[ OPEN ]

[swordhardy]

Who ⬤ Rokurou & you! Totally OTA.
What ⬤ August 2022 Event — Tanabata.
When ⬤ All throughout the event & afterward.
Where ⬤ Sai no Kawara; various locations.
Content Warnings ⬤ Fighting, violence, alcohol, blood, wounds, sex, language... will update as necessary.


〈〈〈 GAMBLING PROBLEM 〉〉〉
⓵ ― GET UP, COME ON, GET DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS
FIGHTING, VIOLENCE, BLOOD, WOUNDS; CAN LEAD TO NSFW BECAUSE HE'S FIGHTHORNY

[ The crowd cheers, jeers, and stomp their feet as fighters stretch along the outside of the arena. Bets come in rapidfire, with money slapped across the table as eager observers eye up the fighters and make snap judgements before every paired up fight begins. More and more cash flashes as people surge in from the card tables, winners high off beating the house and more than willing to relish in a little bloodlust. The unfortunate losers, they're just as eager, and more trusting of their judgement when sizing up fighters and throwing in their very last dollar to try to earn it all back in what feels like a safer bet.

The rules are simple for this set. No weapons, and the match ends when someone gives up or when one's pinned flat on their back for ten seconds. You can fight however you like within those parameters. It favors the brawny and those who specialize in hand to hand combat, but that doesn't stop Rokurou from hopping into the ring eagerly and cracking his knuckles when his number's chosen from the pool. He might be a swordsman with a heavy preference for fighting with swords ... but it's been a while since he let loose. A little skin on skin contact don't sound bad.

Clad in only a pair of trousers, the daemon rolls his neck and pulls his hair back before pointing at his pool-chosen (or maybe you knocked that loser aside and hopped in because you wanted to) opponent. With a vicious smile that shares his teeth and a predator's gaze, ]

I'm not interested in weaklings. If you break easy, you better just get out of the arena right now.

⓶ ― SKIN TO SKIN, BLOOD AND BONE, YOU'RE BY YOURSELF BUT NOT ALONE
BLOOD, AFTERCARE, CAN ALSO GO SPICY WHY NOT IT'S MANSLUT SUNDAY

[ Off to the side of the area is another stretch of bar, space a little quieter than the ones amongst the casino. Rokurou's perched on one of the stools with a dewy glass of ice water beside him and a mess of red-stained tissues scattered behind his elbow. His nose is a mess, blood smeared across his upper lip, and a shiner hues around the circle of his visible eye. Mottled purple and blue blend across his skin; shirtless, a couple of angry scratches crisscross with old faded scars, some white, some pink. Crusting brown dries beneath his fingernails, leading to scratched up knuckles.

Clumsily, he dunks a fresh napkin into the cup and wipes down his abdomen to wipe the scratches focused around his hipbones. Water smears red into diluted pink, edges of the cuts smoothed down and eased by the cold. ]

Scratching during a match ... cheap move. [ the water tints pink with another dunk of the napkin, then slaps his skin again closer to his belly button with just the slightest shudder of breath against the muttering, ] Like fighting a damn cat.

[ The daemon rolls his neck and looks up, catching the eye of someone who's come to the bar—and with a lopsided smile, asks, ]

Hey, how's my back look? I think they got me there too.

[ Rokurou leans, drawing forward his thick mane of dark hair to share broad shoulders and sharp shoulderblades ... and yes, more irritated tallies along the handsome slope of his spine and ribs. More blunt patches of green and yellow bloom across tanned skin and muscle, some fresh, some fading, not all from today. He's a wild artist's canvas, with beads of red dripping down from wounds over the smudging of bruises. ]

⓷ ― FIRE IN MY LUNGS, CAN'T BITE THE DEVIL ON MY TONGUE
ALCOHOL

[ The night's dragged on and plenty of people have already lost their cash to the house. Rokurou's among those numbers, having spent enough for the night that he's no longer looking to wager more money ... but adrenaline is high and the fun isn't over yet. A group of people have set up a makeshift game of their own closer to the bar; it's a corner where the drinks are flowing and the games are less structured, and all of the betting is everything but cash. Anything goes. Hell, once some people get drunk enough, they even go back to the tables to gamble away what's left of their money anyway—it's a win/win for the house, ain't it?

The two top game choices are arm wrestling and drinking contests. The daemon's set up for the latter, grabbing freshly washed glasses from the waitresses's tray, slamming them down onto the table with relish. Two bottles of amber whiskey come along with it. Cheap stuff, but it'll get the job done.]

Whoever falls off their chair first is the loser. [ he slides the second bottle forward with a flick of his fingers; they probably didn't even need the cups when they each get their own. ] As for what we're betting... how about a secret? A good one. Something we haven't told people around here.

〈〈〈 PLEASURE PALACE 〉〉〉
⓸ ― YOU LET ME VIOLATE YOU, YOU LET ME DESECRATE YOU
NSFW (16+); APHRO

[ The palace drips decadence. More than Rokurou's used to, more than suits his taste, and he can't afford any of the expensive drinks lining the gilded sidecars. But the atmosphere of the palace is easy and pleasant in spite of its incredible richness, and there are drinks that are a little cheaper than Tenkohime's specialty. Incense lofts through the woodpanel rooms, a soothing scent laced with an undercurrent that settles deep into the bones and belly. Heat begins as a slow simmer, though Rokurou can't tell the difference between what's in the air and what's in his glass—his drink goes down smooth, honeyed warmth that coats his throat. His naturally olive tone doesn't share color or flush easily, but he's feeling the tingle of tipsiness along his fingers and toes. A lightweight that enjoys the feeling, the daemon leans into the sensation with a pleased sigh.

The cushions of the couches and chairs are plush and draped with velvet blankets. Pillows glint, lined with gems. Voices are hushed, glasses tink, soft laughter echoes down long hallways. Gaze lidded, the daemon smiles at someone nearby (Tamamo or not) with a slight squint. A friendly look as he rests his chin in his hand, pinky and index finger toying with his bottom lip idly. ]

Aah, sorry. I'm staring. [ though he doesn't sound very apologetic about it— ] You're just really cute.

⓹ ― YOU LET ME PENETRATE YOU, YOU LET ME COMPLICATE YOU
NSFW (16+); INSTASMUT OPTION, WE HORNY

[ The night drags on. Sake stains Rokurou's lips, warms his tongue. The bruises from his earlier bouts in the area throb and his cuts sting, bones ache, a beat that urges on the restlessness that tremors along the mapline of his veins. Blood rushes through his body, a crescendo of urgency from the half of him that lacks humanity, a beast hungering for carnage. Alcohol dulls his hard-kept reason; everything becomes overwhelming to a creature with heightened senses. He craves the painpleasure of stimulation. The dig of nails into his flesh or teeth into his skin. Gentle, rough, the hard clench of thighs or tickle of tossed hair. The restless itch stirring knows but one word: more, more, more, more.

Instinctually, he follows after a scent of strong desire. Something that calls out to him, a taste in the air that draws in a hungry monster like a bug to a flame. There's no hesitation when he winds his arms around a figure, pressing his strong chest up against another's back. He inhales that delicious scent, tilting his head against the back of their neck while the palms of his hands slide forward to tease along the other's stomach in a slide of flirtatious fingers already threatening to go south. His sharp teeth graze over skin but don't bite yet, though the urge to pinch flesh between his canines and print a heavy red mark spikes.

Predator wanting to trap its prey, he rasps against the shell of an ear. ]

Shit ... I really wanna devour you.

〈〈〈 GOSSIP 〉〉〉
⓺ ― A SUNNY PLACE FOR SHADY PEOPLE, A CROWDED ROOM WHERE NOBODY GOES
HOT GOSS, LOOSE LIPS

[ The band plays and people are relaxed, chattering amongst themselves ... a little louder than they might normally. Ruddy cheeks and bright eyes, it's easy to catch wind of something interesting even when you're not trying to. Rokurou tips his glass to his mouth and takes a swig of sake while overhearing someone who looks rather rich talking about how he's started seeing some really popular courtesan on the side, something about how they're deeply in love now ... and catches a glance of the person he's speaking to's incredulous expression. Guess someone's got the wrong idea about what paying for company means.

The daemon snorts, sliding his glance away before dropping himself comfortably down onto one of the couches. He lays his sheathed sword across his lap, resting fingers on the black casing. Rumors of the wolf girl going against her family have been one of the biggest, and it has him tapping his fingers against Stormhowl in quiet contemplation. ]

Families are difficult, huh...?

[ A mutter to himself, but like all of the other murmured voices around, it's easily caught even below the sound of music. ]

〈〈〈 TANABATA 〉〉〉
⓻ ― BABY, WE BUILT THIS HOUSE ON MEMORIES

[ Social butterfly by nature, Rokurou weaves through the crowd of festival-goers with ease. A flutter of purple kimono follows his motions, haori a royal shade draped across his broad shoulders instead of his usual lilac kimono. Eyes scanning, he watches the people that pass and stop; the good feelings in the air are electric, joy stretched across mouths and shining in eyes obvious at every turn. The swordsman sighs, gently endeared, though he doesn't decide to join in with the groups holding hands and happily playing games before heading to write wishes deep in their hearts down to offer up.

He only stops when he sees what seems to be a wallflower—someone else alone, or someone looking out of place. Goodnatured, he approches with a tilt of the head, cascade of black hair falling forward as he offers a friendly grin. Always one with a soft spot for quiet types and out of place introverts, or even those that just look a little lonely in a crowd, he flutters close like a moth drawn to moonlight. ]

Mind if I hang out over here? It's pretty crowded. [ smile lopsided, he offers out his right hand; there's a paper dish with delicious candied sweet potatoes inside, ] If you're hungry, I got an extra dish for free. How about it? Not much better than candied sweet potatoes.

[ He has his own second plate in the other hand; of course, the second dish hadn't been a mistake at all, nor had it been free. But that's a secret he keeps to himself, wanting to spread the good feeling a little bit. It isn't like his words are a lie: there really isn't much better than candied sweet potatoes. ]

⓼ ― IF I CAN'T BE CLOSE TO YOU, I'LL SETTLE FOR THE GHOST OF YOU

[ Underground, lights dapple the earth overhead creating a tapestry of sky. Constellations move, graceful gestures of arced limbs set back against melding purple and blue. The ambiance slows, the din becoming a gentle wash of whispers while papers flutter after being tied to slim bamboo and branches. Lanterns cast a gentle golden glow, stars among the people, weaving between trees and wishes.

A young man stands among them, uncharacteristically reserved as he reaches up to brush the back of a rough knuckle against one of the papers carefully hung among the field of hopes. Inky hair falls around in his shoulders, loose, moving gently as he tilts his head up and studies the false stars overhead. Dropping his hand away, the daemon leaves the wishes alone—in the end, he hadn't written what he really wanted to. Men like him, men who have sinned too greatly, have no right to ask the heavens for anything.

After a slow exhale, he finally smiles. It's a slight tilt, almost tired, not the normal shit-eating teeth gnashing grins he likes to wear. An ache persists in his chest, below blackened ribs and somewhere in a charred heart—a kick, a pulse of something that's long since been turned to smoldering ember and ash. Idly, the hand drawn away from the branches to rub over his chest. Uncomfortable, the feeling furrows a stitch between his brows for a moment before it smooths over. No stranger to restlessness, he tilts his head to find a target of distraction with glittering mismatched eyes. Pinning red and coin-bright gold. ]

Say, what do you think happens to people who've left the city?

〈〈〈 WILDCARD. 〉〉〉
⓽ ― WANT SOMETHING ELSE? WILDCARD ME, OR ASK FOR A CLOSED STARTER.
Rokurou can be found pretty much anywhere around the Palace of Sai. Feel free to mod any of the above prompts if you have an idea (especially for previous CR), or we can toss 'em together in another way. You can hit me up on plurk at bigwoof or PM.

Comments

[swordhardy]

Yeah. [ his own smile softens a bit, understanding knitting between his brows. ] You can say that again.

[ Of course, he won’t depress this nice young lady about his days in prison, or his bleakest moments after realizing that very thing—that his goal was massively beyond his reach. Simply said, it feels like shit. A big pile of shhiitttt. ]

It’s your path to walk. If you fall, stay down for as long as you need, and then get up again to keep going when you can. What else can we do, right? That said … I’m still figuring it out myself, haha. [ he almost looks bashful, giving her an innocent look while admitting, ] I’m a selfish guy. I want the things I want, so I’ll always end up going after them. Can’t help it.

[ #yandere, kind of?? Cough cough. ]

Even if I don’t stand a chance … soooo maybe I’m not the best person to listen to.

[peninhand]

[ Monika didn't even consider the yandere-like aspect of it. Maybe because he really didn't give yandere vibes to her. And besides, after what she'd gone through herself, if anything that sounded like something she could strongly sympathize with.

A selfish guy... She smiled softly. ]

I can sympathize with that.

[ She felt like she was so selfish sometimes. Even her wishes were selfish. Most people had put up wishes about finding their lost friends, wishing happiness to their loved ones or whatnot... But her wish had been for herself and only herself. It felt wrong... But she couldn't help it. ]

I think it's a good thing. It means you got lots of determination... No. Passion. [She raised a finger.] So long as that passion doesn't bring harm to anyone, ahaha!

[ That was the limit, huh? The one she had once crossed and that tortured her still. ]

[swordhardy]

Oh ... I've done that. [ he rubs his neck, as though he'd just admitted to eating the last cookie in the jar and not the fact that he regularly harms others, whoops, ] I am a swordsman, though. That's the way of life for us. I've killed others and someday someone will kill me.

[ He also has no scruples when it comes to getting what he wants ... but he's not a good man, fully aware that he went and ruined his own life over singleminded pursuit. But she seems like a nice girl and he can't help wanting to encourage her a bit. He's got a soft spot for this type, sue him. ]

But I think you're right! Passion can't be a bad thing, yeah? So, Miss Monika, from one selfish person to another—I hope you get what you want. [ he exhales, looking back up to the sky, ] With any luck, it'll happen.

[ He looks back to her, smile having shifted to another toothy grin. ]

Do you drink? After talking so much, I feel like I should buy you one.

[peninhand]

[ The nice kind of girl, huh? Gosh, why did that make her feel like an impostor? She had once been very kind. And she endeavored to be that way again. But she'd become such a monster after her epiphany... Even if she was trying to better herself, she still felt horrible. ]

Gosh... Miss Monika sounds so very wrong. [She laughed and raised a finger.] Just Monika will do.

[ She tilted her head a bit worriedly at the mention of him being killed by someone someday. ]

I hope the same for you, but if you get what you want and get killed... [Sure he did admit to having harmed others, but she had no place to judge after what she'd done.] Well, surely there are swordsmen who die of old age?

[ She laughed awkwardly. Not the most elegant way to word it, but gosh. Life is too precious to be so casually risked. That's what she thinks, at any rate.

And... Oh goodness. Did the poor man have any idea what horrible mistake he just made by inviting Monika to a drink? Sure, she did put pretty much anyone she encountered on her potential boyfriend-slash-girlfriend list. But inviting her? That put a star right next to his name! Tragic. ]

I can't say I ever have

[swordhardy]

Those who die from old age … there are, but not many.

[ But he won’t go into detail about the ideals of a swordsman, his clan, or how he’s actually excited at the prospect of someone stronger coming along and killing him one day. He’s a weirdo, sorry girl.

He perks up a bit when she says that she hasn’t before. Ah, a beginner! As a connoisseur of good drinks, this is the perfect opportunity to gently guide her in the correct direction of nicely aged wine and delicate sake over cheap beer. ]

They have a pretty good sake here that has a nice flavor. It’s light, too, so it’s easy to drink.

[ It also has a pretty low alcohol content, making it pretty good for someone who doesn’t normally drink. ]

How about it? [ he pauses, then adds, ] I’m happy to buy you something like juice or tea, too, if you’d rather that.

[peninhand]

[ Not many... It was perhaps a blessing he didn't mention how he was excited at the prospect of being killed by someone stronger by him, because now that was something she'd have a real hard time wrapping her head around. For how much her epiphany had enlightened her on so many aspects of life, she was still having some serious difficulties opening up to certain ideas. ]

Sure thing! [She nodded.] There's a first for everything, right?

[ Besides she wasn't aware just yet of the absolute joke that is her resistance to alcohol. Hopefully she won't do anything stupid like start singing or declaring her undying love to anyone passing by who so happens to be "real." ]

Besides I think I'm long overdue my first shot at that kind of stuff.

[swordhardy]

Alright, that’s the spirit. I saw a place that looked good. It’s not too far.

[ With the prospect of a drink and the general good atmosphere of the festival, his mood couldn’t be better. Which is why he smiles and offers her his upturned hand to take, ]

It’s getting pretty busy—I don’t want you to get lost in the crowd.

[ Hopefully she doesn’t mind a hand that’s seen hard work and labor, with the shadow of scars across the lines of his palms and the rough texture of calluses. ]

[peninhand]

[ There were a number of people who may have had issues at the idea of holding hands, as scandalous as such a thing was. Monika wasn't one of those people.

And he gets a second star next to his name. That may sound like good news, but that's really not. ]

No worries, I understand.

[ Her very bright smile was probably as good an indication as any. And she totally didn't mind how rough his hand was. ]

Let's go~!

[swordhardy]

[ He leads her to one of the little stalls set up for the festival. It's more toward the Tamamo side of things, with red lanterns and red stools, but keeping clear of the more scandalous locations. Red lacquer bar and golden plates with a bartender dressed in elaborate kimono and dramatic makeup with a backdrop of delicate bottles. They're an interesting variety, which is why he noted them earlier when he had been passing through. Each of the stools has a gold-embroidered cushion on it for comfort, and the place mats have etchings of peacock feathers in shimmering shades.

It's a cute place. Not as rough and tumble as he normally might go for, but completely appropriate for taking a girl. ]

Here we go. I noticed this spot earlier.

[ The bartender greets them with a sweep of her sleeves, smiling kindly as she points them to the two stools at the end of the bar and immediately serves water before gesturing to the line of bottles behind her. Rokurou makes a swift choice, already having something in mind, and the bartender, makes a show of beauty while pouring their drinks into two golden sake cups and putting them in front of them.

After taking a seat, he rests his fingers over the rim of his own cup but doesn't yet drink. ]

This is pretty light, but you still shouldn't drink too fast. It's better to savor the flavor on your tongue for a moment.

[peninhand]

[ A very cute place indeed. He had good tastes. Monika wouldn't have complained regardless of the place he decided to go to, but that made things easier and less stressful. While she did her best to be sociable, she couldn't say she really liked the loud and overwhelming kind of place where young people her age liked to go... ]

Mhm, alright. [She looked at her cup after taking her seat, tilting her head.] People do all kind of silly things when they're drunk, don't they? [Gosh... The world wasn't ready for the calamity that would befall it should she ever get drunk.] I need to get a feel for my tolerance.

[ She very slowly took the cup and brought it to her lips, but then paused and turned to look at him with a sweet and bright smile. ]

Why don't you tell me more about yourself?

[ She closed her eyes for a moment. No no, she's not delaying taking her first sip, perish the thought. Okay, maybe just a little. ]

A lone swordsman who wishes to return to his homeland... Dancing with death while in pursuit of his dreams. [She opened an eye.] If you weren't sitting in front of me, you could be the main character in one of the books I read.

[swordhardy]

You make it sound more poetic than it is.

[ While she lingers before taking her first sip, Rokurou helps himself without hesitation. Pressing the rim of the cup to his lips, he savors the flavor on his tongue for a moment, washing it around his mouth before swallowing. A faint flavor with a pleasant tail. ]

What else would you like to know?

[ Happy enough to indulge her, he tilts his head and rests his chin on his hand while nursing his cup. It's not like he has anywhere else to be tonight; his duties in the Shuten gambling hall have already been filled and the night is still young. ]

Off the top of my head... easy ones are that I'm twenty two, 180cm tall, and the youngest of six.

[peninhand]

Mhm, I love poetry, ahaha! I guess that's why.

[ Everything could sound poetic with the right words. Even things that involved killing... Though, there really was a tale-like quality to what she'd heard so far. In her reality anyway, it would sound as such. She laughed as he mentioned his height. ]

Oh gosh, that explains why I feel so short, I'm only 168cm tall! Eighteen years old and only child.

[ Though... She shared a creator with Yuri, Sayori and Natsuki. Did that technically make them sister? Now that was a really weird thought. ]

You must have seen a lot of fascinating things, right? [A pause.] Where I come from, it's so small and lonely. So I guess I have an interest in all the wonders the world has to show.

[swordhardy]

Sure, I've seen some interesting things. I did a lot of traveling back in Midgand. We went to Northgand and Southgand, sailed the seas, spent time in the forests and on the open plains. It was pretty fun. I was with some pretty interesting people, too.

[ He takes another sip of his drink, reminiscing. All things come to an end and he doesn't long for it, even if it had been an incomplete journey before he'd been snatch to Hakagemachi. And that city... had been worse off than this one. Compared to that place, Jigokucho is a vacation. ]

Was it really that small? Where you're from. Like a country village...?

[peninhand]

Wow... [She smiled.] Sounds like you lived more in twenty years than most people do in a lifetime.

[ Gah, did the topic have to return to her? She laughed embarrassingly. She couldn't really avoid talking of her at all, huh? ]

Mhm. Well, not really a country village, but... [A pause as she considered how to word things.] Imagine the smallest and most boring place you can think of with next to no social interactions. [She tilted her head to the side.] Add to that no prospect of things ever getting better.

[ That was glossing over things a lot. But no way she could just say the truth like that. ]

Needless to say, that makes this world super interesting to me.

[swordhardy]

[ He taps his fingers against the edge of his cup. The smallest, most boring place he can think of with no social interactions ... and no prospect of things ever getting better. ]

That sounds like prison. [ and having been to prison, he feels qualified to say this! the experience in a shitty prison out in the middle of the sea hadn't been the greatest three years of his life. ] One of the girls I know, she was in isolated confinement in there for three years. Sounds kind of like what she dealt with. I was in general confinement so I saw other inmates at least.

[ He rubs his neck a bit. ]

Well, I hope you can see a lot now that you're outta there. This city must be pretty fun for you.

[peninhand]

[ She smiled somewhat sheepishly. A prison... Yes, that was what it had felt like. A prison from which she had been unable to break out. But if on top of this, you took the void of lights and screams she was trapped in whenever the game was turned off-- ]

I'd call it the real hell. [As opposed to Jigoku-cho.] This "hell" is pleasant in comparison.

[ They shouldn't even call it hell. Those who did clearly had never known true horror. Yet again... Maybe she just hadn't experienced the true horrors of this place. ]

Yeah, this place is amazing. [She looked at him.] And I get to speak with people, too. That's like a dream come true, ahaha!

[swordhardy]

Good for you.

[ It's actually kind of nice to hear such an optimistic take on the city. The last city Rokurou was in was a thousand times worse, similarly filled with youkai but much more cursed. Compared to that, Jigoku-cho is a vacation. ]

I hope you get to see even more than that. Who knows what will happen from here? Whatever the past was, you can only go forward.

[peninhand]

Mhm! You're absolutely right.

[ Who knew indeed? It was a second chance for her and so many others... Well, a first chance really. Saying she'd had a chance at life to begin with would be incorrect. ]

I hope the same for you~! [She beamed.] And maybe next time we meet I'll have an actually exciting story to tell.