19 | Peaceful Departure

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Celebrating Obon
When: Evening August 10
Where: The Near Shore
Summary: Mortals may be partying, but there's lots of work for the denizens of the Far Shore to do.



It's the final day of Obon and spirits are being sent back to their homes -- both the ancestral spirits that have been welcomed home for the duration of the festival and the mischievous spirits that have been plaguing the Heavens. But some of them might not go easy, so Amaterasu has requested that gods and shinki old and new alike help ensure the spirits' peaceful departure.



Mukae-bi

Fires have been lit on hillsides and near cemeteries to lead the spirits back to their resting places and to protect them on their way, but angry ghosts and ayakashi are trying to quench the fires so they can attack weaker spirits. Keep the firewood stocked and the fires blazing high while you fight off the attacks.

Heavenly Exorcisms

It's time to bring any possessed household items to the Near Shore to ensure that the spirits are sent safely on their way. Some might go peacefully, while others might have to be purified by fire in order to set the spirits free. Hope you weren't too attached to that chair.

(Careful... spirits that manage to hide from the housecleaning can become permanent guests!)

Guarding the Gates

Hidden pathways into the underworld in caves throughout Japan are open from sunset to moonset on this night to allow the spirits who have temporarily left to return. Gods and shinki must watch over these pathways and ensure that no dangerous ayakashi take the opportunity to escape from the underworld before the moon sets.

After-party

After the moon sets, the denizens of the Heavens can finally kick back. Everyone is invited to a private hot spring on the Far Shore, where a midnight banquet spread is waiting in thanks for their hard work. Wash off any blight in the hot springs and enjoy the banquet before heading back home for a good night's sleep.

In Summary:

• Keep the fires burning
• Exorcise those annoying spirits
• Fight powerful ayakashi
• Enjoy a banquet
• Have fun~

Comments

party!

[papillonprincess]

[ The sight of a pony lounging in a hot spring is quite the sight. Of course, it's unmistakable so she comes over to sit by the side of the pool with a cup of tea on hand. ]

We've had quite the night indeed. I trust it was different from what you've usually seen here?

[letteropener]

[It really is a strange and remarkable sight, because poor Princess Celestia NEVER gets to lounge in a hot spring back home!]

Oh yes, and much more what I would have expected from being a god. Having a role in the world and playing it, more than just minding ayakashi attacks and answering specific prayers. It was very nice.

[papillonprincess]

[ At least everyone can take a break after that aftermath. She takes the opportunity to sip her tea while her highness speaks, thoughtfully mulling over the brew. ]

I have to say, it's a welcome change of pace. I've been wanting to test my skills lately and this was a good opportunity.

[letteropener]

Did you guard a cave, or keep the fires lit? [Getting herself quite comfortable -- for she doesn't intend to get out any time soon -- Celestia lets out a pleased noise, shutting her eyes briefly.]

[papillonprincess]

Mostly the fires. Neither of my gods were around and I didn't want to chance being ambushed without them.

[ With that, she reclines slightly, still on her heels in a perfect seiza. ]

It's good to see you've managed to assimilate yourself well enough here.

[letteropener]

[Oh, she must be a nora. Celestia is a little surprised only because she had heard they had some taboo against then, so to say it so openly... Not that she's judging.]

There are little difficulties, but overall there is nothing to complain about here. Save perhaps that it would be nice to see another pony sometimes.

[papillonprincess]

[ It's just the two of them, after all... that and she has her reasons for being a nora. Taboo or no, she believes her actions to be totally justified.

But there's a little hum of thought at the princess' statement. ]

I can imagine they'd be just as happy to see you if they were brought here alone.

[ Though she can't help but wonder... ]

Was your world filled with nothing but ponies?

[letteropener]

Oh no, not at all! [Celestia perks up slightly, the water sloshing around her with the movement.] We had donkeys and griffins and zebras and dragons, even a few minotaurs -- Equestria welcomes anypony who is willing to be a good citizen, and the world is far more than just Equestria besides.

[papillonprincess]

[ Somehow, talk of other worlds doesn't bore her in the slightest. It's all rather fascinating -- especially from a world like Celestia's. ]

It probably wouldn't be too far off to say ponies are the humans of your world... in that they're the dominant species?

[ A pause to sip her tea thoughtfully. ]

We have ponies, donkeys and zebra... but griffins and dragons are the stuff of legend. Much like pegasi are.

[letteropener]

From what I have heard, humans are the only intelligent species on many of their worlds? I honestly have a difficult time imagining that. Ponies are certainly not the only ones in Equestria or the world at large, so it is hard to describe us as the 'dominant' species.

[papillonprincess]

[ Well color her fascinated... ]

That's right. It's mostly like what you see here... but I find it interesting that our worlds have such glaring differences.

[letteropener]

I think what matters more is how similar they all are. Even across species!