36 - Dragon Dance

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Help the Heavens cover for a missing goddess at her temple festival.
When: March 18
Where: Near the Sensou-ji temple in Asakusa
Summary: After Kannon's disappearance last year, the Heavens are concerned that things might go wrong at her temple's March 18 omikoshi festival. They've asked new gods and shinki to attend the festival and keep an eye out for trouble. Meanwhile, trusted newcomers and older gods and shinki alike are watching over the cultists that have been identified.






The Festival

Shrine-carriers, musicians and dancers congregate early in the morning in their matching outfits to get organized into their parade. Luckily, all of the parade participants this time are alive and well. There aren't even any troublesome ayakashi hanging around... so why is everyone having such bad luck?! Laces are breaking, costumes tearing, small children are getting sick from nerves, and even the drums seem to have gone out of tune. It looks like this parade is going to need a whole lot of help to prevent disaster.

For those who aren't busy with the parade preparations, food and souvenir booths throng the area in front of the temple. There's traveling games, too, and plenty of people showing up early with their families to find a good spot to watch the parade. This is one of Tokyo's most popular temples, so it's quite a crowd!

The Stakeouts

Any gods or shinki who were told about the cult problem by Amaterasu -- or anyone who might have heard from friends and allies about the plans -- can help Amaterasu's shinki keep a tight watch on all of the known cult members. Her shinki are looking for any sign of the young gods who she believes are behind all of this trouble, but are there other clues that might be found by a keen observer? Join in on staking out a cult member, and see what you can see.

Current cult members that the shinki are watching include:

• Mitsui Ryou - lives alone in a medium-sized apartment, appears to work a 9 - 5 schedule with occasional late nights.
• Imai Takeru - lives in a small two-story house by himself, has an unpredictable schedule.
• Shimoda Tsuki - lives alone in a small apartment with a lot of plants, works retail with varying shifts.
• Oota Saburo- lives in a medium-sized apartment with his wife and two young children, works a 9 - 5 schedule with frequent work trips.
• Maeda Shinnosuke - lives alone in a small, messy apartment, works construction (early mornings, long days.)
If your character is taking part in the surveillance of any of these people, please feel free to comment to the Cult Clues thread below with the name of the character they're watching, and the times that they're watching that character, in order to learn what they might see. (Note: surveillance doesn't have to take place only on the 18th. Characters can take part in watching the cult members at any time after Amaterasu's announcement on March 8.)

The Parade

At noon, the parade begins. Misfortune is still dogging the participants and the crowds around them, but it looks as though everything will go all right up until the final turn as the heavy, gilded shrine turns back towards the main temple building, tips, and slowly falls over sideways, straight for the crowd.

What's worse, when the shrine hits the ground, it cracks open -- and a huge, jellyfish-like ayakashi wearing a giant white mask with a single black eye inscribed on it heaves its way out and begins lashing its tentacles in every direction. People stung by the tentacles are driven into a furious frenzy, and fights are breaking out everywhere. Stop the humans from fighting, take care of the injured, and destroy the ayakashi before the situation gets any worse.

The Pursuit

In the middle of the fighting crowd, two white-robed shinki are chasing after a very average-looking salaryman in a tan coat. He doesn't seem to know that the shinki are chasing him, but he is moving fast, and they're in danger of losing track of him. They're calling out to any Far Shore denizen close enough to hear, shinki or god:

"Don't let that guy get away! He knows what happened!"

Anyone who has met or spent time staking out Mitsui Ryou will recognize him as the escaping salaryman. If your character takes part in the pursuit, please comment to the Cult Clues thread with a link to your thread - the character who successfully catches Mitsui will be determined by RNG on January 6, 2019.

In Summary:

• Attend the Sensou-ji festival
• Enjoy food and games
• Help Amaterasu's shinki stake out the cult
• Fight a masked ayakashi
• Have fun~

Comments

[beyondtheblade]

[Tsubasa's own expression brightens in itself.]

Ah, did she now? [She will have to remember that. Even if she has no idea just HOW highly.] I'm glad Yukine has been able to make friends here. Even though I would prefer better circumstances, I'm happy at least to be able to work side by side with her, here.

She spoke well of you though, as well. Thank you, for any help you've been able to give her.

[It's a bit overly formal, but... well, that's Tsubasa, and she's still scanning the crowds for the boy's party.]

[holygrailed]

I'm glad I could help her. She's one of my closest friends.

[The words come easily and full of sincerity. Irisviel knows she has many friends, but Chris is truly one of her most treasured.]

I hope we can get to know each other too.

[beyondtheblade]

It's good to know that. She hasn't always had a lot, so I'm glad to know she has an easier time making them, now.

[All without Tsubasa having to twist her arm to do it! Progress!

She continues smiling, but looks just a little melancholy.]

She has come a long way since we first met. Both of us have.

[She brightens back up as she looks to Irisviel.] I would be happy to, though. After all, we're all here, and I can't deny that from someone who Yukine holds in such high regard.

[holygrailed]

Yes... she told me a little of her life. Of her parents.

[Irisviel's voice takes on a thoughtful tone. No one should ever have to live through war or become separated from their family. Chris is strong and has a good heart, but she has no doubt her friend has suffered too.

There's a tug on their hands as Touma pulls forward a little, pointing at a stand full of masks.]

"Oh! I remember this stand! I think we turn right at the next street, there's a place to setup near by!"

[beyondtheblade]

...that is not something I expect her to share lightly, so she really must trust you. [Tsubasa isn’t going to inquire to just HOW much she was told, because that could easily give away things Chris probably doesn’t want spread around. Because Tsubasa knows for whatever she’s suffered, Chris has dealt with tenfold.] I believe she would make them proud now, at least.

[She looks down at Touma as he speaks up, nodding.] Well then, let us head that way.

[holygrailed]

[There's a time later to talk. Irisviel is curious to know more about Chris, especially from someone Chris thinks so highly of and cares about so great, but there are some things best heard from her friend too. Chris is not the first friend she's made here, but she is certainly one of the most dear.]

I imagine Chris makes a lot of people proud, whether she knows it or not.

[They gamely turn down the path, Touma beginning to tug ahead as he recognizes more of the surroundings. As they reach an area where groups of people in various happi and outfits are running about, he pulls away.]

"I think I can find my group from here! Thank you for your help!"

[beyondtheblade]

[Tsuabsa's a bit surprised but happy as the boy takes off after his group.] Be well! [She gives a small smile and a wave as he leaves, before turning to Irisviel.]

Yes, well - getting her to admit she knows such things is also it's own challenge, at times.

[Having the expectation of praise conditioned out of you will do that. Tsubasa can understand that, if not nearly to Chris' level.]

But... she does. I am very proud that she is my friend.

[Even if it sure didn't start that way.]

We have all been through a lot, and it honestly sets my mind much more at ease that I have someone here I know I can rely upon no matter what. It's my hope that in time I'll have more people like that as well, but... It's a good place to start, at least. She may call me "Senpai," but I'm not sure if she realizes how much we rely on her just as much.

[She glances at Irisviel.] But... I guess I have not asked you much about yourself.

[holygrailed]

[It is nice to hear how much Chris means to Tsubasa, especially as Irisviel knows the extent of Chris's feelings. That is something she'll keep to herself as such is the business of no one else but them. She's sure curious though if Tsubasa returns the feelings too.]

Me? Oh, I'm afraid there isn't much to say about myself. I'm still trying to figure things out myself. But if there's anything you'd like to ask, I'll do my best to answer.

[beyondtheblade]

[Sadly Irisviel, you may not be aware, that Tsubasa is dense as a block of wood in that department.]

Hm. I guess I really only know this and that in relation to Yukine... I hope that you like where you are enough, then? In relation to your god, that is.

As much as... one can, I guess. Given the situation.

[holygrailed]

Oh yes, I get along with my god. It's true the choice was not mine, but we get along. I am happy where I am. I hope you are getting along with your shinki?

[The choice is none of theirs on arrival, but Irisviel hopes things are working for everyone. Perhaps it's luck, but she's yet to find anyone unhappy with their god or shinki.]

[beyondtheblade]

Hmm. [Shs supposes that in a way, Rita did not have a “choice” even if Tsubasa made certain she was okay with it. Yes, I’d say we are. Even if I admit, I have been somewhat uncertain of how to help her find a direction beyond just me...

Which I would like to. I do ... not like the thought of considering someone as just a tool. [She looks to irisviel.] After all, we are inherently two parts of a whole here, are we not? I would rather consider us partners. It’s the only way I feel like I can do this and remain true to myself.

[Given how much she’s tried to break away from just being her family’s “sword,” it’s not surprising she feels so strongly being on the other side of that equation.]

[holygrailed]

I'm sure a direction will become clear with more time. The two of you have only recently arrived, correct?

[Irisviel hasn't been around long enough to properly map out the timeframe of arrivals, but there's the general sense it's every few weeks too.

She smiles as she listens to Tsubasa's views on the relationship of god and shinki. It's a kind, considerate stance that speaks to her character.]

I hope the arrangement works for the two of you. I imagine it must be a strange thing to find yourself here, suddenly a god.

[beyondtheblade]

Yes, just... about a week or so ago. I still have a lot to learn, in general...

[She takes a look at her hands at that question.]

A god... I still am not used to being called that. Not sure if I will.

[She glances back to Irisviel.] To be honest, were it not for Yukine and Elfnein being here, I dare say I would not be taking this as well.

[holygrailed]

It is not every day one has divinity thrust upon them, especially so young.

[Tsubasa's age is an estimate based on appearance and her connection to Chris. Not a young teenager, but not an adult either is her guess. A young age to accept such a responsibility.]

I am glad you have friends here and I'm sure they're thankful for you as well. Though we have only met, if there was a way I can help, please let me know.

[beyondtheblade]

Young?

[Ah. Well. She's not wrong. It's not something Tsubasa thinks about often. If anything as much as she's seen, as much blood as she has spilled or seen... The fact that 19 is still pretty young doesn't cross her mind much. She gives a stiff laugh at that.] I ... suppose that's not wrong. It is hard to grasp, to a degree...

[But, she smiles.] Thank you. As someone Yukine trusts I was already prepared to do so, but I can definitely see why, now.

[holygrailed]

[Irisviel's life in the living was surrounded by those who began fighting when they were young. A husband with blood on his hands and who would give up the lives of anyone for a better world. A noble knight, a king, who began her destiny with a sword in hand. A protector with a stoic exterior who lived and fought for a reason possibly as singular as hers.

They are all good, noble people, but they all began fighting so young.

Her memories of them are gone, but feelings remain behind.

Irisviel smiles at Tsubasa's praise. She must find Chris later.]

If you're not busy, would you like to see the festival with me?

[beyondtheblade]

[It's a very good thing you're meeting this Tsubasa rather than the one from a couple years ago. When she was a cold, isolated young woman, who wanted nothing of friendship and only saw herself as a weapon.

If she seems a little weird now, there's definitely reasons why.

She maintains her smile and nods.]

Certainly. Such things aren't fun on your own, correct?

[holygrailed]

[Were Tsubasa cold, isolated, and lacking a sense beyond her purpose, it would not have deterred Irisviel from trying to befriend her. Such people are a constant in Irisviel's forgotten life and she would only reach out harder to befriend them.

But here they are now.]

I agree. It's so easy getting lost with how large the area is too.

Is there anything you'd like to see first?

[beyondtheblade]

[That sort of attitude is quite like a friend of both Chris and Tsubasa's. Perhaps that's just the sort of type of person they end up attracting.

She muses and taps her chin.]

Hm, that is a good question. I probably should find something small to eat, honestly. I've been monitoring things for awhile as it is...

[And once that parade starts, she's not going to be eating again for awhile, but she doesn't know that.]

[holygrailed]

I saw the most delightful fish-shaped cakes earlier. Taiyaki, I believe it was called? How about that?

[Little does Tsubasa know not only will she not eat for awhile, but she'll be eating late in the evening. What a day.]

[beyondtheblade]

Mmm... [She ponders just a moment, before nodding in the affirmative.] Certainly, that would be fine.

[She motions for Irisviel to move on ahead of her.] How long have you been here, if you do not mind my asking?