June 2022 Event

[jigokumods]

MAIN NAVIGATION

1. SWIMSUIT TROUBLES (1 POINT)

As the city goes through its daily motions, the heat bears down harder and harder while bringing out some increasingly overheated behavior from the local population. Summer is here and the natives are flocking to the shopping district: both as a respite from the scorching temperatures and to stock up on the needed supplies to beat the heat.

That means one noticeable problem: the bathing suits left on the racks aren’t the most fashionable at this point! Suits are scarce and what is left over are the skimpy, the oddly-patterned, a size too small, or all of the above. Then again, you are probably just feeling lucky you aren’t in the Shuten Clan, who have been provided their own precious supply of freshly laundered tiger stripe bikinis. And nothing else.

You may be able to borrow around within your own faction, where the pickings might not be so slim, but are still unlikely to match your personal style. Better hope you ran out to buy something nice when the Daitengu first announced the party.

2. BEACH GAMES (1 POINT)

The indoor beach facility that the Alliance has provided is extraordinary. It’s massive! It seems to extend to the size of an entire soccer field. With the combinations of Kappa tech and Tengu magic, the experience has been made as close to a natural one as anyone could ask for. The heat of the beach feels true to the real world, the sand is white and pure, and the waves rolling in and out are just like the mortal realm. Even the palm trees and beach scrub seem entirely authentic. The vibe is immaculate.

Each faction has their own area set up for meeting and mingling but everyone is welcome to let loose and interact among all the groups.

SHUTEN CLAN

The Shuten Clan has set up their beach fort with food and drinks. The drinks on offer are a particularly strong Oni beer and a few spirits (especially sake). These drinks have been mixed so that anyone who imbibes them will feel a heightened sense of competition and the need to prove themselves!

There are plenty of opportunities to show off:

• Learning surfing with a few knowledgeable Oni.
  
• Volleyball matches.
  
• Shoulder chicken tournaments.
  
• Beer pong.
  
• Drinking contests that never seem to stop.
  
• And friendly scuffles with some of the Shuten who are feeling more rowdy than usual.

In particular, the volleyball matches appear to be the Shuten Clan’s sport of choice. They’re taking these matches deathly serious. With all powers allowed in play, the game is truly deadly with how powerful, how fast, and how fierce those spikes and volleys are. Hold nothing back and leave it all in the ring!

Toraguma himself is here in his tiger striped best! He’s observing the games and taking note of which Shutens do well and which ones shame the clan with their defeat. He’ll give out rewards to those he thinks are exemplifying the pride of the clan. Don’t worry though, if you’re not up to snuff you won’t be punished; except with Toraguma’s obvious disappointment.

TAMAMO CLAN

The Tamamo Clan doesn't disappoint either. Their tiki bar is set up with a far greater variety in stock than the Shutens. Every drink seems to be made to that Lost Soul’s exact tastes. Watch out, this may compel you to pound them back more quickly than normal. The drinks will make you feel much closer to those around you — either in camaraderie, or something more intimate. The Tamamos have arranged a number of floats, inner tubes, and water wings lounging in the water. Enjoy your time together!

When you aren’t relaxing, the Tamamo Clan has also arranged huge buckets of water balloons and have filled their water guns. The instructions are clear: whether sniping from afar or going in on a full assault, go nuts. Especially against the Shutens. Lady Tenkohime herself has a high-caliber, sniper-grade water rifle with her at her lounge chair. She will occasionally pick some unlucky soul to fire off devastating rounds against. She is not soaking them in just water, of course. This is the Tamamo clan’s patented ‘perfume’, which inspires the most amorous feelings.

Finally, the Tamamo have also inspired a spicy wet t-shirt contest. It’s essentially a sexy beauty contest, but given the variety of bodies and hidden ‘talents’ tucked away under everyone’s clothes, it should prove interesting! Tenkohime has described the simple rules:

• One must wear the provided white shirt and only that shirt.
  
• The crowd will soak them down.
  
• And the crowd will judge how well they pull it off.

SUTOKU CLAN

The Sutoku Clan has been given free reign on a fleet of jet skis and paddle boats; perfect for two. There are boogie boards and larger inner tubes ready to be attached to different jet skis. Just be careful, ok?

A large snack bar has been provided with cheerful yokai behind the counter ready and willing to serve up your heart’s desire. There are some strange candies towards the end of the bar, they taste a bit funny but once you eat one you’re compelled to have a few more. These sweets will give you the power to breathe underwater. What is the meaning of this power? Well, you’re in the Alliance, after all, you figure out what’s under the waves.

Sutoku games include things like kan jam and frisbees, but Sutoku Souls are also very much encouraged to participate in the Shuten Clan’s volleyball tournament. Much to Toraguma’s frustration, the Alliance has planted a Tengu referee who seems to really favor the Alliance players over his own. Use your powers liberally.

The Daitengu is in attendance with sunscreen marks on their mask, for some reason. They’re being a total busybody, as usual. They’re really taking the time to chat up Tenkohime and Toraguma, even if the two want to rip each other’s throats out. Could a resolution to the turf war be on the way? One can only hope!

ENMA DEPARTMENT

The Enma is instructing the members of the Department to volunteer (aka voluntold) for lifeguard duty. The shifts are short — it is ultimately a party — and participation will net you both free food and drink from any of the vendors, as well as license to let loose for the rest of the party! The fare provided by the Enma vendors is pretty staid, but it does fill you with the odd need to run down the beach shallows in slow motion. Not sure what that’s about.

There is one further task that is expected of the Enma Department: suikawari. It is a big deal and to be taken seriously! This is the Enma’s favorite beach activity and the only diversion that he cares about. Your guess is as good as anyone’s, but it’s probably because the game resembles a form of execution. Regardless! Every officer is expected to do at least one round of the game as a form of initiation to the Department itself. Captain Shiki hosts the game in the absence of the Enma. Someone should tell her to chill out with that whistle, though.

3. BONFIRE (1 POINT)

As the hosts of the event, the Sutoku Alliance has set up a massive bonfire as the sun begins to set and stars light up the magical sky. There’s a romantic feeling in the air. Things seem as chill as they ever could be, there are no Haniwa in sight! Things feel peaceful for the first time in a while.

A final happy hour is declared, with free libations for everyone to close out the night. It’s time to finish this party in style. For anyone particularly watchful, they may spy the extraordinary sight of Toraguma and Tenkohime together. Off in the shadows while the party rages on, they are sitting together and watching the waves roll in. What could they be discussing? It will remain a mystery, getting any closer to them would be a deadly mistake.

The evening closes without any major incidents. Nothing seems like it could spoil the mood. It almost feels too good to be true.

4. AND THEN... (2 POINTS)

As all the party goers change back into their clothes and exit the facility, there is a rumble of thunder over Jigokucho. The stars are quickly swallowed by a darkening sky and the ground shakes. A minor earthquake? That’s not unheard of but the sky above is looking threatening. Evil. Darkness washes out over the entire city, none of its many bright lights able to cut through. Something is wrong. Something is happening.

A warm rain begins to fall, spattering across you and your surroundings. It becomes quickly apparent that you are not doused with water, but with blood.

The silence is shattered suddenly when a scream cuts across the whole of Jigokucho. An accursed miasma pours out from every direction. Then you see them: the Haniwa. They are everywhere, gazing from every direction, pressing in. Something has gone terribly wrong.

Captain Shiki is the first to act. She makes a call to Kaigo no Bou, but what she hears is enough to freeze her in her tracks.

The containment center deep beneath the tower where the Haniwa were being stored has been compromised. All of the cursed energy that was stored there has leaked out into the city from below. The guards below are dead. No one is answering their radio. It is not just the containment center that has been compromised, but all of Kaigo no Bou.

Captain Shiki struggles to remain calm as she gives out orders. Her entire command structure has been decimated, but she has to keep these people safe. She urges everyone to seek shelter, immediately. Everyone needs to partner up and stick together.

None of the faction leaders present arguments and they enforce this ruling with their Souls. They direct everyone to make their way back to their home base. Shuten to the Arena, Tamamo to Mizukume, and Sutoku to Konoha. There, their faction leaders can protect them.

As for the Enma officers: they are on rescue duty. You will be heading out into the city to rescue as many people as possible from the nightmarish effects of the cursed energy on the city. Captain Shiki will act as their point of command at the indoor beach.

Good luck, everyone.

5. IN THE CURSED NIGHT (2 POINTS)

A rain of blood is sprinkling all around you. It pings off sign posts and garbage bins, it splatters wetly onto the concrete and your face. The scent is pungent and thick; spoiling. It is soaking in to your hair, your clothes, your skin. It is driving you mad: your pulse spinning, breathing short.

There are noises in the impenetrable darkness. Fox feet on the pavement, crow wings shifting on a perch, a stranger's cruel laughter. The dark energy that has swallowed you is bemused by your smallness, is lurking at the edges and waiting for the moment to strike. Hold tight to your fellows, lest in the darkness another hand be placed in yours. Do you know who you walk with? What you walk with?

The Haniwa are watching you from every surface; crowded together as one with their empty eye sockets and open mouths. Their dark eyes turn to follow where you go as you stumble through your nightmares and your delusions. They breathe in your suffering on the air.

Beware the onibi, they will lead you astray.
Beware the grasping hands in the trees.
Beware the whispers in the distance.
Beware the slope to the river.
Beware. Beware.

Welcome to the June event!

• Art by astrono77153462
  
• Special shoutout to vandalisto for coming up with the meat of this event; the beach party. They approached us with this as a player plot, and it was good enough that we made it into the full event for the month. Excellent work, Vandal!
  
• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
  
• If your character participated in the volleyball games, see here! If they participated in the wet t-shirt contest, see here!
  
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

QUESTIONS!

[jigokumods]

Questions about the event? Post them here!

Re: QUESTIONS!

[everblooms]

you guys probably knew i was going to pop in here asking this. i'm so sorry.

naturally, aerith's first instinct would be to attempt to use pray for any healing effect. would it be noteworthy or no go?

VOLLEYBALL RESULTS

[jigokumods]

How'd your character do? Did they use powers/magic/abilities? Did they cheat?

Let us know and we'll determine if your faction leader thought it was good enough to reward!

[identitycrisiscore]

Daitengu told Cloud to win some gosh darn volleyball, so he's going to.

Specifically, Cloud will 'play fair' with anyone who isn't exhibiting anything better than mundane human-level abilities (and thus probably, you know, do okay, but be willing to take more losses despite having some power back.)

BUT, if any NPCs step up to playm obviously trying to flex their own powers or superhuman strength, Cloud is going to play for keeps and really let them see what an Ex-SOLDIER can do! I imagine in a number of cases and probably with the ref on his side, Cloud is going to scoop a few wins based on being at his baseline peak-human-physicality self.

I'll probably be poking other players to see who would want to face down Cloud from that angle, as well. I'll link threads if/when that does happen here.

WET T-SHIRT RESULTS

[jigokumods]

Whose chest impressed the best? Let us know if they participated, Tenkohime herself will give a gift to those who did especially well, even those outside her faction.

[starshepard]

As Azem is Tamamo they must participate. They'll probably swap forms a few times while this is going on just to see what gets a better reaction.

Jin Guangyao | Mo Dao Zu Shi

[taintedpeony]

💮1.Beach games!

a. Jin Guangyao was amazed at how such a place could exist underneath a city like this. It was like something from a dream. Though the sound of the rushing water and the laughter from the various youkai enjoying their merriment was something that was heartening. He was lucky that he had a suitable <ahref="https://i.imgur.com/ukrzrbe.png">dance outfit that can double as swimwear so he did not really have to deal with the rush of trying to find something that would fit him. He could be seen wandering around catching up with friends, floating by on an innertube drinking from a flask of floral Lanling wine, or having a leisurely swim.

It is not often he gets to relax so feel free to catch him in a good mood.

b. If Jin Guangyao was not already getting used to being near-naked on the stage of his usual dance routines, this would have been utterly mortifying to him. He was dressed in a white t-shirt (which thankfully hid his scars) and nothing else for all eyes to see! He supposed he left whatever dignity he had left back in the temple when he was alive. It's just a slow slide to whatever debauchery this is. Thank the gods that Jin Ling wasn't here.

He knew he didn't have that much in the chest department, unlike his two sworn brothers who were infinitely blessed (and he was honestly a bit jealous of him being about tiddy height to the both of them.)But he knew where his assets lay. So instead of showing his front, he twisted to show his rear, arching up and allowing his tails to elegantly pose against him.

There was after all more than one way to win a game.

He smiled at the person closest to him, his voice amiable. "Goodness, I think you may have me beat here."

💮2. And then.

Not again. This overbearing darkness was too familiar, and then the blood rain. The accursed blood rain that went on for months in Hakagemachi. Fear gripped his heart and he could barely move. His mind had raced to when he rescued his nephew from the onslaught. He was brought back to the war, the deep dungeons of Wen Ruohan's torture chambers, to the slaughter his own father had him do.

It was pandemonium.

He reached out and grabbed the nearest person to him. "Let's go quickly."


💮3. Cursed NightThe madness had not affected him not his youkai in Hakagemachi. But this was certainly affecting him now. The scent of blood, of rot, filled his sharp senses.

He felt small, inconsequential, but he had felt small all of his life. A small hungry thing that always reached for more, something anything to fill that void inside. He held on to the person next to him refusing to let go. he led people out through this darkness before in the war. Had led himself out from the darkest place to the top of the world. Despite his gripping fear he smiled, like the edge of a sharp knife.

"Do not fret. I have you. We'll get out safe." he reassured them as much as he could reassure himself.

💮5. Wildcard!!

((ooc: Either prose or bracket is fine! If none of these work please feel free to hit me up at peacockdance or Discord@ peacocksdance#4901 and I can either write a starter for you or you can just drop a starter here.))

3. ( fellow slumscape CRAU! is recognizing okay? )

[deathrespect]

( The grip on him is tight; Samatoki is grateful for it. It's grounding. There's blood in his eyes and all around and, yes, he's known the same. It's almost too familiar, and it makes him laugh. )

Can't escape it, huh ...

( He removes the mask from his belt linking him to his Oni, and he slips it on. )

Ydris | Original | Sutoku (All OTA)

[enterthe]

i. Beach Games
[Ydris, most fortunately, had prepared their beach look well in advanced. Having dodged the last minute run on summer wear, they're quite comfortable with how fashionable they're presenting at such an event. While they take issue with making the Daitengu look good by extension, they were promoted recently and intend to not muck that up right away.

With their promotion money, they spent frankly an inordinate amount of money and time on bringing along an extravagant, "properly Springtide" picnic. They have three of those classic, red carts in tow, each practically overflowing with baskets of goodies. Ydris pulls one themself and drags the other two along after with their extra pair of ghostly hands.]

-a. Setting up!

The correct spot is of utmost important, for a picnic.

[a proclamation they make firmly! Perhaps to a largely empty beach, because they've arrived as early as possible to get said spot. Scanning the area, they determine the absolute best of the best is... lets be real, already set aside by leadership. Oh well, that just lets Ydris be sure to not be too close to any of them. So, where...

Ydris sees it, the ideal spot still left open. There's a manmade rocky cliffside, where people are sure to be diving off from into the ocean below. It casts a pleasing shadow, easy to set up the picnic near to escape the heat and enjoy a meal... well, escape the harsh light, more than the heat. Ydris will be there, after all, they cannot be escaped. They trudge to the spot, begin setting out their blankets to sit on with the best view triangulated of divers, beach, and water-

Trouble being, some Oni have decided this is also the best spot.]

Lost souls, only! Move along! [A brave stance, but there's more of said Oni than there is of Ydris... This could be trouble, they are not invited to the picnic!]

-b. Feast Feast Feast
[After clearing out unwanted guests, the picnic is finally laid out. There's cute wicker baskets full of all manners of high quality snacks, all hand picked by Ydris. All manner of picnic fair is available; honey, crackers, baked breads, seasoned butters and preserves, cheeses of every flavor- one might call it a tasting menu, but there's more than enough for full meals. Bottles of wine and champagne sit with plastic cocktail "glasses" to go with them. Everything is even above "budget brand"!

This is the dragon's own bougie corner of the party, that's for certain. Lost Souls are welcome to sit, get out of the sun, watch the nice view, and chatter here. Ydris is spending most of the event doing just those things, when not floating around being a good host. Feel free to laugh at how much they mirror the Daitengu's own busybody habits at the same event...]

Picnics are are a Springtide passion, this is as close as I can get with my resources... but it will have do.

-c. Kite Revengeance
[So, there are kites. Kites flying upon Myddvai make for a bad omen.

Obviously, Ydris needs to continue this tradition. They have been gifted a kite and promptly outfitting it... with duct tape and razorblades. Peace was never an option. Their kite aims for any who get near... and some that don't, seeking out lines to cut or battle with for supremacy of the sky.

And they look delighted to do so.]

-d. Barbeque (CW: whole dead animal, cooking prep)
[rummaging through the various baskets and carts will result in various treats and delights! Aside from the third cart, which is covered in a blanket, seems to be something set over ice...

Lifting that up curiously will be met with... a butchered, whole pig. And Ydris' scolding!]

Cover that back up! That's for later! Actually... I need to season that, soon. Want to help my prepare it?

ii. Bonfire (same CW as above!)
[As the evening winds down, they condense whatever is left of their picnic and cart it over to the bonfire. They step up to help set it, sure stoke it up tall and impressive as possible. Satisfied with it once it's roaring... they stand all too close to it to set up a spit for the pig they had prepped during the day.

They leave a floating hand to evenly turn it in place to roast, filling the air with delicious smell of roast, spiced meat. Stepping away, anybody who approaches will get chat with and, eventually, handed pieces of the roast if they like.]

Eat your fill. Anything left is going home with me as left overs! [which should still be plenty, the breakfasts they prepare for the week are going to have some nice sausage and bacon add ons.]

iii. Wildcard
[OOC: Feel free to reach out to me through the game discord (Myddvai#7120) or at my plurk danceintoastruggle for plotting or wildcard prompts!]

Bonfire

[heretic_blade]

[ Izō is still drunk and is more than happy to get some fresh cooked meat in his hands. He plops down in the sand with a grin. ]

Well, shit, best thing anyone's said t' me all day. [ A beat. ] ...'S free, right?

Julieta Juris | Gundam IBO | Dept of the Enma

[sharpestsword]

1. Leg Day
and accompanying illustration
[ Julieta stands to the side watching fellow members of the department breaking open watermelons and seemingly having a good time. As this is an initiation of sorts she is obligated to participate as well. When she looks around for a stick she doesn't have any luck. Her options at this point are ask someone, wait until one becomes available, or something else. Perhaps it's a stray comment she responds to or an idea of her own but she takes her watermelon to the nearest ledge and begins squeezing it between her thighs. As long as the end result is the same then the tool used to make that happen doesn't matter. At first there's no effect so she doubles down, grunting with effort until finally it cracks. Pink juice splatters her stomach. She takes a piece and glances up, fingers to her lips. ]

Oh, did you want some?

2. Free Samples
[ Lifeguard duty means free food. Her favorite kind. Julieta will be going around to whatever stalls are available, flashing her badge with her brand new rank on it. Now this is a benefit she can really enjoy. All this excitement is making her hungry. She studies the menu with all the interesting sounding options. ]

What do you recommend?

3. Curse and Rescue
[ On the Captain's orders Julieta braves the rain and sets out to find anyone still caught in it. Efficiency is absolutely necessary. She calls out but can't be sure if the voices responding are real or not. It's too hard to tell until she gets closer. As if the blood isn't enough every so often she could swear she sees a set of familiar glowing red eyes in the distance. She needs to keep moving. ]

4. Wildcard
[ Feel free to tag in with one of the other prompts instead. I can be reached for plotting at nekone or discord: neonfoxfire#0469. ]

3

[swordofhisou]

Hey, you! Cop girl!

[One of these days. One of these days. Tenshi would probably remember Julieta's name. And, one of these days? She might remember that she was Tamamo, and supposed to be getting back to her home base, instead of trailing after some member of the Enma right into the mouth of danger, but...]

No way am I missing this! This is what I was waiting for. Tell you what? I play backup, and you just say you're escorting me to Mizukume at some point?

[Ya know, Tenshi, this shit isn't just fun and games... still, she was good in a fight.]

kate galloway 🐈 original / tamamo 🐈 ota

[bratherine]

— from the chasm of grey buildings.

( She's one of the lucky ones, Kate quickly learns, having grabbed Musashi and gone shopping pretty soon after the initial announcement and securing a brightly coloured but simple bikini and a pair of shorts in a complementary colour. Carefully done twin Dutch braids keep her waist length hair out of the way, and for someone whose last post to the network was complaining about broken ribs, she's in remarkably good shape thanks to Emily's care, and perhaps, if you catch her at the right moment, even cracking a smile as her bare feet sink into soft sand.

It's not a real beach, but it feels real, and that might be as good as it gets for a while.

So, in the name of taking advantage of the moment, Kate doesn't stay still for moment. She flits from the Tamamo area to the others throughout the day, sampling just about anything that's offered.

In the Shuten area, she's found watching volleyball matches and surfing lessons, drink in hand and occasionally shadowing some of the motions with the restless interest of someone who would probably be right in the thick of things if she didn't see just how supernaturally strong some of those spikes are.

It doesn't stop her from scoffing under her breath and commenting how bad moves could be improved, though. Seems the oni beer is having the intended affect!

Back at base, in the Tamamo area, the bar is Kate's home of choice. It's (un?)fortunately close to the wet t-shirt contest, but she's got a custom made cocktail and a rather nice water gun at the ready. And she is not afraid of using it. Competing in the wet t-shirt contest? Well, you're getting soaked. Walking by, aware or not? You're getting soaked. An unfortunate lifeguarding Enma?

... Yeah, you guessed it.

There's less of immediate interest around the Sutoku and Enma areas, but she makes her way down to both throughout the day regardless, still armed with her water gun. If you're not careful, the water gun fight might just start here. Maybe try distracting her before you end up soaked? )

( ooc; this is your general catch all for beach shenanigans, so I don't end up writing like 8 different starters. Feel free to pick any of the random activities/areas and roll with it. )

— we'll rescue you, softly.
CWs: blood rain related horrors (see subject lines in case things get more specific.)

( Getting changed is largely a case of throwing a t-shirt and jeans on over the swimsuit she's brought with her, and Kate is quickly made glad she did. The shift from the perfectly controlled weather of the faux beach to the restless sky has her pulling her arms tight around herself. It isn't cold, but the dark clouds are an all too familiar sight that has her mentally calculating how long it'll take to get back to her flat, and cursing her decision not to grab her umbrella. Clouds like that never bring just a light drizzle, after all.

And she's soon proven right. But not in the way Kate, nor anyone (she imagines), expects. It's so dark that she squints to make out the other people in the crowd, grabs her phone and uses the flashlight to try and make it easier on herself.

She sees the rain run red as it bounces off the ground and shudders when a thick drop slides slow down the back of her neck, swears under her breath when the coppery tang of blood fills her nostrils and drips from her forehead to her lips.

What the fuck.

This shouldn't be real, couldn't be real back home, and though she's been here a few weeks already, home logic is what Kate grasps for despite knowing better. She wants the version of reality where the only thing falling from the sky is water, where her hair isn't thick with blood and the commands are sinking in properly. Head back to Mizukume. Well, she can do that. There's a twinge, just a momentary one, when she overhears the Enma instructions and thinks that doesn't seem fair at all, but they're not the people she needs to worry about right now.

Follow orders. Find someone and get back. She twists around, using the light from her phone to brighten up faces in the crowd and see through all the red (Fuck, it's getting in her eyes now), until she sees a face she thinks she recognises from the base. )

C'mon.

( No time to sit around twiddling thumbs or asking questions. She wants out of here. )

— that's right, reality is tragic.
CWs: hallucination-related assaults, allusions to sexual content, underage drinking, general hallucination/nightmare weirdness

( It's so dark she's put her phone away; it isn't doing anything to illuminate the world around her. The blood runs rivers down her back, sticks her clothes to her body until every step feels like pushing against a weight

(is that the blood, or just the darkness?)

and she has no idea where she's going. Or if her partner's still around. Breath comes in short, sharp inhales, deliberately controlled, holding back the tide of panic that threatens to set in.

She could be fucking anywhere right now. When the darkness deigns to show her anything, it's hazy, blurred, as though the drinks she's had have tripled in effect in her stomach, as though she's stumbling back home on a winter's night after too many drinks in the park, alcohol buzzing through her veins, leaving her legs leaden and her movements sluggish.

Prey. Easily captured by a startling flash of blue and fingers which creep out of the wall she uses to guide herself down the street. The sensation creeps along her skin, slimier than the blood tickling her spine and mouth, and she can't jerk her hand away. Can't get away can't lift her leg and kick—

Because her legs are next, creeping, winding limbs wrapping around, grasping at blood-soaked fabric and tugging as they pin her to the brickwork )

Get off—

( Her voice is a strangled screech, at once too loud and too quiet, a plea rather than a command as the drops of blood which trickle down to her lips seem to spread, thicken, grow into another stifling limb. Quiet, it beckons. Don't fight it. Don't fight the copper stuck to her tongue or the things tightening around her arms, her legs, her torso. Any part of her is up for grabs, meat on a plate, a subject for testing—

Oh, don't act like you didn't like it!

The words are an echo, a mocking girl's tone Kate thought she cut out already.

You didn't. Because you know I'm right. Your only purpose is your body. Why d'you think we kept you around?

Her teeth grit but that bloody limb is stronger, clamping her jaw shut. Swallow. Swallow it. Like you're supposed to. And her writhing body stills, brown eyes wide and fingernails digging into her palms.

A helpless body, and nothing more. )

— wildcard.

( you know what this is. hit me up at exits#8071 to hash things out if you need to. )

that's right, reality is tragic.

[killtime]

[ Out of seemingly nowhere, a strong grip grasps Kate firmly by the arm — not a hand made of cursed blood and gore, but human. Real. Andy pulls, planting a heavy boot against the brick wall as she tugs Kate towards her, trying to jerk her free.

She vaguely recognizes the girl as the one who'd shot her in the face with a water gun during shift as one of the Department's begrudging lifeguards. But if there's words to be had over that mischief, it can fucking wait. Andy's not one for petty grudges. Especially not now. Not when everything's gone to hell. ]

barton| enma, ota

[federates]

a. jet ski racing

[ somehow, barton had survived his lifeguard shift (he's surprised, too). he's downed one of those candies, a few beers in the course of trying to calm his nerves. it's about twenty minutes later that the shiny jet skis draw his eye. even if he can generally understand the technology behind their design, he's still never seen anything like them before. ]

[ emboldened by his earlier successes and liquid courage, that he won't actually be getting in the water, and if he does, he's had one of those candies -

it's fine. he's come to a decision. he begins climbing onto the front of one, assuming he'd eventually be joined by passenger to be in tow: ]

Aha ha ha... So! We're racing them, right?

[ "them" being those on their own jet skis, riding them about in taunting circles and jeering their way. the answer seems pretty clear to a competitive musclehead like barton, anyway. seriously, what could go wrong. ]

b. watergun fight

[ apparently, it means fairly little here as to whether someone looks like they're "participating" in the water gun wars or not - perhaps especially if someone looks to be relaxing to themselves do they tend to be targeted; anyone is fair game.

barton has picked up someone's discarded water gun from lying in the sand - the zuru x shot.* it'll have to do. barton doesn't even need to load it with ammunition - he's taking aim immediately at any foe, accompanied by a battle cry. ]

Down with all of you!!

[ - because he's using his abilities, the resulting jet of water is also freezing. ]

c. ... chess

[ now that he's expended some energy, barton's decided to relax. he's laid out a beach towel, plopped himself down along with another drink and a few snacks. he's then unrolled what looks like a checkered mat; using pieces of mulch where he's written letters on each ("P" for pawn, "Q" for queen, etc), it eventually becomes more recognizable(??) as a game of chess. it's makeshift. he's poor. he's also noticed another, somewhat similar game - shogi, what? - tends to more popular here. ]

[ he doesn't let these circumstances dampen his spirits. after about twenty minutes of playing this by himself, he looks up from where he's sprawled on his towel. gesturing to his game, and at a volume that demands attention, ]

Hey, you there! Come play with me.

( ooc: obligatory wildcard option - feel free to DM if you'd like to plot anything further! )

waterguns!

[bratherine]

( All of you, in this instance, includes a small teenager hauling a water gun of her own. Which is, admittedly, totally fair, because she opened fire on this guy as soon as she saw him bending over.

There's no fighting dirty when it comes to water fights, but there is dodging, which Kate does with a surprising amount of grace, just avoiding the stream with a simple sidestep and returning fire with a shot aimed directly at this guy's torso.

Luckily for him, she doesn't have freezing cold water powers, so even if she does hit, it'll just be some ambient temperature water. And it is water, luckily. Tenkohime's perfume sniper rifle is causing ample amounts of chaos further down the beach, and Kate's quite happy to stay a good distance from it, thank you. )

aerith gainsborough 💐 ffvii 🦊 tamamo

[everblooms]

you don't want to hurt me ( beach games )

i.
[ Attending the beach party in a sweet, vintage number in a shade of pink similar to her bow, Aerith has somehow also procured a giant, floral pattern parasol. What completes the look is a red sarong, and heart shaped glasses. You can thank the local doctor Emily for the 'fit. She's happy to share the shade of her parasol with anyone who asks, and has extra sunscreen for authenticity. Can they even tan in an artificial sun...?

She'll start her day off by soaking in the sun, and eventually move onto sand castle building! She makes attempts at big, sprawling castle structures, but also seems to find them getting lost to the wind. She could use some help: she was never a mud pie kind of girl, for as rambunctious as she is. ]

ii.
[ On the other hand, she definitely has interest in the jet skis Sutoku has procured. Initially, she's a little unsure of them, but after seeing a few people get on without issue... well, looking pretty in the passenger seat is what she does. As such, any lone Sutokus looking to get on the jet skis will come to be approached by a brunette with her hair in a rope braid, her green eyes shimmering with anticipation, and her brows knitted just slightly in uncertainty. A little bit of fear is playing at her expression. Still, she asks, very sincerely. ]

Can I ride with you?

[ It doesn't matter if you've never met her before. It's a good bonding exercise...!? ]

iii.
[ Following her adventures with the jetskis, Aerith jumps into volleyball: Maybe you're her opponent, or maybe you're watching her come back from a crushing defeat after finally getting mad enough to really get competitive. She's surprisingly brutal when she's mad, and her trashtalk is pretty adorably mean, so the show is good. Hit her up afterwards?

And of course, she's at the pool, wading through the water in a floatie ring. Knock her in, pull her down, hit her with a beach ball or drag her into a watersports game— she's up for it all. Before that, however, Aerith relaxes in the pool, leaning back to soak up all the energy... ]

vi.
[ Eventually, it will all get to be a little too much for her. At that point, you'll find her off to the side, thumbing through her contacts on her phone in an effect to contact someone else to hang out with them directly. Interrupt her? ]

see how deep the wound lies ( bonfire )

i.
[ When the bonfire is lit, and the drinks are going around, Aerith takes a quiet moment to herself to stare into the blaze for a time. It's warm, and the sensation of camaraderie that's puncturing through the friendly rivalries today should leave her feeling closer to everyone. Instead, however, she keeps to the side, somehow managing to look and feel lonelier than usual. Even the clan leaders have found someone to sit by; but it's hard to tell what she's thinking as she watches the flames. ]

ii.
[ Of course, not one to dwell for long, Aerith will eventually settle in next to someone whether she recognizes them or not. So long as there's an empty seat near them, she happily takes the spot and starts chattering away. ]

Did you have fun today? [ It comes with a smile, as if knowing the answer is already yes. ] It's nice, don't you think? Nothing bad happening for once... Just the waves, the fire and a day well spent! Phew. I'll be feeling that volleyball game for a while, though.

unaware, i'm tearing you asunder ( and then... )

[ i.
Guess who spoke too soon?

Redressed in her classic pink dress and red biker jacket, Aerith immediately knows that something terrible is happening. When the spiritual energy ruptures like a volcano, it brings the pain. With the earthquake comes the blood rain, and even though she's soaked to the bone, poor girlie here just can't help herself. Captain Shiki explicitly tells them all to go to Mizukome, but Aerith won't listen. It's probably not a surprise to anyone who knows her, but she thinks rationally enough in the moment because just days before, she had spent some time locked in a bleeding bar with a man with a funny sense of humor. She's done her sensory deprivation training for this.

The big picture to her is that something has to be done. The time to act was before the explosion of negativity, not now, but looking back won't do her any good. In this moment, she has to secure the future. ]

Over here! C'mon!

[ Any lone Tamamos will find Aerith by their side eventually, or ushering them in the direction of Mizukome. As she rushes through the chaos, she gets a sense of deja vu over all this. Still, she's present enough to shot out simply: ]

I know a short cut! This way!

ii.
[ On the flipside, anyone not aligned with Tamamo and on this side of the pond is probably doing work for Enma or the same thing Aerith is doing. As such, she'll recruit help eagerly, running up to someone with a worried expression on her face. ]

Hey... [ Already, she sounds concerned and apologetic. ] Think I can borrow you for a bit? We lost someone in Tamamo's crowd. I've been looking but, two pairs of eyes is better than one, right?

[ At least she knows her limit. ]

if i only could, i'd make a deal with god ( cursed city )

[ oocly, i would like to plan these out so we can have an idea of what we'd like to do with our thread and i can tailor it to your wants or needs! i'm happy to have aerith help people out as much as possible. as such, please hit me up on the ooc plotting meme, through a PP @ hagclub, or a PM to this account. I'm happy to play this as abrstractly or literally as you like, so please just let me know.

Wildcards are also super encouraged here! Go off. ]

CLOSED STARTERS

[everblooms]

[ i'll be popping my closed starters under here! ]

Junpei Yoshino | Jujutsu Kaisen | Sutoku

[moondregs]

Throughout the beach day Junpei is wearing this ensemble (art by Ydris's player Pine!). The sunglasses and flame shirt were Ydris's idea, but the colorful swim trunks were all Junpei's choice.

Basic Ass Beach Prompt

[ Initially, Junpei hadn't been especially thrilled about the beach party. He hadn't been to a beach since he was a kid, and he wasn't an outdoorsy type overall anyway. Over the time that's passed since the announcement, however, talking with others about it had actually gotten him a little excited, so he ends up going. He's even been convinced to get a swimsuit! Miracle of miracles!

Not that he's gotten into the water yet.

No, he's under an umbrella, lounging in a chair and mostly scrolling through his phone. There's a little cooler nearby that he eventually grabs a juice box from, seemingly content to just watch other people do beach things.

Hey, he's here isn't he? That has to count for something. It's actually kind of relaxing, and he might even start to snooze after awhile. He had worked the night shift last night, and it's not like you can tell when he has sunglasses on. ]

Wet T-Shirt Contest

[ With the other activities on offer being a little too ... athletic for a guy who probably never got high marks in gym class, when Junpei hears about the wet t-shirt contest he's intrigued. He's unfamiliar with the concept, and it sounds so easy? After several people in his life have probably told him to get out from under his umbrella and have some fun, he decides to give it a try.

It does not go well.

Afterwards he's walking briskly away from the scene, absolutely pink from embarrassment and trying to cover where the now translucent shirt is clinging to his torso. He needs to get back to where he left his other shirt and at this point he's seriously considering just leaving the party altogether - in short he looks a mess. ]

Bonfire

[ The day ended up being way more eventful than he'd planned for, and yet not as disastrous as he'd predicted. The Night Parade's events were still fresh in his mind, and he honestly was waiting for something catastrophic to happen even when he allowed himself to actually relax for awhile.

But the night is almost over, and he feels the kind of tired you feel when you've spent a day in the sun. The fire is nice, though, and while he knows better than to drink anything 'free' at this point, he can still enjoy the general atmosphere. Keeping his eyes on the crackling flames he finds himself thinking back on his life these past couple of months. The good. The bad. It's mostly good, he supposes, if he weighs them both. He's still in hell, but he has more people whom he cares about and that care about him than he had back home. He has a job he actually enjoys. The future is uncertain, but the now is more stable than he's had in a very long time.

Maybe he's even too tired to be as naturally avoidant of socialization as he tends to be, because when someone sits beside him he doesn't tense up or quickly move. Instead, he speaks to them, although he also could just be talking to himself. ]

I ... think I maybe had fun.

In The Cursed Night

[ Unfortunately, Junpei was not one of the lucky ones to make it to shelter.

He's frozen out in the open, sitting on the ground with his arms wrapped around his knees and his eyes wide in terror. Blood has soaked him. It's running in thick rivulets down his cheeks, down his shirt, forming pools beneath him as he just shivers in place.

Suddenly he'll fall back violently, as if kicked, a loud cry of pain coming from his throat. In seconds he's thrashing about, feverishly begging someone to stop. His body convulses seemingly at random.

Only to him, it's not random.

He's back in school. They have found him, and they're using him for their twisted entertainment once again. Whatever imaginary transgression he's done this time, they're punishing him for it. He's trapped. There's no point in crying out for help. Nobody is going to come. Nobody ever comes. He just has to endure it until they're bored.

Soon he's drenched in blood from tossing and turning on the ground. ]

(( If you'd like some other prompt, feel free to PM me or message me through the Discord server! ))

Bonfire

[localweirdo]

[Meanwhile, Hu Tao was having a blast. It's been a while since she got a chance to enjoy herself without the fear of running her business. Despite her being worried about how her funeral parlor is like without her, she knew it would be in good hands with a certain person around.

With a happy sigh, she decided to sit down and watch the bonfire as she thought about her time here in hell. It was strange, she knew she shouldn't be enjoying herself here. And yet? She couldn't deny there was a sense of worry as she knew something could happen here at any minute. Was there going to be a war? What about all the bloodshed and violence?

She wasn't sure but she knew she couldn't think about it for long. Instead, she looked at the nearest person talking. With a smirk, she leaned in closer toward him.]

But that's a good thing right? You don't seem so sure about yourself.

Tama Mizumori | Hashihime of the Old Book Town | Sutoku

[fuckdogramagra]

[ For the purpose of all the following threads, assume that he's wearing his period appropriate orange and blue swimsuit, but he at least put a happi coat over it and brought a dumb oversized sunhat. Yes, and his glasses too, even if they're obviously fake and just annoying to have at the beach. This is an ensemble that will go down in history, not the least because the blood rain is absolutely going to ruin it. ]

BEACH GAMES: (open to anything!)

Tama has never quite been to the beach before. He's been to too many rivers, multiple harbors, even the massive lakefront that was Inawashiro-ko, and he's seen the ocean...but that stuff was always for other kids. Kids less predisposed to "fevers" or "fits", who might drown at the drop of a hat. And kids who didn't have terribly, awful, absolutely-the-worst luck when came to anything involving water. It's why he brought an absolutely massive stack of the cheapest kite kits he could buy, with streamers, watercolor paints and brushes if you want to get decorative, as well as...something stupider as a kite accoutrement. He might be the one "hosting" this impromptu day of kite-fighting, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to give everyone the same dangerous, stupid, but fair shot at taping breakoff blades to their kites in an attempt to destroy the competition. He's very magnanimous like that.

Of course, the news about water breathing candy is absolutely too good to pass up, so even if he'd planned to just stick to the sand, the whole, wide world of the water is now available to him! A shame he still doesn't know how to swim, but he's not going to let that stop him from seeing what's at the bottom of the "ocean", even if it takes him some tries and maybe a little assistance. Please, don't let him be the first person to drown after eating waterbreathing candy...

It's only after that diversion that Tama decides, to heck with it, why not try more things? He's not going near the 'wet t-shirt' contest because he's mortified just accidentally glancing that way once, but there's plenty of other new things to try! That's really the only reason he ends up playing volleyball at all, but it...doesn't go as well as his swimming adventure. Neither does suikawari, because his arms are as toothpicks, but by that point he's got drinks under his belt from the volleyball vouchers being cashed in, and is having more fun than embarrassment, for once. It's a refreshing change of pace in his life!! It probably won't be until just before the bonfire that he finally sobers up again, but by then he'll probably be looking to spend time with a certain 'best friend'...

WILDCARD: (my plotting post is here, if you have any specific ideas! anything pertaining to the blood rain is probably better saved for custom comments, so that's the best place to tap me about those!)

Bonfire -> And then... | Closed Combo to Minakami, because they cannot have a nice date

[fuckdogramagra]

A lot had happened. Battling kites, digging around in the sand...trying his hand at swimming, and even riding a jet ski...nearly dying ordering a drink, and almost having to flee from that weird Tamamo contest...it had all been really fun! But unfortunately, Tama was still...Tama, at the end of the day. His health and stamina had improved greatly as of late- really, ever since his first step through a puddle, ironically -but that didn't mean there wasn't still a limit on what he could handle. It wasn't exactly charming or befitting his image to be open and chatty about his physical frailty, and being fair it hadn't come up often since arriving in this weird hell, but with all the physical activity, and all the pushing of his boundaries and wimpy muscles, combined with eating enough skewers to soak away his tipsiness...he was bushed. And he'd only intended to lay down for a little bit to subtly regain his energy a bit before meeting up with Minakami for the bonfire.

Tama fell asleep. Of course he did. And he was no cute, curled up little bundle in slumber- as ever, his limbs ended up askew, his poor blanket scrunched up underneath him. There was sand crusting the side of his face and his hair from drooling, and he had to spit out a great deal of the- hopefully not toxic artificial sand, bleugh ugh he wasn't Kawase but that was still a gross thought!! -and try to get himself situated so he could rush to find Minakami. He was late, but- but probably not that late?? If he was then Minakami would have come to find him surely, but that nap had left him tossing and turning enough that it certainly hadn't been relaxing to his sore muscles, and his leg was still half asleep, and...

He'd tried to tidy up, he really had, and Tama hadn't forgotten any of his things in his rush over...but the tie to his happi was askew and there was still sand clinging to his hair, and despite his best efforts he looked worn out still. Smiling and trying his very best to not be tired, but. Fifteen years (and some millions' worth of change) made that even more transparent than ever. "Y-you weren't waiting, were you?"

Tenshi Hinanawari | Touhou Project (Wide Open)

[swordofhisou]

0) Girl, You're Dressed to Impress (Swimsuit Troubles)
Visit one of the Tamamo-sponsored shops, the boss had said. Best swimsuits in town she said. Well, she wasn't actually lying. The outfits here were actually really good, but all that was left in the meager offerings of someone who'd only been in town for a month was the mis-matched bargain bin of what was left over from last year. Weren't swim suits supposed to be matched in colors?

She sighed dramatically and turned to whoever it was she was shopping with, holding up a mismatched number with a peach-colored halter bikini and something floral print that was clearly meant for last year. There was supposed to be a bikini bottom to this set properly, but the halter was missing the other half, hence its place. She frowned at it and held it up.

"I don't know. What do you think? I mean, peach isn't TOO on point for me is it?" It absolutely was, considering that the hat she currently wore had one in it, but since when had she ever skipped leaning in?

1) When Dreaming Takes you Nowhere It's Time to Play (Shuten/Volleyball Prompt)
Tenshi'd made her proclamation pretty openly, so it probably surprised nobody who paid attention to her little rant that she showed up at the Shuten side of the festivities relatively early on to grab one of the drinks from the Shuten's supply. She pounded that shochu back like a champ the first time, but it wasn't like she needed any real goad to get involved in the volleyball matches or to get really competitive about it. She did, at least, do one practice match so that she didn't completely flub the rules when she entered the real deal.

That was a half hour ago, and now she was facing off against someone in a two on two match, grinning fiercely before she pointed at them. "Don't go assuming you've got this in the bag. I'm tougher than I look!" she said, holding the volleyball up, ready to serve. For some reason, she was grinning like an imp, as if there was something she knew that the other person didn't. Oh shit. She'd had a peach today. She might have been just a little stronger than she looked. When that serve came flying, there was a hell of a lot more force to it than a girl her height should ever have been able to produce. "Service!"

2) When in Rome, Do as the Romans (Tamamo/Wet-T Shirt Contest)
She'd been told to do this, and someone currently had the leash on the power of her immortality and physique, so Tenshi wasn't about to skip on the party. It was a little... ok, this was crass by her standards. It was seriously crass by her standards, and she got a little bit of a fierce blush before going to the tiki bar and downing a pink-looking drink while still in the white shirt she was about to get soaked in.

"You need some liquid courage too?" she said, already motioning for another as she looked at her fellow contestant or observer. Because she wasn't entirely game for this, but she'd play along. She just needed a few drinks in her to get in the spirit of things, at which point her innate eagerness would take over. Girl was nothing, if not a ball of energy.

3) On a Crazy Spree, I'm Going Mad (And Then/The Cursed Night)
The day had been fun. Ok, it was maybe a bit much at points, but honestly she'd enjoyed herself. However, when she stood there, looking out into the rain of blood from the awning, listening to the screams in the distance and watching the Haniwa spirits glaring from all sides, she was actually grinning even more. "Yep. Called it," she said, flashing her teeth as she collected the last of her things, including a sword. It wasn't magical or anything, but she'd gotten it with Nie Huisang's help, and it had seemed like a good idea to have it just in case. So, now, ready to exit she was armed and ... looking happy.

She heard the orders. Oh, she heard the orders, and she'd follow them. Eventually. But no, that look was not of someone who was caught up in fear. She was positively gleeful. "Who wants an escort?" she said just a bit too loudly, giggling as she did. Or, if she managed to see an Enma, she winked at them. "Or if you escort me to Mizukume, I won't complain if you take the long way and we rescue a few people on the way. No way am I missing out on this!"

Oh fuck, she was actually looking forward to this wasn't she?

(OOC: Note - She'll get frustrated before things reach blood frenzy level and ultimately head into base, but not before some harrowing moments.)

4) Wildcard
(OOC: Open for anything really. Damage is fine in a serious fight in the Darkness prompt, but let's avoid death/permanent harm. Wet T-Shirt stuff is PG unless otherwise requested.)

2

[bananaoni]

"Liquid courage, for this?"

Was this girl for real? Asking an oni such a thing? Ibaraki narrowed her eyes at the silly celestial, she'll let it slide. For now, since she's in a good mood and all that. The oni goes ahead and approaches all the same. A drink still sounds good right about now. "Of course not! Why would I need such a thing? Besides, can you actually hold your own drink?"

Gotta ask the question here as Tenshi downs... whatever she's drinking. It looks really sweet....

Hoshiguma | Arknights | Shuten

[sawofstrength]

[Hoshiguma's beach swimwear will resemble this number.]

[Patrolling The Waters]

[This isn't her world and she knows that for a fact. But given what she knows of the oceans back in Terra, she can't help but be a little cautious. Eventually, she eases up and stops worrying about it, but until she gets to that point, you might spot her frowning and looking on at the waters in front of her. Maybe someone should tell her to relax, or at least get out of the way.]


[Shoulder Chicken & Drinking Games]

[Once she again she finds herself a little... embarrassed at the sight of any rowdy Oni. It's like remembering a phase she grew out of, and would very much like to stay forgotten! But in any case, she's up for some games. Her size and strength makes her a solid pick for the bottom half in shoulder chicken, and she's all for it.

And as for challenging her to a drinking contest...]

Ah, sure. I don't mind. Just let me know if you need me to carry you anywhere once we're done.

[The way she says that... It doesn't really sound like arrogance, but more like an eventuality.]


[Wildcard]

[Feel like chatting her up, sniping her with your water gun (please stop), or catching her after an appearance at the wet t-shirt contest? Let's do it!]

drinking contest

[disagree]

[ this enma officer can only narrow her eyes at the other woman as she takes her seat. ]

No need. I can hold my liquor just fine.

[ she comes from a nation famous for their wine, after all. it'd be shameful if she passes out soon.

in any case, the drinking contest commences! the table is practically covered in shotglasses of alcohol, and eula doesn't hesitate in taking at least five of them for her own. ]

Okada Izō | Fate/Grand Order | Shuten

[heretic_blade]

[ 1. Shuten Clan ]

[ Volleyball is a good start to any day, right? Well, that and drinking enough to kill a lesser man. Izō is cocky as ever in his tiger-print speedo and orange and black Hawaiian shirt (like this one). ]

C’mon, let’s play already. Unless yer scared I’m gonna kick yer ass.

[ You will also get a similar challenge for a drinking contest or a wrestling match. Pick your poison, Izō’s happy to take on anyone for any reason. ]

[ 2. Bonfire ]

[ By the end of the night, Izō is absolutely smashed. The good news is he isn’t a sad drunk today! The festivities have left him in too good of a mood to be mopey like he usually gets. No, today he’s a sleepy drunk. He’s passed out on a towel with his arm over his face, wings spread out. In short, he’s a tripping hazard if you’re walking near where he’s asleep.

When the inevitable happens, he grumbles. ]

Oi, watch where yer fuckin’ walkin’.

[ He doesn’t move. ]

[ 3. Wildcard ]

[ These prompts not doing it for you? Got an idea? Drop me a starter or PM me here or on discord glitzkrieg#0673 and we can work something out! ]

Lalli

[heretic_blade]

[ Izō already has his bathing suit: the standard tiger-print speedo Toraguma provided. That doesn’t mean he isn’t willing to go shopping with a friend for one, of course. It has been a few days since the announcement, so the pickings are slim and only getting slimmer.

He holds up a unique (nsfw) specimen. ]

Uh...Guessin’ this ain’t really yer style, is it?

jack the ripper (berserker) | fate/strange fake | tamamo

[hellborne]

1. beach games

[ male swimsuit fashion is not something that lends for a lot of creativity. and, considering the bruises and cuts that jack's still sporting from their encounters with the shutens during the riots, the idea of going shirtless is even farther outside of their comfort zone than usual.

what is in their comfort zone, whether it's by influence of the body that they're in, or having been in this faction for long enough, are the games. donning more than a couple water balloons, they'll be hiding behind some of the palm trees in order to throw water balloons at unsuspecting people.

perhaps it lands, perhaps it lands next to you. either way, don't you want to find the culprit? ]

2. wet t-shirt contest-- the aftermath

[ really, who the hell thought that a british anti-hero with the body of a 19 year old mage would have to participate in a wet t-shirt contest? certainly not the british anti-hero themselves.

maybe you saw them put some sort of a "performance" up for the crowd, shoddy as it may be, but once that's done they'll try to find some sort of place to hide. behind a tree. behind the tiki bar. wherever. ]

How do people get entertainment out of that...I've no idea.

3. and then . . .

[ but, of course, all good things must come to an end. it is hell, after all, or some makeshift version of it. the point is that when jack sees the rain of blood start to fall, the first thought that comes to mind is... isn't this a little too on the nose? even knowing what their lost noble phantasm was capable of, this was just a little too much, even for them.

the second thought, however, was that they needed to help get people to safety. the blood falling on his skin is disgusting and uncomfortable, but they're able to push through it and the amounting dread for the most part.

towards anyone that's alone, jack will extend a hand out towards them, fully aware of how fucking weird they must look, having blood raining on them while they're wearing swim trunks, a still wet t-shirt and tennis shoes. ]

Come with me. It's best to go in pairs.

4. cursed night (cw: disturbing imagery surrounding children and decapitation)

[ as a nightmare and a pinnacle of madness, jack thinks that he knows just what madness and insanity are supposed to be like.

maybe it was a stupid idea, to go looking for anyone that might be trapped. maybe, the better idea was to leave them to their own devices, to be swallowed up by the horrors that were haunting the city. but such a thing...seemed almost inexcusable to jack. that is why they set out, and that's why they're in the predicament that they are in now.

what jack sees in front of him, are a multitude of children. children that were left behind. children that are starving. children that approach them, all mumbling the same thing like a mantra.

mother. mother. why did you abandon us? why did you leave us behind? ]

Ahaha....

[ if they turn around towards their right, the sight of a boy that looks far too much like jack stands still. or at least, they would look like jack if part of its head was not destroyed. it talks, but jack can't hear any sound that comes from those lips--perhaps it's better that way.

and if they turn around towards their left, the sight of a man turned half-demon stares them down. the cloak over his head covers his eyes, but jack can feel them staring through their very own soul. seen with this, all jack can do is take a futile step back, more nervous laughter bubbling from their throat. ]

What a joy. To think that they'd make a personalized hell for me.

3

[sweetsong]

[ he's... scared. yeah. that's pretty much it. terrified. it's raining blood! everyone is freaking out! worst of all, it looks like some of the youkai have already been affected by those darn (and originally cute) little statues. he's quick to get away one or two that have fallen into some kind of delusion, seeing some kind of nightmare that robin wants to avoid being a part of. ]

Jack?

[ honestly? if there was anyone he trusted to help him... it's them. ]

W-what did Lady Tenko-hime say? I couldn't... I was distracted...

[ he probably looks pitiful just wearing his stained swimsuit, the blood doing the same to his pink hair. ]

Ethan | Arknights | Sutoku Alliance

[camyoflage]

[Alright now this is something that young and dumb 20-somethings should be doing with their lives. Ethan's gotten around the skimpy and scanty swimsuits by using the galaxy brain revelation that any clothes are swim clothes if you don't mind getting them wet. The cargo pants and tank top aren't very beachy but, you know, he thinks the aloha shirt really pulls it all together.]

[He also makes a great showing at volleyball with Ydris' help. Thanks, Tengu Referees. For once he feels like things are rigged in their favors.]

A. Snack Booths

[Among all the booths, food stalls, and various vendors, Ethan's doing a little part-time work to try and move product and snack a bit himself!]

Shaaaaaa~ved ice! [he's calling for the passerby.]

Sure, it's not a real beach, but it's real hot! Cool off with some shaved ice! C'mon, what's your favorite?

[and with each flavor he calls, his skin shifts from its mottled gray to the appropriate matching color]

Strawberry? [red] How about grape? [purple] Oh, or lemon-lime! [a tie-dye of yellow and green that seems to waver a bit on his skin before morphing back to gray]

[he coughs a bit, trying to not get any on the cones he's hauling around to snack on and give as samples. Recovery time!]

Phew, maybe not doing lemon-lime again! The taste's good, though!

B. From the Depths...!

[Someone's found those little Sutoku-developed candies that let you breath underwater... and, well, what's the best use for them?]

[Having a laugh startling people swimming, duh!]

[He can't turn fully invisible so he settles for the basic rules of water camo- make your top dark and your bottom light. In an indoor beach, the shadows are a bit more conspicuous but there's gotta be someone who's just laughing and having a good time and then,]

[SPLASH!]

[Hope you weren't getting in the water hoping to keep your hair dry, that ship's sailed now.]

C. Sunbathing

[Contrary to their appearance, Savra aren't actually cold-blooded! They're endothermic just like most humanoid species of Terra.]

[So, if you see one like Ethan sunbathing, it's purely because they feel like it.]

[So, you can either mind your own business or... well, there's a few questionable things! If you've never seen Ethan before, maybe the huge, scaled tail is enough reason to come bother him. Otherwise, as he shifts, maybe you catch a glimpse of pitch-black crystals that are hiding under the hem of his tanks top. Other-Otherwise maybe you can overhear what he's putting through his headphones since he's just letting them rest around his neck instead of putting them on.]

Wildcard
[ooc: Want to do something else? Have a question? Here's my plotting comment so we can hash it out! ]

A

[sweetsong]

[ you think robin's going to ignore the cry of shaved ice, especially when it's a familiar voice calling out to prospective takers? as robin approaches, wearing this little outfit, he's already grinning wide--- ear to ear--- raising a hand in greeting before even speaking. ]

Ethan!

[ don't mind him just... sort of brushing past people to come right up. ]

Can... are there other flavors? Like bubblegum?

[ anything pink, really. strawberry probably works too but like! pink!! his pink!!! ]

ANDROMACHE OF SCYTHIA | THE OLD GUARD | ENMA

[killtime]

► Andy @ the Event Plotting Post
► Permissions Post


A | BEACH GAMES & ENMA LIFEGUARD DUTY ► OTA

[ She probably should have bothered herself to buy a swimsuit. If she had, she wouldn't be stuck in her current "uniform" — a tank top emblazoned with the words SUNS OUT, GUNS OUT and pair of swim trunks, which needed to be rolled down at the waistband about a dozen times to fit her hips. It's not exactly inspiring a sense of authority. Or confidence that a woman looking like this could guard anybody's life. But at least she's in the half of her faction that can actually swim. It seems like an alarming number of the Department's officers who are on duty today objectively can't. Probably best for anyone who's been drinking too much to avoid the deep water — but reluctant as she is to be serving lifeguard duty, Andy won't let anyone in her line of sight drown.

Besides any beach-goers needing CPR, Andy can be witnessed participating in one other duty for the Enma. Suikawari. Better not to stand too close while she's blindfolded. When she swings, she swings hard — obliterating the watermelon and sending chunks of fruit and rind flying indiscriminately in all directions.

Otherwise, an appeal to her competitive spirit and a beer or two could probably convince the old mercenary to engage in a wrestling match or chicken fight. Maybe even a water gun face-off, if someone else is brave enough to shoot a woman with such potent resting bitch face first. ]

B | BONFIRE ► OTA

[ Times like this, she could almost forget they're supposed to be in hell. It's peaceful. Beautiful even. Andy almost isn't sure what to do with herself when it's like this. Fighting she can handle just fine — relaxing is another thing entirely. Especially with a crowd. Being part of that crowd, instead of just an observer on the periphery. The separation is more comfortable. Habitual too, after all the long centuries.

But she's not immune to the warm glow of the bonfire — or the promise of something strong to drink. A little booze can fix most things when you're an alcoholic. So, she settles on a compromise, sitting in the sand just close enough that she can feel the heat of the blaze on her toes, but far enough away to be a spectator as she nurses a beer and a cigarette. ]

C | AND THEN... & IN THE CURSED NIGHT ► OTA

[ So much for a nice fucking day at the beach. Turns out they're all still in hell after all — and hell continues to be relentless with its bullshit. She probably looks ridiculous, with that stupid tank top on, now half-soaked in blood, mismatched with a umbrella she managed to find and a standard Department-issue blade sheathed at her waist. Days like this make her miss her mother's old axe, its familiar haft and reassuring weight. The katana she carries now is unremarkable, missing that special something despite its sharp edge — not the weapon she'd prefer for a crisis, but better than nothing.

Captain Shiki assigns partners when she reports for duty with the rest of the Enma's officers — but Andy isn't particularly invested in whether hers chooses to follow her or not. She will go into the city. She will rescue whomever she comes across. But she's got her own agenda too — her own people. People that she needs to make sure are still in one piece. Too bad it's never that easy.

In the darkness, the faint glow from the tip of her cigarette is the only thing that gives her away as she fights in the street against something massive. Tentacles wrapping around the side of a building, spreading outward from a squid-like body. A fucking kraken. She's not sure if it came from her own mind — a monster spawned from her nightmares of the ocean, its unknown depths sweeping the woman she loved away — but she doesn't have time to dwell on it either. If only she were still immortal, still in her regenerating flesh. But she's not. And she's alone with nothing but an umbrella in one hand and a sword in the other.

Her cigarette bobs at the corner of her mouth when she mutters to no one in particular: ]

Well, fuck me.

D | WILDCARD ► PM, whaler#7695, or plotting post for custom starters!

[CLOSED] ANDY & MATOBA

[killtime]

[ She's not entirely sure how she got roped into this. Someone shot her with a faceful of water, and before she knew it, she was double-wielding water pistols and taking cover behind beach umbrellas. At her age, she should probably be entirely too old for games like this — but what can she say? She's a sore fucking loser. And honestly? It might just be an excuse to avoid lifeguard duty. Irresponsible of her, considering she's one of the only Enma officers who can swim.

Her only redeeming quality in this instance might be her aim. She glances out from behind one of those oversized umbrellas, squinting through her sunglasses for any signs of Supersoaker-wielding threats. ]

Minato "Minakami" Suizenji | Hashihime of the Old Book Town | Shuten

[watermemory]

[[Appearance-wise: After a timely reminder to get ahead of the rush (ty Cloud), Minato just barely managed to get some nondescript green swimming trunks, as well as a yellow patterned fish shirt. He still visibly has fading bruises and semi-healed scratches and marks from the mini-event, but besides avoiding the ocean so the salt doesn't sting the cuts, they don't seem to affect him too badly.]]

2. BEACH GAMES/3. BONFIRE

[Honestly for most of the beach event he's going to be taking it easy, his efforts at volleyball nonwithstanding. At one point he might be pressured into joining a drinking contest as a seemingly-easy target, but he just... doesn't get drunk? What the fuck? Minato won't be able to outdo actual oni, but versus most people it's like... a staring contest with someone who doesn't blink. and not just because he has a perpetual -_- face.]

[Otherwise, he's kneeled over a blank kite with a 100-yen-store watercolour kit, attempting to copy a traditional design off of his phone, but the glare of the artificial sun makes the screen hard to see and he's no artist to begin with. Off to the side, some terrible mistakes are being made with people trying to fly duelling kites taped with razor blades and it'll all end in tears, but here and now is a tiny bubble of peace. And bad art.]

[Besides this, he's spending most of the day flopped on the sand, relaxing and watching the games or (later on) the bonfire. Even in the peace and quiet, one might be able to tell he's on tenterhooks, every so often glancing around at the faction leaders present at the event, waiting for something. In the nearby bundle containing his clothes and other beach gear, the telltale hilt of a sword is visible. Someone came here expecting this to end like the funeral farce.]


4. AND THEN.../5. IN THE CURSED NIGHT
(the urge to simply post this for the whole prompt is nigh overwhelming please understand)

[THIS WASN'T THE SHOE DROPPING HE EXPECTED BUT IT'S THE SHOE HE'S GETTING.]

[It's sickening how familiar it's becoming, even if the severity of the cursed miasma is so, so much worse than it's been before. For most of the night, after all hell breaks loose, he's running alongside a handful of others, chasing rumours of what caused the disaster, and attempting (and failing) to directly approach Kaigou no Bou. Given the chaos of the night, though, it's easy enough for him to get temporarily split up.]

[Besides this, in Shuten zones, he's helping to fight off the nightmare manifestations (with much more finesse than he's shown before, borne of desperation) or calming down civilians/other lost souls and guiding them home. He's had a lifetime experience talking people out of delusions, god knows, but... never on this scale. Even with his endless patience, he's exhausted -- and as the night wears on, his own almost-exposure to Kaigou no Bou is taking its toll.]

[Incidentally, if you think he rushed out of the building into action without changing out of his beachwear and $5 flipflops, you are absolutely correct.]


WILDCARD

[If you've got an idea or we've talked in the plotting post (Mina's own thread), hit me.]

CLOSED STARTERS

[watermemory]

(reserved comment for preplanned stuff wrt team scooby doo, as and when that happens??)

Sheliak Saarela | OC | Shuten | OTA

[sleepinglyra]

A. Beach Games

[Only a fool left their appearance to chance and Sheliak had put together the perfect beach outfit well in advance. Toraguma told him to look his best and Sheliak showed up wearing a silk kimono jacket and white swim trunks. He also wove a small braid into his hair on one side for a flair of elegance. The indoor beach was incredible. Sheliak came from a world where the oceans were replaced by shifting sands. Water was a precious resource. They could use magic to create small lakes but nothing this extravagant. Seeing so much water, even if it was unnatural left him speechless and he started out at the artificial ocean in wonder.]


B. Shuten

1.)
[Sheliak had perfected the art of drinking just enough to be polite, without indulging too much, lest he embarrasses himself while intoxicated. He had to readjust for the Shuten’s clan’s voracious thirst but after a few parties, he had found the right balance. Or so he thought. There was something different about this sake and even though he knew he should slow down, something compelled him to continue. He felt his careful walls threaten to crack as he drank another cup and he stubbornly clung to his noble etiquette. He turned to the person next to him and raised his cup with a small smirk.]

Care to make things more interesting with a drinking competition?

2.)
[The Shuten’s special drinks had melted away the icy cage around Sheliak’s imperfect side he hid away. He didn’t care about being polite anymore. He just wanted to enjoy this freedom without any tedious rules holding him back. Oh, and to win of course. The thrilling fire of competition coursed through him and he could be seen anywhere there was competition; volleyball, shoulder chicken, sand castles? Why the hell not. He could turn that into a challenge. He met each challenge with an arrogant smirk that was a lot louder than the usual subtle emotion he showed.]

I hope you won’t disappoint me.

3.)
[Sheliak observed the activity called surfing with great interest. He wasn’t sure what it was, but it clearly involved water so naturally, he was interested. His frustration at his sealed magic twisted his stomach and the added competitive nature made it worse. He strode over to someone who looked experienced and confidently demanded,]

Teach me how to surf.

[His pride as a water mage demands it.]


C. Sleep at last?

[Even his wilder side found too much socialization exhausting. He wished he had his magic so he could rest underwater. Turns out the Daitengu granted his wish. Sheliak bought a huge handful of water breathing candies and he quickly dove underwater to try them out. Breathing underwater felt different than simply becoming one with it, like when he used his magic. There was an annoying distance between him and the comforting feel of the water and he let out a frustrated huff. Oh well, it was close enough and Sheliak slid down to the bottom and closed his eyes with a sigh. He missed this but as soon as he felt himself drift towards sleep, his throat started to feel tight, and he was forced to return to the surface.

Alright, what about two candies? Three? Four? Five?! Sheliak kept returning to the water, each time he stayed under longer, pushing the candies limits as much as he can before he was forced to retreat to the surface. Still, he refused to give in but he was going through his stash of candies rather quickly. He swam to the surface after yet another failure and collasped on the beach with a loud huff. The nostalgic feel of sand through his fingers helped him deal with his frustration but he still scowled up at the artificial sky with an angry mutter.]

This is ridiculous.

[He will get his underwater nap!]


D. And Then…

[By the time the party came to an end Sheliak was back to his usual stoic self and he was filled with regret, not to mention an awful headache. He just wanted to get out of here and sleep away his shame but apparently, fate had other plans for him. Sheliak ran a hand through his hair with a tired sigh when the sky suddenly grew darker.]

What now?

[At least it was raining. Sheliak’s relief vanished when the soothing comfort of rain was replaced with a thick metallic scent. Blood? What in the Goddess’s name was this? Each drop of blood felt heavier on his skin as his mind cruelly connected the rain of blood to the countless lives that were lost because of him. He barely heard his orders over the rain of guilt and he clung to them like a lifeline. Stick together and find shelter. He could do that and he turned to the person next to him in a bit of a daze.]

Let’s go.

[That’s when he heard it. A familiar singing voice that tugged at his heart floated on a familiar, magical breeze that shouldn’t be here. Sheliak instantly forgot the person he paired up with and he raced off into the darkness as he followed the wind’s trail. He can’t be here. Not in hell, and yet the wind that embraced him mirrored the same magic inside him, except it had a different soul woven into the magic. A precious one he never thought he would see again and Sheliak desperately held the wind closer to him.

The wind suddenly picked up and Sheliak let out a startled gasp of pain as the wind he was holding sliced through his arm and retreated into the shadows where a young man wearing a hooded cloak made of shadows emerged. Even through the shadows, Sheliak recognized the special braid in his short blonde hair, like the one Sheliak had in his.
Sheliak ignored the pain in his arm as he stared at the young man. He hesitated before speaking, afraid that the man would disappear the moment he said anything.]

…Arrakis?

[Sheliak froze, his eyes wide with shock when the man responded by sending another sharp gust of wind that cut Sheliak’s cheek as it sliced off the braid in Sheliak’s hair. His heart sank when the shadows obscuring Arrakis’s face faded away, revealing his narrowed glazed-over blue eyes and deathly pale skin. The blood rain didn’t touch him, making the one place blood stained his clothes more jarring, the familiar gunshot-shaped hole just above his heart that had killed him. The winds around the deathly Arrakis angrily swirled into a tempest around him as he wordlessly glared at Sheliak and prepared to attack him again.]


E. In the Cursed Night (cw: possible mention of genocide, survivor's guilt, violence)

[Sheliak grew more restless the longer he stayed at the Arena. He couldn’t just sit here. He had to find a way to stop these terrible nightmares. When he had a chance, he snuck back out into the blood-soaked darkness, heading in the direction he thought the Kaigo no Bou was. He kept an ear out for anyone that was still lost in this hellish darkness.

Lost was the opportune word. It didn’t take long for Sheliak to lose all sense of direction. He thought he heard some indecipherable whispers at the edge of his mind and he loudly called out into the darkness, trying to banish the feeling of dread that coiled around him.]

Is anyone there?


Wildcard

[Feel free to make your own prompt or you can plot with me at Nicholaj, Discord@Nicholaj#7374, or pm, whichever is easiest for you.]

A. Beach Games;

[littleshield]

[ Felix himself often didn't go to the beach considering where Faerghus so happens to be located. It doesn't lend itself to warm coasts that can be found in the Adrestrian Empire of Leicester Alliance.

Though, all the same he isn't exactly going to look or appear impressed. If he is, he's not showing it. In fact, his expression gazes upon the area with his usual disdain. ]

You look pleasantly surprised. Is any of this really so noteworthy?

yuri leclerc | fire emblem: three houses | sutoku

[playfoul]

I. no fun in the sun

[ For an artificial beach, the sun sure feels real and scorching. Yuri can't say he's fond of the blinding light nor the heat; living underground does things to your tolerance for the sun. He keeps to the shade for the greater part of the festivities and can be found sitting at the tiki bar chatting with youkai, or lounging under a parasol, sunglasses shielding his eyes and a cocktail in hand. ]

II. beach games

[ With the sun setting, Yuri's finally ventured out from the shade and sits by the bonfire, shuffling a deck of cards with practiced hands. He's rounded up a group of kappa to play games with, and you might catch them wrapping up a round of old maid or poker, or deliberating over a colorful hand of hanafuda cards (its animal designs substituted with youkai). When they're down a player, or if he notices you watching, Yuri will extend you an invitation. ]

You don't look busy. Join us for a game.

III. a cursed solution

[ If the blood rain is what's sending the city into a frenzy, then it stands to reason that washing off the blood might cure the affected person, right? Thinking this, Yuri's grabbed a water gun from the beach party and taken aim at a rampaging Oni...only for the youkai to grow more agitated, now growling and coming for him while violently swinging a club. ]

Well, there goes that theory...

[ Alternatively, he could have rudely spritzed you down. ]

iv. warding off the curse (tamamo & sutoku territory)

[ Further into the month, after learning that onmyouji wards can repel the curse's effects, Yuri will be reaching out to the spiritual practitioners to obtain some charms. In repayment, he's helping to fortify areas around Tamamo as well as Sutoku, partnering up with whoever's willing to brave the rain with him to stick paper wards onto buildings. ]

We should be protected from the worst effects as long as we keep a ward on our person. You need a rain jacket?

[ He says as he hands over a stack of wards, along with a cheap plastic raincoat purchased from 7/11. Careful not to tear it - it's thin, but it does its job. ]

[ ooc: see my plotting post HERE for more details on prompt four, or hit me up for a custom starter! ]

iii

[sweetsong]

Y-Yuri!

[ a familiar face in his time of need; robin, drenched in the blood rain, trying his best to keep another enraged oni from tearing into him. he watched with rapt curiosity, hoping that whatever that yuri was attempting would be some kind of easy solution--- to the point where he didn't notice another angry hulk of a man swinging at him with a wicked looking bat with nails in it. ]

Help!

[ his little shortsword, barely a knife, is at the verge of snapping. ]

cloud strife / ff7 / sutoku alliance

[identitycrisiscore]

[ For all threads (except cursed night), assume Cloud is wearing a pure black, vintage '20s swimsuit, with a fully opened monochrome palm tree shirt overtop. The final piece of Cloud's ensemble comes in the form of a pair of reflective aviators that won't leave the top of his head, for any reason. ]

all star (beach games)

i.
[ If Cloud Strife works hard, then he certainly plays hard, too. That said, he isn't necessarily used to the beach - and it shows in some of the moments you catch the man at his most awkward - drinking in the spectacle of a full-fledged beach party. For all its wonders, Midgar has nothing on this, and you may in fact catch the man a bit slack-jawed at the prospect of the indoor beach facility. Clearly, what Cloud needs is a drink or a snack to prime himself to really cut loose. Who knows? You may yet pry a smile from the normally stoic swordsman. ]

ii.
[ Of course, if you're looking for Cloud on the beach, it's easiest to find him on Shuten's volleyball court. With no holds barred with powers, Cloud is going all out... well, except if his opponent seems to be on the weaker side. And then it's a friendly game. ]

[ But make no mistake, the acrobats you see from Cloud are no joke - whether he's your partner (if you're one of the Sutokus who have been wrapped into spoiling Shuten's fun), or you're against him - his reactions put most humans to shame, and when he gets into the groove, his vertical spike really puts the emphasis on the vertical, with lots of high jumps that you'd expect out of trained acrobats, let alone a military man. ]

[ You might him on the court in a match, you might catch him off the court - using a towel to wipe the sweat from his brow, win or lose. ]

Hey. Hell of a game. [ No matter if Cloud wins or loses, he's a pleasantly good sport about the affair - unless you spent the whole game trash-talking. ]

iii.

[ Of course, Cloud needs time to relax, too. ]

[ If you're trying to catch Cloud after playing volleyball, he can be found at one of the drink stalls. Which? Well, that depends much on who he runs into - ultimately, Cloud isn't that choosy about what he drinks (despite what he may tell you), but if for whatever reason you wanted or needed to hit up the blonde-haired swordsman early in the afternoon after he's kicked some volleyball butt (and gotten his butt kicked a few times), now's a perfect opportunity. Just watch which drink stall you're at. ]

twinkling lights (bonfire)

i.

[ After a day full of - dare he utter the word - fun, Cloud is worn out. It's the first day in a long time that he's felt so bone-deep exhausted since coming here - although getting to flex his recently-recovered strength may or may not be a part of that. ]

[ If you're finding yourself by the fire, you may find discover a young man who has let the warmth of the artificial sun and the flame (and maybe a drink or two) lull him into a defenseless, downright peaceful slumber. ]

[ You could disturb him, if you wanted - in fact, it's practically child's play to do so. But he does look peaceful. Which... admittedly, is a rarity for Cloud. ]

ii.

[ Of course, maybe someone woke him - or he has not yet been caught napping, yet. He's found his own little corner, staring off at the artificial sunset as it crests over the simulated waves. Letting the drink rest in his hand as he just stares out into the sunset. ]

[ It truly was nothing like Midgar, and even the seemingly sensible Cloud finds himself capitaved by the display. Capitaved enough he will probably not even hear you approach. You'll be able to get close enough to hear him just mutter the words to himself- ]

...It's beautiful.

it's terror time again (and then...)

i.

[ Of course it couldn't last. ]

[ Cloud barely has the presence of mind to throw on his shoes as everyone gets dressed. A part of him is gripped with fear - but a fear that spurs his fight or flight instinct more than anything. Stokes the flame in him. Armed with nothing but a parasol, tossed to him by a certain flower girl and acting as a makeshift weapon, Cloud -does- at least show that he's a fighter. ]

[ A SOLDIER wielding a makeshift weapon is still a threat. And with the shadows jumping out - and taking shape - Cloud finds plenty of reason to brandish it against the miasma's manifestations - no matter whose subconscious they spring from. ]

[ It's likely that either you're Sutoku-aligned, but even if you're not - either one of the other clans who got separated, or one of the Enma who needs to crash on a couch - Cloud is playing busybody once he's sure people don't necessarily need him cracking skulls. ]

Hey, how you holding up? [ It's a surprisingly empathetic response coming from the man who looks more like a brain-dead swordfighter built more for Shuten, but he does remember to check in on people. ...He may have energy drinks if you're tired. He has spares. ]

ii.

[ Cloud is playing hero. Quelle surprise. ]

[ With everyone else trying to get to shelter, Cloud finds reason to stay out - need to find others, need to check in on people he knows. The real reason Cloud wants to sneak out is obvious: He needs to see with his own eyes how hellish hell has really become. ]

[ And, being fair, if you stumble upon Cloud, you might find him... closer to Kaigo no Bou then really anyone should be - he's still not that far in - and the curse energy is, frankly, pretty serious. ]

[ Which is, of course, why Cloud is in no small amount of a scrap with the manifestations - his swimsuit luckily black, but his shirt is ruined, still wielding the blood-drenched parasol. The closer you get to Cloud, the more the block looks like the main thoroughfare of a mountain town with wooden houses aflame - a larger-scale manifestation of the horrors Cloud accidentally conjured in the alleyway some weeks back. ]

[ What is different is that Cloud is not just not paralyzed with fear, but fighting - well, some form of spectre. Even if he's giving as good as he's getting, he's clearly reached as far as he can go on his own. Every swing of the parasol manages to chase one off, but another one takes its place. ]

[ He could use the help. ]

i need a hero (the cursed night)

[ Cloud doesn't get much sleep that night. ]

[ Full of restless energy and a burning desire to get to the bottom of things, Cloud will be out all night - helping people who got lost, or are wandering on their own. He's got a small stash of Potions Energy Drinks under his belt, and has since changed back into his normal outfit - and traded the now-ruined parasol for a hefty iron pipe. ]

[ What this effectively means is that if someone is out living their nightmares, they might suddenly find their nightmare forcibly crashed by a mercenary wielding a pipe against the closest thing to a manifestation can be. Driving back the nightmare aggressively the only way he knows how - violence. ]

[ That said, once there's a moment, he'll turn to look at whoever he's crashed the party on.]

Hey. Hey! Can you hear me? Are you alright?

[ WILDCARD: If you want a custom starter or something not here, feel free to hit me up on my plotting post for the event, on my Plurk, or on the Discord (as I always respond to pings)! ]

reserved for closed starters

[identitycrisiscore]

murr hart | mahoutsukai no yakusoku

[murrvelous]

i.) swimsuit troubles

[ is it REALLY a trouble? murr is gauging the bathing suits that have been left over after the first wave of shoppers have gone through them, and he's not finding anything in particular that really works for him. some are just too big, some are incredibly too small, and frankly it doesn't matter how revealing they might be. either way, he's left thumbing through them with mild interest until he finds one that really gets his attention.

with a gasp of surprise and a starry-eyed smile on his face, he pulls it from the rack and holds it in front of himself. ]

Hey! What do ya think of this?

[ be honest. but also. it's got a kitty on it. ]

ii.) beach games

[ murr's been camping out at the sutoku side of things, though he's more than happy to go explore what the other factions have to offer--- especially in the tamamo area. so it shouldn't be any surprise that he's entertaining himself in various ways, given the kinds of fun toys that have been offered to all of the lost souls!

so if you're lucky to catch him with his own clan, he's been very enamored with the frisbees. why? because of how floppy they are, and how they wobble when he throws them particularly poorly but also how far they soar when he isn't being purposefully bad with them. when he spots someone who doesn't look like they're expecting to be smacked by a tossed frisbee, you know he's going to make sure that his aim is particularly good. at least they're relatively soft for being made of plastic, so it's not like he's trying to legit hurt someone... just surprise them!

and of course he's going to find a way to grab one of those water guns when he's with the tamamo, casually hanging around the tiki bar and looking for someone to shoot. sorry if he finds you to be a particularly easy target, especially if distracted by some kind of super tasty beverage, but he's going to just. you know. maybe accidentally water it down while also soaking you.

all smiles, of course. not doing this to be nefarious or mean-spirited. just... funsies. ]

iii.) bonfire

[ murr's eyes are toward the sky. with the setting sun, it only seems reasonable that the stars follow the decaying reds and oranges, the stage prepared for the gentle twinkling of the magical and astral feat above everyone at the fire. in his hands, a sparkling drink of some kind, of which the bubbles are beginning to slow their ascent to the surface with every passing second.

it seems... that he's waiting for something else to happen. because with the stars appearing, shouldn't there be an appearance by a larger and more interesting and intriguing thing? something very close to murr hart's heart?

he's not disappointed, but after some time, the wizard huffs and begins to walk away--- off to somewhere with less people. perhaps where the water meets the sand, so that he can... think.

yeah. he's thinking. big thoughts. ]

iv. wildcard

[ want something else? just pm me or leave a msg on my ooc plotting post! ]

i.) swimsuit troubles

[fuckdogramagra]

[ If he's honest with himself, Tama is here to see the chaos. His own swimsuit is already locked down, and he's quite happy he beat the crowds- but his casual 'stop by the shops to look for some cheap flip-flops or whatever they're called' had become a game of watching others pick horrible things off the rack as he slurps on a jumbo blue slurpee. This is his new 'me' time, and an absolute delight, regardless of the would-be customer's reaction being joy or sorrow.

That said, he sure didn't expect to be spoken to or asked for an opinion, so he sort of startles and drops the straw from his mouth, seeming to deeply consider the one piece with a squint that nearly makes his glasses almost come off as real. But in the end he stands up, arm crossed and shaking his head. He's certainly not going to guess about this 'modern hell' and its changes to what people do and don't wear- he's learned rapidly to just build off of what people have given him to work with, instead. ]

The pattern's not balanced enough. It won't look right when seen from the back. [ There was one he'd seen a yokai girl pull mournfully off the rack, only to stuff it back with despair- where the heck did it go- after a bit of shuffling around, Tama digs out a more eye-catching "companion" to the cat bathingsuit. ] This has a more all-over effect, and it's more colorful!

herlock sholmes | the great ace attorney | tamamo

[retroductions]

BEACH GAMES (WATER GUN)

[The flamingo-print swim trunks and large, tinted sunglasses might be the very epitome of anachronism, given the man who's wearing them, but Sholmes is nothing but adaptable. Perhaps fox-print swimwear might've been more suited, however; he slinks about not unlike one, soft-footed in the sand, brandishing a large plastic water gun in one hand.

It isn't hard to guess the brand of mischief he's after. No one is safe, especially those who've made themselves easy targets by trying to mind their own business, soaking up the sun, ever oblivious to the detective constantly seeking out a brand new victim.

Whether it's from a distance, or point-blank, eventually some poor soul gets a blast of water right into them when they aren't paying attention. Only then does he brighten, dropping all pretense of stealth for the sake of taking the credit. His grin is wide.]

You have just been killed— ["killed"] —by a great detective! Irony abounds!

[Laughs obnoxiously.]

BONFIRE

[His energy levels become less boisterous out as the day continues, but he is nonetheless in a fine mood as he sits next to the bonfire. Even against the blaze's glow, his skin has turned a subtle tint of red at his shoulders and along the slope of his nose.

Beside him sits his weapon of choice—his dutiful water gun—and a crumpled plain white t-shirt, still heavy with water from his participation in the wet t-shirt contest. An interesting experiment that produced none-too-surprising results, he must admit.]

I suppose we all have our strengths, as well as our deficiencies. The overall experience has been a novel one, though, wouldn't you say?

AND THEN...

[It is no longer a "novel experience".

Miasma begins to cloud everything at a distance. The haniwa, somehow, are everywhere at once, peering in with hollow gazes. Blood rain splatters at Sholmes' sunglasses, and he tears them off his face in a rare moment of confusion, while more stains his skin as the downpour starts.

People are yelling, scrambling to understand what's happening, and the order to evacuate and return to base is barely heard over the raucous. Sholmes frowns, eyes flicking this way and that, seeking shelter from this blasted rain first and foremost. It chafes his nerves, needles unease into him like glass shards sticking in his chest.

Time to move.]

You there! Come with me, and no dallying!

[He says, grasping hold of someone along the way who might be too affected by the rain to guide themselves.]

IN THE CURSED NIGHT

(( OOC; I would like to save this prompt for previously plotted-out threads, which will take the form of closed starters! My plotting comment is here if you want to do something nightmare or investigation-related with Sholmes. ))

beach games

[holeful]

[Fukuda could almost pass for normal with his sunglasses and sun visor covering up a fair amount of his face. But something about the way he carries himself; clearly awkward and unused to this sort of getup or event, makes him stick out just as much as he normally does, which is "not loudly, but persistently off out of the corner of your awareness.

That said, he's of course perfectly happy to see the great detective. But before he can muster up a greeting, Sholmes shoots him with the water gun. Fukuda freezes for a moment, the gears in his head turning, before he just. Crumples to the ground like his strings were cut?? Apparently he's dead now.]

itadori yuuji ☆ jjk (enma)

[ahost]

☀ beach games –

[ being forced to embrace his new responsibility as a lifeguard is not his ideal way of celebrating a very rare occasion, but do they really have any other choice here? at least, he is only expected to carry this job for two hours before another enma takes the shift. watching others enjoy a volleyball match and all kinds of fun on this stunning beach is torture, and he is bored out of his mind until he was persuaded to abuse the privilege given to their department— which is the free variety of food and beverages.

now, while he is suspicious about whether the drinks are spiked or not, given the history in this godawful city – but for some mysterious reason, he felt compelled to give it a try? they just looked far too appealing to resist. he promised himself he’ll be careful, nothing more than a little a taste, a sip ...

he’s currently on his third one.

regardless of earlier doubts, everything is fine? there are no side effects so far. he’s totally feeling great while relaxing in his chair, enjoying the warm sun with his classy shades, and equally fashionable swim trunks. ]

(ooc; this is an open prompt! he can be invited to a volleyball match, water-gun fight, or chill with him. a wild card for all beach-related activities!)



♨ bonfire (closed to hizen) –

[ it's close to sunset at this point and things started to calm down, taking in a more peaceful atmosphere. now that all the distractions are out of the way, yuuji started thinking of the people he hadn't seen yet, and hizen came to mind first. it’s understandable if that man chose not to show up; a loud and scandalous party is not his type of crowd, but it still felt odd that hizen is nowhere in sight, and maybe a bit disappointing too.

he found himself walking along the shore, and right ahead he can see people start setting up the bonfire, and further onward there seemed to be an open bar facing the ocean. with a hint of curiosity, yuuji decided to approach it, but before he could commit the crime of underage drinking— he found none other than hizen himself sitting in the corner.

with a smile, he settles on the seat next to him without any warning, tapping on the counter to get the attention of the bartender before calling out- ]

I’ll have what he’s having.


☾ and then –

[ the hallucination never left his mind since that day, often they are subdued behind his busy morning routines and two jobs, but they had a habit of coming back to haunt him when he’s alone with his thoughts; hindering his sleep. the beach party offered him a much-needed break from all those grim imageries, and yuuji needed to catch his breath and have fun for a change— but it was a relief short-lived.

he’s trying his very best not to look at the harrowing sky, or pay much attention to the fact he is completely drenched, the blood seeping down his face, the curve of his neck and shoulders, slowly making the fabric of his clothes cling to his skin. at least he managed to dress more appropriately before all hell broke loose; so he tugs the hood of his jacket over his head as he entered the city— keeping an eye out for anyone who was left behind and then guiding them to where they can seek refuge.

truth is, it felt like he was moving on autopilot from the moment the earthquake hit, as if his mind and body no longer coexisting in unity, with his conscious barely holding on to the reality. is it real or fiction? is he awake or dreaming? fuck, he didn't know. despite his stoic features, yuuji inwardly is struggling to cope. he'd stop at times, hold his hands together, squeeze until they stopped shaking before he'd carry on with the rescue operation.

he kept moving. he kept his mind busy, assisting anyone who might need him— and that somehow kept his sanity in check. it’s a distraction he desperately needs to function. after all, he could not afford to be left alone with his thoughts right now. ]

Beach Games

[localweirdo]

[Honestly, Hu Tao wasn't sure what she was doing but she wasn't one to complain. Not when she was having the time of her life right now! Between learning more about this world and having friends (for once)? She just wanted to make sure her time here was going to last.

That's why when she started shooting people with a water gun, all she could do was laugh.]

Water you doing? You need to pay attention! [She shouted before shooting said water straight at Yuuji]

GARA UKAI. | HANDEAD ANTHEM. | SUTOKU.

[shurajodo]

01. ) SWIMSUIT TROUBLES

//////////////////////////////// TAMAMO TERRITORY ////

( Gara's search for something suitable has taken him into Tamamo, but he's moreso just trying to burn time away while he waits for the beach party to come and go.

Especially go.

The frenzy with which the locals and Lost Souls alike are looking for something to wear is hilarious, honestly. He's cackling over two youkai getting into an altercation over some scrap of fabric. )

Aye, put yer weight into it!

02. ) BEACH GAMES

//////////////////////////////// INDOOR BEACH ////

( Gara has a tall mug of beer and a few questions about it.

More like demands, really, but still. Watching the volleyball game idly, he takes a deep swig of his beer. Pulls a face. Pulls his mask back up over his mouth and nose. )

Fuckin' liquid misery. Don't get how people drink this.

( He takes another drink anyway. )

03. ) BONFIRE

//////////////////////////////// INDOOR BEACH ////

I ain't been to something like this before.

( There's a lot he hasn't done, honestly. Deep into a drunken conversation with a new friend, Gara gestures as he talks. Sways where he sits in the sand. )

Especially not with beer or anything. Guess it goes down easier when you got a few in you already, huh.

04. ) AND THEN ...

//////////////////////////////// ???? ////

( Panting hard, Gara falls back against a building, hands scrambling against the brick as though to tear it away. To hide or throw something at the swarm descending on him.

Where is he?

On stage?

It doesn't matter. )

Kakeru!! KAKERU!!

beach games!

[bratherine]

( He's not the only one watching the volleyball game. But, unlike Gara, Kate seems completely at ease with the beer she's drinking. )

They swallow.

( Ha. Ha ha.

Truth is, she's had worse. At least the oni seem to know the difference between good beer and shit, she'll give them that. )