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

As it happens... I could really go for a good cup of tea.

[ Lio's smile is slight, and it seems to grow just that bit more after saying that, but it's there and it's probably one of the more earnest looks he's ever given Aster, but... The guy really was hitting all the right beats.

He was still Too Much, sure, but... right now, he felt like maybe it was okay for Aster to be Too Much. It felt pretty nice. ]

We'll take a cab... couldn't ride my bike in this outfit.

Ohhhh? You'll have to tell me all about your favourite blends and whatnot! I don't actually have an opinion on it all, but...My Master used to love it, so I learned ♡

[Whether it's Lio's smile or the conversation meandering into more harmless territory (though, who'd have thought that Master Huey would count as 'harmless'?), Aster can feel himself unwinding once more. He'll be sad about Morvay when he's alone again. This is nice, just...

Harmless. Meaningful and meaningless.]

I can't believe I don't get to ride behind you, hanging on like some sort of princess...You're depriving me of the few joys in life.

[A beat. His fangs slip out more and more, and he squeezes in closer for a second.] I wouldn't mind if you had to hitch everything up to ride properly, but I can always imagine your bare legs another night~ Tea only, and-- no green tea. That helps libido, and I don't want you thinking I'm out here angling for anything other than your company tonight ♡

Maybe some other time, on the bike.

[ He pulled out his phone, fiddling with the taxi app before setting it back within the tuck of his kimono, softly humming. ]

As for tea, I've got herbal blends at my place. Jasmine is a favorite.

[ The cab didn't take long to pull up, with Lio reaching to open the door for Aster, gesturing inside. ]

We won't have far to go. My place is in Shuten territory.

I'd like that ♡ I've never been on one, but it'd be like riding anything else, right? Moooostly I just want to hang off of you and get to see you enjoying yourself super close!

Making tea will be plenty for tonight, though. --fuck, I should've kept a few sweets to have with it from some of the stalls. Sorry, I'm a bad guest~

[Actual embarrassment at the thought of poor manners, but that gets waved away with one immaculately manicured hand just in time to
have his door held open for him
aaaaaah...

He's never had someone he saw as a peer do this for him. Not that Morvay could be expected to, with how they actively antagonise each other, and it's expected of his servants. Thankfully, ducking into the warm light of the cab's interior means that any ruddiness gets hidden, and he can pat the seat beside him once he's scooted along without any worries at all! No bullshit sappy behaviour, just two dudes bein' besties or whatever, do not perceive him as anything other than completely composed.]

I don't think I've stuck my toes in Shuten territory much~ You're not going to get in trouble for harbouring me for a few hours, are you? I'll be quiet, at least ♡ [...If not clingier than that sugary coating would normally demand. Soon as Lio's seated, Aster's hanging back off him, head leant on his shoulder like they're lovebirds on a date instead of...Whatever they are.]

[ Lio settled in, and didn't feel a need to push Aster away as he made himself comfortable leaning against him, though did politely correct the cabbie when he initially adressed them as a couple. He provided the building name, and the cabbie knew where to take them. Easy fair, just a low 700 yen. And as for Aster... ]

Don't worry too much. You're with me, so it's not like anyone would mess with you. And as for sweets, I've got biscuits to go with the tea.

[ Honestly, "having proper things for tea" was probably not a surprising bit of Lio's mundane life to learn, but it probably was still unexpected from a Shuten officer, in general. ]

[Good thing Lio jumps in, because Aster's--

He knows it's not true, doesn't particularly want it to be true because monogamy is for the birds and he wants to earn Lio's affections if he gets them, but right now...Kind of lacks the mindset to go denying the cabbie's assumption. God, that's pathetic of him. Pathetic, lonely motherfucker.]

True! That's why I figured you'd be so popular tonight, because you're a higher-up and fun to be around. Plus you wear the feather robes so well, ugh. I hate that you look better than me, asshole ♡

[He yawns a little, letting the cab's movement lull him into a daze just a touch. It's the warmth and security of knowing that he's dealing with honour, really.] I'll bring you something nice one day, now that I know where you live. So if you get a box of fancy sweets on your doorstep, it's just me. Maybe some rice cakes shaped like fruit...I like those. They go so well with tea.

[ That was more of the Usual Aster, he figured. He takes the comments in stride, his eyes turning to the outside of the window. They'd been kept out so late by the Department's investigations, he figured dawn wasn't far behind. ]

We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, I'm just focused on making sure you have a safe place to settle down for the night.

[ It didn't take them long to reach Lio's place, either. The garage was closed, but its signs were still on, casting the whole side of the street in bright neon colors... ]

Oh?

[Although his head doesn't move, his gaze certainly flicks up; not in a way that's visible, of course, but the thought's there.]

You're going to let me stay the whole night. I didn't realise ☆ Or are you worried that I'm drunk or something? Either way, it's cute. Guess I should promise that I won't go snooping through your things in return, then!

[As much as he was going to, it just doesn't feel like a fair exchange...Anyway. Cab stopped, so he-- spouts off a few clouds of pink smoke, in an automatic attempt to bat out and try to open the door first. Fuck, foiled, forgot that he can't do that. Just going to have to lean oooover Lio's lap and open it that way instead. What, like he'd get out the other side first? No sir, favour returned.] There you go~ Ahhh, your place is so pretty at night, with all the colours!

[okay now he's out of the fucking cab promise. Just let him admire the neon for a few seconds, okay? It's really cool to some backwards fantasy fucker like him!!]

Enough of that light soaks into the room to give it color at night, but not so much it keeps you up. I got lucky, in that sense.

[ Mostly because his window wasn't right next to the sign. While Aster takes in the sights (what there was to take in, at least), Lio walked up to the residential entrance, punching in his code to unlock the door and gesturing for Aster to follow up behind him.

Up the stairs and there they were at Lio's apartment, which was really just the lost space above the garage rented out to him by the owner. It was... pretty spartan, in a lot of ways, but there were obvious touches of Lio's presence.

A clothing rack, a vinyl record player, television, makeshift vanity set. The kitchen was clean, cupboards kept neat. The boxes of tea and biscuits were already on the counter, clearly something he dipped into often enough to keep out.

The bed was just a simple futon, but there was plentiful space for the both of them, given neither of them were bigger guys. Beauty magazines, pro wrestling magazines, and some of the weekly manga periodicals. A box of tissues, a big bottle of water. ]

This is it. The life of a low-rank Shuten officer in all its glamour.

[It's certainly nothing compared to Aster's manor, but

compared to his current lodgings, this is heaven. A place that feels like it belongs to someone, to Lio. Relatively warm compared to the emptiness of Aster's own apartment.

...Also what the fuck is a record player, he's immediately drifting towards it to bend down and take a proper look.] But it's yours for now. And it's-- I smell grease, so you can do your hobby downstairs, right? Greasing wheels and fixing things.

[One long finger extends, tries to spin the record.] ...What's this? I've never seen anything like it! Is it a toy-- no, you wouldn't have toys~ But I don't know what it'd even be for! It's so weird...

[ Lio was quick to gently pluck Aster's hand out of the way, raising the finger of his other hand to hold the other's attention before he reached for the needle of the turn table, placing it in position, and hitting the playback button.

It wasn't exactly mood music, but it was his record collection and tbh there was probably nothing particularly shocking about his tastes, if one thought about it. ]

It's called a record player. These vinyl discs have analog information on them that translates to stereo sound when run through an electric device.

Edited 2022-08-19 08:03 (UTC)

[!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, the music itself isn't...It's not super surprising. Both as something Lio would listen to, and in general; if they have fucking idol music in Kleinster, then they probably have hair rock somewhere. It's just. The tech! The tech!!

Aster leans in closer, peering real hard at how the needle dips into each groove, before shooting Lio a sheepish little grin.]

More electricity...I'll never get used to this. But it's like...A music box, right? Sound, from texture, but far more advanced...

[ok that's enough marvelling over technology, give him back your hand NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW, young man.] Hey~ How do you even dance to this music? I bet you can, but I can't imagine what it'd look like.

Well if you somehow still have the energy to dance...

[ Lio lifted the needle, turning off the turntable and gently lifting off the record to slip back into its sleeve, and setting that in the shelf before pulling out sleeve, more brightly decorated, and slipping out the disc and settling it into place on the turntable.

The needle was set, and the music soon started... ]

This might be more your speed.

...You're just looking for excuses to dance with me ♡

[Hey, it might've been bait, but he would've gladly accepted a solo demonstration, or even a description; the insistence upon trying to hold hands is purely to satisfy that soft warmth being foisted upon Aster's person for tonight.

...In saying that, his face lights up with genuine surprise and happiness, all the same.] This is a little easier to figure out, somehow. That first song...Is it something you listen to while you do your thing downstairs? It feels like something that's intense enough to keep you going and let you move along just a little, without losing focus.

[Speaking of 'moving along'; even as he straightens up, Aster's already starting to sway in time, shoulders minutely rolling to the beat as he looks at Lio for approval. Look, he just. It's only balls and the like, for him. This is new, okay!!]

[ It usually did come down to dancing, with them... Though this time, Lio wasn't interested in simply showing off. Throwing Aster off his game could net interesting results, maybe, but more than anything, maybe he really just need a dance to de-stress from a night that ended like... that.

So he was right up and swaying with him, staying close, humming out the melody... ]

I listen to all kinds of music. Where I came from, I didn't really have a luxury of choice, so I just learned to appreciate what I could get...

Oh, you mean like...The radio stations here, and those discs? [He at least knows how to turn on a radio and search for different stations, now; a life completely devoid of music is no life at all, even for someone as high-strung as Aster.] So there's actually a lot more music than this...

Even if you didn't have the luxury, your choices are still pretty good~ They're yours, after all; by now, I think I can trust your taste in things ☆

[Time to attempt a spin! Even if it's more just...Spinning himself using Lio's hand. Look, country girls make do.] One day, I'll take you to a shop for those discs and let you go hog wild. You have the luxury here, kind of! So you should be able to exercise it and enjoy it~ Just make sure that you get more songs we can dance to, when we do!

You'd take me on a record shop date? You're a never ending fountain of surprise, Aster.

[ Nevermind that Aster hadn't used the word "date". That was a little surprise of Lio's own, as well as using his other hand to pull Aster in closer once he finished spinning; not roughly, of course, but instead just in time with the gentle flow of the beat, keeping him close, warm... ]

A date! Lio wants to go on a date with me~ Then a date it'll be ♡ Record store, then snacks, then dancing!

[!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhh close...Yeah, he can do that. Sounds real fucking nice right about now, actually, so Aster decides to stop pretending that he's dancing properly at all and turns it into a slow dance. Arms hooked around Lio's waist, chin on his shoulder, the whole shebang.]

Haha, you like me. I won't tell anyone, promise ♡ Just as long as you don't tell anyone that I like you too, huhu~

I'll take it to my grave...

[ Lio smirked, just gently swaying with Lio there in his arms. And... yeah. He did like Aster. He was a weird little gremlin of a guy, annoying at times and seemingly dangerous at others. But he was... liberating to be around, in a way that he didn't get from others. Someone he could just be like this with.

Was it trust? He wasn't sure. He certainly trusted Aster to BE Aster, at this point. But what Aster was... still seemed like a mystery, in so many ways. But not one that, any longer, felt... unsafe to him.

He felt like fire. And Lio had always been most comfortable around fire. ]

Aaah, don't remind me that you're mortal...I hate thinking about that sort of thing. Watching people get older, having to know that they'll never be as beautiful as they once were...

I hate it, Lio. Don't get old on me.

[All of the handsome butlers and beautiful maids he's had to watch retire, the business partners who grew old with no heirs...It's miserable, sometimes, to be immortal.

But then, he also knows full well how brightly mortality makes its slaves burn. Even if it's only for the briefest moment (and somehow, he can't help but feel that Lio's one of those who can't sustain for long), that hopeful, inevitable struggle...Aster can't help but find it beautiful.

Mostly horrifying, though.

Mostly.

...Maybe explains the way he holds on a little tighter and buries his face in Lio's neck, inhaling deeply.] Don't grow old.

Well it's not as if you'll have to see me grow old. Neither of us will be here long enough, right?

[ Well. Hopefully, at any rate. He actually had no idea how long the term of a Lost Soul's contract actually was, if one could even put a term on that sort of thing. ]

And if nothing else... you'll always have the version of me you have tonight to remember me by...

...Mm, true. I don't want to be here for long; you probably think it's a crock of shit and all, and I wouldn't blame you, but the entire kingdom really would fall apart without me, you know? And Morvay must be so lonely already...

Do you think that what you asked for with your contract is worth meeting people you'll never meet again? People who you actually like and might end up caring about?

[ Lio let that question sit for a moment, thinking of the best way to put his answer. In truth, he'd already paid thought to it, during the city-wide curse, whether it was worth forming connections in a situation designed to be transient. He'd found his answer, in those struggles, in how it felt to witness both the way people suffered AND the way they came together... ]

Think of it like a flame... Fire is ephemeral by nature, but that doesn't make it less important, less beautiful, less memorable.

...So like mortality in general. Yeah, I can see it.

I still feel a little bad about leveraging all of this against what I asked for, but it is what it is~ And I didn't expect to meet someone as interesting and fun as you are, either. It's not a bad investment, in the end ☆

[Thus satisfied (at least temporarily), Aster smacks a quick kiss against Lio's cheek no romo, then peels away just enough to stretch their arms above his head.]

Your turn to spin~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

August 2022 Event

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