jigokulogs | APRIL 2022 EVENT

APRIL 2022 EVENT

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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. ]

[ Preoccupied initially with his own dilemma, followed by the approaching stranger, Chongyun's appearance is something akin to a surprise and though he was expected his entrance into the scene had not been foreseen. Not immediately anyway, he had ascertained to give himself ample time to come to a conclusion, after all disturbing the dead likely wasn't fondly viewed by many and that would include his dear friend.

Although certain he could have handled just about anyone if they decided to attempt to wrestle this location away from him, Xingqiu still feels gratitude towards his friend. As for the hidden gardening tool, he decides it's best to keep that out of sight meaning there would be no need for an explanation. More importantly, there is something all that now occupies his thoughts. Taking in the whole image that is Chongyung, what immediately comes to mind is the stark contrast between them. Of course, observant as he is that wouldn't go unnoticed, however, it's not the single point pertaining to the garment worn, confident strides, and tone are keenly registered. It's enough to make a case, it seemed to work to convince the stranger to swiftly depart.

And it's only then gazing upon his friend that he becomes all too conscious of how overwhelmingly underdressed he is for the occasion. Perhaps he should have taken the time, better care, and made some investment into appropriate wear. Too late now.

The moment their eyes meet, he shows contentment and appreciation through a smile. Genuine in the line of sight of his friend, it slowly falters as he once again takes the time to take in every detail of Chongyun's appearance. No stranger to the choice of pallet that makes up the outfit, it's still a complete change as more often than not he usually sees the boy that is his friend in his typical garb. It's different, it's nice, even his hair is styled. Light locks brushed back, eyebrows in plain sight, expression clear for him to read. Cute, that's usually what he would fit Chongyun but now handsome seems more appropriate.

Of course, he is handsome. That fact has never escaped conscious thought. Objectively speaking, he would never have a problem admitting that his friend was attractive, a fact that surely wouldn't be missed by anyone. Except right now, the idea just seems all too difficult. In fact, it's become so much harder to keep his gaze leveled, that's why he diverts it away as his friend speaks, when his hand reaches out for him. Instinctively he makes a move to duct away, only having to forcefully keep still to remain in place, but the intent is notable, he is aware. ]

You're early.

[ In those words he takes the time to take a breath, aghast at his own reaction. When had he lost function? When had he allowed thought to only linger on the boy in front of him? In the cool air of the grove, he shouldn't feel such warmth, yet it's a sensation that lingers, not even dispelled once Chongyun pulls his hand away. And for all his knowledge, embarrassment is slowly recognized for what it is. His immediate reaction is to of course attempt to act as normal as possible, in spite of his blunder. ]

Yet it was an opportune time for you to make an appearance.

[ Even someone like Chongyun would notice his friend twitching like that, as though he wanted to move away from his offending hand. The young exorcist doesn't know what to think of it—normally he'd have a moment to mull it over, but at the same time Xinqiu quips about how early and opportune his appearance is. Something that's a point of embarrassment for him, one that swiftly draws his attention away from how his friend seemingly wanted to avoid his touch.

(No, he'll ruminate on that later.)

Petal brushed out of inky hair, Chongyun drops his hand back at his side. Early ... yes. Earlier than this, actually. So early that he had enough time to stand off to the side and just watch Xingqiu like a creep—not that it had been done with any creepy intentions!—but someone who didn't know that they were friends would definitely find it odd.

Not for a minute. Not for two minutes. He had stood watching from a distance for ... what, about ten minutes? Not objectively a long time, but it's much too long for watching someone. Which is why he absolutely can't admit to his friend that he had watched the guy spot him, had watched him give Xingqiu an appreciative up and down, and finally had stalked over when the guy made up his mind to approach.

There was nothing opportune about it.

So Chongyun lies his ass off. ]

I guess I got lucky. It had to happen sometime. [ he shrugs, plucking at the hem of his haori with all of the innocence in the world, ] I was ready, so I figured I may as well come.

[ Putting on a different jacket and brushing his hair back hadn't taken all that much time. So ... the last bit, at least, is true.

Tilting his head, he glances at the spectral tree and then back toward his friend in genuine curiosity. Though he had been watching, he... realizes now that he hadn't really been paying attention to what Xingqiu had been doing. Which is all the more reason he definitely can't admit he had been skulking nearby for a while. ]

What are you doing here by yourself?

[ Phantom of a blossom whisked away, his gaze trails after the falling tint of pink. Forcing himself to concentrate on the petal, more importantly, on the fact that he made contact with it which given the nature of the trees surrounding them should be completely impossible. Unless of course, the petal originated from some other source, but wouldn't that have been noticed?

It's only here among the cherry blossoms did he give no mind to the descending rain of every array of pink imaginable. Therefore... then in that case... forget it. It's a futile attempt in ignoring discomfort, perhaps if they both were to focus on the same subject? Yes, that's right. He is sure Chongyun himself must have picked up the rumors circulating about, the whispers of what lay at the root of each and every one of these trees that have many lost souls in awe. In fact, they likely wouldn't be the only ones questioning the verity of gossip spread through the city.

That's right.

With that in mind, it's only then that he notes he has been staring at the ground. His own petal was lost among the sea of other blossoms. Slowly Xingqiu lifts his gaze, meeting Chongyun's own. Catching tail of his response. ]

Of course, that makes sense. No use in waiting about. I supposed you didn't have a busy day? That's lucky.

[ He smiles. He tries to anyway, but the expression wavers. Sheepish, wry, it's a two-fold attack. Of course, Chongyun would question why he was alone within the grove when many others chose to come accompanied otherwise prepared to celebrate alone. Most either had a meal or snack in hand or like his friend they were dressed for the occasion. While Chongyun paints the picture of a perfect festival goer, Xingqiu isn't sure what his appearance details, perhaps he has a suspicious air.

He really, really should have invested in some proper attire. ]

Well, despite whatever I had planned. At the moment, after some consideration, I opted not to do anything.

… they gave us the day off for the festival.

[ Even though he answers, Chongyun is paying more mind to what Xingqiu is doing rather than the conversation. Blue eyes study the way the other boy follows the petal—a mimicry, it hadn’t felt like anything when Chongyun brushed it from his hair—down to the floor. They linger on the slope of Xingqiu’s lips, brush over his cupid’s bow, flick to pretty corners that soon waver downward.

Though the young exorcist looks calm with an even expression and causal little smile, he feels everything but.

Worse… he doesn’t really understand why.

Whatever Xingqiu had been doing … it looks like he doesn’t want to talk about it. It wasn’t like Chongyun hadn’t heard the rumors—please, considering how he’s always listening for rumors, how could he not? It wouldn’t be hard to guess what he was planning to do, but … Chongyun decides not to.

Xingqiu already looks uncomfortable. Rather than worry about that, shouldn’t they have a nice time? He’d rather the smile on his friend’s face be a genuine one. ]

Then … do you want to take a walk with me? [ he glances up toward the trees, ] I think the grove goes in deeper.

[ When Chongyun glances back, the wind ruffles his downy hair and drops a background of cascading blossoms to the flutter of his haori and gentle smile. ]

I would like to see it.

Then in that case, why was I working...

[ Brief consideration, then he immediately recalls some messages he may have sent speaking of disinterest in festivities. Perhaps the impression he left made him a fit candidate for labor, but not attending or making claims he wouldn't find enjoyment didn't mean he didn't have his own set of plans. Fortunately, he is pretty good at managing his time. When he wants to...

That is. Not now. How long has he kept his gaze affixed upon his friend's countenance? Taking in the sight of the familiar gentle blue eyes he has known since childhood, captured in a gaze the color of the sky. The only visible change to be found is like the weather, rolling clouds of sentiment. Yet the expression shown to him now is as clear as day, vivid, yet illegible. An oddity that for once brings difficulty in navigating interaction, in taking typical lead in their adventures, but truthfully he doesn't mind it when he can't quite formulate a plan to follow now.

It's a break from routine, enough to allow him to compose himself. It's only then that he finally breaks eye contact. ]

It does go deeper.

That's not to say I don't wish to keep you company, we did have an agreement. Unless you've forgotten your unvoiced invitation, do recall I did accept.

[ Xingqiu hasn't forgotten once, although his earlier claim of this spot was meant to dissuade anyone from coming closer there was some truth. He really did intend to share a place with his dearest. So there is no sudden spark of memory, it's been at the back of his mind nagging the whole time but immediately he almost wishes he kept quiet. ]

But it can wait, the cold springs will be there.

[ The image his friend paints, impossible to capture into words even with the stroke of a brush from the most talented of artists. No, not even Mr. Kreideprinz skill could give satisfaction to this single instance that he breaks by offering his hand. ]

[ Xingqiu extends his hand. Chongyun gazes at it for a moment, looking how pretty and slender the other boy's fingers are while also noticing how sweaty his own palms have become in a matter of seconds. Heart an engine trying to kick to life, Chongyun swallows around the strange lump in his throat as he discreetly wipes his palm against the inside of his sleeve before reaching out to thread their fingers together. Keep calm, Chongyun... keep calm... it's just holding hands.

The hand that clasps Xingqiu's is warm.

He had forgotten about the cold springs. Reminded, he nods, agreeing—the bathhouse won't be going anywhere, and he doubts that the cold bath will be a popular attraction anyway. There's no need to rush over.

Squeezing lightly, he takes a few steps forward. The trees are lined along a pathway that makes going deeper all the easier ... but it wouldn't really matter if they weren't, because it's all just spectral. The petals don't kick up when they walk through them. All very scenic, but it's like having been dropped into a painting. Beautiful, eerie, and not quite real. ]

So you were working? What were you doing?

[ Without thinking, Chongyun brushes his thumb over Xingqiu's knuckles. ]

[ Heat at the point of contact, no surprise when Chongyun's hand envelops his own, but there is an uncomfortable stickiness in the touch. Despite the cool air, the gentle breeze, even he is starting to feel warm. His free hand is used to ventilate himself by pulling at the jacket a few times, he begins to once again regret his choice of clothes. Eyes affixed downward, it takes him a moment to finally meet Chongyun's yet again. This time he is wearing a smile.

It's not strained nor forced, but there is a touch of awkwardness in the expression.

Again, he reminds himself to keep composed, to navigate this interaction as any other. Any other from their past, when he usually led Chongyun by the nose all through the lands of Liyue in search of spirits. Rumors ready, some improvised at the moment, just like those times. Those times, when they never held hands in this manner. Never before had Chongyun held on to him so tightly and he certainly never caressed him.

His smile though a bit awry doesn't falter. ]

You know, regardless of any rumors, I am capable of handling my duties.

[ The silk trade after all has been managed smoothly, his instructions were detailed, and all endeavors and plans set by him always concluded fruitfully. He just has no interest in tedious tasks. Much like his job ended up being. ]

I was attempting to entice people to visit the arcades, but I can't say that went all that well.

[ A sigh, and his smile falls. Well, there is no such thing as a one hundred percent success rate when it comes to business. ]

Oh.

[ Directing people to the arcades … no, that doesn’t sound like something that would hold Xingqiu’s interest at all. It seems they’ve both been cajoled into assignments that they aren’t exactly suited for—though, Chongyun recalls wryly to himself, he had been surprisingly popular at the catboy cafe. Leave it to the cat lovers to enjoy a waiter that wanted nothing more to avoid them.

He shakes his head a little. ]

I wouldn’t worry about it. They were probably distracted by all the festivities. There’s a lot going on.

[ And not being able to direct traffic has nothing to do with Xingqiu’s business acumen. These things happen—though he won’t dismiss his friend’s glumness about it just because he’s used to having terrible luck when it comes to his job. How many times had he missed a spirit by a hair, after Xingqiu had gone through such great lengths to gather info on his behalf?

He stops before a particularly large tree. It’s full of blossoms, and there’s a whisper in the wind, a soft murmur of voice that makes him pause in curiosity. ]

Did you hear that?

[ Again, a murmur that he can’t quite make out. Chongyun looks to Xingqiu for confirmation, eyebrows raised. He had heard the rumors, but … that’s a bit weird, isn’t it? ]

… can you make out the words?

[ Recognizing the words for what they are, Xingqiu can't help another smile, amused in the moment of finding that their roles are reversed. this time it is Chongyun offering comfort in light of failure. In his usual manner, honest, straightforward, as always and Xingqiu loves that about his friend. Did it make Chongyun gullible? Quite so, but that too is something he enjoys.

There is a refreshing sincerity about his dearest that leaves no need for pretense, he doesn't have to act, put on a show, and display distant politeness. With Chongyun he has always been himself. Truly anyone could easily grow fond of his cherished friend. ]

I suppose you are right, there is also the fact it is my first time attempting such a task. I shouldn't expect smooth sailings as a novice. There will be other times.

[ Is that to imply he would take on the same job again? Yes, certainly he would, but that is truly more for his own sake in seeking to identify errors and smooth them out in search of honing that craft. Always seeking to add skills to his repertoire.

Watching Chongyun, his focus on his long-time friend, murmuring upon the wind is not noted. His gaze still upon the boy whose hand he holds, he catches the way the soft glow tints light lock in the warmth of color cast by the blossoms. ]

Hear what? The wind?

[ He shouldn't laugh, he does, in typical teasing manner. He releases Chongyun's hand to get closer to the large tree they're now standing under. Each gust of wind brings down a rain of petals about them. Reaching out to press his hand against the back, he suddenly turns to face Chongyun leaning back against the trunk of the sakura. ]

Chongyun.

[ When Xingqiu teases him for noticing the murmur, there’s a titter in the wind like whatever voice he had heard is chuckling. Soft, just as soft as the phantom fall of blossoms, and for a stubborn moment he wants to insist upon it—]

I really…

[ … did hear something. But the sentence isn’t finished. Hand cooling without the lacing of the other boy’s fingers, Chongyun turns toward the scene of a pretty profile against the trunk of a cherry blossom tree. More petals fall, a rainstorm of silver and blush, and branches wave even when there’s no wind to guide them.

The young exorcist’s breath slows, as if anything too harsh might disturb the moment. How is it that something so pretty can exist in Hell? It’s rare for Chongyun to forget a possible lead on a spirit or something to investigate, but now, the thought drifts aside with the shower of flowering buds.

Chongyun, Xingqiu calls, and something in his gut twists. That never happened when his friend has called his name before—for a brief moment, he worries if he isn’t suddenly coming down with some sort of stomach flu.

Taking a step closer, ]

… Yes?

[ The two initial words don't complete thought given a voice, it's unnecessary, from expression alone he can take a guess as to what his friend wanted to say. He knows Chongyun wants to insist there was a whisper in the wind, Xingqiu doesn't dismiss it due to disbelief but he has other ideas in mind. They don't involve a third party. It's why he called to his friend, softly, baiting him closer.

A single step. It's not enough. It's all too delicate for him an action, hand lifted, gracefully beckoning Chongyun to further close the distance. Fingers curling, wordlessly saying come hither, all in half-lidded eyes. Because that's how this goes, gentle progress and tender prompting.

This is the picture he imagined, gauzed in a veil of warmth cast by the cascade of blossoms. It's practically perfect.

A shift in weight, adjusting his steps. It's then that a murmur no longer remains soft, amused, the entertained chortle hidden by soft gust halts. It's now a clear voice no longer content to remain a whisper. There is indignation in that tone, annoyance that initially Xingqiu doesn't register because he is all too busy hopping away from the spot he just stood. He heard it clear: Get off my face!!! ]

I am not on anyone's face!

[ If he hoped the voice would die down, it doesn't. No, because now you're stepping on my hand. ]

[ Chongyun perks up the moment that voice becomes clearer. Eyes gleaming, his hands curl into fists in excitement—quickly, the young exorcist squats, cat-like pupils darting to and fro all around the roots of the tree in curiosity. ]

See! I told you, I did hear something!

[ Romantic moment: sorry, you've been totally flung out the window in favor of investigating spirits.

So the rumors had been true after all? Chongyun isn't very surprised, having seen the spectral blossoms—their aura is as eerie as it is beautiful. Hell has thrown off his usual good sense about these things, and having dead that are even deader than the souls around the city is a bit strange, but who cares. Spirit. Spirit!! A spirit with a face and a hand; good job, Xingqiu, stomping all over with your feet like that.

Chongyun creeps forward, grabbing his friend's ankle to lift it. ]

Ah, let me see! A hand? Where? [ he brushes at the ground, pawing a little bit in the earth with the hand that isn't currently keeping Xingqiu's foot raised, ] Huh, I don't see anything ... it must be buried deeper. Xingqiu, we've gotten lucky! This must be a grave!

[ On with a very ornery spirit. How thrilling! Now, how does he discern if this spirit is evil and in need of purging? Where will it go, if he does purge it? ]

[ That was the death of a sublime scene...

Had it not been for his chivalric code leading him to keenly train in the martial arts, for natural poise further honed by stacks of books balanced on his head, then perhaps right about now he would be on his ass. But he manages to remain upright despite his dear friend deciding to forcefully lift his foot off the ground. Mounting excitement in Chongyun's voice is picked up, expected now that he too has heard the spirit speak, of course, his own mood has done a downturn. If anything ever came close to perfect it was that moment, surely a stroke of awareness should have hit his friend.

Or had he been getting too hopeful?

Sigh restrained, his posture slackens with exasperation and disappointment. He would mourn his loss another time, he wouldn't ruin this moment for his friend. Soon dour expression is wiped away, it isn't something he wants Chongyun to witness, thankfully the exorcist had been distracted in his attempt to dig out the corpse all the while still holding his foot up — that is actually impressive — unless this is more due to his own weight.

Well, no point in holding back now. Here he thought he would be avoiding committing an act of sacrilege. The gardening tool is still hooked at his belt, reaching behind he takes a hold of it before offering it to Chongyun with an encouraging smile. ]

I guess you were right all along, it truly is an auspicious day. If the grave was dug deep then this might help.

[ Remembering himself, Chongyun finally releases poor Xingqiu’s ankle so he isn’t standing on one foot anymore. Clearing his throat, the exorcist schools his excitement, standing up and brushing the dirt off of his white clothes. As much as he wants to investigate the hell out of this whole grove now, he still has to behave normally. Crawling around on the ground and pawing through the dirt is a no.

The trowel is a surprise, though. He blinks at it before looking back at his friend—… actually, the sudden little shovel has him thinking about that coat. It isn’t something that Xingqiu would normally wear at all.

Which is why he reaches out … and not to take the trowel. Plucking the edges of his friend’s coat, he peels it open.

The uniform hidden beneath has his jaw dropping. For just a moment—he’s quick to snap his mouth closed and snugly wrap the jacket back around his friend. That isn’t festival wear! That isn’t festive wear at all! ]

Xingqiu. Were you really just leading people to the arcades?

[ He can’t figure out the connection between a trowel and revealing clothing, though. That has him a bit stumped. ]

[ At last, he is able to stand once again on his very own two feet, although it wasn't challenging to remain so precariously balanced on a single foot while Chongyun kept the other aloft it also wasn't particularly comfortable. He did not care to relive the experience. What he does do is restrain himself, there would be no stern look delivered, he won't dampen the exorcist's excitement. Therefore, what he does instead is encouragingly motion for Chongyun to take the gardening tool, he doesn't understand the hesitation. There should be no moral dilemma when the boy before him had rushed to attempt to dig the earth with his very hands.

Finally, it appears his friend gets the hint, Xingqiu watches Chongyun reach forward but it's not the shovel that's taken. Unable to help himself he can only raise an eyebrow and look mildly surprised as his outfit is revealed. For what reason? He has no clue. Standing there as he is, in those clothes, he doesn't say a thing and lets Chongyun finish processing what he witnessed until he closes the outerwear.

There is a question, but he can't really imagine what else he would be doing. He did previously mention what his obligations were, with a long sigh he shoves the spade into his bag then digs around in there and then he proceeds to smack the top of Chongyun's head with a bunch of arcade vouchers offering various promotions, from free drinks, to some games, etc. ]

Last I checked that's exactly what I was doing.

—ack. [ head fwopped with a stack of vouchers, Chongyun looks right and properly chastised. ] Sorry...

[ Of course that's what Xingqiu had been doing. Maybe it's the Tamamo clan that's doing something to his head. After all, when you spend long enough around something, you start to see it everywhere. While that outfit might be a little much for directing guests to arcades, it's just a costume. Tamamo has way too many themed cafes and clubs, it's really starting imprint itself on his psyche.

But those vouchers remind him of something. ]

Oh. I almost forgot.

[ He had gotten to the festival a bit earlier, before lingering and watching Xingqiu from a distance like a creep. While starting to head into the hanami, he'd crossed paths with the moving mob of nearly naked people pawing at a moving shrine for fortunes. While Chongyun had gotten his butt out of that cesspool of heaty traps quickly, he did manage to snag a stick before bolting for his life.

Reaching into one of his pockets, he takes the stick out now. The characters that are etched into it are clear: 大吉. A great blessing. He holds it out to Xingqiu to take. ]

This is for you.

[ Still within his grasp, the vouchers are kept out, the threat looms that they may be used again. That is until Xingqiu catches a glimpse of his friend's expression. The apology that follows helps. With that, they're once again in his bag to be utilized at a different time. They're for work!

With his hands now free, he subconsciously draws the oversized sweater tightly around himself, unable to perceive why Chongyun made that inquiry or the reason for his reaction as a whole. There is some vague understanding, of course, he knows the purpose behind the uniform (that is besides unity in labor). In this case, it really was meant to draw in crowds to the arcade even if it meant he had to lead them by the hand. But apparently, he hadn't been charming enough? Here he thought his approach had been polite and likable. He will have to make some adjustments.

When the exorcist speaks again, Xingqiu decides to dissect that part of their interaction some other time.

He watches intently as his friend digs around his pocket, perhaps he has his own vouchers which he could use to retaliate for the prior blow? But it is nothing to the sort. He sees the stick offered, eyes fixed upon the fortune catching a glimpse of etched wood. Gingerly he reaches out, fingers ghost over the gift but they don't close around it. His gaze meets Chongyun's. ]

Don't you need it more than I? [ It cannot be helped, he has to tease him about his luck even if today was a little different. ]

Haha, maybe.

[ Chongyun's laugh is a soft, gentle thing as the corners of his mouth twitch in a smile. The eyes Xingqiu's meet are just as soft, a gleaming blue more like the clear run of a river on a warm day than the icy stretch of a frozen lake. He's quiet for a moment as he gazes back at his friend; another fall of petals drifts around him, a scatter of silvery-pink blossoms becoming a gentle rain over white and blue. Somewhere nearby, some festival-goer's gone and turned on their radio for some background music.

His bad luck is notorious, isn't it? That's something he can't deny. When he had pulled the best fortune possible, he'd been shocked ... briefly, because he hadn't had much time before sprinting away from the throng of mostly-nude people. ]

Even so, I want you to have it. [ he nudges the good fortune into Xingqiu's palm, insistent that the other boy take it. c'mon now, close your fingers around it. ] My luck's gotten better anyway, hasn't it? There are plenty of spirits here for me to see.

[ Not that any of his investigations have gone any better—but that finally has nothing to do with his condition. Seems like he's always going to have to work hard to sniff out the truth behind rumors. ]

[ Chongyun nudges the wooden bamboo stick against his palm, insistence noted, Xingqiu only offers him the same fond smile he always casts when gazing upon his dearest friend. His fingers don't close around the fortune, rather with his eyes affixed on the kind face he has always known, he turns his hand ever slightly until his digits make contact with Chongyun. A warm hand, as he expects, like when they previous had theirs clasped together. That's why rather than taking that bit of luck, he laces their fingers together.

He lowers his gaze, a laugh follows mild, sheepish in his own realization. He knows, he understands himself better than most. This was just something he had never given time to analyze, perhaps back in Liyue he would have remained content to play his usual childish games, with most of his attention landing on the exorcist.

Who knows what it is, either the backdrop of the scenic grove that's lost some of its eerieness or the music in the background. No, he won't focus too closely on the lyrics. ]

That may be so but a little extra luck hasn't hurt anyone. Although I suppose you will insist, so I have no choice but to keep this safe for you.

[ Finally, unlacing their fingers he plucks the fortune out of Chongyun's hand. His brow creases as he looks at it, where exactly had his friend obtained this thing from. ]

So then shall we continue our investigation?

[ Xingqiu's slender fingers thread with his, and again, that feeling resounds in his chest. Excitement, thunder, flame—none of the words are right and all of the words are right. Calm down, he reminds himself ... but looking at his friend, somehow, that feels harder than usual.

And when those fingers draw away from his, there's a strange sense of loss. Chongyun's lips thin as he looks down—his eyes don't really focus on anything in particular, but they keep flicking back to Xingqiu's hand and the fortune stick lucky enough to be caught in it. ]

Actually, why don't we go get a drink? They have some interesting flavors especially for the festival. [ he smiles again, deciding to forget about investigating the source of the groaning for now. wow.... is he growing up a little? ] I'd like to try a few of them.

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