[Open] Break my back till the mornin' comes

[volksdaemon]

Who: Schuldig volksdaemon etc.
What: Helpful!Schuldig (thank you Eros) is out and about helping gods & shinki answer their prayers and other miscellaneous desires
When: May 27+
Where: Near Shore for most Open Prompts
Warnings: none currently but new CR please fill out his powers & permissions post.
Prompts are in Action format, but I can switch if you'd like.

---
[Closed Prompts in comments]

[OPEN] Near Shore: Grisly Kabuki Show
[A long time ago, okay two weeks ago, someone had anonymously suggested to Schuldig that he go to see a kabuki show. Not just any kabuki show, though - Yotsuya Kaidan, the Ghost Story of Yotsuya - on the promise that there was 'plenty of grisly revenge for you there.'

Now that he's being subtly encouraged to get out and about more, he's planning to see it. If you see him on his second or third watch, he might even be outside of the theater conning scalpers out of their own money - a deal that's not a deal sort of thing where he buys 7 at the cost of 10 - so that he can give them to people waiting in line.]

[OPEN] Near Shore: Beach Bum
[Schuldig's pale skin is getting tanned and those sunglasses he's normally only wearing like decoration are actually getting use, finally. Feel free to notice him lounging or trying to chat up the lifeguards.

Then there's the matter of trying to be a good-hearted God of Mischief down here. If he notices that there are people haggling down 'tourist' prices from the locals, he uses his telepathy to calm both parties down. If he sees kids playing pranks, he'll help them not get noticed by parents or authority figures as they run off. That sort of thing.]

[OPEN] Near Shore: Ayakashi
[If you've wandered near that fishy ayakashi and gotten yourself trapped, he'll definitely notice, or try to keep you away from it if he notices you wandering too close. He can hear the thoughts of ayakashi getting closer - the raw, tangled mess of raw emotions that is - as well as those of gods and shinki without strong mental shields.

If you actually do manage to get yourself trapped, he'll have to call a shinki to get you out of there, but he might still do it. Depending on who it is and depending on if you got yourself trapped so that one of his followers didn't get caught.]

[OPEN] Near Shore: Fireworks
[Trying to get a better spot to watch? Schuldig might use his telepathy to convince some noisy neighbors on a blanket to take their drinking elsewhere so you can have that one. Or he might be able to get a crying baby to fall asleep. The line for drinks & food could be a lot shorter as soon as he decides to go there, standing behind you in line. If you're trying to get an adult beverage and you're not an adult, he has no problem getting you one. Drinking customs in Europe are different, so he doesn't care.]

[OPEN] Far Shore: Anywhere But His Temple
[Even while very empathetic towards the human race now - specifically his followers - Schuldig doesn't plan to invite people out to his temple. As a result, he's out wandering. Specifically, he's combing the place for one of Amaterasu's lackeys somewhere down the chain of command with low enough mental shields that he can read their minds. It's a promise he owes Jae-Ha, actually.

As a result, Schuldig could be found just about anywhere standing off to the side with a thousand-yard-stare as he canvasses small sections of the Far Shore for just such a lackey.]

Comments

[Closed] Goten: Prayer #23, May 29

[volksdaemon]

[Schuldig hadn't been checking up on the yakuza he'd invited to the bakery awhile back, when he'd answered the bakery owner's request for more business and used Nagi's help to get them in there. That was a problem for one big reason -- Schuldig had used his telepathic influence to keep the police away, to stop them from noticing just how much ground the yakuza had expanded into.

So now he gets prayer to track down some yakuza. Are they from 'his' gang? That gang had become followers of his. If other people found that gang's hideout, the police may just wipe out the gang. Schuldig can't let that happen to his own followers, not now that he's genuinely empathetic towards them. How can he get the new person praying to him to have that answered while not killing off his own followers? But neither of his current shinki are going to be of much use to silently cover as much ground as he needs to to find the yakuza in question. Neither Munechika nor Jennifer can, on their own, travel that fast.

Then he thinks about someone he knows can fly. There's just one problem - the kid hates him. Schuldig can't focus too much on WHY the kid hates him thanks to the spell on his heart, but he knows it's going to be... difficult to say the least to convince Goten to work with him. But he has to try.

Schuldig tracks Goten down to Aditi's temple and has just enough patience to wait until Goten appears, wandering near the chicken coop and the very mean rooster, before calling out to the boy.]

'It's Loki. Hear me out. I'm not here to hurt you or anyone else.'

[sonofson]

[If he's not hunting down bugs and frogs, he's bothering the chickens. Goten is good at making his own fun and keeping himself entertained much to the poor birds dismay. He's careful with them, gentle even, but it's clear they don't care much for being bothered by the energetic child.]

Come back! I got more food for you! Sharak won't mind!

[At least he thinks so. He already scattered about over half the bag's contents as he's dragged it along behind. Never mind the flock of chickens already pecking at that trail, he's trying to befriend the rooster---until he hears that voice.

Goten freezes to a halt and shoots up instantly into the air. He stops just above tree level as he looks around with wide eyes. Left, then right and even up and down. Where is he? Why is he around? Goten can't see the god but he can hear and there's an odd sense...he knows he's around somewhere nearby. Frowning, Goten clenches his fists a bit, taking a breath as he shouts back:]

Uh-uh! Not after what you did to Sousuke!

[He even sticks his tongue out---but just for a second. He's angry with Schuldig but he's more scared of him after there first meeting. Goten knows he's strong and fast but that means nothing when it comes to this god.]

[volksdaemon]

[Schuldig rolls his eyes. Nope, not gonna be easy. He knew that but the kid being up in the air means he can't even get face to face with him.]

'Shout all you want but if you're up there then I can only talk to you in your head like this. If you get to the ground then at least I'll talk out loud.'

[But he gets the emotional impression from Goten a half second later. Fear and anger both make sense, but he has to get that feeling redirected somehow. Well, like this, he has no reason to withhold what his purpose for coming was.]

'This isn't about Sousuke. It's about some innocent humans on the Near Shore who could get killed if I don't get down there soon, but I need your help to make sure that doesn't happen.'

[sonofson]

You can't get me up here! No way am I coming down! You're trying to trick me!

[He waves his arms as he shouts back down at the ground. He has a rough idea where Schuldig is...or at least where he's guessing he is. There is no way he's coming down from the safety of sky because as far as he knows, the god can't fly and can't get him up there.

But its the mention of people getting killed that makes Goten blink slowly and settle down a bit. He doesn't want anyone getting hurt or killed...]

....

[He frowns thoughtfully. Schuldig didn't seem to care about people getting hurt when they first met. He actually stopped Goten from activity helping more people out so why does it matter now? Is that a god thing?]

How do...you know that?

[volksdaemon]

[Schuldig can't fly, no, he can only teleport somewhere into a controlled fall and then teleport away again before he hits the pavement. He did it to Jae-Ha once, but got kicked into the pavement for his troubles. So he's trying not to surprise the super-powerful kid either, especially when he's trying to actually earn back some favor.]

'Because they're my own followers, that's why.'

[Honest answer. Maybe Goten can believe that much -- that until now, humans in general didn't matter to him. After becoming a god, the followers he has keep him powerful. In some ways, it's still a completely selfish act to want them alive, but right now Schuldig rationalizes it as a much more empathetic purpose.]

'And because if it's the group that I'm thinking the police are after, it could be because of a different prayer I answered that they're being targeted now.'

[sonofson]

[Goten remembers Archie mentioning something about followers being important to a god...so maybe it was the same for all gods? That does makes sense to why these people would matter to Schuldig. It's not really out of the goodness of his heart but because they're his followers. Okay. Somehow he's not surprise to hear it may be due to Schuldig too.]

You better not be trying to trick me... I got a lot stronger then last time.

[Goten huffs, but he lowers a bit, timidly. He has learned more about his powers but he really doesn't think that matters when it comes to this god. No, not after what happened last time. Goten knows he should just fly off and forget about Schuldig, his whole body is practically telling him too, but its the mention of innocent people getting killed that keeps him lingering unsurly. He doesn't want anyone to get hurt, especially if he can prevent it. Sorry Sousuke.]

What do you need me for?

[volksdaemon]

[Okay, so they're getting somewhere finally. As a result, Schuldig teleports near where Goten is landing, then walks out on his own power instead of teleporting there.]

It's not a trick, Goten.

[And for what it's worth, he does look worried.]

I need you because you're fast - and quiet. The prayer only said that there was a yakuza group the police were looking for and to please find their hideout. I don't know if that the group is the one I helped out before.

[He holds out his hands in a helpless sort of gesture.]

Loki's god of mischief, so of course yakuza pray to me. But when I helped them find a hideout before... it could have got them in a powerful enough position to catch the police's attention. So I need to scour the city - check in on the ground level with each yakuza gang - and figure out which group did something bad enough to get the police on their tails. If it's my followers, maybe I can dissuade them. If it's not... maybe convert them first and then try to get them to knock it off.

[It's an attitude he can't articulate well, but he's basically drawing a line in the sand from playing hookie and occasionally getting high like some of these gangs do, compared with mass shootings or getting the whole city drugged. The kinds of things he did with Schwarz.]

[sonofson]

[Goten lands slowly, glancing to the few feeding chickens as he does so. It's when he lifts his eyes again and sees Schuldig walking out towards him. It feels too soon. This is someone he never wanted to see again. He tenses, taking a step back, fists clenched and held up at his sides. Schuldig doesn't look threatening but Goten mistook him for a possible friend of Sousuke's before so that isn't saying much. But there is something...different. The worried look...looks really weird on his face.]

Yakuza gang...?

[Goten raises a brow as he repeats it slowly. Not because of what the group is but because he doesn't know what that is. The word itself is unfamiliar and that's clear as he repeats it. Not that it matters though. People in trouble still need saving no matter what band or group name they have.]

So...you just need to find them and make sure they're okay?

[volksdaemon]

[He does catch the thoughts in Goten's head about not knowing the word, but he's got the right idea. Schuldig wants to focus on his gang of people. His followers. They're the most important. And he's trying to keep them to low-key activities anyway.]

I have to start there, yes. Start with finding my group - all of their members too - and make sure one of them didn't go overboard.

[He rubs at his neck.]

But they've expanded so much lately I definitely couldn't keep a God's Eye View on literally their whole territory without taking some risks. I need you as a lookout in the air while I talk to them.

[Then he straightens, cocking his head to the side in thought.]

After that, if it's not them, then I need to find who's really responsible.

[Then he looks Goten straight in the eyes.]

Not even the kind of thing you need to be my shinki for, right? No ayakashi involved. You in?

[sonofson]

[It all sounds easy enough. Just keep look out while flying wasn't much of a request at all. He's still unsure about this. Not about the prayer but the god himself. It's clear by the uneasy look reflecting in his eyes. Schuldig almost killed him in their last encounter. Now he was here asking for his help? It was all so weird.

But....people are in trouble. As long as he can fly out of there if this is a trick, then it should be fine right...? He's not sure if Schuldig will keep his word but, he has to try. So lifting his head he stares right back up at the man.]

I'll help...b-but only if you promise to leave Sousuke and Rin alone. Okay?

[He hesitant for a brief second before thrusting out his hand with a determined look. His pinkie extended]

Pinkie promise!

[volksdaemon]

[There have been occasional conversations that Schuldig had where he can really tell how young Goten is. Sometimes though, he can see a little more maturity there. This is one of those times he feels compelled to answer Goten like an adult - or at least, much less like a child.]

I know that they're the most important to you and you want to protect them. I also know you remember what happened before and that's what you're trying to prevent from happening again.

[He holds up a pinkie finger.]

But this isn't going to stop me from doing that. Right now, I feel like Loki - the god who cares about his followers.

[Then he puts his hand down.]

If I start feeling differently again, a promise won't keep me away from them. So I'll give you something just as good if you help me. Blackmail.

[He narrows his eyes but keeps up the serious look towards Goten.]

I'll tell you my other name.

[sonofson]

[Goten knows a pinkie promise wont hold up with Schuldig but he wanted to try. There's really nothing he can do to hold the god to his word but it's something. He frowns a little more as the god speaks, reaffirming what he already knows but with his own words. His hand dips a little at that as he stares up at Schuldig.]

Blackmail...? Is your other name that bad?

[He doesn't fully understand the importance of knowing Loki's other name but he is curious now. If it'll hold him to it more then a pinkie promise though--- regardless if its a lie or not it's more then what Goten had to begin with. So that's fair. If it's even a small chance to protect Sousuke and his god, he'll take it!]

Okay...!

Near Shore: Grisly Kabuki Show

[countingthecost]

[During one of his wanderings in the Near Shore, Yamanami had seen a flier advertising the show. Curious to see if kabuki has changed much since the Bakufu period, he's been in line for a good hour to try his luck at tickets. Someone teach this old man how to book tickets online.

Imagine his bad luck though that the last ticket was bought out just as he reached the front of the line!! Yamanami takes the news like a champ, smiling and telling the ticket sales representative that there's no need to apologize, he'll just come by for the next showing. But when he's walked a few steps away and out of sight, he lets out a sigh.

He really wanted to see the show.]

Near Shore: Beach Bum

[thirdbeauty]

[Clearly, the absolute best scenario for everyone involved here is for Natsuru to run into the guy who had been borderline creepy about her work costume a while back at the beach, of all places. While she is, of course, wearing even less. Though, to be fair, so is mostly every other woman on the beach today. So there's less reason to be awkward here, especially when the living still kind of glance over her like she's invisible.

Still, her eyes meet his briefly and she immediately glances away, unsure of what to do. It's not that she's nervous - she can handle him, if he decides to make pervy comments again. She's just not exactly jumping at the chance to speak to him again, and maybe hoping he doesn't notice her any more than the other guys around do.]

[volksdaemon]

[Schuldig just shakes his head. No, his other name isn't 'bad.']

If I tell you, you'll understand.

[Although, if Goten learns what it means, then maybe it could be considered 'bad.' But he has no other given name that he uses -- and Skylar doesn't count.]

Alright, let's go.

[Schuldig takes Goten's agreement seriously since he really is operating on a timeclock. He teleports them to the roof of the bakery where he and Nagi had set up shop before.]

Got your cloud, just in case?

[sonofson]

[He blinks several times when they suddenly teleport. He sort of expected it but not so quickly. A little more warning the 'Let's go', would have been nice. Looking around, he tries to figure out just where they are--until Schuldig speaks up]

It's around, or I'm sure it'll catch up. I can fly on my own though.

[Though the god obviously knows that already, Goten wanders over to the side of the roof, peeking over curiously]

Re: Near Shore: Grisly Kabuki Show

[volksdaemon]

[It's only thanks to his telepathy that he notices two things about the man after the rest of the crowd has gone inside - one, he's from the Far Shore and two, he'd been trying to see the show. He'd been hustling the hustler while the chat about a lack of tickets had been going on, but he catches up on it in a brief rewind of the man's last few minutes.

That's when Schuldig walks up, all smiles the likes of which people better acquainted with him wouldn't think possible.]

Well this is a bummer - I bought two tickets and it turns out my friend's not going to make it.

[He holds up the two tickets for extra effect.]

Were you trying to get in just now, by chance?

Re: Near Shore: Beach Bum

[volksdaemon]

[Well here's a familiar face he can try to make it up to that may be a bit easier to persuade than someone with multiple interactions with him before, like Sora. He's out here helping his followers, but he can spare a minute to go talk to her.]

Hey Natsuru-chan... you look like you're ready to enjoy the day. Could I buy you an ice-cream?

[He finally rounds to face her, a far more genuine smile than she saw him with last.]

To make up for before.

[thirdbeauty]

[Crap, he saw her... she raises a hand to brush at her hair, looking like she might avoid him for a moment. But he catches her off guard, by being... polite? He doesn't make any weird comments, or leer at her.

It makes her pause and actually look at him, slight confusion in her eyes. That smile seems awfully genuine.]

Oh... um...

[Well, they only met that one time. Maybe he's really not like that.]

... You're serious?

[volksdaemon]

Okay, good.

[For all he knew, Goten learned some new aspects to his powers since they'd talked.]

Give me a second to talk to my followers and just watch out for any other gods coming - I want to handle them if they're the ones causing problems.

[He kneels on the building just to steady himself, and places his hand down on the roof for the same reason. If Goten wants to look, there's that familiar white glow to his eyes, but since his eyes are lidded with concentration this time, it looks a bit less malicious than the last time he saw them.

Then, he starts telepathically gathering intel from the gang members inside - including their boss.]

[sonofson]

Okay!

[He gives a dismissive wave without turning around as he looks over the side fo the building. But it's after a minute or so with one curious glance over his shoulder to Schuldig that is more then enough to make him turn his attention else where. Eye glowing is still weird. Schuldig is weird.

There's still a natural uneasiness when it comes to being around the god, and a underlining terror so Goten is keeping a bit of space between them. Not that it mattered before or really would make a difference. But it did make him settle down a bit. He peeks over the side, looking around at the street below. He didn't know of any other gods or shinki that could fly outside of Jae-ha (sort of) so looking up seems pointless.

Playing look out is boring though, especially when he doesn't see any gods nearby. If a god does show up are they gonna fight them? That would be sorta cool...depending who it is of course]

[countingthecost]

[Yamanami's grown accustomed to being largely invisible among the living, to the point that when he hears a voice right next to him his first reaction is to assume that offer is not for him.

But then he realises that there's no happy "thank you"s, no grateful response. And when he looks around, he realises there's a man standing there, looking at him expectantly for an answer. Schuldig's caught him a bit off-guard here, and Yamanami's quite taken aback. Both by the generous offer and by the fact that he's actually being approached by a random stranger.] O-oh, I apologize. Were you talking to me?

Prayer 20 I'm so sorry this is late

[eternalshield]

[Zeno runs right past Schuldig, actually. Doesn't see him, because right on his tail is a grimy gruesome spirit he's disturbed. Something something young people felt an awesome responsibility to... clean, he investigated despite not having a shinki, and. Now he is being chased.]

How old are you?

[He laughs, because he can run forever, his body already recovering. And he sympathizes with the ayakashi, oddly. Poor thing didn't ask to be disturbed.

It's just, you know, flooding the place with polluted water, and that can't be borne.]

Zeno needs a weapon...

Nah <3 May 27 I think

[volksdaemon]

[Well if it isn't his old friend Zeno, the undying dragon who he shared a drink with. Why on earth would he... Ah, an ayakashi.

Schuldig teleports a few feet ahead of Zeno so that he can ask as the other God runs past.]

Was that question for me? Doesn't matter a shinki's age, does it?

[Even if he's... not one. Then, he calls out, a bit louder since Zeno's gaining ground now.]

Holy water works too! If you're shinki's not around!

Done with this one I think - time to ask for the next prayer

[volksdaemon]

Tch!

[The noises slips out of Schuldig's mouth as the glow fades from his eyes.]

I knew it. Something's got them all riled up.

[He turns to Goten with a grimmace.]

They went on a recruiting spree and now they've got more members than they can keep track of. Some of them got a little out of hand...

[He rubs the nape of his neck. How to distract the police... Well, lie of course. He finds an elderly woman near another gang's headquarters, who can't get out of the house and has been watching the men of that rival gang hang around a lot. He encourages her to contact the police and suggest that there's a lot of activity along her street below her apartment. That should keep them busy while Schuldig and Goten take care of matters here.]

Sit down a minute. Let's hash this out.

[continuation link here]