Factor Industries Charity Event: October 18th, 2016

[ceofactor]

Even for Benjamin Factor, arranging this charity event had been something of a challenge. Just as he held great influence in Gateway City, Thunder Corp's influence in Locke was great as well. But with time and money, all things were indeed possible in this case, and the Memorial Dance Hall was playing host to the night's events. It was a glamorous affair: politicians, captains of business, dignitaries, and celebrities had been invited. For whatever controversy that existed, the world legitimately wanted to heal the wounds left by the invasion, and that meant there were a lot of people who wanted to use events like this to either advance that cause, or to make themselves look good.

But they weren't the only sorts of individuals who had recieved an invitation.

Benjamin Factor had also made it so the Numbered would be invited to his little party. Arrivals through the teleporter would be greeted by drivers at the community center, and the same courtesy was extended to anyone who might live in Locke. The only stipulation? Was that anyone who came make an effort to make themselves presentable. If that was a problem, or anyone arrived without knowing, they had clothes on hand for people to change into.

Indeed, it seemed that the Numbered would be well provided for tonight. That being said, their presence would get people to talk, given the presence of news crews making live coverage. Nevertheless... "getting people to talk" seemed to be exactly what Benjamin Factor wanted to happen.

[Event Links: Event Speakers | NPC Interaction | General Mingle]

Comments

Event Speakers

[secretaryclarke]

Several hours into the evening, Benjamin Factor's secretary, Sonia Clarke, stepped up to the microphone. "Hello everyone. We sincerely hope you're all enjoying tonight's festivities. Most of you know me, but for those of you who do not, I am Sonia Clarke, Mr. Benjamin Factor's personal assistant and friend."

She paused, and then cleared her throat before continuing. "Tonight, we have some very special guests among us. I'm sure you've noticed them, and I know many of them are listening to me right now. Tonight has been about relief, and about rebuilding. Our cities, our world, our businesses... and our lives. And we can't talk about any of those things without talking about a very unique group of people: The ones we call the Numbered."

Murmurs went through the crowd among the non-reincarnates, but Sonia did not stop there. "The Numbered have been among us for over three years now. They exist throughout the entire world. And for too long, we have talked over them and around them. They and their supporters have had to endure those who make accusations of them, and been forced to allow them to set the narrative. It is no secret that Factor Industries has made numerous efforts to reach out to the Numbered and their supporters, but now... tonight, we feel it is right to give such people their own opportunity to speak."

Sonia made a small smile before continuing. "Not all of our speakers tonight are Numbered. But they are people who believe the Numbered are people who deserve respect and support, and that it's high time other voices got the chance to make a difference. Others are Numbered who wish simply to be heard. And now... this is their chance to do so."

And with that, she stepped away from the microphone, and motioned for the first speaker to come to the podium.

[If your character has signed up to be a speaker, reply with your character's speech here. People who aren't speakers can still reply to their speech, but not make top levels. You can still throw your character's hat into the ring by having them comment here or here, and you can do so as long as the event is running!]

[darkhourdear]

Honestly the realization that he was going to have to actually write a speech was kind of terrifying, when he realized that was part of the job too. He’s written speeches for school and stuff, and they’ve never been terribly good. Theater writing he understands, but a straightforward delivery of information just seems really stiff and unnatural.

But nothing about the Numbered is straightforward. And if Phillip’s learned anything from theater, it’s that persuasion is better served from innocent, often unpolished sources. And he was asked to give a speech because of his acting, wasn’t he?

He’s a little nervous as he gets up to do his speech, but it’s with an innocent wave and smile at the crows. “Um, hello, everyone!” he says, looking out- there sure are a lot of people here, aren’t there? That actually makes him less nervous, somehow. “My name’s Phillip Santorini, and I grew up in Locke City, including when everything was happening. It was pretty surprising when all of this started, and I know it was hard on everybody. It was kind of weird for superpowers to suddenly be an actual thing, and... I know for my friends who were getting superpowers, it was kind of hard to deal with. I had a few friends who ran away from home, because they were scared about what would happen if people found out.”

Phillip pauses a moment, biting his lip in a way that’s partly for show, even if he’ll never totally get over the panic of when he gotten questioned about Luke’s whereabouts when he went missing. “And... both sides of that make sense, when you think about it. Things were suddenly different. That was pretty scary, for everyone involved. Change is scary.

But that doesn’t make it bad,” he says, with a small smile lighting up his face as he continues. “Change can be really good, and just because something’s different doesn’t mean it’s automatically terrible. Sure, it can kind of freak us out as we figure out how to adjust to it all, but then we just need to do our best to use what’s changed to make things even better. And that’s kind of why we’re all here today, right? So... I really hope we’ll all be able to work together in the future, and that we’ll not only fix everything that was broken, but come out on the other side better than we started.”

With that, he flashes the most bizarrely charming smile a thirteen year old is capable of producing. And not a bit of it looks faked.

[peacefulwinter]

Winter's not carrying anything more than a note card for her speech - scandalously light for most people, just right for Winter, who likes to kind of go with the flow for things like this. In an elegant but largely understated blue dress (not the ice blue that seems to be associated with Diamond, and in turn with her, which she's happy she got away from), she eventually makes her way up to the podium. She's in no hurry, really.

As she looks out over the room, over the assembled Numbered and various others, Winter feels a certain vindication, and she takes a deep breath. "I'm Winter Tsukuyomi. You know, it's funny. Two years ago, I would have done a lot to be able to speak like this. I'm almost saddened by the thought. We wanted, so much, to be heard and understood, then. But we hid. For our own safety, and the safety of everyone that didn't understand. Now, I just... had to ask, and here I am. Maybe it's a sign that the world is changing already. In tiny ways, little steps that most people wouldn't even notice.

"But those are the steps that can mean the most to us," she continues, picking up steam. "We have jobs now, even when people know what we are. We can go to school, buy homes, all of those other things that felt so far away before. I've talked before about the hardships we've faced, in some detail. They're covered in my lovely wife's book, for all three of the people that haven't read it yet, going off the sales numbers. But that's not what I want to talk about tonight. Tonight, I want to talk about the things we've accomplished. The things we've gained.

"Because we have made strides forward. In coming out into the open, we've given ourselves legitimacy. People know what we are, now, and that we can be a force for good. We've carved out a place on the world stage all our own. In driving back the Invasion, we've proved we have the capacity to rise to the occasion and band together to keep our world safe. Since then, we've built homes for ourselves, an entire community. We've worked to improve our image, to become better people inside and out. We are stronger than we were a year ago."

She hesitates, no more than a second before she continues. It's kind of a sore subject at the moment, but... "The girl I was, in another time and place. I've learned things from her, too. From her shortcomings, her mistakes, the things she couldn't do herself. Though I have a connection to her, through the pulses she's shown me and the power I wield, I am myself, and I will make my own place in history. It's a very romantic idea, but... wouldn't you want to be the best person you could be, if you might be reincarnated someday into a new life? If you could guide a new self to great things? That's the kind of life I want to live. So someday, in the far future, maybe on another world... a young woman can stand on a stage like this and overcome her limits. That person will be able to make herself heard, because I've put everything I have into making my life a fulfilled one. Because we've all worked hard to make ourselves better people. And maybe it's forward of me, but I believe we can make the whole world a better place through our actions and our efforts.

"All of us - Numbered or otherwise - have that potential, to become something more than we are today. And I think that potential is something worth betting on. You don't have to be able to fight to change the world. It doesn't take superpowers. Having wild hair doesn't make a difference. What matters is that we have the desire to make that change happen, in our hearts. That's all I wanted to say. Together, we'll fix our world. We'll find solutions to all our problems. There's a lot of work to be done, but we can rise the to the challenge. I'm sure of it."

[feastorfamine]

Amy was, to be frank, quite nervous as she stepped onto the stage. She was doing an admirable job of holding it in, but inwardly? She was running over her words over and over, making sure that she had everything she wanted to say in order, and that she wasn't going to slip up.

The memory of that creature in Gateway was still fresh in her mind, so that was weighing on her mind too.

But once she was behind the podium, a switch flipped, much like the kind when she was behind a stove or in the suit of her machine. Smiling, she looked out over the crowd, and began to speak.

"Hello, everyone," she said. "My name is Amy Dylandy. I am a Numbered, and... just as importantly, a native daughter of Locke City. My parents raised my brothers and I here, and built a business. This city is important to me.

"... That's why I've returned here today. Because certain people have leveled the implication that I, and the people here, don't care about what happens here. I can't speak for anyone else, but I want to make it clear that even though I have turned my eyes outward into the wider world, my thoughts have never left this city or their people."

She closed her eyes, and paused for a moment, before opening them and continuing. "Locke City is where I changed. Where I came to terms not with the person I 'used to be', but with the woman I am. Where I discovered myself. Where I met lifelong friends, where I tested myself. I am not unique, or special in that regard, because I'm hardly the only person who was changed by the people here. And Locke itself... it's changed too. In a way that, has at times, not felt welcoming."

Amy smiled. "But that doesn't change anything. This place is still important to me. And I will do everything I can to defend it, or benefit its people, just as I would anywhere else. Two years ago... someone taught me an important lesson."

At that moment, tears formed at the corner of Amy's eyes, though her expression remained unchanged. "His name was Neil Dylandy. He was my brother. He died, defending the people of Las Vegas, when the giant beast emerged from beneath the city, and defending me. I've written about him, talked about him so many times, but that's because he continues to be an inspiration to me. That day was, in many ways, the worst day of my life... but it was also the day when I learned to take a stand. To not buckle when things seem impossible. That when things seem insurmountable and hopeless, that you don't back down."

With those last few words, Amy's voice cracked, and she needed to regain her composure. However, she took a deep breath, and wiped her tears away quickly with a handkerchief.

"Our fight isn't over. Whether it's against monsters, or people who hate us, or... even the day-to-day challenges of everyday life. Our fight will never be over, and... I will continue to honor the lesson my brother, my girlfriend, and all the wonderful people I've met have taught me. We will continue, we will persevere, and... we will thrive."

With that, Amy bowed her head. "Thank you, for hearing me speak."

And with that, she turned, and left the stage.

[charcoalfeather]

Speeches were not necessarily Rakka's strong suit. Sure, speaking at the parliament, and likely being recorded while doing so could be considered easy when a monster was destroying the city in a nonthreatening manner. That was a pretty good motivator. In a sense, this was much the same thing - help the world. Stop a threat that some people thought wasn't a threat. It was the other way around, now.

So, why was she so nervous? Maybe she hadn't watched enough speeches on youtube last night, trying to get the general idea of how to make an impressive one. Maybe it was the lack of focus she and Fougere had when they got there. Or... maybe it was just her heart telling her she'd do fine.

It may have taken her a bit longer then some, but soon enough it was Rakka's time to take the stage. The crowd seemed to beckon her forward, drawing out words before Rakka realized she was speaking. "Uh, hello, everyone." A curt little nod as she stared out at the many face, looking for the familiar ones. "I'm Rakka Yoshitoshi, but... a lot of you may know me by the other name I chose: Cure Feather?"

A small amount of mumbles emanated from the crowd, and a few nods. so, Rakka continued onward. "I moved to Locke city a few years ago; I wasn't among the first people that became Numbered, but I've been one of them for so long that that doesn't matter anymore. I didn't have powers at first - I just grew out the wings and found a halo on my head one day..... And, I was scared."

She lets that sink in a little, drawing in a much needed breath. There was still an air of anxiety present... but she wouldn't let it control her anymore. "We we're all scared, I think. We had to hide who we were for a while, until the Wise Snake woke up and we needed to put it down to protect the city. After that... a lot changed in this place, in the world." Her expression changed to a more caring one. "I have a lot of friends that aren't around anymore, that aren't Numbered anymore. I don't know how it happens, and... I'm not worried."

A brief pause.

"I-I mean, I'm not not worried about them - of course I am!" Well that was a mixup, time for a sheepish cough before she moved on. "I'm worried about everyone, including this place! It was my home, too! And I want to see it fixed again, even if I don't live here anymore. We're all here to help the city... and I think we can do more then that. I want to hope that. So, thank you for your time."

One little bow towards the crowd later, and Rakka was making her way down from the stage, discreetly trying to wipe the effort tears from her eyes. Fougere was already there, wrapping his little arms around her face. "You did awesome!" He said in a stage whisper.

"R-really?"

"Totally. Now can we get some food?"

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

Truth be told, Kirara hasn't had to give many speeches in her career just yet. It's not like she has a history of reward speeches behind her, and getting up on stage alone and giving a speech is a pretty different beast than showing up on camera and acting. That said, she's committed to this now and there's no way she's going to back down now.

She was still off the stage, nursing her elbow after that nasty fall from a bit earlier. It's aching pretty good and there's definitely a bruise happening... but by the time her foot hits the stage there's no sign of pain or discomfort on her features. This time, there's a cheer from the crowd in the room and she smiles and waves while letting it die down.

"... So, I guess you guys have heard about me." A laugh goes through the crowd, and she shares with it, before giving a glance off stage. "Wow, how do I even start following those last few speeches? The truth is, it's hard for me to know what to say... I'm not from here and I'm not one of the Numbered, so I couldn't possibly speak from the same kind of experience as them. Still...."

She pauses for a moment, closing her eyes, one hand over her heart. When her eyes open again, she's looking down. Pensive, troubled.

"... I remember the invasion. I had just finished filming and was actually going back home in Japan, and I was so... so scared. Monsters were coming out of the ground, and from the skies and, like so many people, all I could do was hide. Even now, no matter what I might have done in shows or movies, I'm just an actress, and I can't do anything to change the world."

She lifts her head, smiling a little and looking out over the crowd.

"But there were some people who were able to do more, and not just the ones with superpowers. Soldiers, doctors, anybody who helped to fight or take care of people in their own way, and to the people who are helping to rebuild right now... everybody came together and everybody did their part to save the Earth."

"Since coming here I got to meet some of those people and I already consider it one of the greatest points in my career, getting the chance to talk with so many amazing people and hear their stories, and I truly believe that every one of them wants nothing more than to help the people of this world in any way they can."

"It might be a little cheesy to say but... I guess I'm trying to say that I still believe in this world. I believe in a world that came together when things were at their darkest, and I believe that we can all still come together to make a new future. All of us. Both Numbered and non-Numbered."

She pauses for a moment, blinking a few times. If there's one upside to the pain in her arm, it's that it's giving her something to draw from to get realistically misty eyes.

"I guess... that's all I wanted to say, so I'll wrap this up before I go on too long. Thank you all so much for letting me come here, and letting me speak in front of everyone here and for all the support you've given me since I came to this country. You're all wonderful."

She gives another wave as the crowd begins their applause and she steps off stage, smiling widely even as her hand goes back to her injured arm.

Nailed it.

NPC Interaction

[ceofactor]

[General top level/crowd for characters to interact with various NPCs. Just respond to their top levels if you want to have your character speak with them. It's just Sonia Clarke and Benjamin Factor for now, but keep your eyes open!]

Benjamin Factor

[ceofactor]

For a man who hadn't been on stage and seemed to avoid the limelight, Benjamin Factor was still someone who attracted a lot of attention. Which was to be expected... he was a very wealthy man. But beyond that, he was also a rather eccentric individual and extraordinarily friendly. And tonight... Tonight was his first chance to actually communicate with people he'd been very eager to talk to for quite a long while.

He spent his night out on the floor, going about the assembled with a smile on his face and a drink in his hand. Oh, numerous people tried to chat him up: reporters, various people of varying importance on the local and national stage. But he made sure to keep such interactions brief. The people he really wanted to speak to were the reincarnates.

And so, as the evening goes on, the chances of a smiling, exceedingly happy-looking corporate CEO approaching you out of the blue. His greeting for everyone would be the same: "Hello there," he'd say, while holding up a card from a deck he was carrying. "I'm Benjamin Factor. I hope you're enjoying yourself. Now, would you like to see a card trick?"

Sonia Clarke

[secretaryclarke]

In contrast to her employer, Sonia Clarke stood out much less than her boss. It wasn't to say that she didn't stand out at all, however. Being the right hand to one of the most powerful men in the world still got you noticed, it just wasn't to the same extent as her eccentric and outgoing man who she worked for.

That being said, aside from her time on the podium, Sonia spent most of her time minding something else entirely: The state of the room. She knew an event like this had the potential to go wrong a million different ways, and it was the responsibility of someone like her to make sure any fires would be put out before they had a chance to start. That was just part of her job description.

But she was also interested in the people attending the party. So, every now and then, Sonia would drop her guard, approach a partygoer, and ask, "How are you enjoying the party?" Direct and to the point, as she often was. If she didn't approach you, however, Sonia could usually be seen in a position where she could easily look out over the whole dance hall, and ensure that everything was running smoothly.

Lucille Cypress

[cypressceo]

Indeed, there are a great, great many people at this gathering. It is all for a good cause, after all. Who in the world, besides the most greedy, the most conniving don't want to help the thousands upon millions in need? Most there are lucky. They have their lives. Jobs. Homes. The same can not be said for so many others.

But you know what, even the conniving can't help but join in there. Not that Lucille Cypress would consider herself in that category. She's just... a good businesswoman. Smart. Ruthless.

Recently appointed as new CEO of Thunder Corporation.

She both makes no secret about her presence, and doesn't do terribly much to draw attention to herself besides... being herself. You've very likely seen her on television. Business reports. Interviews. In the wake of the invasion, even as their actions and motivations were questioned, Thunder Corporation still somehow had the ability to do things, and that...

Is powerful in its own right.

But why should anyone worry? After all, she donated a sizable sum to this charity tonight. Perhaps the largest amount outside Factor himself. She mills about the party for a long while, but as it winds on... she starts to approach those particular, very interesting people who have been invited to attend and to speak. Without fear or hesitation.

After all... why be concerned?

All are friends here.

Clearly.

General Mingle

[ceofactor]

Apart from the speeches and the various people of importance, the party was a case for everyone, including reincarnates to socialize. There would be music throughout the night, hors-d'oeuvres to snack upon, and of course, many different people to talk to. It was, after all, a social event, and it would go without saying that being social was the obvious thing to do.

[ooc - Start your own top levels here, folks!]

[darkhourdear]

Phillip was dressed nice, and by the end of the whole giving a speech thing he feels a lot better. Though, after being in Locke for five minutes and not turning into a death avatar and not having Nyx rise up out of the Earth also did a lot for his nerves. The world is not going to get destroyed today, and that's awesome.

He's trying very hard to strike a balance between 'sort of professional' and 'optimistic' in the same way his speech did whenever he's addressed by anyone who wasn't Numbered, so he's kind of relieved to let that go a bit when he sees a familiar-ish face. Mostly the professionalism. The constant optimism is pretty part for the course, with him. "Hi! How are you?"

Re: General Mingle

[meteormercenary]

Jacob is standing as far to the side of the party as he can while still being a part of it. Suits aren't really his thing, but for this formal gathering, he's definitely wearing one that hardly gets any attention from the back of his closet. He's sipping his drink lightly as he observes the party, not unlike an eagle, as though he searching, waiting for something. Unfortunately, this can make him look a little tense if he doesn't see you approach him.

Alternatively, if he does see you come up to him, he'll take a quick glance over the party before greeting you with a smile.

"Hello. Rather nice party, isn't it?"

Saretha Kaiser | OTA

[purestambition]

Well, of course Saretha had come. With bells on, in fact - she'd arrived via her own personal driver with her girlfriend, Amy Dylandy. She was well dressed for the occasion, with a long white gown that managed to be both form fitting and respectable at the same time. Clearly, she's done functions like this plenty of times before. She was raised around them, in fact.

As a precaution however, she'd requested a vehicle with a particularly large trunk. She'd exited the teleporter with a massive reinforced case that housed Junketsu inside it, along with her katana - Bakuzan - to the side. After the incident with the Zetsuborg, she wasn't willing to be caught unaware again. As such, she'd made sure to find out exactly where her driver would be parked, with orders to drive straight into the facility they were at if need be should he be called.

She wasn't even remotely kidding about not taking chances this time.

Still, it being a charity event and not planning on speaking, Saretha does make certain to bring her check book along. A decent sum towards Factor's charity is provided, and for the most part Saretha spends her time seemingly milling about, but she's... paying an awful lot of attention. Eyeing the participants of this party. Taking note of every action.

This is a very, very useful night for her, and she's going to take every advantage she can with it.

Emilia Stacojiu | OTA

[scarlet_devil]

While Emi wasn't sure about the party being held in Locke, there was a part of her that missed the place, having lived there a few years even before the Numbered thing began. Emilia wasn't going to miss this party, though, and she's more than ready for it.

Of course she's decided to wear a dress that might get her some attention. And she most certainly wants to get Arthur's attention... Anyway, the vampire is quite happy to socialize with most people here... Especially if they're fellow Numbered.

Toushirou Hitsugaya | Open

[icy_heavens]

Toushirou has partly come here because of Phillip's insistence, but that isn't all there is to it.

Honestly, he misses home sometimes, and to have more than homesickness as an excuse to return is nice. He'd been concerned about the trouble here, but sure as hell hadn't been going to come back under Thundercorp's banner. He feels especially vindicated after hearing people speaking up on the network about how they really haven't changed. Figures.

He's dressed nicely enough, though someone his apparent age looks a little out of place at a fancy party regardless. Whatever. It's not like he isn't used to getting odd glances. He carries himself well, clearly not intimidated by being almost the youngest (and indisputably the smallest) person in the room. He pokes at the food a little, his gaze instinctively sweeps around the room periodically, searching for anything that might be amiss. There's been a long history of things going awry when a lot of Numbered gather and even if it hasn't been as much the case lately, old habits are hard to break. He doesn't have Hyourinmaru in the building with him, obviously, but the sword is safely stowed somewhere nearby and with his speed, he can get to it within seconds.

But, at least for now, it's just a party, right? He can do that.

[twinkletwinklesuperstar]

Well, Kirara definitely wasn't about to miss this party. She'd even dove into her timetable to reschedule a few meetings here and there to clear up the time for it. She's certainly hard to miss in the crowd, dressed to turn heads in a yellow party dress. She's on the list of speakers tonight, after all, so she had to look her absolute best.

There's no wallflowering for this girl at least. The whole time she'll be right in the middle of everything, happily chatting with anybody who approaches her. It's a party, she's in her element, and her energy seems to know no bounds. If someone's lucky, they might even get a dance.

Amy Dylandy | OTA

[feastorfamine]

Amy had arrived at the event earlier with Saretha. She'd worn the same dress she usually reserved for attending her girlfriend's various business meetings and own charity functions, which took the form of a white skirt, light-blue blouse, and a pair of heels. She also elected to wear her hair down as well.

Towards the beginning of the evening, Amy was nervous, as she'd submitted herself as one of the people giving a speech that evening. She had spoken before groups before, but never in front of so many important people.

After giving the speech, however, she... seemed more relaxed. Or perhaps the better description was that she had lost some of the tension. There was some excitement at having gotten her words out, but mostly, she was thankful to have done it and to have it done with. She felt... accomplished.

So, depending on when one approached Amy, you were likely to get a different reaction. No matter the time, however, you could likely find her discriminating against the food. It was good, yes, but that didn't stop Amy from being critical of it, at least through the use of a firm, serious gaze.

[prismaticdestruction]

There was at least SOMEWHAT of a attempt to get Dani to wear a dress. This was a compromise probably as she'd been getting cold lately and with her wings, it got worse from time to time. She's not wearing the hood though- Just because it'd look bad.

Although she's trying to be social and wander about with her wings pulled tightly against her back to give everyone room to get around her when walking about and smiling. She's still used to being a proper little girl in public but once she withdraws to the edge of the party, she let's her wings out and keeps a eye out. She's more then happy to chat away and is without a game system with her for once.

Nathan Brooks | OTA

[solvethepuzzle]

He'd had to be poked and prodded to come here. A party? A media event? Not things that Nathan is in a habit of frequenting, the reclusive creature that he is. But a combination of the prodding, his difficulty saying no, and his own personal curiosity about Benjamin Factor have managed to get him over here. Even if he is mentally going back and forth on whether he should be, he is here now and will not allow himself to go back on it too early. He can do this. Maybe.

His arrival is unobtrusive, beneath notice. He hardly owns anything suitable to wear to a high-class gathering, so he's had to avail himself of something here. Despite being in more proper attire, he still manages to look out of place; the fit isn't quite right, the suit just a touch too big. His expression indicates no discomfort, but that is only because it indicates nothing at all; his shields are up, for lack of a better term. There is the occasional fidget at his sleeve, though, the periodic instance of him twisting his index finger into his hair before he catches himself.

Behind the blank expression, he is alert and attentive, bordering on the hyper-aware of everything that is going on. He makes it a point to avoid cameras or press, subtly sliding away before they can take note of him. Nathan isn't terribly public as a Numbered and he sort of prefers to keep it that way. Even without being Numbered, he would still have been uncomfortable. He just isn't very good at talking to people and has no desire to be the object of attention.

So most of the time, he'll either be very much off to the side, or by a refreshment table. Not actually . . . partaking of any refreshments when he does the latter because remembering to eat is difficult. Especially so when he is anxious.

Lily Tsukuyomi | OTA

[alilyinthemoonslight]

Some time ago, Lily would have been super uncomfortable in the spotlight. As it is, she's still not fully there - she's had televised interviews and even spots on a couple late night shows here or there in promotion for her book, and when asked for commentary on events by media. Usually that all comes with a warning, and so had this. Still, she still needs to kind of get herself hyped up for such things. They don't really come naturally.

Lily had, of course, arrived with Winter and largely hanged near her wife whenever possible. This isn't just a large gathering of Numbered - it's a large gathering of a lot of things she's still trying to comprehend how to take in. Thus, keeping near her most reliable security blanket becomes a necessity not just because she wants to, because she obviously does, but to keep herself grounded.

She's dressed well, in a simple lavender dress. Basic, but effective - she's learned a lot more about presenting herself since Harper's attempts to get her to dress well. She knows how to make herself actually stand out now, but is she still nervous? Yes.

After all, she's practically expecting a monster to spring out of the punch bowl the way her last few weeks have been.

Rose Tsukuyomi | OTA

[moonlighteclipse]

Somehow, Rose had ended up here. A part of her knows it's "because Summer is," but it's not really as simple this time as it might have been in the past. These people... she doesn't care about most of these people, right? She isn't a Numbered, not technically. There's only a small handful that she gives a damn about the well being of, as it is.

Yet... she's here. Perhaps her encounter with Jasmine some weeks back had shaken her more than she wants to admit. Or perhaps she's starting to realize even with someone she loves, it can feel remotely lonely when you shut out the rest of the world.

Not that she's going to be super friendly and nice all of a sudden, mind you. She perhaps feels more out of place than even her twin, whom she's making great efforts to avoid direct contact with tonight. Though not really considering how awkward it might be for Lily to have someone with her face wandering around being sort of surly in a dress that, while respectable, is far shorter than hers.

Ah well.

At least there's food.

Mamoru Daigo | OTA

[poweriscombined]

Does Mamoru Daigo own a suit? The answer to that is a resounding no. Mercifully of course, Factor Industries had provided him with proper clothing upon arrival. Does he get to keep it? Might that prove useful later on? Who cares, there's food.

This isn't his usual scene. Not in the slightest. However, the offer was there, the food was - again - free and after tussling with giant bird monsters downtown, he's had well more than enough stupid stuff for awhile.

Agumon was left at home, distracted by food Mamoru had to pay for, so in the end it doesn't quite even out. All the same, you'll generally find him over by the buffet and... not much else.

Edwin Weller | OTA

[speedpariah]

Weller had to resist the urge to immediately begin networking once he found himself in a place like this. The invitation had been to all Numbered and he was eager to take advantage of it, but... there was his responsibility to Thunder Corp and he also had Factor's secretary essentially shoot him down.

It was best not to appear too desperate.

In any case, he'd made sure to wear his best suit (inherited from his father), and he'd gone to enough school fundraisers during his teaching days to know how to behave. Still, the man felt a bit star struck, surrounded by so many important people.

But no, it was other Numbered he needed to focus on tonight. With a confident smile, a drink in one hand, and his cane held in the other, he approached as many people as possible.

"Good evening. I take it you're enjoying the party as well?"

[sakuya_izayoi]

Celine arrived about twenty minutes late. She was given a rather lovely black dress to wear, delaying her proper arrival by another five minutes or so. It complimented her nicely, though she declined the offered heels, opting for flats instead. She wanted to be able to walk thanks.

So, there she was, occupying one corner of the room with a glass of campaign and nibbling on some cheese. She wasn't entirely sure why she had even bothered to come considering how few people she knew. She wouldn't exactly mind keeping it that way either... But none the less she would endure it. At least for now. Maybe someone would come and talk to her?

[adorapire]

Somehow Emilia had managed to get Amy wearing something like this, but in black. Her blonde hair seemed to be a good match for black.

Celine was quickly spotted by the blonde... who made her way over, blushing a little.

"Celine... Hey. I-I'm glad you, um I mean it's nice to see you. Yeah." Someone is a little distracted by those long, lovely legs Celine has...