeply, they will find that the main hall isn't the only place it leads to, instead they will discover that there are several hidden passageways that lead to secret rooms. Perhaps, it was made to provide some people some privacy. Privacy appropriate for such a demure and mindful event, that is.

4. FIREWORKS
At the end of night, there will also be a firework show. Considering that actual fireworks weren't permitted even during the festival period, it's reasonable to say there will be no real fireworks here. However, what guests will get is a VR firework show at the end of the night. Perhaps, not an entirely poor way to end it.

Perhaps, these events and how elaborate the venue is at least makes up the lack of food items. While there are food, they are kept rather simple. Maybe in light of recent events, it was decided they keep it within means. While the food may appear fancy or delicious, they will be made with what is similar to ration bars, but in varying flavors. To make up for it, the main dish, however will be a delicious mystery meat. No one knows where it comes from, or what it's made of.

There will also be several speeches throughout the night, and perhaps you may also feel inclined to make your own before a toast? Whichever the case, surely no one is here for Callisto's speeches, at least.

( ooc note: the mask prompt was approved by mods and purchased with points, but feel free to have your character remove their mask if it's not their thing! i just wanted to add in a fun surprise in the log. also, you're free to assume whatever is typically in galas to be here, so don't feel locked into anything! the most important rule of all— have fun!!!

once again, your character is free to get an invite as everyone was invited! 👍 )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I have a lot of experience, yes!

[ She excitedly follows him. Her experience is in dancing on her own - alone - while daydreaming in the Underworld, but he doesn't need to know that, right? That's plenty of experience as far as she is concerned, yes yes. ]

I must also applaud you for your beautiful speech earlier.

Ah. Then I shall have to work to keep astride with you. [ Keep up with. Not one of his worst ones, he's learning. Maybe?

One thing that can be said for Godzilla is if you give him visual aids he'll pick up on things shockingly well for a literal dinosaur. Once they've taken the dance floor he puts his hand around her on her upper back and waits for her to get situated before they set into motion. ]

It is rewarding to here this. Most seemed to find the words more concerning than applaudable.

Ehehe.

[ He's pretty good at it! He knows the right position and how to get started. Perhaps this will be the greatest dance of the night? ]

There is cause for concern, and you addressed those concerns. What last month taught us is we need to be prepared for the worst possible outcome - lest they become a reality.

[ You won't find her condemn his speech, no sir! ]

Indeed. Though I do not look forward to the role of executioner, as some seem to believe. It is a distasteful necessity.

[ Despite the rather grim statement the dancing goes on! It's what she's probably spent way too long day dreaming about. Simple yes, refined and graceful though? Also yes. Godzilla steps perfectly with the beat, easily synching it up to the thrumming in his own core, and his feet remain sure and well placed. A couple of years of trying to avoid stepping on tiny humans means not stepping on someone's feet is hatchling's play. ]

Enough of such things. This gathering, you have been enjoying it, Miss?

[ Miss. He really has tried hard for this event, bless him. ]

[ She dares hope he will not have to take on the role an execution, but she shares in the sentiment. She's seen those people within their own ranks who have, well, questionable morals to say the least. But she nods and change the topic as well. ]

Absolutely! It is quite possibly the most fun I have had since my arrival in this world
[A smile.] Are you enjoying yourself as well?

[ And she... Sparkles. Something that probably betrays her identity. ]

[ There's not a lot of people out there who sparkle, that's for sure. There's a beat and then a chuckle, a wide grin splitting across his. When he speaks it's in the old language he's pretty certain she'll understand. ]

Indeed I am, little goddess. [ Another chuckle and a wink. ] My thanks for thr invitation. Experincing such an event from amongst the humans has been as much enjoyable as it has been informative.

O-Oh, you know it is me?

[ In spite of everything, Ereshkigal is completely and utterly unaware of the sparkling phenomenon that follows her. Well, Rover did mention it, but it's kind of slipped off her mind ever since...

Still, past the surprise she seems pretty content with what he says. ]

I'm glad. I figured you could use something like that. [She smiles brightly.] As ancient beings from earth, we must help each other.

A lucky guess, nothing more.

[ Even Godzilla of all individuals has figured out Ereshkigal has confidence issues. He's not going to let her know what gave her away to him, that would just undermine her, best to let her think it was pure chance. ]

Help each other and watch the young ones, yes. It is a tireless duty that I am gladdened to share with one as diligent as yourself.

Ehehe.

[ It's true, she's unknowable! It has to be a guess. Though what he says about young ones remind her - weirdly enough her of something she'd meant to ask for a while. ]

T-That reminds me, I remember you mentioned something once that gave me pause. [...] Who - Or what is Tiamat in your world?

A Titan. The Imugi bore a resemblance to her, though her coloring was pink. She was of the ocean, her scales were sharp as my spines, there was much power in her and she knew it.

[ So much for more pleasant conversation that doesn't involve having to execute people. He sighs. ]

Arrogant, territorial, destructive. We clashed once and I granted her mercy. Then when I required use of her lair to prepare for a greater foe she refused to take that lesson to heart, she attempted to challenge me once again. I killed her and took some of her being into my own. I would rather had not done so but she left me little choice.

I see... [There some similarities. The relation to the ocean, an ancient being. But they sound very different all the same.] Where I come from Tiamat birthed humanity and the gods.

[ Arrogant is never a word she would associate with her. Destructive... Well yes, depending on the circumstances. But that's how it is for all gods. ]

To hear you speak Mother's name was quite a surprise. But it is evident they are very different entities.

This is for the best. I would be saddened to know I had struck down the kin of one under my tutelage.

[ Before she has too much time to register that he sees her as one of his students Ereshkigal gets the spun the way you're supposed to in all those fine regency novels, a elegant flourish that sees her feet leaving the ground for a moment, then set back in a completely different spot.

Dancing isn't too far off from the more structured arts of fighting, you're just not trying to throw your partner around. Godzilla's taken to this shockingly well for a dinosaur. ]

It has become my understanding that many of us that call an Earth home bear similar legends and tales. My own being is a mythology to some here. The commonalities are interesting.

[ Of course nobody's told him that said "mythology" are cheesy movies with people in rubber suits. It's probably for the best that way. ]

[ T-Tutelage? She's not under his tutelage! She's the second oldest outsider here, with him being the oldest, what the Kûr! Before she can express her outrage though, the spin stops her.

That was unexpected! She didn't think he would have such amazing dance moves! She would compliment him about it if her head wasn't spinning a bit. ]

R-Right... My name is known to this world, though there is no evidence I existed here.

[ She just hopes he won't look it up, because the stuff they wrote about her is scandalous. ]

I suspect it is because we represent concepts integral to Earth. Even if we do not exist in one version of it, the collective consciousness of the prime species will still represent us in some manner.

[ The really bad news for her is as soon as he's back on base he's probably going to research her pantheon more closely. Working as a university professor has let the big guy pick up on how research works, coupled with a general thirst for knowledge, well... at least he won't judge her over it. Humans often get things wrong and this world isn't her world, so it's fine! ]

Indeed. I myself protect and maintain the balance of nature, it is no wonder such import would spread across worlds. [ he has no idea what the Godzilla films are like... ] And you, a guardian and guide for the dead, yes? Humanity needs the comfort of a heart such as yours when they face their end. It comes far too swiftly to them, there is little need for it to be another fear they must endure.

[ And he has NO IDEA what her stories are like! Bless his heart he just knows her as genuine, bright, but unconfident person. It makes sense to him humans would want to think that's what waits for them after death. ]

[ Please please please ignore the part where it says she's had sex with Nergal for seven days and seven nights straight, no interruption! That's the worst fanfiction humans wrote! And also ignore the part where she threatened the other gods with the zombie apocalypse if Nergal didn't come back because she felt lonely.

... She could do it, but she hasn't!! ]

That's true. [She nods.] It always saddens me when I see afterlives that are built on suffering. Life is filled with enough pain. There is no need to add to it.

[ She should check if they have records of him here... Hopefully she won't find some old black & white tapes with people wearing godzilla suits! ]

[ Further bad news for Ereshkigal, Godzilla takes everything at face value still. He understands there's drift and differences between worlds at least, so she'll be able to give him her version... possibly after an awkward question or three. Her watching a few goofy rubber suited city smashing romps is the least she can do to balance out the scales.

And hey! He'll respect the stamina and the lengths she went to trying to secure her mate! That's good! ]

Indeed. Humans seem keen to scare themselves of their ending as much as they can, I do not understand why.

[ He's quite for a moment as a thought strikes him. The only being he's ever known to see what comes after the end is Mothra and she's never really... told him much, not to mention she always comes back. The failure at Seoul has broken his notion that anything he's involved in will succeed, what other facts has he taken for granted that he should start question...?

The big guy continues to be full of surprises on the dance floor despite his wandering mind. There's another flourish of a spin but this time rather than lift her, Ereshkigal finds herself dipped. A good fluid motion, then she's pulled back to her feet as they spin the opposite direction from the momentum. And he's doing all this without a tail to aid his balance, someone get him a medal. ]

Ereshkigal, an inquiry. [ He's serious now, looking her straight on. He needs to start having these questions answered and she's the goddess to do it. ] What is the oldest being you have welcomed to your realm? Or is it only humans that may reside there at the end?

[ Where did he learn to dance like that? Do Kaijus throw party in their Underworld?! Regardless, his question surprises her. T-That's a surprising one, is all. ]

No, I can welcome gods as well as humans— Or beings not clearly defined as one or the other.

[ She has a system designed to keep divine souls from escaping, as a matter of fact. Probably why the other gods aren't overly fond of her. But death is equal for all. ]

But to say their age is complicated... Gods from my pantheon are natural phenomenons given sentience. Death as an aspect of nature has existed for as long as life on Earth, and so you could say I am nearly four billions years old. [Goodness does she feel old saying that.] But if we're talking about my existence as a sentient being, then I am much younger. Tens, perhaps hundreds thousand years old at most.

[ It's a bit of a wide range she's giving, but that's because she really doesn't know. It's difficult for her to perceive time from the Underworld. And that's not even taking into account those aspect of natures may have taken on different forms before the rise of modern humans.

She cants her head to the side as she looks at him. ]

It's that sentient existence - and not the aspect of nature itself - that can end up in my Underworld. [The god who represents the sun can end up there, but the sun itself? It's staying where it is. Does it sound weird? Welcome to fate/.] Why this question?

[ Just when he thinks he's really got a handle on certain things he's thrown more curve balls. Eresh younger than him but also technically older if she's the very concept of death, but by her own admittance she was not a being until comparatively recently...? The most sensical thing of her explanations is that a being embodying a concept can pass while the concept remains. It's a similar enough idea to a legacy being left behind, just more metaphysical. He can roll with it. ]

Hmm, interesting.

[ That's all the answer she gets for a few beats. He's thinking. It doesn't exactly clarify his concerns but it helps a little. What awaits in the hereafter? Peace? A different adventure? Reunion with lost family and allies?

Then there's the immediate problem. She's asked a question and he's not one to lie. At the very least he likes Ereshkigal, she's a good heart, a staunch ally, and someone he has every reason to believe can be discrete. ]

Foolish notions have been plaguing me. [ He lets out an annoyed snort, having the good grace to turn his head slightly so the smoke that comes form his nose doesn't blow onto his dance partner. ] I have not always been yet I always will be, or so I thought. Korea has taught me nothing I took as fact can be for certain. There is the possibility of... failure.

[ And doesn't he look uncomfortable just thinking about it! He doesn't even bother trying to stop from sighing. ]

I am not like my mate, I will not return to the living. When my kind end they end. I have become curious as to what that might entail.

[ She smiles gently as he speaks. Ah... Kaijus really aren't all that different from humans, or gods for that matter. Such doubts and questions cross the minds of all who live. And when left unresolved, they plague the souls of those who no longer do. She's all too familiar with this. ]

Everything ends, Godzilla. Even I shall eventually end, when the last of human souls have returned to me.

[ She figures someday even his mate will— Even if she can return to the living after her demise, how do you return when the Earth is no more? When the very universe itself is no more? It's not just life that is fated to end, it is all that exists. Even the very memories of their lives, their worlds - history itself. But she doesn't find it distressing. It's the natural order of things, and there is beauty in it. ]

There are no exceptions - only certain beings and things who manage to delay the inevitable a bit more than others. Death is not a failure. It is and ever has been the companion of life.

[ It may sound contradictory, seeing how upset she got at all the recent deaths. But she sees no contradiction in it. The necessity for all who live to eventually die doesn't mean they should die early. ]

The realization of your own mortality may be painful right now - it always is. But it will make the remainder of your life all the more beautiful for it, for it is something precious you must seek to preserve.

[ If good things did not end, we would not think of them as good any more. That doesn't mean he should just accept death, of course. No, he must strive to live for life is precious - and it is precisely because the end is inevitable that it is so precious. ]

[ Something basic in Godzilla's nature rankles against her words of comfort. Everything ends? Foolish fallacy born from the arrogance of a self important godling! The Earth is eternal, the balance eternal, Mothra is eternal. These are things that will always be, reasons he should always be, to guard them all, reasons he must leave behind legacy and students who can take up that duty in his stead!

Unfortunately for that base nature, Godzilla's been growing. Reading, learning, discovering philosophy, growing close to beings who's lives will be over in the blink of his tired eyes. He doesn't just hear the wisdom in Ereshkigal's words, he feels it. The end will come, maybe soon, maybe long from now, but come it shall. ]

Indeed...

[ He sighs, a softer sound than his snorts or huffs, and nods. He tries to return her smile, he really does, but he just can't get the corners of his mouth to turn upwards right now. ]

I have battled to protect life for a very long time, though not to protect my own since I was a fledgling. Much changed when the protection of my world was lain on my shoulders, my own life became a simple tool to ensure the lives of every other were safeguarded.

[ A few beats as he mulls that over. A flourish, they once again twirl. How he keeps managing this while deep in philosophical thought is a mystery. Finally he nods. ]

"Life is real. Life is earnest. And the grave is not its goal" as Longfellow wrote, yes? Perhaps I should put my own lecturing into practice. Concern myself less with the end and more with the now.

[ Which is going to be difficult to do. He's used to quoting such poems and dispensing wisdom to the younger Outsiders yet he still sees himself so very Apart from them, the advice that applies to them surely isn't something that could apply to himself. However Eresh has made something clearer to him, he's no different, she a metaphysical goddess is no different. They are equals, all. As Outsiders and as beings that must one day reach an ending. ]

You are very wise, Ereshkigal. You should not allow others to diminish you as they seem often keen on attempting. [ And finally there's him smiling in answer to hers. More tired than gentle, but it's genuine. ] There is still much I must consider, yet it is far clearer now than it was. You have my thanks, my Friend.

[ And with that Ereshligal has entered into a group of what is now four Outsiders to earn the title of "Friend" in Godzilla's eyes. It's not a term he throws around lightly like humans tend to. For him it's someone he can trust, depend on, and simply be at ease around. ~~And he has no idea one of those four people would EAT HIM given half the chance but what he doesn't know can't hurt him.~~ ]

Edited 2024-09-25 07:48 (UTC)

[ Is she really as wise as he seems to think she is...? She's been called the wisest goddess in all of Mesopotamia. And she'll use that title to give herself a boost of confidence! But... She really doesn't feel all that wise most of the time.

She just thinks of death - of endings - as something natural. It doesn't scare her, even if it saddens her when it happens. She thinks humans would live happier lives if they weren't so scared of death, and yet that fear is so essential to their development and advancement. Perhaps that is "wisdom," it just so happens to be something she considers as normal. ]

You need not thank me.

[ Her smile brightens and she closes her eyes for a moment. ]

Many are the souls reaching my Underworld that are filled with regrets. All the things they wish they had done in life, all their dreams and hope, unrealized. They hesitated, they were afraid, they were unsure. And now... [It's too late. She shakes her head.] Sometimes I want to scream. Tell the living to live, so when their time come, they will not weep for the life they once had.

[ But even if I did, they wouldn't hear me.

Yet - not in this world. Here, they can hear her. So she can try to encourage them to live- Like the kaiju in front of her, who's just called himself a "simple tool." Heh. Kaijus truly are the gods of his world. ]

Don't spend too much time considering, alright?

[ That's part of why she invited him to the gala, he needs to live too. ]

[ She's really done a lot to change his perception of her tonight. Inexperienced she may seem in some regards, she takes her duty just as seriously as Godzilla has always taken his own. Dedication, passion, kindness, coupled with a zeal for enjoying life itself while ensuring others do the same. By now Godzilla has met more than a few that lay claim to the title of god or seek it. Besides Mothra, Ereshkigal might be the only being he has met that may hold true divinity.

She really needs to work on her confidence and capacity for battle however, but that's what a friend like him is for. If she is so ready to offer advise on living the least he can do is guide her in matters of strength. He'll have to come up with a lesson plan for her like he uses in his day occupation... ]

Heh, very well. I shall devote more time experiencing than considering from here on, you may hold my word in this.

[ Perhaps he should look into these "hobby" things humans like so much. That's a good place to start. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( open. ) masked gala

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject