semi-open 👹 beauty of the night

[nerine]

Who ⬤ Monts and Various
What ⬤ Night Parade activities and April catchall.
When ⬤ During the Night Parade and rest of the month.
Where ⬤ Here and there in Jigokucho.
Content Warnings ⬤ Mentions of sex toys and NSFWish related things, but it'll be PG-13 at most.

Notes ⬤ Prompts in the comments, some closed ones as well.



"Despite the forecast, live like it's spring."

- Lilly Pulitzer.

Comments

OPEN 🎇 night parade

[nerine]

[As the Night Parade begins, whether at the bathhouses or out and about the town, Marianna is dressed to impress as a member of the Tamamo Clan. She'll keep her head and spirits high, not just for the sake of the group, but for her own as well. The night has just begun.]

❇ HANAMI — Let's Call It a Date

[With all the work put into her outfit and looks, she manages to catch more than one youkai's attention as she strolls down the block where the flower-viewing event is taking place. The mysterious whispers aside, the sight of the spectral sakura more than makes up for the shortcoming (though the dark ring on her neck can't help, but stir at the strangeness). Monts finds herself pausing every so often, just to enjoy this facsimile of floral life provided by the Alliance.

She won't do so alone entirely. You may find her arm in arm with another youkai, all smiles, and charm. It's essentially a free date (tips are encouraged) before she casually advertises the more scintillating activities in the bathhouse and passes them over to the other youkai sex workers.

Later, Monts has set up a straw mat with snacks and plenty of strong drinks to share. Allow her to serve you and you'll find yourself enveloped in serenity.]

❇ DEMON OF THE BATHHOUSE — Dare You Enter the Magical Realm?

[Monts isn't surprised at the sheer variety of sex toys being used at the bathhouse. If you're going to host a night of group debauchery, your station needs to be well-equipped.

What she IS surprised by is the... Size of some of these tools. And also, she finds out how some of them make for good makeshift weaponry against some of the nastier and more entitled customers such as a group of Tesso youkai who were harassing some of the Nikusui ladies. The ratlike creatures hiss at a very smiley Monts, who, still in her finery wields what can only be called a pool noodle length dildo.]

Alrighty! If you're going to grab more than you can chew, then you can most certainly take this to the face, no?

[Well, it's proving to be a deterrent at any rate. One of the Tesso kind of takes this as coming on to them, but Monts quickly shuts them down with a well-aimed slap to the face.

Somewhere, her grandparents are surely closing their eyes and making the sign of the Cross.

This is a scene anyone can happen upon or you can be the one facing her wrath. Beware, the Demon of the Bathhouse!]

❇ WILDCARD

[If you have an idea you'd like to hash out with me or want a custom top level, PM or refer to my OOC plotting comment here! ]

🧊 Chongyun

[nerine]

[There's more than one bathhouse whose sanctity(?) needs to be protected and Monts has been a good and busy clan member by making the rounds.

Whispers and mutterings of a woman wielding an unusual weapon start to circulate quickly; don't start trouble and don't be too greedy if you're going to be involved in the pleasurable activities hosted by the Tamamo Clan. Those with grabby hands and chauvinistic remarks have learned the hard (haHA) way.]

Phew!

[Monts wipes her brow, in mock exhaustion (though to be fair, it's getting kind of sweaty, on the account of her not being as strong as before). In one hand, she is holding the dreaded weapon. When she asked the other Tamamo members if they needed it back, they shook their heads vehemently, telling her to keep it.]

... Should I just clean this up?

[The night is still young and someone might need it!]

[cutcloud]

[ Indeed, the rumors of Monts defending the baths from inappropriate nonconsensual behavior have spread far and wide throughout the festivities. And, as always happens with gossip, the story has changed by the time it reaches the young exorcist. A group of men have made it their business to loudly complain in the streets about a demon woman bludgeoning innocent bath patrons to near-death for absolutely no reason at all.

The keeper of the bath! The cruel demonness that wields a phallic weapon to humiliate men while beating them! She hungers for innocent men to take her anger out on!

Well, Chongyun thinks as he heads to the bathhouses, that won’t do at all. He originally had no intention on going anywhere near the hot water of the baths, but this does seem to be a genuine problem.

Since it’s his clan, he moves freely—avoiding the really busy areas. By the time he comes across Monts, even though she’s red-handed with a “phallic weapon”… he doesn’t assume it’s her work. She isn’t a demon at all.

Instead, he merely waves to her in greeting. ]

Miss Monts. Might I ask you a question?

[ It looks like the other Tamamo members she had been talking to are scooting away, anyhow … ]

cant believe im finally busting out this icon

[nerine]

Ah. Hey there!

[Oh, it's Chongyun.

Ohhhh.

Ohhhh nooooo.

You see, in the short time they've acquainted themselves with one another, Monts has kind of designated Chongyun as, a "Younger person to look after and not be irresponsible and foolish in front of."

Well, so much for that.]

Hey, I know we're encouraged to be part of the bathhouses, but this wouldn't be the right place for you I hope...?

[She'll pause to discreetly let the large weapon lean against the wall and stand in front of it as if trying to shield his eyes.]

Er, what's up though? I can answer a question. Sure.

it's cute!!!

[cutcloud]

No. [ he holds up a hand, as though his palm is a barrier between him and whatever the hell is going on behind closed doors not too far away, ] No, not at all. If it weren't for a few rumors I heard, I wouldn't be here.

[ Well. That's not totally true. Tenkohime did say that they'd arrange for there to be a cold bath for him to enjoy, since there's no way he would go near a hot bath even without the guests having sex. But that bath will be private and far away from all of the festivities.

Her discreet hiding of that toy is a success! Chongyun doesn't notice, since he's launched into recounting the situation. ]

As an exorcist, I couldn't just ignore them. You've around been here, right? Have you seen a she-demon running around, beating some of the male patrons near to death? They say she carries some kind of phallic object to degrade them while she does it. Allegedly, any man who tries to get close to someone will find himself on the tail end of her violent rage. One man even claimed she stepped on him and said she'd eat him if he tried to touch a woman ever again.

[ He hums, glancing around, as though that demoness could be standing in one of the nearby corners. ]

I don't really care for business like this, but an evil spirit beating and eating men does sound like a problem. I thought I would have a look around.

[nerine]

[There's an inner sigh of relief that she can feel in her chest. As long as he wasn't being forced into anything then that's one less reason to start throwing hands (or sex toys as it were) at the offender who'd make her new acquaintance do so against his will.]

Good! Not that I was a saint at your age, but you definitely don't need all of this in your life yet.

[Her somewhat concerned expression has easily slipped back into that easygoing and pleasant smile. It's the kind she uses, however, to nonverbally communicate that, nothing is wrong. It's fine. Fine! Totally fine. The smile even fits with the entire vibe of her outfit and makeup, so it's a bonus.

And boy does she need it when Chongyun presents the situation at hand.]

...

[Glancing back and forth, Monts kneels down slightly to be at eye level with the boy (pay no attention to the phallus against the wall), making a dismissive gesture with her hand.]

Oh, that sounds like such an exaggeration! I'm sure that woman means well. You know how it is with the hot-blooded youkai wanting all in on Tenkohime's generous contribution to the Parade! They're just saying things just because they got reprimanded for misbehaving!

[cutcloud]

[ She isn’t wrong … he can imagine that some of these rumors are exaggerated, as is what tends to happen. And some of those men had been shady characters indeed. But even if this she-demon means well, is it right to allow rage-filled battery and assault in their territory? From the sound of it, the demon woman must be from Shuten. They all claimed they had never seen a woman so mean before.

Contemplative, Chongyun rubs his chin. Even if they might be stretching the truth, the fact that there’s a demon going around beating up men with some blunt object really isn’t something they should turn a blind eye to. What if she turns on innocent people next? ]

I can imagine that … but, we mustn’t just let this slide. What if the demoness scares away business? I’m sure Tenkohime won’t appreciate that. And they all did agree that someone beat them viciously with a blunt object… even with some exaggerating, that seems to be true across all the stories.

[ He looks at Monts quite earnestly, ]

If we team up, surely we can find the demoness and figure out what’s going on. Here, I’ve made a sketch based on how the men she attacked described her. They said it’s pretty accurate.

[ He pulls a paper from his pocket and holds it up for her to see. ]

1/2 i had to draw this

[nerine]

[nerine]

[She claps her hands together, still smiling.]

You drew that? I like the colors.

[yes]

For what it's worth, I think I may have overheard some of the workers telling the demoness to dial it back. It's been really quiet for the past half hour or so!

[cue shifty-eyed glances among a group of them nearby, THEY KNOW WHAT SHE'S DOING.]

But you know what? I think I'll take a break from being a receptionist here and go with you to be on the lookout for this overly zealous security guard.

LMFAO literally cried a little, it’s beautiful

[cutcloud]

[ Miss Monts, please. He is no toddler with his first box of crayola crayons. This is just one of many drawings of demons he’s made over the years …. and it might be, just a little (perhaps by a hair), exaggerated, because he’s only ever made up how demons look before. That happens when your spirit is so strong that they usually explode before you can even see them.

Satisfied, he gives a nod of approval and tucks his drawing under his arm. ]

Great. Just because she’s gone quiet doesn’t mean she isn’t causing trouble. [ after peering around again, he asks, ] Where do you think we should begin our search?

💥 Artemy

[nerine]

[This is the part where Monts distinctly realizes that things had been going too well and that she had let her guard down. She had let herself enjoy getting used to a new world, despite the circumstances, and found the good

But it's gotten ugly real fast. If it wasn't the steam that blindsided her, it was the shots that are fired and the fighting that has broken out. She's caught unaware (it's always, ALWAYS like that) and in the confusion and trying to find the safest place to duck into, she's shoved, and falls.

Shit.

Her heart and brain are racing a thousand beats per second.

Get up.

Using both hands she pushes herself up swiftly. If she lingers any longer the danger of being trampled or even worse, rounded up and interrogated for something she had nothing to do with is real.

She's able to stand, but then she stumbles. It takes her precious seconds to realize that she's trying to run with a limp. As youkai roar around her, she drags herself to the side of the road and reaches down to touch the numbest area that refuses to react. Her ankle is swollen; a sprain?

And it's not healing up.]

Goddammit...!

[Before Monts can plan and navigate a path of escape, some oni (Shuten most likely) point at her, teeth bared, and eyes on fire, looking for a fight.]

Oi! You're a Tamamo bitch aint'cha? Trying to sneak away like the rats you are after ruining the festival HUH?!

[She does NOT have time for this and instead of answering them, she ignores her injury and slips into a narrow alleyway, using the wall as her support.

Well. She's had worse nights, but this one is climbing up there.]

[pathofsacrifice]

[ The panic eats at him as he rushes through the noise. His leader -- his parent -- was murdered. Of course, the first thought that hits him is vengeance. It is why he tries to first chase after the ones that caused it.

But he stops his running as soon as he catches the sight of someone limping. His whole body stops as he takes in the scene before him. Treat each other as family. It is close to what was asked of him. Artemy knows he is scrambling up the message in his mind, but he shifts to leaves vengeance for others.

It is without thinking that he grabs a fallen trashcan off the ground. Hoisting it up over his head, he chucks the heavy object at the oni. Artemy does not wait to see if it collided or not, but it should be enough to break their stride and movements. Please, please, please, let it be enough!

He hurries down the same alleyway, chasing after his "cousin" to make sure that she is all right. When he catches sight of her, he picks up his pace -- ignoring how his chest is starting to ache from all his running. He sprints forward so that he can try to pick her up so that the two of them can run to some safety in all the chaos.

But he should say something before trying to grab someone, right? Right. ]

Cousin, I have you.

[ Yeah, that works. ]

[nerine]

[She swears in Spanish.

Well, that comes later after Artemy throws the trashcan at the oni and it serves as a painful and effective distraction to the oni who were about to gang up on her. After moving a safe distance away, when her savior catches up to her and sprints towards her, she feels her heart flip thinking she's still being chased (and that's where the swearing comes in).

It's a false alarm and she releases a heavy breath before letting Artemy take a hold of her.]

Cousin. Okay. Right. Weird, but I'll take that over being called a bitch right now.

[Monts glances behind them while pulling her kimono sleeve over her shoulder, grimacing before looking at Artemy.]

Thanks though. You ok though?

[Asks the one with a swollen ankle.]

I don't know what clan you're from, but I don't think that matters right now. Let's catch our breath some place safer.

[pathofsacrifice]

[ He offers a quick nod in turn; his pace picking up. Even as he feels the exhaustion start to hit him, he keeps pushing forward. ]

Difficult [ Huff. ] to [ Wheeze. ] Answer.

[ Artemy meant more that he wasn't sure if he was okay or not; rather than it was difficult for him to answer purely because they were running for their lives at the moment. ]

Right. Cousin.

[ That much he can say. His steps sound heavy on the street; it's drowned out by the chaos that is going on around them. Their pursuers most likely got swept up in some other crowd that is rushing elsewhere. He lets out a wet heaving sigh as he locates a spot that seems relatively safe -- out of the scrambling flood of people anyway.

Only when they are there does he let her down. ]

[nerine]

[She'll save the quips for when they reach a safe spot. But just a brief once-over of Artemy gives Monts a good idea that he's probably worse for wear and just helping her out is draining.

When they are finally allowed to pause away from the chaos of the night, Monts turns to him, putting her hands on his shoulders.]

Okay. What's your damage right now? Forget about me for a second since I'm not the one who's breathing funny.

[pathofsacrifice]

[ Artemy can't help but give her an upset look at the idea that he should ignore her for his own lamentations. The hands on his shoulders and the look that she gives him, however; it tells him that no matter what he says next that if it is not an explanation that he is going to get an earful.

He pauses until his breathing gets a little closer to normal; his hands lift to rest on top of hers. ]

My dear cousin ... I could not kill the people that murdered the Daitengu.

[nerine]

[Artemy's response catches Monts off guard. She... Never thought about having actual loyalty to her own clan leader. She never even thought about how the other Souls regarded them, the four, now three, figures who kept their contracts bound to Hell. But wasn't it just obvious that if your leader was killed, anyone with a shred of loyalty and duty would want to have revenge?

But his answer sounded sincere even when she was thinking of external injuries, not internal hurt. Her grip on his shoulders lightens and she shakes her head.]

I'm... Never mind. I get it. I'm not going to argue against that, only that right now it's going to be difficult to even find out who did that to the Daitengu.

Did you get hurt anywhere though? I just got pushed around and fell, but I don't hurt.

[Not, "I'm not hurt," just, "I don't hurt." Slight difference there.]

[pathofsacrifice]

It will be.

[ Yet there is a promise in his words. Even if it will be difficult, he will find them. He will drag them to justice with his bare hands if he must, but they will face justice for what they have done.

His vengeful thoughts calm at her questions. He stands a little straighter when she mentioned her fall. ]

I thought before -- [ Her movements were enough to catch his attention. ] -- you looked like you were limping. [ Another pause; he pushes aside his thoughts of revenge. ] Cousin, please sit down and let me look you over.

🌃 Bishop

[nerine]

[In light of the assassination, it isn't accurate to say things have completely settled down. Tensions are at an all-time high and smaller fights keep breaking out on the street. After the initial rush, Monts has largely avoided any big crowds after injuring her ankle.

It's wrapped up now at least.

She's skirting the edges of the red light district to get back to her small apartment. Screw all this noise, screw all the youkai and their power struggles. She wants to go home. Even the good memories she was able to make that night are a quickly dimming light. Mari wants to go home to greet her grandfather, listen to her grandmother scold her before serving her a large bowl of sopa de frijoles or whatever she had been meticulously working on in their small kitchen. Her heart and stomach twist at the homesickness, she almost wants to throw up.

But she doesn't. And she doesn't cry either.

She holds her head up high as she forces herself to walk as swiftly as possible before her numbed ankle slows her down. Monts frowns and pauses, looking down at it.]

Damn. It's still slow as hell.

[getting_better]

[ Somehow he felt like this was how he predicted the night would end, with the only unexpected factor being the brazen way the assassination itself was carried out and the ensuing chaos and panic.

He gave chase but, after one of the culprits vanished into thin air, Bishop had not much to go on save a few curious things which amounted to virtually nothing right now. He needed more information and his only clue just got away.

His chase led him close to the red light district, breathing heavier and head full of questions. He needed drink, but instead he found a familiar face limping along. ]

Monts! [ He jogs over to her side, automatically crouching by her injured ankle for a cursory check. ] You okay?

[nerine]

... Oh! Bishop?

[She stops when the voice of Bishop calls out to her. Monts turns her head around and before she can say anything, he's crouching down. Automatically, her hand pulls at the skirt of her kimono so that its length obscures her ankle.]

I got pushed around, but it's fine. I'm just trying to make it back to my apartment room in one piece.

[getting_better]

You are very not fine if you're limping like that. Let me see.

[ He pulls the kimono away so he can see her ankle, the surprise on his face clear as even recoils a bit. ]

Christ! Monts! What the hell were you thinking???

[ Her ankle maybe be sprained but it's swollen and red, an injury Bishop has seen many many times over but nonetheless still bad. Immediately, even through his scolding, he picks her up in a princess carry - he'll hear her objections later - and goes to look for someplace to have her sit. ]

I know shit is bad now, but c'mon! Walking on that foot - You should have gone to a doctor or called for help!

[nerine]

Hey!! Don't just—...!

[But he's already lifting up her kimono to see her wrapped up ankle. Instead of flinching or expressing discomfort, Monts grunts in exasperation, pulling away from Bishop even more.

Her voice, shriller than she wants it to be, protests against Bishop.]

It doesn't bother me okay!? Just—...! Whoa!!

[And before more words can escape, he scoops her up into his arms. Frustrated, with one hand curled into a fist she hits him in the chest (but it's weak, it's nothing really).]

Put me down! It'll get better on its own, just... I wanna be alone! No doctors!

[getting_better]

[ Okay he'll hear her complaints now it seems, but she'll have to deal with it. ]

Oh hush, you baby.

[ He continues to walk through the district, stopping at clinics that are full one after the other. It looks like more people were hurt from the stampede that followed. Thankfully, he eventually found a bench where he could sit her with a drug store nearby. ]

Wait here. No buts or trying to walk off, I will find you. [ A beat. ] That came out creppier than I intended. I'll be right back.

[ He rushes off to the drug store and buys all he needs, a cold compress, bandage, ointment, some pain killers, and some bite size chocolates and a bottle of water. Hopefully, she listend to him and when he does come back she'll be sitting on that bench. ]

Here, eat these. Slowly.

[ He says handing the chocolates over to her. Sweets help with shock after all, and if she's chewing on something maybe she won't complain as much when he goes to check on her foot - gently lifting to the modest amount of light provided by the street lights and examining the damage done. ]

Definitely inflamed....not broken through....just a very bad sprain. Consider yourself lucky.

[nerine]

[Monts is silent the rest of the trip and when Bishop is able to find a bench to set her down, she's still wordless. In fact, she's basically refusing to talk or make eye contact with Bishop. Apparently, someone is irate.

But she doesn't move from her spot. When Bishop returns with the items and offers her the chocolates, she reaches out to take one, but simply places it in her lap, not opening it. The painkillers are also ignored and it's only the bottled water that she fully accepts by opening it up and taking a sip as Bishop examines her ankle.

And at this assessment, she finally replies dryly.]

I could have told you that for free.