009 | Where Your Demons Hide

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Emergency demon fighting
When: Late May 5-Early May 6
Where: Just outside of Tokyo
Summary: The demon from the school has reared its ugly head again and needs to be taken down.



On the evening of May 5, the Heavens suddenly receive an influx of prayers from people in and around a certain town just outside of Tokyo. There seem to be a lot of people in the area that have suddenly stopped responding normally (or at all). The situation continues to spread as the night goes on until not only is the whole town suffering from this malady, but the neighboring towns are starting to become affected as well.

With so many gods and shinki on hand - including new ones that have just appeared - the Heavens have issued a request for any available gods and shinki to go investigate what might be happening down on the Near Shore. New gods and shinki will be given the low-down on what's happening, but not much more than that.

The situation will continue to expand until just a little before dawn, when the demon finally has enough power to revive.



Drained Humans

Many humans in the affected areas are walking around despondently. Oftentimes, they are just walking into things or getting hit by things. There have been a few car-related incidents as well. Anyone who was present for the high school incident will recognize these symptoms as something that was happening to people in the school. The glazed looks, the spiritless responses and reactions. So this should be fairly familiar to some.

No One's Safe

Unfortunately, being in the town will start to wear on anyone who is there. Gods and shinki alike will find themselves growing more despondent the longer they spend in the town. All of their energy will be slowly sapped from their bodies, and shinki in particular will feel almost like their existence is draining away.

Hellish Circle

There is a large park in the center of the town. Drawn all around this park is a magic circle, large enough to encompass the whole park. There are candles around the edges of the circle, and in the center there is a cup filled with blood covered by a mask with a swirling eye pattern on it. Stepping into this circle will not only make you extremely tired and suddenly drained, but it will also bring bat-like ayakashi bearing down on you.

The Demon

The Demon itself rears its ugly head just a little before dawn, springing out from the center of the magic circle and looking right pleased with itself. It stands about 5'8" tall, so it is largely unimposing, but there is an aura about it that makes it undeniable that it is powerful. The demon will gladly fight anyone who comes at it, though most he will just shove out of the way without a second thought.



In Summary:

• Help the drained people
• Try not to get drained yourself
• Be careful about being corrupted
• Fight the demon
• Have fun~

Comments

Izuminokami Kanesada

[nakemen]

Drained Humans

[He'd seen this at the school, but Izuminokami thinks this is far worse. He's already had to stop a few people from being hit, some others from walking into walls, and other such ways to not let people get hurt. It's tiring work, but he also can't just let people get hurt. But he's also having a hard time figuring out what to do with all these people. He has one man slung over his shoulder, a kid in his arm, and a hand on a pretty woman's shoulder who had just been ready to walk straight into a car.] Damn it! I'm running out of hands! Someone help me out here?!

No One's Safe

[As lazy as Izuminokami is, he does have a lot of energy put to the right things. Going around saving people is something he's very much about because justice. But he's been running around this town all day and so he's ready to just take a nap right there in the middle of the road. But then there's cars.] Stupid freakin' cars! Craaaaaaaaaap, I'm tired! [Maybe he's starting to feel the effects of this town, but he's never too tired to whine about stupid technology ruining good chances for naps. Damn cars. He could easily go find a place to rest, but whining is easier.]

Closed for Horikawa
Having hair like his, Izuminokami keeps a brush on him at all times. It's long and thick, it gets knotted up easily. He never used to until Horikawa nagged at him about properly taking care of his hair. As annoying as he was, he'd had a point. It made brushing his hair at night a lot easier. For Horikawa at least. Izuminokami didn't do it unless he was left with no other choice. Too time consuming.

But since getting into this town and dealing with feeling like his energy was being taken away, he really hasn't wanted to do anything with his hair. That's way too much work, but as he drags his hand through his hair, he grimaces. It needs to be brushed. It's not matted just yet but it will be soon if he doesn't take care of it now. He sits down on a bench, sighing loudly as he pulls out his brush. But even separating it into more manageable pieces feels like too much work. He knew he could be lazy but this was ridiculous.

It was times like this, and most of every day, that he missed Horikawa. The guy was helpful after all. Right now he could easily imagine Horikawa smiling, teasingly disciplining him for being so negligent about his hair, but treating each strand like it was precious. Since getting here, he really hadn't been too good about taking care of his hair. He definitely didn't brush it as much as he should and if Horikawa saw it, could remember him, then his partner definitely would have gotten on his case about it.

No one's safe

[chickshades]

[ Bandou'd been right there with his god, helping to keep the people from getting hurt. But damn if Izuminokami-san was hard to keep up with. And if he was already getting tired from the workout this was giving them, then Bandou was exhausted.

He stops on the side of the road, leaning over with his hands on his knees and breathing heavily. ]

Shit man...

[ As skinny as he was, it was really apparent right now just how out of shape he really was. Laying down just about now would really be nice. He was about to stand up and ask Izuminokami-san if maybe they could give it a rest for a bit since there were a lot of others here to help out, when he spotted him standing in the center of the road, a car headed right for him. They may not be noticeable to the people on the near shore, but that didn't mean the car would drive straight though him!

At that moment, being out of breath was the last thing on Bandou's mind. He sprinted towards his god, placing himself between him and the car. Which thankfully wasn't going too fast, because Bandou quickly found himself sprawled out on top of it - the sudden impact with an invisible entity getting the driver to stop fully.

[nakemen]

[It's probably ironic that he complained about cars and one decided to come just to mess with them. Fate was a shithole like that.

His instincts should have reacted more quickly, he should have reacted more quickly.But he doesn't and Bandou is in front of him. Izuminokami should have pushed him out of the way. If anybody could take a car, it would be the sword. But it all happens so fast and Izuminokami is left with the fact that Bandou just hurt himself to protect him. He stares at his shinki, fingers twitching to do something but he doesn't know what he's supposed to do. All that he does know is he shouldn't just leave him there and so he picks Bandou up, carrying him to a sidewalk to lay him there.]

You goddamn idiot! What do you think you're doing? [So far he's only cried once since arriving to this place, but right now he's tearing up because his shinki just risked his safety to protect him. What kind of loyalty is that?]

[chickshades]

[ Ok being in this much pain really shouldn't be a thing for people who are already dead. It's amazing Bandou hasn't passed out from it already. Instead he's grimacing and hissing out slowly through his teeth as Izuminokami scoops him up and carries him to the side of the road. Considering how much that pain increases while he's being held bridal style, he's definitely broken a few ribs. ]

I wasn't gonna let you get hit.

[nakemen]

[Izuminokami had been on the battlefield and of course he had seen people get hurt. But he had been nothing but a sword then, not ever in charge of healing them or taking care of them. It had been his kind that had hurt them.

He's completely lost as to what to do and with already being upset about Bandou doing this, the frustration finally just makes him burst out into tears. He wants to help, but he doesn't quite know how to.] I could have taken it, idiot! [Maybe he shouldn't be calling the person who just tried to save his life an idiot but that's how he works. His words are never meant to be taken so literally.

Still crying, he tries to brush the tears away. Crying isn't going to help Bandou here now, is it?]

Where does it hurt?

[chickshades]

[ At first, Bandou's cringing too much to notice Izuminokami tearing up. But lying at flat as he can on the ground to bring some sort of ease to his midsection gets him to reopen his eyes. And his god sobbing is not at all what he expected to see. It probably shouldn't make him feel more at ease, but it's touching that his god cares for him that much. ...Even if he is being called an idiot at the same time. ]

I think I broke some ribs... it's fine, though.

[ Bandou may be a petty idiot, but he can be very selfless when it comes to being there for those he cares about. ]

[nakemen]

How is that fine?! [He angrily wipes his eyes on his sleeve as he tries to stop himself from crying. This isn't going to help Bandou at all.

And maybe he has a job to do, but Bandou is his shinki and he comes first. That's how this is supposed to work.] You need to see someone. Or I don't know. You need bandages? Crap, humans are so hard to take care of. [Seriously how does one human?]

[shufu]

Being beautiful was simply practical, he would say. An easy claim to make when you weren't the one keeping up with it. But Horikawa knew the truth. As useful as it might be, it was also a lot of work.

It wouldn't be the first time Horikawa threatened to cut it but always with a smile on his face and a teasing lilt to his voice. He was never serious. After all, they both knew his partner's beauty was something they could both appreciate.

And maybe that was just his way of showing it. Every morning, with the sun blaring through the paper covered slats, after tugging away the futon cover like depriving a child of their security blanket and hurrying him into his clothes for the day -- for whatever job it held -- Horikawa always reserved just enough time to tend to his hair, properly, meticulously, until the strands flowed through his fingers like a waterfall of shining black silk.

The ritual repeated itself in the evening, sometimes full of chatter about the citadel's latest gossip, and other times in complete silence, simply present in each other's company.

Though the shinki remembers none of that now, as he drops to a seat on this particularly tiresome mission, he can help but feel drawn to the other when he spots him struggling at a distance. The feeling that tugs at his chest is something akin to pity and also bewilderment.

Here? Of all places? And all times? Or was he just procrastinating. Although it seems he's procrastinated on matters of upkeep enough as is.

Horikawa vacillates on the prospect of intervention. It isn't his business, after all. But as Izuminokami tugs at a particularly stubborn knot, all but tearing it out, he's already on his feet. He can't stand to see something that beautiful, ruined so carelessly.

The direction of approach such that he won't be spotted right away, allowing him to drift close and reach for the comb before it can be put to use in any more crimes.

"If it's that much trouble, why don't you just cut it?" Even now, he doesn't mean it though.

[nakemen]

Too busy trying to comb his fingers through his hair, Izuminokami doesn't even notice the presence of anybody near him until he hears Horikawa speak. But when he does, he freezes and he isn't sure what to do. It seems like every time he associates with Horikawa, he just messes up. Which is bizarre and foreign to Izuminokami. Never once had things felt this tense and awkward with him. Even when they got into serious arguments, Izuminokami had known that they would move past them. Nothing was too much for them to move on from.

But for now, he's silent for a little too long. Even he knows that. His fingers had frozen in his hair as well but he starts to go back to his job, not looking at Horikawa. "Yeah," he huffs out, laughing. "Like I'd ever do that. It isn't that much work." Which is an obvious lie as he hisses at one particular knot not wanting to give way. "It's fine."

His hair is the last thing on his mind, though. He's all but forgotten it as he worries about this particular moment with Horikawa. Why is Horikawa even coming to him now? Unless it's to nag him about how obviously he doesn't even know how to take care of himself and now he likes him even less. The thought of that makes his shoulders slump and he brings his head down, kind of wishing Horikawa hadn't found him. How much more of Horikawa disliking him can he even take?

[shufu]

Horikawa was always particularly observant, Izuminokami always the emotional one. When combined, it's impossible for him to miss the way the other worries. It's a physical expression that can't be hidden by his words.

Horikawa turns the comb over and over again, useless in his hands, as one thought comes to mind. This is awkward.

Their past run ins haven't exactly been cordial. More often than not, Horikawa had allowed his own emotions to get the best of him. He's hardly the best person to be approaching him about this now.

Izuminokami has been worrying at the same knot since he arrived, Horikawa realizes, in spite of the drawn out silences that separate them. He feels responsible somehow. For the knot? The silence? Not solving either of them? He's not sure.

"Still. It must be hard. To do it all by yourself," he says in an attempt to fill the space.

[nakemen]

It's felt like every time Izuminokami has ran into Horikawa before, his former partner has yet to be this open to talking. The last time had been at that school and he had immediately challenged him. Even now Izuminokami isn't quite sure what he keeps doing wrong, but he's also happy that maybe he can just talk to him now. If he somehow doesn't offend him. At this point, who knows how many more ways he can mess up?

"I mean, it's my hair. It isn't like I'd make people help me with it." He had never had to make Horikawa help him. Horikawa had always just offered or took the challenge for himself. Izuminokami can't really say he has more experience with it. All he knows is he doesn't know what he can say that he had someone who used to. Maybe that's too much information and what if Horikawa starts to connect things? If he even would, considering how much he seems to dislike him.

But everything about Horikawa shows how sad he seems to feel. Izuminokami doesn't think he's imagining it because even if things are different right now, there's no way he'll never notice when Horikawa might need a shoulder. If he wants it or not. So he looks over to him, finally trying to make eye contact. He won't say anything else because he doesn't want to put his foot in his mouth or upset him more. Maybe if he keeps bothering Horikawa, he should just let him take the lead? It seems like the smart thing to do and at this point, he needs Horikawa to like him.

[shufu]

It isn't like Horikawa wanted things to turn out this way. He isn't confrontational by nature only he's no pushover either. He pushed back when the right buttons are pressed and something about Izuminokami always seems to set them off.

He thinks back to the time they first met and what was offense at the time now looks a lot more like a misunderstanding, considering Izuminokami had at least had the decency not to pursue him further. Even now he looks like he'd give all the world to be free of this moment.

And then they're staring at one another, really seeing each other eye to eye and it's Horikawa's turn to avert his gaze before he gets lost in it.

He can't leave it at that. He has to say something. "There are people that make a living doing that kind of thing though." But that...

That doesn't get at what he really wants. Otherwise he wouldn't be standing here now trying to stammer it out without sounding too desperate. He looks down at the wide toothed comb, plucking at the tines with his immaculate fingers.

I can do it, he thinks and then their eyes meet again, like looking into a mirror, as he holds out his hand in a benefacting gesture. "May I?"

drained humans aka is this kanesan http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/526/214/b94.gif

[spes_phthisica]

There's a cafe nearby. We could put them in there and bar the door, maybe?

[Souji does in some ways have a practical way of thinking which can come off as a bit... well, overly simplistic. The people need to be protected, so clearly locking them up for their own good is the kind thing to do, right?

He takes the woman gently by the hands and starts guiding her to follow him, smiling at Izuminokami.]

I can take the child too, if you want.

that is most definitely him

[nakemen]

Huh, that's a good idea.

[He wasn't known to have them when he was too hotheaded and in the middle of doing everything.] Yeah, take them. We should probably look for--[And there was a man walking into a building. Izuminokami picks him up over the other shoulder.]

This is a pain in my ass. This is the most annoying thing yet.

he needs 100 naps

[spes_phthisica]

[He quickly reaches over and gathers the child into his arms instead, still gently leading the woman down the street.]

There are more places where they can be put, so it's probably easiest to just help a few at the time.

[AKA: Please stop trying to carry all of them at once, Kanesan, jeez.]

But it is pretty worrying. I wonder what's doing this to them. [A moment's hesitation, then:] Have you felt the effect of this at all?

i guess kane-san disagreed because your tag disappeared from my inbox?? rude, kane-san. take a nap.

[nakemen]

How can I help a few at a time when they're being so stupid? [He mostly mutters this to himself. This is rude. He is rude. But he's still trying to save them all so actions speak louder than words.

As for the latter, he chooses to be louder with that one.]

Heh, me? No way! I'm way too strong to get tired from this little bit! [Nope. There's no way he's starting to feel the exhaustion. He never gets tired. He isn't someone who needs 100 naps.]

Drained Humans

[heiancrescent]

[Here comes an old grandpa with two more hands and a sword. With one hand, he supports the woman's back so that she doesn't run into any stray vehicles, lampposts, walls, whatever that would hurt when rammed into.]

I hope you don't mind if I assist you a little.

[nakemen]

[Excuse him as he stares for a brief moment. It's only broken until he feels the man on his shoulder about to slip.]

Yeah, these guys are real pains in my ass. I wish we had a box or something. But for people. [A great way of explaining this!]

[heiancrescent]

I don't think coffins are going to help us in this case. [They are literal people boxes after all.

Hang in there, Kanesan.]

[nakemen]

Not coffins! Um. Cages? But for humans? Damn, I don't know. I just don't want anybody getting hurt, but it's like they want to.

[Seriously, this is just annoying.]

Drained humans!

[koukai_kirai]

[Oh, hey, there's someone he recognizes.]

[Hijikata flash-steps to Izuminokami's side, hardly even nodding in greeting before reaching for the man slung over the other god's shoulder.]

Here. Give me that.

[That's a completely normal way to talk about a human being, right? Whatever, Hiji's going to try and get the heaviest-looking of the humans off of Izuminokami's hands.]

[nakemen]

[Hey, if there's anybody who won't give a shit about that stuff then it's Izuminokami! He doesn't know proper human social interactions anyway. Such as not treating humans like they're objects. So he hands the human over easily.] Thanks. [He bows his head because even if Hijikata said he doesn't care about manners, he still has to show some.]

This is such a pain in the ass because they keep doing stupid things!

[Like that one teenage boy who just fell over a bench. Izuminokami scrutinizes them, but he looks okay.]

[koukai_kirai]

[Hijikata takes take person without too much difficulty, kneeling to lay him down safely on the side of the sidewalk.]

They're in a daze. None of them are thinking because none of them can think.

[He straightens up, turning to look at Izuminokami again.]

We need to get to the source of this, or it's not going to stop.

[nakemen]

You're right. [It's something he's thought of too. But the problem is he keeps seeing people about to get hurt. It's distracting him from the bigger issue, which is also frustrating because he hasn't been able to fight in a while.]

This happened before. Before you came here. People acting like this. Had to investigate a school then.

[koukai_kirai]

[That's right -- Ayumu mentioned that incident, and so did the kid on the network who was working on organizing people. Hijikata's expression sharpens a little, and he takes a step towards Izuminokami.]

I heard about that. Tell me... that wouldn't happen to have been anywhere around here, would it?

[Because he's starting to get a bit of a gut feeling...]