jigokulogs | March 2022 IC Mingle

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March 2022 IC Mingle

1. WELCOMING COMMITTEE

cw: optional aphro in Tamamo Clan prompt

The influx of Lost Souls means the factions need to have a little welcoming party of sorts. The leaders of each faction each send a message to their new recruits, telling them to meet at their respective headquarters.

The Shuten Clan directs their new recruits to the Arena. There’s plenty of food and booze to go along with the exhibition matches from the toughest fighters they’ve got. Enjoy the view or get involved in an arena fight, if you’re feeling spicy. If bloodsport isn’t your cup of tea, there’s a number of gambling games to partake in, too – don’t worry, your money isn’t at stake here, unless you want it to be.

The Tamamo Clan recruits are sent to the brothel Mizukume. Hosts of all sorts are there to fill your every need. If you’re not one to be doted on, there’s also exotic dancers in every state of undress for you to look at. You may be tasked with being a host or a dancer yourself. If you’re not in the mood for that, there’s plenty of food from Tamamo-controlled restaurants to eat and seemingly endless drinks. The drinks may or may not have a little something extra in them, so check the labels carefully.

The Sutoku Alliance meets at the nightclub Konoha. It’s truly a celebration with an enormous amount of fast food from every joint in their district and an equal amount of cheap drinks. Sing your heart out with live band karaoke – don’t worry about them not knowing your song, they seem to have a depth of knowledge beyond this world. Once that settles down, there’s plenty of dancing to do or you can be a wallflower, whatever suits your mood.

The Department of the Enma meets at a meeting room on the top floor of Kaigo no Bou. The room is uncomfortably opulent and wouldn’t be out of place in a Heian imperial court. Fine silk tapestries cover the walls, richly lacquered wood is inlaid with gold, and it all feels like it was decorated by someone with more money than taste. There’s fine food and even finer drink available. Various multi-armed youkai play in a jazz band, playing their instruments in a much more complicated manner than strictly necessary. Stretch your legs and dance. Take a peek out the window for a bird’s eye view of the city. If the interior is too stuffy for you, escape to the roof for some fresh air – just be careful not to fall off.

2. PARTY TIME

CW: optional aphro

After everyone’s had their fill of food, drink, and entertainment: the party isn’t over. They’re told to make their way to Konoha with the instruction to show their faction’s pride. That’s a careful way to tell them to raise hell. Upon arrival, all recruits are provided with an advance on their pay by The Enma. Food is provided by the Shuten Clan, a variety of all sorts of meaty foods. Drinks are provided by the Tamamo Clan, but be wary because some may have that special Tamamo kick to them (read: aphro). It’s technically a neutral meeting place, but there’s almost certain to be a fight sooner or later. Entertain yourself, meet the other factions, and raise some Hell.

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[Thank the Savior that someone took pity upon his miserable ass. Dante might not look like hell but he certainly feels like hell. He was three seconds away from drowning another bottle of aspirin until the woman beside him speaks. He blearily stares at her as she spoke, his blurry eyes seeing double now after too much alcohol.]

Your eyes glow. [Dante states with a hint of confusion in his tone.] What are you supposed to be, Ms. Lite-Brite?

Humans don't have glowing eyes.

[Another youkai in disguise? Probably. Dante had his full of youkai but he's not about to turn away a friendly face, especially someone who's able to help. He leans into her touch with a miserable whimper. It's been a while since he experienced pain like this.]

Whatever you do, just don't turn me into a slug.

Do they? [ A grin spreads across her lips, clear amusement in her tone. She tilts her head a little at the use of two words strung together that clearly mean something. ] Light... bright? I'm not familiar with whatever or whoever that is.

[ She smoothes back his hair when he doesn't shy away from her touch. ]

They do where I'm from. The fact that so many here do not have glowing eyes is quite strange to me.

[ There's a chuckle from her as she focuses her aether. ] Lucky for you, I don't think I could turn you into a slug if I wanted to. This place has limited my magicks, but I'll be sure to file the idea for an incantation in the future.

[ As she speaks a soft glow spreads in her hands into him. He'll feel a soft warmth that'll soothe his physical aches though it won't do anything for any chemicals in systems. So the pain may return if they're the culprit. It's the most she's capable of now. ] How is that?

Yeah, they do.

[And it's kind of pretty but thankfully, Dante doesn't say that out loud. Instead, he simply stares at the dark-skinned woman, mesmerized by those pretty green(?) eyes. They look greenish-blue to him, almost like water.]

Eh, I can tell you’re not a 90s kid. [He’s not about to explain what Lite-Brites were but he knows for a fact he had one as a kid.] I’m guessing you’re from a different world if everyone you know has glowing eyes.

[You know, she kind of reminds him of someone. Everything from the complexion and the hair reminds him of Lucia. Hell, even her attitude reminds him of her a little. Granted, Lucia was trying to kill his ass when he first arrived at Dumary Island but that all was a misunderstanding.]

Great, I guess I have nothing to fear.

[For now. He’s not about to try his luck and piss off a bonafide witch again. Nah, he has better things to do than that. However, what is this weird magick stuff she’s using on him? It feels…nice. Dante lets out a hum once he starts to feel a little better. The agonizing throbbing in his jaw ceases along with the sharp pain shooting up from his slightly crooked nose.]

That’s…much better. [He answers with a relieved sigh.] I don’t know you are but thank you.

[He gives her a sincere smile.]

[ It may be the gold around her pupils that makes the blue appear more green from a bit of a distance. ]

I'm not sure what a 90's kid is either. [ She chuckles. ] But yes, I am from another world.

[ Azem's attitude may be a bit in part to the many libations she's downed over the course of the evening. Though she may very well have invented the art of trolling where she's from. ]

Think nothing of it. At least I'm still useful for something. [ She laughs again. ] Ah, you may call me Azem. And you are?

[Oh, yeah! There are hints of gold in her eyes. It’s almost as if she has hazel eyes—wait. Why is he staring at her so intently?

Dante blinks several times before awkwardly glancing down at his drink. It’s not like him to stare so much but he can’t help it. She really reminds him of Lucia and that could be both a blessing and a curse, especially once she starts trolling him.

All the beautiful troll him. That seems to be his fate in life.]

Dante. [He states with a slight smirk as he peeks back at her.] You’re lucky to still have that ability.

[Especially since everyone is suffering from the sour effects of this bizarre little city.]

You’ll make a killing as a mob doctor.

[ Azem doesn't seem to notice just how intently he's staring at her. She's more focused on the friendly banter.

Though, she hasn't put much distance between them since casting her little healing spell. Her fingers are still toying with his hair. Hair that reminds her of a friend. ]

I suppose this place showed me some mercy. And people pay for healing? That's a strange concept.

[ She finally draws her hand away, though with a bit of reluctance to do so. ] Though I'm not sure I'd be able to do that much healing. A little discomfort doesn't require much. Right now that might be the best I can do.

[Normally, Dante would be quick to put some distance between them but he doesn't. For whatever reason, he doesn't mind her playing with his hair. It's oddly comforting. Much better than being punched by a 500-pound demon.]

People would pay for anything, even for company.

[He mentions idly while glancing over at the others nearby. While most of the folks here are Shuten boys, there are plenty of new faces he doesn't recognize.]

We're smack dabbed right in the middle of the Red Light District, after all.

[He can't help but frown a little once Azem pulls away but he does his best not to seem bothered. Instead, he pours himself another glass of whisky before silently offering to do the same for her.]

You're like a full-fledged mage, aren't you? You know, like a wizard or something.

That much I have gathered. [ She chuckles. It's different back home. So very different. ] Apparently, that is what that clan I've been claimed by is most known for.

The concept of a Red Light District is rather new to me, however.

[ She takes the offered drink with a soft thanks. Taking a sip from it before coughing. It's not what she expected but it seems fine enough. ]

Mmn, everyone holds some sway over aether where I'm from. Even a child could cast such a simple healing spell.

You're a Tamamo chick?

[He was almost certain that Azem would be a member of the Department of the Enma or maybe the Sutoku Alliance. Dante knew he was going to end up with the Shuten Clan the second they found out he was a demon. Nearly everyone in Shuten is some kind of demon whether they be a youkai or not. It's a little unsettling, to say the least. What Shuten lack in brains, they certainly make up in brawn.]

Same here, kinda. Redgrave City isn't the friendliest of places but it was known for its nightlife and the endless parade of hookers.

[That along with all the unspeakable crime and violence. That city is a real shitshow but it's home.]

Easy there, tiger. [Dante says as he gently pats Azem's back once she starts coughing. It's times like these that Dante realizes not everyone is a drinker. Maybe he should've offered her water instead.] You're supposed to take it slow with whisky.

Don't just chug it down.

[Once she's no longer choking, he focuses on the conversation at hand. It doesn't take him long to realize that "aether" is supposed to be some form of magic but it's a peculiar word he never heard before.]

What exactly is aether? Is it something like spiritual energy?

Yes, it seems something about me interested them. Or it was just the luck of the draw. [ She shrugs. The Department of Enma would have made sense to her. It would have at least been something familiar to her. But she's not sure she'd complain about where she is. At least Tamomo seems to know how to have fun. ]

I see. Amaurot is nothing like this place. Everything is orderly and clean. I think the idea of a Red Light District would appall the populace. [ She chuckles.

She licks her lips and smiles at him. ] It burns more than I was expecting, is all.

[ She takes another sip, this time taking it a bit more slowly, before bobbing her head in a nod. ] Something like that. Everything is comprised of aether right down to the very soul. Back home the air hums with it.

[ She sighs. ] This place is woefully lacking.

Well, you're certainly pretty enough to fit in with the Tamamo Clan.

[Once again Dante finds himself staring at the woman's eyes as she speaks. Blue isn't even his favorite color and yet he can't stop himself from staring. Maybe it has something to do with how those gold flecks mingle with the blues that has him entranced. Either that or he's completely drunk already.

Whatever the reason, Dante is content.]

Sounds like your Amaurot is a lot like Fortuna, the capital city. [He mutters as he rests his chin upon his hand.] Fortuna is crawling with religious zealots, most of which make it a habit of punishing alleged "sinners" who don't fall in line.

[Although, Dante personally destroyed most of the Holy Order there. The Order of the Sword still exists but with all of their traitorous leaders dead, they're in the middle of rebranding right now. Even so, Dante always hated those assholes.]

So, this...aether is sort of like a life source? One that you say is sorely lacking here.

[If that's the case, then maybe Jigokucho is more than just some bizarro little town. This puts Dante on edge.]

Can you sense aether within me?

[Good question, right? If Azem can sense aether within all living things, then she should be able to sense him just fine. That is assuming that a demon/devil like him can be sensed. While cannot access his Devil Trigger just yet, he still has demon blood in his veins.]

Oh, thank you. [ She smiles lazily, cheeks darkening a tad in response to the compliment. ]

Hmmmn, I can't say we had space for religious zealots. We had no need of gods. [ At least, not until the end. ] Though we were a rather homogeneous and bureaucratic people. Any deviation from the norm was seen as an aberration. Why this place would give quite a few a heart attack, I'm sure.

[ She snorts and takes another sip. She supposes she was more open-minded than many. That was probably part of why she ended up in the Seat of the Traveler. ]

Indeed. Should one burn up all of their aether they'd cease to be. Nothing left to return to the Lifestream and be reborn. [ A terrible fate to be sure. ]

Hmmn? [ She blinks at him before leaning in, squinting at him. If only she had the Sight like her best friends. ]

Sorry, I can't say! I lack the ability to see souls which would let me see your aether if you had any. And, for me, it's not so easy to sense off of living things unless they're using it.

[Dante can't help but smile a little once he sees the blush. He's not much of a pickup artist but he knows how to make a lady blush.]

Geez, talk about a bunch of squares!

[He says in reference to Amaurot. In all truth, Dante wouldn't have lasted a second there. He hates being mundane hence the flashy red jacket and larger-than-life personality. The Amaurotines would've hated him.]

I have the funny feeling my brother would fit right in.

[His twin brother is a bit of an asshole, to be pretty blunt. Vergil isn't the nicest guy to do business with but at least Verge is trying to do better. Sorta. Let's just say that Vergil is on parole and call it a day, okay?]

You can't do it, huh?

[Well, that's a bit of a roadblock. Dante wanted to know if any of them were still alive after passing through the metaphorical Gates of Gehenna. While he feels as alive as ever before, Dante just wants to make sure this is a fact and not some weird mind trick. This is Jigokucho, after all. He wouldn't put it past the youkai to trick them into believing they're still alive for their amusement.]

Unfortunately, I don't know any magic tricks.

[ The blushing may not be entirely due to the complement. She's been feeling a tad warm, probably all the drinks she's had. ]

They can be a bit like sticks in the mud, yes. [ There's a soft chuckle, though her face seems rather sad as she stares off toward nothing in particular. She hoped this would all be worth saving what she's left behind. She hopes that if this all works out that her people will be a little less stuck in their ways. ]

Nope, sorry. If either of my closest friends were here perhaps they could. They both possess Soul Sight.

[ Though it might not matter given the soul itself is comprised of aether. If Dante and the others possessed aether it would show up. ]

Really? None at all?

[He falls silent for a time as he regards Azem, his hawkish blue gaze focused upon her. While she puts on a brave face, Dante can just tell there's something eating away at her. Maybe his comment accidentally triggered a bad memory or two. It wouldn't be the first time he said something stupid but he can't help but feel a bit apologetic either.]

I'm sure they're great people, though.

[Dante eventually says once his alcohol-addled brain starts functioning again. He was about to reach for a bottle of water when Azem mentions something about "Soul Sight". The devil hunter blinks his eyes owlishly at the term, suddenly grateful that Azem lacks the ability to peer into his soul. She probably would've run away screaming if she knew what kind of monster he is.]

Well, I do possess a little bit of something. [He states with a lazy smile.] Between my magnetic charms and good looks, I guess you could say I'm magical.

[He jokes before suddenly holding out his right hand before him. In a flash of fiery embers, giant black greatsword forms within it causing quite a stir at their table. He accidentally knocked over a few bottles with that little stunt of his, along with almost poking some dude's eye out.]

Sorry, sorry! I just showing off.

[He laughs sheepishly once the dude at the other end of the table starts cussing him the hell out in their native tongue.]

Edited 2022-03-09 16:01 (UTC)

[ It doesn't take much to trigger these particularly bad memories as it's all still very fresh. The joys of coming from the point in which the world is literally burning around you and feeling as if you've failed to do anything to stop it. ]

They are, they really are. [ There's a soft, sad smile on her lips as she finally turns her attention fully back to him.

At least, there's something to distract from her potentially falling into thoughts she'd rather not have right now. ]

Oh?

[ She watches the chaos unfold as he summons the sword. Laughing at the near bloodshed. ] That is quite a trick! I could create weapons as well, though that magic much like the rest of my magics, has been greatly weakened. Now, this is about the best I can do.

[ She holds up her hand. There's a little shimmer of light before a crystalline letter opener appears in her hand. ]

[Dante can't help but do a doubletake once he realizes Azem summoned forth a pretty little letter opener.]

T-That's all you can do? [He stutters while trying his best to hold back his chuckle.] Oh, I'm...ahaha! I mean, I'm sorry but that's pretty—

[Pathetic. It’s legitimately pathetic but honestly kind of cute. Dante can’t help but smile as he summons away his sword. The last thing he wants is to accidentally nick someone with this nasty-looking blade. While he certainly does have a devil may care persona, Dante has a conscience.]

I can summon a few other weapons but it takes a lot out of me.

[He explains with a lighthearted chuckle.]

It didn’t before but I guess that’s just how it is now.

Ah! [ Azem's brows furrow, cheeks puffing out a little as she pouts at him for making fun of what she's been left with. ]

I'll have you know I could create some amazing things before. [ Absolutely indignant. ] This is just what I've been left with.

[ She sighs and twirls the letter opener with an expertise that suggests she knows her way around a knife. Or dagger as the case may be. ]

In much the same way you can summon that sword I used to be able to create a myriad of weapons from nothing whenever I needed them. In addition to that, I could create familiars and other creatures. Basically, if I could imagine it I could create it. Now I'm limited to trinkets.

[ She sighs and tosses the blade upward, leaning back so it lands point end in the table just before. ]

I would say you got lucky.

Sorry, sorry! I can't help but l-laugh--

[Between all the protesting and the angry chipmunk face, Dante is hysterically laughing into his glass. It takes him a moment to calm himself but once he does, he gives poor Azem an apologetic smile. He needed that laugh, girl.]

Okay, so we're both kinda screwed in the magical weapon summoning department.

[He comments while trying his best not to bust out laughing again once Azem starts twirling that fancy letter opener. It's the funniest thing he's seen since arriving here.]

Some more so than others but yeah, I did get kinda lucky.

[Dante states with a lopsided grin. While he won't go into details as to what else he can do, he's certainly nowhere near his peak anymore.]

But there's one thing this place can't take away from us and would be our dignity.

[ Honestly, she can't help but laugh as well. It's ridiculous what she's been reduced to. And if she can't laugh at herself then why bother going on? ] Well, I'm glad to provide a good chuckle at my expense.

[ She pries the letter opener from the table and lets it dissipate into aether. ]

That's true enough. I suppose if being outnumbered and getting beat up can't take your dignity, nothing will. [ She chuckles, grinning across the table at him. ]

[It's not every day that Dante meets someone with such a good sense of humor. So he can't help but smile in return. This is one of his most pleasant conversations so far and it didn't require getting punched in the face. That's always a plus.]

Speaking from experience, Azem? If so, I didn't take you for a brawler.

[He teases while giving the woman a playful wink. While Azem does seem like the prim and proper type, something about her reminds him a little bit of himself. Maybe she's a "wild child" like him who likes to get into a scrap or two. Who knows? Whatever the case, Dante is curious to know more about her.]

What's your profession, if you don't mind me asking.

[Dante questions with an arched brow.]

I doubt you're some sort of pencil pusher.

[ Having a good sense of humor is probably the only reason Azem hasn't fallen into some kind of depression given the state of her world back home. ]

How else do you think a gal gets a scar like this? [ She points to her right cheek. There's a long scar there that nearly starts at the inner corner of her eye and passes diagonally to her jaw. ] I thought it was a bit too cool to heal away. [ She chuckles. ]

Oh, never. [ She waves the very idea away. Sure, she had to do her fair share of paperwork, but she tried to put it off as long as she could. Emet-Selch never let her put it off too long, though. Ever the responsible friend. ]

I held the Fourteenth Seat of the Convocation of Fourteen. As such, it was my duty to travel the star and keep an eye out for threats. I was usually meant to report them back to the Convocation so they could come to a consensus on what to do, but more often than not I just dealt with it on my own.

That's a wicked scar.

[Listen, Dante can admire a good scar or two. If it wasn't for his rapid healing, he probably would've been horribly scarred up by now. He was a bit reckless in his youth and even now in his forties, Dante is still just as reckless.]

Don't tell me you've been fighting tigers and bears, Azem. Sounds like you're addicted to danger.

[He's really curious about her, especially since Azem seems rather capable. Not only can she heal herself, but she can also fight. That's a rare combination.]

The Convocation? [Well, that's not a word he typically hears. Dante lets out a low whistle.] Boy, that sounds important. More important than being a devil hunter.

[Yeah, he's a hunter for hire. Is she surprised? Probably not since Dante is still strapped. The girls are sitting right at his hip. He doesn't go anywhere without Ebony & Ivory. They're his prized positions, the last gift he received from the famous Nell Goldstein.]

Thanks. [ She chuckles. She could have healed it away after it happened but she really did think it made her look cool. She felt it made her look more the role of a traveler. ]

Something like that. [ She grins. ] There are a lot of dangerous creatures and other stuff. Why once I fought a volcano. [ Which sounds absolutely ridiculous. ]

It is. The Convocation was in charge of making the laws of the star. It was our job to ensure everything ran smoothly and everyone was safe. Though being a devil hunter sounds exciting.

[ Far more exciting than meetings and paperwork and whatever else she had to do when she wasn't traveling. ]

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March 2022 IC Mingle

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