thenearshore | 011 | Black Parade

Entry tags:

011 | Black Parade

Who: Everyone!
What: Parade of the dead
When: All day May 26
Where: Shinjuku
Summary: The Near Shore needs a little protecting from the dead

The last few days have been filled with festival food, high energy, and lots and lots of parades. Near Shore residents really know how to enjoy their holidays, stopping up traffic for hours on end as floats and palanquins go by and filling the streets and courtyards in the area with food stands and festival treats. Many Far Shore residents may have found themselves drawn to this particular festival, as it is being held in honor of a shrine.

When an unexpected parade starts up, the people gather round to watch the impromptu spectacle. It's a little strange, yes, but nothing too terribly off-putting. That is until the parade reaches the shrine itself, at which point all hell breaks loose as the members of the parade start attacking anything and anyone in their way.

The Heavens will then call upon all the gods and shinki who are available to help, because these attackers are not normal at all - they are, in fact, the undead.

Let the Festivities Continue

The festival is a large, booming one. There are dozens upon dozens of food stalls set up all over the place with so many different kinds of foods that it could make your eyes go buggy, most of them fried in some way. On top of that, there is live entertainment walking around, stalls with souvenirs, and lots of excellent company nearby. Surely you'll be able to enjoy the festival to its fullest.

The Walking Dead

It is not immediately evident that the parade is being manned by corpses, but keen observers would be able to pick out the noticeable rotting elements of the dead. Anyone with a soul-sensing ability might even realize that they're not soulless, just lifeless. When the parade reaches the shrine, every god and shinki will be needed in order to protect the Near Shore from this menace. Corpses must either be exorcised or completely mutilated to the point where they can no longer move in order to release the soul.

Not Rootbeer Floats

On top of the mass of dead bodies being possessed by stray souls, some of the floats on wheels in the parade seem to have been taken over as well. They are moving slowly and with purpose towards anyone that crosses their path. At first, it may seem like the float is just veering a little off course, but it will soon become evident that it's headed towards you. They may be slow, but they're very large as well, meaning there's a lot more than needs to be destroyed to release the soul.

Souls, Souls, and More Souls

In Summary:

Enjoy the festival
Help save Near Shore residents
Take down the dead bodies
Try not to cry
Cry lots
Have fun~

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[He doesn’t know how much longer this is going to affect them after all is said and done. This close to so many spirits, having their minds and souls pulled by those flying around them, reminding them they too are simply dead creatures inhabiting flesh that may or may not even be theirs. Do they even remember what they look like? Of course they don’t. And if that’s the case, how do they know they’re even who they think they are? Does Masaki know for sure that she looks like this> Does Sousuke know if he even sounds like this? Are the things they find themselves good at even theirs or simply the habits of the body they’re renting?

Who are they? That’s what the spirits around them are whispering. Isn’t it much easier to simply let go and drift away into the light above, abandon these bodies they have little use for asides from being someone’s tool at convenient times? See? Isn’t it easier this way… Give up, close your eyes. Don’t think or remember. Let the darkness envelop and drift away into the quiet slumber.

Sousuke’s eyes already begin to dim, his mind’s exhaustion rapidly taking over from the sudden influx of words. Together... He doesn't get it. What the other shinki says seems to drift through his mind and out his ear without registering. How they got around Masaki’s barriers (or his own) he doesn’t know. But they’re here now. Tempting them, drawing them, wanting their bodies for their own.]

[It was pressing close, the air getting too thick. She knows she has to look the way she does, because Dio looks at her the way he does. And Sousuke knows who he is thanks to Rin and everyone else.

She doesn't want to let go. There's still so much to do. She can feel a part of her that wants to give way and...

Her temper flares up. It's a temporary thing, not even a second wind, but she wants the spirits gone.]

Line!

[She draws one, vibrant and strong in her want to separate them both from the whispers. But she took in a huge breath, and after a smack to the chest, she grabs his hand.]

We're going! We need to get out of here!

[How does she know she looks this way? She doesn’t remember anything about herself. What if this isn’t what she really looks like and this is simply something that she’s been given? What if she’s simply another soul that happened to find its way to this body? Her god looks at her because she’s there. She’s ont invisible. But if she leaves this body and moves on, there’s a good chance she’ll find herself in the afterlife. Who she really is. She doesn’t need to stay here in this place that doesn’t provide her with any answers.

And how can she even trust her god? After all, she knows as well as any shinki that her god has to lie to her. To keep things from her. Because there are things a shinki shouldn’t know. And if he’s going to keep one thing from her, why not keep more… So how can she really know that she looks this way? How can either of them know who they are when all they have to go on is a name and whatever their gods tell them? Wouldn’t it be easier to let go and avoid this amnesiac existence where their own identity is an unknown mystery they’re not even supposed to know…

Sousuke jerks at the sudden appearance of the line bursting through his thoughts. The voices rip away with loud sounds of anger and frustration, once more driven out into the fog of souls twisting and spinning through the air, seeking for another dead body to possess and once more have avenue to life. The swimmer shakes his head, trying to throw the foggy doubts and confusions from his mind.

Only to tense up when Masaki grabs his hand. He looks towards her, sharp and intense, eyes focused again.]

Aa.

[But where are they going to go? Their gods are out in that battle and obviously the spirits Masaki’s just cut off from hanging around them are also out in that battle, only about a hundred times more in number and intensity.]

We can retreat for a moment to get our breaths back. [And their heads on straight.]

[She didn't know. She didn't know who she had been, what her name meant. But she wanted to be looked at by her god, still wanted to laugh and cry and be with him and all of her god and shinki friends.

She doesn't know what her god has to keep from her-but she knows it isn't entirely because he wants to. And she wants all of those thoughts tO GET OUT OF HER HEAD.

The line helps, and Sousuke seems to jerk awake himself. They need to go. Now. The spirits are too close, and just on the edge throbbing like an oncoming headache.]

More than a moment. We need our energy back.

[She tugs his hand, her eyes intense. Her fingers hurt. She needs to remember that, how there's blisters and everything. She needs to remember that because it's real unlike all those depressing thoughts in her head.]

Come on, run! If you can't run, tell me, and I'll do something!

[For now, they get their break as the spirits are pushed back by the wall. Sousuke’s still too tired to make his own, but at least his head’s clear again and his strength is recovering as the air clears and the thoughts silence. He may not know all those things, but his name feels right, Rin’s voice and presence feels right, and he’s never once looked at himself in the mirror and wondered “Who am I?” yet. But that’s a yet… He may not have his memories, but Sousuke’s pretty sure he’s Sousuke. Honestly, what other choice do they have but to be who they are now?

He snaps out of it a moment later and looks behind them. That’s really their only option. Running into the battlefield right now will just overload their minds from the collections of angry spirits beyond the wall in front of them.]

Aa. Let’s retreat for now.

[He has to trust that Rin’s fine wherever he is. For once, Sousuke wishes he could sense his god like Rin could sense him. His body hurts, he feels exhausted, but he forces himself to move.]

I can run.

[There’s a slight undercurrent suggesting her not to underestimate him. But he quickly aboutfaces and drops off the other side of the wall, moving quickly towards the woods once his legs are on the ground again. Notably, away from the main battle. Away from the spirits.]

[They need that break. She doesn't know if she can make another. She's not going to question Sousuke's identity or her own-there's too much at stake if she stops now. And that is one thing she refuses to do.

She may be caring and soft hearted, but she also has her limits. This is, actually, the nicest thing she can do for the spirits, if not for herself.

She nods, thankful that he's seeing sense. They'll have to find their gods later, when they've recovered. Eaten, at least, rested, if not sleep and try to calm themselves down.]

Good. You go, and I'll follow.

[She'll be following, if not being right beside him due to his longer strides. She has to climb over the wall, and she starts moving, away from the spirits and her borderline.

She can only hope it'll stay up long enough to give them a good, long head start.]

[Sousuke makes sure she’s over the wall and following him before he moves further. The forest is still alive with sounds of people running away or those braver sorts that are sticking around and watching from around the sides of trees. Ironically there are some vendor stalls parked or wedged on the outside of the perimeter when their owners found that it’d been too much work to keep running with their possessions.

He doesn’t stop until he’s a few trees deep in the forest, refusing to completely lose sight of the area. He still doesn’t know his way around this place and he’s not about to get lost in the woods. Turning around, Sousuke rests his back against a tree, eyes scanning the area in front of them. The shrine and sky, along with the mist of spirits, are still visible. Good. He isn’t planning on staying here for long. Just enough to catch his breath and calm.]

Are you okay?

[Looks like they made it without much issue. Nothing is following them, so that’s good. He’s still not completely okay with everything that’s happened, but he knows it’s not over so has to buckle down and accept it.]

[The forest is alive with people screaming. She doesn't even pay attention to the vendors, even if she usually is hungry and could use the energy.

She doesn't know the way either, but she's sure they'll find a way out. There's a part of her, she thinks, that will find a way.]

I'm okay. Just breathless.

[She doesn't feel all right, but she's functioning. Good enough.]

You?

[Sheesh, people are still here screaming? Shouldn't this place have cleared out several minutes ago? Unless the spirits and zombies are chasing people into the forest... He doesn't see any nearby, but it's a possibility...]

Aa. I'm fine.

[A lie, but he's not keeling over and he's not physically injured. Sousuke wants to rest for a bit is all. Maybe swing back and grab something to eat and drink as a refuel but... He's not willing to admit his weakness yet.

They're only done with their battle.]

[They should be gone, and not screaming. Maybe that was a bit of a delay there or something. She's hoping people are just screaming in frustration or something like that.

That would be more comforting.

Gently, Masaki touches Sousuke on the back.]

All right. Then...let's try to find a place we can rest and refuel.

[Far, far away from the spirits and the zombies.]

['Should' being the operative phrase. Sousuke looks around a few times, trying to see where the loudest or closest is coming from, but it's nigh-impossible and he's honestly too tired to worry about it right now. They've done their best to keep as many people safe and now it's their turn to take a breather. Before they dive back in there again to find their gods.

He blinks at the touch to his back, but then quietly shakes his head.]

No. This is far enough. I don't want to lose sight of the shrine.

[The spirits aren't coming into the forest it seems, so they should be safe here.]

[She's too tired to go after it too, as much as she wants to. Which is frustrating but it is what it is. They have to be practical, even if she wants to shake and scream and just...let go.

But she can't.]

I don't think we could even if we wanted to.

[She sighs shakily, pushing her hair out of her face.]

I wish I could teleport like a god can.

[They've done what they can for them. Right now they have to focus on themselves so they're ready for the next battle. Sousuke's not exactly looking forward to plunging back into the fray, but that's where his god is...

The breath of fresh air and the lack of souls worming into his head is a massive relief.]

If we ran far enough away from it we would.

[The shrine's large, but it's not towering over the trees or anything. A small huff slips out of his mouth.]

That would be nice.

[The next battle is going to come all too soon. If Masaki was lesser willed, she would cry out of sheer exhaustion.

But thank goodness her head is clear from those thoughts worming into her skull.]

Mm.

[There is that. And her lips curve up a little at his huff.]

Wouldn't it? I'd love to have some ice cream right about now. That's where I'd teleport. What about you?

[It's silly, and really she would be by her gods side of she could. But go with her on this journey Sousuke.]

[Sousuke turns to face the shrine's direction and sinks backwards, resting his back against the tree trunk and letting out a long, low breath. He's tired. Really tired. But sleep isn't an option. He has to rest long enough to get his strength back before he goes charging in there again.]

Ice cream?

[Sure, he's thinking about resting and all, but ice cream? Something so "innocent" right in the middle of this "we're trying to recover from literally holding down the fort called "random wall" from invading zombies and protecting refugees" moment, it's a little startling. But it does bring him down to earth pretty easily.

And the question.]

To Rin.

[Sorry, he doesn't get the memo this is supposed to be separated from their current seriousness right now. Try again.]

[She almost wishes that they could take turns, taking a quick nap, while the other stands guard. But it might not work very well. Even if she wishes otherwise.

But seeing how he didn't get with the program, she rolls her eyes slightly.]

Well yes, we'd both be with our gods if we could manage it. But if you could go somewhere else, with your teleport, where would you go? What would you get?

[There's no way he's sleeping right now. He'll rest when he knows Rin's safe back at the castle and there's nothing else to worry about. Sousuke'll guard Masaki if she wants to rest or sleep, but he might frown on it if she suggests it...

Oy, did she just roll her eyes at him? ... Oh.

He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair, ruffling his bangs.]

Somewhere else, hm. I don't know. Maybe the beach. [Without his memories, it's a strange sort of emptiness when he's asked to decide on a "favorite" or a "desire" of sorts. Since all he can really base on is the few week's he's been "alive" here.]

Tonkatsu. [As for what he'd get, that's easy.]

[She's too tense to sleep, herself. But really, she doesn't need any more Sousuke scowls right now.

Sousuke smiles are too much to expect too. Calming them both down is a good idea.]

Aah, the beach.

[That'd be nice, she thinks. She hasn't remembered the beach at all, but she's seen clips of it. It must be nice.]

Would you be on the beach with Tonkatsu? Or would you rather be somewhere else?

[It does sound really nice. Ice cream, tonkatsu...good foods.]

[If he does scowl at her, there's a good chance it's self-reflective. Because he's frustrated and tired himself and that bothers him. He holds himself to high standards, unfortunately.

The beach. He's never been to one here so far, though he's wondered a few times what it's like. Makoto said he had a beach of sorts around his temple and Goten's Archie had an ocean apparently. Small, but still an ocean. (God temples are weird like that.)]

It's tonkatsu. I don't really care where I get it.

[He'd eat it pretty much wherever he is. It's good; sue him.]

[It's been a frustrating day. She's not going to hold it against him, since they've been having a tough time of it.

But the ocean...she wonders if she's ever seen it before. The largest body of water she was familiar with was the pool at her god's waterfall.]

Aaah. Homemade or not, huh.

[She blows out a breath, and makes a couple of nods. All right.]

Tonkatsu. Tonkatsu and ice cream. We'll get together some time and have it. Maybe not right away, but eventually. And we'll see a beach.

[She smiles, tipping her head back.]

And we can enjoy the waves lapping at our feet. Or...whatever you do on a beach.

[And to think it’s not even over yet. He appreciates the attempt to make their current stress an easier burden, thinking of something more pleasant and lighter. Sousuke tries, but inevitably his thoughts turn back to Rin and concern over his god’s safety.]

Homemade or not.

[Granted, he’s not had tonkatsu here that’s not homemade, since as far as Sousuke’s had, the only tonkatsu has been made by yours truly. And he kind of did it by memory, just messing around in the kitchen with pork and stuff. Rin was the one who told him the name of it, or at least confirmed it.

Wait, why’s Masaki nodding? Is she taking notes or something?]

You’re planning an outing with this?

[Granted, he should’ve figured that, knowing Masaki as he does. She’s the one that asks for favorite muffin flavors over the network and delivers baskets of said muffins to people! Still, Sousuke looks at her with slight dumbfoundedness, though it’s probably because he’s tired and amazed she’s able to focus on this right now. You’re pretty resilient, Masaki.]

[She's trying, because the better they feel, the quicker they'll be able to recover. Or at least that's what she's hoping for. But with the confirm of tonkatsu-she's not sure if she knows how to make it-she does at least have a start of a plan.

And seeing the look on his face, she can only smile.]

Maybe. Or at least something that we can plan. I want something that we can look forward to.

[Her smile widens.]

Something that is ours. You know what I mean?

[Maybe she does bounce back easily. Or she's just too full of spunk to let herself be defeated.]

[Oh is that how it works? Well she’s onto something. Sousuke leans back against the tree again, hands sliding into his pockets as he lifts one leg and braces the flat of his foot on the trunk behind him. Rest one leg first, then the other later.

While this person right here keeps making plans for future outings right in the middle of post-war recovery. Amazing resiliency.]

Hn. Aa, the present’s a little dour at the moment, isn’t it.

[However, the comment about “ours” earns a slight arch of one brow and Sousuke looks at her with a mixed expression.]

No. What’s “ours” in this sense?

[Sure, an outing is one thing. Maybe even their plan to look forward to. Or is she talking about “their” thoughts and not the spirits that had tried to talk them out of their own bodies? Or… is she meaning that friendship thing again? ~~Or is this a date?~~]

[Or it'll feel that way, she thinks. She goes to stretch slowly, her arms moving over her head with a small grunt. That felt better. Her body was far too tense.]

Mm, far too dour.

[Though it's understandable, considering what they've gone through. Though she laughs a little, and spins on her feet to look him in the face. Part of it is pure spunk, the other part is a front, but she's doing her best to be bright and focused on a good future.]

Ours, in the...it's memories we're making. We can make them together or apart-as friends and shinki.

[So no dates. ~~Yet~~.]

[Sousuke curls and uncurls his fingers in his pockets, fingertips lightly grazing up and down over his thigh. Resting feels good right now and he’s quickly regaining his breath and stamina, no longer audible in his breathing. The tension’s still there, though he’s pretty sure it’s more mental and emotion than physical right now.]

Aa.

[After what they’ve come from, however, and what they’re facing, Sousuke doubts that dour atmosphere will vanish any time soon. There are more challenges ahead of them. He blinks when suddenly it’s Masaki ahead of him, spinning around to face him. A dark brow arches at the quirkiness so quick; sure, he’s calling it a bluff, but it’s not like he’s telling her to stop. (If it helps her cope and all…)]

Oh. That’s fine. Just the two of us then?

[~~He’s noting that.~~]

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011 | Black Parade

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