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AUGUST EVENT PT 1
premise ⬥ taken ⬥ faq ⬥ navigation
→ 8/3-8/4 School Cultural Festival
Good morning!! The crows start cawing at the crack of dawn and they're really noisy, but while they're usually a nuisance on the best of days, perhaps the wake-up call will be appreciated this weekend, as the school gates are open over the weekend for the annual cultural festival the students have been hard at work on for the past few weeks. It's an open event for family and friends to come enjoy themselves, or perhaps get dragged into helping out in a booth or two, as some of the students have called in sick or can't be reached at all. Either way, the general commotion centered around the school is probably even loud enough to be heard all the way over in Castle Ouma if you're quiet enough. I don't know how else to get you guys who still live in the castle ruins over here... Hopefully you've been hearing people talking about it all of last month? Or maybe you're a newcomer who's just woken up in the castle ruins, spent ten seconds with Kokichi, and decided to leave the forest and never return, that's also very plausible.
Involving the elementary, middle, and high school buildings on their shared campus, all the typical sorts of booths can be found, including a school play performed by the elementary school students in the auditorium in the morning, and various concerts or performances held throughout the day. In the classrooms, food stalls and cafes are common, along with haunted houses for the braver souls. Rumors say that sometimes people who enter the haunted houses never come out the other side... but never mind that. It's fine. Sports clubs hold friendly competitions outside on the field, and many cultural clubs have displays of their work to show off in their club rooms, so there's plenty to do and see and eat all around campus. Despite all the preparation, however, some of the stalls appear to be empty, others with students frantic about not having enough people to keep things rolling smoothly. Looks like the strange illness going around town last month hasn't completely resolved yet, but maybe it's best for those who are ill to stay home in a crowded place like this.
For those seeking something quieter, tucked away in a corner of the high school building next to a struggling yakisoba stand is a fortune telling tent which doesn't seem to be getting many customers. The line is short and there's no fee, so why not give it a shot? Inside, a hooded figure sits, head bowed and face completely obscured in shadow aside from their chin, illuminated by a cheap looking crystal ball placed in the center of the table. A stack of cards lays on their left, a bag of something smelling faintly sweet and spicy sitting on their right. Without prompting, the fortune teller speaks in a low soft voice, greeting you by name. Weird. Weirder yet, they go on to address you by the arcana on your omamori, be it The Fool or The Hermit or what have you, and rather than answering any questions you may have about your future, the fortune teller instead offers one of two messages:
『To return to where you hailed, you must return to where you arrived. Take with you that which bears the name of the being you have banded together to defeat, and restore what once was.』
or
『When the moon's face shines full and bright, at the cusp of night and day, return to the place of beginnings. Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai must be played, to return two lost souls to this world.』
Huh... Before you can ask any questions, however, your time is up and the next person in line is already pushing you out the seat to the exit. You can always return to the end of the line to have another go, but... curiously, when you enter the tent any subsequent times, a high schooler in uniform greets you, bright and chipper. Home? Souls?? She has no idea what you're talking about if you repeat the messages from before, but never mind that! She can read your fortune!! Maybe you'll let her show off some palmistry and— oh... your life line is rather short... Unfortunate. Never mind, we'll try tarot instead and- hm. That sure is The Tower. Oh well, time's up, next person please!
On Sunday evening as the festivities wind down, a bonfire has been set up in the middle of the field, adding to the unnaturally hot summer night. It's still pretty, though, with the sky dark and bright stars starting to peek out, blankets laid out across the grass and sweet potatoes being passed around to be roasted by the fire. Take the time to relax and breathe... because it's un/fortunately a festival month and the villagers are hype about their festivals.
→ 8/6-8/8 Tanabata Festival
- While the students had been hard at work setting up the school festival, the rest of the town had been preparing for the tanabata festival, with stalls set up encircling the entire lakefront at the center of town. Yukata can be bought or rented, along with traditional hand fans to ward off the heat of the summer, and many of the typical food stalls and carnival games can be found, including stalls where you can test your luck in scooping goldfish/yo-yos/other small plastic toys, shooting targets with cork rifles, attempting the rigged ring toss that's impossible to win without cheating, or playing the lottery with tickets for free food from the stalls as consolation prizes. Maybe your luck sucks and you just want to buy stuff and that's fine too. Come with full wallets and leave with full stomachs filled with yakitori skewers, sweet or savory dango, roasted sweet potato, and the seasonal favorite: shaved ice. It's seasonal because it's summer and summer is so hot. This particular summer feels like hell and halfway through the last day, they run out of syrup, but cups of plain ice are still selling very well, so... yay...
While some of the stalls are already heavy with decoration, others are pretty sparse, with the lack of people running them. Which is fine, or intended, because there are workshops held all around for teaching and encouraging people to make decorations meant to improve different aspects of one's life: paper kimonos for artistic ability, strings of a thousand paper cranes for long and healthy lives, paper purses for wealth, colorful streamers for handicraft, wastebaskets for cleanliness, and of course, tanzaku- paper strips hung up on bamboo trees for a wish to be granted by the gods. Decorations are judged for artistic ability, with a small prize given to the best decoration judged at the end of each night.
In the evenings, stages set out along the lakeside feature folk dance performances, and decorations are collected to be lit on fire and sent off in small boats in the lake, the collection of flames giving off a soft light as the paper burns down and turns to ash, reclaimed by the lake as they sink. A reminder from the townspeople to anybody who stands too close to the lake: please do not touch the water. On the very last evening of the festival, a fireworks show is held, shooting up overhead above the lake and is visible anywhere around town, raining down sparks of gold and red, hell fire from the sky.
...Also hell fire in the woods. It's been windy and dry all month, and a small forest fire has started at the edge of town, be it from arson or by accident. The villagers cut the evening short to go help, as there is no established fire fighting service, so any and all assistance would be appreciated. Somewhere nearby, a child starts to cry, unable to find his mother. With the villagers pulled away, the night ends with the stalls left empty. Nobody comes to clean up the next morning...
→ MOD NOTES
- ⬥ As mentioned in the OOC plotting post, a heat wave befalls the town and NPC villagers start disappearing until the daitengu from last month is defeated. 2 more dungeon threads must be submitted before 8/11 to secure the ofuda. Lockdown continues to occur each midnight, with the school transforming into the dungeon; details can be found on last month's event log.
⬥ For the cultural festival: characters will receive a hint about either 1) how to return home (take the ofuda received after beating the dungeon boss to the castle ruins), or 2) how to summon the Velvet Room attendants (playing Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai at the castle ruins during the full moon), and are highly encouraged to discuss both messages amongst themselves. Characters may learn more about how to play Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai, date of the full moon, etc. by asking around town.
⬥ On 8/12 (ICly dated on 8/15, the night of the full moon), a mini-log will go up encompassing both of these findings.
⬥ For the tanabata festival: each character may claim one small wish pending mod approval at any time this month (comment below) for writing their wish down on a tanzaku, and 3 characters will be randomly chosen on 8/12 as winners for the decoration judging, and will be contacted at that time for the option of receiving an additional wish.
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[ He feels Leon's grip tighten. He can't exactly abide by those words and he knows why. Sure, he'll do things like fall back if the situation looks really rough and he feels like he can't handle it, but sometimes he just needs to push himself. That's all he can do. It's how he lived, it's how he survived... it would be very difficult to get that out of his system. ]
I'll always fall back if it looks like I shouldn't stick around any longer.
[ It's not exactly the same thing, but this is all he can offer at the moment. ]
I can't do things risk-free all the time though, but I'll try to minimize it when I can. I'm always going to get hurt, but it's fine. I'm supposed to, in a sense. Sure, I don't like getting hurt, but sometimes, things just happen and there's not much I can do about it.
[ The meatshield comment is forever haunting him to this day. ]
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What do you mean 'you're supposed to'?! No one's supposed to get hurt all the time!! That makes no sense!!
[ Leon has always been loud, but it has never been on purpose. It's never been out of anger, either. But this time, he raises his voice, because he wants to get his point across. Because he's upset. ]
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Leon.
[ He breathes out in silence. ]
I don't die.
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So what?! Just because you don't die, it's okay to get you hurt? It's okay to have you fight in the frontline by yourself? It's okay as long as others are safe? What the hell is that?! There's no way it's okay!!
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[ He shouts, after having his fists curled with his nails digging into the palm of his hands. Maybe he's tired to the point that his self restraint no longer just gives a fuck for the moment. ]
At that point, it couldn't be helped! People were disappearing from the boss area and no one knew why! We were running short on people! People weren't coming back fast enough! The healers were getting tired from doing their job way too much and the bird boss was smart in attacking people directly instead of their Personas!
[ There really is no stopping his yelling right now. Everything just feels like it's pouring out. He couldn't say most of this with the people who visited him, and he just. Can't take it anymore. ]
Rei was one of the overworked healers. I needed to get her out of there. We were all going to retreat and regroup another time, but the bird boss ended up separating us. Thankfully, Vassago was with her, so she was fine, but he ended up literally crushing my heart since he was aiming for me.
[ His hands are bleeding now with the amount of pressure his nails have dug in. Maybe it's at this point, he just. Explodes. ]
That could have been Rei. Rei isn't like me! She would have died for real if something like that happened! If she died like that, I'd never forgive myself--at least if I took the hit, I'd be fine later! That's how it's always been! That's the only reason why I'm standing here today--talking to you, Leon! There is no later for humans who die like that! If they die, that's it! They're gone forever!! I'd rather it be me who suffers like that temporarily, than to have someone like Rei die permanently!!!
[ The last sentence is yelled louder than anything he's said before during his stay in Hirajiro. Not even when he screamed at Vassago to tear things apart, not even when he yelled someone's name when they were in danger... not even screams of him being absolutely startled by something. All of his frustrations, let out into a screaming declaration, filling the empty classroom. ]
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There's nothing that Leon can say back to Terry, because all of his reasoning makes perfect sense, even for someone without common sense like Leon. If he were put in the same situation, he might've done the same thing, even if he can easily die ー more so if he can't die. He sees where Terry's coming from, he sees how why he does this, but... still.
He stuns for a moment when Terry yells so loud it feels like the ground is shaking, but there is no hesitation when he pulls Terry into a hug, hand resting on the back of Terry's head. ]
I'm sorry...
[ His voice trembles, he's trying all his might to hold back the tears that are threatening to drop. ]
It's... it's just so unfair to you, that everything falls on you. If I were Rei... I would be sad if you're hurt because of me. Even if you recover well, I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for getting you hurt. But... you wouldn't be able to forgive yourself if anyone died and you didn't help them.
[ There's no 'winning' in this, and it makes Leon incredibly resentful that there is no happiness at the end of it. It's unfair! It's absurd! It's so stupid! Within him, he can feel an emotion flaring up, dark and bitter: vengeful. ]
It shouldn't have been 'how it's always been'.
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When pulled into a hug, he feels all energy drain from his body. He nearly goes limp in Leon's hold, but he manages to keep himself standing. He hasn't had this high of an emotional spike in so long--not even the time when Vassago went crazy held a candle to this. ]
... You didn't know.
[ Now that he screamed out everything he wanted to say, he feels empty inside. It was supposed to be a cathartic release, but he feels hollow. He wonders why that is. He can't even cry when he thought that he would, after saying all that. Maybe Leon would be able to shed tears enough for both of them. ]
When we get stronger, we won't have to consider that anymore.
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He doesn't know what's better... he's glad that Terry's still here with him, but if Terry isn't immortal, he wouldn't have to carry this responsibility with him. Heck, in the first place, it's not any of their faults. It's the Daitengu's for threatening their lives for no reason at all. ]
It's not something you have to do on your own. [ He says, pulling back just a little, so they can see eye to eye. ] I'll get stronger. I'll fight with you.
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[ He manages a small smile. The warmth is nice. It reminds him that someone is there with him. ]
Nobody will feel alone.
[ Despite his usual endurance, his legs give and he immediately falls to the floor, ending up sitting on his legs. It's really the emotional burnout--he laughs a little. ]
Man, that was really uncool...
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[ Leon bends a knee so he can be at the same eye level, hands hovering on Terry's sides just in case. When he hears what Terry said, he shakes his head firmly, brows scrunched up. ]
What are you saying? I haven't seen someone as cool as you before, Terry-senpai!
[ And now he has his hands on Terry's shoulders, to make his point clear. ]
You're strong. Not just because you can fight-- but here. [ Gently, Leon pats where Terry's heart is at. ] I think it's stronger than anyone I know. [ It's then Leon finally breaks into a small smile. ]
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[ It takes some time used to, feeling wanted, but it's fine. Terry will be here for the entire progress. He'll be here. He will always be here. ]
You're a good person. I don't really want to take anything from you...
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He smiles hearing what Terry said, wider now, tilting his head. ]
Even if you already took my heart?
[ Is it a joke? It's hard to tell with Leon. ]
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[ And that's exactly why Terry's reaction is like this, blank, confused and a "what did I just hear", all mixed into one. ]
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Come on, I'll help you up.
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[ Terry will take a hold of Leon's arms and pull himself up with Leon's help. His legs no longer feel like they poofed out of existence so he can stand better now. ]
Thanks. You're too good for me.
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[ He'll still hold on Terry until he's sure the guy can stand on his own. Terry keeps saying that - which is nice to hear, but really... ]
As you are to me, you know? I'm not a saint.
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[ He's always been morally gray in general, but now he has anchors that will keep him steady.
He wonders if he needs to make a better example of himself because Leon still calls him by senpai. ]
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[ He nods to himself, very content with what he came up with. ]
So you shouldn't go off by yourself next time!! I'll come with you!!
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[ Terry is also known for doing things on the spot, so he can't exactly promise Leon, but... he'll make a compromise. He quietly breathes out and looks around. They're still in the empty classroom and he got everything out of his system. He's not sure if he's still up for entertainment, but he can always be influenced to go and have his mind changed anyway, so. ]
How has work been? Are you having fun? Are you getting paid a lot?
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The sudden series of questions kind of catch Leon off-guard, but he figures Terry's just trying to ease back in to things after what just went down between them. ]
Mm, it's a lot of fun! It's... been lonely without you, though. Everyone else's there too, but. It's not as fun when you're not around. [ He smiles meekly. ] I think I'm paid okay! I don't know, but I can eat three meals a day!
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[ Services.................... Would Leon even ask. ]
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What kind?
[ It doesn't sound anything like his usual inquisitive, cheerful tone, but there's an obvious hint of concern. Good job Terry, you've made even an easy-going idiot like him a worry-wart. ]
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Oh, I can locate things for people. It's not straining at all and... I guess in comparison, it feels natural as breathing?
[ But yeah, Terry doesn't want to worry Leon, even though what he said is pretty much true. ]
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[ He's still unsure, but he's not gonna stop Terry from doing what he seems to be excited about. ]
But, let me know if I can help with anything, okay? ...Do you use some kind of supernatural powers for that?
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... ]
I'm not sure about supernatural powers, since they're... pretty natural to me. [ He laughs a little. ] Kinda like how haunted houses is your favorite ride, so... do you think we should go now? I'd like to go with you, Leon.
[ He'll take Leon's hand like how he's asking for a dance in a ballroom or some shit, but in actuality, he's gonna lead him to the haunted house. Finally leaving the classroom full of emotions. ]
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