23 - Crazy Cat Shuffle

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Crazy Cat Shuffle
When: September 20
Where: Shibuya & Ikebukuro, as well as the Far Shore
Summary: The new Crazy Cat mascot keychains are sparking real passion in Tokyo's hot spots. Brawls have broken out over the extra-rare versions, and all of this angst is attracting ayakashi. The gods have been asked to step in before things get out of control.







Crossing Crisis

The Shibuya scramble crossing is always busy, but it's especially wild today. Ten new Crazy Cat vending machines have been installed at the mouth of the alley across from Shibuya Station's exit. Rumors are flying that these machines have extra Blue-Star Cats in them: the very rarest kind! A crowd of hundreds of excited fans have gathered, but the people at the front of the lines are buying lots of cats, and the mood is starting to grow sour as the people at the back of the lines begin to wonder if there will be any left by the time it's their turn.

This crowd needs crossing guards... or just someone who can snag some of those ultra-rare Cats and sell them to the back of the line for crazy cash. Everything a god does is righteous, after all.

Sunshine Struggle

Crazy Cat machines dot the Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro. The machines here are attracting some particularly nasty ayakashi: jealous little purple creatures with too many legs that stoke buyers' envy and need for more and better collectibles. Under their influence, it's not just the Cats going fast. The local stores are selling out of everything cute on the shelves.

Worse, some of the ayakashi victims are turning to theft when they run out of pocket money. Time to exterminate those bugs before they start a new crime wave.

Taking Stock

Accident? Sabotage? No one's telling, but a delivery truck carrying boxes of new keychains to restock the machines blew a tire and overturned on a major street. Under the influence of those greedy little ayakashi, collectors are descending on the wreck to snag their favorites before the police show up.

The dazed driver doesn't know what to do, the crowd is starting to get violent, and those Cats do look amazingly cute. And appealing. And, for that matter, valuable.

Bad Kitty

The cat keychains are super cute! Even gods or shinki might be tempted to buy one and take it home, but taking these keychains back to the Far Shore will give away their hidden secret. It's not just human envy that's attracting ayakashi to the Crazy Cats. There are ayakashi hiding inside this batch of cute kitty dolls, and bringing them through a shrine to the Far Shore will force the hidden creatures out of their plushie prisons.

They're big, they're mad, and they're hungry. And the Heavens are full of souls that smell delicious.

The ayakashi escaping from Crazy Cat dolls on the Far Shore resemble gigantic (taller than a person at the shoulder) versions of the cute plushie cats, with very real and sharp teeth and claws. They run and attack at random once released from the dolls, so even gods and shinki who did not bring the toys back could be faced with a fight. The patrolling shinki will do their best to hold them back with borderlines, but they need help to rend these crazy cats before they do too much damage!

In Summary:

• Placate the crowds
• Squash bitty ayakashi
• Struggle with temptation
• Defeat the cat invasion
• Have fun~

Comments

you and your obscure song references are the worst

[futhark]

[ Worst entrance ever. -50 for Gryffindor. And so it's confirmed his unlife here is a new edition of Carnival Phantasm. Good thing he didn't die.

That helping hand would be probably ignored if given, unless Archer forcibly grabs him or something. Either way, he's back to standing position, and the date follower girl he was talking with is absolutely gone. ]

Geez- What... what kind of emergency?

[ If you were falling from the skyscraper you could teleport into a fountain, ]

[sageprincess]

[joke's on you, she's a ravenclaw--]

Perhaps I could have given more focus to the landing had I not been swept off my feet in the middle of the process.

[do u wanna go, bow-boy. They're safe now and that's what matters. Zelda finds... something - a counter, a chair, where did they even end up, anyway - to lean her weight on, one hand gingerly holding her side. It's starting to ache more now that the danger has passed and her focus is not so laser-guided on surviving.]

But there has been an invasion of ayakashi on the other side. It would seem the little charms that have captivated the populace were possessed, and bringing them over releases the creature trapped within.

[Goddesses above, she is so done with cats.]

[boneofsword]

[Archer acually did grab Caster to pull him up. Now he nudges his god and tilts his head at Zelda - oi, you're the Caster here, and you go for fair maidens in distress, here's your chance.]

That was the ninth cat I've encountered. [he adds after her explanation with a small frown. He's not going to judge others for bringing them, but Heavens actually could issue a warning about such thing. Unless it's another test.]

[futhark]

[ Where did they land? In the scenic park, not far from the fountain anyway. Fortunately, the "confuse" status disappears quickly, and soon Caster is sitting down on the bench right next to Zelda.

Thanks, wingman Archer, never expected that of ya ]

Here, maybe that will help- [ he draws a healing rune in the air, on the level of princess' head. Nothing to deal with real injuries, but maybe it can help with a migraine. ]

Wise move to retreat and regroup. So what's the plan? [ Having Archer here, he could jump there and help deal with the problem. But what about Princess? Maybe it would be better so seek her shinki first.

But then there is THE problem of who exactly her shinki is. ]

[sageprincess]

What-- [Zelda blinks with obvious confusion as Caster does... something in front of her face, her long ears flicking back a bit with the tingle of unfamiliar magic. The pain in her side doesn't lessen, but some of her fatigue does, which is... nice, she guesses.

Except it's very easy to read between the lines of Caster's question, and she purses her lips with barely veiled frustration.]

... Should you wish to fight, then it would likely be best for the two of you to return to the Heavens quickly, before the situation worsens. No doubt your skills would be a great asset to those defending.

[And of course, what's left unsaid but implied is leave me behind. She's dead weight here, so it's the only reasonable option.]

[boneofsword]

[Archer isn't sure if he's reading things right, but Zelda seems to be not thrilled to be the one left behind.]

Surely you possess some useful skills, and two gods are a better bait than one. [he points out the most obvious.]

[futhark]

[ Caster gives Archer The Look. Did you just call her a bait? Well, he called them both a bait to be exact, but you know. Pragmatism to the extreme, because it would be even hard to argue about that wording.

He wanted to, but then a sudden thought hit him. ]

...Archer, you can make more than one weapon right?

[ Two swords for example. ]

I suppose the proper rend won't be able to be performed with a different god holding it but some damage would be done.

[sageprincess]

[Ironically, Zelda doesn't take nearly as much offense to that comment as Caster does. Using some kind of decoy could work, if the decoy can outrun the creatures reliably. She's just not so sure she can.

Caster's idea is the one that gets a bigger reaction out of her.]

... You can create weapons?

[Though there's a slightly odd lilt to this question, like she somehow knew that already, or is putting 2 + 2 together in some unknown equation. That desolate valley of blades would certainly gain a new context if that were the case.

But, focus. She needs to focus. She shakes her head.]

Regardless, you will not fight as effectively if your attention is divided between hunting the creatures and defending a third party.

[stupid men why won't you just listen to her for hylia's sake--]

[boneofsword]

Yes, I do. [That tone doesn't go unnoticed. Archer looks at her sharply. Perhaps she had seen someone else with similar skill.]

That entirely depends on the third party and their skills. If you wish to join us I can create a weapon of your choice. If not, then we should at least escort you to your temple. [because priorities.]

[futhark]

She's really skilled, you know.

[ There are princesses and princesses who can kick your ass. Zelda fits into the second type. Caster's very well aware she's able to take care of herself - so if she does decide to join them he won't oppose at all. ]

[sageprincess]

You are truly obstinate men.

[But Wisdom's child knows when she is outnumbered. She sighs a long suffering sigh, shaking her head before looking back to Archer with a level stare.

Ask her no questions and she'll tell you no lies.]

My greatest strengths lie in my magic and unarmed combat. Thus if I am to carry a weapon it should be something lightweight and versatile, especially so if I am to be used as bait. Something I can wield with one hand would likely be best.

[there is too much long range dps in this party what are y'all doing]

[boneofsword]

[Archer isn't going to ask, though, he's not into trying to find out other's secrets. He listens to Zelda's requests and nods.]

Do you have a preference for a specific kind of weapon, or can it be any dagger or short sword?

[The funfact is that both Archer and his god prefer close combat despite being long range specialists. Call it a habit.]

[futhark]

[ Three ranged DPS, that will absolutely punch you in the face, if they have to? Still, it would be good to have some serious tank here. ]

What a party we got here. From my side of things, I can offer a small performance boost.

[ Hastening rune on the shoe soles, strengthening one for fists. The usual ]

[sageprincess]

Performance... boost?

[U n s u r e. But she shakes her head again.]

No, no. I have no preference. My skill with it is not going to be masterful regardless, so as long as I can lift it, that will have to do.

[And, admittedly, she is a bit curious to see what kind of weapon Archer will craft for her if she doesn't give him specific instructions.]

[boneofsword]

Caster means runes, spells that help you move faster or hit harder. [Archer gives a short explanation noticing her confusion.

He extends one hand palm upwards and murmurs the incantation.]

Trace On.

[In a burst of blueish light appear two swords.] If you throw one while still wielding the other it will return to your hand.

[futhark]

[ Archer... you... hopeless dumbass. Caster gets a sudden, very strong urge to facepalm like he never facepalmed before ]

Sword makes sense, but did you miss the part when she was talking about one-handed weapons.

[ Not about dual-wielding twin swords. You could make ONE sword. But no, of course not, you have to be over the top. Why are you even showing off, it's not your job here. ]

Carrying two blades kind of make impossible having a free off-hand.

[sageprincess]

[oh no is the wingman overstepping his bounds, is there going to be a duel for the princess' hand--]

... I can see the intent, I think. I could throw one, use my magic, and then catch it, but... I think perhaps that might be adding too many variables to an already risky situation.

[She... smiles a little? At least? He tried and that's what counts??]

They are lovely blades, but perhaps we need to think even simpler.

[boneofsword]

[This is a honest mistake, he's too used to those swords. Archer is trying to find a simpler blade, one that he has copied for himself.]

My apologies. I'm too used to those swords.

[Twin swords vanish and the light fluidly changes shape, solidifying into a simple dagger.]

[futhark]

[ Wingman is a troll, that makes him sort of unpredictable to use.

Magic for long distance, shanking for something that sneaks up close- yeah, sound strategy. Caster whips out the druid start out of thin air- that weapon on itself won't be much of use when they face the ayakashi - he'll need something else then, something reasonable if Archer is going to try and arm two people at once - but just for focusing the magic, it will do. ]

You can give me that sword- [ There is not even a sigh of disappointment to that decision - they don't have time for complaining. Besides he gets the gist that blades are somehow the easiest variation of weapons provided, then he turns to Zelda ] -let me handle the frontlines, princess.

[ Much chivalry, only it wasn't yet invented in that form in his times, and- ]

I'll keep them a good target for you. [ He adds with a grin. Sure he will help and save a comrade in battle, because that's what they are now. They both got a history of being trained my shadow-related mentor figures, so it's going to be interesting. ]

[sageprincess]

[Zelda pushes herself up from her seat as the twin blades shift and coalesce into a single sword. A quiet hiss of pain escapes her as she does; she's not looking forward to seeing the bruise left on her side by the ayakashi's ambush, but-- she's had worse. She's already reaching out to take the offered blade when Caster speaks up, and she

s q u i n t s

at him.]

No...? You are going to be the only one of us who will be able to kill the things. If one of us is going to be drawing their ire and attempting to create openings for the other, it should be the one unable to land a fatal strike even if they try.

[And to punctuate that statement, she grabs the hilt of Archer's projected sword, as if to say 'if you want it then come and take it'.

... Thank the Powers That Be that they are largely invisible to the mortals trying to have a relaxing day at the park. And the cops. There sure are some weapons being tossed about right now that they would not be pleased to see.]

[boneofsword]

[From the way Zelda holds the sword Archer knows she's used to handle weapons. He listens to their exchange quietly and speaks when she finishes.]

Princess is right, Caster. [his point made, he then turns to Zelda.] Can you teleport us all back?

[Sure, they can stay and argue for some time while the ayakashi are wreaking havoc, or they may simply check how well the strategy works.]

[futhark]

Ha..? [ Now he's getting squints. And blade pointed at him as a Final Argument, Do Not Argue!!! Ah, sure, he knows when he's outnumbered. He wouldn't be outnumbered in the first place if Archer didn't decide to immediately switch side...! But a side of the stubborn princess is a good side to be on. And since he'd rather be on that side too, instead providing pointless arguing he raises his hand in defeat ]

...fine. That's how we're going to roll then. [ Strategy changes on battlefield in blink of an eye, so who knows what happens- but to cut short any kind of more annoying Archer being Archer he calls this bastard of a shinki into vessel form ] Come, Kyūki

[ One day he will try to beat ayakashi to death with the pendant, but it's not this day. ]

Ready to go on your order, princess.

[sageprincess]

[oh okay bye archer, thanks for the assist earlier...

Zelda blinks as she's all of a sudden treated as the leader of this operation, when not five minutes ago she was advocating for being left behind, but. Okay. Sure.]

Very well. If there are no other preparations to be made, then...

[She takes Caster's hand into her own, closes her eyes, and--

--in the next moment, they're back on that dusty road in the Heavens. The holy mist Archer's arrows kicked up has dissipated by now, unfortunately, but the giant cat ayakashi remains, peering into the windows and doors of abandoned temples, sniffing and searching for its next meal.

It doesn't seem to have noticed them yet...

Battle... START!]

[boneofsword]

[Archer knows his role is finished the moment Caster calls his vessel name and he vanishes turning into jewelled pendant. He can simply watch the battle and warn if anything sudden happens.]

'Trace On.' [a familiar inantation and green spear materializes before Caster.]

[futhark]

[ When you wave a blade and disagree with the official strategy, giving a better one, doesn't matter if you wanted out like 3 minutes ago... not to mention, too bad he's used to listening royalty's orders. ]

Tch, I told you to give me a sword. [ But then someone has to go and exert himself for bonus points. At least it means Caster gets some bonus points too for showing off some neat spear tricks.

That's like, his entire life in one sentence. ]

Get ready, they're coming.[ He grabs the makeshift spear - no more complaining - and lunges forward to meet the first of those annoyances. Since these two opted for a frontal assault, it means the royal bait's role is to divide their attention, right? ]