jigokulogs | May 2022 Mini Event

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May 2022 Mini Event

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As the Haniwa continue to pop up in the city and the turf war rages on, life goes on in the city.

1. SHUTEN CLAN

Remember the Isonade? Yeah, those guys. The surly shark-dudes who were no doubt involved in some black market smuggling along the banks of the Sanzu. They were too tough to fight off in order to figure out what they were up to, last time.

Well, Toraguma has caught wind of them now. Despite the ongoing turf war, he’s not about to lose out on an opportunity here! He wants his Shuten Clan operatives to scour the river looking for these guys. They will be a lot harder to find without the rabbits’ help, though. If you find them, you are to “inform them” that the Shuten Clan will be taking over their operation. If they have problems with that, well… you know what to do.

Don’t forget that they’re quite strong and that they aren’t too keen on giving up the information on their supply line without a fight. You’ll need to use teamwork to get what you need out of them.

Should you manage your way to their warehouse, you’ll find a fresh shipment of their products: specialized herbs, mineral-rich clay, and rarefied ore. None of these products can be found in the city naturally. The Isonade won’t dare name their primary buyer but they will let slip that all of this is being smuggled into the city from the outer Wastelands.

The Shuten Clan will demand their cut out of this operation, but you may get the impression that this is only one small piece of a much larger shadow creeping over the city…

Art by Alejandro Gonzalez Agudelo

2. SUTOKU ALLIANCE

The death and subsequent “rebirth” of the Daitengu has caused a considerable amount of chaos. Many of the subsidiary tribes have struggled under the weight of uncertainty during this debacle. The Daitengu has decided that an apology tour is owed. It’s good for the sake of the Alliance, after all.

Oh, but they’re not going to be doing it themselves. You, the Sutoku Lost Souls, will be fully responsible for it. ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა

Sutoku Souls are tasked with going to various businesses and tribe centers with an offering of gifts and deference to any and every group within the Alliance who will agree to meet with you. The gifts have been provided by the Daitengu, and are mainly snacks and coupons. Which will not be enough to please everyone. Some clans will demand more and some, in their rage, will try to take their anger out on you. You are an (lowly) ambassador right now, better to turn the other cheek.

This all boils down to be less of an apology tour and more of a bribe tour. What the Daitengu has provided won’t cover everything and you’re going to have to go out of pocket to truly placate the other clans. If you don’t have enough cash on hand, you may be asked to do various unpaid tasks and labors: washing dishes, scrubbing floors, cleaning windows, taking out the trash, serving kids’ birthday parties; any amount of the lowest work you can imagine.

It’s rough! But somebody’s gotta do it

3. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA

The chaos of the Night Parade has caused a resurgence of unaffiliated gangs popping up around Jigokucho. They can usually be found identifying themselves through the use of basic colors and mascots. They are made up almost entirely of violent youths with uncertain futures, who are lashing out at an uncaring world. The antics of the Daitengu, the accusations against the Enma, and the squabbling between Shuten and Tamamo is not inspiring their confidence nor loyalty.

In addition to this problem, the retrieval of the Haniwa is going poorly. Most residents are too uncomfortable to even touch the statues and their appearances don’t seem to be slowing down. There are too many for the Department to collect.

With an abundance of cursed objects in town, the petty gangs have decided this is an ample resource for them. They are using the Haniwa to harass the general public and against one another. They have weaponized the excess Haniwa and are using them as “curse bombs”, hurling them at both each other and the residents they want to intimidate. It’s getting nasty.

It’s the Department’s job to keep the Haniwa figures from falling into the wrong hands and to keep some semblance of order. The official orders from the Office of the Enma are directing all hands to converge against the youth gangs. Use any force necessary and retrieve those figurines.

4. TAMAMO CLAN

How inconvenient! In addition to the complications of the turf war, an extremely important time of the year has arrived for the Tamamo Clan.

It is time for the yearly visit of one of the clan’s greatest benefactors: the Tennin. These Celestial Immortals descend from the Heavenly Realms to spend time (and incredible amounts of money) in Hell’s Playground, Jigokucho. Hell simply offers the sort of delights you just can’t get in Heaven. Due to Tenkohime’s connections with them, the Celestials have had her host them for several years in a row now. She emphasizes how incredibly important it is to keep them happy.

The Celestials want entertainment and delights of every variety. It’s up to the Tamamo Clan’s Lost Souls to entertain them. Your entertainments can take many forms: keeping the Celestials company, putting on a performance, showing off your cooking and skills, tea ceremonies, and other exhibitions. Should you choose the carnal and kinky route for entertainments, know that you won’t be laying down with any Celestials themselves. Oh, no no no, they’re Heavenly, after all! This is still performance, so you may need a partner to help you out.

Keep in mind that the legends are true! The Celestials are deeply deeply fond of peaches. Both literal and metaphorical. 🍑

The Celestials love to chat and gossip, so keeping them entertained is also an excellent way to hear some interesting information. Tamamo artisans will likely learn that many Celestials openly trade with Tenkohime. In fact, the aphrodisiac goods that the Tamamos so famously deal in come, in large part, from the Celestials. Tamamo isn’t the only clan they do business with either. They also have connections within the Sutoku Alliance and are the land owners of several Alliance properties. They are considered one of the primary sources of capital in the real estate market.

Why would the Celestials want properties in a world they literally can’t live in? Doesn’t that just reek of capitalism.

5. TURF WAR (ALL FACTIONS)

The turf war between the Shuten and Tamamo clans is at a simmer right now. Which doesn’t mean that it’s over – not even close. Minor magical traps, similar to those found in the sewer, have been found in Shuten territory. Frustrated Shuten enforcers have been taking out their anger on anyone that so much as looks at them funny. Bars in both districts are regularly getting smashed up. Knife fights are breaking out in the streets. Cars known to belong to members of both clans turn up with slashed tires. There’s even rumors of hits being taken out on higher ranking members.

Watch your step if you’re out and about in either territory. Faction affiliation doesn’t matter when tensions are running high. What’s more, rumors are flying all over about which of the two warring clans is going to be the one to escalate the violence further.

Will tensions boil over at any moment? At what point does the Department of the Enma have to step in? Why haven’t they already?

It’s all getting too much to handle…

6. CURSED OBJECTS (ALL FACTIONS)

The presence of the Haniwa is having increasingly frightening effects. There are whispers about blood coming out of the walls and the floors in apartments, about black ooze pouring from faucets and coming up from storm drains. There are even whispers of terrible household hauntings.

These aren’t just rumors though. Bars are having to close early due to the presence of wailing ghosts inhabiting the toilet or blood pouring from the taps. People run screaming out of alleyways pursued by ghostly hands.

These curses and hauntings seem to be fairly localized; kept to one building or one block at a time. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason as to when these accursed sightings will take effect.

Be careful out there! Who knows what could happen with so much terrible energy running rampant.

Welcome to the mini event!

If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
FOR THE PURPOSES OF REWARDS, since all of these prompts tie into the main plot in some way, we will count all qualified threads in this post as 2 point threads!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

1. APOLOGY TOUR ;
— a. open to sutoku

[ Far from ideal is the request made of all Sutoku Souls, now tasked to make amends for their previously absent master opinion can only plummet further. Responsibility eludes their leader, the burden upon them, Xingqiu won't be so easily convinced to aid the Daitengu. But offerings to be delivered make it to his door. Gifts intricately wrapped in pleasing colors only cultivate his curiosity. It takes him all but two seconds and a decision is reached, picking up the offerings, he glances back into his flat. Whatever his roommate was doing, it was keeping her busy and that's enough for him to sneak off with the gifts.

A few minutes later, Xingqiu has settled himself on the steps of the complex's dimly lit stairwell. Offerings set at his side, he takes a moment to observe each one before he picks up an elongated box. Setting it on his lap he runs his fingers carefully at the edge of overlapping gift wrapping. From here, if he is careful then he can see what is inside. Wasn't this the best course of action, at least if he knew what each offering was he could appropriately allocate each present?

Not entirely an excuse to sate curiosity but he does begin to wonder if it is worth it. It's a painstaking process to unwrap the offerings without ripping apart wrapping. Concentrating on what he is doing leads to him not picking up on approaching steps until it is too late. ]

Oh. May I help you?

[ Nope, he isn't going anything suspicious here. Please, ignore the neatly folded gift wrapping, the organized stacks of vouchers near him along with the boxes of coveted snacks. ]

— b. open to sutoku

[ Not fully convinced that is all just a means to make amends, it isn't goodwill towards the Daitengu that finally sees him set off to perform the task that fell upon him. He has a few businesses in mind to visit. Yet after his first foray into making a plea for the Daitengu's case a clear picture is being painted before him. While he may be offended that he is essentially participating in bribery on the Sutoku's leader behalf, he also comprehends the need. He really doesn't want to do this. He already has a feeling that taking out a couple of trash bags isn't the worst labor that could be thrust upon him...

The next business he sets his eyes on is nothing more than a small coffee shop, upon entering the cozy establishment he is a little surprised to find there is already someone attempting to appease the woman behind the counter. By most accounts she appears ordinary except her long hair seems to be alive, strands come together and act like tentacles grabbing at anything edible within reach before disappearing behind her head. Anything that had come to her grasp disappeared.

On the counter, Xingqiu can see a box emptied of its contents. The offering made has long been gone and the futakuchi onna speaks of displeasure. The meager gift was not enough to appease her ravenous appetite. "...your worth can only measure to that pitiful gift. Is that all you have to show for all my troubles? All my suffering? No, it won't suffice..." Before she could continue on her tirade Xingqiu steps forward words already on his lips but even as he makes his approach he knows it won't be enough. ]

Please, I offer you my apologies. I know it can't truly be enough to please, but this is also something our leader wishes to bestow on you.

[ With that he places his own box of snacks next to his peer's upon the counter. Immediately the woman's hair begins to grab at the contents, and just like that it is all consumed. Is she finally content? Of course, not. Xingqiu can already see displeasure clouding her expression but before she can begin to angrily berate them he speaks again. He knows this song and dance now. This time however he isn't going to be tied down to do any menial labor. ]

And it would seem my companion has forgotten something important. They are also here to aid your fine business.

— c. open to all

[ Past the borders of the Sutoku Alliance's territory, there are other businesses that need to be appeased. Not only has the Daitengu's absence caused disarray within the alliance but outside of it. That is why he finds himself here. Again past experience doling out apologies within his own faction's dominion prepares him for what's to come. Not surprisingly the meager offering he has doesn't please this business owner. This time he can't tactfully avoid being roped into free labor. Well, not for the Daitengu but for the need of those like him he doesn't make a fuss.

Of course, the owner is a busy youkai, they're not going to bother showing him what duties they wish for him to take over. So off he is handed to the manager to receive instruction. However, the manager here also doesn't believe their time should be wasted explaining tasks to a temporary worker. That is why he is left to be taught by a regular employee who likely wouldn't see a rise in their salary. ]

So, you're going to tell me what to do?

2. TURF WAR ;
— open to all

[ Crouching down slowly, Xingqiu grabs his phone from his back pocket. Intention should be obvious as he aims the device. Well, it can't be helped but just how did this person get themselves trapped in such a small cage. It looked uncomfortable. Very much so, to the point he is even considering setting them free. Actually, that is the plan... after he takes a couple of pictures of course. He shouldn't, he does, it was far too tempting. ]

So... how long have you been in there?

3. CURSED OBJECTS ;
— a. open to all

[ The gloom of the tale, the dreary atmosphere along with the downcast teen's foray into the unknown draw him to the novel. He continues reading along, eyes cross the page following each word carefully. Finding himself at the end of leaf, his fingers glide across to turn it. Only he finds a sticky wetness at the corner of the page. Drawing his fingers away he finds a crimson stain and looking at his digits there is that same color smeared upon them.

Only that stain doesn't remain at the corner, it seems the novel's pages are soaking up that liquid from some unknown source until it begins to overflow. He holds the book away from himself as the strange fluid begins to pour out of it. Startled when a wailing sound arises, he finds it is coming from the very book in his grasp. Immediately he shuts it with an audible clap of wet pages coming together and for its part whatever was making that racquet actually loudly says ouch. Before he can even begin to consider what to do about the book he hears a shushing sound. From the end of the row of bookshelves, there is the disapproving look of a clerk. He smiles, she does not, but finally relents to leave him be. When she is gone he stands there a minute before he begins to march away still holding the novel.

A trail of blood is left in his wake. A perfectly normal day. ]

— b. open to all

[ The hauntings continue. More horrible than anything he has ever seen. Worse than the plague of nightmares, more terrifying than the blood dripping down walls and oozing up from flooring. Hands at his hair, clawing at clothes, it all means nothing against this last foe that he has crossed paths with. His greatest nemesis. No matter how fast he runs, how far he gets, it follows. Almost out of breath he practically runs into someone but he stops long enough to warn them. ]

We have to run! It's coming.

[ Indeed after him, down the alley he emerged from there is a scrapping sound and an eerie glow. ]

[ Romeow Cat Cafe isn’t your typical cat cafe—yes, it’s comfortable and cutely decorated, but there are no actual cats. All of the waitstaff are boys dressed up in cutesy cat outfits full with ears, tails, and a weekly theme as they work to serve their “masters” … and while the premise might seem a bit strange at first to a newcomer, the place is annoyingly popular. It’s one of the Tamamo’s most popular PG13 establishments; even if the waiters are encouraged to act like real cats and cuddle up to their customers, nothing beyond a little kissing is permitted.

It isn’t surprising that the cafe is on Xingqiu’s apology route. The catboys had been distraught at the events at the funeral, a few of their more delicate staff even passing out from the shock of the dead rising again in Hell itself, leaving them unable to work for days. They even had to close for a while.

Now they’re back open and busier than ever—the manager is a buff man named Hanz with a handlebar mustache, boyshorts that reveal two thick powerful thighs, and a set of perky fake cat ears. He’s the one who sighs and ushers Xingqiu into the care of one of the younger catboys after giving the young man an appraising up and down in approval. Hanz will never turn down help from a slender pretty boy in his cafe, but they’re very busy. He doesn’t have time to play with a temp.

The blonde introduces himself as “Mittens” and explains how all the waiters have stage names for privacy, and that their customers can get a little wild when they see them in public. Wringing his hands, he looks back and forth… he just so happens to be one of those timid, sweet boys who passed out when the Daitengu sprung to life. He isn’t much of a leader.

So he turns to Xingqiu: Oh, maybe Bellflower is a better choice than me. He’s one of our top cats and really busy … I think he could use help bussing his tables. He always has four at once.

Mittens continues on to explain how his senior Bellflower is always helping him—and how nice he is, how pretty he is, and how the customers love him because he’s as delightfully aloof as a real cat. They eat it up.

He leads Xingqiu to the back of the cafe where various catboys are dashing about and throwing on cute costumes. Mittens grabs a pair of fake cat ears and passes them to the Sutoku to wear before pointing over to a young man that Xingqiu knows extremely well. Chongyun’s just finished buttoning up his shirt: black short shorts that show off his legs, sheer long socks, a while button up shirt with suspenders and a little blue little bow tie… and can’t forget the cute ears nestled in his downy hair and a matching fluffy tail affixed to his ass.

Mittens calls his stage name and Chongyun looks up. The moment he sees Xingqiu, however, his cool expression quickly turns to a fiery blush. He’s no longer a catboy. He’s a tomato. ]

Xi… Xingqiu!?

[ Rather unimpressed that a bunch of guys fainted, Xingqiu can only hope that at least Hanz wasn't among those afflicted by the shock of the Daitengu's resurrection otherwise this bunch of pretty boys could truly be in trouble; The Tamamo Territory was an odd yet dangerous region. It's almost comical the wildly different reactions that the rise of the Sutoku's once fallen leader had on people. His own opinion hasn't wavered, but he can only dream of unnecessary violence he would never carry out.

Based on actions alone, Xingqiu appears to be toeing the line. It's harmless if tedious a task traveling through the city attempting to appease different entrepreneurs. The appraisal gives rise to annoyance which he filters into a smile and despite crossing his arms, the movement is casual to the point he simply looks at ease in this environment.

Really he doesn't care for Romeow Cat Cafe one way or another; what is true however is he would never spend his hard-earned paycheck here. What a waste.

Left in the care of the young Mittens, Xingqiu doesn't need to assess the blond to know the type. Though he favors rabbits, here in this cozy little establishment he is a shark and there is blood in the water. Whoever planned his itinerary made a huge mistake putting the cat cafe on his list. He hardly listens to the boy, Mittens looks just about ready to keel over with the added pressure, it would be a shame if he did, then in that case it might mean he would be on his way unless Hanz was willing to lend him another vic—coach. ]

Well, that makes sense. You know? Four paws, four tables?

[ He lets the guy wax on about the amazing Bellflower; of his genuinely helpful personality, he hears of kindness and gratitude. Mittens even goes on about the aloof kitten's beauty. Here Xingqiu is two seconds away the blond is smitten with his coworker. Whatever, not his problem. ]

Just be careful they don't actually eat the guy one day.

[ Though his tone remains casual Xingqiu can see the visible reaction his comment has on the blond. Now he's feasting. Perhaps his chosen words explain why the timid boy seems more willing to hand him over to become someone else's burden, Mittens sure seems to be in a rush. Traversing through the back of the cafe he doesn't even glance at anyone preparing for their shift, he is just about ready to see Bellflower and get this over with once he is handed a pair of cat ears. Before the name is even called out, Xingqiu spots the familiar figure of his dear friend. It's Chongyun responding to the name that briefly elicits a surprised expression that is quickly stamped out in favor of an impassive one. ]

Who's Xi—Xingqiu? Never heard of him.

If you two would excuse me a moment, I do prefer getting freshened up in private.

[ He has some fake cat ears to put on you know. His expression remains serious and unwavering as he saunters off to freshen up as he said. Not really, the bathroom is easy enough to find. He can die here by himself. Once alone in a stall and the door is closed he takes a deep breath. Laughter doesn't roll out immediately. It starts with a smile and even then sounds are muffled by his hands.

When he returns, his expression has turned into a dejected one. The ears are still in his hands, but now they're sopping wet. Before either kitten can say anything, Xingqiu has taken one of Mittens' hands and placed the wet apparel in it. ]

I had a bit of an accident and this fell in the lavatory. [ There is only one reaction for that young man to have, it's a repeat of the Daitengu's funeral. At least, Xingqiu is kind enough not to let him fall to the floor. ]

[ This must be what a heart attack feels like.

Of all places, why is Xingqiu here? And somehow he manages to look only surprised for maybe a second before collecting himself; a true professional, that second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, as he walks off to the bathroom to prep himself for what sounds like a shift in Chongyun's workplace. Mittens is babbling beside him about an apology tour or some such, but the exorcist doesn't hear a lick of it. His soul has left his body off the tail of that heart attack. It's gone. Flying in the sky. The spectral Chongyun is looking down at the real Chongyun and cringing at himself because Xingqiu's seen him in this getup.

He's still disassociating by the time his friend comes back from the bathroom. Mittens is prodding his arm, confused as to why his beloved Senior has suddenly gone unresponsive, but that concern is quickly forgotten when the new guy presses a sopping wet pair of cat ears into his hands.

With a soft "oh" the boy swiftly swoons and passes out into Xingqiu's arms when he realizes that they've been in a poo poo toilet. "Realizes".

Of course, Chongyun knows better. Xingqiu would never actually do that. Or, if he had, he would never actually put them in someone's hands after. He snaps out of his stupor with one of his trademark sighs. ]

Xingqiu ... we're all hands on deck today. Since we're down Mittens now [ he stares pointedly at the boy's prone form with a stitch between his brows; seriously, even the thought of toilet water is enough to do it? ] you're going to have to take his place as a cat on the floor.

[ He points to Mittens' costume for the day, still hanging on its hanger. The kid hadn't even been at work for 20 minutes. ]

[ Arms full of Mittens he can only cast a disapproving look upon the unconscious blond; Minimal effort was put into prodding the young man and yet that was all it took to see such a drastic effect. How does a person like this live? How do they function daily? It left plenty of room for thought, yet he can only imagine a life full of strife and suffering. Always a victim, poor Mittens. But surely he would awaken soon, the shock of words shouldn't last long for that was all it was. No, the ears never made it anywhere near the toilet nor the sink for that matter. Minimal as it is, and useless by most accounts he does have some inkling of control over ability.

Although, finding himself for a prolonged amount of time holding Chongyun's coworker has Xingqiu rethink his actions. Where should he put Mittens down? That's what he wants to know more than the present situation at this establishment. It's not like he can do much while he holds an unconscious kitten. But he doesn't question Chongyun's logic out loud. Silently he takes in every word spoken, finally, his gaze settles on the costume pointed.

Of course. That garment fits Mittens, it was made for the boy but as for Xingqiu well... ]

When you say on the floor, do you mean that literally or figuratively?

Isn't there an endless stack of dishes for me to wash or a whole line of putrid toilets to scrub...?

[ The apology tour hasn't exactly been glamorous. It's a wonder he even made it to the next stop. Which explains why he is about to call it quits. Perhaps he can finally see some form of repercussion for disobedience? It's not for the Daitengu's sake that he is here that's for sure. ]

[ Mittens is still very much unconscious. Deeply unconscious. It's really no wonder that the place had to close for a few days after the funeral—Chongyun can really only shake his head as he heads to the side to grab a padded chair. They have several around because fainting isn't actually all that uncommon with these boys. Sometimes they get so upset for whatever reason that they pass out. Sometimes they fight with each other, slap each others cheeks, and then pass out. Fight over boyfriends and pass out. There have even be a few cases of swooning after a particularly rough night.

Though, Chongyun reminds himself as he puts the chair beside Xingqiu so the boy can deposit the unconscious Mittens into it, he's quite guilty of passing out too. Because of his condition. It gives him a touch of sympathy for these boys ... but really, it's just a touch. They don't have a condition. ]

No, that won't be until the end of the night. Right now customer service takes priority. [ diligent and hardworking as ever, this Chongyun. ] As for on the floor ... well. Mittens' customers pick him because he behaves like a real cat. That means everything you're afraid it might.

[ And, as if right on cue, Hanz returns to the back room to check what's taking so long ... and gasps at Mittens' limp form. Face red, he points to the hanging sailor's outfit, points to Xingqiu with narrowed gaze, and then turns on his heel to stomp out to the front of the cafe while muttering something about how they're too busy to be down catboys, and damn it Mittens, did you really not drink those protein drinks to build up your constitution?! ]

... Let's work together. It'll be better for both of us that way.

[ And, like. He ain't ever gonna admit this but he kind of wants to see Xingqiu in that cute outfit. ]

You'll need to make up a stage name before we go out, too.

[ The thought is fleeting but he does consider if perhaps he had taken this too far too quickly; while he did want to test the limits he had not expected this boy to so easily fall unconscious. Now looking down at Mitten's face again he has to wonder how this person can survive anywhere. Playful teasing, funny little pranks, that's about the extent he goes but other people are not so kind. In fact, someone else may have let Mittens fall to the floor.

Once Chongyun procures the padded chair, Xingqiu gently sets the blond on it making sure he at least looks comfortable. Who knows, if Mittens wakes up with an aching neck he may fall unconscious once more. It was best that be avoided, he doesn't need to end up being seen as Mitten's replacement. Actually, he should probably ensure that is never considered. ]

I think you're jumping to conclusions here, I am not afraid of my prospects. Rather I had a different set of expectations. [ Thus far most of the apology tour went about with him making an offering, a business owner being upset by the paltry gift and then the burden of some disgusting task being dumped upon him. They really don't want him to sort through their dumpster?

With Hanz returning, it becomes obvious he really would be taking Mittens' place. He still considers the outfit doesn't suit him but that is mostly due to his view on it being tailored made for the unconscious catboy. He doesn't argue, he doesn't utter a word. The wordless message was perfectly received. Fine. Once the man is gone, he gives Mittens a pat on the head before he goes to retrieve the outfit. ]

I'm allowed to borrow his clothes but not his name? Very well. Chongyun please fabricate a cat alias for me, after all, you have much more experience in this field.

[ The moral of the story is that Xingqiu killed Mittens. No catboy is safe.

.... Okay, the first part of that thought is a joke, but Chongyun is keenly aware that the second is true. His friend is the most excellent person he knows, but the other boy is not without a mischievous side. These delicate prettyboys won't be able to handle him at all. As it is, Chongyun has to handle them with kid gloves. If it weren't for Hanz pampering them, most of them probably would have fallen apart by now. ]

Of course not. The customers know Mittens.

[ Even if Mittens' loyal patrons didn't rage at someone trying to take his place, that name really doesn't suit Xingqiu at all. His complex, clever, smart, beautiful, beloved friend ... named Mittens? It just won't do. It really just won't do.

But he doesn't anticipate coming up with Xingqiu's cat alias himself. The exorcist hesitates, blinking, so desperately wanting to refute that last point while knowing he can't. Of course he has more experience in this field. He also hates that he does.

Quiet, those clear blue eyes gaze at Xingqiu with earnest consideration. ]

... ... ... Marigold. [ and then he looks away, feeling a little warmth tickling his cheeks. ] Go change. I'll wait for you.

[ And please try not to kill any of the other catboys between here and the lavatory. One down is bad enough—they're lucky that Mittens never takes on a big load of customers. Poor kid gets so easily overwhelmed. ]

[ It's unlikely that Mittens would be his sole victim tonight. Surrounded by timid catboys prone to fainting even a couple of less throughout words may bring about their undoing.

There is an almost casual shrug as Chongyun mentions Mittens' patrons but despite the apparent indifference Xingqiu is a boy born and raised in the world of commerce, therefore he comprehends establishing good relations with clients. He would never willfully sour things between Mittens and his customers. Xingqiu would be sure to make it clear that he in no way represents the blond, that thought prompts him to look down at the unconscious boy. With one final glance, he has to accept that Mittens would not be waking any time soon.

He knows he has pushed some kind of burden upon Chongyun with his request, but he honestly doesn't want to think too deeply about a name he will only utilize once. Besides, if he is left to his own devices he knows himself enough to be aware he would come up with something ridiculous and unnecessarily long.

Well, in the case that Chongyun fails him he is sure the name Princess Blanket Amalthea is available.

However, after the long expanse of silence, his friend comes true. A name is bestowed upon him. Again he finds himself surprised but his expression is obscured as makes a pretense of inspecting Mittens' outfit. Why? He isn't certain how he should feel but there is no time for him to marinate through thought. The outfit under his arm he turns to head off to the lavatory once again but he does offer Chongyun a wave as continues on.

Give him a minute. It's long enough for him to cause mischief but fortunately, no catboys crossed his path. When he returns he is wearing the outfit. ]

Well?

xingqiu | genshin impact | sutoku

apology tour, c.

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