jigokulogs | August 2022 Event

August 2022 Event

MAIN NAVIGATION

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

[ He really should have known she'd be nosy like this. His protests, however, don't stop him from keeping time with Aerith's beat. ]

It's not like that...! We helped each other out, we shared a few drinks. It's nothing serious.

[ Which is to say, there may be something there, but Cloud, as Aerith well knows by now, is not a guy who knows how to express his feelings. ]

...Why, did she ask you out? [ His eyebrow raises up, threatening to get lost in his bangs. Eula didn't seem the type. Which means- ] Or am I suddenly a rival, now?

[ It's just a hint of pettiness. Aerith wouldn't have it any other way. ]

Shared a few drinks, huh...?

[ That tone seems to imply something. Without her? ]

Why, you wanna be? I think you'd need a bit more training before you got to my level, Cloud.

Didn't know you were the drinking type. [ Clearly, something to remember later. ]

And I like to think I've done alright. Why, are you gonna say I haven't?

[ Bold, Cloud. ]

[ She lets that thread go, pleased enough with his reaction for the time being. Getting a rise out of Cloud is a reward on it's own. ]

So... not serious, but it's not nothing.

[ She's bold, too. ]

[ It takes him a few steps of them dancing before he responds. Maybe a little bit bashful, maybe a little bit ashamed of himself as Aerith calls him out. ]

Maybe. I don't know yet.

[ That much was the truth. He didn't feel right admitting it was something - he felt he'd been pretty good at not letting Eula catch on how deeply he was enjoying her company. Admitting it to Aerith, though, felt more than a little - well, he didn't exactly know what it was, but it stung like he had tried to conceal something more serious from her. He put on a tough face, and there's a sheepish look away. ]

Sorry. I didn't mean to...

[ To... what? He's not even sure what he's apologizing for, now. But he feels like he should. ]

[ They've never spoken about Zack for the obvious reason. Whatever rests in Cloud's mind is under lock and key, hidden away for some other time. She thinks that perhaps this could be a good time to ask about him again, to press Cloud forward, but, she always remembers the way he reacted the first time. Still, it would paint the background of her life quite well— disappointed so deeply once, she has no desire to be held down like that again.

Maybe she just rushed ahead without ever really working on it. It's hard to say. She shrugs. ]

If you're so sorry, then you'll have to make it up to me.

[ There's other things to be upset about in her life. This is miniscule. ]

Take me on a date with you two next time. Deal?

Wh-

[ If Cloud is expecting Aerith to react like that, it catches him entirely off guard - he even misses a step, very briefly, as they dance. He makes it up quick, but the surprise on his face is plain to her - a little bit of pink in his cheeks more than giving away his embarrassment. ]

Uh- yeah. Sure. Deal.

[ There's barely a moment's hesitation in it as he nods, finally finding solid ground again in that moment, mentally speaking. ]

...Thought you'd be more upset.

[ There is, of course, the million-gil mystery, huh. ]

[ Dancing again, 'round and 'round they go as they step to the mute beat. No one can hear it but them. ]

Why? Are we serious?

[ She poses it, dresses it up as nothing more than leading him into banter, but the curiosity is eating at her. Her hand in his, she leads him a little more, taking the steps as she remembers them from her dance with the woman of the hour. ]

[ He lets Aerith lead. There's a maelstrom of emotions in his head and his chest as she asks that question - is it one he's even prepared to answer? There'a a part of him that says yes, there's a part of him that says no, there's a lot more of either of them that makes him want to hold back from saying anything - don't open the box and it can't slam shut on your hand, right? ]

Dunno.

[ It's not that he's avoiding the question. ]

Guess we didn't exactly talk about it.

[ Her gaze settles on him as if she's looking through him. Sympathy is written into her features then, as if she's done wrong by him. In some ways, perhaps she has. So focused on barreling ahead and move on has she been that Aerith hadn't considered even that much. ]

Something wrong?

[ She opens the door, all the same. Maybe an apology is in order? ]

[ He looks back to see the sympathy on her face. She thinks she's hurt him. In... some ways, maybe she has. But the scars both of them are rubbing up against — his and hers — are deeper than either of them know how to process or contemplate. There's only so much they can do about a past neither of them knows how to open up about.

He remembers how shaken she was, briefly, in the train graveyard. Tifa had pulled her up then, but it was hard not to see something had cause Aerith's usually unshakable joy to rattle loose, before she had bolted it back on. It comes to him in a flash that the reason he felt guilty was because he didn't want Aerith to think she was alone again. (Again? Why again?)

And it's i nthat moment he realizes he was hurting her trying to play everything off. By being Mr. Cool about it all. The words are out of his mouth before he knows what to with them, the sudden shock and guilt all over his face. ]

Listen, I'm-!

[ I'm sorry! ]

Edited 2022-08-19 03:18 (UTC)

[ While Cloud's ruminating over the details in his mind, plucking out small things in the grander story to paint the picture for him, Aerith's gaze is lowering. Had she bulldozed right into him? Maybe. She waits, and waits, before finally— ]

I'm sorry.

[ ... apologizing at the same time as Cloud. Surprise lights up her face, then and she snaps her head back up to look at him with an open mouth and wide gaze. Had they just...? Well, that's one way to know you're on the same page.

She giggles. Laughs and tries to hide her face, shaking her head and hanging it low before she raises it again, with a nod. ]

Well, anyway. [ All of it. They continue dancing, though by now, the song would have long ended. ] There's a lot going on. Try not to overthink it! More importantly, you're still making it up to me.

[ He hadn't expected the apology, let alone at the same time. To say Cloud had been caught off guard was to imply his guard had managed to come back up at any time this conversation. His eyes are wide, and then he turns away. An unmistakable smile on his face, and his shoulders tremble with a suppressed laugh — but Aerith can hear the laugh escape his throat. A short, soft bark of a chuckle, as the tension seems to leave him. ]

Right. Don't overthink it. And I owe you one date — with you and Eula.

Don't worry. I won't forget — you sure you don't have any other demands?

[ Right back to the banter. As easy as could be. ]

Edited 2022-08-19 04:33 (UTC)

[ The slip back into normalcy is immediate, and easy. It fits the pair of them just fine, and while Cloud chuckles, Aerith continues to lead surprisingly well for someone who always managed to be the least coordinated of their party. For the moment, people have lost their interest in them, no longer curious about their conversation and who they're speaking of but at length deciding it was not something worth their time. That suits Aerith just fine: What would they do if Eula did hear about mock jealousy over her? ]

Hm? Oh, me... I don't know. It must be on your mind if you're asking, though. So, what'll be?

[ As Cloud recovers, he gives Aerith's hand a firm squeeze. Starting to move in tandem more than just being led by Aerith, now. There's a little spark of daring as she throws the question back in his face — one that's been nurtured by Aerith, as he closes his eyes, letting the movements carry them both along. ]

Well, I was just thinking, if I'm going to be deferring my usual bodyguard payment, I should be compensated in other ways. But, well, you're the one paying...

[ It's a fun little game, reminding Aerith of their original 'arrangement', and he slips into it as easily as breathing. And if they're falling back into their own routines, it only makes sense he see how he can needle Aerith. ]

[ He's got her hook, line, and sinker. She thinks it's funny. Aerith bites. ]

Demanding extra pay, huh? How greedy... Well, how about one more date? Should do the trick.

[ Is that what he's after? ]

[ He makes a voice in his throat, hrming a bit as they dance. Seeming to think it over. ]

Hrm, maybe... I don't know if the exchange rate is as good as it was before, though.

[ There's a flame that dances behind Cloud's eyes. The way she bies her lip, he knows as a little signal to push a little more. ]

You sure that's your budget, these days, miss enterprising flower-girl?

[ It's rare that Cloud is the one teasing back, but Aerith drags him out of it, one way or another. ]

[ Ooh, 'miss enterprising flower-girl'...

Aerith sticks her tongue out, miming disgust. ]

Just Aerith works. [ She's not some big shot! Even if her name is in those kind of magazines, these days... ]

Two dates.

Aerith, then. [ He plays his part of the aggressive negotiator to the hilt, managing to lock eyes with her for a moment. ]

Hmm. [ There's a twitch at the corner of his mouth as he contemplates, trying to keep the act together just a bit more. ]

Three dates... and I get an advance. [ The way he says 'advance' might be taken in several ways. Almost as if he intends to let Aerith's mind play around with what she might consider a payment in advance for those dates. ]

[ A beat. ]

You're not asking for a blowjob, are you?

[ She knows damn well he isn't. She's having fun with it. ]

[ There's a brief pause in the banter as Cloud exhales sharply through his nostrils. His eyes widen and then narrow slightly, mentally winded at the insinuation. He can only hope their voices aren't exactly carrying. ]

[ He recovers quickly, though, Aerith's banter has certainly gotten saucier since they came here. Not that that's unexpected, given both the city itself and Aerith's own allegiance. ]

That's what your mind leapt to first? [ There's a hint of amusement deliberately seeped into his voice, a bit of a brashness as he tries to recover from Aerith's response. ] What if I was just arguing for a kiss from the city's most popular florist?

[ The smile that threats to pull his lips upward, and the raised eyebrow that threatens to vanish under his bangs, might suggest that he's filing away what Aerith's first thought was, here. Hmm. ]

Edited 2022-08-27 05:01 (UTC)

[ It's true, for better or worse, that Tamamo goads something out of you; a sense of comfort, one may call it. Aerith's not quite sure when it started for her, but it's been a slow trickle, from the brothels to the things that Tenkohime asks of them, it's just second nature after a while. She's relieved, in truth. ]

Say what?

[ She's playing with him, smiling like nothing's strange. ] You know, those come at a premium... I'm not so sure that your normal body guard duties will cover it. I can give you extra work if you really want it.

[ Is she talking about the kiss or the blowjob? ]

[ That's the thought that briefly crosses his mind, before he realizes it doesn't really matter. If that's the price Aerith wants to pay... well he isn't unopposed, let's say, either way. ]

Renegotiating our contract? Can't say I'm surprised...

Alright, then, I'm listening. What exactly are you looking for?

A delivery boy... bodyguard... maybe someone to grab lunch for me.

[ That last one is a joke, honestly; she half expects Megumi to bring something every day for everyone. Kid's more of a mom than her own mom. ]

You down?

A bodyguard and a personal assistant? That's a scandalous proposal, you know. What would they say if they saw I was your personal boy-toy, fetching you this and that?

[ Cloud doesn't actually care, and Aerith knows this. But he can't help but make light of the offer as he lets it hang in the air. The amusement is plain in his voice, even as he doesn't lock eyes with Aerith, knowingly, until after he says it. ]

Alright. Tell you what. You've got yourself a deal.

August 2022 Event

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)