The mottled grey sky was no call, on this afternoon anyways, for the children to run home - instead it was a call to excitement, the young and old alike shrieking in delight and frolicking pell-mell as the snow lazily drifted downward. Mounds had formed overnight, sometimes whole hillocks, and what few weren't being used as a method of rapid downward conveyance were being used as parts of an arsenal, hefted through the air in arcs of wintery devastation to shower those who knew not 'war' in chilly defeat. Some even dug into these hills, forming mediocre trenches or simply 'hideaways', whole caverns beneath the snow where they may lie in wait or simply rest, the most capable doing so on furniture made of fashioned frost.

Some, of course, did not play: some were busy, preparing for the annual feast. Not simply any feast, of course, but the great feast of peace, of brotherhood. The day of the feast was a special day in Soul Society as a whole: a day where no weapon would be drawn, nor would any fist be risen in anger. Hospitals and the Second Division itself would be drawn to a close, as per instructions reaching into time immemorial, and in fact the Seireitei as a whole was essentially evacuated, the gates manned by only a few from the Fourth Division, who would be changed during the day regularly, so as to give everybody ample time to enjoy the festivities.

As per the custom, a massive gate was erected near the edge of the First District, a great thing made of iron wrought into different designs and shapes, honestly a very festive cage-like apparatus. The two entrances, one facing the Second District and one the Seireitei, were still wide-open, with two guards posted at each, and a long row of chests running along either side. These chests, all visitors would know, were to store weapons and other such items: none were allowed within the great Holiday Feasting Grounds, by any man or woman or otherwise, though all were invited - and 'all' was a very open term, as shockingly enough, alongside the Shinigami and the Rukon Citizens preparing for the feast, more than a few Hollow could be identified.

This day was the one single day, the lone exception, where these beings could honestly be not only tolerated by the other two factions, but in fact welcomed. Hollow were clapped on the back by Shinigami for jobs well done, Rukon Citizens were hoisted on the back of Hollow to reach otherwise unreachable heights, and the meats of the Feast were eyed in equal measure by all three groups.

A massive line-table held high above his head, Kiba too entered the feasting area, grunting as he brought his table low in order to create a great square made of tables, where potentially hundreds may be sat and could eat. Behind him came a train of Shinigami and Citizens, hands near to overflowing with bounty as they lined the centers of the tables, the mouth-watering aromas filling the First District in short order - and before long, Kiba brought his hands to his mouth, turning his head to the sky to crow out for all to hear: "COME AND GET IT!"

Those within the gates were the first to sit, and though they were hungry indeed from the work, they did not fill their plates - there were traditions to be upheld, and they would give the others their precious few minutes before the time came when they would dive face-first into whatever they could fit into greasy mitts and shovel onto their plates.

Those who approached knew by this point to turn their weapons over to the guards at the gates - to not to do was impossible, for indeed, these guards were masters of their art, and almost by instinct knew when items were being held from them, and by Ancient Custom, they alone had the ability to search prospective entrants for weapons - and their searches never failed to turn up contraband. A small price to pay, in the end, for so heartwarming an afternoon.

SPOILER: Click to show

Notes
Welcome one and all to the great Winter Social Event! Don't worry if it seems retarded at the moment, there will be a story of sorts developing out of this, I promise. In the meantime, you should be made aware once again of how the posting rules are/should work.

First, I will be posting every 24 hours, or as close to as possible. Second, there is no posting order: everybody does what they need to do, end of story. The only exception is if your post requires input from a person who went before you previous round in order to be written, but you'll know when you're the exception or not. Third, as pointed out in the post, your characters will be relieved of their weapons, and by that I mean they will be relieved of their weapons. Any argument or attempts to subvert this will result in removal from the thread, and that will be that.

Finally, try to have fun! While this is something that will have an impact character-wise or at least lore wise, it isn't in turn something grimdark and menacing that needs to be feared. It's the holidays for goodness sake! Just have some fun and roll with it, y'know?

Sengoku had come from the third district, baring a cart of wines, ales, meads, and other assorted liquors, as well as a crate of hot breads, meats, and other tasty treats. His erstwhile canine companion, Haiiro, accompanied him, and he had left his axes at home. His drink soon found itself parked with all the rest, and his food found its way to a table. Having made his contribution to the party, Sengoku scooped the little pup up from the ground and dropped him into one of the big pockets of his heavy winter overcoat. He nodded cordially to the shinigami around him, poured himself a pitcher of warm peach brandy, and gathered up a plate of food, returning to a table full of friends he knew from the Rukongai.

Seated among his comrades, he laughed and joked; his stories invariably revolved around their escapades in the third and fourth districts, and the antics of rowdy bar patrons who just didn't know when to go home. He joined in holiday songs and drank to the good harvest and long summer. Massive bonfires drove away the winter cold, and the good food and alcohol purged it from his bones. It was a good day for a feast, for merriment, and for camaraderie.

Yoshiya had woken up feeling pretty good today. The cold air was in his lungs, and there was a bracing wind to make him feel alive. It was a good day for him. Even this notorious grump had days when he felt cheery, and capable of socialising. Or maybe he had just decided to be happy. What is real emotion, and what is put on to play the character that is required? Who is to know.

Of course, he did understand he had a reputation to keep up, so he decided to attend this event in disguise, relinquishing his usual cloak for a woolly jumper, bottle green with a red zig-zag along the chest. He also donned a similarly green hat with a red bobble and gloves, a deep scarlet in colour. But that was not the greatest change he made to this appearance this day, for this jolly figure striding towards the gate had a tartan scarf to warm his neck, rather than a beard. Hopefully he was unrecognisable enough that his reputation would not be tarnished.

Being familiar with the procedure of the event, he had left his staff at home, but he did wield the satchel containing the herbs over his shoulder. That, and a small snowball in his right glove. It wasn't the first one he had made on his trip there. Nor the first he had been hit by either, although he was able to see enough of them coming to dodge in time. Still, was the curse of the day ^_^

And so the man who looked little like the infamous grump strode confidentially to the queue to get through the gate, singing a jolly tune.

Twas the day of the feast for Ryuu as he he rode upon the back of a beast. For even a a being who enjoyed the shedding of blood wouldn't so much as push a child into mud. Having dispensed with his mask as he set the beast upon it's task, Ryuu's true appearance was so foreign to any who he knew, that his very existence seemed to pop up out of the blue. Riding on the back of a hollow that had the shape of a bear, but oddly enough the creature's ears were that of a hare.

Thus as Ryuu would ride toward his goal he would be hit by many snowballs as his toll. But he would have made enough snowballs that the snowball toll would be repaid. But what would a monstrous being such as he say on this most snowy and unsual day? "WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Ryuu shouted with a laugh, as he found himself engaged in a snowball duel with some children who were riding a hollow in the shape of a giraffe. Laughing with them as the duel soon moved to a race, the two hollows and their riders were able to keep pace. For the great meal was one of Ryuu's favorite times partially due to the free food that was quite sublime.

But soon all moments would come to an end, and Ryuu's would after his race turned around a bend. For they had arrived at their final stop where soon they would feast upon meat and crop. Having left his weaponry back in his cave, Ryuu was actually planning to behave. After stepping off of his faithful steed who had served him well in the race in his time of need. Ryuu went to the end of the line but it moved so fast that Ryuu soon found himself near a good place to dine. So he slithered and slunk with a smile most pleasant, and graced many conversations with his presence. Laughing and joking and teasing galore, would occur as Ryuu moved around the floor.

Soon finding a suitable place and sitting in a chair, Ryuu waited without a care. For while many had found their own place to sit, they still had to wait for everyone before they could devour the food to fill their pit.

Lets face it, Chie had no friends. Well, other than her pet fox, Von.

Being a friendless, shy creature often led to whispering and rumors, and more isolation, but today, oh today she was going to attempt something different.

Merriment.

Weird, yes, but she felt her mood lift earlier that day. She was out taking a walk, her faithful companion trotting happily at her side. While the pair wandered about, Von bounced happily from snow pile to snow pile, vanishing completely from sight for a moment before exploding forth to the next pile. Animals, Chie thought, were much better company that most people. They were loyal and honest, so she felt much more attachment toward them than her human counterparts. Anyway, Von's snow bouncing antics had raised her spirits a bit, enough so that she dared to attempt the unusual: Socializing.

Having gone home, leaving pet and weapons behind, Chie came back out once more, now wearing a thick, warm cape of jet black, white fur trimming its hood. The hood was lowered, and in her hair, a blood red poinsettia bloom was fastened, a festive ornament to celebrate the holiday. A few artistically arranged leaves of the richest of greens flanked the bloom, and it allowed color to compliment the light pink tinge that the cold had bloomed in her cheeks. Beneath her cloak, she wore her usual attire.

She made her way to the gate at the First Division, succumbing to the professional screening and check for weaponry of any kind. Having been found to have nothing, as she had nothing, she made her way past the gate to take part in the festivities.

Pausing a ways in, she looked about, knotting her hands beneath her clock as she visibly began to look panicked. There were, after all, a lot of people present, and she had no comfort zone, no friends to join.

Perhaps this was a bad idea...

Unaccustomed to such frivolity that the festival brought, Mai looked to the day of peace and feast with dread; winters had always been hard for her, and the expectation to partake in the festivities never set well with the melancholy weighing her down. Even the snow, soft and pure as it gently floated down to the cold earth, could not sway her with its simple beauty. Over the years as she aged and realized that her mother wasn’t going to come back, she gradually came to the acceptance that the cold, hard of winter, too, was a fact of life and she must endure. But that didn’t mean she had to enjoy it.

Now, however, things were different. She had made headway with her career, and now that she was accustomed to socialization as an adult, to her father’s immense pleasure, she could learn to enjoy the events which the season threw her way. Well, if the anxiety hadn’t kept her awake through the early morning when she should have been sleeping, instead fretting over what to wear, when to go, and then to drafting an itinerary about how long she was to spend where.

And then there were the contingencies. What to do if this happened, or if that happened, or if someone she did not want to engage with actively engaged her. Or how to escape if her father attempted to corner her with a potential suitor.

Fortunately, Mai had her own ideas on that end, and while it was still in its infancy, the attraction she felt growing was the source of her increased anxiety. When she finally gave into the restlessness, she took extra care to make herself presentable. Each stroke of the hairbrush, each delicately placed, repositioned, and replaced was painstakingly agonized over so that she could be picked out from the crowd and appreciated. A pair of red ribbons framed her face, softly braided with the tendrils of white-blonde pulled away from the simple bun at the base of her neck. Her face was relatively unpainted, as the cold would ensure the faint blush she recalled her mother always wearing – even when she was not smiling.

Sufficiently primped, and mildly upset that she couldn’t dress to the occasion as much as she wanted - the cold and the snow did influence the thick woolen tunic and slacks she wore - Mai made the trek through the snow across the length of Seireitei to the entrance of the festival alone, no pet or blade at her side. Many had arrived before her, providing a pathway, which she followed. Now, she would partake in the festivities, anxiously for the arrival of the one she dressed for.

SPOILER: Click to show

Somebody has sabotaged my technology so my alarm clock didn't go off in a timely manner. As such I have to get ready for work rapidly, meaning my next post won't be for over twelve hours. Feel free, those of you in the event already, to post a second free time enjoying the food and company of others.

A song was brewing among the Rukon citizens at Sengoku's table. Good drink, good food, and good friends had come together in a harmonious manner to produce a bawdy drinking tune one would have commonly found in the pubs and taverns of the districts. Naturally, Sengoku was leading the song, standing atop his table with a tankard in one hand and a shank of mutton in the other. He was rallying others to his song, and the various rabble assembled were joining in with glee.

"There was a Captain named Malik! A codgerly, ill mannered sort! He walked with a limp, wielding a stick, for the old fool thought it a sword!"

It only got worse from there.

"Now this captain named Malik was a grump indeed, with no regard for those in need! So enamored with heroics and tales of yore, he rode out to the wastelands to settle a score! Twas there he met a hollow of lore, a mighty beast with an arm-count of four. They clashed and they whirled and they danced and they twirled, the greatest battle in the world! But alas, poor Malik, in his doddering ways, had fallen prey to his elderly ways! Twas not with a hollow he evened the score, but rather a windmill, and now he's quite sore!"

Yoshiya got through without a hitch, the Shinigami not finding any contraband on him for there was none to find. He surveyed the feast, and was glad he had brought the herbs. He may have an upset stomach by the end of it. He did then espy a rather drunken man, singing tales mocking the Soutaicho. He seemed to have engaged in the festivities a trifle too soon.

"This cannot go unpunished," thought Yohsiya with a smirk, and he burst into his own tune.

SPOILER: Click to show

To the tune of Whiskey in the Jar.

"There was a burly Rukon, who took atop of tables
And in a drunken stupor, he went out spouting fables.
Of Tanaka Malik, our own dear Soutaicho
Telling tales of valour and of rather odd behaviour.

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar.

Now of this burly Rukon, he looked a fair ways stranger
For there were many Shini, he was in quite some danger
But not of their blades, or of the many Hollow,
Nay, t’was of food, he choked instead of swallow.

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar.

For he didn’t listen to the words of his mother
To heed advice, he never could have bothered
"Don’t talk with your mouth full", she said to him a-plenty
But with his mutton, he ranted to the gentry

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar.

It caught up in his throat, and off he went a bawling
For from his table, to the snow he was falling
He landed on the ground, yet his drop was broken
By the dung of a collow, so fresh that it was smoking.

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar.

But let’s not forget about the captain dear
For he had a daughter that kept him in fear
She was a right young rebel, always creating a ruckus
And pushing to the limit, the dear captain’s trust.

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar

She liked to run around, across field far and wide
Through bramble and through thicket, she would dive and hide
But the thorns of the brambles would pierce the little child
And turn her temper, though it seldom was found mild.

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar

She was taken to the second, to see a fine young doctor
He did patch her up, but secretly he mocked her
For the foolish father, who had let his girl run wild,
And couldn't keep track of his rambunctious child.

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar

Now where was the fourth, to guard their walled borders?
Shouldn’t she have been confined, by the Soutaicho orders?
For their fine captain was a trifle busy,
Flirting with a librarian, his own little missy.

Wish a ring doogadoo doogada
Work for the Taichou
Work for the Taichou
There’s Rukons at the bar"

Having insulted at least half a dozen people, he giggled and ran off to hide in a crowd. Though he was jolly, his mean streak hadn't subsided this day.

Ahh yes, the time of winter festivities was upon them! Music, food, conversations! The time when all the species of the Wasteland came together and enjoyed their time together...though honestly he always wonderd how that worked. He knew now all Hollow were feral, still...its was a bit strange to see them mingle with the same beings they hunt... maybe it was a bit of bias from his side. One of the creatures did cripple his father... Also there was the fact that his Division had been closed down along all the others. Being a man dedicated to his profession, he didn't quite enjoy closing down the grounds of his Hospital. Even in the time of peace, there was always some danger.

Still, Harupia tried his best to enjoy this festivities time. Why wouldn't he? Amidst all the worries, this was simply to big of a party for him to not enjoy!. Though this year he had a fair share of business to settle. As usual he made sure everything was fine in his Division grounds upon closing, and then he went back to his own household to get properly dressed. Most of the warm clothing was hidden under his regular Shinigami Garb, though he did wrap his neck in a dark green scarf, which laid slightly upon his Haori. But what took the most time was one alteration of his appearance. Making sure his warm undergarments didint stick out he exited his home.

On his way to the festivities, he passed his family household, in which he had a brief conversation with his parents. His father refused to go this yeah, feeling he would be to much of a bother...Harupia tried convincing him for a few days prior, but he saw that this wouldn't be the year he managed. After biding them farewell, chuckling with a hint of embarrassment as his mother commented on his change of appearance, he would make way towards the gates.

There he saw that everything was already set up well. The food and drinks were passed around, the people were laughing, singing, throwing snowball's...playing around a strange looking Hollow...besides that last bit it looked like a lot of fun. Handing in his Zanpakuto, which he felt he should carry around at all times even though he didn't use it much, as a sign of the Taicho of the city being constantly ready and able to serve their duty, and letting himself be searched further to no avail (he left the small blade he received as a...gift a few days ago back in his apartment) and then entered through the gates into the festivities.

By now slightly chilled from the perfect winter weather, the Taicho, wrapped in his scarf and wearing black woolen gloves, made his way to one of the tables. He heard the slightly... offensive tunes which were sung, but choose to ignore them with a small chuckle. It was a sign of good fun, whatever one found as such...As he entered, he found himself somewhat swarmed with more or less familiar faces, many of them patients who were grateful for his help. Also most of them comented on the cahnge he had made. For this Occasion, Harupia decided to let his hair out of its confines, and instead of his braid he had a cascade of light brown, long hair falling as low as his upper back.

He smiled sincerely at the attention, trying to converse with all of the he could, while taking a helping of some of the delicious food on the table, and also tasting one of the fine brew's. Nothing better to warm up in the cold. As he seeked nutrition, he looked around actively, searching out people he knew so he could gather them closer to him. While he could have missed him at his entrance, they were sorely mistaken if they thought he wouldn't find them eventually. His change of hair might even allow him to catch thme of guard...though he wouldnt mind if it was the other way around.

Chie inwardly snickered at the songs that wafted to her ears, one about her father, the other just as clever. She made her way through the area, shyly ambling toward a table as the smell of food drew her forth like a siren's call.

She settled at the end of a table, most of the nearby seats empty, and she felt slightly relieved by this small fact. Nervously, she smoothed out her hair and looked around, unsure if she should approach someone with the intent of friendly conversation.

Maybe she needed a drink...

Alcohol, from what she had heard, was a great social stimulant. Though she had never imbibed it herself, due to her health, she wondered if perhaps it would help with her unease.

Peering around, she pondered on this for awhile, also wondering if she would see some familiar faces, namely her father and sister. With a small stab of pain, the memory of her mother resurfaced, but she quickly numbed it by pushing the thought from her head.

Smiling and laughing at the two rather inventive songs that were made Ryuu said to some of the people around him, "You know I actually recall seeing a large four armed hollow that worked with a collow." Sharing a laugh with the others who were around him who all found the coincidence rather comical, Ryuu came up with an idea. A wonderful idea. A hilarious idea. A wonderful hilarious idea. AN IDEA THAT MUST NOT BE WASTED.

Beginning to spin his fork around his fingers, Ryuu gave a conspiratorial smile to the people at his table and said, "You know after hearing those two songs I can't help but take that as a challenge." Smiling even wider when all of the others also adopted his conspiratorial smile Ryuu knew what two words had crossed everyone else's mind. Those two words were 'Challenge Accepted'.

However if there was to be a battle of songs then Ryuu and the people at his table would need to bring a little bit of something extra to the table. "Just follow my lead." Ryuu said as he began HIS BENEVOLENT AND CELEBRATORY PLAN.

It all began with the rhythmic tapping of his fork between two glasses. Soon another person caught on and knocked on the wooden table to add an additional layer to the rhythm. Having set the trend, soon the entire table joined in on creating their own rhythms that were harmonious and created quite an interesting yet entertaining tune. All they would need now were some garbage cans and other random objects and they could turn it into a rather impressive performance. They could call it Stamp or something like that.

But how could they give themselves that extra edge in this MUSICAL MATCH OF MUSIC? The answer was quite simple. "Song and dance is the new name. So lets all play the game." Ryuu said to everyone. Without missing a beat everyone soon stood up and the rhythm of chairs being moved was added to the song.

Left then right then forward then back.
We make our music with the sound of a whack.
Jump then the spin around our chairs.
We all stand up to our very neck hairs.
Forward then left before we take a right.
To dance to our song before we take a bite.
Tap of the chair then tap of ground.
Then we once again we'll spin around.

Following the instructions that Ryuu sung out for them, the newly formed flash mob was suprisingly enough, able to stay somewhat coordinated given how Ryuu was making it up on the spot. BUT NEVER FEAR FOR RYUU WAS HERE. Instead of coming up with a new verse, Ryuu instead decided to stick with what they had just rehearsed.

Left then right then forward then back.
We make our music with the sound of a whack.
Jump then the spin around our chairs.
We all stand up to our very neck hairs.
Forward then left before we take a right.
To dance to our song before we take a bite.
Tap of the chair then tap of ground.
Then we once again we'll spin around.


Noticing the rest of the people at the table join in during the repeat of the verse, Ryuu also noticed that they were singing slightly faster. Sticking with the verse two more times Ryuu and his group began to sing and dance faster before ending it. Laughing along with everyone else at the display, Ryuu took his seat along with many of the others and wondered if anyone else was going to try and top their performance.

Mai found a fairly central location where she could stand, smile, and be generally sociable to whomever passed her by; she had yet to see anyone who she had deemed important, her family and close friends, both of which she could count on one hand combined, and so chose to stand where she thought she could see them.

Unfortunately, this all took a back seat the moment she heard the singing, the jolly tune catching her ear. At first she listened with mild amusement, but then as she listened to the song in depth, her face shifted into one of concern; they were singing of her father, and of his many exploits -- the ones in question she could not recall. But the second song...no, no one knew of that.

How could someone know of something that happened almost two hundred years ago, when the only three privy to the memory were not him: herself, her father, and Harupia only knew of her adventures with the brambles. Mai had half a mind to come and accuse the man of stalking her, but that would cause a scene, and a scene was not what she wanted today.

No, she mused, sighing heavily and returning her attention to the grounds, a scene was not what she wanted – she had to get out more, she realized. The sudden song and dance number by that large grouping of people. Not her forte, not in the slightest; she had to hide and get away before the madness took her and she found herself participating in such travesties. Mocking songs and chaos-driven dance numbers...what was next? Harupia letting down his hair?

The singing, the smiles, the merriment, these were all horribly infectious things that filled the air, turning the otherwise droll day into one of sunshine and cheer. What few souls didn't come to the tables were actually brought plates heaped and mounded with delicious holiday meal by more charitable brethren, while the most eager among them practically dove into the slow-roasted meats, the steamed and boiled and fried vegetables, the starchiest of starches, the headiest of drinks and the sweetest of treats. The annual meal was an absolute blast, a hit of favored items and cheer unparalleled by any day of the year. Even rudimentary gifts were given from some to others, from the harder-to-obtain foodstuffs that always went quickly to the most cherished of hideous-but-warm sweaters. Some kindly elder-folk were even passing newly knit mittens, scarves and caps out amongst the children, to care for their health and make them objects of high fashion in this modern age.

And it was a good thing the children were saddled with such warm clothing, because the warning cry came nearly too late. "WALL!" Cried one guard, and for a split moment nobody quite knew what he meant - until suddenly the massive wall of snow riding the wind crashed through the First District party, the air filling with shrieks of shock and indignation as the snow bowled over near to everybody, even half the people prepared for the shock. Even Kiba lost his feet, having had to look up from carved bird and two large mugs of spiced milk to see what was bringing the commotion, and groaned once he emerged from the foot and a half of snow cover that had battered him so.

The next shrieks that filled the air, unfortunately, were not those of snow-shock, but instead of fright and terror. The elderly that were among the children were suddenly being assailed, and by tiny goblinoids! Goblinoids in very fashionable mittens, scarves and caps! The pointy-eared, cackling little beasts were running rampant, snatching from any body near them anything that could be snatched, veritable anti-gifters running havoc-wild through the festivities. Any attempted to grab the changed children, to no avail - what adults attempted to seize the young were simply moved utterly through, as though they didn't exist, and any daring young that had escaped the initial transformation in the snow were quite abruptly changed themselves.

"Open the chests!" Kiba cried at the guards in charge of taking the weapons, to no avail - the snowbarrage had sent the guards to the ground, and the keys had been lost to the snow. More terrifying was the muffled yelps of so many of the feast-goers, who would rapidly discover their abilities to Shunpo, Fast Step or otherwise unnaturally move were incapable of doing so.

"Our Reiatsu is sealed!" Bellowed out a Hollow, roaring as he waved his arms about, presumably attempting to generate some sort of effect. Ah, how terrible! No weapons, no Reiatsu, no ability to even touch the extremely rude thieves - what was to be done? Was there any way at all to punish these terrible miscreants? WHO COULD KNOW?!?!?

Yoshiya had not been hidden for more than a moment when the initial cry came through. Unfortunately, had he known what was to occur, he would have stayed more in the open, as he was in no position to neither assess the snowstorm nor react to it. As such, he was knocked down by a flying body, and found himself having his legs pinned by the aforementioned man, and a few feet of snow.

Around him he watched on as the children transformed into gremlin-like creatures. As the elderly found the gremlins incorporeal. As the Shinigami once again showed their incompetence by loosing ALL the keys to the weapon chests. Although he had to admit he didn't know how useful weapons would be anyway, if they appeared to be immune to the grabs of the elderly, then how effective would a blade be? And it appears that the others had found their abilities sealed. He had a theory as to what was happening, but geology wasn't his strong suit, and from what he knew, seki-sekki only weakened Reiatsu, rather than sealed it. Besides, there were many here, it would take loads for it to seal everyone here.

He did have one plan though. At least, until the man on top of him managed to get off. The horde had disappeared when it rained. Perhaps these beasts shared the same weakness? Of course, it was highly unlikely. After all, why would beings weak to snow attack when it was all underfoot? Still, it was worth a shot.

With his arms free, he scooped up some snow and lobbed it at the nearest gremlin. However he did have to admit to himself he was doing it more out of frustration than any actual faith in this hypothesis.

The party came to a screeching, grinding halt. Sengoku found himself swept off the table and half buried under a mound of snow in the initial assault, so he missed the transformation of the children into hideous little goblinoids. He dug himself free of the snow with a strangled curse, finding himself close to one of the bonfires where various stews and soups were being kept hot. He staggered to his feet and surveyed the chaos before him. "Gods be damned, I would like ONE damn day of peace...just one!" He reached down, as close to the fire as he could, and snatched up a large piece of would, flames flickering along one end where the two foot long log had been stuck into the bonfire. He took a swing at one of the little goblins with his fist when one tried to snatch at his coat, but his fist slipped right through it, just as the elderly folks had. He cursed and stumbled forward, having expected to hit solid flesh and instead hitting air. He turned and lashed out at the goblinoid with the burning log, trying to strike the retreating creature with a vicious blow to its spine.

Beginning to eat some of the food that was presented in front of him, Ryuu enjoyed the well cooked meal. Afterall who could object to free food? However before he could really get to filling up his stomach Ryuu heard the shout.

Turning behind him to see the incoming wall of snow, Ryuu gave an exhausted sigh before taking one last gulp of his milk and then getting hit by the incoming wall of snow. Losing his balance, Ryuu got up and brushed out the snow that had gotten caught under his coat. However that was not the end to this strange turn of events for then the children turned into goblins and began to do goblin things.

Watching as the guards tried to find a way to open the chests and fight the goblins, Ryuu smiled. It appeared that there was going to be a fireworks show for the feast too...

"Our reiatsu is sealed." roared one of the hollow.

...Or maybe there wouldn't be a fireworks show. Raising an eyebrow as one of the large rukons swooned at this turn of events and fell into the snow (although he did swoon quite dramatically too), Ryuu's mind raced with thoughts on how to face off against this new threat. It seemed like anyone who tried to grab the creatures phased through them. However upon seeing someone throw snowballs at the goblin children, Ryuu came up with an amazing (and completely original) idea. THEY SHOULD THROW SNOWBALLS AT THEM.

"Hey everyone. Lets fend them off with snowballs." Ryuu said to anyone who cared to listen. Quickly packing together a snowball, Ryuu would throw it at one of the goblin children, before quickly reaching down to pack together another one. LET THE GREAT GOBLIN SNOW SKIRMISH BEGIN...unless some other turn of events changed the situation even more. Or it turned out that the snowballs also phased through the goblins. In which case they would probably have to create a plan b then resort to said plan b.

Chie was in the midst of a long gulp, the final in a long series mind you, of a rather fine but intoxicating beverage. Having been bashfully seated before, a kindly person had brought her over food and drink, and she had accepted most happily, blushing the entire time. She went straight for the drink, alternating between it and her delicious food.

Just as a warm sort of pleasant, relaxed feeling had filled her, all hell broke loose. Monstrous little creatures were running rampant, attacking and being mischievous.

Chie, of course, ducked under her table with food and drink, hiding with the hopes of being left alone. She had heard someone yell that they could not use Reiatsu, so what other defense did the wimpy female have?

One would have to see, but for now, perhaps she could take shelter with her meal and drink, remaining out of sight.

Mai had succumbed to the festivities after all, uncharacteristically partaking in the sharing of food and drink – it was a nice gesture of the person who handed the food and drink to her, and she thanked the woman accordingly, but it was food, prepared by someone else. It could have been mistreated at some stage in its preparation. With false sincerity, she began the arduous task of finding someplace to imbibe it, and shortly began ambling toward the nearest table. She wanted to wait until she found someone she knew on a slightly more personal scale.

Maybe she caught sight of her sister, and as she was peering down the table to get a better look, she spotted something far more surprising: a man who looked to be her Taichou, but with a different hairset. Leaving the barely touched food on the table, but then thinking better of it, Mai took her plate with her and went to investigate. If she was going to sit at this thing without her father to hide behind, her Taichou was the next best thing.

He at lease, provided an interesting backdrop.

"Hitoshi-Taichou!" Mai called out as she approached, genuinely smiling at the man as she did so. She was about to comment on his hair, however the wave of snow swept her off her feet and away from the only anchor she had found. The young Tanaka resurfaced a few yards away, struggling to regain her feet. Shock at the situation then registered on her face as one of the...the things that had been a child she passed enroute to Harupia skittered on by.

That wasn't right. Frantically, she tried to pull herself free, desperately searching for Harupia for some sort of guidance; poor Chie had been forgotten for the moment.

Indeed, fists and rudimentary weapons alike sheared through the elves with absolutely minimal effect - and in fact, Sengoku may have been shocked to see the flames on his brand simply sputter away upon passing through the miniature being, their frozen nature overwhelming the simple flame without issue.

Indeed, it seemed the elves were utterly without weakness... until a pair cried out, downed by the compacted frost-balls of Yoshiya and Ryuu. Everything seemed to halt as the host of elves turned to regard their fallen compatriots, the duo writhing in perhaps only slightly over-dramatic agony before one elf, a girl in deep blue in comparison to her comrade's earthy greens, raised a finger to the air.

"SHORE DEFENSES!" Her piercing voice declared, and behind her the Elves exploded into motion, shoving armful after armful of snow upward and into great three-foot-high walls of snow. What few were not busy thickening the walls were instead shaping their tops into glorious battlements, and as part of her assistance, the blue-clad Elf waved a hand sidelong, and the many tables that formed the feasting grounds rose up and moved positions, forming a great line in the ground as they sunk into the snow, leaving only their tops exposed, the once glorious feast strewn all about their surfaces.

"No cross the line! You cross the line you cheat, and cheaters are dumb!" The blue-elf crowed before turning and diving over the 'wall', a great many pointy-ears and equally-pointy caps poking over the battlements as beady eyes glowered at the enemy. It didn't take much to surmise that the elves were preparing their arms.

"Somebody make a waaaaall!" Kiba shouted, seeing what game was afoot and compacting as much snow as he could together to form snowballs roughly the size of his upper body. "It's the Great Snowball Fight for Soul Society!"

Quick to grasp a simple concept, Sengoku scrambled up with the other Defends and began packing the snowballs into dense spheres of wintery destruction. His bare hands were freezing as a result, but the snowballs he was making were perfect for throwing he stacked them up as other worked to build a wall, barely smiling at the fond memory of childhood games in the winter cold. Haiiro had popped out of his pocket, and the little dog was doing its best to roll snowballs s well, though it was having more luck in making logs of puffy snow instead of tight spheres.

When he had a good pile made he snatched up some of the snowballs and began hurling them down range, going for the very common "Accuracy by Volume" method of ranged combat.

Yoshiya didn't know what surprised him more, that the ball hit, or that it affected the gremlin. It had made contact, but it didn't revert the transformation. Still, that was all they could do. "If we can't save them, then we should destroy them," he mused, with some annoyance.

Still, the one on top of him had managed to get up, and so had Yoshiya. Both were overall OK, thankfully. And then came their construction of defences. He had no intrinsic qualms about being a 'dumb cheater' but their powers did appear potent. He thought it best not to cross this particular line.

Still, there was one line he would cross, disagreeing with a Shinigami captain. He let out a shout in response.

"Nay! A verge! It will be easier, and we need the height advantage."

After all, they couldn't rush or flank their defences, and he wasn't sure snowballs could easily topple their walls, the best thing they could do was to try and lob over.

And with that he started ploughing snow forward, wishing he had his shovel.

Ahh yes, a quite merry time indeed. Harupia enjoyed a fine meal and a small drink, conversing with the people around him. He would then hear someone call out to him, the person being none other then Mai. Smiling wide he would stand up to go and greet her, but then the wall came.

What ensued after was rather insane. The children gathered transformed into some weird bluish imps, started to steal everything, but then someone threw snow at them and suddenly the celebration turned into a snowball battle...

Heading towards Mai he would help her up while asking "Are you ok? If so then lets go, the need help with building up...erm, defenses..." he said before moving on to where the wall was being built, adding in more snow to the cover, wondering if the advice of the Rukongai citizen would be taken. He did have a good point

Ohoho! The feast! He looked forward to the feast!

Rip didn't have many friends to share a meal with, living a life of seclusion. But on this one day, every year, three distinct civilizations were his comrades. They would drink, laugh, eat, and generally be merry. And he planned to do all of this in extreme excess. :D

Unfortunately, as is often the case for the poor hermit, he was late to the party. Food was strewn about the feasting grounds! The tables were sunk into the snow, forming an obvious line! There were crude, lumpy defenses on one side, and glorious, snow white battlements on the other. Rip knew a snowball fight when he saw one, and he also instinctively knew which side he was on; crude and lumpy, all the way!

He charged for the nearest pile of snow, diving for it and sliding in place behind its meagre defenses. He came to rest alongside a black haired, green eyed shinigami building an arsenal of snow-boulders. "What's the situation, Oh Captain, my Captain?"

RYUU'S COMPLETELY ORIGINAL PLAN WAS A HUGE SUCCESS. Chuckling as the snowball pegged one of the elves hard enough to knock them flat, Ryuu watched as everyone else also realized that snowballs could affect them. AND THEN THE GREAT SNOW SKIRMISH OF THE SOUL SOCIETY BEGAN (plus it was alliterative).

But it was soon apparent that they were outmatched by the goblin elf things. FOR WHILE THE ALLIANCE (that was what he was calling their team until they all began to kill each other again in a few hours) LOOKED ON THE DUMB TEAM (that was what he was calling the goblin elf things) MADE A BIG FANCY WALL WITH BATTLEMENTS AND STUFF. However it wasn't long before the RAGTAG ALLIANCE OF...OF STUFF responded by beginning to push the wall together. But alas it was obvious that unless they all got their act together it would be a snowy slaughter for the alliance.

It was at a time like this that a great hero would step forward. He would lead the alliance onto victory after victory with his youthful spirit and many daring and heroic raids. However instead the alliance had Ryuu. He was like a great hero. Except instead of saving innocents he would probably be eating them alive. But it was close enough for what needed to be. Now some may ask what it was that needed to be done. The answer would be that someone needed to lead the alliance to victory. Someone in this case being Ryuu.

"Alright everyone, I want anyone who's large enough to push a pile of snow making fortifications. Make it big and make it fast. Everyone else start stockpiling snowballs." Ryuu ordered. Smiling as people complied with his (rather obvious) order, Ryuu began to make snowballs. With his guidance he would lead the alliance to a glorious victory over the goblin children.

Graciously, Mai accepted the assistance her Taichou offered, clasping his hand tightly with her own; the flush on her cheeks was not fully exertion, though the combined effort of the two to raise her to her feet was certainly the main contributor. The proximity and contact had sent a flush through her system, and though she had the good sense to suppress it, Mai could not deny it; but it would have to wait. There were more pressing matters to attend, such as the onslaught of snowy badness and the fact that her sister may or may not be here – Mai couldn't begin to understand why her elder sister would be here, of all places....

"Hai," she breathed, closely following Harupia as he made his way to the makeshift battlement. As instructed, she began to assist with the fortifications or the building of ammo. Soon, however, it was clear that she was no good for this sort of thing, being of weak female build after all. She had a place...somewhere, she just had to find it.

The elves cackled and hollered as they went about forming as rapidly as they could fist-sized snowballs - and it bore noting these were in fact smaller than the standard sized snowball from the other side, given their child sized fists - dropping these into pyramid-like formations as a few others went about adding intrinsic detail to their stylized walls.

On the Shinigami side, Kiba paused in his snowball forming long enough to cup his hands around his mouth, turning to his 'allies'. "THE NEXT PERSON TO YELL SOMETHING THAT ISN'T WHAT I SAID IS THE NEXT SNOWBALL!" He bellowed, grunting as he resumed patting his giant snowballs into more dense formations as the new body slid into the bank beside him. Grunting at the man's willingness to help, Kiba wrapped his arms around the first snowboulder, hugging it close. "Elfthings are turning kids into other elfthings and think they're better than us at snowballs. Tell me how close or far it hits, so I can aim better!"

A heartbeat later, the snowboulder was in the air, several elves crying out as the ball exploded in a shower of flurries against a section of their wall, exposing more than a few of the elves as they scrambled to try and reform their lost battlements. Meanwhile, behind the lines, grim-faced old ladies rapidly knit and handed out larger mittens than before, to shield the hands of Shinigami, Rukon Citizens and what Hollow could wear them from the frozen water. Even Sengoku's little puppy got a miniature cap placed about his head. A few moments later, the chatter of excitable elves began to fill the air nearby where the wall was being repaired - it seemed the devious creatures were preparing for an assault!

Yoshiya chuckled as he smelled weakness come from the Taichou. Still, he was probably stressed after loosing the keys. Despite having opportunity to push him further, Yoshiya decided now wasn't the appropriate time. After all, they were currently allies. Currently.

He and a few men he knew from the second had managed to build a decent verge, he estimated it to be about 5 feet high. They had moved much snow, so much that his gloves had become sodden. He was glad when another set was handed out.

A loud crash signalled a hole in the enemy defences. Their chatter signalled their efforts to rebuild. He was surprised to hear no orders from the Taichou regarding this, noting that the man was more concerned in front-line combat rather than directing people. Then again, the majority weren't trained in following command, not being Shinigami. And he supposed the expected order, to lay down suppressive fire would not make much sense to most people. Even still, someone should be organising the people.

He did note one man who was already carrying out the required strategy, one Sengoku, a few meters away. Yoshiya ran to him to provide aid, keeping his head down as he did so. As he got close, he thought he may have vaguely recognised him from somewhere.

"Thought you and your friend here could use a hand," he said, having arrived at his destination. Without another word he began making snowballs to add to the fellow Rukon's pile.

Harupia was glad to see Mai was good to get up, the flush on her face going pretty much unnoticed. He simply assumed it was the rush of excitement finding themselves in this...peculiar situation. To have such a nice day be spoilt...he did not have anything against snow fights, but this was slightly ridiculous.

Still, he tried to do his best to make himself useful in this situation. While the Rukongai citizens worked to put the idea of the verge to life, he had gather most of the Shinigami to build a wall at the front, since not each of them would fit in up the verge. Hearing Kiba bellow loudly before he tossed a ginormous ball of snow at the fort built by the creatures, he called out to him "Nice throw! It broke through their defenses! If you throw a few inches higher you should be able to get past them completely!"

After that, one of the grim looking ladies came to him, offering a fresh set of gloves to replace the ones he had now, which were completely wet by now. Accepting the offer he took the gloves and replaced his old ones. By now he managed to see that that besides the few more active participants, a lot of the Shinigami and other folk were not doing the best. He was no battle master really, but he had a good idea about organizing people. In an attempt to try and add some order he would shout out " Everyone, take cover behind the wall! Wait for them to throw their snowballs before retaliating. Focus you aim on one point, preferably waiting for Kiba-Taicho to breach their wall's again!"

He would then turn to his fellow medic and say "Alright Mai, listen, I want you to go on top of the verge that Rukongai citizens are building. You'll have a good view of the...well, field. I want you to call out anyone who might be wounded, and to try and call out where the snowball's should be thrown. Besides, we need to split up a bit to provide medical aid when needed...I'm sure you'll do fine" he finished with a smile, still working on making some more snowball's himself, bracing himself for any stray snowballs coming his direction.

Mai had no mind for military strategy. None whatsoever. Sending her up to the verge (whatever that was) was almost a certain recipe for failure. And with the added fact that she felt that as though the entire outcome of the battle rested on her trembling shoulders, a certain doom was felt as it radiated through her very core. All semblance of joviality had been lost the moment she departed Harupia's side, slipping into the fresh pair of mittens.

This was not going to be a pleasurable moment, of that she was sure. She trudged through the snow, the soft leather of her boots now fully saturated and allowing the stinging numbness of the winter to seep into her toes. She hurried as best she could, cloak flapping wildly and getting in the way - the ideal of keeping it secured with crossed arms had been forgone entirely, as she needed those to keep balance and to fend off any hellish children that might approach. Fortunately, she wore nothing of value save for the necklace buried beneath her layers, though the ribbon in her hair might prove a tempting target.

And even were the hellions normal children, this monster of a game was the furthest thing from a fun game, she seethed internally as she approached the top of the point Harupia had specified. Games were all well and good, only if she was on the winning end, or had created the game herself she was a happy camper. But woe to the individual who took the lead, for as Malik would know, hell hath no fury like that of a Mai scorned.

Poised at the point of no return, her cold eyes regarded the scene carefully, breath held at the base her throat to call out directions as she deemed necessary - one would think that this sort of command came natural to the youngest Tanaka, given her history. But this was a situation not of her doing, and there were others much more experienced floating around bellowing out orders as to be expected of their profession. If she could only step up to the plate....

sent from my notsosmartphone of breakingthingsness