jigokulogs | March 2022 Mini Event

March 2022 Mini Event

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The Night Parade is fast-approaching and each faction will be busy with their own preparations.

1. SHUTEN CLAN

The Celestial Phoenix Casino, a fairly popular casino in the Shuten territory, is overdue on its protection money. This money is sorely needed for parade preparations. Unfortunately, the casino has decided it doesn't need to pay up because they've hired some new unaffiliated muscle. Neither the manager nor their new muscle are the type to listen to reason, so be prepared to exert some intimidation and force to convince these new bodyguards to take their business elsewhere.

The brute squad working for the Celestial Phoenix seems to be made up of several different youkai. Some of them are more human looking than others, but you'll notice no Oni. Even independent Oni wouldn't dare turn against the Shuten Clan. Even lacking in Oni, these thugs are armed to the teeth, swinging several deadly weapons and even a few firearms. This could get rough, so be prepared for the worst. Take the gangsters protecting the Celestial Phoenix out or convince them it’s not worth it.

Once inside, you'll discover that the owner, in a panic, has locked himself inside the casino's value with the protection money owed. This might take some doing to get open...

2. SUTOKU ALLIANCE

The Kappa want to be left alone and the Daitengu has asked Sutoku Alliance members to assure their wishes are respected. Members are tasked with convincing people to stay away from the Kappa's riverside facilities by whatever means necessary. Of course, you may want to take a look for yourself to see what they’re being so secretive about. That’s not recommended, if you don’t want to get into trouble.

It’s not just strangers who are nosy, though. Retinues from both the Shuten and Tamamo clans are making an appearance and asking why the inspections are taking so long. Why are the Kappa dragging their feet? The Alliance prefers to avoid direct violence, so it's up to you to talk to these clan captains in a way that convinces them to leave the Kappa alone.

If you're curious enough to dive deeper into the Kappa's business, however, even your Alliance membership isn't going to keep you safe. The Kappa themselves seem to disappear from sight the further into the sewers you go, as if invisible. Preventing yourself from being spotted by a security camera or a patrolling Kappa is almost impossible. Cover your faces, stick to the shadows, and you might just notice that... they’re building something down there.

Something for the Parade? Who knows? But it’s definitely not decorations or a float...

3. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA

The parade route for the Night Parade needs to be "cleaned up". The Department is tasked with getting the low level street gangs and squatters to clear out. The homeless population will resist and may not be so easily persuaded to give up their spots. Your best bet is to offer them food, booze, or shelter for the night. The street gangs will assuredly fight back. Use your strength or your wits to get the job done.

The gangs will not typically be that tough, most don’t want to step up to the Department's goon squad too heavily lest they wind up in a cell for the rest of their lives. Still, some might be hopped up on encouraging substances and try to escalate. Don’t worry, though. You have the authority of the Enma on your side! Don’t think they will get away with waving a weapon in your face.

The homeless, though, lack strength or weapons. They are more fueled by desperation to keep their spots. Winter hasn't been kind to them, after all, and they don’t have much respect for the Enma's authority. Their belligerent behavior is loud, and often violent despite their absence of means to properly defend themselves. At worst, they’ll probably try to use biological warfare. Don’t ask what's in those bottles...

4. TAMAMO CLAN

Parade costumes need to be designed, crafted, modeled, and then likely mended knowing the rough and tumble yokai. The textile shops and tailors of the area need Tamamo Clan members to help them out. Costumes vary from extremely ornate to extremely sexy. These costumes need to merge form and function, for the Tamamo clan parade marchers that means they need to be able to sell their specific wares while wearing them. (wink wonk)

None of the costumes are floor ready and the shop bosses urge you that these cannot be seen by the public until they are ready. This won’t stop some peeping toms and tammies from trying to scope out the goods. Most of the voyeurs are spying for perverted reasons, but some are from shops outside of Tamamo’s influence trying to copy the designs for themselves. Either way, Tamamo Clan members aren't expected to be just pretty faces. So rough’em up.

5. TASTE TEST (ALL FACTIONS)

For those less interested in their faction's work, the restaurants in the Tamamo territory also need help finalizing their menu offerings for the Night Parade. Taste testers and creative cooks wanted! These aren’t just any dishes though and may have some interesting effects. One may be so spicy that everything burns, your face turns red, and you need to cool yourself off. Or maybe your dish is so good that you need to take a nap – it doesn't matter where you are, you'll just fall asleep right on the spot. Another possibility is a dish that gives you unstoppable energy – literally. It will make you want to get up and go and never stop moving. If you stop moving, it may cause a bigger problem.

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[Ah. She looks back at Gojyo, just barely missing how he was touching his own neck.]

Oh, you're fine by the way. It's not a well kept secret or anything. I mean...

[Monts twirls some of her hair around her finger to make a point.]

I wouldn't be keeping my hair this short if I wanted to hide it.

[And just to make it more cheeky, as she goes to the cash register, Monts lightly add:]

If I was going to show you something more private, trust me.

You'd know.

[Damn.

How did he find himself on casual terms with such an incredible chick?

Gojyo couldn't but chuckle out, crossing his arms as he leaned his weight onto one leg. His eyebrow perked up slightly as he watched her twirl with amusement.

He had to admit. He was a little jealous of how well Monts handled such a thing. As much as he wished to take pride in the things that made him him, there was always that underlying insecurity.

Maybe he should start wearing his hair up again. Like he used to.]

Eh? Something more private? Is that so?

[The flirty insinuation entered his gaze once more. It was the same look he gave Monts when they first met. He followed Monts with a skip in his step as she walked up to the register. Gawdy t-shirt in hand.]

Are you saying you have something more private you'd like to show?

[Probably not the most appropriate conversation to have in front of the poor youkai cashier. Truthfully considering the timing, it probably made the whole conversation sound worse than what they were teasing.]

[The poor Tenjōname youkai is just closing their eyes as if praying for this exchange to just be over and done with so that they can just be at peace and unbothered. Monts has just buried her face into her newly purchased clothes, to muffle her laughter at Gojyo's reply.]

That'll be up to me, thank you very much. I can't very well give away all my secrets just like that you know.

[Monts has a way about her where she appears confident and self-assured about herself. She knows how others view her (on the surface), approaches matters with airiness and fun (everything else is so heavy), and has a fondness for others (because maybe, they can add on to what's missing).

It's all in good fun. And it's always fun getting to know people like Gojyo who definitely has a lot over and under the surface.

Since she paid for her clothes she waits at the exit for him, ready to go back to change and settle down for the evening.]

You're not doing anything else later are you? Unless you want to risk getting food on your clothes again.

Not really. I was mostly checking out the food stalls because I was getting too damn bored winning so much at the gambling houses.

[Gojyo seemed to ignore the poor Tenjouname casually. Not forgetting to slip a little more than what his shirt cost for a tip-if simply for having to deal with them.]

Why. Are you doing something?

[It was a familiar game for Gojyo, these casual flirtations and playful teases. Something safe and fun made it easy for him to warm up to someone without thinking too hard. It was one of the things that made him love Jogoku-Cho so much. Here he could insert himself into the hustle and bustle of nightlife and seedy gangs enough so that he didn't have to deal with things of a more existential and personal nature.

Gojyo had to deal so much with that during the past few years. Serious things. Sad things. Fucked up shit that he'd truthfully rather forget.

A scenario like this was more like life before it all.

It was nice.]

Or are you just looking for a good company?

[He grinned as he made his way over to Monts. Slinging the t-shirt over his shoulder, taking note to ensure it didn't hit any of the mayo stains that covered his hakama.

Yeah, he should probably change into this soon.]

I am in the sad position of having nothing to do and my zest for the afterlife going away.

[She needs to change too honestly. When they're outside, she glances around, landing her gaze on the Tamamo territory where... Well, while there are places where the clothes fly off, she's sure they can find a karaoke bar or host club that will have bathrooms to change in.]

It just so happens that I am looking at good company. Let's get changed first though. I think we should be fine borrowing one of the clubs' bathrooms and since I'm part of that territory and everyone getting along for now, you should be fine too.

Ahah, yeah, I doubt we'd be sporting any new fashion trend with what we're wearing.

[Gojyo laughed out with that. He was watching as Monts looked over in the distance to-- Ah. That was the red light district.

Don't tell him--]

So you're Tomamo, eh?

[Damn. Wasn't that the district he initially thought he was going to join? But that was also the territory in charge of the brothels.

Shit, that was tough.]

I heard it's quite the club to join. The guy who runs the clan I'm a part of definitely has a few words for your leader.

Mm-hm.

[She starts off in the direction of the district and already the bright neon lights start to dance across her features.]

I've heard some of those words about her, but people tend to run their mouths when it comes to an intimidating female leader. As for myself, I've yet to talk to her so I have no opinion. Except maybe, it seems we're free to get a feel for what we can do within her territory.

[Meaning sure, there's definitely the 'red light' part of it. If it comes down to it, Monts wouldn't be totally disagreeable... She thinks. They're not being forced into anything; their contracts are in Tenkohime's hands, but that goes for every Lost Soul who has been claimed by the other factions.]

Since she runs all the good restaurants and such, I'm thinking maybe I could work in a cafe. Or even start something small on my own. Who knows.

[She grins at Gojyo.]

Gotta make the best of it, right?

[Gojyo eagerly allowed Monts to take the lead on their destination. Strolling his way through the crowded streets painted with neon lights as if he had already gotten used to it.

Well, it was already far from his first time in Tomamo territory.

It was a hard place to avoid when most of the people he liked were in it.]

A cafe, huh? That type of work would be pretty damn perfect for you, wouldn't it?

[Then again, it made sense. Besides the stereotypical things each faction was in charge of, there seemed to be a lot of more minor responsibilities and jobs that most people would ideally suit upon being selected.

Hell, besides everything else that made him fit into Shuten, it was probably his skill and experience at running gambling circles that made him prime pickings for them.]

Then I can finally enjoy that nice cup of specialty coffee you promised me~ ♥

I wouldn't want my barista skills to get rusty. My bosses would be disappointed in me for letting their lessons go to waste.

[It's also another way for her to cling to something solid and familiar. Steady. Structured. She had been taken away from everything else and everyone else important to her. While Monts chit-chats and flirts with Gojyo and others who have helped ease the anxiety that has been simmering within, farther in the back of her mind a bitterness remains.

But she'll keep moving forward. They all have to.

Monts picks a karaoke bar and they're easily directed to the bathrooms to change (because one look and the employee sees the mayo stains; no comment, but god just go change you two).

Before going in though, Monts replies to Gojyo.]

Hm. Well, after we clean up and change how about we hop around a cafe or two to see what's offered? Though we'll have to avoid the cat cafe to keep our wallets safe.

Edited 2022-04-01 06:05 (UTC)

Ugh, don't remind me.

[Unfortunately, the warning was a bit too late on Gojyo's part. The poor sap already lost his Jigoku-Cho starting fund and a potential date to that place. His shoulders slinked forward, and his head dropped at the bad memory. Trailing behind Monts to the directed bathrooms to change.]

It just means we have to be careful looking around, is all. But I wouldn't mind checking the place out with a pro. See how real 'quality' is supposed to taste.

[He was an avid coffee drinker, but from his experience, coffee was just coffee. It was bitter and bold and had that flavor that could knock your senses awake and get you moving first thing on a long road trip. He appreciated coffee.

But considering his company and how avid she was about her skills, it made him more than curious to see her expertise on the matter.

He stopped at the door to the bathroom, hesitating for a moment before stepping aside. He had more of a mess on him, but it was just a quick shirt change. Best to let the lady go first.]

After you~ ♥

[Besides. He was eager to see how she looked in that camisole.]

We'll see! It's only been a year since I started, but I guess after all the tedious training I was put through, you'll get good results. That I can guarantee.

[Oren is incredibly patient, incredibly thorough, and incredibly tedious. Monts isn't sure if any other teacher would have worked with her with the way she was though Iona always had good feedback to give her during that time as well.

She's starting to miss them specifically.

Giving Gojyo a quick smile, she goes into the bathroom to change her clothes. She'll take another minute just to wipe her face with some soap and water and when she exits Monts looks freshened up. Nothing fancy, nothing over the top.

Iona's told her as much; at the end of the day, she's able to be normal in any way she wants.]

Done! These aren't too bad for convenience store clothes.

Edited 2022-04-04 05:01 (UTC)

I'd say—a damn lovely fit for something that came out of a convenience store.

[Gojyo could only smile. His eyes lit up with interest as Monts came out of the restroom. Because, well, damn. How did he get so lucky to run into a girl like her?

Well, it was his turn. Casually passing Monts, he made his way in to start ganging up and washing the spicy goop that was beginning to dry on his face.

Gross.]

A year, huh? That's more professional experience than I ever got with anything.

[At least, as far as traditional work went. Gojyo helped a fruit cart out one day. And then there was the week he worked as a waiter. But he was quite a poor excuse of a man the more he thought about it.

Well, he knew how to make ends meet. That's what mattered.]

You know you're only making me look more forward to the cup you'd be making me, right? Ah, right. You needed to find supplies. How are you settling?

[Maybe she needed some help?

Gojyo stepped out in far more casual garb than he had worn in months. Stretching his arms as he dangled the bad that held his old grody hakama off his arm.]

Any luck finding all that coffee stuff you were looking for?

Edited (Fixed for consistency! ) 2022-04-05 04:57 (UTC)

You are gonna have to run out of compliments for me one day, Gojyo.

[Monts leans her back against a nearby wall to wait for him. In all honesty... She does in fact think he's charming in an oddly over-the-top way. It verges on skeezy, but amusingly so, and compared to the company she used to keep before, he's a gentleman.

And even in a t-shirt, he doesn't look half bad. When Gojyo steps out, she keeps the conversation going while stretching her fingers.]

I'm grateful for the experience I've received. I did the accounting for the cafe too, so that's another thing to add to future resumes.

Currently, I'm trying to save up for a place that has an actual kitchen before I think of getting any equipment. My apartment is... Quaint.

[Aka, it is Not That Great.]

But it's too cozy to have guests over. If I'm going to make any coffee for you, I'll probably borrow some place's space.

Edited 2022-04-05 06:14 (UTC)

Yeah, I get you. Shuten's apartments are pretty shit too.

[Just enough to fit a futon, a tv, and a small place to eat. It was just not shit enough to put in an active complaint about it. But it still made Gojyo's old place back in Shangri-La look like a castle.

He reached up and stretched his arms over his head before taking a few steps ahead. Exuding a slightly bemused huff as he understood the implications of her words. So he was starting to push too far on her, was he? Well, he had his ways around that.]

Do you think I can run out? I don't know. I see people who interest me, and I say what I see.

[He smirks as he turns to look back at her, a wry, playful smirk.]

From what I've seen so far, you're pretty interesting~ ♥

[He turned back around just like that. Already seeming to make his way to the entrance.]

Maaaan! I can't remember the last time I sang karaoke! What do you say we stop back here after the cafe? Get some good food and drink, and then get smashed and sing our hearts out?

I wonder if there's any music in this world that I even know.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

March 2022 Mini Event

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One day I will draw Slum!Gojyo more. But for now~ Edits all the things!

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