29 - Autumn Leaves

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Uncover the remaining secrets of the mysterious forest.
When: Nov 29 - 30
Where: Chichibu National Park & the Central District
Summary: A heavily forested wilderness area in Chichibu National Park is attracting dangerous numbers of ayakashi, and Heaven's forces suspect that this might be the mortal forest that was connected to the Heavens in order to kidnap gods and shinki a few weeks ago.






Walk in the Woods

On the morning of the 29th, Heaven's messenger doves drop off small folded cards at the doors of every temple. The cards read,


We believe that we have identified the location on the Near Shore where the human accomplices were working. As it is a large area, we offer you this information, in case you are able to assist us in searching for clues to the identity of the culprit. Please investigate with caution: there are reports of ayakashi in the area.


Attached is a map to a large national park in the Kanto region, with a section of the park cross-hatched in red pen. Anyone who goes to investigate the marked area will discover that it is heavily forested and contains about a mountain and a half; the ground is steep, muddy with autumn rain, and slick with dead leaves, though some red and orange colors are still grimly clinging to the branches overhead. Watch your step! The supernatural menace seems to have faded, but the purely natural hazards can do almost as much damage.

Heaven's forces, wearing white short jackets with gold chrysanthemum emblems over much more sensible jeans and hiking boots, can be seen here and there throughout the forest, searching for clues themselves. If somebody gets in a real jam, they might be willing to lend a hand.

Mysterious Trees

Towards the center of the cross-hatched area, investigators may begin to see some familiar signs. Are those bits of torn-down spell papers still fluttering from nails driven into the trees? Vines and tree branches cut and broken by the hostage rescuers breaking through? Footprints, torn bits of black hooded cloaks... there are clues aplenty here.

There's something else, too: a mysterious presence still seems to haunt the forest. The trees might not move when anyone's watching, but it seems like they're in slightly different positions every time you look away and back. And what was that flicker of movement in the underbrush? Is there still someone here?!

Comment on the NPC REQUEST/CLUE SEARCH thread below to request specific details, or to go hunting for that mysterious presence.

Ayakashi Attacks

There's more than one mysterious presence in these trees... and some of them are definitely not friendly. The forest's aura is unsettling and creepy enough to partially mask their approach, but ayakashi of all types and sizes seem to have been drawn here. Some wind along tree branches or soar through the air on fleshy, wide-spread wings. Others crawl or even burrow in the ground.

And all of them are excited at the possibility of a divine meal. Look out!

Autumn Leaf Viewing

An area of the Central District planted with maple along a stone-walled canal has been decorated with hanging lanterns, comfortable spread mats and cushions, and an abundance of delicious food and drink on the afternoon of the 30th. Everyone is invited: new gods and old, those who helped investigate the Near Shore forest and those who didn't. For those who did investigate, though, one or two of the white-robed shinki who are helping with the party preparations and enjoying the food and drink themselves will take the opportunity to pull them aside and ask about their findings.

The party includes games as well as food and drink. Kites, poetry games, tag, hide-and-seek, card games and dice games are going on all over. There's even some determined board game and mahjong players who have brought their favorite game to the outdoor venue and are setting up on mats with immense care.

At one edge of the landscaped area where the party is being held, the ground slopes up, and is planted with a riot of bright gold, white and rust-red chrysanthemums. Like the ones that bloomed everywhere a few months ago, these flowers exude a sense of peace, confidence and security to anyone nearby, and especially those who pick the blooms to wear in their hair or their buttonhole.

In Summary:

• Investigate a wild forest
• Watch out for nasty trees
• Exorcise an ayakashi infestation
• Enjoy some hard-earned relaxation
• Have fun~

Comments

[unlucky7]

Walk in the Woods
[Stakeouts aren't as interesting as movies and television shows would have you think. It's honestly a lot of sitting around, waiting, watching, and occasionally following someone. At least the lattermost is easier when people barely pay attention to you. But with a new lead to follow up, Ginia jumps on the opportunity.

With a full backpack - food, water, blessed water, first aid supplies, flashlight, compass, dry erase markers, plastic wrap, sandwich bags, a camera, extra batteries, battery pack for her phone... - Ginia is prepared to spend all day, even the night investigating the forest. Maybe there are answers, hopefully there are clues.

In the forest, Ginia plots a path toward the center with a map and compass in hand. She marks her path with strips of blue ribbon, pausing now and then to take pictures of the surrounding area.]

Mysterious Trees
[The sharp click of the shutter follows Ginia wherever she goes as she begins documenting. Every scrap of spell tag, every cut and broken vine and foliage, Ginia takes pictures before taking samples of what she can. Whenever she spots a spell tag with the central characters intact, she compares the tag against the pictures of the intact spell tags on her phone. The footprints are photographed with rulers set alongside to record the size. Scraps of black cloth are bagged and labeled. Ginia is taking this very seriously.

And when she's checking pictures on her camera and realizing the trees aren't where they used to be, Ginia begins taking pictures as she walks, the camera casually at her side. Click. Click. Click.]

Ayakashi Attacks
[Armed with a machete, several bottles of blessed water, and full access to her borderlines, Ginia is a force to be reckoned with as she squares off against any ayakashi that come by. Honestly, it's just a great way to burn off some stress and frustration. She's quick to help out anyone she sees, and maybe could use some help once in awhile as she doesn't know when to back down from a fight.

Alternately, after meeting up with Caster, a giant snow leopard can be seen prowling the area for ayakashi and anyone in need of help. Ginia's also learned her lesson from the blighted city; this time there's a collar around her neck with a cellphone attached to it. On the cellphone is a message written on a piece of tape: "If found injured, please call Caster"]

Autumn Leaf Viewing
[Sometimes even a workaholic needs a break. Ginia takes the chance to enjoy the free food and drink, sitting peacefully on the mats and admiring the fall colors. She's even dressed slightly for the occasion in a red sweater dress, black over-the-knee boots, and a white scarf draped around her neck. Even her hair is different, styled into an over-the-shoulder braid.

When she's not eating and drinking, she wanders among the chrysanthemums, snapping photos and enjoying the sight.]

Wildcarding you clues/ayakashi later mix?

[futhark]

[ Investigating is like hunting, yes? It's so strange to be in this forest again, but it's their battlefield once again. Of a different kind. The trees still bear the marks of what happened, he's sure he can find his own tree too- but then was then, and here is now.

He can't get this weird feeling of being watched, of not being alone here- that someone else than gods and shinki are here. So after few failed chases, he resorts to a different idea. Setting runic traps. Away from the paths, right in the bushes those mysterious phantoms seem to disappear.

When he hears someone closing in, it's almost as if he's luck is looking up for once, but then- oh, hi Ginia. She's meticulous and incredibly thorough in her search, admirable. Adorable too, but shhh. He moves to the branch of tree nearest to her and makes her aware of his presence ]

Psssst, you might want to join me here for a while. [ He says and he offers a helping hand too ]

Works for me! <3

[unlucky7]

[Ginia has a list of things she dislikes slowly forming. Ayakashi currently top the list with "possible cult trying to raise a new god" in a strong second place position. Third was a nebulous tie between people littering on the streets, when someone takes the last food item you wanted in front of you, and celery, but the mysterious force watching her in the forest is beginning to work on that list.

She hates being watched. Or rather, she hates the feeling of being watched, of the hair standing up on the back of her neck, the sense there's someone around and not being able to see them, not knowing what action to take. Ginia takes her pictures, free hand hovering close to her knife. She glances up as something delibereatly rattles, relaxing a little when she sees Caster.

Ginia raises her camera to snap a picture of him perched in the trees before moving to join him, easily swinging into the branches between his help and her own strength. From the new position, she takes a few pictures of the surroundings before trading camera for phone.]

What are you doing up here?

[Opting for the quieter option, she types up a message and shows him the screen.]

[futhark]

[ Caster moves closer to get a read on the screen and nods to signal that he finished. He speaks in a soft whisper ]

We're not alone here, I can tell you can feel it too. [ He lets out a small, quiet laugh, because he's so very proud of himself - like a kid - when he informs her: ] I've set up few traps for our mysterious visitor.

[ He points a few bushes, and a tree. And those are only visible ones from their vantage point ]

[unlucky7]

[It's a good plan. Ginia grins at his laughter, glancing out at the indicated spots. A good thing he stopped her or she might have walked directly into a trap. She carefully sheds her backpack and sets it next to her, attaching the straps to the branch in case it falls over.]

Haven't had much luck finding anything new. I think the trees are moving; it's weird.

ayakitty

[priforprince]

Wh--

[ OF ALL THE THINGS MAXIE THE HORSE WAS NOT EXPECTING, AND DID NOT EXACTLY DESIRE TO SEE, IN THE MIDDLE OF TRYING TO AVOID AYAKASHI

A GIANT PREDATORY ANIMAL RANKS PRETTY HIGH UP THERE

He rears up, hooves flailing in an attempt to dissuade the leopard from getting any closer, in preparation to take off like a horse possessed. On his back, Hibiki tries to put a stop to this traitorous behavior.

And not fall off. Details like that. ]

What is an animal so ill-matched for the setting doing here?!

[ Being busy attempting not to fall on her back in the mud, Hibiki hasn't been able to read Ginia's helpful sign. ]

[unlucky7]

[Oh hey sup Max-- oh dear. Doing what snow leopards do best, Ginia is hunkered in a tree, keeping an eye out for any ayakashi in the area or someone that may need help.

As it turns out, she didn't account for the possible presence of animals with a very strong fight-or-flight response to apex predators.

Honestly, who brings a horse up in the mountains?

Not wanting to startle Maxie more or hurt Hibiki, Ginia slowly edges away on the tree branch and tries to climb down. Unfortunately, the easiest path down is also the one directly in front of Maxie. Trapped, Ginia's tail flicks back and forth as she twitches her ears at the two.

SIGH.]

[priforprince]

Is there no end to this forest's depravity....

[ Wait. Hibiki, being a genius, manages to notice that the leopard is wearing something even though she's still struggling to get Maxie under control.

She squints up at the sign, trying to read it. That's....that's someone's....?

Could it be....? ]

[unlucky7]

[If there's any indication the beast in the tree is not an ayakashi, besides from the sleek and gorgeous appearance, there's the fact there is a collar and a cellphone around the leopard's neck.

Ginia balances on the branch and raises a front paw, curling her toes in an approximation of a wave.]

Mysterious Trees

[thevanguard]

[ He's not really good at this sort of thing - while Yata can be observant, he much rather prefers to go in punching wherever the action is. Except there isn't any yet - they still need answers about who took their gods and fellow shinki and here he is. Although he might have snuck out without telling anyone at his temple about it, because none of them would have approved, he's pretty sure.

It's the clicking he hears, drawing him to investigate the nearby sound from where he'd been inspecting a tree with the remains of spell paper still attached to its bark. Peering around the wide trunk, he quite literally comes face to face with Ginia, and then gives a startled yelp, stumbling backwards. ]

Ack!

[unlucky7]

[Ginia is surprised by his appearance, but less startled than Yata. If anything, it's a little disappointing it's not whatever thing has been stalking her around the forest.

Click click click.

She takes a few pictures as Yata stumbles back, lowering the camera to look at the shots. She smirks and holds up the camera's screen so yata and look at his unintentional portrait. Hey, it's a good photo.]

[thevanguard]

Ginia! What the hell. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!

[ The protest comes almost automatically, but instead of any actual heat of anger behind the words, it's more a huff of embarrassment as he rubs at the back of his neck. And looking a little more embarrassed when she snaps a few more shots, making a face.

When she holds the camera up for him to see, he peers at it a moment before shaking his head in amusement. ]

Hate to break it to you, but I am definitely not evidence of anything. Other than someone who is shit at wilderness.

[unlucky7]

[Ahh, sorry, sorry. Ginia grins as she connects the camera to her backpack strap while she takes out her phone. She types up a message and holds it up for him to read.]

I can't say I'm surprised the skateboarding pyro doesn't mesh well with the forest.

walk in the woods

[kokuyoyo]

[Eventually, Ginia will find herself with a silent tag along. Chikusa, sporting the same backpack as when they ran into each other the last time in the woods, trails behind her carefully, making sure to watch his step so that he doesn't crush anything that might be important.]

[He won't say anything if she doesn't... but he will give her a slight nod if she stares for too long. Hi, he's here.]

[unlucky7]

[It's nice having company that doesn't expect her to talk while not minding she talks through her phone. Ginia gives her shadow a wave as she tags another tree with a ribbon, pressing on through the woods as she looks for clues. At the same time, with less pressure on them, it doesn't take long for Ginia's phone to come out, volume dialed up so she can play her messages at him.]

Do you know of any magic spells or other abilities that could link this area of the Near Shore with the Far Shore? I'm still puzzling over whether we were in this neck of the woods the moment we entered or whether the transportation or whatever happened later.

[kokuyoyo]

[Silence is fine between them. After all, they know when to speak on the important things... or in the case of that one picture, the not so important things. He's fine with his own camera, focusing on the surroundings. When she speaks up, however, he ventures a little closer just to hear better.]

....Not yet. I'd have to do more research into that. But I was told that even just something like those moving mannequins at training... Those spells took decades, at least, to learn.

....But that's shinki magic. This is something different.

[unlucky7]

[That's the work of shinki magic? It occurs to Ginia she doesn't know much about the other spells available to shinki. She's learned the basics of bind from Kairi, but with everything that's happened over the last month, practicing has fallen to the wayside in favor of largely everything else.]

Besides being something presumably shinki can only learn, is there anything that sets shinki magic apart from other forms of magic?

Mysterious Trees maybe lead in to Ayakashi attacks?

[hellishrabbit]

[ Kamui crouches in front of the woman as she sets up her ruler to take another picture. He'd seen a couple of people around, but none with such an odd array of tools. ]

You on a field trip? Need this for a report?

Sounds good!

[unlucky7]

[Ginia glances at the unfamiliar redhead, taking her pictures before balancing her camera on her knee and taking out her phone.]

Gathering evidence to study later.

[Hope the new face doesn't mind reading because now there's a message held up on her phone.]

[hellishrabbit]

So...like a field trip?

[ Isn't that what kids did? Searching for information to write about later?

Well, he had an idea of what she was actually trying to figure out. ]

Sounded an awful lot like the Heavens wanting everyone to do their dirty work for them. Again.

[unlucky7]

[Field trip goes over her head, but his second point isn't wrong. Ginia huffs softly, glancing around. There haven't been a lot of white-robed shinki in this area at all.]

I don't trust we'll get answers from the Heavens, so I might as well do my own work. I'm already invested in things anyway

Mysterious Trees

[sassywelshcatgirl]

You've really got a knack for that device.

[Nia's content to split the work. Ginia documents, she gathers. So that's just what she does, wandering in her wake and scooping up all these mysterious pieces for later study. The job is... vaguely comforting, actually. A familiar sort of rut, easy to fall in.]

[Here she is out with her god again. If anything tries to eat her, it's walls and running. Nia tells herself that it's normal. After all, Ginia's out alone too, right? And she says she gets along with her god just fine.]

[Still a hell of a way to run things.]

This wouldn't be so bad if any of those other gods were out here doing some work.

[unlucky7]

[Ginia documents, Nia collects, and once more the new gods and shinki are doing the work for the old. At least this time around the white-garbed shiki are here on time and helping out instead of arriving after the fact.]

Which gods? I've never really seen the old gods around much. I would wager there are several of the new gods out here pulling their weight. It's a big forest.

[She's not bothered. If there are ayakashi, she can hold them off. If it's real bad, Caster is only a quick call away.]

[sassywelshcatgirl]

Right, then! [Nia spins her hand around in a circle, irritation making her gestures short and snappy.] The ones in charge. You know, I was irritated enough about this whole mess before, but even the gods don't get treated much better, huh? Same sort of drudge-work assignment without a scrap of thanks from the people too good to come down and get their own hands dirty.

[That doesn't make her feel better, precisely, but she at least resents the gods a little less. That's something, right?]

[unlucky7]

I think it comes with us new gods and shinki being that; new. We're the aberrations.

[They may be accepted among the eight million gods, but they're practically babies with not even a year of history. No surprise they're the grunts, though the opposing side is at least they're allowed to help with than left in the dark.]

Though I won't discount there are likely other problems going on other gods are busy dealing. Whole big world out there. And some of the old gods aren't bad. Ebisu and his shinki were a big help during the blighted city a month ago.