009 | Where Your Demons Hide

[godsoffortune]

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~

Comments

[shufu]

Being beautiful was simply practical, he would say. An easy claim to make when you weren't the one keeping up with it. But Horikawa knew the truth. As useful as it might be, it was also a lot of work.

It wouldn't be the first time Horikawa threatened to cut it but always with a smile on his face and a teasing lilt to his voice. He was never serious. After all, they both knew his partner's beauty was something they could both appreciate.

And maybe that was just his way of showing it. Every morning, with the sun blaring through the paper covered slats, after tugging away the futon cover like depriving a child of their security blanket and hurrying him into his clothes for the day -- for whatever job it held -- Horikawa always reserved just enough time to tend to his hair, properly, meticulously, until the strands flowed through his fingers like a waterfall of shining black silk.

The ritual repeated itself in the evening, sometimes full of chatter about the citadel's latest gossip, and other times in complete silence, simply present in each other's company.

Though the shinki remembers none of that now, as he drops to a seat on this particularly tiresome mission, he can help but feel drawn to the other when he spots him struggling at a distance. The feeling that tugs at his chest is something akin to pity and also bewilderment.

Here? Of all places? And all times? Or was he just procrastinating. Although it seems he's procrastinated on matters of upkeep enough as is.

Horikawa vacillates on the prospect of intervention. It isn't his business, after all. But as Izuminokami tugs at a particularly stubborn knot, all but tearing it out, he's already on his feet. He can't stand to see something that beautiful, ruined so carelessly.

The direction of approach such that he won't be spotted right away, allowing him to drift close and reach for the comb before it can be put to use in any more crimes.

"If it's that much trouble, why don't you just cut it?" Even now, he doesn't mean it though.

[nakemen]

Too busy trying to comb his fingers through his hair, Izuminokami doesn't even notice the presence of anybody near him until he hears Horikawa speak. But when he does, he freezes and he isn't sure what to do. It seems like every time he associates with Horikawa, he just messes up. Which is bizarre and foreign to Izuminokami. Never once had things felt this tense and awkward with him. Even when they got into serious arguments, Izuminokami had known that they would move past them. Nothing was too much for them to move on from.

But for now, he's silent for a little too long. Even he knows that. His fingers had frozen in his hair as well but he starts to go back to his job, not looking at Horikawa. "Yeah," he huffs out, laughing. "Like I'd ever do that. It isn't that much work." Which is an obvious lie as he hisses at one particular knot not wanting to give way. "It's fine."

His hair is the last thing on his mind, though. He's all but forgotten it as he worries about this particular moment with Horikawa. Why is Horikawa even coming to him now? Unless it's to nag him about how obviously he doesn't even know how to take care of himself and now he likes him even less. The thought of that makes his shoulders slump and he brings his head down, kind of wishing Horikawa hadn't found him. How much more of Horikawa disliking him can he even take?

[shufu]

Horikawa was always particularly observant, Izuminokami always the emotional one. When combined, it's impossible for him to miss the way the other worries. It's a physical expression that can't be hidden by his words.

Horikawa turns the comb over and over again, useless in his hands, as one thought comes to mind. This is awkward.

Their past run ins haven't exactly been cordial. More often than not, Horikawa had allowed his own emotions to get the best of him. He's hardly the best person to be approaching him about this now.

Izuminokami has been worrying at the same knot since he arrived, Horikawa realizes, in spite of the drawn out silences that separate them. He feels responsible somehow. For the knot? The silence? Not solving either of them? He's not sure.

"Still. It must be hard. To do it all by yourself," he says in an attempt to fill the space.

[nakemen]

It's felt like every time Izuminokami has ran into Horikawa before, his former partner has yet to be this open to talking. The last time had been at that school and he had immediately challenged him. Even now Izuminokami isn't quite sure what he keeps doing wrong, but he's also happy that maybe he can just talk to him now. If he somehow doesn't offend him. At this point, who knows how many more ways he can mess up?

"I mean, it's my hair. It isn't like I'd make people help me with it." He had never had to make Horikawa help him. Horikawa had always just offered or took the challenge for himself. Izuminokami can't really say he has more experience with it. All he knows is he doesn't know what he can say that he had someone who used to. Maybe that's too much information and what if Horikawa starts to connect things? If he even would, considering how much he seems to dislike him.

But everything about Horikawa shows how sad he seems to feel. Izuminokami doesn't think he's imagining it because even if things are different right now, there's no way he'll never notice when Horikawa might need a shoulder. If he wants it or not. So he looks over to him, finally trying to make eye contact. He won't say anything else because he doesn't want to put his foot in his mouth or upset him more. Maybe if he keeps bothering Horikawa, he should just let him take the lead? It seems like the smart thing to do and at this point, he needs Horikawa to like him.

[shufu]

It isn't like Horikawa wanted things to turn out this way. He isn't confrontational by nature only he's no pushover either. He pushed back when the right buttons are pressed and something about Izuminokami always seems to set them off.

He thinks back to the time they first met and what was offense at the time now looks a lot more like a misunderstanding, considering Izuminokami had at least had the decency not to pursue him further. Even now he looks like he'd give all the world to be free of this moment.

And then they're staring at one another, really seeing each other eye to eye and it's Horikawa's turn to avert his gaze before he gets lost in it.

He can't leave it at that. He has to say something. "There are people that make a living doing that kind of thing though." But that...

That doesn't get at what he really wants. Otherwise he wouldn't be standing here now trying to stammer it out without sounding too desperate. He looks down at the wide toothed comb, plucking at the tines with his immaculate fingers.

I can do it, he thinks and then their eyes meet again, like looking into a mirror, as he holds out his hand in a benefacting gesture. "May I?"

[nakemen]

Looking at Horikawa like this, all he can think about is how much his heart aches when he knows Horikawa doesn't know who he really is. As Izuminokami looks at him, he thinks about how he was always meant to be with him. How many times had he teased Horikawa, acting like he was annoying and smothering him? All those times he had gotten aggravated by how Horikawa nagged him, he thinks he misses that too. Everything that's Horikawa. He misses how they teased each other, argued just to let out tension sometimes, and how they really did complete each other.

Horikawa's request isn't immediately heard because he's so lost in thought. Trying to think of how he could maybe turn things around so they could at least be friends again. But when it finally gets through to him, he's shocked for a quick second. To Horikawa, he's a stranger. A stranger he doesn't even like. Why would he want to brush his hair? But he's also not going to argue it.

"You want to?" The surprise in his voice is hard to miss and he worries he might come off as if he isn't happy by the idea. "I mean, if you want to. Heh, it's just a lot of work. Kind of a pain. But if you want to, guess I can't really complain about it so yeah go ahead."

[shufu]

As for Horikawa himself, he can't really think about it too much, where this is coming from, why he feels so strongly about doing it now, insistent even in the way his eagerness seeps into his voice and the way he leans forward on the balls of his feet just a little bit more than what's natural. If he stops and second guesses what he's doing, there's no way he'd be able to follow through.

So he doesn't think. He moves on instinct and reflex alone. As soon as Izuminokami gives his consent, Horikawa is sliding into the seat behind him. Actually, he finds it's easier to knell so he can face him properly.

And then he brushes his hands over the black tumble of thick hair, not quite through it yet, like he's getting acquainted for the first time, like they need a proper introduction before he's allowed to start.

"Could you turn that way?" he says simply. The reason should be obvious enough. It will be easier to work with Izuminokami's back to him thought that really isn't conducive to conversation and making this any less strange.

[nakemen]

As long as it's been since he's last spent any real quality time with Horikawa, feeling his hands in his hair or being close; it doesn't feel like it. It's almost too easy to slip up and start joking with him, making some quip about if he wants to go help him get dressed too. Since having a human body, this has just been part of their routine. Izuminokami's hair was a hassle, but one they always made time for. Like bonding, he guessed.

He turns around and it's a little sad he's relieved he doesn't have to look at Horikawa. How would he talk to him? What would his face show? He should probably just stay quiet the whole time, if he doesn't want to mess this up. Confidence is important, but he has none when it comes to his former partner and not hurting their relationship more and more. But Horikawa always loved his hair so if he still loves it then he can't ruin this moment. His mouth isn't really needed, huh?

But he misses small talk, he misses hearing Horikawa talk about his plans and small gossip about their bustling citadel. He misses their jokes and their little arguments that meant nothing at all. But he can't have those back and he needs to accept this. If all he can have is this one moment, then he'll be happy with what he has. It's better than what he had before.

[shufu]

Horikawa can't possibly know what is going through Izuminokami's mind now, the depth of his feelings and just how much it hurts him as much as he may want it at the same time. But he doesn't miss the tension in his shoulders nor how stiff and straight he sits with his back to him. It makes sense that not everyone would be having an easy time here, especially not the the gods with their lives away from here, just waiting for them to return.

But as he gathers all of Izuminokami's hair into one mass behind him, he realizes his own hands are unsteady as one of them catches one of the knots in the nest of so many.

"Sorry!" he spits out a bit too quickly, and then again, softly. "Sorry..."

He's not just apologizing for the hair.

Setting the comb as his side, he needs to work with his hands to separate the pieces into more manageable strands. They sink into his hair and even at the very ends, at their worst, it feels like a luxury.

He cuts through the curtain with his palm and worries at the worst of the tangled bunches with careful fingers. It isn't matted yet but it would be, given another day or so. But he can't stop himself from slipping on occasion or tugging sharply as one piece or another suddenly gives way. He apologies for those too though he stops saying so with words.

"How did it get so bad?" It may be an accusation but it's not unkind. More an attempt at small talk than anything. "I'm sure your shinki wouldn't mind, if you asked."

[nakemen]

It's humiliating to have Horikawa see his hair in this condition. He's always been about appearances and looking your best. Beauty is just as important to Horikawa and he knows that. Even if he can tell how his former partner wants to talk to him without any arguments or misunderstandings, how can he not judge him for this lack of care?

The apologies don't make much sense to Izuminokami because he knows he doesn't just mean the hair. What else is there to apologize for? The whirlwind that has been their meetings these past times have always somehow been Izuminokami's fault. He knows that. Unless everything he knew about Horikawa has been wearing off, maybe he's changed during these times and he just can't read him as well. It's possible, isn't it?

"I told you I don't want to make people help me. It's my hair and like hell I'm going to make my shinki do it. I don't even think he knows how to brush hair like this anyway. It's not a big--" He interrupts himself with a loud hiss as one stubborn knot gets in Horikawa's way. "It's not a big deal. I just need to keep on top of it better. Especially with how much I was running around just now. My hair's real easy to get all messed up."

[shufu]

At Izuminokami's protest, Horikawa pulls back with another soft apology. He's mostly sectioned it out anyway and once he resumes, he gathers one pile into his lap where he can work it over with the comb like little bird fussing over their child. It's slower, and a little more work to ensure his progress doesn't devolve back into the nest it started out as but at least the forces of gravity were no longer working again them.

If anything they're working in reverse.

And through it all he keeps talking. He never liked silence after all. If asked, he wouldn't know why, only that it seems lonely and that's something that bothers him even more. "I guess you're right. Since he just hides his under a cap. Hey there's an idea for you." And he laughs because as far as ideas go, he knows that one is ridiculous.

[nakemen]

"You know my shinki? Huh." It isn't anything that concerns him. After all, he likes Bandou. Bandou is a good shinki, but then that means Bandou had to have mentioned him, right? Not that it worries him too much. If Bandou felt anything negative about him, he would know. But it does make him wonder if Horikawa had said anything about him. Not that Izuminokami has to think much about what Horikawa would say. It's simple: what an asshole.

But Horikawa is here right now, joking with him. He's helping him and he knows Horikawa well enough still that if he truly didn't like him then he would gladly see Izuminokami suffer. Then what does Horikawa feel towards him right now? It's obvious that something is bothering him. He isn't himself and if they were back home, it would be easy to know. Part of him is upset he can't tell. Have they really been apart for this long? That he can't read his partner like a book anymore? His heart aches, just a little.

And maybe he shouldn't try to get closer to Horikawa here, maybe he should keep his distance. That would be safer because if anybody could destroy Horikawa then it would be him. But he can't help it. He can't help but just want to be near him.

"So, uh. How have you been since the last time--" He remembers how well things went last time and cuts himself off, waiting in silence to see if Horikawa just momentarily forgot that he thinks Izuminokami is awful and doesn't like him. Maybe this was just a lapse of judgment.

[shufu]

"That's right. We were working on the same prayer," he muses without thought, a rambling river that pours into the vast ocean. Direct, purposeful but without any indication of where he might end up in the whole scheme of things. It's easier like this as he works works the knots free, word by word, his hair begins to take on a new shine like black obsidian, all lustrous and infantile and new.

And fragile like glass.

"Although he kind of stole it from me." The edge in his voice hardens for a moment, admonishing, albeit tempered. It doesn't bother him anymore but he can't let go of his principles. Isn't that how it always was? "I guess it doesn't matter in the end so long as the boy was happy."

Here, he reaches up again, finger tips like little ghosts skipping along Izuminokami's jaw, the multitudinous curves of his ears as Horikawa gathers his hair back into one mass. Even by looking at it, he could tell it was heavy. It feels profound.

And he can't help but smile. "You mean since you kicked my ass?" He only lets that quip linger a moment. "I have a new god. Which is... better. I think."

[nakemen]

For a moment, Izuminokami struggles for a response. On one hand he wants to stand up for his shinki. Bandou is a good guy, he wouldn't outright steal something from someone now would he? It agitates him that Horikawa would say that and maybe there was some miscommunication? Besides, it's his shinki. That says something about him, too.

But if he stands up for Bandou, does Horikawa think he's going against him? Not that it probably matters much. Horikawa probably wouldn't think much of anything about him. So what if he's standing up for someone else? The childish part of him, though, doesn't want Horikawa anymore annoyed with him. Just the thought makes him want to shrink into himself even if their daily lives had included at least a dozen or so quips about how annoying the other one was. Those days had been comfortable and they could simply argue just to let stress from other things have a way out.

Is it silly to miss fights?

But Horikawa keeps talking and Izuminokami groans because isn't it just like him to find a subtle way to put himself down in comparison? Even without memories he still finds a way to do it. "Don't say it like that! Like I'm better or something! You know, you're the one who--" He stops himself quickly enough that he can't say something stupid and he's glad Horikawa can't see his face. "Sorry, I just hate it when people say shit like that. I won because you tried to fight me with my own style. You're different than me so we have different strengths and weaknesses. There's ways you're stronger than me and you need to focus on that instead of the ways you're weaker than me. If you care about that then you'll never get any stronger so don't do that. You think people get any better when they do that? Hell no. If I did that then I wouldn't be where I am. You have to have pride in what you're good at and just work on covering where you lack!"

He ranted a little just then and he wonders how Horikawa will take it. "...Uh, so. Yeah. Um, new god. That's cool. Old one sucked?" Better to awkwardly change the conversation.

[shufu]

The modesty isn't something Horikawa expects and it's enough to give him pause. His hands fall to his lap because anything more feels like a distraction. He was almost finished anyway.

"After only one fight you could tell all that?" Is he impressed? Bothered? Horikawa's curiosity is such that it remains pure, at least at face value, untainted by competing emotions. And then, something else breaks through. He laughs. "You're not making a very good case for your argument. That's pretty amazing."

Still, though he can't say why, or where it comes from, he feels a little glow warming his chest, like a firefly struggling in the night. If Izuminokami were merely coddling him, he'd be insulted but that isn't what's happening now. Somehow, he's certain this the most genuine side the other has ever revealed to him.

With that he can confidently promise, "Next time I'll make you work for it." Was that a threat? Izuminokami still left the impression that he didn't care for working for very much at all so he leaves it at that. Better than to say anything ill about any of his masters too.