August 2022 Event

[jigokumods]

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.

Comments

[harimaya]

You're a fucking weirdo.

(RUDE... but lacking in bite. He thought it when they first met and Yuuji has not proved him wrong since then. This is just how Yuuji is. He accepted it some time ago.

What does this even mean now. Is every meeting after the funeral supposed to mean something now? Yuuji had mentioned he wasn't cute before IS THAT WHAT HE MEANT wait he feels warm and dizzy. He really doesn't get it... he has enough self-awareness to know that he isn't not attractive but he knows this place is full of people who are also attractive (and have better personalities, too!). But Yuuji doesn't seem to mind...? Ugh.

UGH UGH UGH UGH.

If he had his hoodie, he would be pulling it over his head. Or ducking behind a scarf. But it's summer and he has nothing to hide behind.)

Quit lookin' at me! (He feels self-conscious now. Embarrassed? Flustered? He wants to yell.) You...

I'm getting dango.

(...

Yeah. He's going to distract himself with food. He's going to turn on his heel and stomp off ahead of Yuuji!!! Ignore the one, single, random cherry blossom floating in the air. It's nothing. It's probably from some Tamamo spell or something yeah definitely.)

[ahost]

[ again, there is something in the air and yuuji seemed to be more than happy to dismiss the other's frustration. instead, his own cheeks warm up in the thought of that day— how smitten he was when his eyes caught hizen between the crowd, dressed sharp and looking so handsome. if it wasn't yuuji, someone else could've asked him out for sure.

when hizen started walking away, that's when he snapped out of the romantic spell that was poisoning everyone's minds; eyes fluttering wide open before he started walking. he noticed the single blossom in the air, only to assume it was part of the gorgeous scenery around them.

he followed, allowing hizen some time to calm down — and when they reached the stall to order some of those treats; yuuji stepped behind him, glancing over the other's shoulder. ]

... Are you mad at me?

[ he can't tell if it's serious or just a mini tantrum. ]

[harimaya]

(Gods, it would be easier if he could just be angry. Just snap at Yuuji, maybe throw a dango skewer at him and tell him to stop being stupid but

there's just something about today. He can't snap at him tonight. Not like that. Because when he thinks about it, he just gets distracted by that stupid face. The unassuming face of an earnest dumbass and it's just

endearing

in a familiar way.)

Weren't you the one that said eating alone sucks!?

(He's quick to throw his money at the rabbit selling dango. Three dango skewers, each one a different flavor: A plain tricolor, sweet, burnt soysauce, and a toasted dango with red bean paste.

He holds out the tray to Yuuji. He can't look at him. He's entirely too flustered right now and the red color on his cheeks hasn't died down one bit. With his free hand, he tugs at the bandages around his neck, loosening them juuuuust slightly. He feels warm (embarrassed).)

... I ain't mad. Just... dunno. Guess I feel stupid or something.

(He never knew.)

[ahost]

[ if it wasn't for the offering, yuuji would've honestly assumed their night was ruined for reasons he didn't quite understand, but it can't be that bad if hizen isn't really — pushing him away. yuuji isn't the type to be perceptive, often would rather pursue someone into expressing themselves in a way that would make sense to him. it is a selfish approach to navigate a conversation, overwhelming one into spitting it out, but otherwise ... yuuji wouldn't be able to be there for them. it's a weird mentality.

so there's a soft sigh of relief when hizen, finally, used the words 'i'm not mad'. sometimes you have to be straightforward with this guy. he nods his head with a subtle 'thank you' — taking one of the skewers. ]

Don't feel that way. Now that I think about it ... a lot was going on that day. It wasn't the best time.

[ even if hizen is avoiding yuuji's gaze, the sorcerer didn't waver. with a lighthearted chuckle, he attempts to lighten the mood. ]

But I didn't give up and look at us now! We're basically on a date!

[harimaya]

(The air around them is already warm given that it's a summer evening but it seems to shift suddenly. It's difficult to really explain but it's a sort of... magical in a different way. It feels warm, bright, refreshing, and what's more




There's a shower of cherry blossom petals falling now. Not all around them! It seems... concentrated right around Hizen who is glowing absolutely red and looks distressed at the petals in the air. He swats at them then snaps at Yuuji, )

Oi, knock it off. Quit sayin' shit like that. This ain't...

(A date. Is it? He doesn't know. His head feels like it's swimming.)

I'm not a good guy, y'know? I'm a killer. You gotta be stupid t'like someone like me.

(But this warm feeling that he feels in his chest that has now made itself known with the flowers in the air... he's... this means he feels nice, right? He feels good? That's what it usually means but he's never triggered it like this before. Could he

be

happy?)

[ahost]

[ at first, he assumed it was just another show to add more allure to the scenery around them, until he realized they seemed to be enclosing around hizen in particular— or coming out of him? he can't tell, but from the way the other reacted to them, trying to wave them away gave him a clue of what it might be. a clue that didn't make sense, but he had never seen hizen like this.

the fluster and warmth of his cheeks added a lovely hue to those pale cheeks, complimenting his gorgeous features and yuuji found himself in utter awe. the visuals, the atmosphere, and the heavy influence of the stardust just gave him a sense of bravery he never thought he could have; especially with hizen. ]

How could I not? Just look at you ...

[ he then used his free hand to, gently, brush away some of those petals off hizen's hair— only to end up tracing his fingers along those soft locks. ]

It's really pretty.

[ with a smile, he gestures at those little pink delights. what a cute ability to have. ]

1/2

[harimaya]

(The cherry blossoms sure are just manifesting from thin air around him. It's like you blink and they appear like catching something falling in the light suddenly.

He tenses when Yuuji touches him and he's torn between fight or flight right now. Kick Yuuji's ass or peace out and recover in solitude.)

[harimaya]

(AND HE SHOVES A DANGO RIGHT IN YUUJI'S MOUTH. If anyone thought the stardust and the confession and the charming talk was enough to get Hizen to collapse into a puddle of overwhelmed feelings... well, they wouldn't be wrong but right now, he just wants Yuuji to stop talking so he can recover from this emotionally.)

Shut up. Jus' stop talkin' for a minute!

(Or forever. God. Just shut up and chew.

His head is swimming and his vision feels like it's tunneling. They're in the middle of a festival. There are crowds of people. He feels like he's being watched and he needs some peace and quiet.

He snatches Yuuji's wrist and begins to drag him away from the crowd and the noise. Past the food stalls and the games and in a quiet, closed-off street where some of the vendors have stored their set-up boxes and trucks. A place where they can meet their helpers who come with fresh supplies. It's not the most charming place but it's quiet and there aren't many people around and Hizen lets Yuuji go, sits on a crate, sets his dango tray beside him, and holds his face in his hands.

Away from the festival, it's even more obvious that the cherry blossoms are definitely coming from him. Mumbling,)

... Shoulda got a drink too.

(Sobriety is a burden right now.)

[ahost]

[ the sorcerer didn't retaliate to the outburst, oddly quiet the entire time he was dragged towards a more private area. as hizen settled down and mutters something about wanting a drink, yuuji took this chance to -finally- press his index and middle finger against his lower lip; patting gently, then pulling them away to stare them down, and-

ah, blood.

he's bleeding as the sharp skewer managed to cut his inner cheek, adding a spunky taste to those treats. not that it stopped yuuji from joining the other and taking a seat, chewing his bite while idly wiping the blood off the corner of his mouth. ]

We can change the topic ...

[ because this is a hard one on hizen, he can tell by now. stressing him out is not ideal, considering yuuji wants to make sure the other is having a good time. it felt like he was bullying him at this point— throwing one hard confession after the other. he glanced up at the sky, humming. ]

I think there is something in the air? I can usually keep it to myself most of the time ...

[harimaya]

(Changing the topic would be good. If he was more himself, he'd gladly take the opportunity. In fact, he probably would have left a long time ago... just ditched Yuuji in the crowd and gone off to be alone. The fact that he's still with him now...)

... Yeah.

(There must be something in the air. That's it. The cherry blossoms start to slow. There are only a couple falling at a time now as Hizen begins to calm. Eventually, the petals stop.)

I told ya before... I stopped existing a long time ago.

(At the beach party when they talked about the afterlife. If this was an afterlife, if they were dead, Hizen wouldn't exist anymore.)

Back then... y'see... (Why is he trying to talk? Yuuji already said they could change the topic but here he is, trying to get the words together to tell his story,) I'm from a place called Tosa. Call it Kochi now.

(A very rural prefecture on a small island off mainland Japan. There... really is not much going for that place so Yuuji could be forgiven if he didn't know much about it.)

It was a small place. Didn't have a lot going for it back then... whole lotta farmers and merchants and a bunch of real poor guys. And just a few guys on top that weren't all that big but they were bigger than everyone else so they made sure everyone felt small. Real small.

(He keeps his head down in his hands as he speaks, his voice quiet and awkward as he stumbles through his words,)

Your social class was everything. If you were low... you weren't even a person. You were nothin' more than a beast. Ya lived like a beast and died like one.

In Tosa, I was known to be a fine sword... but no one cared 'cause my master was ("nothing but a beast")... they just didn't care.

When he died, I got tossed. Dunno what happened... Probably got scrapped or rusted away or whatever... No one cared 'bout me.

(And thus, they get to the crux of some of Hizen's issues. Hizen is a spirit from a more miserable time; a time that told him time and time again no one cared.)

[ahost]

[ when hizen started talking, yuuji had a feeling he had to listen and pay attention. he did his best to follow through with those words as the other spoke of his past, the kind of culture during that time; the differences between social classes, and when he mentioned his master— he kinda understood why it was a delicate topic.

yuuji can relate in a sense. the agonizing feeling of not being wanted. they might not understand each other on the same level, but he knew it wasn't easy for hizen to go through that. first to deal with human emotions, and then having to experience the worst kind to begin with— a sense of abandonment and lack of worth. maybe even unloved.

it wasn't easy to see hizen like this, but yuuji did not pity him. that's the last thing anyone wants to feel. what he can do is— (if he's allowed to) reach out to hold his hand, gently curling his fingers around the other. in the same time, yuuji is somewhat pulling it away so he could look at his friend's face. ]

... I'm sorry you had to go through that.

[ his tone is soft and sincere. the sorcerer hesitates for a bit before asking: ]

Are you aware that ... people care about you here?

[harimaya]

(There's some resistance at first. He tries to curl his fingers away only to relent against Yuuji's larger hands. He keeps his head down and looks down at it. At them. Fingers laced together, his own hand being held so firmly and...

It reminds him of the times he's been held before. Before he had this burdensome form. Back then, the only way he could interact with any human was through this sense called "touch." It feels familiar. Nice.

And Yuuji speaks gently, so surprisingly soft that Hizen looks up to see if maybe he's upset him again. He didn't mean to. He's sorry. He didn't want to make Yuuji worry for him again and he's gone and done it. But he doesn't seem worried. Or angry. How strange.

What is it, then? He studies Yuuji carefully like he's seeing him for the first time. He squeezes Yuuji's hand.)

Why...? (Maybe he's wrong. Maybe he has the wrong idea.) Why d'ya care?

(Because he knows Yuuji does. He can't deny it. But he doesn't understand why. There's no obligation for him to like him here. He isn't like Mutsunokami or Sensei who are bonded to him by a shared history. They were strangers. And Yuuji still chose him. He keeps choosing him.)

[ahost]

[ oh. that was a tough question.

why? what started as a shallow attraction has certainly blossomed throughout the months into a deeper adoration that confused yuuji himself; a fondness that drifts between romantic and platonic. but, he knew it was a certain type of love that made him want to be close to the other— in any way possible. how can he explain that? ]

It started with me thinking you're handsome, and I wanted to get to know you, but now ...

[ he shifts his gaze to the side; his lips curved as if he's loving the idea of thinking about this. there's genuine joy behind his smile, squeezing hizen's hand in return. ]

I feel like ... you're good to me. I don't know ... there is something about you that says 'he will take care of me when I need it'. It started with a hunch, but now I know I was right. You're very kindhearted, and I find myself feeling happy when I'm around you. That's why I will always care for you.

[ that's one way to explain it. he turns to face hizen again- ]

Did that make any sense?

[harimaya]

(Handsome... he's quiet. He could think of a lot of words to describe himself but "handsome" certainly wasn't on his list. But when Yuuji smiles and speaks.... his face feels warm.

He's smiling while he talks. He's smiling because he's talking about him? He doesn't really get it. He doesn't think of himself as a pleasant person. He isn't someone he really brings joy to most people. He doesn't consider himself to be a good spirit. The only thing he's good at is killing and being a jerk.

Something Yuuji says resonates with Hizen, making his chest feel just as warm as his face. He usually feels so hollow but this feeling is... filling. His heart beats in his chest and he feels it resonate through him. It actually startles him with how strong it feels.

When the boy looks up, Hizen looks away quickly, his face glowing.)

... Fucking weirdo.

(... Yeah.)

[ahost]

[ he still didn't explain the whole picture, and yuuji might be incapable of doing so. it's very difficult to put it in words, but one thought spoke louder than others, and it's— he wants hizen to know that he will do anything and everything for him. he will protect and care for him as much as he can. it's hard to voice that out without coming off as expecting something in return — in the end, yuuji is genuinely, sincerely happy with their friendship; so long as they stay as close as they are now.

this is enough. he's happy.

and yet— he leans in a bit closer. ]

Can I kiss you?

[ he's only human, after all. ]

[harimaya]

(Still looking away, he can feel Yuuji get closer. His eyes go wide with surprise and while he doesn't lean away, he seems tense and can't help but shrink a little more into himself. He's overwhelmed to the point that he feels like he's barely keeping his form together. He feels like... he might leave this body.

He can feel Yuuji is close and he can't even turn to look at him right now. If he does, He might demanifest. So he holds up a hand between them, raising it to the front of Yuuji's mouth, and doesn't say anything. It isn't a no but it isn't a yes either. He's never had a problem screaming no or running away before. Just... not right now. )

[ahost]

[ not right now ...

he's not discouraged, merely smitten— even when he let out a subtle sigh. perhaps a kiss is a bold request, even if yuuji himself didn't see it as such, but he's not going to impose himself on anyone; especially hizen. he cares about this boy too much. he found himself eyeing that hand that was close to him. a slow blink, he then inches a bit closer— tilting his head so he could have hizen's fingers trace over the curve of his cheek.

he closed his eyes, blissfully smiling as he muttered: ]

There is something in the air ...

[ because he is aware, while his feelings are genuine for this boy, yuuji is really struggling to keep it to himself tonight. this is unlike him, even when he's really enjoying the level of freedom. ]

[harimaya]

(Ah, and he's grateful that Yuuji gets the message and it's enough to let him relax... just slightly (only ever so slightly). At first, he's perfectly still but after a moment, he bends his fingers just slightly to shape them against Yuuji's face.)

Yeah. Just somethin' in the air...

(He feels it too. And surely it'll pass and tonight will be something in the past. Things will be back to normal and maybe it's because of whatever is in the air but thinking about that... disappoints him. Because there's something in the air, he decides to appreciate the moment instead. As short as it may end up being, he'll let himself enjoy it. Let himself feel loved and figure out his own feelings...)