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~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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!]

[ It takes her a moment to figure out what he's talking about. Luckily for the both of them, Yamato was one of the first ships to have ~air conditioning~. It's part of the reason the sailors dubbed her a luxury "hotel". ] Cold?

Mm, the air conditioning is turned a bit low in this building. [ If he doesn't know about it, then he really must come from sometime in the past. ] --Ah, this is something new to you, correct? Do not worry, this is a standard today. In the summer it makes reading a book tolerable without the heat... even a book of commerce, I am sure.

[ She's totally going to try to brush up on accounting and trade, if it means she'll be useful to him. To not be of use, to be sitting in wait for a time to actually be used, gathering dust... that's not something she wants. She wants to do all that she can.

Yamato guides a woman to one of the work desks, sitting her down. The woman hardly moves, even when Yamato finds a magazine and places it in front of her, open. ] ...There. One helped. [ Out of the hundred that need helping. ] ...If you would prefer, you can stay here with them, while I gather as many as I can here. Perhaps it would be safer for you that way, my lord.

Air...conditioning?

[Yup. Totally from the past. Everything draws his attention, from the carpet to the lights, the doors, even the books themselves. Yamanami withdraws one from its place in the shelf, marvelling at how protected it is with its cover. He flips open the first page; thankfully the script used here is the same as his time, otherwise he'd have to relearn an entire alphabet!

Yamato's suggestion calls him back to the situation, and he snaps the book shut and places it back on the shelf.]

That's not necessary. I'm no stranger to dangerous situations, Yamato-san. And it would be irresponsible of me to let my shinki face the potential threat of an ayakashi alone. Ayakashi can only be killed by a shinki and a god; if you were to be surrounded, you might not be able to fend them off.

[Speaking of that...]

I apologize if I'm repeating what's already been told to you...do you know how gods and shinki destroy ayakashi?

In truth, now that you bring up the subject...

[ And it should be apparent from the way she seems surprised by his response. ] When I first arrived, I was instructed of what I was, of who I was to find, of what my purpose was, that I may transform into a weapon of sorts... [ She looks off to the side, recalling the brief meeting with one of the heavenly shinki. ] Ah, and to investigate the abnormality in this town. [ Her gaze returns to him, her brows knitting together in concern. ]

I am not entirely sure how the process of slaying ayakashi works. [ It's an inconvenience of sorts, if they absolutely must work together. But she doesn't quite know where to place this inconvenience. Perhaps it's because she doesn't truly know his ability in a battle, god of war or not, and so she cannot formally draft some sort of tactic in her mind. ] From, ah, my understanding, are ayakashi not spiritual beings...? Would there need to be some holy component to an attack? [ Yamato may be dead now, but she doesn't feel particularly holier than usual. ]

Then I will be glad to explain it.

[And he explains the whole process of naming, vessel forms, and rending to her. When he's done, he folds his hands together.]

So before we head out to rescue this town's inhabitants, we need to decide on a name for you. Is there anything in particular you would prefer, Yamato-san?

[ She blinks at him, feeling a bit silly.

Another name for herself? She wonders if it will be like a nickname. ] ...I truly have no preference. Indeed, you would be as capable as I am for picking out one, if it is to hold significance. [ Since she has no idea about her past. ]

[Hmm...how to go about this delicately.] Are you sure? I don't think it's fair for me to choose a name for you without your input. Is there nothing that comes to mind?

[ His question makes her pause. Perhaps he's not just asking out of courtesy, but as a request as her god. In which case, she should try to think of something.

But thinking of that sort of something-- any indication for a kind of name she would choose-- begins to draw out a feeling of discomfort from within her. Her jaw tightens as she presses her lips together, and she holds one arm with the other, looking away uncertainly. She shouldn't press herself, but she does if only because it's by his request. Yamato closes her eyes, breathing in deeply to stabilize herself.

She doesn't see anything, and she only feels a darkness that's pressing against her prying, strong and sharp. Yamato suddenly gasps, opening her eyes quickly, focusing in on Yamanami once again. When did her arm stretch out to find that wall to hold her up? She takes another few deep breaths, shutting her eyes tightly and fighting against a bought of nausea.

But she has an answer for him at last. At least partly. ] ....Waves. I... I heard the ocean.

[ Her tone, normally so coherent, betrays her shaking. After a few more moments she straightens up, releasing the wall and letting her arms down by her sides. One of her hands hooks into the nook of one of the anchors at her hips. Oddly enough, feeling the steel draws some comfort for her. ] That is... all I know. My apologies. Is that enough?

[He had been about to speak up when he noticed her discomfort, when she begun to sag against the wall.] Yamato-san, it's alright. There's no nee-

[But then whatever it was that's pressing on her culminated in that sudden swallow of air, the shaking. He feels a sudden bout of panic, of guilt that he'd push her almost to the brink, and his dismay at what his question had nearly wrought shows in every line and crease on his face.] No, no, it is I who should apologize. [If she doesn't mind, he's going to guide her to a nearby chair so that she can sit and compose herself.] I'm sorry, Yamato-san. I should not have asked.

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