thenearshore | 009 | Where Your Demons Hide

009 | Where Your Demons Hide

Who: Everyone!
What: Emergency demon fighting
When: Late May 5-Early May 6
Where: Just outside of Tokyo
Summary: The demon from the school has reared its ugly head again and needs to be taken down.

On the evening of May 5, the Heavens suddenly receive an influx of prayers from people in and around a certain town just outside of Tokyo. There seem to be a lot of people in the area that have suddenly stopped responding normally (or at all). The situation continues to spread as the night goes on until not only is the whole town suffering from this malady, but the neighboring towns are starting to become affected as well.

With so many gods and shinki on hand - including new ones that have just appeared - the Heavens have issued a request for any available gods and shinki to go investigate what might be happening down on the Near Shore. New gods and shinki will be given the low-down on what's happening, but not much more than that.

The situation will continue to expand until just a little before dawn, when the demon finally has enough power to revive.

Drained Humans

Many humans in the affected areas are walking around despondently. Oftentimes, they are just walking into things or getting hit by things. There have been a few car-related incidents as well. Anyone who was present for the high school incident will recognize these symptoms as something that was happening to people in the school. The glazed looks, the spiritless responses and reactions. So this should be fairly familiar to some.

No One's Safe

Unfortunately, being in the town will start to wear on anyone who is there. Gods and shinki alike will find themselves growing more despondent the longer they spend in the town. All of their energy will be slowly sapped from their bodies, and shinki in particular will feel almost like their existence is draining away.

Hellish Circle

There is a large park in the center of the town. Drawn all around this park is a magic circle, large enough to encompass the whole park. There are candles around the edges of the circle, and in the center there is a cup filled with blood covered by a mask with a swirling eye pattern on it. Stepping into this circle will not only make you extremely tired and suddenly drained, but it will also bring bat-like ayakashi bearing down on you.

The Demon

The Demon itself rears its ugly head just a little before dawn, springing out from the center of the magic circle and looking right pleased with itself. It stands about 5'8" tall, so it is largely unimposing, but there is an aura about it that makes it undeniable that it is powerful. The demon will gladly fight anyone who comes at it, though most he will just shove out of the way without a second thought.

In Summary:

Help the drained people
Try not to get drained yourself
Be careful about being corrupted
Fight the demon
Have fun~

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[An exposed root had nearly twisted his ankle, but in the process he'd lost his glasses. With all this darkness he's struggling to find them, poking around in the dirt and the leaves.

Crunching grass and other foliage behind him alert him to a presence behind him.Yamanami turns around just as she speaks up, holding out a glint of glass out at him. A relieved smile breaks across his face.]

Oh yes I did. Thank you--

[His hand and voice freezes just as his fingers brush against the rims of his glasses. A strong sense of connection hits him then. It's not her refined manner, although that reminds him, painfully, of Akesato. No, what's tugging at his heart is something else.

Taking his glasses from her, he stands up and puts them on, allowing his vision to focus and sharpen on her proper.]

Thank you. [He replies, still slightly stunned. Could she be...?] Miss...I don't want to presume, but are you my shinki?

Edited 2016-10-16 07:02 (UTC)

[ She only expects a thank you, a polite word or two, a comment about how they've found themselves in this situation of solving the mystery of this town. Instead she feels that brief connection when both of their hands touch the glass, a sense of belonging when she feels it pass from him to her. Yamato rests her hand down upon the handle of the parasol, blinking in soft surprise. ]

Am.... I? [ There's no way to really tell, at least not from her perspective. She did get much of a briefing from their heavenly hosts-- at the most, she knows that a shinki is to be paired with a god, to help and serve them. To fight with them. She did not receive word of just who might her god be. Of course he doesn't seem like the more frightful gods out there, giants that throws around lightning and storms. This man has a proper look to him, practically gentle.

And that's quite alright. ] ...If you are my god, then the only one who may answer that for certain is you.

[ Yet something tells her that their meeting was meant to be. Yamato steps forward, her purple eyes on him, self-assured and poised. She then adds with a smile: ] But... I believe that finding each other here was no coincidence.

My name is Yamato.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yamato. [He smiles back at her.] My name is Yamanami Keisuke, though as of today I'm also supposed to be a god of war. [Sannan's smile turns apologetic the next moment though.] I'm afraid I'm not much use in a fight though. Truthfully, I might be the worst person for the position.

[Words that might be a tad depreciating, but his light tone and smile helps to give the impression that he might just be speaking casually, as an average person with zero fighting ability that's suddenly been elevated to such a high status.]

But I promise that as your god, I'll do my best to take care of your well-being.

[ He seems like a kind soul, Yamato concludes. And she does note the casualness in his tone, when he points out his own flaws so easily and with a smile. If what he says is true, it doesn't seem to fit that he's chosen as a god of war. So she can only assume that either he's not giving himself credit, or that he's proficient in the art of war in some different manner to be selected for such a position. A strategist, perhaps? Regardless it's not her place to inquire, but only support.

With that in mind, she simply nods her head, smiling softly. ] Maa, should it not be the other way around? [ She asks casually. ] As a shinki, it is I who should be taking care of you.

[ Yamato feels this to be a truth in her heart, that somewhere there is a force that drives her to help and protect others, especially the one that she serves. She then bows to him deeply, closing her eyes respectfully. ] To serve a god of war is an honor, and I do not doubt for a moment that you have been given this position for a good reason. Even still, I will support you in all of your battles... within and without.

[What a choice of words. For a moment he wonders, worriedly, if she knows. But no; it's more likely a coincidence that she spoke as such.]

Please, there's no need for the formality, Yamato-san. I can't argue that as my first shinki, you're supposed to be my exemplar-- [By that definition, she is supposed to be his minder, of sorts.] --but if we're both new to this world, then I would be glad to help you in any way I can as well.

[ Straightening up, her smile remains gentle and thoughtful. This man is cordial and soft-spoken, much like herself. She's lucky to have someone who aligns so neatly with her... so far. ] Ah, look at us, discussing how we may help each other-- when it is us both who may need help in this new world. A shame that we were not given a more proper instruction of what to do or how to go about it.

[ She laughs lightly, and then turns her gaze towards the straggling humans who wander aimlessly around the park. ] Our first priority is to help them. [ A pause, and she brings a hand delicately to her chin in thought. ] I was told that... as a shinki, I am able to transform into a weapon or tool of sorts. Yet these humans do not seem at all violent. They are not those "ayakashi", correct?

[ At least, they're not how she's pictured ayakashi to be. ]

[His gaze follows hers, landing on the dazed humans shuffling about. He shakes his head.] No. I've seen some of the ayakashi in this area. They took on the form of giant bats.

[As if on cue, one of the humans staggers to a halt before falling to his knees. Either she lacks the strength to remain upright or the will to keep on walking, because in the next moment she's curled up on the floor, her blank stare upon the god and shinki. With her silence, he can't tell if she's seen them....or she just can't be bothered to care. Yamanami quickly heads forward to check on the woman.] They all seem healthy, no apparent wounds...a poison of some kind then?

Either way, we should move these people some place safe. It's not safe for them to just lie down here on their own.

Indeed. Earlier I had seen one of them even driving a car. They are in no such condition but to lie down....somewhere safe, that is.

[ She makes her way over to the curled up woman, and then kneels down. ] Leave this one to me. [ Without another word, Yamato picks up the woman with ease, cradling her in her arms. ] Someone with whom I spoke earlier suggested to place these people in a library. Surely they could do no harm there among books.

[ Pay no attention to how easily this woman carries another woman. Of course, it could be that the woman Yamato carries is rather slim, so that may not be too surprising... ]

[Words fail him as thin, slender arms dip underneath the woman to bring her up without even the slightest ounce of effort. Yamanami's eyebrows raise with surprise and awe; even if the other woman was as thin as a reed, the same could be said for Yamato and her stick arms.

But he realises he's staring, and he immediately sports an awkward smile.] Ah, I'm sorry, I was just very surprised. You must be a very strong woman, Yamato-san.

[ She turns just in time to catch his stare, feeling a bashful blush creep to her cheeks. ] Ah, that is--...

[ She doesn't have much of an explanation. Rationally she knows that a normal human would waste some energy and effort to carry another, but here she is doing so as if the woman weighed nothing at all. She can't search her memories for an excuse, either.

But she has a feeling in her heart that what he says is true. That she is strong. Her shyness fades, and she smiles humbly. ] ....May this be a strength used to better serve your purposes and glory, my lord.

Oh, there's really no need to address me as such. I'm really just an ordinary person that's been put in an extraordinary situation. [And even then, he's being lenient with his description of himself. If he could be truthful, words like "useless", "burden", "disposable"...those were a better fit.

He doesn't deserve such reverence and deference from an obviously amazing person like her.]

Please, just call me Yamanami-san.

Yamanami-....san. [ She has been to pause at his request. Addressing someone who commands her with respects comes naturally. It's not simply out of politeness l, it's ingrained in her, like she's been doing so for a while.

For a moment, she wonders if this is beyond being humble, but since she doesn't have anything else to base his behavior by, she decides to take his words at face value. ] But would it not make you extraordinary, to be selected for this role? [ She believes in a power greater than them; a force like fate.

Her smile turns a bit clever. ] If I may be so bold... perhaps it can even be said that you are extraordinary already, to exhibit such humbleness.

[ But enough of compliments. She turns to the side, adjusting the woman in her arms. ] Now-- where to...?

[Yamanami rubs the back of his neck awkwardly; he could engage in another round of denial but thankfully Yamato has turned her attention back to rescuing the woman, and that marks the end of this particular conversation.

Now, as to where they are going to go...that he can help with.]

Please allow me a moment, Yamato-san. I have....been given this strange ability as part of my sudden ascension. It may help us find a safe place for this lady, but I will need you to wish for us to find the library.

Edited 2016-11-03 02:03 (UTC)

A wish...? [ Her expression says it all: could something really as simple as a wish help? However, it's not a look of doubt. It's of curiosity. If these are the the rules of this new land, if it is something that her god suggests, then she must not underestimate these wishes. ] Very well, if this is part of your new ability.

[ She pauses for one solemn moment, closing her eyes and wishing to find a safe place, a library, to escort the cursed humans to. When she opens her eyes, she purses her lips. ] Is... that all?

[ She wonders if she has any new ability. But she honestly can't think of any ability she already has, supernatural or not. (Inhuman strength included.) ]

Well, I suppose it might be more fitting that we call it a prayer.

[He waits for her to finish. Once she's done, he steps up to his shinki and gently places a hand on her shoulder.] That should be all. [He doesn't feel any different, but then again the past few visions had been the same as well. It's still very much trial-and-error for him to figure out how to use this ability of his, but with every try he's getting slightly quicker. ]

You'll see some images, but it shouldn't be too long. [With a slight squeeze of her shoulder, a vision will bloom in his mind's eye and then shared through his touch. One of them walking down a path, taking a series of turns. A humble building is before them, and as they enter they'll be greeted by the sterile chill of an air-conditioned room...and rows and rows of cupboards, filled to the brim with books.

That's when the vision ends, his hand slipping from her shoulder. Looking down the left path, he nods at it to indicate that that is where they must go.] That is the way to the library.

[ She watches and waits silently for his ability to begin, moving the woman slightly in her hold when he places a hand upon her shoulder. The vision comes quickly to her, and she gasps quietly when she when the path to the library is revealed. ] Amazing.

[ She whispers, looking at him. ] With an ability like that, you would be able to find a lost city in the jungle. [ But now knowing the path, she then begins walking down another street. ] Shall we? [ A soft giggle. ] To traverse an unknown town to a lost city of books...

Quite a poet, Yamato-san. [He smiles and nods at her, walking in step to keep up.] It is indeed a powerful gift that has been bestowed upon me. I hope that I will use it well.

[The casual tone never wavers; he's careful to ensure it as such. Because he's beginning to suspect an uncomfortable truth about this power of his. And if it is true, then he's inherited not just a blessing, but a curse.

This foresight will be his punishment, and how suitable it is.

Powerful... and a great use to all of those who follow you. [ Down this street, and down the next, Yamato converses lightly with her god. No doubt it would be beneficial to get to know him better. An ability like that makes sense for a god of war; he could use it to find the right path to enemy bases, to victory. She doubts that he'd just be prayed to for asking about the location of lost keys. ]

Yamanami-sama....-san. [ This is going to happen a lot. He better get used to it. ] Because of what you are a god, I must inquire-- have you ever been in a war? Or to battle? [ Her tone is inquisitive, not judgemental. ]

No. I've been fortunate enough that I've never been called to war. I was part of a force that were supposed to patrol the streets and protect the town, but my right hand grew more comfortable with an abacus than a sword so I'm afraid I didn't see much action in the last few months.

[What he's told Yamato isn't a lie, but he's definitely omitting plenty of details.]

Edited 2016-11-04 03:19 (UTC)

[ She can at least presume that he's had some training. ] Such as police work? [ At the very least it sounds something like that. ] What an honorable line of profession.

[ He's mentioned a sword, though. Not guns. And that happens to pique her interest. Because although she doesn't not know from when/where she comes, it does sound odd to mention swords in terms of fighting or protecting. But then again, judging by his attire-- ah, she gets it. ] .....You... would not happen to be a samurai, would you?

[ Down one more street, and they should be just about there. ]

Oh no, not anything quite as prestigious as that! [He quickly waves his hand.] I'm only the son of a kenjutsu instructor. Even then, I am quite useless at wielding a sword. I'm more of an accountant than a fighter.

[ An accountant.

Who is now a god of war. ]

....I suppose it does follow. Wars are an exceptionally expensive business, are they not? [ Says the boat who would have taken over a trillion USD in today's value to build. And who is ridiculously resource-dependent that she broke her admiral's piggy each time she sortied. ]

That's quite true. Actually, I do wonder if the Heavens may have focused too much on the fact that the god I am supposed to be is also worshiped as a god of commerce.

Though I do hope that there is not much need for a god of war in these times. Perhaps that is why they have chosen to focus on this other side of the god.

[ "Then being an accountant makes you a perfect selection to be this god", is what she wants to say, but she considers that too much flattery would be a bad thing for someone so humble. ] Commerce is not something with with which I am too familiar... Even without her memories.

A small frown.

But she does seem to know a lot about war. Rather, of what life was like for some of the soldiers. If she doesn't know much about trade, could she really be of use to him? ] Ah-- perhaps you know of some books I may pick up at this library to brush up on?

[ In other words, they're here. She walks up to the main entrance, opening the doors to the air conditioned building. ]

If any of them are there then I'll be glad to point them out to you, but I'm not sure if the books that I know off are even still in publication.

But please, don't feel pressured to read about commerce just because I am your god. [He adds in quickly, just as they reach the entrance to the library.] It can be quite boring at times!

[But this new world certainly isn't boring, that's for sure. Yamanami freezes in his steps when they walk into the main lobby of the library, his head glancing about quizzically.] It's cold in here...how strange. [Someone hasn't been introduced to the wonders of air-conditioners just yet!]

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