jigokulogs | June 2022 Event

June 2022 Event

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ he didn't even notice bakugou there, unaware of how long he'd been nearby even when he did look at him at some point when they crossed paths. instead, he seemed to fall victim to one illusion after another; it was so bad that he didn't know when it started, when did it end and how long was he stuck there. it takes him a second attempt to finally sober up enough to realize he's being called at, he then turns to look at his fellow enma.

right. it's bakugou. he's here to help in their rescue efforts, which made sense— this is how desperate yuuji is to hold into sensible facts. ]

No, no. I'm fine. I got this.

[ it's not like— bakugou was asking him to go home? maybe? but he certainly took it that way. ]

And I call bullshit.

[ Now he is grabbing this asshole by the collar, mostly to force him to look Katsuki in the eye. But that look is going to be met with determination. Bakugou isn't faltering, but the way his brow twitches? Well he's also dealing with some of his own personal bullshit with every droplet of rain.

But they don't have time for this either. ]

How long since you slept? You've got panda eyes going on and your pupils are contracting every single fucking time you see something that throws you off. Which means your judgment is off by about half a second. So no. I don't think you "got this" right now.

[ "Right now" meaning that Yuuji can get his shit together. ]

[ even when he was pulled closer, meeting bakugou's eyes— he fucking struggled to keep them focused on the others. as if he's unable to brain enough attention to decode those words into something coherent. he knows the young hero is not being hostile, only trying to get him out of this funk in his own way; which explains why yuuji didn't retaliate, merely taking it in with an apologetic nod. ]

I know, I know. It's just ... I can't go back. I can't be in that apartment by myself. So, I need this. I can get it together. I promise!

[ truth to be told, yuuji is still following the mission, might not be as fast and efficient— but he is still guiding any lost soul back to where they can find shelter. he's just fucking miserable while doing so. now that he paid enough attention, he could tell he was not the only one going through this.

— and there is nothing he can do to help him. ]

... It will get worse, Bakugou-kun. But, distracting yourself helps ...

No one is telling you to go back home, Itadori.

[ Had he said that? No, Bakugou had not. There are still other ways that Yuuji can work. Other areas that he can assist in that doesn't put him at the front of all of this. ]

If you're freezing and locking up, even for a fraction of a second, that's all it takes. A lot of people can get hurt or worse. And if you can know your limits now and shake it off now before it gets worse? How are you gonna do it later?

[ Katsuki can. He can because he's had to before. Because he had been the only one to keep his goddamn head in the situation. So he knows he can do this. ]

People taking shelter need help. They're dealing with the same bullshit alone, right?

[ So help them. ]

[ god, he knows bakugou is right. he makes perfect sense, but yuuji is in a mood. a mood where he didn't want to leave, for some reason. a mood where he's scared of going back even if he's technically still functional, doing his job as an enma in this crisis. it's just— while he knows what's being said to him is logical, yuuji didn't seem encouraged to do so. there is something making him nervous, and yuuji turns to look at whatever it is, something bakugou could not see, but it made the sorcerer visibly tense. so bad that his hands are trembling again, quick to curl them into tight fists and stop it. ]

... okay.

[ — and because he is someone who had a dramatic shift in his life, heavily burdened by his grandfather's last words, yuuji didn't feel he had any other choice but to do what is expected of him, even when all he should focus on right now— is helping himself. he complies, though. ]

Okay, but what if they're scared? What can I say?

[ No, he can't see it. But he knows that whatever it is Yuuji keeps looking at, it's very real for the other. It's enough to spook him. Enough to startle and rattle. That's enough. ]

Don't you fucking look at that. Look at me. Itadori, I'm the one talkin' to you and if you look away, Imma be the one to deck you.

[ Pull the focus away on anything else that isn't Bakugou. Redirect the brain and the senses to focus on one thing - what's going on right in front. Make that the priority.

But asking Bakugou what to say. The truth is the blonde doesn't know. He's not good at comforting others. So it all comes down to - ]

What're you telling yourself? How're you doing it right now?

Edited 2022-06-14 18:59 (UTC)

[ god, it was hard— to stop himself from looking away, and he did fail a few times before eventually committing to it. he takes in a breath, seemingly confused at the question, and then hesitantly- ]

All I'm telling myself is ... I don't have a choice.

[ he's scared, but he had to do what he had to do. he'd been told to work and help others, so even when he is fucking terrified— yuuji knew he had no other choice but to do it. did he want to be here? no. did he want to do this damn mission? no. there is nothing about this fucking situation that is within his control, nor is it his choice. and yet, going home and being alone with those demons isn't an option either, therefore ... he's stuck. he hates this so much. everything fucking hurts.

so, really, what he's telling himself is to suck it up, keep walking and just do it. he takes in another shaky breath, trying to compose himself, still squeezing his hands together so they'd stop shaking. ]

I'll lie to them. I'll tell them it will be okay, and just follow my lead ... go to safety. That would be fine, right?

[ "I don't have a choice." What's terrifying here is that Bakugou actually knows that thought. He hadn't had a choice either. Endeavor had locked up. Deku had fucking lost his mind again. Aizawa had been... Well he can't be faulted for his inability to participate in that moment. It had been hard, rough. But the only person that had the capability to stop and think clearly in those moments had been Katsuki. So he had to swallow his own fear. ]

You're wrong. You do have a choice, Itadori. It's your choice on whether or not this is gonna set you back or if you're gonna use it and push yourself forward. I don't know what the hell is eating at you. Dunno what you're seeing or what those fucking voices are trying to tell you...

[ He sees the shaking hands. Grabs them and squeezes. He hates this just as much as the other. But he's not going to let it dictate what he does or how he feels about it. ]

Own 'em. Own that shit hard and then it's "so what." You can't change anything bout the situation otherwise. If you don't it's always gonna be something that slows you down.

[ he was honestly expecting bakugou to nod along and tell him to deal with his anxieties once the mission is over, which is the right advice in this given situation. however, that's not what happened. he's being told he did have a choice, and while it is not the easy route that he hoped to take, which is to cower away— he still had the chance to regain some control. a level of freedom yuuji hadn't experienced in a long time.

there's something about the way bakugou held his hands— that was warm and reassuring it felt so foreign to him. he honestly didn't want to take it to heart, maybe offer bakugou a casual smile and a 'thank you', brush it off as he leaves to whatever he needs to do. this could be their supportive moment; short and sweet, nothing too heavy. it's what should have happened, but— bakugou's hands started squeezing his own, and that (for some reason) got to him.

it wasn't subtle, graceful— or even pretty to look at, especially with the blood seeping down yuuji's face, now mixing with his tears. it's just an image of someone who is broken, painfully vulnerable and bakugou isn't someone he ever thought would see him this way. with a shaky sigh yuuji held into the other's hands, just as hard. the young hero is right, and he will take his advice. he will own it, move forward, and fight through it. but-

when he finally speaks- ... there's shame in his tone, a low whisper as if yuuji didn't want anyone else to hear it but bakugou. ]

Will it ever stop ...?

[ - 'hurting'.]

[ These things aren't easy. It's never easy to face your fears head on and work through them. Passed them. It's hard.

Neither one of them are really pretty to look at. This entire situation is fucked up. And Katsuki can feel those fingers on the back of his neck again. And he's pretty sure he can see things out of the corners of his eye. But so what. Who cares if they are there. He'll be seeing things like that for the rest of his life so he needs to be able to manage it. ]

Does it stop? Wish I could say it does.

[ Because if Pinky here is going to be real, then Katsuki is going to be too. And he's not going to sugarcoat it. ]

And if it does? Then are you really sure that's the kinda person you wanna be?

[ There's not anything wrong with being horrified by things. That sense of wrongness is what drives people to do the right thing. Losing that sense, nothing able to effect you? That's as bad as being heartless. ]

[ the way yuuji clutched his eyes shut and lowered his head reflects on a lot. it reflects on how heavy bakugou's words are, and how much he hoped to hear a soothing lie instead, but they both knew this is the painful truth. it's never going to get better, is it? it will hurt, and hurt and keep hurting— yet it shouldn't be crippling. they had to keep moving forward, deal with it and keep fighting.

he knows. and yet, he'd hold into one final moment of imperfection— he lifts his head a bit; face flustered and oh so drained, he's looking at whatever is waiting for him in the other direction. one last whisper, one last confession. if he's allowed to. ]

I thought that maybe ... we deserved to heal from it all, at least.

[ '— to be happy again.'

alas, yuuji understood what he'd lose if he chose that route. he takes in a breath, forcing himself to straighten his back, and then gently, softly, he pulls his hands away, not without giving bakugou's another squeeze, muttering 'thank you' while doing so. he meant it— that boy is everything he needed to keep it together and he owes him a lot.

he looks at bakugou again- ]

... Are you going to be okay on your own? It doesn't feel right to leave you behind.

Edited 2022-06-18 16:59 (UTC)

[ Yeah, he knows. He knows that it would be nice to think that things are going to even out. That things will always get better. ]

Who says you won't heal? The first step to that is owning your shit. Pretending it's not there ain't gonna make it go away. I've done shit that I'm not proud of. Can hear it just like you're hearing things. But I ain't gonna be haunted by it because I've done what I needed to.

[ He's changed. Bakugou even apologized and has done everything he can think of to help the person that he wronged. Some kind of atonement. So those words and whispers aren't going to eat at him because he's already taken those steps to "healing." ]

Shit's hard, but everything worth doing is. And then it gets better.

[ Since it does, but it doesn't get easier. Either way, he drops those hands. He'll scold himself later for being so GROSS and SENTIMENTAL. Augh! ]

Imma be fine. Ain't the first time shit's hit the fan.

[ that's when yuuji makes a face; the level of discomfort — really screams "I don't want to face them'. the idea of it seemed way too draining, exhausting, and plain terrifying to the point his tired mind couldn't even humor bakugou into agreeing with him. he did, however, keep his mouth shut, shamefully shifting his gaze to the side.

facing his mistakes meant he had to talk about them, and actually grief instead of burying it under the rug and— no. fuck no. he's not doing that tonight, or anytime soon. he's not ready. ]

And then it will get better ...

[ yeah, he'll just focus on that line. when bakugou reassures him he'll be fine, yuuji didn't believe him, but he trusts the young hero to hold it together until this nightmare ends. he pulls out his phone, god— it's drenched with bloodstains but somehow still functional? he then hands it over to the other. ]

Give me your number. I'm texting you later to make sure you're okay. [ before he hears any protests, yuuji insists. ] Please.

[ Yeah, no. Katsuki gets it. No one really wants to face their shit. People don't want to be uncomfortable. It's much easier to avoid than it is to face it head on. For a while Katsuki buried his head in the sand, yeah. For years he took it out on people that didn't deserve it.

But there comes a time when people have to grow up. They have to deal with their situation, their shortcomings. The things that are weighing you down. ]

Then it gets better.

[ With time. Because courage to face that shit gives you strength to do other things too.

But that's not what stumps Katsuki. It's Yuuji shoving his ~~bloodied~~ phone into his hands. ]

Hah? You want me to what?

Give me your number.

[ he repeats, just as casually and still holding his phone up for the other to take. if there is anything odd about his request, yuuji doesn't see it. he had to reach out to bakugou in one way or another— if he doesn't make sure that boy made it home safe, he'll lose his mind stressing about it.

he tilts his head- ]

... Is there a problem?

[ He's just... Numbly taking that phone. What the hell Itadori. ]

Do I look like I need a babysister, Stripes?

[ There's not really much bite to it. Katsuki is already typing the number in and then tossing it back. ]

Satisfied?

[ he looks confused for a second, and then he recalls something— why do people act so weird whenever he asks for their phone number? is it such a private affair? it's just a damn number! he doesn't get it.

also, stripes ... ]

... Kinda? I have too many questions, but it's not the right time.

[ they are in the middle of something, and they should get going. ]

I'll text you later.

[ It's weird when you don't even really know a person? and then they are asking for your digits?

Besides. Kinda weird for some pink haired emotional guy to do it. ~~Don't hit on him Yuuji~~ ]

Whatever.

[ He's not sure what questions the other teen can really have. But that's... Well that's something he can figure out later. There's definitely things that need to be done. ]

Get going and check in when you want, I guess.

[ Not that he anticipates Yuuji will? Bakugou will just see him around their apartment district. It's fine.

And with that, he's going to trust Itadori to do what's best for him. The blonde is going to run off and search for the next person. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

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katsukiiiii 😭

;)

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🎀