citylogs | (open) flightless, she tries to glide instead

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(open) flightless, she tries to glide instead

WHO: Kochou Shinobu (

wingclip) & you!
WHAT: august event log & semi-catch all!
WHERE: the newly opened mall & other parts of the city
WHEN: month of august
WARNINGS: gen violence warn on shinobu's end, others pending??

» THE MALL

[Malls may as well be small cities folded within themselves.

This is what Shinobu had decided the moment she stepped inside to explore the building. Towering levels and long expanding platforms lined with shops spread out before her, advertising items from clothes to various accessories. She imagined someone could spend several hours in such a place and never get bored, and she certainly wasn't losing interest anytime soon.

After all, she had been locked inside for about an hour already.

As usual she takes the sudden turn of events into stride, using her time to explore a few shops, dimly lit as they are. She's able to navigate well enough and if one looks deep enough they may find her in a department store meant for stationary and cute items.

Before her are a row of dimly lit goldfish nightlights. They look interesting enough with the way she peers at them with a finger on her chin. She's never seen anything like it before, and considering there were no animals in this city... she can't help but be charmed.]

There's something rather calming about them, don't you think?

[Oh, she's peering up at you now.]

» THE MAINTENANCE ROOMS

[A few more hours in and she's beginning to lose some of her precious patience.

It's obvious that further exploration of the mall is needed, but she's only one person and the building is gargantuan. Nevertheless she trudges on, her usually confident and calm smile slowly dimming as she takes corners and peers into vast hallways. She's been at this for a while and the occasional sound of footsteps other than her own isn't lost on her either.

By the time she reaches the end of one particularly long hallway and reaches the crossroads she's at her wits end, her face quietly concerned as she considers each side.

RUN.

SAFETY IN NUMBERS.]

How generous of them.

To think a coin would be useful by now... [She murmurs to no one in particular, thinking of her youngest sister and feeling pain twist in her heart. She shifts her weight from one foot to the other. Maybe you can help her make a decision on this...]

» THE MAIN HALLWAYS

[The demon slayer has lost track of how long she's been trapped inside this place. That detail, however, is miniscule compared to what she's focusing on now.

The sensation first crept up to her after finding the fork in the hallway and from there it progressed, from a thought, to a feeling, to a sensation buried in her skin.

Despite there being virtually no other sounds (other than the mechanical humming within the walls) she swears she can hear a chuckle in her ear, a sneer further down the hallway. A figment she cannot recognize or even comprehend continues to catch the corner of her eye, until she finally does catch a glimpse of its obscured facial features after giving a brief chase through a long corridor.

White, gleaming fangs.

The shadow darts into another corner, almost gleefully avoiding her widening gaze.

A single thought resonates in her mind and paralyzes her limbs in that moment. If she didn't notice you before she's noticed now and she's reaching out with one delicate petite hand--

To grab the front of whatever you're wearing, her eyes bright and desperate.]

Do you have a sword? A sword! Any kind of weapon?!

Anything!

[She's small but her vice-like grip won't relent just yet. She needs something, anything—

She needs to find that (demon) and kill it before it kills her.]

» WILDCARD

(I'll leave this section for anyone who wants to drop their own starters or divert from the event all together! I'd like for this log to be a catch-all as well for august things I wanted to get to so please feel free to start any of our ideas off here!)

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[Fish are one of the least offensive animals to him, and he's kind of warmed up a bit to frogs as a result of Marcoh. Still, there is something kind of charming about it. The idea of a single light in a child's dark room must be comforting indeed.]

Oh? Do you like cute things like this, Shinobu?

[It's a genuine question, but he definitely is asking in a way that he means to be teasing, too.]

[If this were any other time and place she might have met Daan’s teasing remark with a sharper one of her own, dry and light-hearted at the same time. This time however she lets out a little laugh that’s erring slightly on weary. It’s good to know he can still joke even trapped in this place.]

Would it be so surprising to learn that I do? I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to have one or two of these in your office, doctor.

Maybe you’ll warm up to them, hm?

[When she turns back to the row of nightlights her smile dims somewhat.]

I take it the exits and entrances to this place are still locked.

Hmm, I could think of worse things. Fish are all right.

[Hell, he's even going to pick one up, as if to humor her.

Honestly, this situation is no worse than other horrors he's dealt with -- and even then, he could manage some semblance of a sense of humor or some level of sarcasm.

For now, this doesn't seem too bad. Annoying at worst.]

Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. No one has had any luck yet. A real pickle we're in.

...How are you doing, Shinobu? Honestly?

Ah, I thought that might be the case.

[Her response is light, a little more acquiescent than she’d usually allow. She eyes the nightlight in Daan’s grip as though it were a little torch, their only source of warmth in what she considered a large and desolate place. Well, maybe not that desolate…]

Hm? [The corner of her lips quirk up at him.] Honestly? That’s a tall order to ask of me.

[But no really:] The truth is I’ve been feeling a little on edge since arriving here. As though some sort of unwelcome party was expecting me to walk in… silly, isn’t it?

[The nightlight stays in his grip. Aside from his teasing, he's going to honestly put it somewhere in the clinic. Maybe for her, maybe for him. Probably both.

Daan looks down at her, and understands that it's a big question he'd asked. It's not as if he's very forthcoming himself.]

Sure, if you're being completely logical about it. But nothing about this place has been logical. I think maybe your instincts are something worth listening to here.

Truthfully, I'm not sure what to expect here. Then again, maybe I've just relaxed too much and that's on me. If you want, though, I don't mind hanging around a bit to make sure we're both good?

[Akagi had taken to wandering the halls of the mall without much of a care in the world. Oh, she's on edge, of course. But being as she is, the KAN-SEN is still more than confident in being able to handle just about anything.

Nevermind that her current opponent seemed to be one she couldn't quite see or interact with as of yet. Doubtless, it would reveal itself in time. Either by choice, or by force. For now her ears perked up as the sound of a chuckle reached them. It was rather obnoxious she thought, as her eyes glance over to the grinning figure.

Well now, it seemed things were-

-- her thoughts are interrupted as a pair of hands grip the front of her kimono. Nine, fluffy tails flick in annoyance, an urge to step on whatever bug had laid hands on her rose~.

Rose, then stopped. Desperation and anger was in that voice and grasp.

Red, fox eyes shone dimly in the low light as she looked down at the petite figure of the young woman.]

Hm~? Such anger! And to grab me in such a way. If you're not careful you'll undo my top!

[It was said soft and in a teasing tone. But still held an edge to it that held authority and command. One that was doubled as she reached with her own, lithe hands to push Shinobu's off. Hm... another human. And whatever she had seen... well, color the fox curious.

There was also some truth to her words, given what Akagi's usual attire. Though, Shinobu may also notice a potentially familiar crest on the metal portion of her outfit. whether any of that helps her to calm down, or let go is up to her. Or, perhaps, the kitsune-like appearance might give her pause, or make things worse?]

Really, no one here seems to have any manners at all! It's all very... irritating.

[And she doesn't deal well with irritants. Regardless, she was still taking stock of their mutual situation. She is curious, and technically she is supposed to help and guard humans. Technically.]

...I'm afraid I don't have any weapons to give.

[Normally– or rather, at any time other than what’s happening now— Shinobu would never put her hands on a stranger in such a way, let alone a pretty lady. Her reasoning at the moment however is flickering wildly like a weak candle, ready to blow out and vanish at any second.

It’s only when that delicate hand pushes her aside does she force herself to take a steadying breath and catch a glimpse of that seal on the woman’s outfit. Her brow furrows in some sort of recognition but what truly stands out to her is the words that follow after:

I’m afraid I don’t have any weapons to give.]

Ah. [Her small hands curl at her sides as she once again hears the low humming of the building around them, the distant sounds of feet stomping down the hallways. He’s still out there, still evading his demise at her hands.

Calm down. Look at yourself, Shinobu.]

… Miss. [She tries again, glancing over at those long nine tails the woman sports behind her.] This may sound ridiculous but… something tells me you’re from my time. Someone of higher class.

[OK yeah, let’s start there.]

[Then, it would seem, that this candle would simply have to be lit anew. Or changed into an inferno. Akagi continued to watch and observe, the girl is still tense, and her mind was still elsewhere. Even as she let go and came back down to earth. Able to see everything beyond her own anger and troubles.

Or is it fear?

Akagi's ears briefly twitched and moved in the direction of those footsteps as they grew distant.

Seeming to hide themselves? Or maybe waiting. She decided that she did not care for the sound of those feet, or the laugh, or much of anything else that they were connected to. Despite his speedy exit, the man seemed more like he was playing a game here. Among the growing list of things that Akagi does not like, it's being toyed with.

Though, she doubted that she herself was the target of the man's antics.

Her attention turned back towards Shinobu, having a general idea of where the stranger now is. The statement tickled her. Were they from the same time? Perhaps, at least their style of dress and mannerisms would be similar enough.]

Do I? [A giggle and a swish of her tails follows. Clearly pleased.] Aha, I suppose I might be~!

[A soft smile forms on her lips, one that accentuated her apparent pleasure and amusement at the observation.] I do happen to be something of a high-ranking officer in the Imperial Navy.

[Akagi continued to keep tabs on where the figure from before went. Her curiosity was still there. And this girl looked like she might prove to be fun. Or need a little help... or both! Two birds with one stone. It would certainly be a break from the monotony.]

[Luckily for the youkai (??!) Shinobu doesn’t have many opinions on the current Japanese government (or lack of recognition from them, for that matter). She knows that they’d rather dismiss the existence of oni than assist the rural villages with purging them from their lands… but if that were the case, then how does a youkai become a navy officer?

It’s a prelude to several questions that she cannot rightly answer yet, and perhaps given their situation, isn’t that imperative.]

A youkai occupying a military position? [She manages a small wry smile.] Now I’ve really seen it all, Miss.

… I apologize for grabbing you, but. [Shinobu tucks a tendril of her hair behind an ear.]

I’m sure you’ve realized we’re not alone here.

[Someone is watching us.]

[Ah~! A youaki!?!? Where!? This girl's precious, but that seemed to be par the course for most people here. As for how she became a naval officer...! Well, that's a long and complicated story involving two foxes, an earthquake, and some creativity.

But no, there was no time explain at the moment. And Akagi herself was still debating on just how much she was willing to share with others. Not like anything was really a secret. It was just far more fun to divulge information from others without giving any herself.]

Ara, a youkai as an officer would be quite a sight to behold!

[She still held onto her smile. Then, stepped closer to Shinobu, moving to slide up to her side, fox tails warm and tickling as they moved to brush against her. Teasing as she pressed in, leaning down. Looking into those pretty eyes to fill them with the site of her own, crimson.]

But you're quite right. We're not alone here.

[If allowed, she'd lean in closer, lips nearing Shinobu's ear. Akagi's voice sounding just a whisper.]

Neh, I didn't say I wouldn't help you. If you want... I could help find our laughing voyeur~.

(He knows he isn't alone. He's run into plenty of people in this shopping center while chasing down his own apparition. In fact, he was in the middle of searching for his mysterious phantom when he stumbled upon Shinobu. He isn't sure what's really going on but he notices the way that something else seems to be around. Another phenomenon.

What he doesn't expect is for her to suddenly grab onto him. She'll find her hands wrapped around the expensive silk and delicate gold chains of his robe and if she pays a little attention, she'll see that the man she's grabbed onto is dressed very much like a samurai-- an all-white kimono, light, black-blue armor, and leather guards.

He looks down at her with bright gold eyes. At first, he looks surprised but then he smiles as if enjoying a private joke. Calmly,)

In a sense...

[The fine quality of the fabric in her grip isn’t lost on her and for a split second she’s taken aback by that placid response, easy and inviting as a breeze of wind. Compared to that calm demeanor she’s fiery, nearly bursting at the seams as her teeth sink into her lower lip. Her pale fingers tighten further around the bundle of white.]

—In a sense? Please do not joke with me.

[It’s not an answer!! After a beat she wonders if she should simply shake him and have his valuables drop from his person like some sort of cartoon— that is, until she hears the sinister chuckle ringing in her ear once more.

Shinobu suddenly releases the young man, her expression tightening further. She knows she should apologize, but—]

Unless it wasn’t one?

I'm not, I'm not!

(He's very serious. If she's looking for any sword, she's certainly found one. Before he can really explain, a sound cuts through and he watches the way she reacts. Whatever it is, it certainly has an effect on her, doesn't it?)

I'm serious! (And he raises a hand to his chest. It looks like he's making some sort of solemn promise but really, he's gesturing to himself. He wonders if she'll catch that. Inside jokes only work if people know you, huh...) But I can't help like that.

(He doesn't sound very sorry.)

What are you after?

.. are you lost?

[ Daniel calls out to the figure in the distance when he hears the voice, following it to arrive at its source - and spotting through the darkness that it's actually someone relatively young. Maybe not a small kid, but still someone young enough to register on the scale as young to a middle aged person like Daniel.

It instinctively makes his heart hurt a little to see them all alone in a situation like this. Sure, Daniel is also wandering around by himself, having lost his companion in the darkness and chaos, but at least he's older. These young people shouldn't have to be alone in the middle of a relatively scary situation like this.

.. even if this girl doesn't seem too scared, Daniel thinks as he gets closer. Still, he tries to give her a slight reassuring smile once he's close enough for facial expressions to register in the dark. ]

We could go look together, if you'd like. I mean, 'safety in numbers' does sound like the way to go here, don't you think..?

[Her guard— perhaps reasonably, given their situation— skyrockets when the unfamiliar male tone reaches her within the vastly otherwise empty fork in the hallway. She doesn’t jump or flinch when she sees him but instead turns slowly as though to prepare herself for whatever it is she might see.

When it turns out to be a wandering man and not something else (what was she expecting? In this kind of place—) she lets out a little huff. She isn’t afraid.

She’s… stressed.]

I was under the impression we all were. [The girl in the haori and sandals offers him a small smile, tight and pressed.]

You may be right about that… but to write something so conveniently on a wall?

It almost seems like a trap. [But how would that even work? Her shoulders lower, resigned.]

Or perhaps I’m simply overthinking. You may come with me, if you’d like.

[ The man shakes his head. ]

No, you're just being cautious. [ Which he definitely sees as a good thing. Especially given the situation - like there's a dread hanging over it all, like something bad is just about to happen - and given the fact that she's so young.

So the words slip out of his mouth easier as he steps a little closer towards her, giving her what he hopes is a reassuring smile. ]

So let's take a careful look together then. If it is some sort of trap, or there's some sort of danger, we can just get out of there real quick. [ He's already taking a step forward, ready to do so, before glancing over at her. ] You know there's no shame in retreat, right?

[ Especially when Daniel - coming from such a normal world - assumes that most people don't really stand much of a chance in the face of real danger. Him included. Often just getting away from it is the safest option. ]

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(open) flightless, she tries to glide instead

the mall

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Main Halls~

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main halls

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the maintenance rooms

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