jigokulogs | ( open ) if i wanna stay alive

HANAMI

[ spectral these cherry blossom trees may be, but they're just as beautiful as the real deal, shylock muses. although he doesn't recall encountering this kind of flora before in his world, he can't help the tiniest feeling of deja-vu as he makes his way under the pink foliage, admiring the blossoms up close. ]

How exquisite. It makes me wish that we have this certain tree in where I'm from. Although, don't you think they're being a little too talkative?

[ he raises a finger to his lips in an almost alluring way. shhhh. one might assume that the chatter might come from the other people who are enjoying the hanami, but it might not be hard to discern the actual whispers of the dead. or something. ]

I wonder what they're chatting amongst themselves. Wouldn't you like to know?

[ a rather cheeky smile. what? it's natural to be a little nosy, right? ]

KANAMARA DELIVERY SERVICE + POP-UP BAR

a. [ the tamamo establishments have set up various shops and stalls for the festivities, and the pop-up bar shylock's working at is positively booming with customers. mostly because said customers like to ogle at the pretty bartenders while they create their drinks, but the menu itself is unique -- not only does it serve the usual japanese liquor, but shylock is able to make a few of his western cocktails in case the festival-goers would like to have a taste of something new and refreshing.

as of right now, however, shylock is simply too busy to be making the deliveries himself. no, he'll be found behind the counter as always, mixing drink after drink with nary a complaint. ]

Oh, there you are. That one order, isn't it? [ the order being, well, anything you oocly want to play around with in this menu, or the usual japanese liquor, really. ] Hopefully you won't try and take a sip of this certain drink. Not only is it discourteous, but it might not be for normal consumption.

[ some of the drinks being served here are kinda gross, after all. the dick-shaped food that might come with the order doesn't help matters either. ]

b. [ or maybe you're just a customer looking for a nice drink to parch your throat with. no matter, shylock shall grace them with impeccable service as always, as one who has worked tirelessly in this profession for hundreds of years. it helps that the initial rush of activity has slowed down considerably at this hour too. ]

Welcome. What would you like to drink? I highly recommend what I affectionately call the Demon Juice, created by yours truly.

But of course, if you prefer something non-alcoholic, that can also be arranged.

[ tenkohime herself had encouraged him to make a unique drink for the occasion and the cocktail shylock has come up with is sweet and slightly fruity, its reddish color reminiscent of the demons that used to parade the human realms that inspired the festival. thanks for the mini history lesson back there, hizen.

he will make whichever the customer wants so long as it's within his abilities, though. just sit back, relax, and maybe make some small talk if you're so inclined. ]

SHOOTING GAME

[ speaking of hizen, surprise! he and shylock are manning a stall together in an effort to make at least one game in the entire festival to be fair for everyone. after making sure that the target prizes -- which range from toys and snacks in various sizes and complexity -- have been un-stuck from beneath the shelves they're sitting on for easy dislodging, shylock will hand a toy rifle to an interested festival-goer and one of his winning smiles. ]

Welcome. Would you like to try to give it a shot? [ haha look, a pun. he looks so proud of himself too. ] I can assure you that these games are not at all rigged at any way, so fire away all you want. Unless... you'd like to shoot through my heart instead?

[ --ah. well, what can you expect from a tamamo managing a stand, really. ]

FLOATS / FIREWORKS

[ the floats are also something that shylock has rarely if ever encountered in festivals before, since he's from another fantastical world and all. he can be found at the sidelines, a lit kiseru pipe in his hand from which he's taking a fragrant drag. ]

I suppose humans are the same no matter what world you're in.

[ he wryly comments at the floats that depict humans invading mount ooe, not knowing that this world's history is more complex than that. then again, doesn't that go for other worlds as well?

well, never mind about that. the large crowd went silent for a moment before the first first volley of fireworks hit the sky, regaling the audience with a fantastic show of lights. shylock is impressed like the rest of them, but at the same time he seems to be seeking the sky for something -- or someone, rather. ]

I wonder where he has gone...

[ he sighs. maybe murr has joined in on the fireworks effort, for all he knows. ]

WILDCARD

[ refer to my plotting post and stuff if you want something else! ]

Edited 2022-04-03 01:10 (UTC)

[A customer approaches Shylock's bar, masked and in an unfamiliar haori, and stands patiently and quietly watching the goings-on as customers come and go for a little while. Strangely, this customer doesn't approach to take a seat, or to order anything; instead, they seem to be observing the other customers and how they enjoy their drinks.]

[Eventually, though, they do take a seat... And withdraw an empty, porcelain sake dish from their sleeve, sliding it slowly across the counter towards Shylock.]

Just one cup, [Matoba acquiesces, sighing as if he's lost some battle.] It had better be untainted, Shylock-san.

(Hizen rolls his eyes as he resets some of the prizes. He's long since figured out that anyone from the Tamamo clan is just exhausting to deal with and Shylock is no exception. At least he seems comfortable interacting with the customers which is the very last thing Hizen wants to do but still--)

When you say it like that, you make it sound like it's rigged.

[ shylock may be busy serving patrons left and right, but there's no mistaking matoba's presence even when the human initially chose not to sit in at first, no thanks to that strange energy in his affected eye.

he cracks a small smile when matoba finally seats himself at the counter, tilting his head slightly at the porcelain dish before picking it up. ]

Of course.

[ it's the same request natori asked for, after all. look, he'll even pour it in front of the guy just to prove that there's nothing else to be added in the sake.

there we go, one cup of japanese sake and nothing more. ]

Have you been enjoying yourself so far, Mr. Matoba?

I did tell the truth, didn't I?

[ he chuckles. nothing wrong with reassuring the customers! even if he did put it like that... ]

Regardless, I must thank you for assisting. I almost didn't think you'd come, with how busy everyone else.

Say it less weird.

(He's finished for now though and watches as one custome takes aim and just... misses entirely. Whatever, they still have a few more shots and their friends are cheering them on.)

I always finish my jobs.

(He said he'd help... so here he is. He keeps his word!!)

To the very end, hm?

[ he watches along with hizen, and said customer takes their shot and almooooost got a hit on a cheap mecha figure. at least said toy moved a little instead of just standing permanently in place. ]

I did not forget my part of the bargain for bringing you here, for the record. But it will have to wait until we have our break.

[ he's also itching to drink too, but patience is a virtue and all that. ]

...

(And for the briefest, tiniest moment, Hizen seems to perk up. He always has an air of being tired and uninterested but for just a second, he was... excited? Maybe? But it quickly passes.)

You better not.

(because if Shylock forgets, he's tracking him down and AND WILL NEVER GIVE UP BECAUSE HE IS STILL LOOKING FOR A CERTAIN OFFENSIVE LOST SOUL WHO OWES HIM AFTER A MONTH.

The customer wins it on their third and final try! Hizen hands it over and the customers cheer and giggle. Did they even want it? No. They just wanted to win something. It's time to reload the gun with its fake bullets though and while Hizen is working on that, he glances over at Shylock,)

... Know how to play?

[ shylock merely points with his thumb at a mini-cooler sitting on the corner of the stall. he borrowed it from the pop-up bar he was working at, okay?? he's just as serious about it.

but when asked if he's played it before, he only shakes his head with a wry smile. ]

I never had a reason to hold a weapon such as that. [ he smiles. ] Will you teach me?

(Good. He better be serious about this because Hizen is too!)

Figure it out for yourself. It's easy enough.

(And he tosses the toy rifle over to him.

He could just walk around the booth like a normal person but because he's not (he's a punk) he just leaps over it instead. He has no patience and this is faster. On the other side, he picks up one of the other rifles and holds it up. It's cheap. Flimsy. Nothing like the real guns he's seen before. He's never really had to use one before either. Something like this seems more like that guy's area of interest and fuck that guy.

Still, he's bored just watching everyone else have fun. He can't even get himself food or anything right now so he has to do something.)

Anyone can use a gun.

(Unlike a sword that requires real skill as far as he's concerned. And yet, when he aims and fires... his aim is low.)

[Matoba takes the cup, and tilts his mask up from his face just enough to reveal his mouth and the peek of the paper spelltag at his jaw. Bringing the cup to his lips, he has just a tiny, initial sip to wet his lips and tongue, pausing with some tiny sigh of satisfaction.]

I always enjoy myself, Shylock-san. [He takes a more substantial sip this time, though still dainty. Moderation....] I'm sure that this is a much more convenient place for you to be spending the festival than the rest of your clan. Ah, unless you intend to partake later?

[Hoes gonna be hoes.]

[nehan's ears twitch, before pointing forward. color him interested, and he climbs onto the stool, uncaring of who looks at his exposed back. they can look all they want, when nehan has the glamour on, hiding some scars and lightening others. he's much, much less self-conscious, and more comfortable with regular erune fashion.]

A glass of that, then. [and he can start to loosen up for the work ahead of him.]

What's in it?

[ the way he drinks alcohol is kind of cute? in a childlike sorta way. come on matoba, bottoms up-- ]

I do, as a matter of fact. It's hard to resist our illustrious leader's prize for doing as much as we can out there. [ tamamos gotta tamamo! ] That said, I have been all over festival today; you just so happen to catch me in my habitat.

[ he hasn't really told anyone about managing the shooting game with hizen, since that was supposed to be a secret? probably?? but eh. ]

But I'm surprised this time around, Mr. Matoba. I would have served you sake during our first meeting.

[ ooh, nice fit. and shylock doesn't like the unique spin of that kimono too. why don't we as a society wear them backless anyway?

he smiles. ]

Trade secret. But I can assure you that they're not spiked unless you request them to be.

[ it's an easy recipe to make anyway -- a dash of rum, a bit of amaretto, orange and pomegranate juice, and some seltzer water. he even lights up a sprig of rosemary for effect before serving it up to his fellow tamamo. ]

[ anyone can use a gun, he says. shylock walks up beside him, taking up his own rifle and giving it a once-over. ]

Like magic, using a gun would require immense skill and focus. Well, unless if you combine them together.

[ bradley has a nifty collection of guns, as shylock recalls. still, handling a real gun and a toy one is sorely different, and when its his turn to aim and fire, he barely knocked over a large box of chocolates. ]

[well, it may not be a trade secret anymore once nehan gets to sip at it, if he can tell what the ingredients are.]

I don't mind it spiked. [then he tilts his head, one ear flicking. of course, it does depend on what sort of thing that drink is spiked. he does have a shift at the brothel hosting the orgy after all. more alcohol or even an aphrodisiac would help him, rather than hurt him.]

Is your extra ingredient a trade secret as well?

All you gotta do is pull a trigger.

(That's all it is as far as he's concerned and he raises his gun, takes aim, and... fires. His rubber bullet falls short, just below the target and he sucks on his teeth, annoyed.)

Don't make a big deal out of it when it isn't.

(Heeeeeeee doesn't like guns.)

[ almost right on cue... ]

Wonder where who's gone, Shylock?~

[ and this is when he immediately places the crown of his head against the other's back, gently nudging and pushing before letting out a few bright bursts of laughter; not exactly as loud as the show happening right in front of them, but just as sparkly.

then he wraps his arms around shylock's waist and rests his chin lightly on top of the other's shoulder. ]

I bet we could throw a better celebration than them. What do you think?

[ He can appreciate the caliber of flirtation, no matter how insincere. Tamamo's streets aren't meant for promising shades of truth, only glamors that entice and allure. Fine by him. The demon gladly meets the suggestion with his own inviting smile. ]

Since you're offering yourself up as a target, does that mean I can claim you as a prize?

[ The demons of his world live a life impervious to death by any type of violence, and many without a mortal's sense of pain. Most of that lot are fearless of blades or explosives as a result. While this means he's no expert on weaponry, any child who has seen a book knows enough to point a rifle. A toy of this grade won't have the kickback or force of the original, which makes improper handling a slightly less embarrassing affair.

Not that he's taking this seriously. It's a game like any other here. Going along with the teasing banter, he settles the toy gun against one shoulder for a moment, head cocked while sizing up his unofficial target. ]

That is the nature of the game, isn't it? If a shot lands then the winner gets to take home whatever strikes his fancy.

[Sake is a sacred drink meant to be savored you heathen.]

[Matoba lets the huff of a scoff out through his nose as he does just that, savoring another mouthful, and lets that speak for what he thinks of their segment of the celebrations.] I'm sure you will earn just as well in that 'habitat' as you are in this one.

[See?? He has faith in your sex appeal, Shylock. Get out there and get it. Matoba (luckily for both of them, or at least Hizen) hasn't yet discovered the shooting game, having spent most of his afternoon taking in the scenes, and mostly the sounds, of the parade.]

I don't partake often, but this is a festival day. [His mouth curls in a smirk under his mask, head turned towards Shylock.] Aren't even I allowed to indulge a little?

[ he brings up a hand to his mouth to stifle a giggle. ]

I'm only saying what is on my mind. If it's that simple, then--

[ he takes aim again, this time extending his hand out and holding the rifle like a handgun, and fires. this time it hits the box of chocolates right on the center. ish.

he walks over to gather his prize, shaking its contents at hizen. ]

This would suit the cocktail I have in store for you, wouldn't it?

[ he could, but where's the fun in that? ]

Not at all. At least, not in our clan. It helps in our performance, but some of our clients wouldn't like having their thoughts addled during the session. Consent is key, remember?

[ he smiles ever so cheekily. ]

[ ah, speak of the devil. shylock laughs softly, leaning his head against murr's. ]

And here I thought you were setting off those fireworks yourself.

[ could murr still cast his bitty fireworks magic, even ]

We can certainly try. No -- we will. [ uh oh ] What do you have in mind?

[well, now shylock has given him a clue-- it's a tamamo special, and nehan knows a good deal of those, even if he hasn't managed to get their formulas just yet, or even met whoever makes them.]

It's fine if it's me. [he waves one hand.] I have a long shift at the bath house hosting the orgy, but I wont be part of it myself.

Just working with the ones who prefer privacy.

[ oh my, what do we have here? shylock certainly did not expect any reciprocation at all, what with the matter of business he's in at the moment, and thus his lips stretch into a pleased smile as he places a hand on his chest as if to protect it. ]

If I'd known any better, I would've assumed that you were one of us with that easy response.

[ he doesn't recall seeing the demonic man around the clan, but then again, hell has not ceased to amaze him yet. ]

I'd like to see you try. I must warn you, however, that no one has yet to thoroughly capture my heart for their own, but I wish you all the luck regardless.

[ he's... lying about that. maybe. but he's not about to put his odd relationship with his fellow western wizard into words any time soon, so who knows, really. ]

( open ) if i wanna stay alive

NIGHT PARADE;

Pop-Up Bar; b

pew pew

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bar b

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fireworks

Shooting Game

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