Fandom Norgami: A New Era (IC)

[Karcen]

Location: SSA Office
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 12:40 pm
Mentions: Dante Verren QuirkyAngel CheshireMitsu
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Azani Goddess of Vengence and grudges

Azani had honestly expected a little more fuss about Miu and had almost wanted to reveal what most gods thought impossible, the naming of a phantom. Such a thing killed most gods and even those with large followings would not take on the blight, but Azani had and now Miu was with her. Well they likely were not as astute as her sister and would not know the difference. Really they should praise the pair for they had found another solution to the eternal struggle between god and phantom. Well these people were the buyers and sellers of souls, a dating app for the gods looking for a spirit to grow their power, not the bond of old. That was what made it good right now as Azani did not seek anything with true depth, a spirit that was strong enough to serve the queen of hell and would not seek to equal miu. Azani was a little annoyed at being told to wait her turn, but well she was in no rush and wasn't trying to make any kind of impression upon the spirit. Azani did wonder if she and the death gods would become partners or rivals after all she would get plenty of souls falling down to her.

" Perhaps but I do need you here, whoever I select will be as much your subordinate as mine " Azani said not giving the blue haired god much thought as he glared at Miu he wasn't worth the time, and would likely fade before long.

The blonde spirit that had come before them seemed interested in them, he spoke politely, and was dressed sharply. There was a strength in him for he did not seem worried to serve someone who was contracting with the dark forces. Looking to Miu Azani saw she at least somewhat approved of him, so that was good she could get along with others if she didn't feel threatened. Still bets not to rush things Azani wanted to know this spirit some make sure things were clear.

" Well it is nice to see one so brave and daring, but before a name is given I think we shall have to make sure the situation is fully understood" Azani said before looking to the assistant regalia " Do you have any rooms that the three of us might talk i am not going to name someone if my guidepost Miu and i don't agree on it and they are not informed?" Azani half asked as she knew they had rooms she just wanted to make it known Miu was not just a phantom but a regaila.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Forest River
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 1:30pm​

Abe no Seimei (God) + Kuzunoha (Regalia)

Abe no Seimei acknowledged Shiro’s grateful display with a slight incline of his own head. Showing gratitude when it was due was neither shameful nor did it lower the spirit. Rather, it spoke of culture and proper upbringing to know when to how to give and properly receive thanks. Certainly, bowing to another god in the presence of one’s own spoke of disrespect to the god that named them, but that depended on the bow. Bows had many different meanings in the Land of the Rising Sun. Bows of apology. Of gratitude. Of greeting. Of respect. Of farewell. Of worship. The bow one gave to a queen was different than the bow one gave to a prince and even the slightest difference in angles could be silent snub if one did not know what they were doing. As someone who had worked in the Imperial court of both men and gods, Abe no Seimei had memorized them all. Shiro’s introduction spoke of his gratefulness without diminishing his pride in what he did nor his respect for his god.

It was rare for the children of modern times to respect such gestures that were deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and the fact that the boy did raised Abe’s estimation of him. It was also because he was taking note of the regalia’s reaction that he noticed the way Shiro avoided gazing at Kuzunoha.

“Mother, please do something about your clothes.”

“Ehhhh? You’re too nitpicky, Doji,” Kuzunoha pouted. Nonetheless the fox spirit grabbed the jacket she’d been wearing, slid it on, and zipped it up in a single smooth motion. She sat in front of the campfire as Abe no Seimei passed her another fish. “So what should we do?”

“You’re the one that decided to help the boy, Mother.” The white haired god said, prodding a piece of burning wood with a stick and nudging it back into place so as to keep the fire tidy. He tossed the stick into the flames when in was done. “I have no idea where to even start looking.”

“Can’t you just divine his location or something, Doji? Aren’t you supposed to be good at things like that?”

Abe no Seimei sighed. “The futures and destinies of gods aren’t my providence.” He could make vague predictions of Heaven affairs based on the movement of celestial constellations even when he’d been a mortal, but it's been more difficult lately and even Amatsumikaboshi had gone missing since the war. Dead? Reincarnated? Who can say, but panicking and letting gloom spread to the Heavens would only make things worse. Most of Heaven’s major enemies had been eliminated following AFAH’s peak in Japan, which threatened not just Heaven, but the existence of all gods. It was the first time, in a long while, that Heaven had anything resembling a “war”. Even gods who didn’t entirely agree with Heaven’s policies, who lived and walked among the residents of the near shore, who didn’t normally fight phantoms, where called to join the army if they could pick up a weapon.

Many died.

Some didn’t return.

Since then, Heavens structure, as well as the structure of the world, had been undergoing significant changes. More powerful, “evolved” phantoms started appearing more often in the near shore. With the disappearance of old gods, newer, more ambitious gods, born during the modern era of faith, where beginning to crop up and fill the spots left by their “missing”/faded predecessors whose shrines were destroyed and who no longer had a place in the human heart. Organizations like SSA and phantom sympathizers started gaining prominence, leading to further conflicts between the surviving old era gods and the new era ones.

That, of course, meant increased workload and increased Heavenly meetings—that went nowhere with all the new ideas and differing perspectives. Even if he warned them of another potential war, Heaven was undergoing a tumultuous phase of its own every god had their own agenda. That, of course, applied to Lady Inari as well. He wasn’t blind to the fact that Lord Tsukuyomi and Lady Inari had been having increased private meetings as of late. The cases of the “missing” gods and dealing with the remnants of the war were left mostly to the Heavenly Army to deal with…

“Besides, the God of Justice’s shrine has long been decayed, if I remember correctly.” Even if he died against a phantom, Inemaru wasn’t likely to be reborn back there, so the most obvious place to look was already off the list. He had no other regalias or godly connections that Abe no Seimei knew of either. The god of Onmyoji sighed as he stood, absentmindedly fanning himself as he considered their options. “I’ve still got four more seals to place to finish the purification ritual for this forest as per the request left at Lady Inari’s shrine. That’s what we came here to do, after all.” Abe no Seimei glanced at his mother who was already helping herself to another fish and feeding Inemaru’s regalia. “We can give the forest another thorough search for Inemaru while we do so, but if the god can’t be found, it’s highly like he’s no longer here and we should return to the shrine to further strategize.”

Long, fruitless searches would only waste his mother’s efforts. After all, negative emotions were a feeding ground for phantoms and spirits—especially the ones that used to be human—were highly prone to them.

“I’ll text Inari to let her know,” Kuzunoha said as she pulled out her phone and began punching in the letters. “Maybe she has some ideas.”

“You’re getting better at using a phone,”

“Yep~ That X God’s been showing me how,” Kuzunoha said proudly as she closed the device and slipped in back in her purse. “It’s been a lot more fun these days since he started working with us.”

“Lady Inari’s generosity knows no bounds,”

The young god had been a menace until Inari took him under his wing and “taught” him how to be god in the proper sense of the word. Good and evil. Right and wrong. The path to attaining enlightenment wasn’t something every god was born with and, without it, they were little different than evil spirits roaming the world and bringing calamity in their wake. Even then, Kami_X was still a child in many ways…an incredibly stubborn one. Experience might change that. Or it might not. No two gods were the same, after all, and even gods as old as Lord Ryuujin or Lady Inari had their flaws.

Abe no Semei couldn’t say it mattered too much to him either way. Whether a god chose to neglect their duties or not, adhere to the aramitama of their natures or not, gods didn’t typically interfere with other gods unless personal boundaries were crossed. Abe no Seimei had no intention of stealing or naming another god’s regalia without first discussing it with the god—least of all one that seemed to care so deeply for their god. He didn’t step on toes unless he had to. Even though he couldn’t call himself a good person, in the same way his mother was, Seimei also had lines he wouldn’t cross. He couldn’t deny that the boy’s display of dedication had touched him either.

After all, unlike Inari or Kami_X, Abe no Seimei was a god that used to be human.

Phayne

 

[Dante Verren]

Location: Yasksha Shrine, Kyoto
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 1:40 pm​

Yuya Sumiko (Spirtual Human)
Interaction: Susanoo ( VeiledPariah )

Even though she wasn't expecting any gratitude a thank you still would have been nice. His tone did change though instead of sounding openly hostile it reminded her of the tone her dad would take with her when she was little and she would through a fit. Honestly she liked the open hostility a little better, at least that didn't make her feel so uncomfortable. When the yen note started to float in his hand she turned her gaze to it and watched it for a moment before looking at the man. Slowly she reached out and grabbed the water bottle from him. Sighing she spoke, "I'm guessing you won't accept my offering without me asking my question. Give me a minute to think of one." It wasn't that she didn't want to ask anything. Of course she had a billion questions to ask. This was a whole new world for her and she wouldn't be satisfied until she knew as much as she could.

That is where her inner turmoil started. Sumiko wanted to know more, she was an extremely curious person by nature and wanted to know more of this world of which she had been looking at but unable to recognize for so long. Despite the tone he said it in, the man was write. Sumiko was putting her nose into a dangerous world. Even if her only goal right now was to at least give some thanks to the beings that had been protecting her and her family would she only stop there? Probably not. She had already started to try and pick up coding to try and impress a random god she had met only a few days ago. The worst part of it all was even though it had only been a few days she sometimes struggled to remember the names those she had met. She could remember their faces and the scents they gave off and she knew she was always better at remembering faces over names but still when she first woke up in the morning it seemed difficult to recall the names of Kami_X , Hasuna-sama, and Yuuken. If she was struggling to remember something as basic as that would she ever be satisfied by asking more questions that answers may be washed away.

Sniffing the air lightly the putrid rot smell that was overpowering the air around the man had gone down a bit. She could actually detect more of that storm that was supposed to be there., but the rot stench was still. Part of her wanted to desperately ask what had happened to him but another part of her told her that asking that question would only put her in a position she wouldn't want to be in. Another question she could ask was what that smell was. It was so similar to the stench of the phantoms that it was almost like he was turning into one or being eaten by one. She could always ask Kami_X about that one though. Finally her eyes came to rest on the water bottle in her hand. Even though the man she had now come to assume was Susanoo was putting up a tough front she could tell he was still in pain. If the water had helped eased it then maybe a little more would help. Although her asking that would probably make the god angry at her she had to at least try to help. Walking away from things like this was never one of her strong suits.

"Alright Susanoo-sama I have my question." She said looking the god back into his eyes. "Do you want some more water?" she said with a now nervous smile. Hopefully she had worded it well enough. She didn't want to imply he needed it , but it really looked like he could use it. She also didn't know if this would be an acceptable question, but as she had thought before no one would say that Yuya Sumiko didn't try.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 12:40 pm​

Kagemi (Regalia)

“Uh, sure...” ‘Spirit’ wasn’t an SSA spirit, and hadn’t registered yet, so Azani could’ve taken him and named him in a restaurant down the street and it wouldn’t have mattered all that much to Kagemi. She certainly wasn’t getting any money for it whether Azani named Spirit or not. Gods used SSA services these days because it was convenient, but it wasn’t as if gods couldn’t do the work of finding and training their own spirits. Nor couldn’t spirits go out to look for their own gods. Wouldn’t the goddess of vengeance feel more comfortable naming a spirit in her own private space? “You guys can use one of the empty conference rooms.”

Miu might be a regalia, but Kagemi had no intention of letting the phantom anywhere near the Spirit Room without Nana’s okay. Blight, even if a little, permanently marred a spirit without a name, making them less employable. There were no ablution rituals for an unnamed spirit so the taint had to be cut out…which led to a cracked or broken regalia. That was the best case scenario. The worst case scenario was if the phantom got hungry and ate one of the spirits while Kagemi didn’t have her goddess with her. She had no idea what Azani’s control of her phantom was. Everyone knew that Izanami named phantoms so it would only make sense if her “daughter” living down in Yomi could do the same.

Still, she could hear the whispers of the black-dressed gods and spirits passing by who were more wary and distrustful. Didn’t help that Miu seemed to be glaring at everyone in sight. Kagemi was not looking forward to explaining to Nana why a fight broke out in the SSA office while it was her turn to take care of the office.

Therefore, Kagemi simply ushered ‘Spirit’ into one of the currently unused conference rooms where Death Gods sometimes discussed reaping strategies and tactics against phantoms—the one furthest away from the Spirit Room—while motioning for Azani and Miu to follow along. She removed the anti-phantom talisman before opening the door to the room.

“Seems you got a bit of a lucky break finding an interested goddess right off the bat.” Kagemi whispered to 'Spirit'. ‘Spirit’ seemed like a nice enough guy based on the brief conversation they had. There was probably some reason no god seemed to want him, but Kagemi wasn’t one to judge. Even a goddess from Yomi was probably better than no god. Probably. At least, then they could draw a borderline against phantoms. On hindsight, it was probably a bit of luck that Kagemi didn’t have to find for Azani a spirit among their numbers willing to brave the pits of the Underworld. “Best of luck on the interview. The working environment for this one is…probably a bit more dangerous than on earth…but the goddess should help you through it…”

Maybe.

Kagemi didn’t know much about Azani, after all. There were rumors, of course. The horrid stench. The beak atmosphere. The endless screams. The PHANTOMS everywhere. It was probably even tougher than working as a regalia for a Death God. However, there hadn’t been a single rumor of Azani mistreating any of the spirits that stayed with her—no matter how briefly—either. Some of the stories she’d heard up in Heaven sounded worse to her. Some spirits were used as tools in Heaven, then discarded when they broke or no longer had a purpose. Of course, it wasn’t that common of an occurrence (since most gods would never admit to such a thing). In many cases, Heaven’s regalias lived in a paradise. Some didn’t even have to work—the trophies and jewelries that just stood there to look pretty—and others held a high status or important position up in Heaven depending on their god. Best of all, there were no dangers up in Heaven. No gloom. No phantoms that could eat or blight them. Gods that wanted a family adopted children spirits that they doted on. It was the popular ideal for spirits to be named by a god that had a shrine and home up in Heaven. However, just because it was popular, didn’t mean it suited every spirit.

Hikarumi hadn’t seemed very happy working in Heaven when she was transferred to Nana’s branch, after all.

“Anyway, I’m sure it’ll all be okay! Worse comes to worst, SSA doors are always open to spirits looking for employment.”

Kagemi waved brightly at the three before taking her leave and closing the door behind her. “You’re all still visitors so lemme know if you need anything. There’s a phone in there with a number to the front desk and you’re free to use anything in the room so long as you don’t break it. Also, Miu-chan? You’ll make less enemies at SSA if you don’t glare at people~”

It was rather plain to see how uncomfortable the phantom was in Death God office and Kagemi couldn’t exactly blame her. SSA was built to welcome spirits and acted as a fortress against phantoms—especially since the war 10 years ago. Even the floor they stood on was basically cleaned using holy water. By the time she made it back to the front desk, Kagemi had a spritz bottle of holy water in her hand and was spraying the air—and any area Azani and Miu might’ve touched—to remove the Yomi ‘stench’. Humans couldn’t really smell it. It wasn’t a physical scent after all. It was a spiritual one that told phantoms and gods when the other where near…and, while Kagemi didn’t especially care, SSA would lose business if some of the more prudish Heavenly gods—who were used to pure air—were turned away by it. Even some of the more sensitive ones, who weren't used to it, found the Near shore a bit stifling. Kagemi rolled her eyes.

Karcen Dante Verren CheshireMitsu

 

[Lucem]

Location: Murakami House (Living Room), Kyoto
Date: April 3rd, 2030
Time: 6:00 p.m.​

Ryotaro Hirai
Seeing his classmate sadly stare at her toxic concoction, Ryo picked up his spoon once again. "Don't be silly. All a dish needs to taste good is the secret ingredient: love!" Trying to assure Rika that the food was fine, he challenged the soup once again, but it didn't take long before he started filling his mouth with water. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough love in the meal to overpower a taste like this. At the very least, he could say he finished the portion she gave him.

Finishing his drink, Ryo looked at Rika with a smirk when she brought up finals. "Dont underestimate Shirotome High's top student. There's no test I can't ace. But that doesn't mean I'll be cutting class. My grades are perfect, but I still have to tutor Kenji. Maybe I could help you with math too. I could even throw in some cooking lessons as a bonus." Ryo laughed as Rika went back to the kitchen, but the smug expression on his face fell when he saw her return with knives. It probably wasn't a good idea to tease someone when they had access to sharp objects.

Thankfully, the knives weren't meant for him, and Ryo was allowed to keep living as Rika asked him about the god who took up residence in their school. Leaning back in his seat, Ryo briefly looked out the window before returning to the conversation. "Yeah, I know about him. My eyes don't come with an off switch, so it'd be impossible for me to ignore a presence like his. He leaves plenty of remnants behind, and I've investigated some of the rumors about him. I've been pretty busy this year, so I haven't had the chance to arrange a meeting." He considered asking Kami X for help when planning the exorcism, but he ended up finding Ryuujin first. That may have been for the best. There was a big difference between a god who ruled the sea and a god who ruled a computer lab. Kami X may not have been strong enough to handle an evolved phantom.

"Whatever you do, just be careful." He already warned her about getting involved with gods, but he still felt the need to remind her of the risks. He wasn't sure if she still planned to have the other students pray for the release of their teacher's soul, but she was still talking about Azani. Rika also mentioned another goddess. Based on what she said, Uzume was in the same position as Nagi. While Uzume was more well-known, he could see how she ended up fading away like an obscure god. There wasn't a lot of revelry these days.

"If Kami X can't help you, my door is always open. Finding things happens to be my specialty." Ryo was always available for hire, but he hoped his services wouldn't be necessary. More business was good, but it was better for both of them if Rika's issue could be resolved without him getting involved.

Standing up, Ryo opened his phone and checked the time. "I'd offer to stay and help clean the dishes, but I need to get back to the office. The jellyfish case may be over, but I'm still on the clock." He was telling the truth, but that was only part of the reason. He chose to keep that to himself as he walked to the door, quickly slipping on his shoes as he prepared to face the rain once again. Umbrella in hand, he opened the door and got a good look at the stormy sky. He only bothered to look back once, giving Rika a final wave. "Thanks, Rika."

Closing the door behind him, Ryo let out a deep breath. He didn't bother opening the umbrella, knowing he'd just get soaked again during the ride home. He managed to get through the visit without any issues, but it was still rough on him, as expected. Trying to ignore those thoughts, he looked in the direction where he last saw the flicker of blue embers. He didn't know what caused that fire, but distant remnants told him that it wasn't natural. "I'll save that for another day." Right now, he just wanted to rest.

QuirkyAngel

 

[CheshireMitsu]

Unnamed Spirit
QuirkyAngel Dante Verren Karcen


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• ACTION
• BASIC INFO

• 
  
  Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
  Date: April 4, 2030
  Time: 12:44 pm​
  
  
  
  
  The spirit simply nodded as the goddess said that they would need to talk to him before naming him. It was understandable, because she would likely not want to take on a new regalia without knowing anything about him. He turned to the secretary when Azani referred to her. The woman directed them to an empty room, and as he walked in, she stopped him and told him at the door that he might be lucky, but warned him about the danger with the goddess.
  
  "I wouldn't say this is luck so far, as I have looked for a god to serve for a long time before... I'm sure I'll be okay in the interview. I'll also make sure to stay safe if she does choose to name me, I can't serve her very well if I've died in death." He smiled at her and continued into the room. "You do not need to worry for me at all." He continued into the room and sat down while Azani and her phantom regalia came in. Turning to the goddess, he asked, "What do you want to tell me, or ask me?"
  
  ​
• 
  
  Unnamed Spirit
  Male
  Loyal, kind, calm
  Can use Borderline, practicing Bind and Umbra
  
  View attachment 834785
  
  
  
  

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[Phayne]

~Regalia~
Location: Forest River// Date: 04/04/2030 // Time: 13:40 Pm // Mentions: Inemaru // Interactions: Abe No Seimei + Kuzunoha QuirkyAngel

Shiro gave a breath of relief as Kuzunoha slid her jacket back on and covered herself once more, the fox boy finally able to look in her direction without his cheeks flushing red. Despite his centuries of experience as a regalia and exemplar to Inemaru; the latter largely only down to being the longest serving Shinki in his care. Shiro still could not deny the fact that he was once a human boy and that Kuzunoha's prior appearance had tempted those human instincts that were still rooted within him. That being said, Shiro of course knew better than to act on such thoughts. Had he continued to leer, then no doubt in his mind he would have inadvertently 'stung' Inemaru; wherever he was.

Resuming his composure, Shiro made his way closer to the camp; setting himself down next to the fire in a more comfortable position, the large fox's tail had almost wrapped around the entirety of the camp as he got as close as possible to the fire without getting himself singed. Parts of his body still remained slightly damp from the earlier cleansing, thus it was only natural for himself to try get those area's dry as quickly as possible. As he did so, he listened attentively to the ongoing discussion between Abe and Kuzunoha and it quickly became quite apparent that even they were at a loss as to where to begin in their search. Whilst that may have dampened Shiro's morale only an hour or so ago and driven him closer to depravity, Shiro's cleansing had given him a clearer trail of thought and open mind to the situation as a whole.

Of course, that clearer mind didn't help alleviate the slight twanging at his heart when Abe no Seimei brought up their lack of a Shrine. A shrine was a a sacred place for a god; a bastion for where they would recieve worship and offerings; a place where God and regalia often resided. To many gods, it was considered a great honour to have a shrine created in their name; it was a sign of 'human' appreciation and acknowledgement of their existence as well as a means of conveying thanks and worship to the deities. Many minor gods who had yet to have a shrine in their name were often plagued with worry, a looming sense of demise hanging over them as the threat of being 'forgotten' always followed them. Yet despite managing to have a shrine themselves, given Inemaru's view on Justice, revenge and equality; the pair of them had in recent years had very little need for it and in due time it eventually fell to decay; becoming one of many shrines hidden away by the passing of time. Justice in its base essence was a viewpoint; an opinion that differed between people. It was not uncommon for humanity to have an infinite opinion on what 'justice' should be, after all as long as they felt wronged in some way they'd pray for retribution and often label it justice. Yet 'Justice' would only bring about 'injustice' elsewhere in an ongoing cycle.

A mother whose son may have died in an unfortunate unavoidable accident may seek justice against the perpetrator; blaming them for the death of their son. Yet the mother of the perpetrator may seek justice for an unfair trial when truthfully the perpetrator was merely at the wrong place at the wrong time. Justice, vengeance, revenge. They were nothing more than names given to a human's selfish desire to drag others down into their own pit of despair, to make others feel the pain of their own loss. Inemaru's justice however was not as flimsy as this. He was not swayed by a human's naivety in mislabelling their 'wish' as an act of justice. Inemaru's justice was his own and his alone. He alone would decide whether or not to enact justice and vengeance upon the soul standing before him. To some he was a heroic god and to many he was a god to be feared but in truth, he was a god that followed his own belief on what Justice should really be and whether he was right or wrong was for only him to decide.


As Abe no Seimei stood up, Shiro was brought out of his momentary lapse back into nostalgia and drawn towards the god once more; who himself had voiced their need to complete their own duties as to why they had even come here in the first place. Though one thing had bothered Shiro as Abe spoke, the god had mentioned the name 'Inari'.

Shiro was of course aware of who Lady Inari was, the 'Goddess of foxes, fertility, rice, sake, merchants, prosperity, manufacturers, and businesses' yet it wasn't her status in Kyoto that had bothered him. Lady Inari had caused quite the minor rift between Shiro and Inemaru once upon a time. Considering his divine beast appearance as a vessel, he had at some point caught the attention of Lady Inari and as a result been the subject of an 'enquiry of purchase' as the modern generation of humans like to call it. Undoubtedly that led to a bit of an argument between the duo as Shiro felt somewhat objectified by Inemaru's consideration of the substantial offer. Having spent so many years loyally serving his god, that momentary pause of consideration form Inemaru had been enough to start a one sided rift. Thus, Despite having never spoken a word to Inemaru since becoming his Shinki, the silence that emanated during those few days afterhad been quite different. Like the silent treatment one gets from an angry party when holding a grudge. Alas the rift was soon quelled upon Inemaru finally rejecting the offer a week later.

Shiro on the other hand had never personally interacted or introduced himself to Lady Inari, the fox boy quickly making himself scarce during the initial meeting between the two gods and just happening to eavesdrop during the point in which Inari had voiced her desire to purchase him. The 2nd meeting had been more or less the same, Shiro opting to wander off as Inemaru gave Inari his answer. This however begged the question as to whether or not Lady Inari would be as willing to help Shiro find Inemaru. Knowing very little about the goddess, Shiro had to wonder whether or not she'd be happy to help the guy who had once rejected her generous offer and even if she didn't hold a grudge, He had nothing to offer such a renowned god in order to ask for her help.

All that under consideration, it did seem like both Abe no Seimei and Kuzunoha had a lot of trust in Lady Inari and considering how they had been readily willing to help him, Shiro had decided to trust in their judgement should their final search of the forest bring about little results. Taking the 2nd fish offered by Kuzunoha, Shiro had risen to his feet with the cooked meal firmly in his mouth and glanced at the duo. With a clearer mind and energy gradually being restored to his exhausted body, Shiro had resolved to search the scene of the fight once more. To look upon the battleground with a fresher set of eyes; not clouded by the dark looming energy that had clouded his judgement the last few days.

Unfortunately even with a clearer mind and a fresher set of eyes, no amount of searching from the trio would uncover any clues as to the whereabouts of the god of justice. It was as if the god and phantom had been erased from existence completely; any traces of them even being here being non-existence save for the destruction of the forest from where they had fought.

Crestfallen yet with hope that he'd uncover the truth; Shiro had left a silent prayer for his god's safety and made a promise to either find him or if unable to do so; enact justice upon those that had tried erase his justice from the world.
​

 

[VeiledPariah]

Location: Yaksha Shrine
Date: April 4th 2030
Time: 1:43pm

Susanoo

Susanoo let the wind die as his hand clutched the 1000 yen note in his fist crumpling it as it disappeared before Sumiko’s eyes.
“Your wish has been heard loud and clear, and to answer your question more water would be appreciated”
The god answered as he burst into laughter only ceasing as his humorous attitude turned into a violent coughing fit.
This was shameful, relying on an overly curious girl for such a simple task as getting water.
Though he was sure that Sakda had erected a barrier that would not allow him to leave the premises. The phantom had indeed been prepared when he trapped the slumbering god.
It was not unknown that some kami would rest for great periods between enacting their devices upon the world. Susanoo had once slept for almost ten years and was on the precipice of accomplishing the feat once again.
Whilst sleeping a god practically ignored the wishes from humans unless they were fervent enough to wake him.
It was a plea much like this that had stirred him from slumber but it was a trap that had now held him here for months.
The fact that he was able to get this far in his own shrine meant that Sakda was losing focus or just lost interest for whatever he had planned for the god.
Still this human before him seemed different than most, especially as her question would could have been anything within the gods overarching knowledge was if he wanted more water.
“Your an interesting human, almost as dangerous as your curiosity...”
Susanoo leaned on the pillar sliding down so that he was sitting now for when she returned.
The light of the day edging in through the windows warming his skin as it skated across his figure.
He wondered how much longer he could hold out against the phantoms unceasing assaults on his mind, which seemed to stop whenever he broke in regards to her.
He seethed through gritted teeth and clenched fists at the remembrance of the Nora. Her calls to him a few days ago in the middle of the night, he heard her but didn’t answer. He never answered which begged the question why she continued calling out to him. He had not laid eyes on Ame in almost 800 years and now he only planned to break that ritual in order to kill her.
If only he had a Regalia, he could break out of this place and destroy her. She would never again plague his thoughts or haunt his dreams.
Maybe Sumiko could help. If she could find him a wandering spirit he could break out of here.
“What if I needed your help Sumiko, what would you say?”
——————————————————————
Location: Shirotomi Highschool
Date: April 4th 2030
Time: 12:30am
Ame(Regalia)

Ame’s eyes went wide as Sakda rushed forward pushing into her borderlines which she dropped as they began to disintegrate his hand. If he died her answers would never be found.
She back stepped as he grabbed her the regalia doing her best to fight back but she was exhausted at this point having used so much of her strength without much rest the past few days that now she was in his clutches as she could little more than retort and try to wrench herself from his grip fruitlessly.
Her eyes settled on KamiX whose barrel now pointed towards her, to be in such a predicament was infuriating but she forced the emotions down seeing that this fight was drawing too much attention, and destruction.
The night air increasingly worsening as the storms overhead began to spiral from all the energies colocating in one space.
The blight from his touch caused her wound to resonate as she bit her lip against the pain.
Ame resorted to the only thing she could do to attempt a break from the phantoms hold.
Lowering her head a moment before thrusting it upward to slam the back of her head against his nose before exasperating to the fiery headed god before her.

“Name me now!!”


There was no other alternative although if he simply wanted to he could shoot and kill them both.
He was not that good of a shot to hit Sakda without hitting her.
Yet the price for him naming her would be just as bad seeing as she would inadvertently blight him due to her wound.
It was up to him, the sleepwear dressed Kami that had reluctantly stuck his neck out for her.
The regalia had trained again and again pushing her body to limits others could never hope to reach. All so that this scene never had to play out like it was. She wasn’t strong enough on her own, she needed him...or she would be captured and possibly killed by this lost soul behind her whose hold tightened desperately as she called out.
Interactions: KamiX QuirkyAngel , Sakda The Secret Archives , Vengful Phantom Haze- , Kaguya Takumi98 , Sumiko Dante Verren

​

 

[Dante Verren]

• Miu
• Yuya Sumiko

• 
  
  Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
  Date: April 4th, 2030
  Time: 12:41 pm​
  Miu (Regalia)
  interactions: Azani ( Karcen ) Kagemi ( QuirkyAngel ) Spirit ( CheshireMitsu )
  
  Taking note of Azani's words Miu would hold her too them, yet it still did little to alleviate her foul mood. The annoying scratchy sensation still remained and the glares, stares, and scoffs she received from the ants that called this hive home kept her in that perpetual state of annoyance. Had she been a normal phantom she could probably assume she wouldn't be able to stand in here with how much holy power this place put out. Any phantom that wanted to get in here was either a mindless beast or objectively insane. Sure this place looked like a buffet of perfectly edible spirits, even she couldn't deny that thought. The fact that she couldn't deny that made her mood even worse. She was an evolved phantom, not one that was shackled down by her basic desires.
  
  Following closely behind Azani, Miu walked down the hallway her right arm clutched tightly around her left arm as her finger absent mindedly scratched the flesh they were so tightly wrapped around. While they were walking down the hall Miu's gaze was torn away from back of the blonde secretary leading the way. Her senses had finally caught wind of a huge collection of spirits. So many ripe souls that could be so easily corrupted. Once again she found herself divided. Her base instincts told her to go and enjoy the splendor of the feast calling her name, while the other part of her told her to real it in. It wasn't Miu's name that feast was calling. it was someone else's name. A being that no longer existed and therefore would not take up the call to hunger. Her fingers dug even tighter into her skin, this time enough to leave marks as she continued forward. She was Miu, she was pride, and she was not about to foam at the mouth like some animal
  
  Miu tore her gaze away from the direction of the room full of spirits in time to see the secretary pull off some talisman from the door. Probably more protection against phantoms. This place was practicaly a fortress with how many defenses there were set in stone here. Either way she shuffled into the room behind Azani and eyed the chairs in the room with suspicion, deciding to opt into standing she took up position standing to the right of Azani. When the secretary gave her advice Miu merely bared her teeth at her. She wasn't here to make friends, a raven didn't befriend the ants that occupied the ground beneath it's wings. Despite baring her teeth at the spirit her intense glare did soften slightly, it was a surprise that anyone in this office actually gave her advice, let alone called her by her name.
  
• 
  
  Location: Yasksha Shrine, Kyoto
  Date: April 4rd, 2030
  Time: 1:49 pm​
  
  Yuya Sumiko (Spirtual Human)
  Interaction: Susanoo ( VeiledPariah )
  
  A wave of both relief and surprise washed over Sumiko. Rather then being upset at her question Susanoo actually laughed, his mood seeming to improve and his tough guy act disappearing. His coughing fit worried her but she was glad that he wasn't talking to her like an enemy or worse was when he sounded like her disappointed dad. She would definitely take being called interesting by a god as a human although part of what he said peaked her curiosity once again, "I don't see how I would be dangerous. Well unless you have an overdue library book, in which case it's part of my job to get that back." She said joking lightly. He seemed like the type to apricate a joke... hopefully.
  
  As he asked his last question Sumiko held up a single finger. "Hold that thought for a moment. Water first, then I will hear you out." As she finished speaking she quickly turned around and this time started to jog off in the direction of the trough. It was on her jog that the realization suddenly clicked, Did she ever give him her name? She didn't did she? She didn''t even say her name in the prayer, not that she remembered at least. Maybe when a human gives an offering the name just gets given to the god along with the offering, kind of like an email or something like that. Interesting. When she reached the well she went through the same motions as last time, filling up the bottle and making sure the cap was on but not to tight.
  
  Jogging back to Susanoo this trip was a lot quicker. When she made it back to him "here" she said as she set the bottle down in front of him and stepped back. Kneeling down into almost a sitting fetal position so she wasn't looking down at him. Resting her chin on top of her knees she spoke up, "What can this dangerous and overly curious human help with?". Whether or not she would actually help was still up in the air. It just felt wrong to not hear him out and frankly it looked like he could use an ear that was willing to listen to him.
  

 

[Karcen]

Location: a park in Kyoto Azani Rally
Date: April 3rd, 2030
Time: 3:43 pm
Mentions: CheshireMitsu
Yoshio Seta, Priest of Azani

Yoshio shook his head the phantom it seemed didn't know how Azani and Kuro had worked out how to use the nature of the spirits to help people. He knew they had done it to him and after that his regret was almost gone and he had felt proud, yet not arrogant. He had been given a balance of emotions that for humans would require so many drugs to replicate. Yoshio felt that Toghobi was limited to himself with the thinking of others. Azani his goddess was a goddess of redemption and surely he too would work to get others to work towards their own redemption even with they were dark spirits.

" Your way of thinking seems bound by others" Yoshio said " Kuro-Kyogi fed on me as she had done others, but she did not try to drain me " he explained " She did things smart and balanced out the dark with the good. You are a spirit of regret and self loathing, then why not feed on those instead of leaving people darkened husks you can save them from themselves?" Yoshio asked seeking to perhaps change how just one phantom thought.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Shirotomi Highschool
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 12:30 am​

Kami_X (God)

The sudden upward kick at his gun-holding wrist caused Kami_X to nearly let go of Ruki, though he managed to hold on to his regalia, he instinctively pulled the trigger as well and a red beam tore into the night sky. To think the phantom would be daring enough to try such an attack with three gods and all their regalias, plus a Nora, present. The insult towards the other phantom made it unlikely that he was banking on its assistance either. Kami_X would’ve been impressed, if he weren’t annoyed at the fact that it made things more complicated.

You missed.

I know, geez. The guy kicks hard.

As he once more aimed Ruki at Sakda, the phantom had already reached the black-haired Nora and was holding tight to its hostage, using her as a shield to prevent him from firing. He could see the blight spread along the phantom’s touch as well. A blighted spirit ended up being a damaged and broken weapon. The god would be taking on a portion of the blight as well. Naming her would be the easiest way to get her away from Sakda in the current situation, but he wasn’t looking forward to the pain afterwards.

The Nora’s words, however, kicked him into motion and he drew the first character that came to mind in the air with his free hand. Since she had names, it was possible to cleanse her afterwards anyway. “You with nowhere to go and nowhere to return, I grant you a place to belong. My name is Kami_X. ” He skipped a couple of unnecessary lines to quicken the pace since he didn’t want to give Sakda too much time to react. “With this name and its alternate, I use my life to make thee my regalia. Thou art Haku. As a regalia Tama.”

魄

The name latched itself onto the Nora.

“Come, Tamaki!”

The black haired girl lit up and flew into his hands; Onto his hands, covering them, in fact. Kami_X winced as the sting hit. He wasn’t really used to being stung…but then again, he wasn’t used to having very many regalias in general. Now he had three it would seem. A surge of memories also hit the red-haired god, but he ignored them for now so as to focus on the task at hand.

Roka meet, Hakuka. Hakuka, this is Roka.

A pleasure, Miss. I hope you hold me better than X seems to hold me.

I hope so too because I’m going to leave shooting him in your hands, Hakuka.

It only made sense, since Sakda and Hakuka seemed to be the ones to have the personal issue with each other. While he did accept Daishin’s last request, it was Hakuka that Sakda attacked and it was one of Hakuka’s other gods that the phantom seemed to have done something to. Therefore, it made sense for her to deliver the final blow. He was simply giving her the helping hand she needed. Sakda's hint had given him an idea of where Susanoo might be anyway - and he had every intention of middle-fingering Chimata or Kamuy should he ever encounter them. Stupid gods made him miss his beauty nap with a troublesome phantom they, knowingly or unknowingly, helped to make. He'd probably have to spend the rest of the morning clearing away the gloom and any phantoms drawn to the school as well. “You who desecrate the Land of the Rising Sun. With my advent I, Kami_X, lay waste with the Ruki and the Tamaki, to expel thy vast defilement.”

Both the gun and the pair of gloves holding it glowed red.

"You've got no more hostages, Sakda. Any final words?"

The Secret Archives VeiledPariah Haze- Takumi98

 

[Karcen]

Location: SSA Office
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 12:43 pm
Mentions: Dante Verren QuirkyAngel CheshireMitsu
​

Azani Goddess of Vengence and grudges

Azani ignored the death god regalia telling miu to not glare when she saw how others looked at her, but it was friendly advice from one regalia to another. The death gods were at the very least open minded enough to pick souls who could adjust well. Miu also took it well and Azani did feel a slight inkling something like a slight prick, Miu was thinking or feeling something that might be naughty. Azani could only guess at it and wasn't planning to ask she trusted Miu to control any hunger around these souls, she was a regalia not a base phantom. It was almost a dim memory of how she had met miu as kuro planning to eat Ame. Life had come a long way.

Azani looked to the spirit as he spoke, though she did not know if his positive attitude would last. She had to make sure that he knew what was going on, that this was no easy job, though as of late there were far less phantoms around in her hell as it changed to suit it's new owner and more grew to know who owned it. Azani would never be the most popular goddess, but she didn't need that she didn't even truly need to be liked shed just had to be known as something she wanted.

" To put it simply i want you know to why i seek a regalia, what i expect and the conditions you may work in. " Azani explained " Then you can chose if you wish a name or not as i have named spirits before that could not take things after a short time. Work for the goddess of vengeance grudges and soon redemption is a hard task" Azani paused to let that all be taken in " Now then first of all why i need another regalia , i in truth am just seeking power that comes from more to augment my growing faith so i can change my domains. I don't expect you to do battle or do much you can simply stay in my castle and keep it clean instead of helping me in my deals as none but Miu have truly accepted that task. My castle is in hell, my hell in yomi and while there are a few phantoms it is mostly human souls in torment you will be hearing outside, which is still something only Miu has endured. Finally Miu is my guidepost, my right hand and number one regalia you will work as much for her as for me. So think you can accept these things?" Azani monologued wanting to get the answer yes or no quickly and being as detailed as needed and as vague as she could to keep this fast so they could all leave before anyone did anything stupid.

 

[CheshireMitsu]

Toghobi
Phantom of regret and self-loathing
Karcen Yoshio



​

• ACTION
• BASIC INFO

• 
  
  Location: Park in Kyoto Azani Rally
  Date: April 3, 2030
  Time: 3:46 pm​
  
  
  A phantom that replaced people's emotions instead of draining them. That was smart, they didn't know if that was possible for a phantom to do. From what Toghobi had known, all a phantom could do was feed from draining somebody or eating a pure spirit. If they could learn how exactly the phantom does it, they could do better for people than nothing.
  
  "I've never heard of a phantom that feeds like that." Toghobi looked out to the street of people. "But I also don't talk to any phantoms, gods, spirits... It would be interesting to meet Kuro-Kyogi, maybe she can teach me some about how to be a better sentient phantom." Wandering around alone had taught them about humans, but not any of the details on being a phantom. They looked back at the priest. "Do you know a way that Kuro-Kyogi and I might be able to meet? I want to be safer for humans, and if I can, even help them. It will also make it easier to watch over and learn about them." They gestured back in the direction the man they had accidentally attacked a second ago left to. "Clearly, I need a new way to feed."
  
  ​
• 
  
  Phantom of regret and self-loathing
  Non-binary
  Distant and depressed
  Psychometry-- can see an item/person's past through touch
  
  View attachment 829284
  
  
  
  

​

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Shirotome High, School Halls (2nd Floor)
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 9: 10 am​

Rika Murakami (Human) + Akira Seiguichi (Human)

“No memorial service.”

Rika had gotten used to Ryotaro listening to her whenever she spoke, that she almost forgot what it was like to speak to normal people. Not just normal people either. Akira Seiguichi—the immovable stone in their class when it came matters of club activity budgets and school events. If she thought speaking to Ryuujin was difficult, ten minutes of arguing with Seguichi and being given the ‘Are you an idiot?’ look proved otherwise. Was it the blue hair? Did she just have difficulty with blue haired people?

“Why not? I just told you that Kiyomi-sensei is dead.” Cursed by one of the students who called for Azani. “And we can give her soul rest by gathering all the students together and praying for her.” Even if she didn’t get them all to pray to Azani, prayer to any god of their choice should work right? There were many gods (in lore at least) that had to do with death and maybe one of them would help somehow; Izanami, Enma, Hades, Anubis, Shinigami, etc. She had no idea which gods were real or not, but it wouldn’t hurt to pray to all of them. Or, at the very least, offer their wishes. “It’d be a good school event for us to remember one of our beloved teachers by.”

Beloved was probably exaggerating things a bit, but selling ideas required a bit of creativity.

“And I’ve been telling you the school doesn’t have enough funds for that sort of thing,” Seiguichi responded coldly. “Do you think money grows on trees? First we’ve got to allocate some of the budget into fixing the lockers because some idiot opened the windows during a storm, the school field needs repair, and the roof as well because an intruder decided fire off rounds of some sort willy-nilly up there. Even the third-floor halls a bit of mess. Forget a memorial service, I’m not sure if we have enough for our class trip to Tokyo because mother nature decided to go haywire these past few days.”

The storm was likely Ryuujin fighting off the storm of phantoms Mizuki had created yesterday. She’d heard the crack of lightening while Ryotaro had been driving them to his place as well and, though she couldn’t be positive, she could’ve sworn a red-haired man/student had been there too; Possibly from the archery club because, while classes had been over by the time they decided to lure out Mizuki, there were plenty of club activities and students still on school grounds…”…wait, did you say intruder?”

The student council member shrugged. “Some folks living nearby claimed to have heard gun-shot sounds coming from the school. Fortunately, they didn’t call the police thinking it's one of the students just playing with fireworks .”

At 12 am in the morning. Well. There were weirder people out there. Murakami and Hirai, for example. The former talked to herself in girl's bathroom and the latter gave Kenji a stitched up toy made of fish bones and called a 'dream catcher'. Akira Seiguichi rolled his eyes. The world was full of crazies, from terrorists to UFO-spotting claimers.

“Why is that fortunate? If an intruder on the loose around here, shouldn’t the police be called?”

“Think of the school’s reputation, Murakami.” Akira sighed. “It’d affect future enrollment if people hear that the police had to come to investigate Shirotome. This would also take a plunge if we were to hold a memorial service for Kiyomi Suda. I hear her family isn’t even going be holding a public funeral. Just paying for a quiet cremation.”

“What? Why?”

“Why do you think?” Akira retorted. “Those ceremonies are a form of prayer too and I don’t think anyone wants to risk being targeted. Do you want the school to be targeted as well?”

AFAH again.

“It’s been 10 years since then. Shouldn’t people stop being afraid?”

“That’s easier said than done. It’s safer just to not get involved in all that religious nonsense. Bury the body so it doesn't stink up the place and leave it at that. Spirits and gods don’t exist anyway. When you’re dead, you’re dead. Your brain stops working, your body decomposes, and that’s the end of it. There’s no afterlife like some of those priests on the streets would like you to believe. Suda-sensei isn’t going to care one way or another where she’s buried or whether people pray for her because she's dead.”

“But what if it does exist? What if she’s suffering right now and a simple prayer is all that’s needed to save her?”

“What if there are martians living secretly among us and feeding on our brains as we speak?” Akira rolled his eyes. “We’re getting nowhere, Murakami, and I have places to be.”

“Wait!” Rika rushed to catch up to the boy with the book under his arms. “If I can get enough students to agree to this, would you consider it? For our teacher. Regardless of whether the afterlife exists or not, it’s a nice gesture for Kiyomi-sensei…and I think her family would appreciate it. If we’re careful about it, there’s no reason for any religion-hating terrorists to know about it. They’ve all be arrested anyway and people can't keep living in fear of being hated for what they believe in.”

“Why do you care so much?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do.”

“…I think Hirai’s weirdness is rubbing off on you, Murakami. People have been seeing you two together more often...” It wasn’t any of his business who got together with who, but when two people who didn’t really interacted all that much started to, it was easy enough to take note. Then the rumors started. Schools were a breeding ground for them because kids tended to have highly active imaginations. He also hadn’t been blind to the fact that the self-proclaimed ‘detective’ had been following Kenji around. Then Kenji told him about how Hirai and Murakami took him the school field. Akira wondered if he ought expecting the Judo club ace to be spouting as much nonsense about ‘ghosts’ and ‘boogymen’ as well.

Like father like son. Not that Akira minded. If Ryotaro Hirai got distracted with trivial things like superstition, it’d be easier to snatch the ‘top student’ position away from him.

“So what if it is?” Rika folded her arms. “I can hang out with whoever I want. It’s better to be weird than to be cold-hearted and lacking in empathy.”

The blue haired boy pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. If you want it so much, fundraise for it yourself. If you get enough of the student body to agree I’ll bring it up in the next student council meeting.”

Rika fist-pumped before hurrying to back to class. Akira just shook his head and turned to continue his path towards the library.

(mentioned: Lucem Karcen )

 

[CheshireMitsu]

Unnamed Spirit
Karcen Azani, Dante Verren Miu


​

• ACTION
• BASIC INFO

• 
  
  Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
  Date: April 4, 2030
  Time: 12:48​
  
  The spirit slowly nodded as the goddess explained her reasons for a regalia. He could stay in her castle if he wanted, but he would likely stay with her-- In the castle, he couldn't be much use to her other then for power. Instead he would pick to go with her in her deals. Also, the souls screaming may eventually push him to blight the goddess. Having Azani's regalia as another one that he would serve would be fine with him.
  
  "I am fine with all of that, I only want somebody to serve, or even two. I'm not looking to be used in battles, but you can use me then as you want. All I want is to not be in Yomi; I think that the spirits might eventually push me to accidentally blight you, but short times there and you should be safe from that. I believe when I was alive, I trained myself out of most emotions, and that this became a habitual personality. All I will need is to be used in some way. It does not have to be in any way that a regalia is normally used-- I will be happy to do tasks for you that you do not wish to do, perhaps."
  
  ​
• 
  
  Unnamed Spirit
  Male
  Loyal, kind, calm
  Can use Borderline, practicing Bind and Umbra
  
  View attachment 834785
  
  
  
  

​

 

[VeiledPariah]

Location:Shirotomi Highschool
Date: April 4th 2030
Time:12:30am
Hakuka(Regalia)


Images flash through the Kami’s mind the Regalias past memories becoming their own.

A girl with gorgeous flowing white hair, standing among the grassy reeds beside her village along the coast of Japan the swirling seas churning up and spraying into the air from clashing against the earths cliff face.

The young girl smiling laying beside a man with stark blue hair their fingers intertwined in passion.

The man promising to never let anything happen to her.

Promising he would love her....forever.

The nights embrace descending and the villagers sharp tools brandished, weapons shimmering in the moonlight and torches burning brightly with disdain descending upon the girl.

Hands ripping and clawing at her and the slicing reverberations of rustic scissors severing the silvery strands that adorned her while rougher fists stifled her cries and attempts at fighting.

An old crone reciting prayers and prophecies as a sake cup was forcefully pressed against Ametaru’s lips the vile liquid slipping down her throat scalding the skin of her esophagus making her feel like she couldn’t breathe.

Her vision becoming fogged a misty haze swirling across her mind.

The poison pacifying the girl as she was dressed in a sacrificial kimono stark as snow worn only to be stained crimson. The creaking of the worn cart, the earthy smell of mud and the stinging chill of rainfall dampening her skin through her clothes as the ride to the sacrificial hill ended. The bite of chains and rope lashing her to the board so she couldn’t run. Her screams as the demon grew before her out of the shadows and bared down in her.

Her last words crying for her lover and wishing for someone, anyone to rescue her.

“Susanoo my love, Please.... save me” her pleas becoming barely whispers as her body was slowing and tortuously torn apart by the beasts eight heads. As her life ebbed away into the far shore the calls of the man or rather the god who had fallen for a human sounding so faint as he arrived just a little too late.

The hum of light was the next thing as her vision was blinded by this radiance that grew rapidly as the god Susanoo calling out to her as his fingers curled around her spirit the name coming out unconsciously...Ame...

The scene would then rewind violently and quickly the dragon esque phantom that had destroyed her soul splitting into eight separate smiles in the darkness. Smiles of men.

The last thing the Kami would see and hear was the image of Ametaru’s face as she laid amongst the reeds once more blood spattered across her features the contrast between cerulean eyes and the crimson that adorned her as her lips moved. The words escaping a little late but resounding nonetheless.

“You won’t leave me?....promise?”

Spoiler: KamiX ost (Hero of our time)

“Come, Tamaki!”
The regalias eyes closed as the name planted itself upon the inside of her right wrist as she clutched at Sakda’s forearm. Her body was enveloped in light and slipped through the phantoms grip towards Kami X as she felt her very soul wrap around his fingers until her eyes opened now residing within. The surge of strength from the god was welcomed as he spoke along with Roka.
“A pleasure, and thank you. I know I caused you pain”
She smiled as he continued speaking leaving the aiming of the Ruki to her capable hands...well sort of.
“Leave it to me”
She expressed as the gods left hand moved seemingly on its own supporting his right as his grip adjusted and the sight of the handgun aimed true on Sakda his finger hovering against the trigger ready to squeeze at the slightest movement.

Interactions: KamiX QuirkyAngel , Sakda The Secret Archives , Kaguya Takumi98 , Vengeful phantom Haze-


​

 

[VeiledPariah]

Location: Yaksha Shrine
Date: April 4th 2030
Time: 1:53pm
Susanoo(God)

The god waited for Sumiko’s return once more sighing as he held a hand to take the bottle from her before setting it to the side.
“I need you to pour it on the affected areas”
he explained as he pulled one arm into his kimono sleeve as it slipped off his shoulder seemingly lifeless. He repeated the process with his other arm until the top of his body from his waist up was exposed over half of his body covered in the dark purple and blackish bruise looking sickness.
Susanoo sat up a little bit a groan escaping his lips as he did so.
“This is known as blight, it is received in a multitude of ways but mine is from confrontation with a particularly powerful phantom. I assume you know of them?”
The god asked as his time cooled no longer seeming so jovial in anticipation for the burning pain of the water to come when it came in contact with his skin.
“You have the sight so you have likely seen them in abundance, Blessed water or holy water as it has been coined can stem its effects for a time.”
He continued in his explanation shifting his body so he back faced her his hands gripping around the pillar with which he had to support himself and resisted his head against.
“Without a regalia I am rather defenseless, this is what I would ask of you..locate one and return to me so I can break from this shrine I have been imprisoned in, seeing as you can enter and leave freely without harm”
Most of the blight had indeed been accumulated in part of his previous and failed attempts at escape. Not to mention the numerous times Sakda delved into his mind for information and torturous intentions.
The god of heroes and men reduced to a ayakashi’s play thing. Still once he had disposed of the girl he would return and eliminate the phantom his punishment would be dealt ten fold. The god would revel in watching the phantoms features as he tore him apart.
“Sumiko, tell me. Do you understand how dangerous it can be to consort with us denizens of the far shore? I only ask seeing as you intend to interact with us and in doing so...you present yourself freely to the Ayakashi in full view. They will be more attracted to you now more then ever before”
He asked this for a purpose, if her resolve was so simply faltered by the fear of the night and the creatures it spawned she would die soon, although she would likely not remember most of the encounter if she did at all.
Humans often never remembered meeting the god or if they did it was hardly remembered in honest detail.
Sumiko being a rarity in the sense that she was able to see them without their choosing was one thing but it only helped so much.
“If you choose to help me, how will you ensure you remember at all?”

Interaction: Sumiko Dante Verren
​

 

[Dante Verren]

Location: Yasksha Shrine, Kyoto
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 1:56 pm​

Yuya Sumiko (Spirtual Human)
Interaction: Susanoo ( VeiledPariah )

"Wait I have to do what?" she asked before quickly covering her eyes as he began to partially disrobe. Just as quickly as she covered her eyes she had to mover her hand away to pinch her nose shut. Now that he had taken off the top half of his robe, that horrendous rot smell was stronger then ever. Enough so that even with her nose pinched she still couldn't help but cough twice. It took a second but she managed to get use to the smell but it became barrable with her nose covered. "Yeah I have seen phantoms before, they pop up everywhere. Although I don't know if I have seen any really powerful ones. Just weird creature things I had thought I made up." she said with her voice distorted by the fact she was still holding her hand over her nose.

With her left hand being her free hand she pushed herself off the ground and awkwardly uncapped the bottle. Walking over until she was right behind him she looked over the flesh that looked rotten and full of disease, so this was what phantoms could to gods. If that is what happened to beings such as those, what would a human look like if a phantom got to them. Sumiko shook the thought from her mind, that was definitely not a topic she wanted to think about. Going back to his earlier questions she began to speak again, "Do I fully understand what I'm getting into, probably not. I don't think there is anyway for me to fully understand just how dangerous or stupid it is for me to get involved. Shizuku and Shizuka always told me I rushed to quickly into things. I'm pouring the water now." She gave the warning and then tipped the bottle over, trying her best to pour the water evenly across the blight as she could. She wasn't sure how effective it would be but hopefully it would help.

After she finished pouring the water she stepped back and let go of her nose. Breathing in she couldn't smell the horrid blight, or at least it wasn't as powerful anymore. "Besides its not like I am going to be caught completely unaware, I got my trusty nose. I don't know why but far shore denizens.. I think that was the right term. Either way gods and regalia give off a very pleasant smell while the phantoms and now blight I guess give off a really bad one. Now that I can Identify what smells to stay away from I can keep away from the nasty ayashiki... probably." She honestly wasn't sure but it was at least better then nothing. Her expression shifted as her serious inner thoughts started to take over her outward expressions. "Between you and me all my life I have always had to depend on other people. So when situations like these occur where I can help someone out rather then have them help me, I want to help them. I can't give you any guarantee that I will remember everything, but I can tell you I will try my best to remember. Susanoo-sama I might end up forgetting your name or some small details here and there, but I won't forget anything super important. "

Sumiko scratched the side of her cheek as she grew a little red, this next part was embarrassing to say out loud. "Don't take this the wrong way but at the bottom line I know I won't forget your smell, just like with the others I have met I have that memorized. Oh umm you don't smell bad or anything it's just that my eyes aren't the best so I tend to rely on other ways to remember people..." she sighed heavily "that never sounds any less creepy out loud. I'm sorry..... Anyway I don't know how to find a regalia but if you point me in the right direction Yuya Sumiko will do her best!" She said giving a mock salute in a desperate hope to get rid of the embarrassing statement she said prior.

 

[Karcen]

Location: SSA Office
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 12:47 pm
Mentions: Dante Verren [/USER] CheshireMitsu
​

Azani Goddess of Vengence and grudges

Azani's eyes narrowed for a moment as the spirit mentioned his life before his death. That was dangerous thinking, very dangerous as it lead to corruption. Few spirits could fight against learning of the past and such curiosity often lead to them seeking it out no matter what. That was all very dangerous and he sought to avoid Yomi, her home that was another strike in a way against the spirit. Still he might might a useful helper to the priest when the shrine was made. Not all could be like Ame and go with what their god wanted even to their detriment. Azani did not know why she thought of her sister's regalia so often, perhaps because she knew the story and felt sympathy for the former human. That might also answer a slight irritation at Susanoo, the foolish idiot had done something stupid and now couldn't face what he had done. Azani knew what it was to see someone with the same face as the one you love, but to see them not know who you are. This spirit was questioning his life, just how much of a spirit was lost behind that name? How much of Miu was locked behind her name? Azani did not know the answers to any and she could not without breaking the name she gave Miu and she didn't think it could break and Azani was scared of what Miu might say if she did.

" I see though I dwell in Yomi, i was born there and my home is in the land of the dead." Azani explained " I have no shrine for you to tend, yet at least but when i do i will gladly send you to tend it with my priest. Though your fears of blighting me are misplaced, I am almost immune to it, if being bound to Miu a former phantom can only barely blight me then even if you fell into corruption i would barely be blighted" She said honestly with a shrug. Miu had slightly stung her but compared to what other gods might feel to Azani it was closer to stepping on stinging nettle or an ant bite, something barely there.

 

[Dante Verren]

Location: SSA Office
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 12:48 pm​

Miu (Regalia)
Interactions: Azani ( Karcen ) Spirit ( CheshireMitsu )

While Miu was at first some what fond of this spirits gentlemanly like behavior, looking at him now it bugged him. The way he spoke was not that of a higher class but a fake persona. His words sounded more like a desperate cry for someone to serve. It was like looking at a slave who learned manners begging for a person to buy them. This spirit if brought into the fold would be nothing more than a tool, and tools could always be cast aside if it broke. While Miu was relived to not have to worry about a tool taking her spot or her pride she was also greatly annoyed by him. That lack of pride and worm like behavior was against her very fabric of being. She would rather have Azani take on a regalia with at least some back bone then this revolting creature. Now all she could think about

What Azani said did brighten Miu's mood a bit. Sendng him to the priest was a fantastic idea. That way those two could still serve their purpose while keeping each other company, leaving Miu with the prime spot. "What a fantastic idea. I'm sure that ... Yoshi..." Miu paused for a moment having to think of his name again. Her mind was to busy focusing on the constant biting and itching sensation all over her body and dealing with this spirit. "I'm sure that Yoshio could use some assistance. Even if the general public can't see this spirit" as she mentioned him she motioned towards spirit" he can still be helpful in the background. Although we will have to correct his dislike of Yomi. Going to Yomi and the palace should be seen as an honor for us regalia, not a danger".

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Top Shrine, Mount Inari
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 1:50pm​

Abe no Seimei (God) + Kuzunoha (Regalia) + Gintaru (Regalia) + Yagu (Regalia)

“Welcome back!” A voice boomed as Abe no Seimei teleported himself, his mother, and Shiro straight to the topmost shrine on Mount Inari, avoiding the 4000 torii path and all the steps that led into the mountains. They weren’t here for sight-seeing after all, and a 2-3 hour walk just to get back to Inari's shrine wasted time that could be spent searching for a missing god. On the roof of the shrine, a large, bipedal, white fox dressed in priestly garbs lazed, his gaze directed towards the trio that arrived. “I’ve been waiting.”

“We’re back!” Kuzunoha confirmed, waving at her fellow fox spirit who hadn’t been there before. “Does Inari have a message for us, Gintaru?”

“Inari-sama said to tell you she won’t be back in the near shore for a couple of days,” Sharp fox-like eyes shifted to Shiro. “Also that she trusts you two in regards to the situation with the God of Justice’s regalia.”

“Aw shucks. I guess that means she's leaving it to us.”

“Is it another business venture?”

“You know Milady all too well, Abe-dono.” With those words, Gintaru disappeared from the roof of the shrine, likely to return to Lady Inari’s side after delivering her message. Seimei hadn't a clue where Kintaru went, but Mamaru was likely greeting visitors at the base of mountain where the main shrine was. Or napping. One or the other.

“Haha, I expect nothing less from our Inari~She never lets go once she catches a whiff of profit.”

“Indeed,” Abe no Seimei sighed. While his mother was a more nurturing fox spirit, her best friend—true to a fox’s perceived nature—was more cunning, wily, and ambitious. While starting out as a mere minor goddess of rice and agriculture in her early days of godhood (like many others), she expanded her horizons, patroning various Japanese businesses and became the well-known fox goddess of merchants and prosperity that she is today. The greatest rise in her power and wealth came during the era of capitalism in Japan. The goddess that brings about success and riches, to entrepreneurs (especially rice-related industries) that prayed to her. Male. Female. Androgynous. She became what humans needed her to be and they, in turn, worshipped her ability to bring them success. Thanked her and built her shrines in memories of her prosperous deeds that helped to bring Japan wealth—the lucky fox. Surviving through various times of faith into the modern era with a base of loyal worshippers who still honored her to this day, drawing in a flock of regalias that wanted a dip in her success, Inari’s achievement as one of the most popular gods in Japan inspired many younger gods to follow in her footsteps.

And the business goddess still itched for more.

“Yagu, prepare us tea. I’d like a map of Kyoto as well.”

Hyakki glowed, the fan becoming the spirit of a young man in traditional garbs who immediately bowed. “Of course, Master.”

Abe no seimei watched the sprit of his disciple disappear into the shrine before taking a seat in front of the monument of worship built by human hands. He looked to Inemaru’s regalia – divine fox that assisted in bringing about ‘justice’. “It’s not widely known, but my providence is also foxes so the language of my mother comes naturally to me. Even if you don’t draw pictures, Divine Fox Haki, I can understand the words you voice—as can Lady Inari and any fox spirit she names. Therefore you can speak freely among us.”

“Yep, yep! So if you’ve got any ideas where Inemaru might be, feel free to pitch in, Shiro.”

Abe no Seimei wondered if the boy had ever tried speaking to other foxes. Animal spirits naturally understood each other, after all. Pure creatures that had little problem seeing spirits and divine beings…though the word ‘pure’ wasn’t entirely accurate. They killed each other as much as humans did. The difference of course, was the lack of malicious intent. Most animals understood their deaths. Accepted it. However, fox-shaped phantoms existed when humans started tainting nature as well. Some say humans gave birth to negative emotions. Some say the darkness existed long before humans came into the picture. However, at the end of the day, none of that mattered. He lived as a human. Now he lived as a god. Kami_X questioned why he could give up living in the near shore—the place of his birth—so easily, but the answer itself was simple. Gods had no place in the near shore where living beings walked.

The boundary existed to separate the living and dead. That was the way the world worked. Breaking that line and needlessly interfering with the lives of mortals, would only bring about calamity. Phantoms were beings of the far shore, after all, and their advent into the realms of mortals spelled chaos. He’d seen it over and over again. Abe no Seimei had lived a full life in the near shore. Now he was a resident of the far shore where his home resided. That was all there was to it. He had no special lingering attachment to life and no special interest in messing with the living.

“Here it is Master Seimei!” Yagu opened the shrine doors, carrying with him a tray of teacups and a rolled up map.

Abe no Seimei took the map from his disciple, a spirit interested in Onmyoji, and unfurled it on his lap. His mother peered over one side of his shoulder and Yagu peered over the other. The god of Onmyoji ignored them as he concentrated. Even if he couldn’t find the god Inemaru, he could still divine the futures and fortunes of the near shore – as was his providence. The Seimei shrine was a fortune-telling hub where humans prayed to him for future predictions—though more often than not, it was just finding lost items and love advice for their future partner. Such simple divinations were often left to the Omnyoji he trained and he was only called on for special cases. Whether it was making contracts with gods or locating lost items, the art Onmyoji itself often involved contacting with gods anyways. As a human, he’d done it through rituals. As a god, he now did it through phone calls. “There’s ill fortune near Maruyama Park – the epicenter of which seems to be Yasaka Shrine." Seimei glanced at Shiro. "That’s where you first encountered the phantom that you and Inemaru fought, is it not?”

“Wha? Really? We weren’t too far from there!” Kuzunoha folded her arms as she tilted her head thoughtfully. “I guess I did smell something foul, but to be honest, the entire forest smelled like phantoms.”

“Is that where we should start our search, Master Seimei?” Yagu asked excitedly.

“Possibly.” Seimei drank his tea. There was a possibility that Lord Susanoo might have seen the god Inemaru, given where his shrine was located, but, as far as Abe no Seimei was aware, the god of heroes and men had been slumbering for a long time. Ill-fortune could mean many things. Under normal circumstances, such places were to be avoided. “Impatience can cause wise people to do foolish things. It’s been a long time since I last visited an urban city and I can only imagine the concentration of negative emotions in places that are swarming with humans. What are your thoughts, divine fox Haki? Are there any particular locations that the god Inemaru likes to frequent in an urban environment?”

Whenever he visited Kyoto it was usually just to check on his shrine, visit Inari’s in hers, or meet with that blasted Kami_X for a joint project. They both worked for the same goddess to see the success of her businesses, after all. Even large rice companies needed their fortunes told from time to time.

"We also need to figure out where Shiro will be staying of the time being," Kuzunoha added, giving the big fox a considering look. "One of our houses in Heaven is ideal, but at the very least a shrine is needed to keep the phantoms away..."

Phayne

 

[VeiledPariah]

Location: Yaksha Shrine
Date: April 4th 2030
Time: 2:06pm

Susanoo(God)

Susanoo let out a slight huff but it was lighthearted in manner as she spoke of her usual manner of being and her sisters warnings of trepidation to her usual over enthusiasm.
“It seems your sisters are wise for being so young, well at least younger than me. Before you ask. A long time”
The god mentioned off handedly in respect of her family and his own age, that was a conversation that would open up to a lot of time being taken by her unceasing curiosity.
“You underestimate the ones who would like nothing more than to bleed you dry and feast upon the husk that is left Sumiko”
The god made no indication whether he meant the phantoms or himself as she finished assisting him with stemming the blight as he redressed turning back over to face her once more.
She spoke of remembering the gods she encountered by their scent and this was not the first time he had encountered such an occurrence.
Japan long ago
The sun burned with intensity as the summers days baked the beaten down path he now walked. The god loosened the top of his robe to allow some of the heat built up within his garbs to release into the air as his view opened up into a sheltered village by the seaside.
His immediate thought was to turn around and continue his journey in another direction but something kept pulling him. He needed to be here for something.
“umm...excuse me my lord are you lost?”
her words caused him to turn with a start towards his sheathed sword.
The human girl who had startled him dropped the flowers in her hands with a gasp as she averted her gaze to the ground before slowly returning them to his own.
“Apologies I did not mean to cause you concern I only meant to break your worrisome thoughts”
Susanoo relaxed his hand as he studied the girl before him.
“It is rather rude to reveal yourself in such a manner, why are you so far from the village alone?”
His curiosity getting the better of him, she was young and during this time of day should either be hard at work in the fields for harvest or doing some other manner of woman’s work.
“I am not wanted there, because what I see unnerves them...like how I see you”
Susanoo’s eyebrow raised at the comment as she bowed briefly before bending down to retrieve the flowers she had dropped before offering them to the wandering man.
“What need would I have for..”
“An offering my lord, for disturbing your thoughts I wish no harm done to the village for my actions please forgive me”
He reluctantly accepted them as a slight breeze blew from the ocean side as the girl smiled.
“Why don’t you leave if they treat you so?”
“I care for them, is not reason enough?”
“They suspect you a threat though, and what did you mean earlier”
He continued to ask questions of the girl as they walked together towards the village the start of something felt within the god as his mind grew more and more wanting of conversation with her. She seemed so calm in his presence even though she was aware of who and what he was.
“All kami smell....divine is the best way I can explain my lord. Each is unique but yours by far is my favorite like the night air just after it has rained”
The god laughed and he had not known its comfort in some time he did so as she blushed in embarrassment.
“Your name human?”
“Harumiko Ametaru... and yours my kami?”
“Susanoo”
Present
The god shook the images from his mind as he tried to focus his mind on Sumiko and the interaction before him but the more he saw the girl and her appearance it was replaced by that of Ametaru’s as she blushed he blinked a few times before rubbing his eyes with a sleeve wincing a bit as the blight restarted its infectious spreading assault on his body.
He sighed as the pain subsided once more before continuing to speak.
“We are not so different you and I. My curiosity too was my own undoing long ago, I grew weary of being unseen and chose to make a human much like yourself my companion...the closer we became the harder it got to leave her. I didn’t want her to forget like she inevitably would if I continued wandering. So I stayed by her side as much as I could manage then. My presence caused her life nothing but pain and suffering, and drove her to be taken from this world. The one human I chose to care for more than any in my long life, that is what you stand to gain by continuing to dance along this fine line you walk now Sumiko, a life of tragedy and sorrow...heed my warning and protect yourself before it is too late”
Susanoo’s face seemed contorted in worry and sadness as he spoke of the girl long since stolen from him. Yet another memory coming to mind this one occurring after that dreaded night.
Japan long ago
“My kami, aren’t these flowers beautiful?”
“Stop!”
“But I don’t understand?, what have I done to upset you My kami?”
“I told you not to call me that, just go away I don’t want to see you. Drop those foolish things and leave me now!!”
Ame turned away as the god raised his voice in anger the flowers in her hands falling down to the ground and trampled as she did what he ordered running over to a nearby tree and hiding behind it the sounds of her muffled crying causing the god to seethe in anger.
Yet she never stung him, no matter what he did.
His fists clenched As he looked to the sky his words never spoken toward her no matter how many times he hurt her, he would never say them aloud. Only in the sanctity of his own mind.
“I’m sorry, Ame. I am so sorry for the life I have given you...”
Present
Susanoo’s voice altered to his more detached tone as he explained what the girl was confused about.
“You can tell the difference believe me, you will see. Now Sumiko I think it is best you take your leave from this place and only return if you are able to find a spirit to release me from here”
The god groaned as he struggled to stand taking a few steps back towards his room as he spoke.
“They will be lost, confused, and in need of your assistance...you look too much like her you know, like my Ame you should dye your hair”
The man stated with a soft chuckle before a wave of his hand brought to life a storms gale once more throughout the shrine opening.
The god wanted to ensure that Sumiko was not present when Sakda returned lest the demon catch on to his own plan and thwart it in its infancy. This girls curiosity was a benefit for him and also an advantageous move in the mental game of shogi the pair he been playing. A game that Susanoo had been losing but now with hope he could take the upper hand, and kill two birds with one stone literally.
Interaction: Yuya Sumiko Dante Verren ​

 

[Phayne]

~Regalia~
Location: Top Shrine, Mt Inari// Date: 04/04/2030 // Time: 13:55 Pm // Mentions: Inemaru // Interactions: Abe No Seimei + Kuzunoha QuirkyAngel

Shiro's whole body shook and his fur rustled against the breeze as the trio appeared seemingly out of nowhere in front of the top shrine on Mt Inari. It had been a very long time since Shiro had undergone the sensation of 'teleportation' let alone doing so in his current state. Unlike quite a few gods, Inemaru and Shiro tended to travel the more 'old-fashioned' way; the latter carrying his god upon his back as they lept from rooftop to rooftop with godlike nimbleness; though they did occasionally hitch a ride atop the roof of one of the many modes of modern day transportation; trains were often the most enjoyable.

Wide eyed and mouth slightly ajar, Shiro was almost immediately taken aback by the grandeur of their immediate surroundings, the foxboy starry eyed as he marvelled at the intricate structure of the large shrine as well as the tranquil beauty that accompanied it. This shrine was nothing like the one formerly dedicated to Inemaru, nor like any other that Shiro could ever recall seeing during his lifetime as a regalia. Divine energy seemed to leak from every nook, cranny and crevice of this shrine. It made it quite clear to Shiro just how 'different' these more renowned and successful gods were compared to the likes of Inemaru. That being said, it did little to affect Shiro's opinion and loyalty towards his benefactor. Gods excelled in their own ways and even if Inemaru's shrine was dilapidated, it didn't make him any less of a god; at least in Shiro's eyes.

After spending a few moments to gawk and marvel at the shrine, Shiro's attention was drawn towards Gintaru, his eyes falling upon the bipedal fox thanks to Kuzunoha helping to point out his location atop the shrine roof. Being in a completely new area, Shiro instinctively gulped as Gintaru's eyes fell upon him; the sharpness behind his gaze piercing through Shiro. Regardless of what state Shiro was in, he seldom enjoyed having eyes upon him, especially when they seemed to be studying him and peering deeper than a normal glance would. Had he been in his human form, he'd have tried to cover his neck out of habit or fidget with the mask he normally wore. Alas, he could do neither of the two and instead averted his gaze to the side as the two fox spirits and Abe conversed before Gintaru took his leave and as soon as he did, Abe had reverted his regalia Hyakki back into his human guise 'Yagu'.

As Yagu disappeared into the shrine to carry out Abe's instructions; the god had turned his attention back to Shiro; taking a seat in front of a large monument before beginning to speak and as he did, Shiro's eyes began to widen again, though his expression this time was not of shock and awe as it had been when he had first set eyes upon the shrine but rather it was much closer to 'realisation'. Shiro hadn't even considered the possibility of Abe no Seimei and Kuzunoha being able to understand him outside of his normal methods of communication. Centuries having to deal with his inability had just made it habit to assume that nobody except for Inemaru could understand him outside of him drawing pictures or writing out what he wanted to say.

This realisation however did impose an inner dilemma for the fox boy whose expression quickly turned to one of confusion and deep thought. Having never spoken a word since coming into his duty as a Regalia and having no recollection of his life prior to death, Shiro had little idea of how he'd actually sound like if he did speak and while he simply needed to 'think' what he wanted to say, he could not help but stumble upon that small hurdle. After all, what if the voice they heard sounded 'weird'? Almost instantaneously Shiro felt like he was put on the spot, like a new performer just about ready to perform for an awaiting audience. A small itch began to tickle away at his throat as he consciously thought about how he'd sound to everyone else, a thought that didn't actually bother him when he did communicate with his master.

Shiro was soon after distracted from his thoughts and growing nerves as Yagu returned with both the tea and the map that he'd been instructed to retrieve for Abe no Seimei, the latter proceeding to unravel the parchment and begin his divination.

"Yes." replied Shiro, moving closer and standing over everyone as he glanced down at the map. "Lord Inemaru had shown an interest in a food vendor that conducted his business there" continued the regalia as he recalled the events from that day. "Have you heard of the 'hot dog'? A delicacy from across the sea. Inemaru-Sama had sought to experience the famed proclamations of the merchant for himself. Unlike most of our days, we did not actively head out in search of a phantom on that day. Whether it had merely been a coincidence that the phantom was there, I could not tell you. I regret to say that I had taken the initiative and acquired two of those hot dogs, one for myself and the other for Lord Inemaru and it was during that moment that I believe the phantom had initiated its attack" Shiro sighed and lowered himself down so that he was laying next to them rather than standing. "Our first concern was to lead the phantom away from the park and to a more secluded location where we could then put it to rest with little repercussions to the near shore inhabitants" added Shiro before he turned towards Yagu as he voiced his question.

Turning back to Abe no seimei, Shiro had paused for a few moments as he thought upon the questions asked. "While I am hesitant to believe that Inemaru-Sama would leave me behind, my lord is known to have an almost obsessive interest in the modern day cuisine, especially those non-native to Japan" replied Shiro sighing ever so slightly. "Aside from that I can't think of many places that Lord Inemaru would head towards, especially without a regalia. At present I am Lord Inemaru's only serving regalia, the others that once served along side me have departed for various reasons; each released from their name. However my name is still intact, so I do not believe he has willingly left me behind either." Shiro paused momentarily and tried to think of other possibilities, yet nothing did come to mind "Outside of his passion for new cuisine, Lord Inemaru has only ever sought to bring about his form of justice through the act of vanquishing as many phantoms as he could." Shiro added lowering his head to the ground and sighing once more. "That particular phantom we fought was unlike any other we had come across in the past. Even after tearing its limbs apart, its wounds seemed to heal and its strength grow to the point where it had easily managed to overpower and separate both me and Inemaru from one another. Having been tossed in the opposite direction, the phantom had then turned its focus upon Inemaru-sama" Shiro paused and took another deep breath. "I know very little of what occurred between them. There was active thought and strategy behind the actions of that ravaging creature of negative energy, I struggle to believe that it was merely acting on blind instinct. " he stated matter-of-factly . "All I can tell you is that there was a bright ominous glow from their direction and afterwards not a single trace of my Lord and that vile creature was left within the forest. I have scoured that spot many times as well as the surrounding forest for any trace of them and have found nothing. It is only the continued existence of my name as well as hope that leads me to believe that Lord Inemaru is somewhere out there. I wish I could tell you more, but I really do not have any idea as to where to begin. If only I had been stronger..."

Shiro sighed heavily and lowered his head to the ground once more, his tail swishing around and obscuring his face from view of the others. He didn't enjoy going through those accursed events once more.

​

 

[Dante Verren]

Location: Train heading eastbound
Date: April 4th 2030
Time: 2:06pm ​

Yuya Sumiko (Spiritual Human)
Interactions: Susanoo ( VeiledPariah ) Kami_X ( QuirkyAngel


Sumiko nodded her head as Susanno seemed to be done with the conversation. Giving him a small bow her expression was back to being serious. "Understood Susanoo-sama. I will stay away until I find a regalia for you." She didn't know much about this Ame person but it was clear that she mattered a lot to him, and that in some form Sumiko reminded Susannoo of her. When he commented on her hair she glanced at it and shook her head. "Sorry, My hair color is apart of who I am, so dying it is out of the question." Her usual policy was to help people when asked in what ever way she could, excluding a list of things she considered an impossible request and one of those was changing her hair. Sure she would style it but anything other than a trim for a haircut was to much for her. Ever since she was little she had always hated her hair being messed with.

Giving Susanno another bow she grabbed her backpack and left the shrine, setting out on the first part of her new mission. According to the old god she could find a lost spirit by just telling it was a lost spirit. That was not a lot to go on. She also knew that Susanoo was completely right about the danger she was getting her self into. Honestly sticking her neck out to help him was probably one of the dumbest things she could do. Now when she added all of that all together and the fact that she didn't know how long she actually had until her blight on his body started attacking him again it made an already stressful situation even worse. Yet she still wanted to help.

Luckily she managed to snag a seat on the train while riding back towards her apartment. Opening her phone she started to scroll through the net seeing if she could find anything to take her mind off the hell storm she had gotten herself into. Nothing was really catching her attention. Although there was a story about some kind of freak storm and rumors of a gun fight going on at a high school here in Kyoto, but it looked to just be rumors with no actual reporting on it. Her scrolling through the net would eventually lead her to the wiki page for Susanoo-no-Mikito. Being the quick reader she was it didn't take her long to reach the story of the Orochi and how he slayed the creature using his beloved sword Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi. She stopped at that, "Ame" she whispered. Maybe the Ame he had mentioned was actually his regalia and sword. If she was the had he given her to his sister like the myths said?

As she read on her mind was filled with more and more questions until she finally closed the tab. Thinking about that was only making her go further down the rabbit hole. Sighing lightly she opened her contacts and sent a message to one of the people that might give her answers. "Hey are we still good to meet up tonight?" she sent the quick text to Kami_X then leaned back in her seat. Her stomach grumbled lightly as the nerves finally started to fade. She should have ate a bigger lunch.

 

[Karcen]

Location: a park in Kyoto Azani Rally
Date: April 3rd, 2030
Time: 3:47 pm
Mentions: CheshireMitsu
Yoshio Seta, Priest of Azani

The only way Yoshio knew of to contact Kuro was to contact Azani and she would likely be the one to contact him. Well there was one way he could pray to her. Yoshio didn't know if Azani would answer him, but he was her only priest and well she and he did need to talk of doctrine.

" I can not be certain but I shall pray to Azani-omnikami and see if her cpompaion can teach you[/b]" Yoshio said honestly " But for today you can try to practice on some people if you can control yourself, perhaps having control is needed for this feeding style and your starvation has stopped you from figuring it out" Yoshio suggested. he could try teaching this phantom till Azani and kuro came.

There was little Yoshio coudl do for he knew little of being a priest, he might need to seek out other priests to learn some thing. Azani had not seemingly known much of priests given she had never had one before. Yoshio was mostly on his own and he would make sure to impress her. That would have to wait till latter though for now he needed to stabilize the flock.