The Big 4th of July Bash

[Ryu Hikari]

Independence Day. The day when the people of the United States of America staked claim to the right of "Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness."

The school is having a Fourth of July party the evening of the Fourth. There will be food, drinks, and fireworks. This will be a one day only event, which means a smaller block of time for completion, but the rewards are worth it.

Rewards: +3 EXP and a special item to be determined by staff upon the completion of the event.

Requirements:

• You must contribute one thing to the event and to wear something patriotic, as well as make mention of their clothes and mention what they are contributing.
  
• You must also make reference in some way shape or form to the Declaration of Independence.
  
• 700+ words

Start/End Date: July 4, 12AM CST/July 5, 12AM CST (That means it starts at midnight central time today and ends midnight central time tomorrow)

Good luck everyone, and may the odds ever be in your favor. (The Hunger Games reference, HA!)

[Ryu Hikari]

Independence Day. More commonly known as The Fourth of July, not only is it the day when the Declaration of Independence was signed, it also the day when Americans go all out in showing their patriotism. In Ryu's case though, as he was not American, it made sense that he wouldn't have to show up to and show his nonexistent patriotism at The Fourth of July party at the school, but partly because his pseudo aunt probably expected him to show up, and the other part being upon being informed about the party from her friend and classmate, Penny Caulder, after much constant badgering and begging on Mai's part, Ryu finally relented and agreed to take her to the party.

Though Mai wasn't the only one that had never been to a Fourth of July party before, Ryu had never been to one either, the two of them having lived in England and Japan their entire life. Not surprisingly though, Mai dragged her big brother along to find something to wear for the upcoming party, the two of them making their way through downtown New York City in their limousine, Ryu's arms folded across his chest and a slightly disgruntled look on his face.

"Imouto-chan, remind me again why you dragged ME along to help you find something to wear, instead of dad?"

"Daddy is busy with work, and besides, I missed you, since you're in high school, all your free time is either spent training or with your friends. I want to spend as much time as I can with you nii-san during the summer break."

"Riiiiiight, okay then. You didn't have a fight with dad, did you? Because you're going to have to face him sooner or later."

"Oh shut up nii-san, and no, we did not have a fight, daddy is just too busy to come along."

"Alright then, if you say so..."

A triumphant look on Mai's face despite the skeptical look Ryu gave her, the two of them reached the mall not too long after, Ryu following in after his sister. After going through what felt like the entire mall to Ryu, Mai had finally found something to wear, a collared, blue long-sleeved shirt with a light blue scarf to match, a long white skirt and blue boots, seeing as her red eyes and white hair were kind of patriotic, but she also picked up three small flags for herself, her brother, and their father. As for Ryu, the blue and white shirt he already wore and his red hair was kind of patriotic, but he doubted it counted, so he picked up a simple red hoodie with the eagle on the back and a small American flag on the front left. With their patriotic gear picked out, the two of them then went out for lunch, and generally spending some quality sibling time together. The two of them heading home after lunch, now all that was left was to figure out what to contribute to the party, and he knew exactly what to get...

- July 4, Afternoon-

After making several trips back and forth between his car parked in the parking lot, Ryu had finally gotten his contribution to the party over. What was it you ask? Why, it was all the fireworks he had bought together in one big pile, as well as all the equipment that he would need at the designated launch area at school. As he was a technological wiz, setting up the fireworks and coordinating when each set should go off at at particular time posed no challenge for him at all. Getting to work on setting up the wires and running them from the fireworks to the timer, which Ryu could activate with a wireless remote, he'd place each set of fireworks in the concrete tubes, ensuring they would shoot straight up, and not go firing in every which way.

Hooking the wires up to the timer, making sure the connection was not only secure, but correct, because the last thing they needed was a faulty connection, once the last firework had been placed in its correct spot, now all that was left was to wait for evening to come.

- Evening -

After coming home from finishing the setup of the fireworks, Ryu had been mulling around his room for the most part, he didn't need a phenomenal amount of time to get ready, but it was better to be done with everything and have time to spare, then rush around to get ready in time. After he had taken a shower, Ryu got dressed, by which time, Mai and their dad had already gotten dressed, as usual, their father was dressed his his usual black overcoat and suit, and she was calling for Ryu, it was time to go. The three of them piling into the limousine, they'd head off to the school. After John had parked the limousine, the three of them headed to the main party area.

After grabbing some food and a drink, he'd walk around the campus grounds with his little sister, and before he knew it, it was time for the fireworks display. Pulling out his remote, once he was given the all clear, he'd launch the first set of fireworks, and launch the rest at a specific time, holding his little sister's hand while she marveled at the display, their father standing by them and watching the display as well.

Happy Fourth of July my American peeps!

(OOC: Number of words minus BB coding and this out of character note: 934)

[Kazumi O'Connor]

All these school events were going to kill her, she was sure of it. Here she was, trying to relax during her summer vacation, but no, there was just one event after another that she felt she needed to be a part of. Had she not been a pillar, she might not have felt so inclined, but the truth was, she might have given her mother's position in the school. But either way, she would go about the day trying to get everything ready for the event that was taking place tonight.

It was the 4th of July and for the American's it was a big holiday celebration. This was the day, the anniversary of the signing of their Declaration of Independence. It was a time to celebrate those famous lines We the people and everything like that......and yes, even though Kazumi was technically an American, she did not really see herself as one. She had been raised in Italy and well, to her, she was Italian. Truth be told, there was probably not many who would argue that point, given the way she looked, the accent and where she was from...But yeah, back to the point. This was a big deal for the other people of this school and therefore she would take it seriously, for as long as she had to.

So, throwing on a tank top that had an American flag across the front, some fireworks and a "4th of July" logo, she would let a little sigh pass her lips, pulling up a pair of jeans that barely managed to fit her anymore and of course those usual black boots. It didn't take her long to leave the house, stopping only to grab something to eat because yeah, she was starving and then climbing in her car to head off to the market. She had already ordered her contribution to the little get together, a cake. Sure, it didn't seem like much, but really it was quite patriotic.

She had just told the lady behind the counter to go ahead and make the thing as fourth of julyish as she possibly could. Pulling into the market she would climb out and head into the bakery, the woman behind the counter easily recognizing her and greeting her with a big smile and a wave. She would then bring Kazumi around to the back so that she could see the cake that they had put together.

Wrinkling her nose slightly, Kaz would think it over and give a little nod. Yep, it seemed like it would be good enough for what it was intended for. Which yeah, was to be pretty much set on a table, ignored by students and then torn into when they got hungry for sweets. Plus it was patriotic enough.....she thought. Hell if she knew. This was the first fourth of July she had ever really spent in the US...well that she remembered.

She would then tell the woman to go ahead and deliver it, since yeah, she was far too clumsy to be trusted with that. Paying her as well as giving her specific instructions on how to get there and what time to deliver it. Rather satisfied with herself for having contributed, she would let a little smile cross her face as she was walking out of the bakery and heading back to her car.

_________________________________________________________

Later that night, she would arrive at the little get together. She wasn't really forcing Patrick to come to this thing because he had been a good enough sport going with her to that pool party thing. Which yes, she was very grateful for. Though if he chose to show up, she would definitely not be complaining.

Upon arrival she would make her way through the courtyard which had been decorated rather nicely. Her blue eyes looking around as she took in the various decorations and what not. A glance to the right catching her attention as she saw workers from the bakery setting up. A little smile crossing her lips as she would turn and head over in their direction, ensuring that they set everything up properly and that nothing was messed up......because that was the absolute LAST thing she needed to happen tonight.

WORD COUNT: 742

[Guy]

FOURSCORE AND SEVEN YEARS AGO!!! Wrong reference, all the same however Guy would arrange to the ideal of entertaining folks at this school oriented Fourth of July event. Now being a Brit of birth he didn’t necessarily get into the appeal of a bunch of redneck hicks shooting their guns into the air and blazing a trail of their egos into the natural world order. Though that didn’t necessarily stop him from showing up to the party with a box full of patriotic American flags hanging loosely from a steel circular bin. Arms looped loosely around the width of the bin, Guy managed to stumble past the front guards handing out tickets to position around the member’s wrists. With school out they needed some sort of means to keep the public in order while not seeming too dictoral. Guy was dressed somewhat askew from his ordinary attire. Jeans, a patriotic button up sporting eagles flying with their wings on fire and guns drawn up in their claws. Yup he was damned patriotic.

So Guy’s roll in this whole event was seemingly miniscule but as he’d learned in his years of living in this beautiful country was that to these people loved their flags. Guy skipped into the fray crossing the security line and finding his way along the parade of booths set up by these Americans. At each of them seemed a new article for sale; small poppers, cupcakes, donations to the troops, Republican propaganda, Democratic propaganda, US Army recruiters. It was like they were all here taking advantage of a big mixing event, as though the school was just a prison for the youth’s minds to be manipulated for their inherent future. Guy cocked a small grin before finding an empty space on the lawn finding himself quickly tilted to the right, pivoting off his foot.

“THE WAR FOR OIL DISGRACES US AMERICANS!!”

A lone jogger would be found strapped in the nude spurring through distraught people finding his nude appearance more disturbing than the tripe he was concerned in spouting. A small podium positioned at the middle of the field was the boy’s destination drawing a few eyes including Guy’s to the scene before parting himself and shouting at the top of his lungs to grapple for attention before the disinterested students.

“People of Public High School #8011, stand up for justice and protest the war in the middle east, it is nothing but a sham for fat-cats in Wall stre-“ *Thwap*

A heavy steal plated apple pie would catch the boy across the face knocking the already unsteady feet on the podium spring boarding the boy across to the side managing to tumble onto his knees. “Get off the stage you Communist Fuck!” A roar of laughter would strike through the crowd rupturing and echoing through each hall, “And put on some clothes.” Another roar of the crowds before the boy got to his feet, an apparent tear in his eyes forming before managing to hold his ground and a sudden noise in the crowd broke the echo of negativity.

*Clap Clap Clap*

Guy stood there running his palms together and applauding the boy for regaining his ground, when the laughter stopped and were just as quickly replaced by confused scowls wondering if he was showing a different means of taunting or siding with the nudist. As they stood there deciding Guy halted dipping to the side to retrieve a flag and hold it between his thumb and index finger by the stem. His other hand shuffled for his back pocket pulling out a lighter and flicking with one swift motion holding the entire visible audience in a slow gaping attraction before the end of the flag caught afire.

“I’d commend your courage, to stand before the many is exactly what this country stands for and yet so many are willing to stand behind the guise of fear. “ Guy let the flame flicker and consume the flag before whiffing it with a quick motion cutting the flame at the stem and fizzing out. “The rest of you are cowards to pick on someone with ideals that surpass the norm, granted his methods are a bit… unsuited, but his heart beats stronger than ten of you.”

*Pop*

Guy didn’t get to finish the rest of his rant, a large senior with brass knuckles clocked him in the teeth and he woke the next morning with a sign draped around his neck. “Merika!” They could at least spell it right.

Words: 753

[Legion]

Ah, july 4th. What a holiday. And here Patrick was, figuring out how to celebrate this crazy holiday. Yeah, it was another school event. One the Patrick didn't particularly want to go to but figured he should probably attend. He knew Kazumi wasn't forcing him or bribing him to go, but all the same he should go. That and he knew that she was going to be there. Big plus and desire for him to want to go anyway, to spend more time with her. Patrick really didn't want to sit around alone today anyway.

So now he was left stuck, trying to figure out how to celebrate this holiday, because truth be told, he couldn't remember celebrating anything. Always been too concerned with staying alive. That and with not going to school when he was younger or having parents he didn't really learn the reasons behind most holidays. That had really stuck him in a pattern as was. To be perfectly honest it was just wednesday for him. Sure the colonies declared their independence two hundred something years ago but that was really relative to him. It didn't make much difference to him now, he didn't think thing would have worked out any differently regardless. Probably still would have ended up as common street trash, thinking any day he woke up was a good day.

Well, as Patrick wracked his brains he figured that he should probably try and wear something that was Patriotic. The real question though was whether he had anything that fit that bill. Most of the clothes he wore were plain, neutral colors. But he figured the shorts didn't matter so much so he just threw on a pair of khaki cargo shorts with a shrug. But as for shirts, he could come up with anything so he'd just throw on a black tank top and go out to the store and find some damn pin or something. Yeah, that would work. He needed to get some side dish any way.

So his unpatriotic clothes on his back he stepped out and got into his truck and drove off towards the grocery store. When he got there he walked in, feeling the cool air from the a/c and began looking around for something. Almost anything really. Cookies? meh, to much walking to get there. Chips? One bag seemed stupid and he sure as hell was not going to buy more then that. So eventually he settled on a watermelon. That seemed july fourthy enough. It would work, and it was cheap.

As Patrick stood in line he desperately was looking for anything that would make him seem at least slightly patriotic. And eventually when he got to the cashier he say it. A sticker. A sticker of old glory herself. Red, white and blue, made to look like it was flapping in the breeze. Whatever. Patrick asked the Cashier, "How much of the stickers?"

"They're 2.50 for the pack," the guy answered boredly, very bored.

It was funny. Patrick thought as he paid for the watermelon and stickers. He had to wonder if this was what the founding fathers thought of when they signed the declaration of independance. The pursuit of happyness and the unalienable right to buy a sticker to show your patriotism for their sacrifices. Patrick got a little chuckle out of the thought as he paid the money and made his way back home.

Evening...

Once again he had missed Kazumi it seemed. He wasn't really sure how that kept happening but it did. And annoying as it was, he knew that she was going to be there. And he knew she wasn't going to try and force him to go. But he wanted to... Sort of. So once again he got in the truck and drove off, trying to not get there super late. And as he pulled in the drive, fortunately for him, he wasn't. In fact, he was on time. Quite a feat. So he slapped that sticker on his chest and made his way inside. Looking for the table to put the watermelon on, dropping it off and then beginning to search for the one he really cared about...

[Ira Seran]

"C'est stupide. Américains juste ce jour comme une excuse pour faire exploser des choses avec des feux d'artifice." [This is stupid. Americans just have this day as an excuse to blow stuff up with fireworks]

Ira would mutter about as she glued glitter to the signs. There were various signs with arrows... People would get lost without them... 'cause they were stupid.

"Not at all! It's the celebration of America....the Declaration of Independence." Ira rolled her eyes in annoyance. Miranda proved to be more and more annoying when ever a holiday popped out of no where. The bitch was way too festive for her own good.

"I'm French. I don't care. I don't care about a lot of things." The two girls sat for what seemed to be a minute as they stared at each other. Ira had a dead serious expression as Miranda countered it with a "you're joking" expression.

"Okay then.... Just... enjoy the fireworks... French people like fireworks..everyone likes fireworks." Ira sighed as she proceeded to create the signs. Why couldn't she stay home and carry on to have the boring life style that she did so enjoy? Noooo Miranda had to be so fucking annoying. Ira's mother obviously had something against her or something to pick Miranda of all people.... Yet again Miranda was the only girl who would be willing to work with Ira...

After a long moment of silence they were finished the posters. Miranda would gather them up and head for the door. "I will meet you there, kay? What are you gonna wear?"

Ira would shrug. Probably something patriotic... The bitch wanted America...she was going to give her America.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ira would walk up to the "event" wearing a pimped out American flag. Yup... she turned the mother fucker into a dress. She got a few looks and even from the girls who had the same idea as her... Ira would smile though knowing full well her dress was better than theirs... and they knew it too. Though she couldn't help but notice everyone had someone. Her eyes looked to the ground as she walked around aimlessly. She kept looking at her phone pretending she was reading a text from the people she was ready to meet so she wouldn't look so much like a loner. That was one thing Miranda was good for. Made it look like Ira was somewhat tolerable.

"Hey!" Ira jumped as she turned to see Miranda... who was wearing nearly the same thing. Well... different... but the idea of it was pretty much the same. Ira would look her up and down before scuffing.

"Did I not tell you what I was wearing?! Be careful Miranda... I don't need people telling me 'we match'."

"We're like twins!" she would say in a chipper voice... which for some reason made Ira's ears bleed...metaphorically speaking of course.

"If you are a horndog bastard then yeah.... you're like my twin." Miranda would blush at the mention of Cael. Girl had the hots for him... yet again a lot of women did. It was irritating to say the least.

Miranda and Ira would start walking down the path and trying to avoid bumping into anyone... there was barely any conversation between the two which made it all the more bleak. "I know! we can get hot dogs and cotton candy!" Ira would laugh as she headed towards the food vendors.

"You can. I don't have this body because of hot dogs and candy." Miranda puckered her lips in a pout. She shook her head refusing to want to go eat now that she felt self conscious about the whole thing. Kind of hard not to when Ira was your "friend".

As the day grew longer it slowly came to an end as the sun began to set. Everyone gathered on the grass as Ira stood leaning against a tree... She couldn't exactly sit criss-cross-apple-sauce on the dirty ground wearing what she was. She looked over at Miranda would flopped herself on the ground without a care of her wardrobe. She had the biggest smile on her face as Ira shrugged before looking up to the sky.

The crack echoed through the sky as glitter popped in the clouds. Ira blinked from the sudden start of the show... but once she had her attention on it..she couldn't look away. She was still a teenager...a girl who loved sparkly things... a small smile curled on her lips as she tried her best to hide the fact she was enjoying the fireworks thoroughly.

word count: 769 without translation

[Kevala Katashi]

EVENT IS CLOSED

(I will be giving Ryan the chance to finish his up due to the fact that his battery died but that he started it none the less. However anything posted past this point will not be accepted.)

Awards will be posted tomorrow sometime, once I have had time to create them.

[Kevala Katashi]

Rewards are here! (Keep in mind they are not much, but just a lil something for being awesome!)

• Ryu:
  +3 EXP
  Freedom Pin! –This snazy little pendant not only shows off your love of America, but it also makes you look just a little bit smarter. (Too bad it can't work miracles! ) +2 INT
  
• Kazumi:
  +3 EXP
  Glowing Pride Bracelet! –This is a pretty cool little do-dad. Unlike most glow sticks, this bad boy never runs out of juice, it just keeps glowing and glowing and glowing. (That way you can see better as your run from all those monsters that want to eat you in the dark...or your boyfriend.) +2 DEX
  
• Guy:
  +3 EXP
  Blinging In The Fourth Pendant! – This stunning and shiny pendant that looks like a dedazzler's dream is not only sexy sleek and stylish, but it helps to boost your ability to take a hit. (Cause if the other guys on the football team see it, you may need that added boost.) +2 CON
  
• Patrick:
  +3 EXP
  Fight for Freedom Pin! – So rugged and manly looking, a pin any history nerd would be proud to wear! (Beware though, may make you think you are a freedom fighter at a moments notice!) +2 STR
  
• Ira:
  +3 EXP
  Freedom Fingers!! Though it is not a complete set, you still get two very stylish and very sexy fake nails. Nobody will be able to help looking at your sparkly hands now! (Saves them from looking at your nice rack at least!) +2 CHA