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

Fascinating that your people don't know all of that. There are those among us that can see the movement of aether in action, can see the soul both within and without the body.

I've been told its very colorful.

[ The concept of religion is a strange thing to Azem. It might have existed once on Etheirys but now there are now gods to worships. ]

Reborn based on the weight of one's actions? That's...strange. Back home a soul is simply washed clean, so to speak, and starts over as another human.

Well, I guess that makes sense. After all, you said your world was made of only humans and nothing else, right?

[It's impossible to be reborn as anything else when only one thing exists on a star.

It still felt strange to him, the concept of words with only humans. Even more so, Azems, which didn't even have any other animals that occurred naturally.]

Guess you can't be reborn as anything but human.

But where I came from, all sorts filled my world. Youkai, humans, gods, animals, and some, I guess. When you have energy flowing from all places and different sources, I think the streams are bound to get mixed up.

We aren't the only life, but yes, it would be a little strange for a soul to be born as another lifeform.

[ Azem hums. Though now they can see why he questioned her so much about her world. So many different kinds of people must not be able to see eye to eye as often. She's seen it enough here to get an idea. ]

It must be an interesting to live in such a world with so many different people.

Interesting is one way to put it I guess.

[It was a complicated matter. One Gojyo purposely did his best to not think too much about. Would he prefer a world in which there was more sameness? Most certainly not. But his world was rife to with conflict even by small things like physical and spiritual differences. It wasn't a lie that many would use even the slightest difference to ostracize and other.

But he still preferred it over the idea of a world where everyone was the same. And even then he still wasn't completely convinced that even in a world like Azems that there wasn't some form of conflict.]

There's other life where you come from? But you said it was you guys who create all the animals, right? What happens to their life force when they die then?

[ She gives him a quizzical look over that but doesn't question it. She's found this place interesting and she's sure she'd find his world the same. But Azem has ever looked at things from the point of view of an observer. And she's ever looked for the interesting things in life. ]

Like all life they're comprised of aether. When they die their aether returns to the star to be recycled as new life or magics.

Though it seems other living creatures don't usually possess a soul.

[ She'd often wondered what the different was between the aether of the soul and the aether that makes up other lifeforms. Given she can't see the soul she can't answer that question herself. ]

I mean, I guess that makes sense. Seein' as you just sort of created them from your own minds and what not. Would make you pretty damn scary if you were just able to create a life with a soul like that.

But it makes me wonder. Like, if the 'aether' that makes it goes into the same cycle of lifestream, ain't that to say that it's also mixing together in some way with your own aether. It ain't like there's two separate streams or anything right? So they have to all integrate together in some way.

[The last thing he expected to get into today was some great otherworldly existential philosophy. And yet here he was.

He wasn't really the learning type. Truthfully, he was someone who never got through a basic education, but Azem just consistently found a way to peak his interest with conversation.

He wanted to know more. To understand it.]

Oh, that is possible. It's just rare that anyone gives a creation or familiar a soul. I think that kind of thing is intentional.

[ There there was the case of Phoinix that somehow became merged with a soul. No one had intended for that to happen, supposedly.

Azem shrugs in response to the question. ] I'm not the expert on such things, that'd be Emet-Selch's duty. He's the one with the sight to see such things and it's his seat that oversees the Underworld, or the Lifestream.

Alas... [ She lays back to float on her back. She almost sounds a little melancholic. ] He's not here.

Heh...

[It was difficult to miss the sort of tone she carried as she said that. His expression softening as he swam up next to her. The fake sun seemed to be setting in its projective glory in the distance. the edges of the illusion giving away to stars along the edges. It was a shame that it wasn't real. It almost made Gojyo nostalgic for it. An ocean at night that he never had actually seen before himself.

He could feel his youkai's homesickness, her longing, it was surreal.]

You miss him, huh?

[ Azem's certainly feeling a similar sense of homesickness.

She shifts in the water so she can look at him, smiling sadly. ]

I miss my home in general. I miss being able to come and go as I please to travel the world. I miss calling upon my friends.

[ This is the most honest she's been with anyone lately. ]

I do hope I can return soon.

Return, huh?

[Damn. It didn't matter how long he knew them for. There was just something about a beautiful girl looking so damn sad that could not help but melt his heart.

They seemed to have hope at least. Some belief that they may return to her own world.

Truthfully Gojyo had never much even considered it an option. Were they able to get home? What would happen then? What about those that it would involve if he did. Did he even have a place back there?

Ah.

A place.

Really that just as much applied anywhere didn't it?

Fuck, now he was feeling it.]

Hey.

[He swam up beside them, his expression soft as he returned a calm sad smile in return.]

You'll get there. Don't know how or when. But I'm sure you'll get there.

[After all. Every contract they signed on with had a wish attached, didn't it?]

[ Azem wasn't sure if returning home was an option. If all of this was just a lie and the promise of a wish granted was simply there to entice fools desperate enough to believe.

She sometimes wonders if that's the case. ]

Huh? [ She blinks at, coming out of her thoughts to focus on him. ]

Yeah. [ The same smile remains in place for a moment before slaps her wet hands against her cheeks. ]

We should be having fun! Not moping.

[... Dang. With actions like that how could he not think she's cute?]

Eh? 'S that so?

[He smiled out. A playful gleam entering his eye as he swam dangerously close.]

You know. This place may not be home. But it ain't all bad right? I mean, here we are, swimming about. People are dancing and cheering and getting drunk out of their minds as the try to jump a bonfire. And we certainly are meeting a lot of new and interestin' people aren't we~

It is! [ She nods, her expression looking serious before she laughs.

As he draws nearer she does the same, a grin of her own forming. ]

Indeed. [ Adjusting herself in the water so she can stay afloat as she brings a hand forward to smooth against his chest. ]

We should certainly have our own fun out here. [ Her grin grows wider as her hands slides up to his shoulder, acting as if she's going to loop it around as she leans in. It almost seems as if she's going for a kiss.

And then with all her might, she pushes him down into the water. Laughing as she quickly backpaddles away. ]

Edited 2022-07-11 21:25 (UTC)

Oh?

[He saw her devious intentions a mile away. But that most certainly didn't mean he wished to do anything to fight back against it. Instead more than reciprocating how close she was allowing him to get--

Only for the familiar taste of salt to fill his mouth.

He had statred getting used to the sensation. Surprisingly preferring salt water to fresh water it seemed as he felt himself go under. Not even so much as flailing now that he had adjusted to his newfound capabilities of breathing underwater.

Instead he took it to his advantage. Letting himself sink to her push and simply staying down there. Waiting until she was done having her fun.

Only to reach down and scoop her legs out from under her. Lifting her up into his arms as he finally surfaced.

His expression seeming to only grow all the more sly as he smiled down at her.]

Hi~♥

[Yep. It was definitely best to focus on the good things right now.]

[ Azem's laughter dies down when she realizes he's not immediately coming back up to retaliate. She blinks and looks around. The water is pretty clear so she can see him down there. She wonders if she should go down and drag him back up, perhaps she'd hurt him when shoving him down?

Her worry is quickly overcome when he finally shoots back up and scoops her up in his arms. She lets out a surprised yelp, eyes wide. ]

Oh, hi. [ She finally says as she shifts to get an arm around his shoulder. The other hand moving to push a little bit of hair from his face. ]

Are you going to get your revenge now?

Mnn... I wonder.

[His smile was calm and casual as he looked down on her. The sheer playfulness of the moment taking full charge as, doing his best not to react in any way to it, he allowed Azem to push the bits of hair he always had hanging in his face, exposing the twin scars and and blue scales that decorated his cheeks.

He was getting better at not reacting at least. That was good, it seemed he was finally getting used to such things again. The only tell being the slight way his body tensed as he held her.

But he pushed past it and leaned in closer, nuzzling his face affectionately into the touch as crimson eyes remained fixed on Azems.]

Guess now would be a good time for revenge, huh?

[ The blue scales are a nice contrast to his warm tones. ]

Pretty. [ She says with a smile. Letting him nuzzle into her hand. It's not a move she expected but she doesn't draw away. ]

Oh? And what will do? [ Her smile turns to a grin. She doesn't seem as if she'd mind whatever mischievousness he might decide to get up to in retaliation. ]

That's a good question, isn't it?

[He says, leaning all the more close. Crimson eyes merely inches from hers as he took as second to simply take in the sight of her. That cute smile, the soft touch of her hands, the playfully light tone of her voice--

--Only to throw her up into the air. Tossing her playfully into the water below.

Can't let her get everything she wants right away after all.

What would be the fun in that?]

[ She waits for it, unsure what exactly he's going to do. He's pulling the same stunt as her by leaning in close as if going in for a kiss.

She decides, in that moment, that even though his eyes lack the same luminescence she's accustomed to, that he has pretty eyes. That crimson coloration reminds her of red gemstones.

She can almost forget that he's going to do something to get her back. She's not at all ready to be tossed into the air when she is. She lets out a yell, eyes wide, flailing a bit before she hits the water.

She lets herself sink for a moment, opening her eyes to look up. Under the water isn't as pretty as it was during the day. A few bubbles rise to the surface before she pops up once more. The whole action is not the least bit graceful as she's left sputtering and momentarily blinded by the hair plastered to her face. ]

[As she let herself sink into the waves and embrace the sensation of all happening around her, Gojyo took his time to swim up. Patiently waiting for her recovery- Only to behold as she came sputtering up like an absolute incoherent mess.

Perhaps that was how things went when you couldn't breathe water. Still, as technically ungraceful as the entire situation was, Gojyo couldn't help but find it cute in its way. It was a light and playful act between them, something ordinary that he was pretty sure a lot of people usually did when swimming with people they got along with in the ocean.

This was nice.

Still, he let her recover. Casually floating, staying silently beside her with a warm smile. Curious to see what sort of horrible repercussions he may end up facing.

Yeah.

Even like this, girls were damn cute.]

[ Azem spends a moment fighting with her hair before slipping back beneath the water. It's easier to unstick it all if she comes up a bit more gracefully. Once she's up and doesn't have hair in her eyes, she turns her attention to him with a playful smile. ]

Well, seems we're even.

[ She swims toward him once more, reaching out to grab onto him if he doesn't stop her. ]

Whatever shall we do now? [ Her tone huskier and more sultry than before. ]

[Oh, he most certainly isn't stopping her from anything at this point.

Smirking back, he met her gaze playfully.]

Mnn, not sure, we've been swimming lots and yet I still seem to be full of so much energy.

[He steps in closer, his body centimeters so from touching hers.]

I suppose there's always our default idea. The one we had when we first talked?

[♥]

[ She giggles at his response. ]

Mmn, there is that, isn't there? [ Her arms slip around his shoulders before toying with his hair. ]

Though doing anything in this location would be a novelty to me. [ That is to say she's never fooled around with someone in the ocean or on a beach. ]

Really? You? She who said she had done almost everything at some point when we first chatted?

[He chuckled as he teased her. What little gap between their bodies suddenly seeming to close completely as he wrapped his arms comfortably around her waist. Looking down at her like this, she really was quite beautiful. Especially the way her eyes seemed to shimmer as she looked up at him.

It was nice, living in a world where everyone had their uniqueness. Where he was a little less different because, truthfully, everyone was.

He rocked her lightly, almost in a dancing motion, watching the push and pull of the tide around them.]

I suppose then the better question is if it's a novelty you would like to try?

I'm sure there are plenty of things I haven't done. Many things in this world especially.

[ As this world is so vastly different form where Azem is from.

Her eyes don't just seem to shimmer, they outright glow. Which would make it pretty difficult for one like her go sneaking around at night.

She hums softly in response to the question or perhaps it's in response to the rocking. Her tongue darts out of her lips as she looks up at him. ]

I would like to try just about anything once in my life. [ And with such a long life, she should be able to experience many different things. ]

June 2022 Event

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