jigokulogs | August 2022 Event

August 2022 Event

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Toraguma and Tenkohime were not exaggerating when they said that Sai no Kawara was bound to attract extraordinarily deep pockets. The Celestials are already familiar to the Lost Souls, but among the crowds of customers are humans and yokai of wealth that can only be calculated in the billions, and even trillions. Powerful executives have come out to play, the sort of power brokers that almost exist beyond faction politics, the tier who makes the most money out of the city's dealings.

The event has an air of class that is far beyond what the average Lost Soul will have ever imagined…

1. GAMBLING PROBLEM (1 POINT)

The main event comes in the form of the games. This is where the Shuten Clan shines, as they offer up a plethora of gambling opportunities for the rich and powerful to partake in. There might be a Lost Soul or two at the tables, if they're feeling particularly lucky. Buy-in to a game isn't cheap, but if you're low on cash, you can substitute a handful of stellar Stardust to the pot.

Western games like Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette share space with Eastern standards like Cee-lo and Cho-han. Shuten Clan dealers have been training hard for this moment. They have learned to cheat on behalf of the House to scrape as much from these high rollers as they can. Those Shuten attendants who win big for the House will be duly compensated for their fine efforts.

If you're very clever, or very lucky, you might just be able to secure quite a payout for yourself as a player too. Just don't get caught pulling any funny business. The Shuten Clan bouncers have also been training quite thoroughly for this event. If you're not one of the fabulously wealthy tycoons, the bouncers have little incentive to play nice with you.

Should fighting break out, there is an arena onsite. Bets are flying there, too. Are you willing to wager your own pretty face?

2. PLEASURE PALACE (1 POINT)

Tenkohime wasn't exaggerating when she called her turf in the newly renovated underground a palace. The attendants at the Palace of Sai greet their wealthy clientele warmly, and they have a host of wondrous and rare delights to offer. As a rare treat, the Lost Souls are encouraged to indulge in this decadence. If the prices make you choke, remember that a little bit of Stardust will go a long way this season.

Food and drinks are of the highest quality. Delicacies from across Japan and the world abroad have been prepared, including many dishes not even of the Earth as you might know it. Particular favorites from the drinks menu are:
Side Cars that have been made with cognac from a 300,000 yen bottle.
Platinum Passions that have been made with L’esprit de Courvoisier; 800,000 yen per bottle.
Eightfold Blessing is a captivating and aromatic mix considered to be Tenkohime's very own specialty. It grants the vigor to fulfill any desire; 1,000,000 yen a glass.
The pricey and fabulous drinks are just an encouragement. The Tamamo's best trained consorts are ready to offer their private services, usually in pairs. They have some Tanabata wishes of their own, and want to make them come true through their talents and skills. Not every encounter is sexual, some consorts simply wish to spend time with their clients and make them feel like the most important person in the world today. With the big price tags on their hours, the customer might very well be.

In addition to expensive meals, sex, and company, the Tamamo Clan also offers theater and performances. They have contracted with the highest caliber performers in the city, even those on loan from other factions. Dancers, musicians, and entertainers of all varieties are waiting in the wings to put on a show.

3. GOSSIP (1 POINT)

One of the performances gracing the stage in the Palace of Sai may seem familiar! The band Moonday played at the food truck festival last month. As it turns out, the lead singer -- a wolf girl named Ringo-chan -- is the daughter of one of the wealthiest executives within the Alliance's network of finance kings; Kaberou. She's run away from her restrictive life to rough it with her band. Big money is riding on convincing her to come home. There's another rumor floating around that the pirates attacking the supply lines have been putting pressure on Kaberou. Is he securing buyers for these pirated goods?

Rumors are flying: the kind of rumors that can bring riches or ruin. The Daitengu has commanded their people to keep their ears open. Do they happen upon a juicy lead? Do they find a way to reconnect Kaberou with his estranged daughter? Do they discover more about the pirates? Do tell, do tell!

Even the staff of the Enma Department will find lips much looser than usual around them. When you're this rich, you think you're above the standards of the law. There's plenty of conversation that might be of interest to the Department. In particular, one name does keep coming up...

It comes up when discussing Kaberou's dealings with these pirates, and how much of a wrench his daughter's negligence to the life has been for his business. It's spoken of in hushed tones, even by the Celestials. It is an ominous name: "Iron Bear"

4. TANABATA (2 POINTS)

The grand opening of the underground is the centerpiece of an otherwise familiar Tanabata celebration. Using the accumulated Stardust, the Tamamo Clan's onmyouji have collaborated with Kappa engineers and the Shuten Clan's resident blacksmith to create a truly wonderful spectacle for the festival.

Despite Sai no Kawara existing underground, the overhead sky is full of brilliant stars on display. It is a one-to-one recreation of the cosmic tapestry of the Milky Way streaking through the sky like the astral river from the Tanabata legend.

The stars Vega and Altair, also known as Orihime and Hikoboshi, are highlighted in the tapestry. They take form and dance together above everyone, they encourage the feelings of love to fill the air. Romantic love, platonic love, familial love: it doesn't matter. This is the product of peace, hard work, and cooperation. This is the dream of the Daitengu and their lieutenants. Dance to the music. Drink your fill. This is a celebration of love, and there's so much love here, for everyone.

Attendees are encouraged to write their wishes on the colorful talismans distributed. Bamboo trees decorate the central square, waiting to be draped with wishes. Even if you are not familiar with Tanabata, it will be easy to pick up on the ritual. The magic in the air tonight is incredibly strong, these wishes might even come true.

5. "WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE" (2 POINTS)

Late into the evening, the Daitengu takes to the stage. They welcome everyone and hope that they have had a good night. Toraguma and Tenkohime flank them, and each says a few words to the crowd. Then, Sutoku lieutenant Sakamoto is called up to the stage for the moment of truth.

Toraguma, regretfully, announces that Sakamoto has made good on his promises. The holes in their supply lines have been uncovered found, the black market is becoming less of a bleed on their finances, and the road to finding out who -- or what -- is causing the disruption is becoming clearer. The great oni will always honor a promise kept, and reaches out his hand to shake Sakamoto's in a gesture of gratitude.

The timing, as usual, is a little dramatic.

A group of shadowy figures wearing rough-spun gear storm the stage. Several of them snatch Ringo-chan from where she is waiting to perform and drag her away. Another lunges at Sakamoto with a make-shift sword of crude metal. Just before the blade can cut Sakamoto, the would-be assassin is stopped by Toraguma. With their wrist snatched and broken, the assassin screams out:

"We come on behalf of the Iron Bear, and we know who you are!"

In his rage and fury, Toraguma breaks the assassin's neck, slamming him down to the stage. He dies within moments, while the rest of the attackers flee. They've kidnapped Ringo-chan.

Sai no Kawara is quickly flooded with armed and armored officers of the Enma Department. They instruct everyone to remain calm. No one panic. The Enma himself has arrived, and he is going to start questioning everyone about what just happened. Who is the Iron Bear? What in hell do they want? It's time for some answers.

Well… As far as parties in Jigoku-cho go… this one could have been worse, yeah?

Welcome to the August event!

Art in the final prompt by Yang Tuo
If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
Each prompt is labeled for it's value in terms of qualifying threads for Rewards.
If your character is in the Shuten Clan and cheating on behalf of the house, find out how well they pulled it off by posting here! Those that do well will get a special bonus from Toraguma.
If your character is trying any of the games of chance, find out how they paid out here!
If your character put on a performance at the Palace of Sai's stage, find out how the crowd reacted here! Regardless of clan affiliation, those that do well will be rewarded by Tenkohime!
For results on the gossip floating around the festival, post here!
For Department members, if your character is going to interrogate NPC festival goers, let us know here and we can post some more specific results!
TANABATA WISHES! POST THEM HERE!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ She reads his expression for what it is, and it's enough to get her to lean back a little. Aerith flashes him a sympathetic smile, as if to apologize, but quickly brushes it aside. No need to dwell, she deduces. ]

More or less. [ Hopefully Jon missed watching her knock a guy out with a chair. ]

But, I heard that someone here is apparently "undecided." What's up?

[he absolutely missed that. But he'll hear the stories embellished later, as things always get retold and retold with bigger and bigger extraneous additions.]

Mm. I'm familiar with this practice in theory. But... I suppose I don't see much reason to put effort into hoping a wish comes true on the whims of some unknown deity or force.

[He's kept one hand firmly closed and clasped at his back, his burned left hand running through that salt and pepper hair.]

It seems others are enjoying the whole... act of it, though.

[ Unfortunately, he's picked the most direct person here to put this on. ]

Mm. You nervous about it?

[ The deity thing sticks out to her, in truth. He does strike her as a bit paranoid and odd, but it's nothing she isn't used to. ]

[It's ok he'll get punched for this later.]

No.

[Come on, Jon. Be honest.]

A little. I... There isn't really much I could wish for. I'm fairly certain what I wanted already happened. [Except one thing, clutched tightly in his hand.]

[ That strikes a chord with her, in some manner, and Aerith falls silent for a moment. Mulling it over, she thinks that they have something in common but she doesn't dare speak it aloud. After all, Jon shouldn't be burdened with something like what's on her mind. (Namely, something Sephiroth heavily implied to her.) ]

Me, too. Even though that's true, though... I have things I want. People I want to see. It's not always that easy.

Well. Everyone has things they want. Things easily provided for by hard work and making those things happen.

No, wishes? Those are... unobtainable. Things outside your own reach, flights of fancy you have no control over. I don't put much faith in that.

Still.

[He sighs, looking up at all the little paper strips already tied, others' wishes and hopes. Things they wanted to believe could be given freely without strain and hardship.]

What about you? If you're here, there must be something you want to wish for.

[ If he's going to call her out, Aerith thinks with a teasing smile, then she'll do the same. Before answering him, she leans to the side, balancing on one foot (a miracle in heels that tall) to try and sneak a peek at his back. ]

Me? Well, of course. I'll share if you to.

I can't say I know what you're talking about.

[Surely acting will solve this. He turns so his front is still facing her, leaning back a little. Nevermind the paper is small and folded in his palm so she couldn't see it anyway. It's an instinctive thing, following her motion, like the first steps of a dance.]

[ If it's a dance he wants, it's a dance he'll get. Aerith moves seamlessly to the other side, tilting her body in the opposite way. ]

Oh? Then what are you trying to hide, Jon?

Nothing at all.

[He follows that motion; it's easier with his glasses, as it turns out. Who knew. But he takes a step back.]

This place can't give me the one thing I'd wish for anyhow.

[ It is that statement alone that gets her to stop. She had been fully ready to keep going, but now, she looks up into his face, pockmarked and a little sad to her. Perhaps she's projecting a bit, in truth, but... ]

You think so? Why is that?

[ She's like a dog with a bone. She's not letting it go. ]

[Very much so. He's reminded of a golden retriever of a man who saw Jon at his most secluded, and had decided to poke that hedgehog until they were friends. It's sobering a bit remembering how things used to be before he got the promotion.

He looks up at the bamboo trees, up to the starry display above.]

Because he's still alive somewhere. Not here.

[ Perhaps Jon means to say that by being in Hell, at all, they must surely be spirits. That wouldn't be untrue, simply, but it isn't what Aerith believes. As such, she plucks another meaning out of his words, glancing at him with sincerity. ]

...Did you return to the planet?

[Jon watches her, now that he can see properly, his eyes watch her a little too intently. Too focused, as if they could see right through her if not for the pieces of glass between them. A man who has seen so, so much being asked an odd question. It's not a phrasing he's familiar with, not with any culture he's read. From what he's been able to gather in his conversations, this place is almost like a inter-universal depot, pulling from all sorts of worlds here. And maybe the Fears got a little lost not realizing what, exactly, was beyond the crack they wanted through so badly.]

I can't say I'm familiar with the phrasing but. I haven't been truly alive for some months now.

[ He gets the gist enough to understand her, and Aerith nods in understanding, too. They're on the same topic, even as he stares beyond her, looks past the youthful way she stares up in both concern and melancholy. She thinks she spots silver hair in the distance— or maybe she's just spent too much time with Cloud. Aerith shakes her head, and then leans in again, fists balled to her chest. ]

He doesn't have to die to be here.

[ She is convinced of this. He can perhaps pluck the sincerity out of her words, but something else, too. Don't give up. ]

[She's so earnest, open in a way he was in the end. Wanting so badly to save the other universes at risk. But knowing what the others had done, leaving him no choice like everything else in his life had robbed him of that spark.

He can feel the sentiment behind the carefully chosen words. He almost wants to laugh at that. It's Hell, dying is a prerequisite... At least for his universe. Perhaps it's different for others. But even through the clean, fresh clothes, that scar in his heart weighs heavy and leaden. He cannot forget what had to be done against everything he'd wanted.]

That's very kind of you to say. But I don't know that I can believe such a hope.

[He finally does open his right palm, that little strip of paper folded and crumpled. He'd clearly kept it for longer than the conversation, having been debating for most of the night.]

[ A normal person might give him his privacy, but Aerith, who stares back at him with conviction in her eyes after hearing that, cannot simply do that. Instead— ]

Then I'll believe for you.

[ She looks.

From there, it's a matter of gesturing for him to follow her lead. It's a crumbled paper, held tight, but doesn't that just tell the stars how much this had mattered to him? Doesn't it say enough, for it to be in that state? He doesn't have to believe. That's all the more reason to hang it, she thinks. Nothing will come of it. ]

[He lets out a breathless laugh, just the one. There isn't any way this can do anything. And it's that certainty that there's quite literally nothing left he can lose that has him following her gesture. Raising his hand to lift the little slip of paper and -

And he can't really reach. Not really, just barely. It's almost laughable. A little uncomfortable laugh escapes him at the absurdity. He hadn't wanted to put the damn thing on the tree to begin with, and now the universe is telling him not to. He's glad for the glasses now. The thicker rims can hide the wetness pooling in the corners.]

[ What happens is predictable to anyone who knows her. Aerith watches him, just barely unable to reach. The glasses may obscure the way his eyes go wet with emotion, but Aerith feels it in the laugh he huffs. It's desolate, lonely.

Gently, she speaks. It's with humor, but not without sincerity. Been there, Jonathan, honestly. ]

Can I help?

[ Maybe he can't bear the brunt of his wish alone, but she can try to help. ]

[It's an odd thing. Being offered help. When has that ever happened? He stares at her blankly, like he hasn't heard the words in his life. His hands are still up mid-air reaching for the lowest branch still just out of his reach; a cosmic joke, to be truthful.]

Sure.

[ With permission, Aerith does the unthinkable. The Mythril Rod comes to her with these big gatherings without question now, and tonight is no exception. It doesn't have a point for them to use to hang Jon's wish, and she doesn't feel right doing it for him. What Aerith does know, however, is that bamboo is very bendy.

One of the loops of the rod grabs hold of the branch, and she pulls it down for him. It's enough to get his wish there, if he really wants. ]

Got your back!

[He watches that now, eyes following the rod as it appears. It's easy now with his glasses to see she really did mean magic. He had no idea. Not in a million years even after everything he has seen.

As the branch is pulled down, he watches it, looks down at the little paper, and considers one last time.

It's pointless, really. Nothing will come of this, so there's nothing to lose by doing so. Another little half-laugh under his breath before he carefully ties the paper to the branch with trembling hands.

As the branch is raised back up he watches it, catching sight of the sky behind it. It's such a simple wish. He startles when some clusters of stars catch his eye, eyebrows raising high.]

Oh...

[ When he hangs his wish upon the bamboo, Aerith lets go. She makes sure to be quick, before someone can spot her acting like a hooligan. A sub-lietenant of Tamamo helping a Enma officer hang his wish like this surely must be some kind of social faux-pas. The tree shakes as the branch re-joins the rest, but not enough to cause any damage. Quickly, Aerith drops her staff and rolls it under the table...

When she raises her head to look at Jon, she sees him staring up, and hears him speak, so she, too, looks—

...? It almost seems like... ]

...Is that him?

Edited (in another world, perhaps ...) 2022-08-07 06:39 (UTC)

[He's staring at it, making out the short curls, the soft round face. Where those once blue eyes set in, and the distant stars shining through of freckles.]

...Yes. That's him.

[ Slowly, she smiles. The stars may not plop this "Martin" fellow down with them, but they give Jon the next best thing, she thinks. And graciously, Aerith is given front row to this heavenly reunion. When she tears her gaze away from the stars, where she can map out the features of a man she doesn't know, it's to look at Jon and read his expression as well as she can. ]

Told you.

[ Yeah, she's going to rub it in just a bit. ]

I'm glad I was here with you, Jon.

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