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bottlecaplogs2025-12-15 10:02 am
bayhelpers) wrote in bottlecaplogs2025-12-15 10:02 am
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DECEMBER 2025 EVENT LOG
⋆✩ A HOLLY, JOLLY… ✩⋆
The snow is constant, but gentle now. It drifts more than it falls, gently gathering on the boughs of trees and the rooftops of houses. As the days pass, with the sight of the sun rarer and rarer, one could be forgiven for feeling morose - even lonely - in these coming winter days. Yet the energy of the Pokemon in both Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town convey something else; a sense of quiet excitement, and even camaraderie.
Pokemon are beginning to gather at each other’s homes for quiet visits with hot drinks. They’re having snowball fights in the lingering hours of light, and warm moments inside near a fire.
It feels like, despite the cold, things will be just fine.
YOU BETTER NOT CRY
It begins with a rumble. For a brief moment, a few Pokemon ask themselves if that avalanche from a week or so ago might not have been a warning of more to come. If maybe all the work to clear that snow is going to be undone. As the rumble increases however, it becomes clear that it isn’t the same as a collapse of snow. It sounds like something else. Like feet. Like…
”WE ARE HERE!”
Pokemon feet!
Despite sounding akin to an army of Pokemon, a total of only five soon make themselves known in the main square at Bottlecap Bay. They come charging with a practiced display, each one lining up proudly as they strike a pose - Scolipede, stamping the ground and throwing their horns. Incineroar, belching flames as they flex. Noivern, spreading great wide wings…
And tossed onto the shoulder of their companion, the teensy tiny Treecko, on Obstagoon’s shoulders!
“S!” “I!” “N!” “T!” “O!”
“SINTO IS HERE!!”
Proudly displaying themselves for all of Bottlecap, everyone quickly realizes that what’s most amazing about this oddball team isn’t just their noise level, but something even more interesting entirely; all of them are strange combinations of red, green, and white! It seems the team responsible for the mysterious request at the start of December has finally revealed itself…but why? As soon as anyone asks, the Obstagoon happily steps forward to answer.
“Why? It’s our mission of course! We’re here to deliver presents!!”
”WE ARE HERE!”
Pokemon feet!
Despite sounding akin to an army of Pokemon, a total of only five soon make themselves known in the main square at Bottlecap Bay. They come charging with a practiced display, each one lining up proudly as they strike a pose - Scolipede, stamping the ground and throwing their horns. Incineroar, belching flames as they flex. Noivern, spreading great wide wings…
And tossed onto the shoulder of their companion, the teensy tiny Treecko, on Obstagoon’s shoulders!
“S!” “I!” “N!” “T!” “O!”
“SINTO IS HERE!!”
Proudly displaying themselves for all of Bottlecap, everyone quickly realizes that what’s most amazing about this oddball team isn’t just their noise level, but something even more interesting entirely; all of them are strange combinations of red, green, and white! It seems the team responsible for the mysterious request at the start of December has finally revealed itself…but why? As soon as anyone asks, the Obstagoon happily steps forward to answer.
“Why? It’s our mission of course! We’re here to deliver presents!!”
LONGEST NIGHT
Some Bottlecap Bay Pokemon may have already started on preparation for the holiday early, but after the guilds get involved with quests is when it truly kicks into high gear. Glittering decorations start appearing everywhere! Pokemon native to this world seem to favor decorations to do with the moon, sun, snow, and ice, but - with the exception of a few real traditionalists - they’re intrigued and enthusiastic about anything the transformed Pokemon contribute. As long as you’re matching the spirit of the season by participating, can any decorations truly be wrong?
What is the spirit of the season, you ask? Local Pokemon are happy to explain, though it’s more of a fairytale than proper history. Longest Night is coming up! The story goes that many, many years ago, perhaps so long ago that humans didn’t exist yet, it was just the longest night of the year. In the dead of winter, with no sunlight, it was also the worst night of the year for all but a rare few Pokemon who enjoyed both the cold and dark. Everyone else would hide away and wait for daylight, and even those Pokemon quickly grew to hate the night out of loneliness.
So, finally, one of those Pokemon - what Pokemon it was changes between each storyteller - proposed something. To make Longest Night less lonely, all of the ice- and darkness-loving Pokemon would swear not to hunt on that specific night… and would protect anyone who emerged from being preyed upon. As time passed, more Pokemon began -
“But if you’re still hungry for meat,” Veluza interjects out of nowhere, busting in on the story, “I have you covered! I can Fillet Away as much as you’d like -”
Veluza is quickly shooed away by Mightyena, who is insistent that this isn’t in the spirit of the night! And besides, even native Pokemon who are otherwise entirely unconcerned about the cycle of nature seem a little weirded out by Veluza’s enthusiasm.
(Unfortunately, the story keeps getting interrupted by Veluza before anyone can ask where the gifts come into it…)
What is the spirit of the season, you ask? Local Pokemon are happy to explain, though it’s more of a fairytale than proper history. Longest Night is coming up! The story goes that many, many years ago, perhaps so long ago that humans didn’t exist yet, it was just the longest night of the year. In the dead of winter, with no sunlight, it was also the worst night of the year for all but a rare few Pokemon who enjoyed both the cold and dark. Everyone else would hide away and wait for daylight, and even those Pokemon quickly grew to hate the night out of loneliness.
So, finally, one of those Pokemon - what Pokemon it was changes between each storyteller - proposed something. To make Longest Night less lonely, all of the ice- and darkness-loving Pokemon would swear not to hunt on that specific night… and would protect anyone who emerged from being preyed upon. As time passed, more Pokemon began -
“But if you’re still hungry for meat,” Veluza interjects out of nowhere, busting in on the story, “I have you covered! I can Fillet Away as much as you’d like -”
Veluza is quickly shooed away by Mightyena, who is insistent that this isn’t in the spirit of the night! And besides, even native Pokemon who are otherwise entirely unconcerned about the cycle of nature seem a little weirded out by Veluza’s enthusiasm.
(Unfortunately, the story keeps getting interrupted by Veluza before anyone can ask where the gifts come into it…)
ENJOY THE FEASTIVITIES
As the dawn sun rises after the longest night, so comes the Shortest Day. While more accurately, the day prior was probably the shortest day…the celebrations lean heavily toward after the longest night, and it doesn’t take long to understand why.
The Shortest Day is celebrated with a feast, after all. It’s a feast that much of the day is spent putting together, and one hosted to everyone within the Bay at that - though Skull Town, it seems, is hosting their own meal for the sake of travel considerations. Not everyone is a cook though, and for that matter not everyone needs to work. It’s still a holiday, you know!
And that apparently means pre-meal gifts. Pokemon all over the Bay begin handing one another wrapped gifts they’ve spent days, even weeks preparing. Small things like winter clothes, or toys for little Pokemon to play with indoors. Gifts filled with meaning, and love - and some of them are even for their newfound companions from other worlds.
By the time gifts have all been exchanged, everyone is called toward the Archives for the promised meal. The final tradition, as many scholars will share if asked, comes from what followed those Longest Nights of the old past. Winter is a harsh season; for many Pokemon, even one evening to abstain from hunting could take its toll. The frigid conditions made it difficult for even the herbivorous of their number as well, and it soon became a tradition to do more than simply huddle close in those long hours.
It became tradition to look after each other in the short hours of daylight that followed.
As folklore holds that it was the kindhearted Blissey who began this tradition of delivering the gift of well cooked eggs to tide over the Pokemon of the bay, the feast that is prepared for everyone reflects this. A fully meat-less affair, there are salads carefully arranged with lush greens and sliced vegetables; massive servings of eggs, some hard-boiled with their insides churned into a seasoned mash, still others steaming and warm in the shell. Freshly baked breads fill numerous baskets, and countless jams, ready to spread, sit waiting. The feast is here - and from what can be heard, it’ll last well beyond the start of the second longest night, too!
“This is amazing,” an old Purrugly comments. “My compliments to the chefs.”
“This is better than I’ve ever seen it!” says yet another Pokemon, the Electrode in question bouncing up and down.
“Hey, is Treecko…glowing?”
With wide eyes, all Pokemon at the feast turn to the red-tailed Treecko from team SINTO. Hands still buried in the bread basket, the little one pauses to look themselves over as the glow increases. It covers their whole body, until it becomes too much to look at - until gleaming, rainbow lights stream out and around. For an instant, no one can see…but then!
“Oh!!”
“Treecko, you…”
While others stare, Obstagoon throws a much larger Pokemon than was there before into the air. “YOU FINALLY EVOLVED!!”
It’s a Shortest Day Miracle!
The Shortest Day is celebrated with a feast, after all. It’s a feast that much of the day is spent putting together, and one hosted to everyone within the Bay at that - though Skull Town, it seems, is hosting their own meal for the sake of travel considerations. Not everyone is a cook though, and for that matter not everyone needs to work. It’s still a holiday, you know!
And that apparently means pre-meal gifts. Pokemon all over the Bay begin handing one another wrapped gifts they’ve spent days, even weeks preparing. Small things like winter clothes, or toys for little Pokemon to play with indoors. Gifts filled with meaning, and love - and some of them are even for their newfound companions from other worlds.
By the time gifts have all been exchanged, everyone is called toward the Archives for the promised meal. The final tradition, as many scholars will share if asked, comes from what followed those Longest Nights of the old past. Winter is a harsh season; for many Pokemon, even one evening to abstain from hunting could take its toll. The frigid conditions made it difficult for even the herbivorous of their number as well, and it soon became a tradition to do more than simply huddle close in those long hours.
It became tradition to look after each other in the short hours of daylight that followed.
As folklore holds that it was the kindhearted Blissey who began this tradition of delivering the gift of well cooked eggs to tide over the Pokemon of the bay, the feast that is prepared for everyone reflects this. A fully meat-less affair, there are salads carefully arranged with lush greens and sliced vegetables; massive servings of eggs, some hard-boiled with their insides churned into a seasoned mash, still others steaming and warm in the shell. Freshly baked breads fill numerous baskets, and countless jams, ready to spread, sit waiting. The feast is here - and from what can be heard, it’ll last well beyond the start of the second longest night, too!
“This is amazing,” an old Purrugly comments. “My compliments to the chefs.”
“This is better than I’ve ever seen it!” says yet another Pokemon, the Electrode in question bouncing up and down.
“Hey, is Treecko…glowing?”
With wide eyes, all Pokemon at the feast turn to the red-tailed Treecko from team SINTO. Hands still buried in the bread basket, the little one pauses to look themselves over as the glow increases. It covers their whole body, until it becomes too much to look at - until gleaming, rainbow lights stream out and around. For an instant, no one can see…but then!
“Oh!!”
“Treecko, you…”
While others stare, Obstagoon throws a much larger Pokemon than was there before into the air. “YOU FINALLY EVOLVED!!”
It’s a Shortest Day Miracle!
iii. TO ANOTHER FINE YEAR…
A FINAL DASH OF HOLIDAY
At the end of the feast, the members of SINTO (or… or are they SINGO now?) do one final round to bestow every participant in their quest with an extra helping of especially sparkly festive glitter - and an announcement to each of those Pokemon that they’ve proven themselves worthy of the “power of Longest Night”. While they seem to intend this just for those that helped them out… in fact, enough Pokemon did that the glitter just ends up everywhere. If you were in the room at all, expect glitter on your paws for at least a couple of days.
Then the team vanishes as abruptly as they arrived, with Obstagoon leading the charge off into the night.
But after all that food, is anyone really in a state to worry about this? Some Pokemon may linger for a while longer, for quieter socializing and hot drinks. For most, though, it’s time to head back to their rooms and get some much-anticipated rest - perhaps wrapped in a cozy new gift!
At dawn the following morning, Pokemon will notice sleigh tracks cutting through the center of both Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town. Did Scolipede really have a sleigh all along? In addition, several Pokemon in Skull Town remark that they heard bells during the quietest hour of the night, muffled by snow. Opinions differ on whether they sounded cheery or welcoming, but nobody who will admit to making the sounds can be found…
Then the team vanishes as abruptly as they arrived, with Obstagoon leading the charge off into the night.
But after all that food, is anyone really in a state to worry about this? Some Pokemon may linger for a while longer, for quieter socializing and hot drinks. For most, though, it’s time to head back to their rooms and get some much-anticipated rest - perhaps wrapped in a cozy new gift!
At dawn the following morning, Pokemon will notice sleigh tracks cutting through the center of both Bottlecap Bay and Skull Town. Did Scolipede really have a sleigh all along? In addition, several Pokemon in Skull Town remark that they heard bells during the quietest hour of the night, muffled by snow. Opinions differ on whether they sounded cheery or welcoming, but nobody who will admit to making the sounds can be found…
✩ OOC NOTES.
⟡ CWS: Aside from Veluza, there are no CWs!
⟡ As always, while all Quests must be submitted by the 30th of the month, Players may submit their own Player Quests at any time before that point! (Though we recommend saving Player Quests for the next month if it is after the 25th)
⟡ For those who participated in the Secret Santa this month, don't forget to submit your presents before the 30th!
⟡ Have any questions related to the event? Ask them here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
⟡ As always, while all Quests must be submitted by the 30th of the month, Players may submit their own Player Quests at any time before that point! (Though we recommend saving Player Quests for the next month if it is after the 25th)
⟡ For those who participated in the Secret Santa this month, don't forget to submit your presents before the 30th!
⟡ Have any questions related to the event? Ask them here! If your question is more general for the game, please make sure to direct it to the FAQ page instead. Thank you, and happy threading!
Goro Akechi | Persona 5 Royal | OTA
Akechi stands there, utterly flabbergasted after team SINTO make their appearance. They're... anime posing, festive shiny Pokémon? Is that the equivalent of Santa Claus here? And... they posted the quest on the board, and now Akechi is stuck being Secret Santa to... Emporio?
He looks down at his assignment, contemplative, before tucking it into his satchel. Secrecy is key, so he can't be too overt, but people around town can see Akechi going from shop to shop, listening to conversations, and contemplating.
Though, there's something else... An element of listlessness. When he was little, presents were hard to come by. His mother could only afford so much, when Akechi himself was a financial burden. Emporio lived in a prison, so gifts were probably even scarcer.
He should... at least try to get him something worthwhile.
II. The Longest Night
In true Goro Akechi fashion, he can be found wandering the town, not only looking at the decorations, but taking notes on the cultural customs.
"Curious how the stories vary from Pokémon to Pokémon..." He'd heard murmurs of the Longest Night earlier, when inquiring about predation and the customs surrounding him, but the blind spots are most intriguing. A nearby coffee shop catches his eye. Taking a break to warm up isn't a terrible idea. Still, since he's not presently alone, he turns to anyone nearby with a chuckle. "I have to wonder how many of these holiday customs originated from contact with humans, or if they developed organically and coincidentally..."
The gift giving is so evocative of the western idea of Christmas...
Christmas... A time that, in his country, holds a very particular meaning.
III. Enjoy the Feastivities
Truthfully, Akechi has never had people to give gifts to before now, but he's taken his time to procure gifts for more than simply his assigned giftee. When delivering gifts, he keeps it calm and nonchalant. No need to be overly sentimental. He also offers his thanks to those kind enough to bring gifts to him. It's... more than he anticipated. So... reciprocal.
He tries masking his unease with his typical aloof demeanor, and the feast certainly offers a welcome distraction, which he eagerly indulges in. All his hard work, plus the cold, certainly worked up an appetite...
But when Treecko evolves, he freezes up, eyes wide.
"No fucking way." An evolution. Treecko... evolved. It's... possible. It's possible, and yet he's still small.
Hastily, he takes notes. He even asks some of the Pokémon at the gathering for more information, though the findings aren't too different from before. Treecko's change is clearly an anomaly.
"...There must be a reason for this. I need to get to the bottom of things."
IV. A Final Dash of Holiday
With the larger festivities dying down, sparkly glitter aside, now seems like the perfect time to do something. His first priority? Finding Ren. It's... customary, after all, and for as closed off as Akechi acts, it isn't lost on him that they've been... together for some time now. What an absurd notion, yet he can't say he's upset by this turn of events. Far from it.
When he's not seeking out his partner, he can be seen enjoying coffee and warm food from one of the local cafes, still grappling with the glittery experience, the talk of sleigh bells, and even... a gift? A gift that has no place being in this world... But that can wait.
For now, it's a time of quiet contemplation. "...I wonder if the sleigh was team SINTO's doing, or if perhaps there's someone else spreading the cheer. Imagine if Santa Claus was real..." Ha. Now there's a thought.
iv.
He should just leave it be, considering how much this bird ruffles his metaphorical feathers, but the words leave his mouth anyway.
"What, you think it was Jack Frost then?"
There's some intimate disdain in how he says that name, as if him and Jack go way back. Imagine.
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Akechi sets his mug down, arching his brow. "You say that as if you have a personal vendetta with Jack Frost."
How amusing. The Jack Frost that comes to mind is a goofy mascot character. Irritating, perhaps, but not offensive.
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He takes a loud sip in honor of the biggest thorn in his side, Jack Horner. If only Akechi knew how he came to be Jack Frost for a time. No doubt Akechi would find him just as terrible, but that's not Bigby's story to tell, even if he wants to.
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Yes, really.
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"That's a new one," he mutters into his drink. A slight grin spreads across his face. Hee-ho. He's going to have to remember that. "There a reason why your version sounds irritating?"
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That's the extent of Japanese folklore that he knows of, especially with most of them settling in Tokyo over New York City. Needless to say, Jack should not be getting any extra notoriety among mundies, and especially not overseas. As if the ego on that guy needed to be any bigger. He takes another sip, only for his ears to start twitching as the bird caws on.
"I'm sorry, wait. Hold on." Give him a second to catch up with all that. Bigby fully turns around with the most incredulous look. "Cognitive world? Multiple Jack Frosts?"
In other words: what the fuck are you talking about, Akechi.
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Yes, Jacks as in plural. He inhales, as the images of all those hee-hoing fools dance through his mind.
"There's King Frost, Black Frost, Jack-o-Lantern, and more. And yes, there is a cognitive world that manifests from humanity's collective unconsciousness, where beings from across cultures manifest as hostile foes."
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"Basically myths and legends come to life, is what you mean." He's not going to ask if Akechi's dealt with any wolves there. "And I take it those foes had to be dealt with, or else...?"
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III
glare at everyone having a good timeobserve others during the festivities for a short while before going to brood in his own quarters.However...now that he's seen what "evolution" entails, he's not entirely annoyed to have come out here.
He gives a scoffing chuckle as Akechi reacts the way he does, though he obviously cranes his neck a little to snoop at the small bird's notes.
"So is this something that should be happening?" he asks matter-of-factly. More importantly, will he become larger if he meets some criteria? What is the criteria?
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