APRIL 2022 EVENT

[jigokumods]

MAIN NAVIGATION

1. HANAMI

The week of the Night Parade is marked by the traditional symbols of Spring in Japan. Somehow, several city blocks have been turned into cherry blossom groves as a show of goodwill by the Sutoku Alliance. These cherry trees don't feel normal. They are more like spectral manifestations. Rumor has it they grew so quickly because they're planted on top of a graveyard. That's just a rumor, though. Don't pay it any mind! Don't listen to any whispers you might hear if you walk through the rows of trees alone and certainly don't dig under them for proof of their provenance.

Accompanying the hanami are copious amounts of food and drink. Such as dango, specialized bento, sake, and festive drinks. They are all available to purchase from stalls near the spectral grove. The refreshments may have a little something special added to them:

• Ingredients that promote peace (calming any angry or upset feelings)
  
• Ingredients that promote romance (gives soft, warm feelings towards the first person you see).

These effects are mild and only last as long as you're in the boundary of the grove. Eat, drink, and be merry with your fellow lost souls.

2. KANAMARA MATSURI (NSFW IMAGERY)

In addition to the simple joys of flower viewing and the cherry blossoms blooming, new festivals pop everywhere. They are inspired by various regional festivals from all over Japan. Some of these are benign and feature your normal festival fair. Others are a little more unusual, such as the Kanamara matsuri-inspired treats. You can thank the Tamamo Clan for this. Don't mind the giant phallus being carried down the street or the wooden phalluses you can ride on or the interesting mascots walking down the sidewalk, or the suggestive vegetable carvings.

Surprisingly, none of these foods are spiked, at least not more than the experimental recipes had been during the parade preparations. The spirit of the thing is more just the amusement of genital-based foods rather than anything meant to entice a sexy sort of good time. That will come as the parade rounds out onto the bath district...

3. HADAKA MATSURI

cw: nonsexual nudity

If that cheeky festival isn't your kind of fun, maybe the hadaka matsuri is more your speed. The Department of the Enma are probably the most stressed out faction in the entire city, so the Enma has allowed them to put on a festival to blow off some steam! It's a bit different from the traditional celebration: it's not contained to just men and it's not contained to a shrine.

This event is a mobile mob of nearly naked people and youkai running after a cart with a masked person throwing out small sticks. They represent good luck for the people who manage to nab them. There are far fewer sticks than there are people present and everyone will do a lot to get one of the coveted prizes. Try not to get in their way!

Or you can get caught up in it all and try to snag one yourself to see what your fortune holds. (No, the Enma isn't participating. Too dirty, for his tastes.)

4. FESTIVE FUN

A. SUMO
Some other festivities you might come across are miniature sumo tournaments put on by the Shuten Clan. Raised dirt circles with chalk rings on the outer perimeter pop up seemingly everywhere. Two people are allowed in the ring at one time and there are strict rules to be followed. If you disobey the rules, you may find yourself suddenly ejected from the ring with magical or physical means, and at the mercy of a Shuten enforcer.

Play by the rules to beat your opponent and victors will find themselves rewarded with a strong bottle of booze. The winners of each bout are handed out a commendation by Toraguma himself, which comes in the form of a commemorative sake gourd. This is probably the kind of prize you'd expect from an Oni at a festival like this.


B. FOOD RUNNERS WANTED
If you're in the mood to pad your pockets, maybe you want to help the Tamamo Clan out by running food delivery. This opportunity is available to anyone regardless of affiliation. Runners will be fitted with a contraption to carry the food orders on their person and may proceed either on foot or on a small motorbike. Be careful and make sure not to drop anything! Any ruined or undelivered orders will come directly out of your pay.

It's harder than it looks not to drop the food with all the excitement going on and your delivery recipient may be similarly hard to locate.


C. HOT BATHS (NSFW + cw: optional aphro)
The Tamamo Clan has set up a sanctioned orgy in one of their larger brothels. Rooms are available for whatever your heart desires, including one with exposed windows if you like being watched or if you want to watch in kind. Baths and pools are available for all your indulgent fantasies. Everything you could need is at your disposal: toys, restraints, costumes, lubricants, condoms, aphrodisiacs in many forms. It's a proper bacchanal celebration!

All that matters is your consent and enthusiasm.

5. NIGHT PARADE

One of the primary highlights of the Night Parade are the fantastical floats depicting scenes of legendary events. Keen-eyed observers may note that the humans are portrayed as the bad guys in most of them. While a few of these are mounted on motorized vehicles, most of them are carried by people. That means you'll probably be called on to help carry one along the parade route. It's a fun job, if exhausting.

If you're not the type to wear yourself out carrying a float, ride on one instead! There's plenty of things to toss out into the crowd along the street; candies and trinkets. Dress up in a fitting costume and walk around the float. Have fun scaring bystanders or just have fun hamming it up and celebrate the peaceful night.

5. FIREWORKS

The parade's central stop is the festival square in the heart of the city, just under the shadow of the Kaigo no Bou Tower. There is a stage set up here where the four faction leaders and their personal entourages have assembled. All of them are giving pretty typical speeches. The Enma has declined to give one, having no patience for unnecessary oration. Tenkohime gives praise to the unifying factors of love in the city, while Toraguma rallies the crowd like a sports hero; encouraging them to get stronger and do better in the coming year.

The Daitengu is the last to speak and they also seem to have the largest entourage. The entourage is quite conspicuous: White Wolf Tengu, each standing well-taller than the Daitengu themselves. They are carrying massive broadswords strapped to their backs and hunting about the area for anything suspicious with keen eyes that seem to see right through the crowd and the heat of night.

The Daitengu's speech is also pretty typical, although much more humble than their fellows. Mostly, they just wants to hurry up and get to the fireworks. Just as they finish speaking, the sky lights up.
There are a few peaceful moments beneath this spectacle as the crowd enjoys the display of unity and phantasmal wonder that this unique and strange world has created.

But the explosions aren't just in the sky. One particularly loud boom seems to rattle the very earth beneath the crowd. That is the only warning anyone gets before...

6. A NIGHT PARADE TO REMEMBER

Every manhole cover on the street bursts open, injuring anyone that was standing nearby. Far worse is the deluge of steam that rushes out from the underground. Pillars of hot, blinding steam spill into the air, quickly filling the streets. The luminescence of the festival lamps and city lights are diffused and blurred into singular blobs of color, obscuring all vision and making it impossible to see what's going on. The panicked cries of the crowd also make it impossible to hear. Everything happens so suddenly, so violently, that ascertaining what's going on takes time.

Too much time.

In the chaos, gunshots are heard. They seem to come from several directions. Fighting is breaking out. It's difficult to tell from where and who is in the brawl. Previously unseen figures in full-body black coverings appear from nowhere, rushing the stage. They zoom past any Lost Souls nearby, ignoring their presence. They are focused on a singular goal. The barking of the White Wolf Tengu further indicates the goal of the attack.

Struggle in the steam, help others get to safety, get caught up in fighting the other factions, try to protect the Faction leaders, or try to keep up with the black-suited youkai rushing the stage; do as much as you can.

When the steam finally begins to clear, however, there will at least be one thing that is certain: the Daitengu has been killed.

Welcome to the April event!

• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
• We also have OOC top levels for Shuten Sumo Results, Tamamo Partner Cards, and Hadaka Luck Draws!
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

QUESTIONS!

[jigokumods]

Any and all event related OOC questions go here!

[wray]

hello, mods! apologies if this is a dumb question but will there be an ooc post available for plotting? all good if not, i can slide into people's pms instead.

Sumo Results

[jigokumods]

We're not going to make every encounter required to be played out, but if your character participated in Sumo, post the results here! Did they do one match in lose? Did they get a small winning streak? Did they have to be admonished for breaking the rules? Make a note here so Toraguma can react appropriately!

[metafictions]

In spite of Toraguma telling him he didn't have to do it, Kamui did get a few sumo matches in! But only a few. He put up a good, clean fight every time-- strategically using a larger opponent's size against them once or twice-- and stopped as soon as he had more wins than losses. Not half bad for an underdog?

Partner Cards

[jigokumods]

Again, we're not going to require this be all played out (especially since NPC encounters are a thing), but Tenkohime did promise bonuses to those who filled their cards (the card has 8 slots).

If three or more of those slots are with other characters in the game, your character will still get a cash bonus. Those who were active enough to get all eight, even if it's just all assumed NPC interaction, will get a smaller, but still good, bonus.

[no_kyouken]

There's a card signed by Goromi ♡, who is clearly not even one of Tenkohime's. But the snake woman was out and about making inroads with her kits, that's not going to be a secret so she may as well.

It was fun while it lasted, anyway.

Luck draws!

[jigokumods]

If your character participates in Hadaka and catches a stick, reply here and we'll give you an RNG luck draw!

It won't ultimately mean much, but you can play out how your character's fortune fairs them (or doesn't, in case of rotten luck)!

[laughitoff]

I love an RNG luck draw.

Okada Izō | Shuten

[heretic_blade]

(( OOC: note that he is a CRAU from slumscape and has some additional features: claws, pointed ears, fangs, black wings, and crow legs from the knees down! ))

[ 1. Hanami

[ The cherry blossoms may be different here, but they still bring back the same memories in Izō. Back to a time when things were a little simpler, less chaotic -- in short, happier times.

Which is exactly why he's so bitter now. It's a time for drinking and eating with friends and loved ones. He's drinking alone under one of the trees, picking fallen petals out of his hair.

When someone comes up and tries to join him, he mutters something in irritation. ]

Go sit somewhere else. This ain't th' only tree.

[ What he doesn't know is that what he's drinking has a special something in it to keep him calm and non-aggressive. This will be interesting... ]

[ 2. Sumo ]

[ Of course Izō is going to do what makes his clan proud. He can be found wearing little more than a fundoshi and a cocky grin as he gets into a ring with an opponent. It's a tough battle fought cleanly with Izō getting the upper hand and a better grip to throw them outside the circle with a shout. ]

C'mon, that all ya got?! [ He puffs up proudly, grinning. ] Now who else wants some?!

[ Because he's not done yet, not by a long shot. ]

[ 3. Hot Baths (NSFW) ]

[ Similarly expected is his eagerness to be a part of the action elsewhere. Brothels were one of his usual haunts in his life, so why not in his afterlife? Well, he was significantly less bird-like back then...

Ah well, no sense in being self-conscious. Plenty of people are into monster-y types.

When he catches someone looking at him, he grins and approaches them slowly. ]

What, like what ya see? Don't be shy now...

[ Big talk coming from someone who gets flustered so easily. ]

[ 4. Night Parade ]

[ Walking behind one of the floats is Izō wearing a metal mask and garb traditionally associated with tengu. It's not really Izō, though; Karasu is in full control. It goes a long way to explain why someone who works for Shuten is dressed the way he is.

Passing by someone holding a drink, Karasu grabs it from their hand to drink the rest of it through the mask. ]

Ahh, that hit the spot! Hope you didn't want that back.

[ Eerily hollow and empty, sounding not at all like Izō. ]

[ 5. Wildcard ]

[ Got an idea? Did we plot something out? Drop me a starter or PM here/on discord glitzkrieg#0673 and we can work something out! ]

hanami~

[kaientai]

That's true, but maybe I picked it on purpose.

[ ryouma peeks out from behind the tree, smiling down at izō. he hardly needs the help from whatever's in the food and drink and it's hard to tell if that's what's added to the warmth in his expression or if it's because even these weird cherry blossoms are making him feel sentimental too.

the petals that have fallen onto his head are still stuck to his hair since he's not wearing a hat. izō has never seen ryouma in this exact outfit, but just being in traditional clothing at all seems to make him look younger than he does ordinarily, which probably is familiar — for better or worse.

ryouma has two sticks of dango and offers one of them to izō. the other skewer only has two pieces left on it because he's obviously eaten the other one, but of course, the one he's offering to izō has the three it's supposed to have. ]

It's a special occasion anyway!

[ drinking alone is a thing to do whenever. ]

emily dyer | identity v | sutoku alliance

[medicative]

sundown.

[it's an event unlike any that Emily's been privileged to see in her life, and she's eager to find out everything it has to offer. dressed up for the festivities, she heads out fully intent on enjoying her night well.

perhaps you see her in the cherry blossom groves, partaking in hanami, the faint glow of the flowers she wears complementing the spectral scene. she looks happy, though the expression will falter when she hears any of the whispers. or perhaps she's there in the crowd watching sumo matches, on her feet with her hands clenched and eyes wide. in some matches, she's silent - in others, she's calling with the best of them, shouting in a manner that's very unlike anything from those that know her to be polite and reserved. there's money on the line, after all - and she needs the funds she can get. or some might find her helping with the floats, riding on one and tossing prizes into the crowd, draped in a large robe and laughing.

it's a good time, so far - there's much to see, much to experience, and Emily feels like even she can relax some.]

moonrise.

[but Emily's not the only person who's decided to take a night to revel. at some point, she consents to a change, and it's no longer her behind her eyes - it's Hibiki, who takes control with a smile.

they move different than her, a little too fluid to be natural, as if wearing a costume, and their voice echoes in different ways than hers. relaxed, deeper, certainly older - cool as shade, the impression of smoke and bells. a green glow is over the eyes, visible from head on, something utterly inhuman. they gesture more with their hands, and they throw themselves into things wholeheartedly.

be it places Emily has already been or places she wouldn't go, Hibiki has no such restrictions and thus seek to drink it all in. for tonight, they can spread their wings, and they long to discover this place more extensively, meet others, and say they had a good time.]

cloudage.

[when the steam explodes, when the gunshots are out, when the chaos erupts - there's only a few things she can really think to do. and they all come down to reflex, instinct, and going, without thought to herself, to provide medical aid to anyone that needs it that she can help. she has her own protection from things getting too rough around her, and supplies she's grabbed from the field paramedics, heading out to cover as much ground as she can.

it doesn't matter what faction they're in. it doesn't matter if there's gunshots, if there's risk. all that matters is that they know she's a physician, that they know she's here to help. they can get into enough shape to either slink home or get to the medics with greater tools to aid them - or she'll stay in contact with others, to note down a location for pickup. but through it all, even if her dress is stained with blood and dirt, even through the fear, Emily's hands don't waver, and she manages to stay calm enough to keep going.

she'll keep at this until the chaos is contained, or until someone has to pull her away. more likely the latter - as long as she has energy, she wants to keep moving, to reach all the ones she can.]

wildcard.

[have an idea not mentioned here? need to discuss the specifics of something? want something custom? feel free to hit up my plotting comment or PM me, and we can get to it!]

cloudage

[worldbent]

[It's several minutes after the attack. The chaos in the steam has been underway for quite some time now, long enough for battles to be fought, for injuries to be gotten, and the Daitengu is dead.]

[The Daitengu is dead.... If he had enough power to carry in his arrows, there might've been a chance to...]

[Matoba is leaning himself against the wall of an alleyway off from the main parade route, far enough that he probably got here trying to pursue the assassins from the stage area, but was evaded. His heavy black kimono and haori hide it well, but there's a rip pierced through them in the sleeve. He's clutching a longbow in that hand, white-knuckled with a trail of blood between, when he glances up and meets Emily's eyes.]

[He has seen her before- a Sutoku operative- and witnessed her amongst the crowds, tending to wounded. Her aura is muddled. The steam makes it moreso. His eye drifts to over her shoulders, hesitant at the wings.]

You have something unpleasant on you.

[There's a heavy pause, as if he deliberates whether this means he is willing to go any further with her. His eye slides onto her own, hardened and humorless and attempting to ascertain her true nature.]

Are you human?

nehan | tamamo

[apathie]

hanami

Do you mind me smoking? [there's very little time to respond-- nehan already has a cigarette in his mouth, and has flicked a lighter on. he doesn't even care that he has a handsome kimono on-- he may not outright say he's of the tamamo clan, but he still has some of their principles, such as dressing up for the occasion-- but everyone smokes, give him a break.

the kimono is not entirely typical either, like his actions. everything below the obi is completely standard, and his collar and sleeves are completely intact, but his kimono is lacking in a back panel from the shoulder bones down to the obi around nehan's waist. and he's completely comfortable by the show of skin even if people do turn to look as they pass him by. he has nothing to be ashamed of, even the faint scars that can be seen here and there on his back and arms.]

By the way, if you're squeamish, best not to go too close to the cherry trees. The food is decent enough that it would be a shame for you to not feel like eating. [nehan, being a decent person for once? what is the world coming to?]

sumo (betting)

[nehan leans in, peering at the two competitors in the ring, before straightening up again and tapping the black omamori he wears like a necklace.]

My money is on the one in the blue. [then one ear flicks, as he looks at his companion.] Hm? Do you disapprove of my attempt at gambling?

[it's bad form, indeed! but no one is stopping him-- there are no rules against that sort of thing, and what does he care about toraguma and principles, anyway. he's no bull-headed shuten who is very dedicated to fairness despite this immoral place.

and thus nehan is completely unapologetic about it, and it shows on his face, both eyebrows raised in a faux-curious expression.]

bath orgy (ideal for making new cr yes pls 😌)

[the boss said go be a bitch and fuck, so nehan is going to go be a bitch and fuck. he wants that bonus.

so it's as if nehan has flipped a switch on purpose-- or he's just decided that yes, he can be that good of an actor if he has enough motivation. and it helps that he is allowed to work in the brothel just for the celebrations, given his clan affiliation.

he knocks on the door to a bath and waits to be acknowledged before he lets himself in. he has a basket with his clothing folded inside, and the brothel's issued wooden buckets for bringing towels into the bath. nehan's towel is around his waist, but the bucket has lotions, lube, condoms, a couple of toys, and aphrodisiacs, and his little omamori, just to keep it close. after all, it hides his more shallow scars, and lightens the deeper ones to make them look less terrible. his left hand still looks scarred from fingers to wrist, but at least it doesn't look like absolute hell. he sets the basket of clothes aside in the cubicles, takes up the bucket, and then bows.]

I'm here as part of this establishment's special service during the event. I'll be here for as long as you'll have me... [then the erune straightens, brushing his hair out of his face and ruffling his hair and fur on his ears, a small smirk on his face. certainly banking on his face and well-muscled, slightly-scarred body to make himself more interesting.] I'm in your hands.

[[ ooc: imo this prompt is best with new cr who don't know he's actually an asshole, but am down with current cr as well, if they have good impressions of each other. kinklist is here if that's your jam. ]]

night parade/fireworks

Well, those are fireworks, indeed. [one ear twitches as nehan looks up, up, at the night sky, at the fireworks flying above the parade floats. his arms are tucked into his kimono sleeves, though he's fiddling with his shitty, cheap lighter in one of them. he does have an idea, though, and straightens, the muscles of his bare back flexing as he works out the kinks that have accumulated due to his posture.]

I wonder where we can get our own... [yes, "we". he's going to have an accomplice for this, because he refuses to do it alone. if anything, he'll have a lookout-- or a patsy.]

wildcard
[[ bring your own prompt! i'm open to all the prompts in the log. feel free to grab me on the disco server or via wildtrapinch if you want to plot about it first. ]]

wildcard/bath-adjacent

[paperpusher]

[The boss said go be a bitch and fuck, but Natori is all flirt and no follow-through; instead, he's working more on the admin side, warmly luring potential customers in off the streets and leading them to the baths for his fellow clan members to do the real work. It's being a team player in the laziest possible sense of the word, but at least he's helping to run supplies and grab snacks for the more participatory Tamamos while he's at it.

He's hanging out on the way back to the employee section of the bathhouse with a basket of his own when Nehan emerges from one of his customers. Natori's got a classic white and red kitsune mask pushed up and to the side as if it's a hair accessory (to both show some #foxpride while also not covering up his prettyboy face) and has what looks like a black tattoo of a lizard visible at his collarbone. The basket has a sample of drinks ranging from sake to bottles of iced tea and soft drinks from a conbini. Natori dangles one from the neck as an offering.]

Haha, I guess you did tell me you could handle the physical side yourself. [With a quiet slithering sound, the lizard turns and scurries under the collar of his kimono, staying flat against his skin the entire time without disturbing the lay of the fabric.] Need a drink? Any snacks? It's important to stay hydrated, you know.

miyamoto musashi 🌸 tamamo

[ryototsukai]

[ i - Baby, I can't wait to know - hanami ]

[ There is nothing in spring quite so wonderful as flower viewing. And while the spectral cherry blossom trees had a subtle creepiness to them, it didn't ever seem to eclipse the beauty they displayed. They painted the whole area in such a serene, soft pink glow that she felt herself bathed in it, made warm by the scent on the air...

But Musashi wasn't fool enough to know the flowers were the main event, despite the namesake. Hanami wasn't about flowers. It was about food and booze. And she'd gotten herself plenty. It was all so cheap (and she intended to be earning later at the Tamamo section of the festival), that she allowed herself to really go all out. A nice big sake bottle and a plate full of dango, both of which were putting her in a, uh... amorous mood. ]

Come oooon, join me, won't you? This is the kind of thing best enjoyed with another person, right?

[ She pats the space next to her on the blanket she was laying on, giggling against her sake cup as she almost failed to take another sip, getting some of it rolling down her chin and into the open neckline of her kimono... ]

[ ii - i see ya baby, shakin' that ass - sumo ]

[ Some might question the wisdom of participating in an athletic competition while not entirely sober, but Musashi was feeling GOOD, and confident, and had already gotten herself into appropriate uniform and into the ring. Stopping her was probably something that should have been managed before she got this far... she definitely wasn't hearing anything about it now.

Musashi squat herself nice and low, hand splayed on the dirt floor in front of her and feet planted firm. She turned her gaze up with a sort of determined fire that spoke volumes either about how much she'd had to drink prior, or how assured she was that she could win this despite sumo NOT being her sport, at all. ]

You ready for this?

[ The oni ref was tacitly asking the same question, looking between her and her opponent. Were they really gonna do this? ]

[ iii - let's go crazy, let's get nuts - hadaka ]

[ Donning a fundoshi and sarashi wrap for her chest, Musashi is in the thick of it. The crowd of naked humanity almost looks like a mobile mosh pit as they chase the shrine, and Musashi is reaching hard for those luck sticks, though she hasn't caught any just yet. She seems to have remarkable endurance (despite a few visible marks where she got tossed around during the sumo matches), able to keep up a heavy pace despite the choking, sweaty heat the group was generating.

The whole point was to burn away their stress, right? To feel the euphoria of physical exhaustion? Also luck sticks, since she was still in debt and needed that cash ]

Come on, put your heart into it!

[ She shouts to the person next to her, never losing a step. ]

We're in this together, right!?

[ iv - tongue te tongue - bathhouse orgy NSFW smut option ]

[ Musashi's reality of being in debt hung over her head when she got to the bathhouses. Normally she'd be a lot more hesitant (on a surface level, anyways) about throwing herself into debauchery this pronounced, but Tenkohime had mentioned those bonuses for those that filled out their cards... and Musashi was not in a position where she had any desire to walk away from money on the table.

Truth be told, her face was going red just looking at all the "fun" going on. Sexy people doing sexy things, all together in one great big spot, reveling in the heat of the night to welcome the fertility of spring. It made her heart beat a little faster, her blood run a little hotter, just thinking about it. It was written on her face, how interested she was, even if she was trying to play it cool...

She was also just probably in need of a bath after how sweat she got doing sumo and naked endurance runs. She mustered up her courage, sucking in a breath and turned to whatever cute boy or gorgeous girl was next to her, also outside the bathhouse. ]

So... I've got this card to fill out...

[ v - please don't stop the music - assassination ]

[ It all happened so fast. The initial explosion nearly took Musashi off her feet, but the rush of steam was what really did a number on her and those around her, filling the streets with an intense, choking heat and the inability to see anything that was going on around them. She'd been close to Tenkohime's entourage as security detail, finally equipping her swords, and thus was a little better prepared for fighting breaking out than others had been, but she'd still never been in a situation like this. Not quite, anyways.

Fighting opponents in the dread black of night was well different than in the blistering haze of steam. She tried to listen for where the attackers were coming from, and could spy at least some movement, but she had no idea whose movement it was. ]

Get down!

[ But she heard it. The readying of a gun.

Swords drawn, one could feel the moment slow to a crawl as the first bursts of fire cleared the muffling of the chaos, cutting through the steam like bugs across a pond's surface. And in the same time, so came Musashi's swords.

One. Two. The impact of bullet against steel was deafening. The steam created an acoustic bubble, prevented the sound from diffusing properly, and Musashi felt herself rattle.

One. Two. Additional shots. And this time, she hadn't been ready.

Three. Musashi collapsed to the ground below, blood already pooling beneath. ]

R-run... get going... now!

[ Aftermath - Locked to Emily - Musashi's bad luck draw wasn't catastrophic, though... and there was indeed a "white angel" nearby.

Afterwards - After Emily has patched her, Musashi is set to rest among the other Tamamo injured. Considering everything that happened, she could be in much worse shape... ]

[ wildcard - we gonna groove tonight, share the spice of life ]

[ Got an idea not covered here? Hit me up! OOC plotting comment and outfit reference is here, feel free to comment there if you've got a wild idea, I'm down to clown! ]

ii

[heretic_blade]

[ Her opponent today is a familiar face wearing little more than just a fundoshi. It's fine, it's his choice. He squats down, one hand on the ground, and looks straight at her with a cocky grin. ]

I wouldn't be here if I weren't...An' don't think yer gonna win this one easy. Ain't gonna let someone who ain't even Shuten beat me.

giyu tomioka | enma

[hashira]

HANAMI

(a).

[ The sudden emergence of cherry blossoms groves isn't suspicious or anything... At best he does what he can to avoid the trees throughout the week, meaning his typical track through the city takes him twice as long. Eerie as they are, he can only evade them for so long. What is certain is that he doesn't find anything festive in gazing upon them, there is no desire to participate in a facsimile of a celebration, but all the same, he ends up within one of the many groves. There is no intention to settle anywhere, to stake a claim upon the best viewing site, instead Giyu moves with purpose. His day had been planned, he sought only to fulfill his duties to the Department and nothing more, but now between obligations, he puts his effort in search of a single individual.

Contrary to his nature, he found no other choice than to don an attire appropriate for the festival. If given a choice he would have continued to the use of his all too familiar corps garb but with that missing (along with some other outfits he may have obtained), there was little choice in the matter. His intention is to seek the known culprit and obtain his belongings back but so far he's had no luck.

Throughout every area he has searched, through each grove he has visited he hasn't caught even a hint of that creature. With no choice in the matter, it is time to approach anyone nearby in hopes they may clue him in as to where he may find that demon and have his possessions returned. Spotting someone nearby he makes his approach, stopping at a comfortable distance. ]

I am looking for someone.

(b).

[ There comes a point when finds himself in line at one of the many food stalls found through the spectral groves, it's completely accidental, within the midst of his search that so far has proven fruitless. He hadn't entirely intended to make a purchase here but already finding himself quite a ways he doesn't leave the line, he may as well have something to eat then continue on. The line progresses at a steady pace until it is almost his turn but the process has come to a halt when the person ahead seems to have trouble finding a method to pay.

Silently he covers the tab, if for no other reason than to keep things going in an effort to avoid any disturbances. ]

HADAKA MATSURI

(a).

[ The sections of the festival he finds obscene are entirely avoided, this one, however, he does linger long enough to take notice of the small sticks being tossed out by a masked individual and more importantly the crowd at the heels of the cart. Every person, youkai and lost soul alike are in the same state of undress, as they chase fortunes. He doesn't move away from the sidelines, there is simply no intention to participate on his part. All he is here to do is supervise that proceedings go as planned. In a moment of distraction when he helps a young youkai to their feet one of those coveted fortunes lands within his hair, tangled in inky black, it doesn't go unnoticed.

Naturally, he is going to evade hands that reach toward him without a word. If he had planned to go through his duties diligently, this prevents him from continuing his work as he will spend the rest of his time keeping far from anyone seeking the fortune lodged within his hair. ]

(b).

[ Alternatively, after the mob of lost souls and youkai alike have trampled on after the cart, in the wake of their procession on the ground he finds a stomped-on stick. It looks completely worn, dirty, and the fortunate peeking through but not enough for him to be able to read what lays in store. Rather than keeping it for himself, he seeks a disappointed-looking face. Without a word, he holds out the small stick to be taken. ]

NIGHT PARADE

[ Each passing float paints a distinct picture, with every display there is a familiar legend unfolding but he has enough sense to see there is a twist in each. Where once individuals were named heroes of their tales they've been cast as villains. The cheer among the youkai is understandable, as they continue on with their celebration, but he can only cast a grim look upon the floats. Everyone single one making it clear, an unnecessary reminder, of just where he along with everyone else has found themselves at. If his gaze leaves the parade it's only to try to catch of glimpse of someone else's expression, the only problem being is that his eyes linger upon them for far too long. ]

( ooc: if anyone wants a different starter, or for me to write anything based on one of the other prompts just pm me or reach out through discord. thank you. )

🔥💕

[thousand]

[ Hiding the brat's clothing is a point of childish amusement (they're on the balcony because Sukuna's too lazy to actually genuinely hide anything or make actual effort here), and when he catches sight of him amongst the festival-goers, a curl of satisfaction takes him. The blossoms above seem to float; flecked through the air in a thousand different variations of pink, the lanterns are wound near them, the kanji painted on them is just about illegible. There is the air of an old beauty about this hashira— he's never come across eyes that are quite as cold, nor as capable of communicating so much with a single narrowing. Sukuna's known geisha with worse posture.

The curse steps along the path in his own yukata, eyes on the dark head that stands near the food stalls— they've been living together for a short time now, though he has found that the boy's routines suit him. There is a faint scent of a sea breeze around the place these days; it makes him think of the old bay area— Naniwa; how long since he saw it? Five lifetimes, more. People still rode horses, back then; he recalls it from horseback. Anyway, he approaches Giyu from behind, settling a clawed hand on the boy's shoulder, palm just about encompassing it.

He leans in, speaks against the shell of his ear; breath humid and close: ]

Do not castrate me just yet, little sorcerer, let me eat this first.

[ Obviously he has a container of yakisoba in his free hand.......already. Sukuna's in high festive spirits, and it shows in his face— stripes and all, he's smug as anything. There's a bit of a— linger of his hand as he removes it from Giyu's shoulder, a vaguely hungry eye landing on the shape of the boy's waist in the yukata, a thin line of teeth appearing in his look, sharp along the rim of his lip. ]

Look at you all in your finery, very pretty. [ His smile splits further; crowded with teeth.

The curse is in a dark maroon yukata with a yagasuri pattern— arrows for the former archer, of course. Of course, too, it gapes open at the chest, revealing the dark lines of his tattoos. He glances over, towards the yakitori stalls with a bit of a hungry eye. ]

Did you eat yet?

Matoba Seiji | Natsume Yuujinchou | Sutoku Alliance

[worldbent]

[Given the rumors in the lead-up to the Night Parade, Matoba has had much on his mind- but just because the events may lead somewhere unexpected, that doesn't mean he isn't going to enjoy himself a little. Donning an imp-like mask to hide his face and a subtle black-and-gray stripe yukata under a chrysanthemum haori, he is out amongst the youkai crowds, blending in as if he were one of them.]

Hanami

[There were many sights in the world of ayakashi that were beautiful, despite their dark and twisted nature. His own clan has organized the flower-viewing, and even knowing the truth of it lurking beneath the roots doesn't take away from the view. Standing amongst the flowered trees, Matoba strokes one hand down the trunk of a tree and chuckles darkly to himself.]

Perhaps our Leader was right. These trees have grown magnificently... I wonder who paid that cost, though.

Food Stalls

[He doesn't trust much of any food or drink that comes from the hands of youkai, but he is observant enough to take note of which stalls seem to be serving foods that leave their diners behaving strangely, and which do not. Matoba will opt to remain un-influenced for the celebration and only eats from the cleaner stalls, given that he is still here to 'work' the crowds, but he'll gladly chat up anyone whose lips seem to be loose- whether from the influence of the foods, or by their own nature.]

Those sweets look delicious, [He comments from just beside your shoulder, a sudden voice only barely muffled through the stoicism of his mask. Even his body language, relaxed and casual, gives off no further impression.] Have you tried them? The one in the shape of the eight-petaled lotus is quite impressive, no?

Parade Floats

[Once the parade proper begins, the crowds are really thronging, but Matoba feels no need to be at the front of viewing- so he hangs back far enough to view them at more of a distance. Still, they are bright and colorful enough to attract attention even from the edges of the streets, and their scenes are unmistakable. Some of the most iconic stories and histories from throughout Japan, clashes between human and youkai, immortalized through light and decor.]

[The youkai cheer them- scenes of Tamamo-no-mae fooling her attackers and fleeing China for Japan; of Shuten-douji's conquest through the countryside strewn with the bodyparts of men; even the iconic mermaid prophet of Kyūshū, Amabie, is immortalized as a hero who saved the helpless and dimwitted humans through her own little float by the sea tribes. Matoba's smirk is hidden by his mask as he watches these twisted scenes, and he just can't help himself but comment to whoever is nearby.]

I can't help but notice they've left out quite a few details. For example, all the parts where they perished, afterwards.

The Attack

[Matoba's hunch grows ever stronger as the parade program makes clear that the clanheads would be making an appearance that lined up perfectly with the fireworks show to cap things off. He is taking no chances. Having spent the day scouting the entirety of the parade route well, he chooses and positions himself up a 4-story rooftop adjacent to the parade's main stage, ostensibly a perfect spot for viewing the fireworks... But also, for viewing the spot where all of the clan leaders would speak. The Daitengu, who had not posted with their face or voice to the network, is finally in the flesh, and Matoba takes in all the details he can of his contract holder- the youthfulness of their way of speaking, their indiscernible nature- before the fireworks begin. When he feels the sudden shot through his brain, the unmistakable roil of the Sanzu's spirits being churned into steam below, he only has half a second to bring two fingers up and muster a pitifully depowered kiai to defend himself before the steam begins to hit.]

[attack;]

[Beneath the drape of his haori, his bow and quiver are drawn when he feels the shadows of those responsible pass by him. The steam is a nuisance to both his vision and what little of his senses are left, but years of experience keep him focused as he takes position and draws. He has an awareness of fellow Lost Souls, nearby his target- and keeps track, so that they could take the advantage should he hit, and capture one of them still alive and able to talk. Slowly, patiently... Aiming for their joints, the most accessible spot in any type of armor, a tried and true archer technique, his eye and his patience train on his target for the exact moment that his instincts tell him to loose the arrow.]

[The first one flies, sailing towards one of the attackers and striking in a gap by the shoulder.]

[defense;]

[He's already readying the second arrow in his hand, and draws once more- but the first arrow has signaled them in, and by the second, he's being fired upon. These ayakashi are quick; they seem to nearly fly up the rooftops to face Matoba, and he only gets a few more arrows off towards his targets before they land on the ground, level with him and weapons pointed.]

Tsk. It seems you all have become a little too bold.

[Big words. He is going to need some backup.]


---
[ooc; Plotting post here! And power/permissions here! Attack prompt is open for anyone to join and feel free to hop in any space within the prompt either before or after they start to attack him; his goal is giving opportunity to pin the assailants to anyone that's on the ground, and he is not a close-quarters fighter and is definitely going to need the help to GTFO. Any other ideas/questions? Hit me up to plan something!]

Parade Floats

[psionicmolotov]

I would expect nothing less from a celebration. [ wow, kimmuriel, slow down on the cynicism there.

His sunglasses are kept firmly on, even at night. The last thing he needs is to be accidentally blinded. ] Details are deliberately omitted when crafting such things.

Barok van Zieks | Enma

[dehallow]

1. Hanami - MILD GAA2 SPOILER WARNING FOR THIS ONE

[ It is early in the evening and it is not van Zieks' patrol shift just yet, so he heads towards the part of the festivities that seems calmest while also interesting him the most. It's been over a decade now since he was told about the cherry blossom and its cultural significance to the far-off island nation of Japan. Since then many feelings have come and gone like the seasons of the cherry blossoms, some more painful and ugly than others. Now... Now he feels tired, mostly.

It's a whole other world here and everybody he is reminiscing about now is far away, lost to him through time or space. And still, his origins remain with him. He is used to carrying his shadows.

To onlookers, van Zieks may appear more melancholy than usual. His hand comes to rest on the brooch on his chest time and time again, as though he isn't even noticing the movement. He doesn't seem like he would decline conversation, but he isn't seeking it out beyond a greeting nod to anybody who comes close. ]

2. Kanamara & Hadaka Matsuri

[ This is distasteful. A simple phrase that seems to have made up most of van Zieks' running monologue in the last month and yet had never been more apt than today. The vulgarity of the festivities makes him want to turn on his boot heels and leave entirely - but sadly, he is on security duty and he is not known to slack once he does commit to something.

It will be easy to stop him in the crowd - a tall man with a black cloak and the sternest facial expression ever spotted in the middle of such lascivious festivities. His hand is on the hilt of his sword the whole time.

At the Kanamara Matsuri, he will make a bit of a comical sight as he is notably trying to avoid looking at anything phallic for more than a few seconds at a time. This is proving entirely incompatible with his other goal of keeping an eye on the crowd, leading to his eyes darting around rather restlessly...

At the Hadaka Matsuri meanwhile, he has no qualms about watching the action directly (provided everyone is still wearing underwear). If he notices that one of the naked competitors is engaging in rough play that threatens actual injury to a fellow nudie... well, he is not beyond stepping into the crowd fully dressed and pointing that sword. ]

You can be charged with battery and assault, even today.

3. Night Parade

[ At this point of the night, you might have seen the cloaked figure of van Zieks at the sidelines of various events already, always watching with the same cold eyes... So it should come as no surprise that he is here as well, observing the parade from the outer fringes.

But where he has been silent most of the time, he is actually willing to engage in idle conversation with fellow sideline observers here. ]

Pray tell, what manner of tales are such vulgar floats based on?

4. Assassination Madness

[ Though van Zieks had seen something coming, he had not been prepared for the sheer magnitude of the chaos. Initially, van Zieks is bellowing orders to remain calm and orderly into the crowd, but it quickly becomes apparent that it is much too late for such measures. He can barely be held over panicked screams and enraged yells. So van Zieks shifts gears.

He has to make sure that those who wish to flee can do so unobstructed, while keeping those who are starting riots under control. His general attempt is to fight down those troublemakers with his sword and give everyone who is merely seeking escape time to get away, but there is so much smoke that it is hard to tell who is friend and who is foe... Care to join him in his effort? Or are you an enemy?

One thing is clear throughout all this: van Zieks is skilled with a sword and has been in real confrontations before. It carries him well enough for much of the evening, but not so well that a mass panic in a festival full of armed demon gangsters would leave him without a scratch. By the time the fog settles, he is bleeding from his side and his arm - though he is paying that no mind. He is still busying himself guiding any lost soul towards calmer spots. ]

3.

[worldbent]

Haha, vulgar is certainly a good word for it, isn't it?

[The figure beside van Zieks hides behind a mask of a trickster imp, but he pushes it to the right side of his face, already hidden under his eyepatch. Matoba glances at the Tamamo float, depicting a foolish woodcutter being chased out of their home by a trickster tanuki in revenge for chopping down the forest's trees. Another, a Shuten float behind it, depicts oni celebrating and feasting on the flesh of samurai.]

Ayakashi that fancy themselves the heroes of their own stories.

kim kitsuragi | sutoku

[aceslow]

[ ooc: want something that's not listed here, a custom starter, or to chat specifics? my plotting comment is here! I'm down for anything! ]

i. hanami blossoms

[ Kim knows better than most how much of a boost it is to the spirits for there to be a little bit of plant life in the middle of a concrete jungle and Jigoku-cho, much like his home, is sorely lacking in that department. For that reason alone, he finds himself drawn to the cherry blossoms in Alliance territory, feet already carrying him in that direction before he wholly realizes what he's doing. If you join him when he just arrives, perhaps you can just enjoy the beauty of the spectacle together and enjoy some of the food and drink on display!

But after he's been there for a little longer, he feels a strange sensation prickle up his spine. He tugs the collar of his jacket up a little higher, as though that can protect him from the unease in his heart, and -- is that a whisper he hears? He frowns at the spectral tree, a gloved hand reaching out to brush up against one of the blossoms. ] None of that, [ he tells it, as though he can stop this from happening through the force of sheer willpower.

Hey, he's Kim Kitsuragi. If anyone can, he figures it may as well be him. ]

ii. sumo spectatorship!

[ The sumo display is one of the few parts of the Parade that Kim had been genuinely looking forward to. He tries to inconspicuously blend in with the crowd, a small, bespectacled figure among the brighter and louder personalities, but there's little mistaking the eagerness with which he watches, especially when someone gets tossed out of the ring with a thump he can practically feel through the soles of his shoes. You can catch him loudly cheering on a friend (one Harry Du Bois comes to mind) or raptly watching, clearly analyzing what's going on. If you're one of the wrestlers, he may congratulate you on a job well done if you win, a good effort if you lose, and maybe try to help you find a towel -- you're going to catch a cold if you run around dressed for sumo all day!

Or, perhaps at one point, you may hear him quietly murmur under his breath, ] Aren't they a little small for sumo...?

iii. aren't you a little too old to be a delivery boy?

[ Establishing a new life in a new city costs money. There's pantry essentials to be restocked, wardrobes to furbish, apartment furnishings to buy and a hundred other little things that any functioning adult needs to live a comfortable life. On the surface, that's his rationale for taking on the extra work.

In actuality, he just wanted to get his hands on one of those motorbikes. Maybe you find him eagerly flipping through the accompanying manual and flipping open the back to get a better look at the engine. Or maybe you're the unfortunate recipient of one of his deliveries; you probably didn't expect a decidedly unsexy middle-aged man to be the one delivering your dildopops and yonic tacos (unless you're into that). Or maybe you see him succumbing to some light road rage, snapping, ] Hurry up, [ at another driver as he recklessly weaves in and out of traffic. ]

iv. general parade shenanigans

[ Otherwise, Kim's just around to make sure everything goes smoothly -- and, despite himself to enjoy his first parade. You can catch him cautiously sampling foods that are wholly foreign to him at the food stalls, catch him gawking at the parade floats (hey, isn't it weird that they're considered to be the baddies here?), or agreeing to help man a booth or provide first-aid to a reveler who partied a little too hard.

When looking at the floats go by or staring at the beginnings of the fireworks from the outskirts, there's a quick, blink-and-you'll-miss-it look of almost childlike wonder on his face. Truly, he's never seen anything like it. Even in Hell, it's a spectacle he's not immune to. ]

v. assassination! chaos, smoke, and the end of the suwutoku leader!

[ Of course, it can't last. As soon as the world dissolves into chaos, Kim whips his firearm out - a single-shot pistol, meant for much smaller altercations - and holds it pointed towards the ground, clearly ready to leap into action. ] Get down! [ He barks at the passer-bys, even as he takes a breath to steady himself and moves through the crowd, cautious but unwilling to remain a simple bystander.

His priority will be to keep the peace; if there's someone he can help, either because they've been tangled willingly in a fight or because they've simply been swept up in it, he will. Otherwise, he'll be keeping foot traffic moving, try to make sure no unfortunate soul gets trampled in the confusion, and may even get into an altercation or two of his own; trained or not, he's an ordinary human, and will quickly find that he needs back-up if he wants to tussle with a youkai.

After the assassination, you can find him with a first-aid kit he borrowed from one of the vendors, willing and able to help with everything from wrapping wounds to basic stitching, though he'll be directing anyone with more grievous wounds to a professional. After that, he'll be on the scene, trying his best to investigate the scene of the crime to the best of his ability, crouched low to investigate the manholes where the attackers sprung from, or the stage itself to see if there's anything suspicious of note.

Or then, at the very end of the night, you may find him tucked away in a secluded alley, away from the chaos and smoke and fear clouding the air, smoking a much-needed cigarette and scribbling in his notebook, trying to make sense of the night's events -- maybe you're just trying to make sense of it too. ]

v.

[worldbent]

[The chaos of the steam and attack go on for a while, and even after the assassins have fled the scene there's still rushing crowds and confusion throughout the streets. Those who fought to protect the Daitengu already know the outcome.]

[He's no longer being pursued, but even with the battle seemingly over, there's too much going on to consider the matter done with just yet. Matoba is skulking his way through an alleyway filled with fog, barely able to see a few feet in front of him- and so anyone he meets is going to be met the same way, at the end of a dagger.]

--!! [There's the tiniest, imperceptible stutter of breath from Matoba as he realizes who is crouched in front of him, mid-writing and cigarette hanging from his lips, and he slowly relaxes back into a calmer state. But he's rigid, not relaxed, although he hides it well as caution.]

Kim-san. [Matoba sheathes his tanto back into the belt of his obi with his right hand. His left is grasping his bow at his back, hidden. There's something suspiciously like a sigh, and then a ragged, dark chuckle.] Unfortunately, my hunches seem to be on the mark as usual.

aerith gainsborough 🌷 tamamo 🌠 ota

[everblooms]

bring your salt. ( HANAMI )

[ Before she can enjoy the Hanami herself, Aerith takes to helping sell bentos. She had been convinced by a little youkai with adorable, furry, round ears to help with the crowd. They were understaffed, apparently: some of their workers must have ran off to enjoy the festivities early. As such, she can be spotted behind a cart selling bentos, a great big smile on her face. What she gives your character is random, but she's here all the same.

Later on, however, she's knee deep in the grass, fallen petals stuck to her body like raindrops. She seems meditative, hands together clasped in silent prayer. She stays there, still as a statue, with only the rising and falling of her chest indicating that she's alive. Soon enough, however, a smile cracks the illusion. ]

I spent aaaaall morning working. [ Her hands fall. The come to rest in her lap, and her gaze is trained to the ground. If you're astute, you'll realize she's not speaking to you. It's the flowers— and indeed, Aerith tilts her head back to look into the thickest part of the branches, as a little petal dances to the ground. ] But, it'll be okay. I get to see my friends now that I've done all that. I'm just glad this dress didn't get ruined... Wait!

[ How unladylike. As she says that, she had turned to check the back of her dress and... well, a little green grass stain is blooming, giving one particular rose in the lace of her dress the suggestion of a green stem. A little help? ]

bring your cigarette. ( SUMO SPECTATING )

[ A thud rings out in the ring. One wrestler has fallen. The crowd goes wild, deafening cheers leaving her ears ringing. It's not painful, though: There's something kind of exciting about good, friendly sportsmanship. Aerith, too, is standing and clapping. The fallen opponent stands and laughs, having been beaten fair and square. The other raises his hands in victory, sending the crowd into overdrive. Beer sprays in the air and nearly catches on her. A laugh, nervous but joyful, escapes her. ]

You know, really is a different air here than in the ring...

[ She turns to you, hair swaying. It's sticky with alcohol, even if she was spared this time. Cameras are flashing as the fighters make their way out of the ring, a desperate attempt to capture the moment. Could it ever compare? ]

What about you? [ Presumably, she's already chatted you up a few times, if only because she's friendly as can be. ] Ever spent some time in the ring? Maybe not with sumo, buuuut...?

draw me a circle. ( NIGHT PARADE )

Cover me!

[ From the back, she means. Aerith makes her way up onto the float, a basket in her hand. It's stuffed with candy, a few fall out as she climbs the ladder up the back of it. The very top is the head of a fish, which is pictured leaping out of water. Standing there, finally, she takes in the image of the crowd all chanting, shouting... There's so many faces within, and with that many eyes turned towards her, she feels at once a rush of adrenaline and embarrassment.

Turning back, she holds a hand out. Aerith, for her part, is not wearing a costume. Instead, she's dressed up in a knee-length red dress; there is lace depicting flowers long it. You are supposed to be wearing the costume. ]

C'mon, the wind feels great up here.

[ Heave, and a ho—! ]

and i'll protect. ( ASSASSINATION )

[ Chaos reigns with a bang, cries immediately following. The catastrophe hits, and crowds start running. It's impossible to navigate, but when you've spent a month wandering the streets of Hell, memory can fill in some blanks. There's a restaurant, big and closed with enough room for nearly fifty people inside, she knows. While people are screaming, fights are breaking out over the haze. It's difficult to see, and she counts her steps as she makes her way through.

Eventually, her hands find another body&mash; your's. ]

Are you okay? [ Her green gaze is swarming with concern. Still, she looks collected for someone trying to make her way through a disaster. ] I can get you inside somewhere— are you hurt?

[ It's hard to see, and a woman rushes past her, slamming into Aerith. Still, she stands, planting her feet to the asphalt with determination. ]

heaven is here if you want it. ( WILDCARD )

[ I have a plotting post here, and if you'd like to plan something out, I would be happy to! I'm also happy to write you a personalized starter. Please just let me know if that's the case. ❤

As a note for the bento prompt: let me know if you'd like me to randomize the effect for you, otherwise, feel free to pick the one you like! ]

CLOSED to nia.

[everblooms]

[ Food preparation should always be done as close to serving as possible. The day of the parade, the local eateries are a-buzz with work, coming alive before the sun even rises. Following their mutual attempts at chaos on the network, Aerith had contacted Nia to make her way into her plans; her intention is always to help, after all. Any thing else to help her do her thing sounds like a good thing to her.

She stashes her phone in a pocket of her's before waving a greeting to the smaller girl. Aerith had come down to meet Nia outside the apartment complex, and apparently has been texting even this early in the day. ]

Heya. Crazy how things work out, huh? So, how 'bout I help you transport the goods, and you pick the sneaking route. Sound good?

[ Easy peasy. All the same, she nervously fixes her hands together, fingers lacing together. ] We should probably find a neutral street to keep on. No one's going to tattle if they have no loyalty either way, right?

xingqiu | sutoku

[rainswords]

HANAMI

(a).

[ Direct traffic to the arcades...

That's exactly what Xingqiu attempts now, impeccably dressed for the job at hand (meaning a staff uniform), he is ready to approach just about anyone with vouchers in hand: free drinks, a free round, anything to entice patrons to spend money within the Sutoku Alliance's territory. To be perfectly honest, he had only given the many bright booths and apparatuses a passing glance, nothing more. The concept however isn't difficult to grasp which is why he doesn't lack confidence in offering any deals. And games are fun, right? But more importantly, he doesn't need to bring in some earnings.

So armed with a polite charming smile he approaches, already offering a paper voucher. ]

Pardon the intrusion, but before the festivities go into full swing would you care for a bit of fun?

From what I hear there are big prizes to be won at the arcade, in fact, I can assure you of it, how about even playing just a game with me?

(b).

[ Once free from obligations, then it's time to set off with a single intention in mind. The spectral groves' appearance was sudden, naturally, it's a cause for curiosity but more so the rumors floating about. Specifically regarding what may be found at their roots.

Rather than rushing home to change, all he does is throw an oversized jacket on top of the uniform he wore through work, and then he heads off towards the groves. A bag with supplies for the current and later expeditions along with him, he is fortunate enough to find a secluded spot and out of the bag a small gardening tool is procured. Yes, he does foresee this endeavor may take some time with such a small shovel in hand but he was attempting to be inconspicuous, which would be impossible if he brought along a full spade and openly began digging. That would be too obvious.

He stands there, a moment too long, almost frozen with the shovel in hand. Xingqiu doesn't immediately begin sifting through the dirt, he doesn't make the attempt at all. He stands there at the foot of the cherry blossom tree looking down at the spot he intended to begin tilling.

It's a moral conundrum. If there truly is a body beneath the ground rooting the tree then should he even consider uncovering a grave? Gardening tool in hand he looks down at the spot before his fee, even before he has a chance to make his final decision the sound of steps draws his attention. He is quick to turn, even quicker still to hide the spade behind his back. Suspicious of course, that's why he swiftly hooks it into his belt and then lets his hands fall to his side. ]

I must apologize, but I've already staked this spot for myself and a friend.

[ The smile on his face is polite, mostly apologetic, and he hopes his explanation is enough so that he is left alone. At least for long enough that he is able to securely hide the clue that would give away his previous plan. ]

FESTIVE FUN

[ This is his own kind of festive fun, after all, he has no interest in sumo (aside from results and the betting pool), and there is no way he is going to work through the night after completing his job from earlier. As for the hot baths, well he made the decision to keep out of the Tamamo Clan's territory for some time. It's a sound choice. So instead, Xingqiu opted to revisit the sewers, another attempt to find clues left by the Kappa. The festival seemed like the best time to do this, most everyone would be attending he assumes.

Unfortunately, the passageways he traversed previously through are now blocked, completely impenetrable, which begs to question why didn't they opt for this route from the start rather than posting them to guard. Surely this would have been the best option, now everything is more and more suspicious and really... really... But it all must serve a purpose, they needed to be there for a reason otherwise why not go with this option when they so quickly erected these obstacles.

There is something else going on, with no other option he is going to slink back out, his route of escape is climbing up a ladder and pushing aside a manhole cover. From the sounds, he can tell he is far from the festivities, a hand is placed upon the above ground only to find it is soon being stepped upon. ]

My liege, please, my hand. If you would be so kind as to remove your foot from on top of it.

NIGHT PARADE

[ At this point he won't question why anyone saw the need to set him atop one of the many floats, apparently he was small and light enough that he wouldn't cause trouble for those doing the heavy lifting. It's not kind of embarrassing it just is, even if it is youkai commenting on his size but he'll do what he must. For the moment. So he digs into the satchel he was given, he knows the instructions are to toss what's inside at the crowd but he can't help to want to have a look first. In his hand, there are a variety of trinkets and treats. Well, he closes his fist, pulls his hand back, and tosses everything out as hard as he can.

It's not until he spots someone familiar within the crowd that he takes aim with the intent to get their attention. Whether his desired target is hit or not, someone is getting struck by a piece of candy. ]

A NIGHT PARADE TO...

[ At some point between the floats and the fireworks display Xingqiu made himself scarce, he had enough after the floats, and without his friend at his side why would he stay to watch the fireworks alone? There is another adventure awaiting him and that one is found in the pages of books. Of course, despite festivities, some shops are still open, fortunately enough for him but not for the staff he does suppose. He isn't disruptive, he has an array of books to seek. Some suggestions, others through some whim. So whatever is going on outside, specifically at the festival is as far away from him as some of the lands contained in the novels he seeks.

Once he has picked up the few titles he sought, he steps out, bag in one hand and an open book in another. Yes, the sounds are far, they're loud but he only peeks above the book for the briefest of moments. If someone does intend to run past, he will pause in reading. ]

Excuse me, if I may inquire as to what is going on now?

ʜᴀɴᴀᴍɪ, ʙ

[cutcloud]

[ Maybe it's the exorcist in him, but Chongyun's been torn on this whole night parade business from the moment it had been promoted. Even in Hell, he couldn't shake the sense that a bunch of spirits running amok might lead to trouble. There had even been muttering and rumors that he had tried to suss the truth out of, but in the end, his back luck had won out. Even though his yang spirit no longer instantly purges spirits upon approach, his fortune in finding leads and truths has not improved.

No answers either way. Damn bad luck, he had sighed while reluctantly buying a haori to wear to the festivities. If something were to happen, he would feel responsible for not working harder to clear up those muttered suspicions ... so all he can do now is attend, keep vigilant, and see for himself if it really is just paranoia. As much as he enjoyed a festival back home in Liyue ... this just isn't the same.

But he can't deny that the atmosphere is good when he wanders into the grove of spectral trees. Scenic, with the gentle fall of luminescent blossoms, it's both lovely and haunting in the way that some of the smaller villages in Liyue are. Tinged with something ghostly, somber threading between weaved beauty. Chongyun pauses in his steps to stand before a tree that strikes a chord; emotion tightens in his chest as he presses his hands together and closes his eyes. There are no ancestors he's praying to, no departed souls he's trying to reach ... but the gesture feels right.

He opens his eyes at the soft shuffle of fabric. Peering around the tree, the young exorcist spies—his friend, dressed strangely in an overcoat and atypical clothing. Chongyun presses close to the bark of his tree to watch Xingqiu for a moment, silent, merely gazing at the figure of his friend against the backdrop of cherry blossoms. It's a picture he could watch without disturbing for ... a long time, he thinks, unprompted. Petals from the flowers shower lightly, a silvery contrast against the pretty dark hue of Xingqiu's hair, complimenting the fairness of his skin and the amber highlight of his eyes framed by lashes thick as fans.

Tension grips Chongyun's chest. Not the same kind from when he had been thinking about the night parade—different, softer, keener. He doesn't understand it, can't describe it, only knows that it makes him feel stuffy from head to toe. A confusing ache that has him watching his friend without recognizing that what he's doing is ... a bit suspicious, isn't it? Nope, Chongyun doesn't consider that at all, and only finally moves forward when some stranger approaches Xingqiu from the other side to cut in. ]

... and that friend would be me.

[ With the man trying to chat Xingqiu up swiftly dealt with, ushered away with the young exorcist's narrowing stare, Chongyun turns to face his friend. Unlike Xingqiu, he is actually dressed with the festival in mind, dark navy underclothes haired with a cotton haori draped over his shoulders. It isn't often that he dresses in something other than his exorcist trappings. ]

Xingqiu. [ he reaches up, slowly. cool fingers touch the soft fall of the other boy's dark locks. ] .... You have a blossom in your hair.

[ Gently, Chongyun brushes the petals from Xingqiu's hair. ]

Wei Wuxian | Sutoku

[laughitoff]

i. hanami

[on the one hand: Wei Wuxian is certainly relaxed, having eaten quite a lot of the calming dango and drunk quite a lot of the calming sake here! you can find him stretched out beneath one of the cherry trees, a picture of relaxation from a distance, a few fallen petals aesthetically decorating his hair. there's a couple of full sake cups and a platter full of uneaten dango still beside him, like an invitation for someone to sit next to him and join in partaking and peace.

on the other: if you take that invite, or get closer for any reason, it turns out this is a little deceptive...he shakes a fist up at the tree suddenly, like he's a shopkeeper and it just ran off with some of his stock without paying. you can also hear...a dialogue?]

Yes, but for the fourth time, I'm telling you, Uncle, you could see this as an opportunity to make things a little more exciting!

...distuuuurbing my reeeeeest...these roooots in my bellyyyyy...

Like, say, what if you were able to get up and take control? Then you'd not only be a ghost tree, you'd be a walking ghost tree. You could walk around and be one of the highlights of the festival. You'd look wonderful! And then you could gather some gossip for me, in exchange for this wise and sage advice.

...take them awaaaay...I wish to slumbeeeeer agaiiiiin...

Haaaah, you're not even listening to me, are you. How strange.

[yes, he is arguing with a ghost he can't actually communicate with. truly, he is the feared and reviled Yiling Patriarch, master and commander of undead armies. please come and make fun of him.]


ii. kanamara matsuri (linked image nsfw)

[somehow, you have ended up here. you have ended up in this celebration of dicks and vaginas and boobs and butts and every body part in between that can be reasonably and hilariously sexualized, and you have ended up staring down this guy.

somehow, either because of overexcited vendors or because he talked you into it, you are each holding an incredibly phallic, oversized skewer. he is grinning at you as he sprinkles -- of all things -- chili powder all over the top of his.]

Bet I can eat this faster than you can, ah?


iii. night parade floats

[Hanami! Kanamara Matsuri! chasing the cart at Hadaka Matsuri, winning a fortune he's now wearing proudly stuck through his hair ribbon! a...whole lot of food delivery, because needs must hustle here in Hell and it's a great excuse to get around and eavesdrop! he's had a long and hardworking week.

when someone tries to press-gang him into helping carry one of the parade floats on top of it all, he laughs and dodges them. he swings up onto the float itself out of their reach, grabs one of the treat distribution bags, and claps on a kitsune mask he just pulled from his sleeve. it's a bold thing, black and red and gold.

if you're on the float too, or even just nearby, he'll wink at you through one of the mask's eyeholes, ignoring the would-be pressganger's outrage below him.]

What a ruckus this all is! How's your festival time been?


iv. assassination, or the terrible horrible no-good very bad day

Fuck!

[it's a haze of noise and steam and screaming crowds, but the gunshots give him a direction to go in, and he's never needed his powers -- unorthodox or otherwise -- to be fast and perceptive, to treat this like a hunt or a wartime situation and work through the chaos. act, don't overthink. prioritize, don't panic.

he pushes his way towards the stage -- and when the assassins flash by, and he and other Lost Souls pursue them, he puts on speed and catches up with one of them. he's certainly incapable of taking them down on his own -- everyone is having that problem -- but he's able to aim a kick at this one's kneecap, momentarily staggering them and halting their progress towards their deadly goal.]

Help me! We need to take them down!

[yeah, he's yelling at you. what do you do?]


v. other?

[if you want to approach him for aftermath talk/action stuff and would like me to write the starter, or you want to hit him up during the festival but none of the above prompts quite work for you, poke my plotting comment and we'll figure something out! ♥]

[closed to Nie Huaisang]

[laughitoff]

[well, no one can say their meetings in this city aren't getting more exciting every time! they definitely didn't get to talk at any length in that mess, since Huaisang was helping Jin Guangyao herd noncombatants away, and Wei Wuxian was going right for the danger zone.

at least it's easy to regroup afterwards, with the phones; wherever Huaisang and the others ended up sheltering until things calmed down, Wei Wuxian called to check where they were and eventually makes his way there. he has definitely been knocked around and shot, but someone's patched him up. it's Huaisang he looks over with concern, though -- he mentioned he'd been injured already, last time they talked, and it would have been easy to be moreso.]

Everyone all right over here?

Lan Wangji | Sutoku Alliance

[strikingchords]

1. hanami (April 2022 event, #1)

[the spectacle of the cherry trees, no matter how dubious their provenance, is truly a gorgeous thing to behold. the heavy, blossom-laden branches sway overhead; petals drift; and the sweet perfume of the air is as intoxicating as the gentle taste of the refreshments laid out at strategically-placed tables around the grove. if you catch a faint whiff of grave dirt here and there, or hear whispers, what of it?

in the midst of all of this is what feels like ripple in the world, a well of subtle gravity that will tug especially the spiritually sensitive closer moment by moment with its weight. following that tug reveals an even more aestheticᵀᴹ sight: a tall, jade-pale figure sitting under the tree branches playing the sweet notes of a seven-string zither.

the whispers feel heavy here, despite the obscuring noise. there must be some kind of magic trick to the performance. the player's hair and clothes stir without any breeze, a faint blue glow clings to his fingers, and every so often he stops playing entirely.

it's strange. there are several fresh cuts on his hands, showing a livid red. but there’s no blood visible.

as he lifts those hands away from the strings, the guqin keeps playing on its own.]

2. chasing the chaos (April 2022 event, #6)

2a. race for the start

[before all the explosions happened, those with prior knowledge of the machine below the streets had at least one more chance to try -– operative word –- to learn more about what was going on down there, and maybe even stop whatever would happen.

that's likely how you and Lan Wangji ended up underground at the same time, either in an accidental meeting or by design. you're in front of an impenetrable barrier, blocked off at one of the previously accessible tunnels. someone's been doing something down here, but what...?

--you look up at each other as the air around you starts to tremble. there is a high, whistling noise in the background, and an indefinable feeling of pressure around you. you meet Lan Wangji's eyes, and they widen a fraction as another tremor finds the very ground beneath your feet.]

--go.

[it might be a good idea to leave right now.]

2b. aftermath

[once everything -– steam, rubble, panicked screams, and idiots who nearly got themselves cooked –- has spilled out onto the streets, you can find Lan Wangji looming up in the fog anywhere you turn. you're both chasing after the masked, mysterious figures; he’s shoving you out of the way while shots ring out, a hand to his own shoulder where the blood is welling up; or he’s there, face tight and eyes blazing, helping you as you both lift a piece of crumbled sidewalk off a civilian's leg. if you’re badly injured enough to catch his attention, he’ll stalk towards you with a terrifying glare, laying a hand on your wrist. you'll feel a faint warm tingle start to travel through your veins as a blue glow starts under his grip...

once things have settled a little, you’ll see him speaking to some of the White Wolf Guard near the sad, sheet-covered body of the late Daitengu. his hands are clenched to white-knuckled fists at his sides. wherever you see him, his eyes are frighteningly intense when he jerks his head up and catches yours.

which part of all this chaos chases you?]

4. cyoa

((respond with your own prompt, or hit me up by journal PM if you want me to write a specific starter for you!

for further reference, my plotting comment can be found on the ooc post, some slightly less time-dependent but still event-related starters are available over this way, and Sutoku Alliance members can find Lan Wangji available for the forbidden gossip post-Night Parade IC brainstorming here.))

1.

[worldbent]

[Lan Wangji has attracted attention, alright- like a figment out of the cherry blossoms himself, the man in his mask and dark haori appears at the edge of this swelling monsoon of spirits around his playing, observing.]

[He won't interrupt the music- he isn't that gauche- but when the man ceases his playing (regardless of the music continuing onward), and their eyes meet through the barrier of the mask, Matoba gives off a soft scoff in the space between them.]

Tsk. No wonder they are making such a ruckus. This is why you do not spoil spirits...

[First he was there to tease you, now he's here to scold you. Hi.]

Azem | Tamomo

[starshepard]

☉ VARIOUS FESTIVITIES

[ Azem can be found wandering around and taking in the various festivities. From the spectral trees that don’t seem quite right, to food and drink, to the two different matsuri displays, she’s taking it all in. Feel free to run into, stop and have a chat about the food or the strange displays, she certainly has a few questions about the all the little dicks around and the nudity. It’s unlike anything back home. ]

☉ HOT BATHS (NSFW + please specify if you want male or female Azem + cw: optional aphro)

[ Ever since the announcement that Tamomo would be offering services at the the bathhouse, Azem’s been anticipating the festivities. She wouldn’t have cared if not for the cards they were to fill out in exchange for a potential bonus. It sparked their competitive side. The anticipation was enough that they’d nearly forgotten all about their investigation into the Kappa’s mysterious doings below the streets of the city.

This is a good chance for Azem to flex their transformation abilities, what they have access to any in case. For a while, Azem will be appearing in a form familiar to everyone, the rather average-looking dark-skinned woman who is surprisingly well built. It’s the form she arrived in and the one she’s mostly stuck to since then. But after a while Azem will vanish for a little break, only to return presenting as a man. It’s easy enough to tell the person is Azem, their face and build are practically identical.

In either form, they’re not shy about approaching others. Sliding up next to someone in the showers. ] Need a little help reaching those hard to reach places?

[ Or perhaps they’ll slip into a bath next to someone without a partner. In their hands, they have a tray that holds a couple of small saucers and a container that is most certainly full of sake (that may or may not be dosed with something, one can never tell around here). ] Would you like a little company? Perhaps a drink?

☉ A NIGHT PARADE TO REMEMBER

[ Azem was close enough to a manhole cover that when it blows she’s thrown off her feet and left with ringing ears. The following chaos reminds her too much of the Final Days. There are no monsters attacking anyone but there’s screaming and cries of pain. Smoke and the scent of blood fill the air.

There is a moment of panic before Azem manages to center herself. There are people that need help.

Ignoring any of her own injuries she quickly jumps up and moves to the nearest person that appears to need help. ]

Deep breaths. [ She’ll say in the calmest voice she can manage. ] Tell me where it hurts.

[ If the injuries are bad enough a bit of white-blue energy will from her hand to the wound. It’ll soothe the pain, staunch the bleeding, and mend flesh. If there’s anything buried in the wound she’ll try to pull it out before casting Heal. ]

☉ WILDCARD

[ Feel free to toss a starter at me or feel free to HMU at rubberspaceducky, shoot me a PM for plotting, or hit up my plotting comment.

Will match prose or brackets. ]

night parade;

[pathofsacrifice]

Holaeghe-ut golghoy ekh gerkhen syakhyl! Oluhn ekhe-barag!

[ He spits out the curses as he lies on the ground, bleeding. Blood splattering out of his mouth as he forces all of his rage into his words. He shifts his bloodshot eyes to the voice calmly speaking to him.

His own breathing harsh and hard. He pulls his hand back to show that he's holding a wound on his side. One of those assassins that he chased after; he was able to get one good punch in the back of their head before he was cracked across the face with the firearm.

Being shot shortly after shouldn't have shocked him, but it did. ]

It's... it's still... [ He rests his hand back over the wound. The bullet still in his side. ]

[trueorder]

hanami.

Ahhh.

[ Soma lets out a long sigh as he takes his seat underneath one of the cherry blossom trees. He slowly scans the area, attempting to look like he is appreciating the beauty of the groves. ]

Hm? [ His head turns slightly when he hears the whispering of the flowers. ] Is that so? [ He responds in a flippant tone as he decides to uncork his sake to take a few drinks from the accompanying cup. ]

Forgive me, I'm going to interrupt you. But I have to say this is the first time I've felt at real peace in awhile. Did you do that? [ He raises an eyebrow at the trees. ] Oh wait, I think they said something about this at the stalls.

[ The man carries on with his flippant conversation; he isn't really talking to the flowers or anything. He isn't even fully acknowledging what whispering that they have. Just enjoying himself quietly for once. Or at least -- hm, is he actually enjoying himself? It's hard to say? ]

kanamara matsuri/hadaka matsuri.

(a)

You know, as a man, I feel a bit bad about biting into the half of this.

[ He had bought some of the treats. Turning the phallic-shaped sweets around in the plastic container, he doesn't look all that troubled. Still, he holds the item out to the person that happened to stop by. ]

Want to share one?

(b)

You're doing wonderful!

[ Cupping a hand around his mouth, he calls out to the naked masses that are sprinting after a cart and trying to snag some of those sticks. ]

You almost caught that! Stay in line or you're going to end up trampled!

[ Soma keeps his tone light-hearted as he gives his call-outs to the people that are running around. Occasionally, he pauses to add in a few compliments -- because surely, this is also somewhat embarrassing to be doing with so many people, too. ]

You truly look lovely! [ And a few more compliments about their other parts, but hey, if a person has it, they should get some acknowledgement. ]

sumo.

It's okay. I was given the green light.

[ It is what Soma says to the few Lost Souls that come to hassle him about creating a betting pool on those participating. What he's doing is against the spirit of sumo, but he got permission so -- ]

Place your bets. No better time but now, am I right?

[ He claps his hands to garner more attention and attempt to get others into the mood to gamble. ]

wildcard.

[ none of these work? throw whatever you like. also i have a plotting comment if you want to go with something that i mentioned but didn't write a starter for. ]

matsuri b

[apathie]

[of course, soma's calls do get unwanted attention too, but that's why nehan is here, isn't it? in his handsome black kimono, heavily altered in the erune way to lack a back panel, he's attending the festival in way that says he's here for a good time. ... even if he doesn't actually care-- but he'd rather show that he is. and right now, he's accompanying soma so they can take on information-gathering together.

a youkai addresses nehan rather than soma because of this, telling him to muzzle his dog. and the erune snorts.]

I let him bark, so he doesn't bite later. Mind your own business.

Hizen Tadahiro | Shuten

[harimaya]

HANAMI I

(Hizen didn't come to the festival to interact with other people. As usual, he's been lured out by the promise of food and drink. The cherry blossoms are nice though. It reminds him of the citadel and the hanami parties they would have there.

…

Instead of thinking, he eats. But first, he needs to get things to eat. He can be found at the food stalls near the cherry blossom grove. He's stuck waiting in a really long line for some karaage (fried chicken). It looks like everyone else has the same idea as him and the line moves terribly slow. All the while, people with other food walk by and Hizen's head turns to see the couples walking by with takoyaki and the groups of friends with tornado potatoes and what the hell no one told him there was hashimaki too and nooooo, why is he stuck waiting in this line when everyone else has food but him? It isn't faaaaair. This really is hell and he complains,)

Hurry uuuuuup!

(HE'S HUNGRY but at this point he's waited so long in this line, he's just stubborn.)

HANAMI II

(Finally, with a nice little collection of food and drink, it's time to find somewhere quiet where no one will bother him… because someone always bothers him and knowing his luck, they'll want his food and he's not giving up any of his food. If he could wait in hell lines for all of his food then so could they!!

Hizen can be found among the cherry trees with all of his drinks (all alcohol) and food. It's a quieter place, away from most of the crowds but there's no such thing as a perfect place.

No, the trees are whispering and one tree in particular preens, "Look at my blossoms. They're so much brighter than all of the others" Another sighs, "My back hurts." While others whisper for ominous offerings.)

Shut up! You're killing my mood!

(He's trying to have a good time. The cherry trees go silent for a second.)

NIGHT PARADE

(Hizen can be found watching the floats in the beginning. While he recognizes most of the stories and figures, there are some more niche ones that he cant' figure out. Well, he isnt fussed with the details. Considering how the floats seem to be from the perspective of the youkai instead, it makes sense that maybe the imagery would be different, too.

After a while though, he gets bored and wanders off towards some of the food and game stalls. The lines have shortened while everyone is watching the parade. One stall owner calls out to him, holding a fake rifle and motioning towards the prizes— mostly cheap toys and masks but there are also buckets and bags of snacks and drinks in the lower prize tiers.

… They're cheaper than some of the other food options. That is, if he can win. Maybe you're already there trying your luck at the targets. He's terrible at sharing though and he quickly warns,)

That one's mine.

(It's just a giant bag of flavored sticks. He isn't going to lose it to anyone else.)

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

(Hizen has never been the type to run from a fight so of course, once all hell breaks loose, he jumps into the fray. It's while trying to chase after one of the assassins that he ends up taking a shot to the side. It's his first heavy injury since arriving here which wouldn't be a problem if he wasn't so weak here. Still, he pushes through with the power of sheer stubbornness and spite.

He continues to push through the crowd, trying to chase down any assassin he can get but there's so much fighting now. Everyone is fighting or fleeing and its all getting in his way. The adrenaline is running through him, he can feel the frenzy in the air, and it's hard for him to not work himself into a state of bloodlust.

He only has one thing on his mind and it's finding a target. He wants to find one of those guys who shot him. He wants to get back at them. And if anyone gets in his way? He'll cut them down too. It's enough to get him into a some scuffles with a few oni who are trying to fight something to feel useful in the chaos or a couple of youkai that panic and fight back when their fight or flight instincts are triggered. )

— Get out of my way!

(A large, boar-ish youkai bumps into him and he goes tumbling right into you. Unfortunately, he doesn't go down easily and he probably proceeds to elbow, kick, or scratch at you as tries to get his balance back,)

Get off me. I'll cut you too—

(Please ignore the large, dark stain bleeding through his sweatshirt, wet and fresh.)

WILDCARD

(❀ Hizen is in the Shuten Clan. Feel free to assume they've already exchanged names
❀ If you have another idea for a prompt or would like to plot anything out, let me know
❀ contact; eski | discord: eski#9874 | PM)

night parade

[kaientai]

Oh, yeah? Well, they're all yours.

[ poor hizen. were you expecting ryouma to be wearing white like he has been since he's been here? unfortunately, it's that outfit instead, which he'll easily recognise now, probably. ryouma has a fake rifle in his hand and handles it like he actually knows how to shoot a rifle.

which he does — he's had plenty of time to learn how to shoot well with all sorts of things — at least enough to compensate for it being a crappy fake gun. ]

... If you can beat me, of course.

[ even if he won he'd probably end up sharing them anyway, but he's been drinking and has no reason not to get fired up in good fun over a stupid game. ]

robin laffite | tamamo

[sweetsong]

i.) hanami

[ it's impossible for robin to ignore the trees and as he first sets his eyes on them he can't help but audibly gasp. dango in hand, the young man's steps are quick as he immediately goes to the first one, raising his eyes toward the blossoms and following the petals that seemingly fade away before they touch the ground. as one falls, robin reaches out with his free hand only to find that it disappears quickly, the illusion making itself more and more known to him.

he doesn't need to do much to maintain a smile, though it's a little more strained as he walks down the city's blocks, quietly nibbling on each of those colored balls on the tiny stick. thoughts of home, of his brother, and of his unit pass through his mind as he feels a chill while stepping in between two particular cherry blossom trees. ]

Huh? [ robin stops moving. he uses his peripheral to look to his left and right. ] Who's there?

[ someone is trying to speak to him and the voice is coming from... below him? as he takes a knee, robin starts to gently brush at the loosely packed dirt with his fingertips, not going quite deep enough to truly dig, but... ]

ii.) kanamara matsuri

[ robin isn't one to refuse a sweet, and after his somewhat harrowing experiences with the cherry blossoms... he's happy to get away from the enchanted trees and go to somewhere that he knows will be a lot 'safer'. after all, tamamo clan things tend to come with warnings, though this time? everything seems pretty innocuous! no need to worry about stuff being added into the food, though the shapes of each are pretty not-innocent to begin with.

he might carry the aura of someone shielded from worldly (and adult) things, but that's far from the truth.

it doesn't mean robin feels particularly proud of the fact that the cookie he's holding is shaped like a cock. but he won't refuse what is probably a very tasty snack.

standing around with one, however... ]

iii.) a night parade to remember

[ the fireworks are beautiful. they're brilliant, sparkling, and loud. robin can't remember the last time that he saw such an amazing show like this? and for a few moments, he kind of forgets where he is. right now he could be anywhere, and that's a relief that he wishes he could have enjoyed a little while longer.

because around him is chaos.

the nearest manhole cover catches him flatfooted--- his elbow and arm gets clipped by both the metal disc and the steam afterward, and his cry is immediately muffled by the sound of yells and shouting. the gunfire forces him to cover his head with his one good arm, the other hanging down by his side. it hurts, and that's a good and bad thing: at least he still has it.

but robin gets himself toward what he perceives is safety: a booth that is now unoccupied but provides some cover. his heart is pounding in his chest, pulse ringing in his ears, and he certainly won't be able to hear anyone that also seeks some shelter. ]

iv.) wildcard

[ feel free to leave a msg at my ooc plotting post or pm this journal if you want to do something else/specific c: ]

iii myaa

[apathie]

[little idiot-- does he not know that narrow boxes are not good places to hide in? nehan bangs on the wall to get him to open it, but when the boy doesn't respond, nehan reaches in through the open door and grabs his arm.]

Come! [if only robin could hear, he'd know that nehan wouldn't brook any argument.]

This place isn't safe!

Billy the Kid | fgo | Tamamo clan

[21towin]

I – Hanami

[Billy didn’t see much wrong in going to view the flowering trees, or enjoy a bit of food off on the side. They were told to have fun and all that. He was- staying away from those trees though, the odd feeling that they gave off sent the bells in his head ringing a bit in warning. There are still pretty at a glance, he supposed.

He currently munched on a stick of dumplings that he had picked up from one of the vendors with a slight sense of calm and warmth flowing through him with every bite taken.]

Well now this is might more calmin’ than I’d been anticipatin’.

[He said to the person next to him after swallowing another one of those peculiar treats. Yep, it looked like he’s stumbled into something odd already.]

II – Hot Baths (cw: sexual content)

[Being part of the Tamamo clan had brought Billy to the baths. Not necessarily by entire choice, he does have a card to fill out, of course. But he also has guard duty to attend to. Every so often he can be seen wandering around, kicking out anyone that gets a bit too… uppity for his liking. So if anyone finds themselves in a spot of trouble they can expect Billy to be there on cue before anything too horrendous happens.

Beyond that- well again he had that card that needed to be filled. The potential for a bit of an extra reward being tempting enough for him to ignore the overall annoyance he felt at it. Not that the task given would be all that difficult here.

Not with all the nude bodies writhing around together in bliss.

Yeah, not his scene. But he also guessed there was that bit of thrill to it.]

III – Assassination

[The charge in the air was electric, the pressure caused his hair to stand on end. Something was tickling at the back of the outlaw’s mind. Something felt… wrong- missing, not right. Billy began to shake it off when the boom made itself known. Not that of a firework, but something else.

He slips away and gets to work, first priority being to the others belonging to the Tamamo clan. Being their bodyguard apparent, Billy held his commitment to them seriously. Second to everyone else, at the very least he can help limit the amount of harm caused to others as well. In all cases he wouldn’t show much hesitation in shooting any would be attackers, or really anyone looking to profit from the chaos ensuing around them.

His Colt revolver living up to its brand name “Thunderer”. Its powerful, manstopping bullets doing their job and then some. While he wouldn’t be able to kill any of the assassins themselves, the overall stopping power that he carried was more than enough to stun them and beat them back.

Anyone that runs into Billy will most likely be met with a warm, infectious and friendly smile following him helping them with whatever trouble they ran into. As well as a- ]

Well now, you’ve found yourself in a bit o’ a pickle haven’t ya?

IV – End result

[When all is said and done, Billy will be doing a headcount of the Tamamo clan members. A final bit of accountability following the night’s excitements. Looking for people who might be injured, while also being relatively okay himself.

Sans a few bruises and scrapes here and there. Largely Billy got away unscathed, though some worrywarts are free to hassle him. Much like how he’s hassling some of his fellow clan members.]

[WILDCARD]

[ooc: feel free to hit me up with whatever here if any of the prompts aren’t to your liking. Feel free to also message me as well if you’d like~.]

ii

[apathie]

Oh? [nehan has never encountered this person before... but that doesn't mean he's not here for a reason. with the way he's going about in the baths like a guard, nehan may have seen his name on the roster, but has no face to match to it. of course, the best way to know is to ask personally. he straightens the yukata issued by the brothel to its personnel, adjusts the little black omamori around his neck, and approaches, acting like he's just one of its escorts and not a volunteer of the tamamo clan.

seductive is not nehan's preferred persona. then again, what is? being dour, most likely. but he's working, so act he must.]

Are you a guest? Did those people bother you? [then he opens his hands, palms up, as if to offer to carry whatever the man has on him. his right hand has a few callouses, but his left is scarred like it was burned at one point in the distant past.] I apologize, why don't I take you further in so you wont be disturbed?

The orgy is going on... but if you prefer privacy, someone can be along shortly just for you. [or nehan can stay.]

Junpei Yoshino | Sutoku

[moondregs]

HANAMI

Peaceful

[ Ever since arriving, Junpei has been wound tight. To be perfectly fair, the circumstances he experienced right before his arrival had been downright traumatizing. Then to be in this place, where he's been thrust into working for an organization he has no actual attachment to but wants to appease as he was promised something he wants with his whole heart ... peace is unfathomable. There's too much anxiety coating every part of his life now. Even the serene (if spooky) scene of a cherry blossom viewing celebration can't do anything to take the edge off of his inner turmoil. He's convinced himself to feel guilty about even thinking of doing anything frivilous.

But he still has to eat.

Consuming anything makes him nervous after his initial experience with aphrodisiacs at the nightclub, but he can't avoid eating and drinking totally. He spends a short while observing those who've consumed something at the blossom viewing, and the pain in his stomach from hunger wins out.

Finding a grassy area that is far enough away from other attendees to give him some personal space he gingerly opens up the bento he's purchased. It's eaten slowly in spite of his hunger, wanting to savor the meal in case he doesn't opt for another one today. He's pleased to find the ingredients are fresh and delicious, and soon a gentle, pleasant buzz settles over him.

Why was he worrying so much, again? With glassy eyes he looks up at the blooms, a smile forming on his lips. He's comfortable, he's safe, he's solved the issue of his hunger. In fact, he's so relaxed his eyes start to feel a little ... heavy.

Before he realizes it's happening he begins to tilt over ever so slightly ... nights of little sleep are certainly factoring in to how the food is effecting him. ]

Romantic

[ Along with the bento, Junpei purchased a bottle of melon flavored ramune soda. Once he's recovered from nearly nodding off in public he reaches for it to quench the thirst that took the place of his hunger. After popping the marble he takes a swig, finding the flavor perfect and just sweet enough without being too cloying. It reminds him of his childhood, and with some of the dreamy haze of the bento still hanging around him he's able to enjoy his happy memories without his current cynicism tainting things for him.

After he polishes off the bottle, he feels a warmth blooming in his stomach. It rises up through his chest until it reaches his cheeks. His mind is wandering again, but to more recent occurences; to his first time experiencing intimate touch, being kissed. Maybe ... it wouldn't be so bad to do those things again with someone. Maybe it could become something more. Could it really happen? Here of all places?

Fantasies fill his head of soft whispers meant just for two, hands clasped together, maybe even falling asleep beside someone. While that's all going on internally, he's got the biggest, silliest smile forming on his face in spite of just sitting alone.

He senses someone approaching, and he pulls himself out of the reverie just enough to find his voice. Even that is sounding much softer and kinder than usual. ]

It ... can be really beautiful here, can't it?

FOOD RUNNERS WANTED

[ As he watches the tray go flying, Junpei has some ... regrets.

He wanted to accumulate as much money as he could in ways that were benign. Delivering food, in spite of him never having held down a job in his seventeen years of life, sounded simple enough. How hard could it be? He didn't have to actually cook the food, just hand it over to someone and get paid.

In a crowded, chaotic festival in hell, it turns out, it's incredibly hard.

Nobody stops to help. Nobody even seems to pay him any mind as he scrambles onto his knees on the ground to see if anything can be salvaged. He's rewarded by someone stepping on a meat bun and the meaty contents being squirted right at him. ]

... great.

[ At least he hadn't been on a bike. ]

Wildcard!

[ ooc: Feel free to PM me if there's anything else you'd want to try! ]

hanami 2

[apathie]

Ah, you mean the trees? [nehan is more serene than he typically is. perhaps it's the atmosphere-- perhaps it's the way youkai are aggressive in preserving the peace during this important time in their culture, and he's outright pretending to be one, so of course he has to abide by it.

despite wearing a black kimono, nehan doesn't feel stifled or overwarm, owing to the lack of a back panel, his outfit baring slightly-scarred skin from the shoulders all the way down to the obi. very comfortable even if nehan ignores all the eyes drawn to it.]

Or perhaps the assortment of people in their outfits? Or all of the above?

Ibaraki-Douji | Fate/Grand Order | Shuten

[bananaoni]

I – Hanami

[Technically Ibaraki should be in bed, resting right now. But she also wanted to see the festival! The oni wouldn’t admit to it, of course. Not readily, after all it was just a stupid gathering for stupid people for stupid things for stupid cherry blossoms.

She really wants to go.

And so she does, hastily putting together a dress for herself, she set out. The heavy bandages at least made her look a lot more buff than she actually is.

By and large she can be found viewing the trees with a certain amount of hidden appreciation, potentially even noticing what was hidden as the petals gently floated around her in the moonlight.]

II – SUMO FAIL

[SHE DID HER BEST!

Was what she’d go with as she breathed hard and heavily on the bench. Her ribs still hurt and it was difficult to breath. While the shoulder that had been dislocated throbbed, making it difficult to move. Or really do much of anything. If whatever had caused her to be weakened like this didn’t exist she could have wiped the ground with most of everyone here. Toraguma wouldn’t be able to sit for weeks- nay months!

And all would be well.

But instead, her dress sat off to the side, exposing her body as her chest heaved. Joining a sumo match was still foolish in her condition. It didn’t stop her and wouldn’t have in any case. The money would have been good to have in order to make things up to Shuten.]

III - F O O D + fireworks I guess

[Now this was what she was talking about! She looked quite proud of herself as she munched on a phallic looking sausage. Her arms filled to the absolute brim with treats and prizes. A few yells of thief could be heard off in the distance, but that couldn’t have been this smug looking oni. Could it?

Just look at her as she happily watches the fireworks explode in the sky, munch-munch-munching away.]

Mm…. ish tashty….

[She hummed, unfortunately her arms are still skinny and small, and one shoulder had been dislocated not that long ago. So a few things were dropping out of her grip.]

IV – Hot Baths

Puhaw~! Now this is service, haha!

[She drank another saucer of sake as she sat off to the side and next to whoever was serving her. Ibaraki wasn’t really paying attention to their name. She had a busy night so far and was overdue for a good drink and to be waited on as she was meant to be! Her legs were crossed, and she leaned forward, still breathing heavily. But much looser and more light-headed thanks to the alcohol and overall erotic sounds and stench that permeated the place.

Shuten would probably love it here.]

Hey, hey… pour me another~! Don’t stop, keep it coming!

[Yes, yet another splendid way for the oni to spend her evening! Who knows, given where she was, and how good of mood she was now in, perhaps she might be so inclined to scratch a certain itch.]

[WILDCARD]

[ooc: don’t see anything you like? DON’T WORRY FAM! Feel free to write up something completely different and I’ll follow along, or contact me and we can plot something out.]

III

[diesuki]

[Indeed, some of those treats and prizes slip out of her arms - but fortunately, there is a gentleman who's willing to help!]

Oops! Careful, there.

[... Okay, "gentleman" is an overstatement, but Dazai does deftly catch the falling items before they even hit the ground.]

I admire a healthy appetite, but... perhaps you'd better sit and eat some of these first, hmm?

[He offers her what he considers a winning smile. Mostly because he's already plotting to keep one of the snacks for himself. (What? It looks tasty, and he's good enough at slight of hand that he thinks he can probably get away with such a minor crime.)]

Sheliak Saarela | OC | Shuten

[sleepinglyra]

I. Hanami

[Sheliak purchased the correct attire for the festival and he wore a light-colored yukata and a blue haori with a wave design. His magical self may be sealed at the moment but being the water mage was still a source of great pride for him. Sheliak preferred the traditional fashion here over the too casual clothes from his brief stay on Earth. It reminded him of the elegance of the noble court back home in a way.

Sheliak wasn’t particularly interested in the festivities. To him, the Night Parade was just another social obligation, like the many he had to attend back home. He didn’t mind it though, the new sights were interesting. Arrakis and everyone else probably would have loved it but that was the problem. They weren’t here. It would be rude not to participate at all, so he absentmindedly bought some dango, which he munched on as he headed for a quiet place to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. The grove reminded him of his secret garden back home. The haunting whispers were a bit unnerving but all that was left of his home were ghosts. It was foolish, but maybe just for tonight, he could pretend they were the lost souls from home. Perhaps it was nostalgia, but his icy mask thawed a little. He laid down next to one of the spectral trees, lacing his hands behind his head as he closed his eyes with a quiet sigh.]

…I miss you.

II. Sumo

[Sheliak treated sumo with the reverence it deserved as a sacred art form, despite how uncomfortable he was in the correct attire, or rather the lack of in this case. He couldn’t get distracted by that and he focused all his attention on his match. Sheliak had challenged one of the Oni from his clan. His height kept him from being completely dwarfed by his much larger opponent. Shelaik looked like a dainty snowflake that was about to be crushed.

Sheliak hid his cunning smirk behind clumsy confidence, like someone that realized too late what they signed up for but was too stubborn to admit defeat. Well, a part of it was true. Sheliak was out of his depth with sumo, but he had no intention of losing. Not this match. He was tired of everyone thinking he was just a pretty face. He could easily silence anyone’s doubt if his magic wasn’t sealed but unfortunately, that wasn’t an option right now. He was going to get it back. He didn’t spend years earning his place as a mage to just let it be stolen from him, but he had to rely on other methods to prove himself for now. That was what this match was for.

The match was quick, just as Sheliak planned. He knew he couldn’t win a prolonged fight, so he counted on his opponent underestimating him. He gracefully sidestepped the initial charge and turned the Oni’s powerful momentum against him, sweeping his leg and unbalancing him enough to push him out of the ring.

Sheliak quickly composed himself, smoothing back his hair as he calmed his heavy breathing. He was still a noble at heart after all. Appearances were important, but some of the thrill from the fight and the satisfaction from winning slipped through his calm mask and his mouth quirked up in a subtle smirk as he confidently announced in a loud voice,]

Does anyone else care to challenge me?

[He wasn’t just talking about the sumo match. It was a message to anyone that foolishly underestimated him.]

III. On the lookout for foxes

[Sheliak knew his win streak couldn’t last but it still stung his pride when he lost. He brushed it aside for now. He couldn’t get distracted when there were nefarious foxes about. Sheliak had planned on maintaining a cordial relationship with the other clans if it was possible, but that was before he stumbled on a Tamamo plot to drug the Shuten fighters. He wouldn’t let threats against his clan go unchallenged.]

A.)
[He chose a spot in the crowd where he could keep an eye on the fighters and more importantly the alcohol without being too obvious. When he saw someone acting suspicious, he quickly confronted them, placing a warning hand on their shoulder.]

What are you doing?

B.) (closed to Shuten members)

[Drugging wasn’t the only Tamamo problem he had to watch out for. They were seductive foxes as well. He had hoped that none of his clanmates would fall for their tricks. After all, it was common knowledge that Tenkohime was offering a bonus for any Shuten they caught in their web. His eye slightly narrowed as he watched one of his clanmates head into the enemy territory. Some of his annoyance slipped out in a quiet exasperated sigh. He walked over to them with a charming smile.]

Pardon me. I seem to be a bit lost. I was looking for the cherry blossom grove. Would you mind showing me the way?

[Instead of giving a rival clan free points! Sheliak hid his frustration behind a quiet sheepish chuckle to help with his ruse.]

I’m afraid I’m terrible at directions.

IV. A night parade to remember

[He had been a fool. He thought he had successfully buried the crushing fear he had felt when his world fell apart but it pierced through him when the first manhole cover burst open. The chaos that followed was overwhelming. Sheliak froze as he struggled to push past his panic. It hurt that his first thought was to protect his friends that weren’t here. But he couldn’t think about that right now. Sheliak didn’t waste time trying to figure out what that ominous gunshot was. Instead, he chased after the mystery assailants. They were the best lead right now. The steam and chaos were most likely a smokescreen for their escape.

It was an effective one. The steam was disorienting, and the chaos masked their footsteps. He could barely keep them in sight. He didn’t even see the gun. A loud bang was all the warning he had before a burning pain shot through his shoulder. His chest tightened with shock and for a moment he was transported to that tragic day before he showed up in this hell. The pain was new and Arrakis was gone. Sheliak buried his anguish in a stifled gasp of pain as he put pressure on his wound and stumbled forward. He could still follow them. He had to repay Arrakis for his sacrifice and protect his clan here, so he could see him again. The white steam felt endless, and a bit fuzzier than before, but he had to catch them. Sheliak heard something coming closer and he blindly swung at it with his good arm.]

V. Wildcard

[Feel free to drag Sheliak to other parts of the festival if you want! Please teach him how to live a little. You can plot with me on Nicholaj, Discord@Nicholaj#7374, or pm, whichever is easiest for you. Or feel free to come up with your own starter.]

iv

[kaientai]

Woah! Hey! I'm on your side!

[ the steam hasn't been good for ryouma either, messing with his senses, but at least his hearing hasn't suffered so much to mistake one of his fellow lost souls for one of the assassins — that's the only reason he narrowly avoids sheliak's blind swing.

he hasn't gotten to this point completely unscathed either, although he's wrapped something around the wound on his left arm to try and staunch the bleeding until it can be seen to properly. he'll probably have to change it or add to it at some point though since it doesn't seem to be as effective as he'd like, but that being said, he's more concerned about the man he's stumbled upon than himself regardless of how similar their stations might be. ]

Are you alright? You should get that looked at...

Laughing Beauty "LB" | Tamamo

[fuckinghysterical]

1) HADAKA MATSURI

[As one of the very much not Japanese Lost Souls to be brought here, it was a welcome relief from her own depressing thoughts to focus on learning the culture here to best figure out how to blend in as quickly as possible. Wanting to experience everything she possibly could in the process, she finds herself in barely anything at all and apparently chasing a cart for what she understood to be some sort of fortune? She figured it was likely something akin to horoscopes, which were largely useless, but yet even someone like her could find the entertainment in it.

At the very least, her nanomachines are largely useful in helping maintain her stamina, so she's been able to stay caught up with the crowd with little issue. However, as LB had been unable to catch any of the little sticks that were being thrown out and at this point, there likely weren't many left.

As much as she'd like to just be lucky enough to catch one, it was becoming clear that some kind of tactic needed to be put in play if she were to get any at all. Turning to the Lost Soul beside her, she keeps her voice down.]

I don't think we're going to get anything going at this pace - haha - I think we're going to have to play a little dirty. If you've got the energy, maybe we can trip the yokai in front of us and create a roadblock?

[That was the best idea she could come up with, on the spot.]

Unless you've got any ideas of your own?


2) SUMO

[Though LB was wise enough to know that she definitely didn't have the strength or even the knowledge to compete in sumo, it was a form of competition she only knew through osmosis. Nevertheless, LB was someone who appreciated strength, even if she was utterly lacking in it herself and wanted to see for herself just how strong everyone really was. And also maybe gawk at people's muscles. Not to mention, she was also trying to drum up some business for her faction later. But it was mostly to actually spectate the sport, honest!

She surprised how easily she gets swept up into the excitement of the crowd - being able to watch a sport like this with a cheering crowd was also something new to her and finds that it's something she'd like to do again, if given the chance. Even so, after one of the matches concludes, LB's able to break away from the crowd long enough to go buy a couple of water bottles from a stand and manages to make it back to a fellow Lost Soul making their way out of the arena - whether they lost or not - to hold out one of the bottles of her water.]

That was a really close match out there - heeheehee - the crowd got so pumped up over it that I had to take a break! But here... you can have this one, if you want it.

[For what it's worth, it's just a normal bottle of water - no tricks up her sleeve! Sure, maybe she'll put a word in for Tamamo, but she's not going to be overly forceful about it either. LB is actually just more interested in getting to know more people with fighting skills.]


3) HOT BATHS

[While some might scoff at the idea of working at a brothel, it actually provided one much needed benefit for LB - she now knew for certain that she wasn't able to accidentally harm anyone through touch after cautiously experimenting with a couple of people first. That much was a relief to know, as she had been a little anxious about the uncertainty of her power until then.

With that weight off her shoulders, LB is actually down to fill out her card, however there's one unpleasant yokai that's being an insufferable guest not only to her, but a couple of the other workers in the vicinity. After her and a couple of other people try talking him down, there's a moment when LB stares at her hands and wonders if she should just use her powers to make that particular customer not a problem anymore.

However, glancing at the other workers that were doing their best to appease the yokai, LB just walks out of the room to avoid giving them another problem to deal with. Entering the next room over with a heavy sigh, LB mutters under her breath about how much of an asshole that guy was. What she doesn't account for is that someone else is already inside.]

Oh! Eheheh... [Her eyes go wide for a moment before shifting her expression to a more pleasant one.] Sorry, I just needed a break from that room.

[LB glances around, making certain she wasn't interrupting anything before continuing.] Hey, you're not waiting for someone, are you? Hopefully you're better company than the last guy I talked to.

[Whether it was another Tamamo worker willing to go in to beat the customer's head in, someone to rant to if they weren't actually here for sex, or y'know someone to bone, LB was going to welcome the distraction anyway.]


4) COME WITH ME IF YOU WANT TO LIVE

[Once the manhole covers are blown off and the gunfire is heard not long after that, inside LB is freaking the fuck out. However, with gunfire close by, her nanomachines recognize it as some sort of battlefield and soon gets into gear by pumping the adrenaline and endorphins into her system.

Normally that much would be to prime her to going into the battle herself, however without a gun, LB knew that her hand-to-hand fighting skills were not going to be enough to allow her to join the action. Trying to hug a person to death likely wasn't wise either. Instead, all she could do was hide - having an eye for stealth approaches was doing her well as she's able to quickly find the least populated routes and best cover along the way.

The only problem was that her nanomachines were actually making her laugh even more than usual and she likely kind of looked like a lunatic in the process! But perhaps due to her moderate luck draw from the hadaka matsuri earlier, the loud screams and gunfire are actually enough to keep her hidden from the action.

Having a large motivation for her own self-preservation, she's intending on just getting the fuck out of there. However, as she sees another Lost Soul lost in the middle of the action, her giant guilt complex comes into the picture as well - she couldn't just leave another person out there in good conscious.

Knowing now that she couldn't harm someone accidentally through touch, she grabs them roughly by the arm, pulling them to hide with her in a nearby garbage dumpster. No matter how they react, LB will hold up a single finger in a gesture for them to shush - hostile figures were getting close by, after all - her nanomachines perhaps making her expression more gleeful than she intends. Soon after that, though, she hugs her legs to make herself seem smaller, pressing her forehead against her knees as the footsteps nearby can be heard.]


5) WILDCARD
[I'm down to do p much any of these prompts, either hit me up with a sick ass prompt or plot with me here! If it gets filthy, my kink list is over here.]

3

[21towin]

[Billy had largely just been looking for a quiet spot during his break as a guard. Somewhere he can just hang around without being bothered by the other youkai or lost souls. The woman's entrance really shouldn't have surprised him too much, he could make out the faint sounds of footfalls approaching the room.

It was just- he was hoping to be by himself for a moment.

Some baseline familiarity clicks on in his mind as he sees who it is. Her pleasant expression was met with one in return.]

Don't worry about! I get ya, go on ahead and make yourself comfy.

[He laughed before taking a sip of the coffee he procured. Something to help him stay awake and observant.]

It's mighty busy here, after all!