(open) ☀️ beach bonfire party

[niwabi]

WHO: Everyone! You and you and yes, YOU!
WHAT: Summer Beach Party
WHEN: June 23rd
WHERE: Solarpeak Beach
WARNINGS: none for now!

BEACH PARTY

The sun is shining, a cool, crisp ocean breeze flutters across the shores of Solarpeak Beach. There's not a single cloud in the sky, the perfect day to have a party! Whether you heard about it through Yoimiya's network post, word of mouth or just happen to stumble onto the festivities, everyone is invited to Ellipsa's scorching hot Beach Bonfire Party! Grab your swimsuits, sun dresses, or whatever you feel the most comfortable in, and join in on the fun.

➤

Gonna Soak Up the Sun

Through the combined efforts of Sisu, Yoimiya, and the many kind volunteers who lent their assistance in setting up the venue, the beach party is here and open to the public! Upon arrival, everyone will be given a choice of colorful, handmade hibiscus leis or bracelets to adorn for the party. They aren't mandatory in the slightest, just a cute little thank-you gift to those who are attending. After receiving a warm welcome from the hosts, you're free to set off and have fun! Meet up with friends or introduce yourself to new people from distant worlds, the party is your oyster. Of course, there will be plenty of other activities to partake in as well. Venture forth to the fun!

Feeling brave and daring? Sitting on top of the ocean is an inflatable balance beam built especially for water jousting. Foam joust poles and life jackets (if you wish to wear one!) will be given to would-be challengers looking to scratch the itch for a fight. The goal is to assert your dominance by knocking adversaries into the water and be the last person standing. Show off your strength and become the champion of the beach!

Perhaps you might be in the mood for a bit of fun in the sand. A large area of the beach is sectioned off for the grand Sandcastle Competition. Solarpeak residents from all across the city are bustling with excitement, flocking in to watch the artists do their magic, so go wild with your creations and give them a good show! Buildings, any kind of sculpture, or even just a basic castle are all accepted, let your imagination run free. You can even drag a buddy in for a helping hand if your work of art requires assistance. For the winner, the grand prize is a summer gift basket filled with goodies for a nice relaxing spa day at home. Tucked away inside the basket are gift cards to various restaurants in Ellipsa. Don't fret if you aren't interested in participating! Anyone is welcome to walk around and marvel at the competitor's creations.

➤

A Feast for All

The hosts are bound and determined to ensure that no one leaves this beach hungry. If you're craving a cold tasty treat to stave off the heat, a bustling shaved ice stall is here to cool down roasting attendees. An endless variety of flavors are available for mixing and matching, waiting to quench your thirst. If you are feeling adventurous, there are a few questionable flavors on the menu such as Bacon, Durian, Jalapeño, Ketchup, Mushroom, Pickle juice and Seaweed. Try them at your risk or if your palette is "hungry" for something more on the "unique" side.

For those who made inquiries about alcohol, special arrangements have been made! A small pop-up bar has been set up for today's joyous occasion. The bar's pride and joy is a variety of summer-themed cocktails but you can also find other basic liquor or non-alcoholic drinks if your tastebuds are craving simplicity. To go alongside the refreshing beverages, food is also provided at this small establishment. Some of the dishes on the menu are: kebabs with a hint of rum, peach bruschetta, spring rolls, fish and chips, crab hush puppies, and a spicy jalapeño popper dip (you can also ask for the ghost pepper version of this dip if you are feeling brave). All the hosts ask is that visitors to the bar be mindful of the people who can't or aren't interested in drinking.

Decorated across the shores of the beach are tables, picnic blankets, and sizzling hot grills for the designated picnic area. In a similar fashion to the potluck that took place a while back, several tables have been set up for those who like to go crazy in the kitchen or wish to advertise their food business by bringing samples to share.

Time flies when so much fun is taking place! As the last light of day begins to fade, the stars come out to brighten up the night sky on this clear summer day. However, just because there's no more sunlight, doesn't mean the party is over. Far from it! There's still lots of excitement to be had for the attendees who wish to stick around for the night festivities.

➤

A Midsummer Night's Glow

On the middle of the beach, a blazing bonfire burns ever so brightly inside a log fire pit. Eat snacks, catch up with friends, meet new people, or get cozy with others should one be feeling touch starved. In need of an icebreaker? A game of truth or dare or telling scary stories makes for a good way to pass the time. Maybe you'll have a fateful encounter and land yourself a date before the night is over.

With a sky full of beautiful stars, a bustling bonfire, and a large open space, the atmosphere is perfect for dancing. The DJ for the evening is the bright and energetic Aimoto Rinku, here to bust out an array of sick beats with her turntable. There's plenty of fun to be had in a group conga line or grab a partner for a slow, romantic bolero, and dance to whatever music piques your interest. A small makeshift stage is also set up for those who wish to sing, Rinku will be more than happy to work with any potential performers. From upbeat EDM to ballads, all types of genres fill the air with music. Let loose, enjoy the melody, and dance the night away!

➤

Festive Mementos

For one of the hosts, summer just isn't the same without fireworks exploding across the sky. To end the evening with a bang, a beautiful barrage of fireworks paints the night sky in various colors and patterns. As a final gift to the attendees, Yoimiya has prepared sparklers for everyone to play with. There are a variety of colors to choose from, pink, red, blue, green, orange, purple, yellow, etc. No matter what color catches your fancy, with a little flick of the wand, all of them appear like twinkling stars sparkling and flickering across the stick.

To end off the light show, fireworks representing each of the seasons burst into the sky. Blue snowflakes for Winter, pink cherry blossoms for spring, a yellow sun for Summer, and red maple leaves for Autumn. After the vibrant display, a final golden ray of light flickers and explodes into a bright, heartwarming message for all of the guests. "Thank you for attending! You are all amazing! Let's have a great time in Ellipsa!"

(OOC: Make your own top levels, mingle and have fun! ♡)

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Comments

[titanscience]

[he only brought up the best topic in the history of EVER, that's what!]

[though as for the answer.. hm... well.. if he promises not to spill things to Jean (and if the two of them have been good friends for so long, this Hijikata must be a good and trustworthy guy, right?) why not tell him the things he wants to know?]

When you say the "titans in the walls...?"

[Are we talking about titan-shifters living within the walls, or the actual titans literally insidethe walls? They are two very different things!

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata is definitely a good and trustworthy guy. Just ask Jean! (Please don't ask Levi.)]

The ones built into the walls meant to keep them out. When Eren fought the Female Titan, the innermost wall got damaged, and there were titans inside, right?

[He knows about the other part and he doesn't want to talk about that!! It'd only get his blood pressure up all over again. There's a reason Eren is "Eren", but Annie, whose name he also knows, is "the Female Titan".]

Jean said that the church just told you guys that it's a secret, but what the hell kind of statement is that?!

[titanscience]

[oh so THOSE titans.]

We eventually found out that the walls were made using a titan hardening ability. The reasons why titans were in the walls, was because they formed the walls themselves by using this ability around them.

[Aaaaand there is of course more to that story, such as why and who did it and what if they break out but maybe he will be satisfied with this answer? (Probably not, Hange wouldn't be if the roles were reversed.)]

Back then, Eren eventually managed to master it too. Thanks to him, we were able to patch up holes in the walls and retake the areas we had lost.

[mayoninofukucho]

[The first part does only leave Hijikata with more questions, but he temporarily brightens up as Hange details the humans' achievements in pushing the titans back out of their city.]

Really? You got the invaded territory back? That's... that's great!

[Seriously, this is such a relief!! His voice is warm as he continues.]

Eren is such an asset, isn't he? It has to be hard on him, but he gives everyone hope. He's your Defence Titan!

[titanscience]

We did! [Hange's own expression brightens even further, reminiscing over that time when they finally, finally began to make real progress in humanity's name.]

Before that, I managed to concuct a device using Eren's hardening technique and logs of wood, so we could lure titans in and smash their heads in without anybody needing to fight them directly. It worked really well! That's the Exectioner from Hell for you!!

[Hange still gets excited about it even to this day, thinking back to it and how they managed to clear out all those titans without loss of life!]

[Unfortunately the mention of Eren puts a little dampener on that mood because oh boy. It was certainly hard on Eren, and he definitely did the things he did to protect those around him, but not in the ways that Hijikata must be thinking of.]

...It was hard on him. More than any of us even realised.

[There's obviously more to that story. Hange could elaborate on that... but they choose not to. Hmm!]

But Defence Titan, I can see how that would be a fitting name for him. Everything that Eren did, it was always because he wanted to keep his home and his friends safe.

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata likewise brightens up even more. Hange is the first person from that goddamn titan-infested world to actually tell him about something good that happened there, and it's healing. Hearing that they were able to kill titans without putting their lives on the line almost makes him do a little fist pump (he leaves it at an excited clench).

His take-away regarding Eren, given the way Hange's joy momentarily clouds over, is that he must have suffered even more than Hijikata realised. Just how much did he go through..? It must've been worse than hell itself. But it's all the more of a relief that everyone (not everyone, but at least a good chunk of the people Eren cares about the most) are here now, are safe now.]

Jean had already told me that you're really resourceful... have you considered working at the Research Centre?

[Unless that's already the case!

He wants to ask more questions about the wall titans, but the other matter that really gives him pause is bothering him more. He's hesitant to drag down the mood by bringing up one of the worst moments he witnessed - the one from Levi's memory portal -, but he really wants to understand what he saw.]

Another thing I don't get about titans is that... well, when Levi beat the Beast Titan, he wanted to find someone else to inject with something and... eat the titan shifter. I assume that means it'd have turned the other person into a titan, too?

[But there's no way Levi would turn anyone into a titan for good, which means--]

Into a titan shifter, rather? Does the blood of titan shifters turn other people into their kind?

[titanscience]

[Thankfully he did not ask about that obvious shift in mood. While it is true that Eren suffered greatly, it is definitely not in the ways that Hijikata could imagine and that is not a conversation they are willing to enter with a stranger.

It is a blessing that others from their world do not wish to know the future, because they had decided that Eren deserves a second chance here; a happier, less destructive future, one that could be taken away if people were to learn the truth. If people are told the truth, it will only come about if Eren allows it, or speaks of it himself.]

[Onto less depressing topics!]

I saw they had various openings, but right now I'm enjoying the freedom to pick and choose what I do... sometimes I stay there to help out with some research, but I like to take on guild missions with Levi or the others when I need money without having to commit too much.. and more importantly, it means I'm saved from mountains of paperwork every night...

[Their little group of scouts still needs an authority figure from time to time, such as the current ongoing issue with Reiner and his peace treaty, but for the most part Hange is happy to hang up that Commander's mantle for now and just be free to do whatever they want with each waking day. This is true freedom! we're the same, Eren.]

Levi told you about the Beast Titan..?

[Knowing Levi isn't too much of a surprise, being a close friend of Jean, Hijikata likely ran into him at some point just as the two of them have met here on the beach, but Hange's surprised that Levi had been talking to a relative stranger about.. well, anything that didn't involve tea, dust, or shit jokes to be honest!]

Ah, that's more or less correct. Those of us on the island belong to a race of people called 'Eldians'. If you inject the spinal fluid of a titan into an Eldian, they will also transform in to one.. then if a titan eats a titan-shifter, they also consume their power..

[Once again, there is a lot more to that story, but Hange is curious about how much he already knows..]

What else did Levi tell you?

1/2

[mayoninofukucho]

[For better or worse, Hijikata is so biased in Eren's favour, he wouldn't even think of interpreting anyone's mood sinking at the mention of him in any other way than them feeling sad for him!

He nods at Hange's elaboration regarding the Research Centre job option. He understands completely - much as he enjoys his job back home, being the Shinsengumi's Vice-Commander also means being responsible for a shitload of paperwork! For a researcher it's got to be even worse! And he certainly understands the draw of the quests, being a guild adventurer himself. As for why Levi told him about the Beast Titan, though--]

Oh, Levi didn't tell me voluntarily. We got trapped in one of those memory portals.

[He isn't sure if Hange participated in that battle - the memory only showed him Levi, the man who presumably ended up being succeeded by Hange as Commander, and a bunch of new recruits - but it turns out that he luckily doesn't have to elaborate.

He listens intently as Hange explains what's behind that injection which Levi was trying to find a survivor for in that memory. This is actually the first time someone tells him that the walled city is on an island, and suddenly the isolation of the people there from the rest of their world makes a lot more sense - but the rest of what Hange says, the actual answer to his question, only leaves him more confused.]

Eldians..? But you're humans, right? So you have different genes from the rest?

[Hold on, though...]

2/2

[mayoninofukucho]

[Wait a second, wait a second--]

Does... does that mean that a whole bunch of the titans that overran your city... were once people?

[WHAT THE FUCK!!! He's been hating on those monsters since day one; they've had him ready to slice and dice and murder and immolate with utter impunity, what with them eating humans for no reason... and they used to be people?!

Everything he learns about that godforsaken place feels like taking a wrecking ball to the gut. He really, really should just stop asking questions. (He didn't answer Hange's question, but he didn't know about this, for instance!)]

[titanscience]

[Oh.. those damn memory portals. Well if it contained that Beast Titan and talk of injecting someone, it's pretty clear to Hange what kind of memories those were, and they really aren't enthusiastic about digging up all those feelings again (dig what up, they're always there). Their scouts were almost eradicated, Levi had to make an impossible choice, and Hange lost two of the people closest to them as well as an eye. Talk about a shitty day.]

[Given that perspective, the abject horror found in the knowledge that they had been killing people for decades somehow feels like the lighter topic, but the lively air found within Hange's expression finally fades away.]

Mmm, that's right. We found out that Eldians on the continent were often transported to our island and then turned into titans as punishment, though you can likely debate the authenticity of their crimes.

[Victims of persecution for the most part, for not bowing down to their oppressors. Sure the roles may have been reversed in the preceding centuries, but that doesn't matter in the here and now does it?]

I spent most of my time within the Scouts trying to learn what I could from titans. After spending enough time with the ones we used to capture, it became obvious they each had their own personality and traits, even though they couldn't communicate. But the reality was far more grim than and of us realised...

[There had come a time, eventually, when Hange wondered about titans and their connection to humans, especially when the titan shifters began to crop up, but to find out that it was a simple case of innocent people turned against their will...]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata has reached a point where the horror is so overwhelming that he's actually staying calm. All his feelings seem muted, which is probably for the best, because otherwise he might just yell and scream about the sheer awfulness of it all, and him having a temper outburst would be an ill repayment to Hange for patiently explaining all these painful things to him.

The prospect of people being turned into titans as punishment is so beyond the pale, if anything his anti-Marleyan sentiment would be multiplying right now if he had a concept of Marley. As it is, the identity of the Eldians' enemy is still pretty diffuse to him. Speaking of enemies, though...]

Does that mean that Reiner and his allies are Eldians too? But they grew up in enemy territory? I see.

[That makes their motivation in attacking the walled city more understandable, but doesn't change much for him at this point. He's looking at a much larger scale of fucked-up-ness now.]

Can regular titans be turned back into humans in any way other than eating a titan shifter? What makes the shifters different from the others, anyway? Is it just a chance mutation that allows some people to turn back?

[He increasingly feels like he should give Hange a break from his questions already. He sure has a knack for inadvertently ruining people's happy leisure time days!]

[titanscience]

[It is for that very reason that Hange is steering away from laying all the blame on 'Marley'. Firstly because they see it as a bigger problem involving the world as a whole, but secondly because it would unfairly place the blame at the feet of the present Marlean citizens, which then conveniently come up in Hijikata's inquiry.]

..They are. Only those with Eldian blood can become titans. But from what I understood, those who became Warriors and were selected to take on the power of one of the titans were then also bestowed certain privileges that normal Eldian's wouldn't be given. Same goes for their families too.

[It is an important thing to note, because with that information of course anyone would want to sign up for it, if it meant giving your parents or siblings a better life and to not be looked down upon so much.]

[Hange doesn't mind the constant questioning, in a way it's kind of nice to vent about it with someone who wasn't there and to talk about all those frustrations (is this what therapy is??) but they skip over the last line of questioning for now. Hijikata apparently knows Reiner and will likely cross paths with him here (maybe on this very beach) so there are some things that need to be made known.]

I don't know how much Jean has told you about Reiner and his allies, or maybe you heard from someone else. But it is all a culmination of what happens when you teach children that the "island of devils" are the enemy and in completing your mission you are helping to save the world on behalf of a nation that benevolently allows you to exist there.

[That's what it essentially boils down to. Even though he is responsible for his own actions, overall it isn't really Reiner's fault. And considering the amount of forgiveness they are offering Eren, who caused a lot more damage, the same should be extended to Reiner. Alsop, on top of that, Hange just generally feels a pity for him.]

Trust me, nobody comes out of this looking like a saint, myself included. But both Jean and Reiner come from a time where they both believed each other to be enemies. They don't know that they will end up working together, and the reasons behind it.

[Meaning...]

What I'm saying, is don't go gossiping about alright! [It's said rather firmly, but not in a mean manner.] Those kids are already giving me enough trouble, they can be so stubborn, you know! I just want everyone to get along, but we aren't there yet. So you can't talk to Jean about people being alive outside of the walls, and you can't yell at Reiner for breaking them.

[mayoninofukucho]

[It all makes sense now. Hijikata, who was born from a wealthy man's affair with a less well-to-do woman, would have taken any chance to give his mother a better life... if she had lived until he got old enough to make any such attempt, that is. How can he blame Reiner and the others?

Between Hange's patience in talking to him, apparent compassion for the titans (despite killing them all the same out of sheer necessity), and advocacy for Reiner, he feels that hardly anyone could have been more deserving of being the Suvery Corps' Commander. It took this kind of strength, resilience, and empathy, didn't it? But hearing the admonishments, he has a confession to make...]

...

I already yelled at Reiner.

[Not literally - it was more of an abrupt cold-shouldering, topped off with a solid dose of judgement -, but still!]

I understand where he was coming from now, but...

[He trails off. Isn't it still unforgivable? But so is turning people into titans and telling them lies about that miserable island and its people who are just struggling to survive. If no one ever forgives anyone, there'll be no end to war and suffering.

His position back home actually has him and his comrades in a somewhat similar conundrum: Earth as they knew it was invaded and subjugated, and while humans and amanto now coexist on the planet, there are still rebels who continue to resist and try to drive the foreigners out. His Shinsengumi, in turn, exists to snuff out those rebels. Who is wrong, and who is right? Between the rebels' often violent methods and the shogunate's amanto-induced corruption he feels that he can only judge on a case-by-case basis more often than not. He and his men have covertly gone against their orders more than once.]

I won't go gossiping. I won't tell Jean anything.

[titanscience]

...I see.

[Well whenever this happened, Hange didn't hear about it and they certainly didn't hear about an armoured titan trashing the place, which is... good?]

Well, nothing can be done about it now. And you're still here, so it couldn't have gone too badly..

[It's complicated though, isn't it? The warrior trio breaking through Shiganshina's walls because they had been given a mission to carry out, or perhaps Armin destroying Liberio's port when they went to 'rescue' Eren, no matter how hard you try to justify those actions they are always going to be utterly unforgiveable to someone out there. To those people who lost parents, or siblings, or children, no amount of atoning would ever make up for it.]

[So much fear and hatred, multiplied exponentially until some degree of genocide seemed to be the only way of making it truly stop... One that Hange could never accept, always searching for an answer that would unfortunately never come.]

It's for his sake, not mine. He's better off not knowing about a lot of things, honestly.

[mayoninofukucho]

[It happened just a couple of weeks ago! Reiner took it as well as anyone could have, in fairness. He simply froze up at the sudden mood whiplash and let Hijikata storm off.

It's goddamn complicated, all of it, to the point where it's really depressing. Why can't the world be neatly split into black and white, like in an anime? (Now just wait a moment...) He feels exhaustion set in, even though he did little more than listen to Hange. He nods - Jean definitely will be better off without this burden on his heart.]

...

I owe you for telling me all of this.

[Part of him wishes he had never sought out all this knowledge, but Hange told him as openly and kindly as anyone could have. If he can repay that favour in any way - other than not telling Jean and not antagonising Reiner further - he will!

He lets his eyes wander over the sunny beach, the two pokémon (Parley has curled into a neat fur ball while his Tepig is still running around and digging in the sand), and Hange's little crab bucket, like he has to remind himself of where they are.]

[titanscience]

..Oh, you don't owe me anything. I don't mind talking about it, as long as nobody gets hurt. If anything, thanks for listening to me rant about it for a moment.

[the somber mood is lifting once more, and Hange offers him a genuine smile as they pick up the beach bucket once again to try and pick up the crab without getting pinched.]

Levi's usually the only person I talk to about all of this. It's all too complicated to accidentally let slip to the others, you know?

[Eren knows too, but they don't exactly have many heart-to-hearts. That's a work in progress!]

[mayoninofukucho]

[If Hange felt good being able to talk about all of these things, that's a relief. Hijikata musters a little smile in return, but it disappears again after a brief moment. His mind is still filing away the new information, making connections with minor things he knew about before but didn't fully understand.]

Yeah. It really is complicated.

...

I want to buy a drink; let me get you one too. Or would you like another shaved ice?

[His Tepig ate the previous one, after all!]

[titanscience]

[Hange perks up at the mention of shaved ice- they really want to try it, but that last one was gross!]

Oh.. I want to try shaved ice again! But something sweet, like a fruit one. That last one felt like it was burning, it was too much!

[mayoninofukucho]

Alright, leave it to me.

[Before long he returns with an iced coffee for himself and a peach-flavoured shaved ice for Hange. Eren liked that one, so it feels like a safe bet!]

Here you go.

[Being able to at least do this much makes him feel a little better than if he'd just walked off after talking about all of those heavy matters. His Tepig, which missed his departure to the refreshment stand, runs up to him oinking, and he pets its head.]

Do you want to keep that crab? I think it's hard to maintain a saltwater aquarium at home, but it can be done.

[titanscience]

Thanks, Hijikata!

[Hange takes the shaved ice, filling up the spoon and taking a bite....]

Oh! This one is peach! it's one of my favourites!

[+1000 friendship points! The somber conversation from before is already long forgotten, Hange happily humming to themself with a smile as they continue to snack on the peachy goodness.]

Oh, I'm going to let this little guy free in a moment. I just wanted to study it for a while and take some pictures! You know, it was only a few years ago that I saw the sea for the first time. I wanted to see what types of creatures lived in this one.

[So this isn't a "sea" exactly, but it is full of marine creatures, so it's close enough!]

[mayoninofukucho]

[That checks out... it would have been too dangerous to travel through the titan-filled lands between the city and the sea, however far away it may be, without good reason. But seeing that Hange was able to preserve this sense of joy and wonder, despite the knowledge that only death is waiting back home, once again speaks of a remarkable strength, and it makes Hijikata glad.]

You can come back here as often as you want now.

[He doesn't want to keep hovering around while Hange photographs the crab from all angles and he may or may not be feeling Levi's eyes on him from afar, so he picks up his oinking pig.]

I'll go put on some more sunscreen. Thanks again, Hange. I'll see you around - and if you want to train together, let me know!

[He's good at burning stuff (and teaching others to do the same)!! But also at telekinesis!]

[titanscience]

[Clearly invested in the crab pictorial they are creating, Hange doesn't even notice Hijikata getting up to leave at first, not until he's already walking off and giving his goodbyes.]

Oh- sure, let's train some time! [Whether it is them in person, or their pokemon, either one sounds like a good time.]

And if you want to find me, just send an electronic letter! My name in the phones is 'Hange' of course! H-A-N-G-E! Or you can just ask Jean too, I guess!

[Hange gives an enthusiastic wave, then it's back to the crab photos...]

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata waves back. He'll save Hange to his contacts right away even if he would never have guessed the spelling from the pronunciation!

He'll probably follow his iced coffee up with a stronger-than-usual cocktail, but Hange's smile makes everything feel less awful than it could.]