004 | Too Much Chocolate

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Passing out chocolates
When: All day March 15, 2016
Where: Throughout Japan
Summary: There is so much leftover chocolate from White Day that the Heavens have asked Far Shore residents to pass out the remaining candies to Near Shore residents.
Warnings: Content warning for: emetophobia and suicide mentions/ideation.



It is the day after White Day and, for some reason, there is a mass of chocolates left over. Oddly enough, these chocolates all appear to have been produced by the same small company: Fujisaki Confectioneries. The Heavens hate to see all of this chocolate that was meant to spread joy to the Near Shore go to waste, so they have asked residents of the Far Shore - specifically all you lovely gods and shinki - to go about Japan and pass out chocolates to unsuspecting humans, who will obviously be grateful for such a thoughtful gift, even from a stranger.

There are two problems, though, both stemming from the fact that the chocolates are 'cursed':

First, gods and shinki are prohibited from eating the chocolate and will face dire consequences if they indulge in the goodies, though the Heavens failed to mention what those consequences might be. Second, Near Shore residents are susceptible to the actual 'curse' that has been placed upon the chocolates, which turns out to actually be small ayakashi who want nothing more than to lead any Near Shore resident that they can to their death.

All gods and shinki have been tasked with this errand, including the group that have just arrived as of today. They will find themselves informed of their situation and then promptly handed a large box of chocolates and told to be on their way to pass them out.

Please remember: The only thing the Heavens have said to the gods and shinki is that they are to hand out chocolates and not eat any themselves. There is no IC information about the chocolates being 'cursed' and they seem like perfectly normal chocolates.



Chocolate Giving

Giving out chocolates might seem like a perfectly easy task, but the people of the Far Shore have always had a hard time being noticed by residents of the Near Shore. It might be difficult to catch someone's attention long enough to actually even pass them a bar of chocolate. In fact, you might have to resort to desperate measures, like stepping directly in front of them or grabbing their hand to stop them from continuing onward. How you catch their attention to give them their treat is entirely up to you, but most Near Shore residents don't particularly like being manhandled.

Dire Consequences

Unfortunately, some shinki and gods will likely give in to temptation and take a bite or more of the chocolates they've been given. Any Far Shore resident who eats the chocolates will find themselves suddenly and violently ill. They might come down with an instant fever, find that they can't control their bowels, or be overcome by intense and overwhelming nausea. The way that the sickness hits will be different for each person. Additionally, any shinki that eats the chocolate will find that they have stung their god, blighting themselves and their god in the process.

Ayakashi

The small ayakashi that were hiding out in the chocolate bars are freed the moment that a Near Shore resident takes a bite of the chocolate. These ayakashi may be small, but they are far from weak. As soon as they are free, they will take up residence on the shoulder of the person they are attached to and begin whispering ideas of death in their ears. All Near Shore residents under this influence will instantly find themselves too depressed to go on and will take immediate action to try and end their own suffering. It's best to kill the ayakashi quickly to stop the inevitable from happening.

Noisy Ayakashi

Oddly enough, some of the chocolate bars do not have the depressing ayakashi hanging out in them, but instead a different kind of ayakashi which seem to be completely alright with leaving the Near Shore residents alone. However, the moment that they lay eyes on a Far Shore resident - be it shinki or god - they will attack with a vicious fervor, obviously intending to do as much harm as possible. These Noisy ayakashi will range in size and shape from bugs all the way to small birds. Thank goodness they're not much larger, because they are harder and it seems they can only be taken down when solid teamwork is involved.



In Summary:

• Pass out chocolate
• Don't eat it or you'll get sick
• Save the people you just gave chocolate to
• Hope you have friends nearby to kill the Noisy ayakashi with
• Try not to let anyone die
• Have fun~

Comments

[sheepherd]

( i. A MEETING- OR IS THIS A REUNION? / CLOSED TO MIKLEO )

[ He has so many questions. Certainly most of them got answered but- there's just a lot more he wants to ask. However, he still has to meet with his newly shinki first.

Though, he has to wonder about himself.. who was he exactly? Was he Apollo? Or was he Sorey? Sorey feels more like- him. But he's a God, so shouldn't he technically be Apollo? Arms have crossed and a concentrated look has taken place while he waits for the arrival of his shinki. He can't really remember much. His memories.. they're far too hazy. Like looking through a window clouded by fog- he squints and tries to see, but it's too hard to distinguish.

It's a bit troubling. But, he easily has an optimistic outlook of it- when needed, he's sure he'll remember.

The sound of footsteps breaks him from thought and he turns to face the newly arrival. ] Oh! You must be--

[ Yet, the moment Sorey turns to look to the shinki, he's frozen in place. He remembers him. Well, more like.. more than anything that Sorey has ever been certain of so far, he knows him. This person before him- it's someone he remembers so distinctively. A memory dear to him that no matter what he could never forget him. And yet the words are choked up in his throat. He can't bring himself to say it- to say anything concerning it. "I remember you." "I know you."

Instead, he's left standing there with a dumbfound look with wide eyes. He's gonna get flies in his mouth at this point. ]

( ii. MUCH NOISY COMPANY / OTA )

[ Fortunately, the sickness hasn't hit him too hard at this point. He does feel a bit hot and under the weather- quickly falling out of breath more easily than normal while he struggles to rid of the ayakashi. But, it isn't like he can relax and do nothing! If he wasn't careful- the people here.. they could seriously get hurt.

It's hard to tell whether it's the effects of the chocolate or the thought of something happening to these innocent people that makes him feel sick. He shakes it off, ceremonial sword in hand while he bats away any ayakashi he finds on sight. Fighting to rid of them.

Eyes are trained and fixed around, looking for Mikleo- his shinki. Splitting up simply to hand out chocolate was a good idea before but now he's worried he too has gotten into some trouble. However for now, with any ayakashi bothering any nearby Gods or shinki- Sorey will step in and rid of one easily, with a look of light concern to them. ] You alright?

( iii. DIRE END TO SWEETS / OTA, tw: emetophobia )

[ It's gotten a lot worse.

The sickness that plagues him at this point is too much for even Sorey to try to fight through or cover up. His face is flush with his high fever, sweating while he struggles to lean straight up against the nearest wall. His other hand grips onto his weapon tightly- still wanting to help fight.

A sudden rush of nausea hits him and it hits him hard. His gloved hand is now clamping over his mouth with a choking gagged sound muffled through fingers. It helps for a split moment but his body collapses onto his knees and his throat locks up. His vision instantly blurs, suddenly dark as his eyes squeeze shut with the sudden sensation. He can't breathe- something about this is way too familiar to him, and that's what makes this a lot more harder.

Sorey struggles on his breath a few more times before the sickness overcomes him and spilling past lips. He doesn't fight it this time as he vomits out what he can. He heaves a few times after, and once he's sure he won't puke right after, does he have a hand wiping at his mouth. It's a good thing he doesn't really care for first impressions as a newly God. Taking only a moment to ensure he isn't going to be sick again, he finally pushes back onto his feet. ] The chocolates-- guh.. [ Heaven hadn't warned anything about them about the chocolates being bad though- if they were, they wouldn't have given it to them in the first place, right?

He grows dizzy for a moment and stops thinking for the moment. He could use any lending hand willing to offer him help. ]

/CRASHES INTO HERE LIKE A MADWOMAN

[torrential_aegis]

[There's something familiar about the brown-haired person who looks as out-of-place as Mikleo does. He frowns, though, a little frustrated at how he just can't come up with any memories at all. Still...there's no reason to take it out on the young man for this.

However, when the brunet turns around to speak to him, Mikleo can't help looking openly confused at the reaction. The seraph tries to cover it up by crossing his arms and tilting his head, changing his expression to something more neutral and slightly concerned. He'll try to be polite, but the reaction is a little unnerving.]

Sorry, what were you going to say?

[Probably poor taste to ask if the brunet's seen a ghost.]

A+ would watch again

[sheepherd]

[ Sorey blinks a few times suddenly, briefly broken out of his little trance. ]

Ah- umm...

[ "Hey this might seem weird, but I'm pretty sure I know you"?

No, there's no way he can say that. Especially when he seems to sputter comically in that moment while he tries to fight what to say. Probably better to move on, he knows from this feeling that if he says what's exactly on his mind- he could hurt him. ]

You.. must be my shinki, right? At least, it feels like it. [ More like he was told he'd have one. But this person- he can't ignore this connection he feels towards him. ]

Excellent

[torrential_aegis]

[Mikleo shrugs his shoulders lightly, but it doesn't look like he thinks it's a crazy idea.]

I'm not sure. I wasn't told which god I was partnered with.

['Partnered' just sounds a hell of a lot better than 'assigned.' Still...it's strange how he gets an immediate sense that this guy is someone he can place his total trust in. Perhaps that's because he's supposed to feel that way towards his god? Mikleo will have to see if there's any research he can do on that.]

Even if I'm not your shinki, then I suppose I can help you find them. My name is Mikleo. Which...is really all I know about myself.

[Why did he say that to someone he just met? Mikleo frowns at himself, wondering where on earth his better judgment went.]

Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned that.

[sheepherd]

[ To be fair, anyone would think it was. But it's something Sorey feels confident about. Well, maybe something like a gut feeling? With this connection he feels towards him.

However, the instant the name comes to him does Sorey brighten up. Mikleo. Mikleo.. Yeah, that was his name. ] Mikleo.

[ It sounds so familiar when he says it. Of course he knew Mikleo. Though, he's cut off when he hears him continue on. So.. Mikleo didn't remember anything else. Lips press together, but he shakes his head after. ] It's fine. You don't need to apologize.

[ He keeps it in mind nonetheless. After does he show a smile. ] My name is Sorey. [ Though Heaven seems to be gathering attentions of the Gods and their shinki anyways for their next purpose. Maybe that could be their way to find out? ]

[torrential_aegis]

[Mikleo gives him a somewhat inquiring look at the way he says his name, but doesn't comment on it further. As bad as it is that he doesn't remember anything about himself, he gets this feeling that it'll be bad for him to learn who he'd been.]

It wasn't the right time nor place to say something like that, especially when we've just met.

[Just. Pointing that out, despite being forgiven.

The seraph nods politely at him.]

It's nice to meet you, Sorey. [Mikleo absently brushes his bangs out of his eyes, thinking.] Do you have any hints as to your shinki's identity?

[A part of him is kind of hoping that it is Sorey who's his partnered god. After all, it's not everyday that someone manages to put Mikleo instantly at ease on the first meeting, which is something he'll have to think about later.]

[sheepherd]

You think so? [ It didn't seem like that to him. Was that weird? A gloved hand rubs at the back of his head with a sheepish look.

Green eyes watches the way that hair is brushed to the side with a thought that Mikleo's looks were.. really unique. Lavender eyes, silvery blue hair- he stands out. In a good way, though. ] ..Huh?

Oh, uh.. they said I would be able to tell? [ To be honest he was a bit more preoccupied with other things. ] They're handing out tasks to everyone so maybe we can just use that. [ He brings his hand to point out where Heaven is going about and handing out ..packages? He's curious to know what if he's honest. ] You don't know which God you're with then, right? We can help each other out this way!

[ Though, if Mikleo isn't the shinki he's partnered like he thought he was, he can't help feel some disappointment. ]

[torrential_aegis]

Well, yes. It's not something I should be troubling you with so soon. [Or ever, really, in Mikleo's opinion.

He'll not comment on Sorey's lack of focus in that moment. This is all pretty overwhelming, so he simply chalks it down to the god simply being new to this. It's not very encouraging, but at least they'll be on the same level.

The water seraph covers his mouth to hide a small smile. Mikleo has a feeling that even if they aren't partners, he'll be keeping an eye on this god to make sure he doesn't get into trouble. He seems like the type to put his trust in a serial killer if they're nice enough.]

That's better than standing around doing nothing. I'll follow your lead.

[sheepherd]

It's okay, I don't mind. [ Especially if it turns out that they are partnered, he'd want for the other to be able to tell him anything. But that's a discussion left for another time maybe.

He does perk a little when Mikleo's expression seems to shift. Even if hidden, he can definitely tell that he's smiling at this moment and it has a grin widening on Sorey's own lips in response. ]

Alright, let's go! [ As they draw nearer to them, Sorey is already speaking again: ] Um, excuse me--

[ Though he's surprised instantly by their responses. When they see the pair of them, they seem to already take hint: "Good, the both of you are here." They're not allowed to be told of their mission until the incantation is done and the pact is made. Looks like plenty of the newly arrivals had to go through the process too so they're not the first, and certainly not the last.

The incantation is a bit.. lengthy. It rings up a memory in Sorey, one still a bit too hazy but he remembers hearing of something similar. Has he already been through this process before...? He can't help looking to Mikleo as though it would provide some answers. He isn't sure what to expect by the end of it. ]

ii

[canoodle]

[ normally, these pint-sized ayakashi would be nothing to dal dal. they'd be breakfast food, really, for someone who prides herself on fighting skills she'd long since honed years before ever waking up her as a goddess.

but after just two pieces of chocolate, dal dal isn't doing too well. just two pieces, that was all it'd taken to do her in, but given her small stature, it's perhaps not that surprising. cheeks flushed, skin slicked with sweat, and breathing heavily, dal dal barely has time to flick a gaze towards her savior before pitching forward from exhaustion — but thankfully she manages to catch herself with her hands over her knees. ]

...I could be better.

[sheepherd]

[ Sorey nearly holds a hand out to catch her in case she topples over, but he has to catch himself as his body sways in response. Fortunately a nearby fence is perfect for that to grab onto and he gives a sheepish laugh in response. It's lighthearted, no ill-intentions and definitely not directed at her. ]

I know what you mean. [ It isn't too hard for him just yet, however. So he straightens once he thinks he's better and casts green eyes around before settling back on her. ] There's still plenty of them around, so what do you say about partnering up for now?

iii

[blazeit]

[ So, Bakugou looks incredibly grossed out, but he's also not walking away, so at least he's making an effort, or... something. He's just gonna crouch down just out of projectile vomiting range and give Sorey a once-over — he doesn't look like he's about to pass out from dehydration, though that's obviously something that should be fixed eventually. But first things first. ]

You done there, or feeling like round two?

[sheepherd]

[ No one could blame him if he did, at least! Sorey is briefly surprised by the voice, looking over to Bakugou and he gives a breathless chuckle at the words. Not a straight out laugh- it might trigger another gagging incident if he's not careful. ] N-No I-- I think I'm good for now.

[ At least he hopes so. But for now he doesn't feel like he's about to empty up his stomach anytime soon. ]

[blazeit]

Okay, good. Try and keep it that way.

[ Partially because this is gross, and partially because... Bakugou has no idea what to do here. Getting Sorey some water seems like a good idea, though it also seem like a bad plan to just leave him there... ]

You think you can get up, or...?

[sheepherd]

[ Sorey emits a small sheepish laugh at that. Don't worry, he'll do his best not to.. get sick anytime soon?! At least he doesn't want to burden him with his own problems so he nods and pushes to a stand. He wobbles for a moment, but he seems to be fine enough. ]

Y-Yeah, I should be able to manage. [ Though he's not completely in balance- given he can't really stand still that's pretty obvious enough. ]

[blazeit]

Here, I'll give you a hand.

[ Let the record show that he tried, at least. Anyway, he's holding out his hand now, but he's already thinking about how existentially offended and embarrassed he will be if he's rejected. ]

[sheepherd]

[ Good thing Sorey wouldn't be rude enough to turn down that offer! He does blink briefly, before shooting a lightly appreciative smile. ]

Thanks. [ He takes that hand, taking that support to full push to a stand. ] I'm Sorey, by the way. Or, well, Apollo? [ He forgets which name he's actually suppose to give? What he thinks is his real name? Or his God name? This is confusing. ]

[blazeit]

Apollo, huh... I've actually heard of that one. The sun god, right?

[ He only says this because he's never heard of the god he's paired up with, so he was wondering if they were all esoteric — but Apollo's fairly well known.

It's also a little ironic that the sun god is feeling so under the weather, but he's not going to comment on that and just try to located the convenience store or vending machine; hydration seems like a good idea. ]

III

[torrential_aegis]

[Mikleo's been looking for Sorey after they split up to deliver the chocolate. Now that he knows it's the chocolates that's causing the ayakashi to cling to these people, he's very much concerned about the god's well-being. He doesn't know how the spirit in the sweet will affect Sorey, since he's a god, but he doubts it's anything good.

It's a wave of sickness that almost bowls him over and he instinctively tries to shut it out before he loses it himself. Mikleo does it a little too well, though, since now he can't sense it at all. He sighs in exasperation before concentrating, allowing himself to pick up a little bit on the sickness. The seraph isn't sure where it's coming from, but he must be close.

After a little bit of time and searching, he finally comes upon the horribly sick god. Mikleo rushes over, thoughts entirely on Sorey's health.]

Sorey!

[He kneels down beside him, carefully avoiding the nasty puddle on the ground. The seraph raises one of his hands, directing a slight breeze of cold air towards Sorey's face in an attempt to get his fever down a bit.]

We're going back to the Far Shore.

[His tone says that he won't brook any argument on this one.]

[sheepherd]

[ Sorey has his eyes squeezed shut as another wave of nausea hits him. There's the brief sound of footsteps that he hears for a second, but it isn't until he hears the sound of his name and even more steps that he's able to focus on it.

The young God raises his head then, blinking a little blearily while the seraph crouches near him now. ] M-Mikleo?

[ There's some relief now that he's here. If because it looks like he's fine- he had been worried that maybe he may have been affected by it like Sorey was. Well, at least he can confirm that these are definitely because of the chocolates.

And it isn't some two way thing. The breeze racks a hard shudder from Sorey's body and his teeth chatters together for a split moment until he bites down. Stubbornly, however, he shakes his head even despite Mikleo's firm sternness in his tone. ] W-We can't-- The people here are still in danger.. we have to do something-- [ His hand is collapsing back onto the pavement to hold himself up as he hunches over, a choking sound making sound through the muffled cover of his other hand. ] U-Ughk..

[torrential_aegis]

[His expression becomes apologetic when he sees the reaction to it.]

Sorry, Sorey.

[He doesn't stop, but he'll apologize. Mikleo's not sure if a god can die from a fever like humans can, but he doesn't want to take that chance.

Although, Sorey collapsing like that forces the seraph to stop just so he can help steady him. Stubborn little—]

You can't even help yourself right now, and you're only going to get killed if you try fighting these spirits off. There are other gods and shinki capable of dealing with the situation.

[Mikleo pauses and sighs a little. He tries to soften his tone to something gentler.]

It's my job to protect you, Sorey, and I can't do that effectively while you're like this.

[Even though he'll try his best to do so, he knows that he'll fail with his god being as sick as he is.]

[sheepherd]

It's okay.

[ Sorey manages a weak smile, green lighting with gratitude for his partner. He knows Mikleo is only doing what's best for him. Even if the cold is a clash of temperature to the high heat he's feeling right now.

Though those words dig rather roughly into his chest. That smile so brief as he frowns now. The hand against the pavement curling into a tight fist and brows knit together with a troubled look showing. ] But I.. I just can't sit back and do nothing.

[ Even like this, he had to be able to help somehow. Though he knows Mikleo is right. He can't even help himself like this. He'll only be needing save himself. The frown deepens as his gaze drops and he can feel the nausea settle for a moment, for now.

Those green eyes are soon raising up to Mikleo's gentler violet ones as the seraph continues and his tone shifts. ] ..I'm sorry, Mikleo. [ He's only troubling him like this. But heading back knowing what the ayakashi are doing- to both humans and Gods and Shinki like them, it makes him just as sick as he's been feeling this whole time.

Sorey isn't looking at Mikleo anymore, rather out into the area. Thoughts still clouded from what he's seen up to this point. A few people so dangerously close to hurting themselves, and the others that were attacking even Gods. His teeth grits a little and he hates this overwhelming feeling of helplessness.

He shakes his head then, carefully pushing himself up to a stand which he wobbles momentarily. But after he shows another weak smile in Mikleo's direction, sweat still beading and gathering along his forehead with his apparent fever. ] I really seem to be troubling you a lot, so I'm sorry for that.

I can push on just a little bit longer. [ Please let him do this. ]

[torrential_aegis]

[Perhaps if Mikleo had been younger, he might've given up at this point and simply helped Sorey rather than argue.

That's not the case right now. He's older and more confident in standing his ground against a load of codswallop. "Sorry" isn't good enough. Sorey trying to reassure him that he's fine isn't good enough. Mikleo can see and feel the truth.

The seraph marches over to stand in front of Sorey, blocking him from moving forward.]

Absolutely not!

[He refuses to let Sorey do this when it's only going to get one or both of them killed.]

If I have to carry you all the way to your temple in the Far Shore, then I will, with or without your permission.

[sheepherd]

Mikleo..

[ It's just the kind of person Sorey is. Not wanting to burden anyone with his own problems, wanting to push forward and do whatever he can to help everyone. But he finds himself hesitating with Mikleo in his way now and an even firmer touch to his tone.

It's another moment where something like this feels familiar. It causes a throb to his head and one hand clutches as he gets a harder dizzy spell. Today is just really not his day. He's staggering and has to lean against the nearest wall to help keep himself up with support.

With Mikleo it feels like there's plenty of moments where he feels like he can remember something in his past- nothing clear, always hazy. He kinda wishes it didn't happen now of all times as though to prove a point. But he knows Mikleo is right in this situation.

He really, really wants to do something. But he can't very much hide it from Mikleo when he can feel what it is Sorey is feeling. He's quiet now, seeming defeated, after all he can't really help himself since any more pushing and Mikleo really does sound like he'll drag him by force back. He's got no other choice. He's quiet as he raises his ceremonial sword before sticking it back into its sheath.

There's a painful swallow as he bites back the bile from rising up his throat. The feel of helplessness cutting deeper than any knife. ] Okay. ..We'll head back.

[torrential_aegis]

[Mikleo softens only a little at the acquiescence. He doesn't like doing this, but, damn it, he'll do whatever it takes to ensure Sorey's safety.

The seraph moves closer to the god, pausing at his side.]

It'll be faster if I carried you, but I won't if you really don't want me to.