jigokulogs | September 2022 Mini Event

September 2022 Mini Event

MAIN NAVIGATION

While an official announcement hasn't been made yet, it is all but guaranteed that each faction will be sending out forces into the Wasteland to confront Iron Bear for that 100 Billion Bounty. Meanwhile, though...

1. SHUTEN CLAN

Training Day

The street gangs in the area continue to be of note. Normally, this would be a cause for some concern among the Shuten Clan. However, they're good news this time around. The glory of the bounty has caused several of the old gangs to disband and swear up with the Shuten Clan, instead of being a thorn in Toraguma's side. With new recruits, that means it's training day again. Get the new guys into shape by showing them the ropes. Team up among yourselves and instruct these unruly street bros what it means to be a member of the Shuten Clan!

Training day is expected to be rough, but hopefully it's a nice change of pace to be the one barking orders. Initiation rituals can range from hardcore drinking contests, to tests of physical strength, all the way to old reliable: fighting it out. You have a long lead on how creative and demanding you want to be. It's your clan too, after all.

Tools of the Trade

The bounty has just boosted the Shuten Clan's numbers, it has also triggered an increase for demand in weapons and arms. The Shuten's are seeing increased profits in their smuggling business. Sellers are being met with both would-be bounty hunters, and average citizens who are feeling anxious about the state of the world. Currently, Shuten arms shipments are a target to both thieves and the police. They need your protection. Thieves are not necessarily unaffiliated, the other factions would like in on this profit margin.

The Shuten Clan is calling on their lost souls to help transport, protect, and sell weapons. They want you to get these arms into the hands of anyone with the cash. To make your sales, you may want to demonstrate the unique benefits of the different options available. Clients come from all factions, so be on your best behavior to impress, and don't get caught up in a stupid sting operation. The Clan is not interested in losing money bailing you out.

OOC note; Any character outside Shuten can post a top-level trying to obtain Shuten weapons, either purchasing or attempting to steal them. Enma characters can also post top-levels related to this prompt.

2. TAMAMO CLAN

Bottom's Up

The fervor surrounding the bounty and the Wasteland is stressful. The Tamamo Clan specializes in stress relief of all kinds, and they are offering up some new potions just for the occasion. Some of these shady products are little more than placebos, while others might have actual effects. No one can really tell which is which, they all taste the same (read: bad). They might make you feel relaxed, or they might make you even more stressed out. That stress might even end up radiating onto the people around you. Who knows what they'll do, really. It's a dicey option, but maybe the distraction is worth it.

As this is the Tamamo Clan we're talking about, some of these potions will be aphrodisiac in nature. Hey, it's a form of stress relief. Still, the quality and intensity of these potions varies greatly, you don't entirely know what kind of ride you're signing up for.

The big gaps in quality of these potions is due to their rushed creation. Like all the other factions, the Tamamo Clan has other priorities right now as they prepare to head out...

OOC note: This is another "anyone can post a top level related to this prompt" one. We do ask if you're leaning towards the aphro option to properly label your top levels with the appropriate warnings!

Ancient Arts

Even the relaxed Tamamo Clan is feeling the tension in the city. Tenkohime has ordered mandatory weapons drills with the magical weapons in the Clan's armory. She's preparing for war and wants everyone to be at their best. You need to know every tool at your disposal. There are seals, explosives, traps, and more; some stranger than others. Test them on each other and maybe the unsuspecting members of other factions... Just try not to actually kill each other.

Weapons drills will be conducted where lost souls are encouraged to experiment with how different seals will interact with different weapons and abilities. Those who opine that the Tamamo Clan is merely the clan of "fox bitches" will be in a for a rude awakening when all the smiling threats become reality. Tenkohime herself, along with the old fox Kinsei, will be supervising training. Hunter Anna, who works alongside Kinsei in the armory, is also available to share a wealth of knowledge and tips.

They are all watching you with high expectations.

3. SUTOKU ALLIANCE

Jigokucho's Got Talent Part 2

While the last-minute help with filling holes in various clubs bookings was appreciated, a more permanent solution for Moonday's unfortunate hiatus is needed, urgently. One can't just replace the most popular band in the city overnight! It's time to look for Jigokucho's next top performance act to begin in earnest. And that means auditions.

All factions are encouraged to stop by Konoha to audition, but all the acts are judged solely by Alliance swear-ins. Your fate will ultimately come down to whether Sutoku can even tolerate you in their clubs, though. Hope your reputation doesn't precede you. Will you become a hit, or will you get the gong? The only way to find out is to try!

OOC note: Again, this prompt is more or less open to everyone. Sutoku characters are the only ones who can play the part of talent judge.

Running with Wolves

The White Wolves have concerns about the physical fitness of the Sutoku Clan. If we're going to the Wasteland, you need to be able to survive out there! The solution? Exercise drills! Mandatory ones! Yes, this means all you chain-smokers out there. You must pass the White Wolves' extremely high standards. Hope you like push-ups. And sit-ups. And pull-ups. There will also be a lot of running, sprinting, leaping, and other field sports.

Every single Sutoku swear-in is expected to participate. Even if you're an officer. Especially if you're an officer. No excuses will be accepted. And, look: even the Daitengu is participating. They seem to be having fun. You can try to weasel out of it, but good luck. The White Wolves are always vigilant, and they have perfected the disappointed puppy dog face. It will rend your heart in two more effectively than any swipe from their giant swords.

If you are looking for an example of White Wolves' standards, look to your resident junior member: Megumi.

4. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA

Friendly Reminder!

Despite the Department's best efforts, the unaffiliated bounty hunters continue to be a problem. There are just too many jerks out there looking for a payday, and the Enma's Department just can't handle them all. They may be the arbiters of law and order in the city, but they can only be in so many places at once. The manpower just isn't there for a full crackdown. But, at some point, inspiration strikes:

A memo circulates among department members instructing them to create several Public Service Announcements to dissuade these miscreants. Come up with creative setting ideas, involve the other members of the Department, and maybe some other factions, too. The best PSAs will receive a small token of the Enma's appreciation: a one-of-a-kind commemorative mug. Show these bounty hunters that their behavior will not be tolerated!

Toys for Good Children

The bounty hunters rounded up thus far have provided the Department with something useful: all of their confiscated gear. Melee weapons, guns, survival tools of all shapes, and a large collection of swords. The big item on the menu is weapons and ammunition, a lot of it. So much so that the storage at Kaigo no Bou is starting to burst at the seams.

Their weapons and tools may prove useful to the Enma...Well, once everyone figures out just what this stuff does. Some of it is your standard weaponry, some of it defies explanation. Sort through the gear and find what's useful, and what isn't. Anything that isn't too dangerous can be sent right back out on the streets. Give it to some thugs as a gift, they'll be grateful and maybe cause problems for the more chaotic factions. It's not your problem once it leaves your hands. And if you happen to get something in return for your generous donation? No one saw a thing.

OOC note; Another prompt where mostly anyone can participate, at least in the "letting the weapons filter back into the streets" aspect. Have your character cut a deal with a Department member to get a cool weapon!

5. ALL FACTIONS - WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE

During the evening news, the anchorwoman is visibly sweating and looking increasingly panicked. She goes on in a trembling voice to say that they have been sent a message from... Iron Bear.

They play the tape...

"I'm disappointed in all of you. You've become fat off of the raven's labor, amassing ill-gotten wealth and resources. I will not stand idly by while what is rightfully mine is disgraced by tainted, swollen fingers. None of this is yours and I will be the one to reclaim it.

But know what is coming next will not be done by us.

When this city is in ashes, it is by my redeeming hand you will rise. Only I will be able to rebuild this world, and restore its glory.

They cannot save you.

We are the holy chosen of this realm, and we know who you are!"

When the tape has concluded, there is a sudden and impactful rumble in Shuten territory. One of their weapon storehouses, namely one that contains plenty of volatile materials, explodes violently. It scatters fire into the nearby streets. Shuten forces will need to rush in to help clear anyone out, but anyone nearby is expected to help. Most of the area is non-residential, so casualties should be minimal, if rescue efforts are quick. But that's just the start of it...

The Iron Bear's words ring true. The bomb couldn't have been planted by his followers, not completely unseen. Someone else planted that bomb. Worse, there are more bombs throughout the city that need to be defused. Time is ticking down quickly, and no one knows whom to trust.

The factions have already begun to sabotage each other. The Iron Bear delivered the first blow of this new war without lifting a finger. Things are looking rough...

Welcome to the mini event!

If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
FOR THE PURPOSES OF REWARDS, since all of these prompts tie into the main plot in some way, we will count all qualified threads in this post as 2 point threads!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It's really the kindness and understanding that gets Sannan's heart. He hasn't had a place or a purpose here, and before "here" it wasn't like his ambitions at home weren't unrealistically insane. Protecting people, he can do. Teaching people, he can do.

Looking at that little tiny touch of pink on Nazuna's cheeks, he can't do, and he looks down casually, folding his hands on his lap.]

You're... very kind to say something like that. I almost feel bad arming you. You might actually hurt someone, and then what will I do? [He smiles, eyes closing.] Well, other than praise you, of course. You've got the guts for combat, even if you don't have the necessity.

[Nazuna hums-- he's not sure he'd consider what little he's done especially kind or anything but he knows he doesn't have any regrets. Not about taking the weapons... and certainly not about wanting to do well. If wanting to protect everyone wasn't enough reason, then being teased with the idea of praise would certainly do it.]

I wouldn't mind being praised by you~ I don't know how much I'll be able to do but... I won't abandon the people I care about this time.

[Sannan's heart just... melts. He does manage a little laugh at the acceptance of praise, though, before he sighs wistfully.]

I may not belong anywhere, but at least there are people here I would kill for. For someone like me, that might be the purest expression of caring.

[He relaxes a bit more, running a hand through his hair and sinking down into the seat. The potion seems to be taking effect nicely. He actually looks relaxed and unguarded.]

You've become acquainted with a troublesome person, you know.

[Maybe most people would at least hesitate, being given such a warning. But Nazuna's eyes slide closed and he laughs gently.]

...yeah? Maybe that's why...

[Leaving the wall, he comes over to sit down next to him. It's nice to see him relaxed like this. It reminds him a little of the look on his face the day they'd danced together.]

...I felt like I couldn't really leave you alone.

[That feels like so long ago... He was hardly sure what he was doing here then. And now he's trying so, so hard to make a place, to make a life of some kind. To find fulfillment and something like peace. It's something he craves, even if the tension in this place is never ending.

He turns his head to look when Nazuna comes to sit beside him, then reaches up...]

I appreciate it. I tell myself I ought to be alone. but the truth is the worst time in my life was when I felt that way.

[And he drops his hand into Nazuna's hair, combing fingers through it shallowly and carefully. After a moment, he seems to realize he's done something odd and murmurs an apology.]

...Should I stop?

...I know what you mean. But no one should have to feel that way. That includes you, too. You don't have to be. Not when so many of us are right here, going through the same things.

[How long has it been since someone touched him like that?

He knows the exact answer, and it makes his chest clench and twist painfully. He wants it... even though he's aware that he probably shouldn't. It feels dangerous. And yet--]

--don't. [...] Don't stop.

I doubt the people who know who and how I am would care whether I felt alone or not. So that leaves me being a horrible nuisance to people like you, who seem too kind to care that I'm a soldier and I've done worse things than you can imagine.

[Another apology.]

I'm sorry for that. Being around you makes me feel a little less like I'm going to lose myself.

[His fingers slip a little deeper into Nazuna's hair, traveling gently across the back of his head and to the opposite side.

With his free hand, he takes his glasses off and sets them aside. Then he closes his eyes and sighs, simply enjoying the feeling of running his fingers through Nazuna's hair.]

...unless you really, truly regret it, you shouldn't apologize.

[Living a life without ever hurting anyone was probably impossible. Everyone had their reasons. Maybe it was his own selfish view, but not all things that were bad had to be "wrong".

The fingers threading through his hair are both soothing and invigorating. It reminds him of the feeling of being treasured... wanted. But when his fingertips brush the edge of his skin it tingles with warmth. His eyes slip closed and he sighs gently. The tinge of pink on his cheeks really hasn't gone away-- but he feels so relaxed. Safe.]

If you ever feel like you're getting lost, I'll come and pull you back.

[That's and admonishment he can get behind. It reminds him of... something. Of a warmth he ignores, a memory he wrote off.]

I don't have the luxury of avoiding losing myself, really, but for you... I'll try to rely on you.

[His voice sounds a bit small as he finishes that statement, and he looks mildly sheepish. But that's buried in Nazuna's hair as he turns his head and leans in, burying the busied hand where it rests in Nazuna's hair and laying the other low on his cheek.

The most precious thing he has lost was strong and kind like Nazuna is, watchful and straightforward, encouraging and bold. It makes him ache from his chest outward to think about it. But the longer he stays here, the more he knows it's a disservice to compare anyone like that. Nazuna is Nazuna, and Sannan realizes that Nazuna is simply the kind of person who easily moves a very deeply concealed part of his heart.]

I'm glad I met you here. If you ever feel afraid, if you ever don't know what to do, I'll come to your aid. I mean that sincerely.

We all lose ourselves sometimes. It's okay... as long as you have someone to help you find your way back. Staying that way isn't good for anyone.

[Once he had thought he could obtain his own happy ending that way. But instead he had allowed himself to let that dream be destroyed, becoming a tragedy.

It's a small gesture, but he finds himself leaning gently into the hand on his cheek. Sannan's words tug at his heartstrings, even as he mentally wishes he could have asked anything else. Something he was better at. That's not the kind of promise he can make easily after all. He still hasn't gotten rid of those bad habits...]

Ahaha... that's still a little difficult for me. But I won't forget it.

[He doesn't even want to tell him what he really means by losing himself. His humanity perpetually hangs by a frayed thread. But how can he expect someone good to understand?

It's maybe a little absurd to just curl his hand against Nazuna's cheek, relishing even the smallest bit of affection. He hardly had a chance to enjoy gentleness at home... Why is he chasing it here? And why does it feel better than he ever expected?

It might be too bold, but he presses a brief kiss to Nazuna's temple over his hair.]

Don't worry about me.

[Nazuna purses his lips, an amused quirk to the corners.]

Do you really think that sort of thing works? Saying “that person doesn’t want me worrying about them”… if you saw them in trouble, you’d still worry, right? You wouldn’t be able to leave them alone. It’s not that easy.

[If it were… no. There are far too many complicated feelings down that road. Ones that he didn’t know how to process.

What he knows in this moment, plain and simple, is that he cares about this person— whether he wanted him to or not. He’s comfortable with him, even though he can feel his face getting hotter after he kissed his forehead. It wasn’t unpleasant at all… just the opposite. That’s why— it’s impossible to look him in the eyes. It’s embarrassing, but… it makes him happy. And he’s never known how to deal with that.]

You seem to have mistaken me for a reasonable man, somehow.

[He's teasing. He hopes that's obvious, but he stays low and gentle.]

It's more that... [How does he say this, especially when they're so close, and he's so warm and comfortable and relaxed...] I'm stubborn. I haven't died permanently, no matter how many people have tried. I haven't let go yet. There's... always someone who keeps me going.

[A beat, then he laughs, stroking Nazuna's hair again.] Though I do suppose that's due to them worrying about me. Maybe I'm easier to defeat than I thought.

If you were a reasonable man, I probably wouldn't feel so worried. Caring for others... isn't easy. It can be painful and messy and ugly. But-- those important relationships... it's not like both sides don't get something out of it. Whether it's worrying about someone and being worried about... or being loved and loving someone... both sides feel it.

[And he wouldn't be in the dangerous position he was in now. He's not sure if he really managed to convey what he meant to. Words aren't his strong suit, even when he can emphasize them properly. But it's something he feels strongly about; so he finds himself trying desperately to convey what he can.]

...I'm sure the person who worried about you and kept you going was really happy.

[They're so close-- it's hard to avoid his gaze. But he knows he shouldn't. Not if he wants to get his feelings across. Yet he kind of wishes he could for the next part.]

I know... at least... that I would be. [...] When I thought I was done and there was nothing left for me but to finish out my days as a broken and useless doll... there was someone important to me who was suffering even worse. Someone put it into my head that maybe... maybe I could "save" him. Honestly, it seemed beyond me. But I realized that if it was true... if there was something I could do, I wanted to see him smile again. I think... it's probably the same kind of feeling...

Edited 2022-09-25 05:37 (UTC)

[This hits too close to home, right to his core, a knife to his heart. They're both searching for something they've lost, logically he knows that, and he knows that makes someone as kind as Nazuna vulnerable. If he's taking advantage of that, he'll hate himself. The door is open now, though, and he doesn't think it's wrong to confess his own situation in clearer terms. Sannan doesn't know if it'll drive Nazuna away or bring him closer to truly understanding.]

Caring for others is something I almost forgot how to do. One can only be wounded so many times. But there was one person who always found her way back to my side. It made me so... indescribably happy, yet desperately sad, and just as angry. Why did fate see fit to give me something I never deserved?

[...Sannan has tried for the last month or so to push the fact that he ever loved out of his head and his heart, not wanting to address the numb chasm left in her absence.]

After what I did, she should have turned away from me. I was the monster they painted me to be. I did it to save my men, but I hurt her in incredible ways in the process, consciously and deliberately. All she ever did was believe in me when no one else did. When everyone I tried to live for turned their back on me, she followed me into unfathomable darkness. When I hurt her, I laid awake wishing I could do anything, anything to make her smile, even though I didn't deserve to see it.

[A pause.] So, you see... worrying about me isn't reasonable at all, either.

[He leaves out the part where they had the happiest ending possible, even if his days might've been numbered. They were setting out on a great adventure to try to save his life and restore his humanity. He leaves out the part where this is the calmest and most steady he's felt in weeks, and that somehow it makes him think that there's more than one way to live for others, and more roads he has left to travel.]

[It feels so painfully familiar. These feelings belong to someone else and yet they touch so close to his own. Two entirely different sets of people trying desperately to connect and two very different but hurtful circumstances. He can't help but feel like he understands. The good, the bad, the ugly... they're all things he's struggled with and clung to, both unable and unwilling to let go. The weight of feeling you've been given things you can't possibly deserve and the worse pressure of selfishly wanting them so desperately in your heart--]

...if all you did was hurt her-- that would be it, wouldn't it?

[There'd be no reason to keep clinging, to keep wanting. But he'd learned that love wasn't that simple.]

People hurt each other even without meaning to... even if it's the last thing they ever wanted to do. But she probably saw just how much you loved her. That's why she never gave up on you. She didn't want you to give up on yourself, either.

[He rests his head against Nazuna's at that, the pain inside him intense and raw. That he did more for her than just hurt her... She'd said as much, but even out of necessity he destroyed his own heart in the process.

The words being leveled at him are things he... knows. Should know. Denied, denies. And he's such a damnable hypocrite in matters of the heart. He always has been.]

This person you wanted to save and wanted to see smile... I'm sure that deep down, they knew. Even if you can't save them, they'll know your heart is with them. It being you, I have no doubt they're somewhere right now thinking of you.

[A sigh.]

Can you forgive me if I say I want you to be happy? Safe, as I said before, but... happy. I want the amount of joy you give others to come back to you tenfold.

[Any way you look at it, the things Sannan says sound reasonable-- certainly no less than what he himself had assumed about the other man's situation. And yet he wasn't sure he could truly bring himself to believe them. Hadn't he always been terrible at expressing the things that were important? Hadn't Itsuki always been terrible at hearing the things he needed to? No matter how much he wanted those words to be true... it feel foolish to hope.]

...if I want to make my dream come true, then one day... I'm going to have to make sure he understands, even if I haven't done a good job of being honest about it yet. But I want to be able to say so many things. I hope I get the chance some day.

[Nazuna raises an eyebrow.]

Is that really something to be forgiven? That sounds more like something I should be thanking you for.

It's purely a selfish wish.

[There's a lot of living with regrets that goes on for the people here, if Sannan's judged people correctly.]

I hope you get that chance, too. When you do, don't hold anything back.

[He pulls back a short distance, lowering his hands as though he's belatedly decided he's being odd. Honestly, the potion is probably the reason he can look at all of this so casually and say things so plainly.]

What sort of person is he?

It doesn't sound like a selfish wish to me.

[But then again, he's never allowed much room in his heart for regret. He cares too much for all of that time to let something like that weigh them down. There was enough else he carried without that.

..."don't hold anything back", huh? Well, he had learned from this that those kinds of opportunities weren't guaranteed. Any moment could be the last one. Now... while he has time to gather his thoughts and his courage, he should...]

Aaaahhhhh-- alright, I get it! I won't.

[This isn't the first time he's been asked about "him", but it's still something he has to think about before he can explain.]

Honestly, he's a genius. He's always had an artistic vision and he pursues it relentlessly, refusing to compromise for anything or anyone... but because of that he has a hard time controlling himself. He can be pretty cryptic and hard to understand at times too, so a lot of people end up misunderstanding him. And honestly, sometimes he can be really stupid in spite of himself, so that doesn't really help him. He's not perfect at all... but I still look up to him...

[Sannan just doesn't think taking care of people is what he's best at, no matter how much he cares. So wishing them well is selfish...

He takes in everything Nazuna says about this person, the level of respect, the way he says he looks up to him. It warms Sannan's heart to hear someone he cares about has someone they so passionately feel things for, because he thinks he's forgotten how to care quite so fiercely. He feels love and devotion on the very ends of his fingertips just as it slips away from him. It's never so dearly held. It can't be, for him.

So to hear it spoken so candidly is refreshing. He's so relaxed that he can't help his curiosity.]

It's obvious that he's left an indelible mark on your heart. Is he like you, a performer?

...yeah, he has. He's a performer, but he's also a designer. When we worked together, he single-handedly created each and every one of the incredible costumes we wore. But it wasn't just that-- he used to make elaborate clothes for me for my birthday too.

[Nazuna finds he misses the contact between them. So instead of leaning against the couch, he leans gently against Sannan's side as he speaks.]

We were about as opposite as could be. I still... don't know why, but he put up with me when I was at my worst. But back then I still had a beautiful voice and a pretty face, so it wasn't like there wasn't anything good to be gained from working with me. And... I was happy. He tried to correct me sometimes, but... he never hated the way I was. Even though I was harsh at times, I wasn't just some disappointment. He still cherished me. He was... different from others.

You were very close.

[If Nazuna is going to lean against him, Sannan will gently slide an arm back around his shoulders and stroke Nazuna's opposite arm idly. No sense in not accepting a gesture.]

I think there's something to be said for people who are opposites finding solace and joy in each other. There's an understanding that can come from not knowing a thing that surprises you sometimes. [He and Chizuru couldn't have been more different, after all.] I don't think I like the implication that you don't have a beautiful voice or a pretty face, however.

[It's not a question, so Nazuna doesn't answer. It would probably be pointless to try and convince anyone otherwise. He's pretty sure that even Lark had seen right through him, even before he realized it.

If Sannan's going to allow it then he'll just snuggle into the crook of his arm a little. He hums thoughtfully--]

Mmm... well I guess my face probably hasn't changed that much. My hair wasn't always cut this way though. It used to be long on both sides. My voice did change a lot though.

[Rather than dwelling on his own assessment however-- those words tug at the corner of his mind and he grins a bit; it's more than a bit mischievous looking in it's playful nature.]

...do you think my face is pretty?

[He more than allows it. He's probably encouraging it.

And he turns his head to see that grin.]

Of course I do. [Two can play coy here.] You're an entertainer, so I'm surely not the only one who thinks that. You must have a legion of people ready to fall at your feet, with a face like yours.

September 2022 Mini 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)

CW: it’s NSFW anymore