jigokulogs | May 2022 IC Mingle

May 2022 IC Mingle

1. WELCOMING COMMITTEE

The influx of fresh Lost Souls means the factions need to have a little welcoming party for them. The leaders realize things have been chaotic in the city. So some recreational activities are in order. All Lost Souls will receive a message from their respective faction leaders with orders to go have some fun.

The Shuten Clan are given an advance on their first paycheck and told to go to the Celestial Phoenix Casino. A big sign on the half boarded up door proudly proclaims UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. What happened to the old management? It doesn't matter and stop asking questions! The important part is that all games and machines are half-price and there are special prizes available in exchange for your chips and tokens. Games range from the traditional Western style (poker, roulette, slots) to Japanese favorites (cee-lo, koi koi, cho-han).

As for prizes, they have a selection of designer goods, including some particularly nice bracelets, necklaces, and watches!

The Tamamo Clan are given a considerable number of drink vouchers for Crimson Moon Karaoke, where they can sing their hearts out and while absolutely smashed. Private rooms are cheap to rent and they even offer a special discount for groups of two or more. The karaoke machines have any songs you could possibly want, which is a little suspicious, but don't question it! Just get drunk and have fun. By all means, extend your time as you wish and drink up to get in the proper mood. This is an important bonding opportunity.

Oh yeah, as an important note: the rooms are soundproof. You can get as loud as you like, be it with singing or... something else. Don’t do anything Tenko-hime wouldn’t do!

Members of The Sutoku Alliance are given tickets to Fiance of the Funeral Procession at the Pluto Theatre and Cafe. The tickets include free food at the cafe, including beer. Sure, the star may not be a Sutoku member but that doesn't matter too much: getting butts into seats at Sutoku-owned theaters is what’s important. The Daitengu rented the theater out for the day, so there is plenty of time to mill around both before and after the show.

Make a day, or night, of it!

A funeral-based romantic comedy melodrama as the viewing fare is probably a tasteless joke on the Daitengu's part. But hey, y'all aren't still mad that they crashed their own funeral and then took off laughing, right?

Right?

The Department of the Enma members are told that they're going to be doing a team-building exercise. What exactly does that mean? That's right, it's community cleanup time! You get to clean up cans and trash in the street! You get the honor of using a department-issued bike with an attached cart to wheel around the city and pick up trash! How exciting! Teamwork is encouraged, of course. Teams that collect enough garbage will get one (1) voucher for mini-golf.

Please be aware of the local homeless population as you work, they won’t be happy to see you. They normally collect the cans in the mornings as a meager source of income that you’ll be dipping into. They're probably just not happy with Enma officials in general though. Sorry!

2. IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING...

By the time you're done with your faction-sponsored fun, the sky has decided to open up. Hope you brought your umbrella! The rain is bad enough that walking home might not be an option right now. So take refuge in one of the many nearby nightlife spots.

Not in your faction's home territory? Doesn't matter! Make some friends outside your group or maybe get into a fight and cause some trouble. There's always the third option of ignoring everyone and drinking yourself silly instead! The rain has to let up eventually… right?

Hopefully you aren't caught near one of the cursed Haniwa figures that have been popping up around town. Their aura really dampens the mood and may even start to cause some dramatic and frightening hallucinations if you and your rain-stranded friends stay near them for too long. But remember! Do not break the figurine. Just try to move it somewhere else? And hopefully not get drenched in the process.

Welcome to the IC mingle!

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[ It's a bit too late to seek shelter now, he is completely soaked through, not that this is entirely uncomfortable. Not at this point. It's something one gets used to. Draw the rain: wet, cut the rain: wet. Everything about his vision ends with him getting thoroughly wet. That's why he raises a hand, a gesture indicating there is no need, and soon he shakes his head. ]

It's quite okay. This isn't too bad.

[ Maybe that's not entirely true. Each drop of rain feels ready to wear stone. Ugh. ]

Perhaps, you should seek shelter yourself. It doesn't seem like it's ready to let up.

[ yeah, it's not letting up anytime soon. in fact, it's getting heavier by the minute, and eula walks over to put an umbrella over xinqiu's head anyway. ]

You might catch something, and then what will you do?

[ she lets out a soft huff of air. ]

As a member of the Department, it is my duty to keep the citizen's safe. No matter what faction they belong to. [ she said it as if she's recited that all her life -- because it's true, in a way, as a knight of favonius. ] At least tell me where you wish to go from here.

Be ill?

A most unpleasant experience surely, one I haven't had the displeasure to partake in for some time.

[ Under the canopy of her umbrella his gaze lowers, a reminder that he is still young, and that people willingly offer aid accompanied by some form of reprimand. Briefness brings a sigh, content that had not devolved into a lecture. ]

Oh. Right. But I believe most seem to interpret their duties to the department as best suits what they believe are its needs? Order and justice, perspective affects delivery. But that's all mere supposition, I am not completely certain how things function within that faction.

My apologies, since you so graciously shared your affiliation then I will do the same. I belong to the Sutoku Alliance, my plan was to make a few purchases and then head home. But with this rain, I believe it best leave that for another day.

[ her lectures would be drowned out by the rain, anyway. best not waist their breaths. ]

Well, as you can probably tell, not every faction is welcoming to the Department. I can hardly blame them, given their usual penchant with crime and vices, but it's not as though the Department is incorruptible.

[ like please, they're in hell. of course the enma can be shady as hell. and eula chooses to voice her opinions on it because... well, she does what she wants. a mondstadter through and through. ]

Sounds apt. I will say, however, that getting groceries and such are just as important, so if you need any accompaniment to the nearest... er, what do they call it here again? Shopping malls? Yes, I shall take you there as well.

[ Thank goodness for a downpour as opposed to a drizzle then.

As for the assessment pertaining to the Department, that seems about right, at least in regards to the views taken. Then again, everything is suspicious, from leadership to — well he can't say those who have found themselves here should be blindly trusted even within one's own faction. It's a sad reality, but not a new lesson.

However, what's surprising is that it's not often most cast such scathing views towards the factions in the open, much less to the one they belong to; not in front of strangers anyway, and that is what they are.

While he may not hail from the city of freedom he has his own personal view on contracts despite his origins. The Geo Archon laid down rules and contracts once, but ordinary people were never meant to follow guidance perfectly, they a free to make choices. That is what he will do. Besides, how can that agreement truly be bidding under the circumstances made?

What ultimately draws his attention is her assumption about what he planned to purchase... ]

Yes, of course, groceries...

[ As opposed to stockpiling on sweets. There were far too many bakeries in hell, he cannot be blamed for such temptations. ]

But uh. No. That's not quite right. From experience, I've come to understand that shopping malls refer more to an establishment with shops that cater to other types of wares like clothing, artifacts, luxury items... nothing really to do with groceries. But really, it's not necessary, I'll seek groceries another time.

I did not realize there was a difference. Honestly, these new terms of the modern world...

[ it's annoying! no wonder celestia wanted to destroy advanced countries or something like that. ]

Well, if you're sure, let us proceed. I myself am accustomed to anything cold, but rain inside a modern city feels different compared to rain outside the city walls.

[ or maybe that's just her. that being said she's suddenly in the mood for a bit of a run for hot drinks, so she'll be on the lookout for vending machines that serve such beverages while they make their way down the drenched road. ]

I thought this was supposed to be hell...

[ As opposed to a modern world, but he is only teasing evident by the smile on his face. ]

To be honest, there was a lot I had to learn when I initially arrived. Everything is different. There are advances in technology that most people wouldn't even dream of, not even a fraction of the sights found here. Imagine not too long ago I invested in the contraption called a Kamera and yet here a phone contains the same function in a much smaller device. It's astounding really.

[ With the destination decided he would indicate which paths to take through the city being more familiar due to experience and overanalyzing a map. ]

As for the cold, location and company do make the experience. I've witnessed warmth in frost, in the paleness of a winter sky as snow clouds roam the sky. Within the depths of lakes layered by ice, the season shows kindness to aquatic life...

Sorry, never mind that.

Modernity can be a form of Hell, if you think about it. [ a shrug of her shoulders. ] But the changes this world introduced to us has been welcoming so far. I'd never have thought that the Kamera could be fitted into such a tiny device, honestly. Who knows, maybe the inventor of the Kamera could improve it further and make it just as portable for the people in Teyvat to carry on their person.

[ so that's something to look forward to.

when xinqiu starts waxing poetic about the weather, eula can't help but smile as she shakes her head. ]

I don't mind at all. Normally, I'd turn my nose up at certain pleasantries that are too highfaluting for my tastes... but yours have more heart into it.

Rather than modernity, I would say it's the complications that come along with innovation. Although...

[ A pause is taken, he considers his words a moment. It's not advances found here that he deems infuriating. It's a topic best avoided delving in on the chance that his words reach prying ears. The basis of society in this city, that in itself has caused him some grief specifically the different factions and the willingness of lost souls to be led by their leaders. Already there is that race and scuffle for territory, while initially there was no expectation for everyone to act rationally he had come upon some surprises. ]

Surprisingly it turns out Hell has plenty of tedious occupations to keep you bored for hours. That is the truly diabolical nature of this place.

[ He isn't being entirely serious. Maybe just about half. ]

I only hope to capture at least a fraction of sentiments in words.

Hm. But it would seem that you like me, we're a rare kind of people here. You see it's not often I find someone else who hails from Teyvat like myself.

[ normally she'd agree with hell' diabolical nature, but... well, she has been thinking about it since her arrival here. ]

Are they truly that tedious? The Department may not have that much entertainment, but there's always something happening in the corner that we can also partake in. Although there is danger in letting yourself be swallowed up in all these temptations.

[ she absolutely cannot admit to anyone that she's been liking it here so far. it's ironic, how she'd felt more freer in hell than in her nation that's known for the concept of freedom.

which is why she tilts her head when xingqiu brings up teyvat once more. ]

Mm. It seems so. [ so that's another person... time to be on her guard once more. ] Do you know who else arrived here first before me? I'd only known at least two people from Inazuma along with... [ makes a face ] The Fatui.

[ ugh. ]

[ As someone who doesn't aspire to be tied down to his family's business association, as he relentlessly manages to work through tasks for the Feiyun Commerce Guild between times when he pours his energy into his own then endeavors yes, this place is tedious. It doesn't bring him any closer to what he wishes to be, sure he has all the time he may want to dedicate himself to his own hobbies but it doesn't feel right.

This freedom isn't earned, it's not normal. Sure, he can present himself however he wishes. He can be himself rather than continuing to act with property expected of the young master of the guild. This isn't life. Not to him, and while he is willing to divest himself of responsibility. It is all within reason.

He still manages to do what is expected of him, and one day he will shoulder more work if his brother truly proves to be inept. Yes, he will do all the work necessary. Not only for the guild's sake but for anyone who relies on his family's business. Perhaps, if he works hard enough, and makes good investments and deals then one day he can follow his own ideals. It's not a secret to his brother or father, they know what he wants.

But Teyvat is so far away now. Rationally he knows not to think of it, but the more time passes the more he wonders about his homeland. ]

Let me think. Before you. When I arrived, my dearest friend was here. I also happened to meet people from Inazuma, although the general is no longer with us. I've searched. It's best for him, but unfortunately for us, he seemed dependable. Recently someone else I am acquainted with and would call a friend arrived but those are the only people from Teyvat I know... so about that person, you mentioned last. I've got nothing to say of them. [ HE DOESN'T PERCEIVE CHILDE. ]

[ let's all not perceive childe for their own well-being. unfortunately for eula, however, childe seems to have his sights set on her as an accomplished knight of favonius. just thinking about it makes her blood boil a little, tbh. just a tad. ]

It seems I am the only one from Mondstadt, then.

[ thank the archons. while she could use someone like amber in this world, she doubts that the outrider will end up in hell anytime soon. furthermore, eula's been given more freedom than what she's used to compared, which feels... strange. ]

I have been to Liyue a few times, in fact. I had no time to stay there for leisure, however. [ she liked it there. not only did amber's grandfather who had taught eula everything she needed to know came from there, but the food and sights were phenomenal. ] May I know your name, at least? While we are here, of course. Mine is Eula.

[ just eula. if xingqiu somehow connects the dots and realizes that he's been talking to a lawrence, well. we shall see about that. ]

[ Just Eula. Not something he finds odd as he has come to learn it is typical of Mondstadters to introduce themselves solely by providing their given name unlike those hailing from Inazuma where it seems more integral to weave together family names of those in the upper echelons of society.

As she wishes to be just Eula, then he too wishes to remain as just Xingqiu. ]

I've not had a chance to travel far outside the borders of Liyue but I do correspond with a gentleman from Mondstadt.

[ Although that hardly makes him knowledgeable about the ways of other nations, it's more so research into different cultures that gives him some perspective. Although that is mostly for the purpose of weaving tales rather than just for learning's sake, not that he didn't find the other nations interesting. ]

As for my name, of course, you may have it. I'm Xingqiu. [ And he won't elaborate or give to the fancy of speaking in a stylish way. ]

Xingqiu.

[ she repeats, and that's the end of that. seems the kids of liyue are pretty behaved -- well, except for one (who tao?).

and oh, he knows someone from mondstadt? wonder who it is. might be a dear friend of his for all she knows. ]

If there is a chance for you to cross borders sometime, Mondstadt might just be a breath of fresh air for you. This world, however, is more Inazuman than most -- one day I too shall traverse the waters now that the Decree is well over and done.

[ but for now, japanese hell is not too shabby. wonder if inazuma is just like this but on a less modern scale. ]

[ As his name is uttered in a breath he holds his own waiting for what he views as inevitable but that never comes. He finally exhales, much like her, he doesn't want his connections to be noted. Here he remains just another face among the many lost souls. However, even he knows there are some differences that are specific to people from their world. Again as he previously mentioned people from Teyvat are few and far between.

He would certainly make the journey if given the opportunity, but Mondstadt seems as distant as Inazuma even when people can freely travel to that nation. Now if only he could find some reason to present forward to the guild as to why he wishes to travel to the neighboring land then perhaps he could finally meet the master behind his book's artwork.

Hearing her speak of the island nation, brief surprise crosses his features before the expression evens out into a usual pleasant one. ]

I have taken note of that particularity. Names, shrines, and cuisine, it all does cause me to recall my research into their culture...

But I must admit, I was not aware of Sakoku Decree was abolished.

Word must be continuing to spread across the land. But rest assured that the Decree has been overturned, and that we are free to visit Inazuma with lessened restrictions than before. At least that is my impression of it.

[ one day... one day. she loves mondstadt, but a huge majority of mondstadt don't return her feelings. she's eternally conflicted about it, so she supposes that maybe visiting other countries would give her more perspective -- she's already doing so much compared to her disgraced family and their old-fashioned traditions anyway.

the sutoku apartments are soon within view, speaking of. ]

You're rather well-read, aren't you? Our resident Librarian would have adored you. [ a soft laugh. ] Well, when in doubt, do as the Mondstadters do -- let the wind take them where they need to go.

[ like dandelions in the spring breeze. ]

[ A slow nod is given in response. She sounds so certain but his own memory differs from hers. Surely if that restriction were lifted it would reach his ears — only he has to remind himself he is here now. Time has passed, perhaps in the months spent in hell Teyvat has gone through many changes. ]

I suppose being here means I wouldn't be aware of any current events. It's been a while...

[ He too notes that they've entered Sutoku territory and not far from where they stand is the apartment complex he resides in. ]

I have heard of the grand library found in Mondstadt, if I were ever so lucky to travel there then I'll be sure to make a stop. I'll be sure to let your librarian know you referred me to her.

[ He would, he tries, and sometimes the need for an escape sees that he makes his way out of Liyue Harbor. But he is growing older and further laden with an ever-growing amount of responsibilities. ]

Well, this is the place. I thank you.

[ she was about to say no, don't, lisa is going to tease her relentlessly to no end, but in the end she gives a wordless nod. the resident librarian would love more readers anyway.

in any case, she turns to the younger boy and smiles obligingly. ]

Just doing my duty. Having a chat with someone from the same world has been rather nice, to be honest.

[ more than nice. it keeps eula rooted down to earth, reminding her that she has to go back to teyvat despite how nice hell has been for her. ]

Goodnight, Xinqiu.

[ Meeting the lady librarian may not just lead to Xingqiu discovering a kindred spirit, another lover of literary works, but a tutor to further refine his arts. He is a mischievous imp and someone as talented in teasing could surely guide him to further heights. How his close friends would suffer from it.

But they're far from their respective nations, a long way from Teyvat, and even in their own world, there are difficulties in free travel. ]

Yet it is only correct that I demonstrate gratitude. But yes, I did quite enjoy our conversation and now I really do wish to have a chance to visit your fair nation.

[ They all must return, no matter how liberating this city may feel is any of this truly earned? Perhaps it's just an illusion, they are under contract. ]

Goodnight, lady Eula.

[ A bow is only proper as he bids her farewell and soon he dashes out from under the canopy of her umbrella towards the complex he lives in. ]

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May 2022 IC Mingle

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