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

thank U!! for agreeing to it 🥺💗

[everblooms]

[ What looks back at her is a woman without a face, as if her features have been scrubbed clean off— right? A second later, the face comes back, but her clothing changes. A different pink dress, shorter, a different jacket: both of them soaked. Aerith blinks her big green eyes, and her features disappear again. Each time, the scene shifts back, and each time, she looks a little more pained.

Her gut is churning, like she's being thrown, and the Specters barely pay the woman with a sword any mind. They're not interested in her... but there is one that raises it's head, in tandem with the brunette woman. It rejoins the rest of the ghosts, soon enough, and they pick up speed. It's clear they're looking to push Aerith away— but to where? Perhaps it doesn't matter much. Away from here is all that matters. ]

Hey!

[ She doesn't know this woman. Still, everyone she's met with a sword and a protective streak has been someone she could reach out to, so she does. She raises her hand, holds it out, all while the howl of the hooded figures surrounds her. Look close, and she'll see it: The vortex spinning in the distance, coming closer. It's not real. It could never be, and yet, it's so hungry looking.

It's a nightmare. This could only ever be a nightmare. ]

[killtime]

[ There's no way for her to know what lays beyond that vortex or what it's capable of — but that thing is goddamn ominous, and there's no way that anything good can come of waiting around to see what happens if those hooded phantoms decide to feed that woman into the vortex's hungry mouth. Maybe she should be more concerned about what's happening. Maybe she should consider for just a moment what she's doing, chasing after some stranger whose fucking face keeps disappearing. But if she stops to think, she'll be too late.

Thankfully, Andy's always been too reckless and stupid to be held back that way. She's already sprinting to make up the distance, focused on the woman — how she reaches out for help. Andy might regret this, but that's a problem for later. Consequences are for later. Right now, she's only moving — and her body is as much a weapon as the katana in her hand. She launches herself at the nearest Specter, apparently having no qualms with using deadly force as she slashes at them with her blade, intent on cutting her way through past the circle. ]

[everblooms]

[ It isn't luck that slays the specter, but pure skill. It rips in half, the blade pulling at a tear in fabric. From it's now frayed head comes a burst of inky darkness: India ink leaking out and billowing away like blood spilled underwater and carried away by the current. It's gone in moments, after turning into something more like a smoke.

With that, the circle breaks. Each of the hooded figures take the hint to move, and this time, the woman's face stays. The rain is hitting her skin in heavy, fat drops. Is this it?

Aerith takes in deep breaths.

It stinks of old rust, and garbage, but there is visible relief in her expression despite the situation. She is utterly thankful and immediately takes to the stranger's side. Anyone with a sword who saves her life is worth standing by. As she looks skyward, however, she watches the mysterious figures— she watches them form a bigger circle. There is, mercifully, no vortex trying to pull either of them away; it has broken apart. Fallen like a broken window, and dissipated into the air. This time, the circle is purely personal.

Their intention is clear the longer one stays within the circle. A tugging, as if being urged... off stage. Away from here. Voices, difficult to decipher, but understood all the same; you should not be here. It is true, depending on how one looks at it. Hell is not the destination that any of the Lost Souls were supposed to end up at. For Aerith, it was the surface, and that's what she hears whispers of. Returning... returning to the surface, to do what she must. It settles inside of her, and then sucks out a piece of her. The want to be here is being chipped away and stolen from her.

A piece of her disintegrates from within, and she's robbed of one more thing. It never ends. Someone is always taking from her.

Aerith is gutted, and shudders with a gasp, pulling closer to the stranger. The looks at her, searching her features. Can she feel it, too? The way the Spectres steal a piece of you, of your identity. Your freedom. ...If need be, Aerith wants to push her out. To spare her of this, at least. ]

You can run. [ "I won't blame you," is in her voice. It is unsaid. ]

[killtime]

[ The blade does what blades do — and she's thankful for it. Feels like the rules change with every manifestation of this cursed energy, and no two fights have been the same yet. She can fight these things. The physical aspect isn't what concerns her — it's the rest of it. The way these nightmares play with the mind. Those voices whispering in the back of her head. That ominous pressure — a force almost like gravity that tugs at the intangible within. How the air itself even feels oppressive.

Unconsciously, she fists a hand in her own shirt over her heart, fingers clenching in the fabric there as if to quell some pain. Keep it to-fucking-gether, Andromache. Focus. ]

Like hell. [ She grits out, turning to meet eyes with the woman. Her hand drops from her chest, closing instead around the woman's wrist to give it a squeeze. ] Stay close to me. I won't leave you behind.

[ Her grip tightens on her blade, intention drawing her muscles tight as she lunges for the nearest hooded figure, slashing two, three times in quick succession, apparently determined to fight until not one remains left in the circle. ]

[everblooms]

[ The touch gets Aerith to look back and trace the profile of the woman's face with her gaze. It's familiar, she thinks. Maybe she's seen her on the streets, or in the clinic, or maybe it's nostalgia. She has a thing for people with swords saving her at this point. With a nod, Aerith flashes the stranger a brilliant smile. ]

No worries. I'm at your back.

[ When Andy lunges into action, Aerith's close behind. She gives enough room to allow for the woman with the sword to go wild, at least; she knows that you need at least a little big of room to swing. Her strike is true, practiced and dangerous; The Specter is rendered into nothing, shredding into the ether with the blade. There is no ripple of fear from the hooded figures. Instead, a second figure comes up to bat.

It encircles her, then; a different attack, much more direct. Spinning and spinning, trying to trap her, and being in the maelstrom of this tiny circle is like being pricked with needles, over and over. Surely, that isn't not enough to stop her, right? Aerith definitely thinks so, at least. Don't mind her too much, she's saddling up close to try and help.

From outside the circle, maybe she'll catch the flicker of a mischievous grin as Aerith readies up with something metal in hand. It's hard to catch, through the tattered robes, but there. ]

Tagging in! On my maaaark, three, two, one—

[ Hopefully Andromache ducks or has a plan of her own, because Aerith's taking a swing at the head of the hooded figure attacking her... with her staff. Hey, it looked like a good time for a team strike.

Who needs offensive magic spells when you can just play ball? ]

[killtime]

[ Even without turning away from the enemy in front of her, Andy is aware of the other woman in her periphery — not sure what she intends to do maybe, but apparently willing enough to find out. She'll take whatever help she can get in a fight like this, outnumbered against these phantoms and still hampered by her newly mortal flesh. It would be easy to make a mistake, especially with the distraction of that unnerving, needling sensation that the mere presence of these cursed entities seems to evoke.

She responds to Aerith's signal as if they had fought side-by-side a hundred times before this, ducking down without hesitation to cut low as that metal staff swings over her head. Good thing too — she can feel the rush of air above as Aerith strikes, and she has no desire to find out how well her skull would hold up against that force. Still, no time to be impressed now — the other Specters remain. ]

Next one — you're on point!

[ No point in fixing what's not broken. ]

[everblooms]

[ As it happens, when the circles disperses, one figure remains behind. It comes closer, applying some sort of gale pressure to separate them again— the terrible twosome is starting to treat them more like flies. Annoyances, but not quite bothersome. Aerith listens well, it seems, because she batters up again. This time, the figure has just enough time to look at her before she strikes, and she gives it a brilliantly cheerful smile before swinging it down on it's head. ]

Not a bad trick, don't you think?

[ The victory is short lived— the school of hooded figures swarm forward, passing them up and forming a wall on either side. Is their more now? It almost feels like it's so. Aerith breathes out, deflating, and then stands straight. This is a new tactic, and her hand is being forced. She hears the beginnings of it again, but she turns, looking to Andy. It's grounding, helpful, and she doesn't feel so lonely for a moment. ]

Feeling lucky?

[killtime]

[ That bright smile is almost as dangerous as her staff — a distraction that almost makes Andy miss a half-beat as she moves to keep in step with Aerith. Reminds her of someone else she used to fight side-by-side with. A woman who was as quick as a viper and just as deadly, wearing a smile as she devastated her enemies. It's been a long time since those days — centuries, and long ones too — but the feeling comes back stronger than she'd expect. That thrill. A shift in the mood from the desperation of those first few moments to something almost like fun.

The corner of Andy's mouth curves upward ever so slightly. When Aerith turns to look at her, she seems ready — even eager for the fight. ]

Who the fuck needs luck? [ She answers wryly, reaching out to briefly lay a reassuring hand on Aerith's shoulder. ] I'm at your back.

[everblooms]

[ A pair of odd balls make googly eyes at each other while sandwiched between two walls of mysterious hooded, flying figures that desperately try to steal your sense of purpose and identity. Aerith wonders if in some way this is just proof that they could never take anything important away from the stranger. Perhaps it says more about her that she's imbued with a second wind by the smile, the confidence. ]

You're right. We'll make it out, at any cost.

[ The best thing she can do, she thinks, is try to weaken them. Aerith casts Pray, and for the first time tonight, it sticks. The sky parts, the clouds splitting overhead to let the sunshine sprinkle down. Simultaneously, Andy might feel it. It's not herself Aerith is casting Pray for, after all: the cooling sensation of a pain killer, of wounds not itching or aches subsiding. Her sword will strike harder and truer against the Mysterious Specters; not only is she getting a little extra pep in her step, Aerith hopes, but the jerks themselves should be taking a hit.

Their cloaks are already tearing like tissue paper. Really, a sword could cut through butter now. Purification never felt so good. ]

Feeling a little more like yourself?

[ It's cheeky. ]

[killtime]

[ Two months in hell have offered some perspective on things that might have otherwise been impossible in the world that she came from — things like demons and magic. But even so, it's impressive to behold, seeing the clouds open up above them, that ray of sunlight piercing through the darkness of the seemingly endless blood rain. The sight alone could have inspired someone to battle. But there's more to it — this feeling like the exhaustion of the last few weeks doesn't weigh on her so heavily. Her blade seems a little lighter, her grip a little stronger.

Andy gives her katana an experimental swing. Feels good. Maybe they'll get out of here sooner than she thought. ]

That's a handy trick. [ She answers wryly, giving Aerith a sidelong look. ] Guess I better not let it go to waste.

[ Gods forbid. She was fast before — but now it seems almost effortless. Her movements are instinctive, guided by more muscle memory than conscious thought, and when she moves to attack this time, her blade seems to know exactly where to strike, cutting clean through two more of the specters. Almost looks like this damn woman is showing off. ]

[everblooms]

[ There's very little Aerith appreciates quite as much as someone who can banter. Her mother hadn't called her a little chatterbox for nothing, and so when Andy hits the ball back into her court, she grins without abandon. There's a bit of pride mixed in with the relief flooding her, now; maybe she'll tell her about how the stranger's presence alone was enough to make her want Pray to work, to give her the strength of mind to force it to work, but for now? ]

Hmmm... [ A playful little hum leaves her as she toss her head back to look at the beautiful stranger. ] You better not!

[ Who knows what kind of punishment she might swing down, then?

She has the audacity to hum an actual tune, then, appreciative. It's not lost on her that this is probably the worst time to do this, but she cares very little now. It feels like being on top of the world, watching the stranger cut through enemies with brutal precision and... dare she say it? A hint of fun. Maybe it's only her imagination, but it's far more intriguing. She can make that thing sing, for sure.

In the mean time? Aerith's dancing. A staff has two ends to it, and both are just as hard as the latter. Every twist of her weapon is another tear through the hooded figures that are simply no match. Not anymore.

By the time the whole barrage is left down to the one, she's rejoining Andy's side, still humming. ]

No sweat, see?

[ The guy in front of them? Piece of cake. Already, he's crumbling to dust. ] Talk about a first impression...

[ The honors, Andy. They're all your's. ]

[killtime]

[ This is what she's always loved — fighting in perfect sync with someone at her side, finding that destructive rhythm and moving in devastating union. It is like a dance, staff and blade in complete harmony as the two of them weave and cut through the remaining specters. Might be the most fun Andy's had since the blood rain started falling. She could almost forget for a moment how tired she is — how long she's been fighting now, and how relentless it's all been.

She doesn't hesitate to step forward and claim the last enemy for herself. A flick of the wrist, and her katana slices neatly through the neck. The specter dissipates into nothingness before the severed head can even hit the ground.

As she sheathes her sword, Andy lifts a hand to push wild hair back from her face, giving Aerith a wry little sidelong look. Speaking of first impressions. ]

Me? What about you? [ Dryly: ] Not so sure you needed any rescuing.

[everblooms]

[ She's got this voice that commands a response. It's hard to explain; maybe it's the tone, or maybe it's her choice of words. The familiarity she gives easily, like it's no big deal, and how that alone can make you want to listen. Charisma is an important thing to have, but it's something that rarer than anyone wants to admit. The stranger exudes charisma like it's a perfume she sprays on every morning, and Aerith can only smirk back. ]

As long as it wasn't a bad first impression, then sure. Maybe not. But, the truth is... that little trick is actually really unreliable right now. I just really wanted to help you. Besides, I know it was pretty awful being in there with me.

[ To say the least. ]

They take something from you when they close in on you. Always. I didn't want you to lose out, too.

[killtime]

[ Maybe the problem is that Andy’s always losing little pieces of herself. The truth is, she might not have even noticed if those specters had taken something from her. That’s the nature of being so ancient - the human mind simply can’t contain so many years. The memories slip from between her fingers like so many grains of sand. She’s forgotten languages, names, faces - so much that she doesn’t even know she’s lost until she tries to reach for it.

But she’s used to that by now. Bitter over it, sure. But used to it. In the moment, that thought doesn’t even give her pause. Instead, with that same amicable wryness: ]

Yeah? Well. Maybe I really wanted to help you too. Besides, it wasn’t so awful. [ Certainly couldn’t complain about the view. ] Might have had a little fun.

[ The corner of her mouth quirks up just slightly in a smile as wry as her voice. ]

Wouldn’t even halfway mind doing it again sometime.

[everblooms]

Aww, only halfway? [ Talk about a bummer! She almost thought they had something going, there. Aerith's coy smirk stays in place, and with a little tilt of her head, she fidgets idly. Kicks the dirt, tries to look real disappointed. ]

How am I supposed to see you again? [ If she's giggling, that's Andy's problem. Still, if there's ever a time to flirt, and lay it on thick, a victory celebration seems like the ideal time. ] I guess a name first would work. I'm Aerith, Aerith Gainsborough.

[ If that sounds a lot like "Earth", that is also Andy's problem. ]

[killtime]

[ This woman is a problem Andy's willing to have. Maybe it's something about that smirk of hers — or the way that she teases, how it's not so dissimilar from the way that Andy teases everyone else. The high of victory doesn't hurt either. Aerith was something to look at, swinging that staff as if she were dancing instead of fighting, her grace the perfect counterpart to Andy's ruthless efficiency.

Almost makes her wish there was something left to kill. ]

People call me Andy. [ Just Andy, apparently. She goes on a bit wryly: ] I'll be honest — I was expecting a damsel-in-distress. But you sure as fuck weren't that. Anyone who fights like you can call me anytime they like.