VACATION IS WHERE I WANNA BE

[kametaro]

☼ BEACH VACATION MEME ☼ Summer begins, and the saniwa's army earns a well deserved vacation. All expenses paid for by their organization, from travel to lodging to food, and yes, even the swim wear and toys. The water is blue, the skies are (mostly) clear, and it's time to have some fun at the beach! Watch out for the jellyfish and KBseagulls. ***Feel free to include some prompts in your top level. If you can't think of any, pick from below for some ideas!** 001.IN THE WATER This is why you're here, right? Take to the water and splash around. Now might be a good time to learn to swim if you don't already. But watch out! Here comes a large wave--! 002.SANDCASTLES This is it... the enemy's stronghold... not! It's a race against the clock to build a castle before the tide comes in. Collect those seashells, fortify your fortress, and don't be a jerk and ruin some else's castle. 003.SUNBATHING or maybe you've opted to sit under the shade of a large umbrella instead. Some times it's good to just sit back, relax, and watch to make sure no one needs to be rescued later. Keep an eye on the tide or you might find yourself getting wet anyway. 004. BEACH ANIMALS There are tiny fish in the tide pools, crabs crawling around, and uwah are those sea turtles?! Tsurumaru, put that octopus down right now. Ouch, did that jellyfish get you? And look, over there! That's a dolphin! You know, dolphins are intelligent creatures and have been known to help people-- WAIT NO ITS A SHARK ITS A SHARK NOT A FRIENDLY FISH IT LOOKS LIKE A DOLPHIN BUT ITS A SHARK. 005.MELON SLICING The organization has been kind enough to provide food and drink as well. They must have felt very clever sending all of those watermelons, though. Really, who needs that many watermelons? It's a competition to see which sword is the True Melonslasher. 006.STORM Those clouds came in so quickly, you barely had a chance to notice. The sky is dark, the rain is pouring down, and the wind is blowing cold. It's time to quickly collect your things and try to find some place dry. 007.KBCGULLS. Oh no, who fed the seagulls? They're circling around like vultures and making swoops at you, trying to steal your food. Hey, wait, that's not even edible! Was it just you or was there an evil glint in that bird's eye just now...? 008.BEACH PARTY. All of those watermelons you sliced earlier are being put to use. The sun is setting, the food is out, and a bonfire is going on the beach. Eat your heart out and dance around the fire. Watch the sunset, look at the stars, this sure is nice, isn't it? 009.WILDCARD. Mix and match. Create your own prompt. Find the dragon king's palace or something.

Comments

[aslyfox]

(004)

[ Like with the horses back at the Citadel, Kogitsunemaru has a certain fascination with trying to trick other creatures with general, lighthearted forms of harassment. However, there are no horses here at the beach to look disdainfully and judge the little fox for his curious, annoying attempts of his brand of fun.

So when Kogitsunemaru sees these little weird things scuttling around on the sand, his first reaction is to follow them and when they try to lose him, he gives chase. He's having a pretty good time, white hair fluttering behind him as he stalks the crabs around in the sand... until he loses his balance and falls, causing a few to go flying.

This is why you have come across the foolish sword surrounded by a circle of clickity-clackitying crabs, with a slightly larger one across from the little fox, who looks increasingly amused but unaware of the pinching that he may sustain on what is supposed to be a lovely day at the beach.

It's a... CRAB BATTLE?! You should probably intervene, otherwise who knows what will happen, especially because Kogi just sits here all 'weh'-like. ]

(009)

[ Maybe you've just woken up from a nap from under one of the giant beach umbrellas or are now coming out of the water, and you'll notice a few odd sand-sculpted creations creating a trail of some sort. There's probably a couple of weird aburaage shaped ones, a few crudely shaped foxes with multiple tails, some decent looking turtles, and maybe an attempt at a sword or two (even though they just look like someone smushed some piles of sand into a line).

But if you follow the creations a bit farther away from the main camp, you'll find Kogitsunemaru sitting in the sand using the remaining portion of water from a bright pink pail of water and trying to shake the rest out into the sand so he could attempt another fox. ]

Hey, will you get me some more water? [ He'll toss the bucket up to you with the expectation that you'll do him a solid and bring him some more crafting materials to start creating more things. Maybe he'll teach you how to make cute little sand foxes, too! ]

(009-2)

[ Have any other ideas/scenarios? DO THE THING. ]

[hoasen]

[Here comes someone who sees! WAIT HANG ON WHAT'S HAPPENING. She moves in closer to look at Kogi surrounded by crabs.]

Kogitsunemaru?

[aslyfox]

Ah, hello Vietnam! [ Kogitsunemaru perks up! ] Aren't these little creatures neat? [ He motions around himself, ending with a hand outstretched toward the obvious challenger crab which snaps its claws at Kogitsunemaru's fingers. ]

They're a little aggressive. I've never seen these before! Have you? [ He can't help but laugh, it all seems really silly. Is this natural? ]

[hoasen]

[She winces on his behalf while she tries to shoo the little things away from hurting him, or perhaps accidentally chopping off parts of his hair.]

W-well, they are very impressive yes! I've seen them from time to time whenever I go to the beach.

But I think they may have thought you threatened them somehow, which is why they want to fight you. Perhaps you should make peace.

[aslyfox]

[ The crabs don't seem very receptive to Vietnam's attempts to break the ring of crustacean combat. If crabs could frown, they would. Instead, they'll just snap at her fingers.

Meanwhile, Kogitsunemaru is poking the ever-loving crap out of the one sitting with him in the circle. Poke, poke, poke. He's gently prodding the big one. MAN, IF CRABS COULD FROWN... ]

Threaten? How'd I threaten them? They seem way smarter than horses!

[hoasen]

[She quickly pulls her fingers back when the crabs protest! They're so feisty! Be careful, crabs, she could turn you all into food too.

Kogitsunemaru on the other hand is actually very brave to being to poke that poor crab friend of his.]

Actually, you are right, they do seem very clever...a bit too clever...[SHE'S ONTO YOU, CRABS.] But it could've been an accident, that you didn't mean to!

[aslyfox]

[ CRABS SHOW NO MERCY, even to spirits. Countries and swords don't intimidate them! They would make a pretty good soup, though. ]

Ah, I only tripped and I did apologize. [ Does an apology count if includes the following phrase? 'Sorry, ugly bug things'. They're not bugs or things, so there's probably some hurt feelings or something-something...

But the boss crab, having probably lost its patience, makes the first move and clamps down hard on Kogitsunemaru's best pointer finger. ]

!!!

009

[yamanblanketry]

[ Wanting to be by himself to let the other swords enjoy the gaining night without needing to worry about the duplicate marring the pleasant atmosphere, Yamanbagiri starts to walk away from the festivities. He doesn't plan on going far and worrying anyone... but then he nearly trips over an odd pile of sand. Only awkward hopping and twisting prevents him from smashing the sand... whetstone? (It looks far too long and skinny to be one, but what else could it be? Charcoal?) And over there is another sand sculpture that's more recognizable. And another. What are these things, and how have they not been knocked over by the waves or by demonic gulls or inattentive frisbee catchers?

He follows them to their end where Kogitsunemaru is working on his newest creation, but he nearly turns another way as to not disturb Kogitsunemaru. The bucket tossed at him halts that action, however. He might as well do what Kogitsunemaru asks and let him get back to work without the disturbance. ]

Will one bucket be enough?

[aslyfox]

[ Oh, Yamanbagiri-san! Thank goodness. Kogitsunemaru is happy that someone ended up following the trail of odd sand things, especially because it'd be silly if he threw the bucket and no one was there. ]

It should be. [ He nods happily, stopping his molding to acknowledge the cape-wearing uchigatana with a cheerful smile. ] Did you like what I've been making? The swords, fried tofu, and foxes? [ He's clearly proud of his artistic accomplishments... he's trying his best, you know. ]

[yamanblanketry]

[ Yamanbagiri looks back on the sand sculptures that lead him to Kogitsunemaru. Now that he knows what they are supposed to be, he can tell by their shape much better. He's still not 100% sure of the sand swords, but he's not going to insult a sword of his renown like that. ]

I didn't expect them on the beach. Most were building castles and defensive structures.

[ Him included, if the ocean hadn't eventually reclaimed his sand citadel. He's still a little upset that his work was so easily destroyed, and he couldn't save it by diverting the water. ]

I'll be right back with the water.

[aslyfox]

Castles and defensive structures... [ He'll pat down a few wet clumps of sand to form a tail of a future fox. Seeing as it was probably easier to build some of those things with the already existing molds, he wanted to go free-form. You know, just in case the whole 'saving time' thing doesn't work out, he could go into the visual arts. ]

... maybe I'll try my hand at some of those later, Yamanbagiri-san. Perhaps an army of foxes can protect a citadel? And thank you.

[ He'll give the caped sword a nod of thanks for aiding him in his building endeavors. ]

[yamanblanketry]

[ Dutifully, he goes to get the water, carefully avoiding getting himself wet. Yamanbagiri tries to be quick, but he delays at the water's edge for a brief moment before retrieving the water and returning. ]

Sorry for taking so long. Here you go.

[ The bucket is brimming full of water. However... in the bottom of the bucket are two smooth pieces of sea glass and three sea shells with barely any chips in them. Nearly in perfect condition. Yamanbagiri found them in the sand, washed up from some of the more recent waves. ]

[aslyfox]

[ By the time Yamanbagiri comes back, the rest of the fox's tails have been formed and it's body has been crudely shaped. He's getting better as it's haunches can be seen outlined, and it even has four little paws. It seems the sand fox is stretching out, and it's just missing a head now.

Thankfully, the water is just in time and as he takes the bucket, he looks into it and sees the shells and glass. Wow, they're beautiful! ]

Ah, are these for me? [ Presents for Kogitsunemaru? How sweet! ]

009

[mikazuki_munechika]

[Mikazuki had been napping under the umbrella when he woke up to see all the little sand sculptures and the line they formed. After stretching once he got up to follow their trail and soon found the creator of the little beings.

He caught the bucket and laughed.]

Alright, though I didn't think that you felt so lonely while I slept that you created lots of little foxes to accompany you.

[aslyfox]

[ If Kogitsunemaru knew he was going to be throwing his bucket carelessly at Mikazuki, he would have held onto it and ran to the water himself. Of course he didn't, so he gets up immediately (careful to not squish the fox he was in the middle of making), and bows an apology. ]

Ah, Mikazuki-san! [ Ah, he's so embarrassed! He should have double checked who was approaching... ] Please let me have the bucket back... if you'd like, we could get the water together.

[mikazuki_munechika]

[There is another chuckle and he shakes his head. It's still better than being pampered and treated like a porcelain doll. The little fox won't be getting back that bucket anytime soon.]

It's alright, I'll get it, just keep tending the little ones.

[aslyfox]

[ No. It's stubborn Kogitsunemaru time. He won't frown, but it's certainly a facial expression close to one. And he'll edge closer to Mikazuki, trying to bat the pail away from him. ]

They'll be fine! Just let me have the bucket. [ He has his ways... ]

[mikazuki_munechika]

[Then let's see who is more stubborn, Kogitsune or this old man sword here. He's got a tight grip here and if you don't behave he'll pinch your nose.]

I never thought you'd be one to change your mind so quickly. I said it's alright.

[aslyfox]

[ NOT THE NOSE! Geez Mikazuki, you don't have to threaten with physical punishment. You'll make a little fox extremely sad, no one likes their nose pinched... ]

Then at least allow me to go with you. I could use a stretch. [ At least this much is true, sitting cross-legged in the sand or being on his knees for most of the time didn't allow him to get those muscles working. ]

004

[yume_tabiji]

[Japan watched the actions of the little fox in confusion. Was he seriously trying to engage into a battle with a group of crabs. If not for Kogitsunemaru being the one who faced them then it would look like the crabs were ganging up on someone.

She stepped closer and adjusted her summer hat. It was supposed to be a lovely day on the beach after all.]

Kogitsune-san, what are you doing...?

[aslyfox]

[ The crabs are moving in a circle around the little fox sword, clacking their crab claws in apparent aggression. The big crab, the leader, is staring down Kogitsunemaru with its big, intimidating eye stalks.

But Kogi seems pretty okay. He's oblivious to how much he must have irritated the crabs, smiling and being terribly amused by this entire ordeal. It's not like the crabs are going to break him into pieces, even with their collective clawwork. ]

I think I'm making friends! [ He'll reach toward the big one and it'll snap at his fingers, causing him to withdraw his hand quickly. ]

Maybe I'm not. Still, it doesn't hurt to try, right? [ It takes time to grow a friendship! ]

[yume_tabiji]

[Well, the crabs actions don't seem normal to her and that worries her a little, but Kogitsune doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all.

They won't be able to break him, sure, but that doesn't mean that they have to engage into a battle.]

I think it might even be the opposite...

[aslyfox]

Really? So should I try fighting them instead? [ It's not like's gonna draw his sword and start slicing the things up. They're pretty close to defenseless, what with their inability to comprehend threats. Then again, the fact alone they aren't scurrying away is probably worrying...

... not like Kogitsunemaru knows. ]

I feel like it'd be an unfair fight...

[yume_tabiji]

I wouldn't recommend it.

[Not that it's going to end up like in the Zelda games and a swarm of crabs goes after him... followed by a giant crab that tries to protect its children.]

Maybe...

[She goes to grab a seaweed and tries to lure the crabs away by waving it in front of their eyes.]

[aslyfox]

[ Well, don't say it won't... who knows what can happen during this trip to the beach? The crabs are odd, the seagulls are apparently crazy, and there's always a chance of storms.

But he won't fight them, not right away, especially if the crabs are distracted by the seaweed as Japan swings it in front of them. Their attention is definitely on that, so Kogitsunemaru will slowly get up and step out of the ring of crabs.

IT'S WORKING! ]