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

[Emily Dyer does not scream at people. if she raises her voice, it's only to be heard above noise. it feels like it's been forever since she actually let someone have it, and maybe it has been. but she can't do that, least of all here, and she just takes a breath, folding up feeling like she does clothes, shelved, the door gently closed. there is a time and a place for all of this. not now. instead, she reaches to touch Andy's arm.]

I know you didn't mean it like that. What I'm trying to say is...I won't abandon my patients. I know they're asking for a lot. But I can't begin to think about telling them no when they're in need.

[when this city threatens to tear them apart with their own minds. how is she to look at them, and turn them away? when every one of them, there's the specter of their death somewhere that makes her swallow her pride. she'll work until her hands shake rather than admit she can't.]

They are my responsibility. And since he's in that bed, he falls under that category. There's nowhere safer for him to be.

[ Andy's eyes drift to where Emily gently touches her arm, then lift up to the woman's face. The look there is wry and skeptical, though not entirely unsympathetic either. Sometimes you have to lie a little bit, to get through these things. To yourself and to other people. She understands that better than she'd probably like to — and in the end, it's probably more for Emily herself than anyone else. ]

Tell yourself what you need to. Dress it up how you like.

[ She looks away again, using the excuse of her cigarette as she takes another drag, exhaling smoke out the window. ]

But I wouldn't waste the energy pretending with me. I'm staying. [ A sidelong glance, then. ] And I'm not sure there's much you can do about that.

Edited 2022-06-16 06:53 (UTC)

I'm not pretending, Andy. I mean what I say.

[there's just....more than what she's saying, and she shakes her head.]

Fine. Do as you please, I won't stop you. But if you don't find a way to get some sustenance in you and some actual rest, then I'll have to book you in as another patient.

[it's a concession of defeat. she's not going to win this argument no matter how she phrases it.]

[ With a twinge of dryness as she presses her cigarette back between her lips, letting it hang precariously at the corner of her mouth: ]

As much as I like it when you use your doctor voice with me, I think I'll pass on being checked in.

[ She stretches both arms above her head, joints popping with the motion, stiff and reluctant after so many hours seated in that damn folding chair beside Majima's bed. ]

Your hands are full as it is. And you can't cure me of being fucking obtuse.

No, I can no more make you unsheathe your wit than I can stop the heavens from raining like this.

[it's not a negative thing, just a simple observation. but she has one more bullet in her arsenal to pull out.]

If I ask Nishitani to make food and bring it here for you, will you eat it?

[there. Andy doesn't have to leave, but food will still occur. Emily reaches up to her own neck, pressing into the sore muscles - one of these days, she wants to sit in a public bath for an hour and not move.]

[ That bullet of hers earns a reaction - a little face, Andy’s eyebrows pinching ever so slightly. Honestly, it’s entirely too effective as a threat. She misses Nishitani’s cooking. She misses their shitty futon. And if she dwells on that too much, her resolve won’t last. ]

What is he, my fucking babysitter? [ It’s petulant. And mostly for show. There’s a quiet exhale before she half-concedes: ] …Later, alright? I’ll eat. Just. Not now.

[ Then a small pause, as she watches Emily for a beat or two. ]

Come here a minute.

Hm?

[she pauses in her work, turning back to Andy. under the surface of her mind, thoughts buzz and flow like a swift current. what needs to be done, procured. what might be needed. endless worries about those she knows, trying to swallow the rock in her chest the longer this goes on.

they can't lose this world. not without some kind of promise that they'll see each other again.]

[ Andy pauses to snuff her cigarette out in one of the ashtrays Emily keeps around for all the chainsmokers. Then with a little exhale of effort, she pushes herself away from the windowsill, moves to close distance between her and Emily. She moves to stand at her back, her hands surprisingly soft and warm when she lets them rest on Emily's shoulders. Her thumbs brush lightly against the baby hairs at the nape of her neck before pressing with firm care into the knotted muscle there. ]

Here. Let me.

[there's a sharp inhalation from Emily, but that has nothing to do with the proximity and everything to do with the fact that Andy will soon realize, which is that Emily's muscles practically feel like cables, they're so tight. it's been somewhat better since she learned to dismiss her wings, not needing to keep them pressed back, but it's still very tight from stress, from work, from keeping this place together. thus the pressure is a deep and welcome relief, even if it's painful.

every time she thinks she'll take an afternoon and go take care of this, something pops up. it's inevitable.]

[ The muscles in her neck are so tight it's as if she were born with them in a state of contraction. Andy can guess why — the woman is constantly overworking herself, always worrying for other people, always trying so same hard to hold herself together. And there isn't much to do about any of that now. But Andy can patiently work her thumbs against those knots, coaxing them to loosen just a little.

If she's honest, the repetitive motion is a bit comforting for her too. She lets herself find a rhythm, absently leaning forward so that her forehead rests lightly against the back of Emily's head, her eyes half-closed as her hands work more or less of their own accord. ]

[the relief of it is considerable. if she wanted, she could explain the processes that were going on, the bloodflow eased through channels, but it isn't necessary. all that matters is that she's feeling the changes, that the muscles are easing under the attention, and she relaxes more and more. deep, slow breaths - it hurts, but it's a good sort of pain, a necessary thing, to let knotted flesh yield into what it really should be.]

[ She's honestly not sure how long she goes on like that, letting her hands automatically feel out the tight knots in Emily's neck and upper shoulders, instinctively working them out as much as the chronic tension will allow. Truthfully, she nearly dozes off standing like that, lulled by the repetitive motion — and maybe the comfort of another person being near, that slow and deep rhythm of Emily's breaths. It's only when she registers the pull of sleep making her lean a little too fully against the other woman that she finally withdraws, exhaling as she rubs at her own eyes a bit.

No time for that now. No time for getting comfortable or feeling tired. ]

Fuck. [ It's a little mutter. ] Do we still have any coffee in this place?

[she feels absolutely tranquil for a second, lost in the feeling of the pain as relief, loosening the tension that's probably been there for at least a year. it fills her head, blots out her thoughts, and her eyes have closed from it. she wants to capture this, this memory, because it's unlikely it'll happen again soon - when will there be time?

when Andy pulls back, Emily takes a quiet breath, and then opens her eyes.]

Always. I'll get you a cup.

[her head feels a little light - or that's just unimpeded blood flow, for once.]

[ Not so fast, doctor — tired though she might be, Andy's still quick as a snake, reaching out to catch the other woman by the wrist to stall her. ]

It's alright. Just show me where. [ With a little wryness: ] Don't be in such a fucking hurry to undo all my hard work.

Getting you a cup of coffee won't undo all of that, Andy. I'm grateful - truly, I am - so let me show it.

[given the circumstances, there's no chance of Emily lying down and simply resting right now.]

[ It's really a matter of principle at this point, and for a second, it seems like Andy might refuse a second time, her grip lingering on Emily's wrist — but after a moment, she sighs and relents, letting go. ]

Fine. But I'm coming with you.

[ Not that making coffee is a two person job, but. ]

As you wish.

[she'll lead her to their tiny break room - it barely has the room for what's needed, but that's not important. what is important is that there's a coffee machine, and it's still mostly full, meaning that Emily can take down two mugs and pour for them both.]

Do you take anything in yours?

[milk, sugar, prayers for survival...]

Black's fine.

[ Maybe it would be different if she were drinking coffee for pleasure, but tonight? Tonight she just needs to keep her eyes open. Force that mortal flesh by whatever tactic necessary to obey her will instead of the natural need for sleep.

The break room is so small they're nearly brushing elbows just standing there together, but Andy already stubbornly insisted on coming, and she doesn't seem like she intends to make space by leaving either. ]

...Were you like this back home too? Always running around looking after other people?

[black it is, and Emily's own cup gets one sugar added - mixed in to try and alleviate the bitterness that she's going to taste anyway. Andy's question gives her pause, and she hands off the coffee before she replies.]

...Clinics don't run themselves. They take a lot of work to get off the ground, especially if you're on your own. And then adding in what's needed to sustain them...

[she sips the brew, concealing her disappointment at how it tastes.]

I knew enough people who'd head into danger and come back in need of assistance. You get used to anticipating their needs, particularly under pressure. Things happen, and you do what you can so that everything doesn't...fall apart.

[there's a distant sorrow in her eyes when she mentions that, thinking about how it had all gone to hell. a reputation, a place, a name - a home, cast away from her, and the bitterness on her tongue has nothing to do with coffee.

she could tell her. could say it was never a home, anyway. but that would only make Andromache sorry for her, and place something else on the woman's shoulders. not right now, while their friend lies in a hospital bed and this city's gone to pieces. not now.

(when?) (never)

she covers the pause with a shrug, a little smile. it's okay.]

[ Andy lifts her coffee to her lips as she listens, drinking it hot and bitter without flinching. Her answer doesn't come right away, allowing for a considering little pause before she finally speaks, her wryness a bit pointed: ]

So, is that a yes?

[ Sounds to her like Emily's been like this a while. And that little smile doesn't fool her. But she's not judging. Not Andy, of all people. She's been much the same way for centuries now. That shit probably would have run her into the ground eventually, if she hadn't been immortal. Whatever else the curse took from her, it made treating her body like shit much more convenient. Sometimes she misses that part. The limitations of her mortal flesh feel more obvious to her now than ever. ]

Old habits are hard to break. [ Maybe that's a hint of sympathy in her voice. ] But something has to give eventually. You don't need me to tell you that.

This storm over the city won't last forever. I have to believe that.

[she's not going to stop now. not when people need her - when Goro's lying in that bed, when people come in torn up by their own nightmares, when she remembers healing those who were lost in the street - no matter how much she has to give, she can give it for now.]

I appreciate the concern, Andy. Really, I do. But I'm keeping an eye on my own reserves. If it's too much to bear, I'll step back.

[the trick in these words, she knows, is too much to bear. she's the one that decides how much she can take.]

[ This storm will end. It has to. But then there will be something else. And then something else after that. A small crises, maybe — or a big one. There will always be something. That's how it goes. But Emily's mind is made up, and Andy's not one to keep lecturing a grown woman either. ]

Sure. Fine. [ If it were her, she'd be saying the same things anyway — not that people often felt the need to worry for her, before this. She had been immortal. Old and strong. Practically invincible. Right? ] We all do what we have to.

[ The coffee helps though. It's warm. The smell is comforting. She takes another sip from her mug, letting that warmth sink into her belly before she finally goes on, her voice quiet: ]

I'm not trying to be presumptuous. I know I'm the fucking outsider here. But I wouldn't bother to say anything if I didn't give a damn.

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June 2022 Event

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