Fandom Norgami: A New Era (IC)

[Karcen]

Location: Kyoto streets
Date: April 3rd, 2030
Time: 7:37 pm
Mentions: Haze-

Madness Phantom

Ny was more than a little annoyed with the other phantom that decided to talk to her and make her miss catching a second god to play with. Really she was not in the mood to deal with some asshole that didn't know the rule of find your own meals and that phantoms did not work together. Ny would just have to go back to her little captative and see if he had healed yet as she had no interest in speaking with the mad hatter look alike.

" A hatter should know better than to interrupt a tea party" Ny said not bothering to even pretend to be playful around a fellow phantom that was being an idiot " Now if you don't mind i am already very late for a very important date i am having tea with the queen of hearts" She said tapping her wrist as if there was a watch and vanishing as a vent into yomi appeared and she slid down into the vast underworld.

 

[The Secret Archives]

Location: Hanabi Amaku Grills, Kyoto
Date: April 3rd, 2030
Time: 1:35 pm​

Shorn, God of Despair & Disdain (God) & Herald of the Flock (Phantom) + Daitan/Eliyahs (Human)
Interactions: QuirkyAngel

Shorn snorted at Kami_X's retort, "Ah yes, but of course, you're just adding to your repertoire is all." He smiled when #4389 had come over to help him, "I'm fine, I'm fine." He made a light gesture towards her, "It's all good!" He thrust his hand out with a thumbs up towards her, "How about you?" His voice softened a bit, "Are you alright? No problems happened on the other side of the wall?" Shorn pushed himself to his feet, and rightened up some of the stuff around him that were knocked around.

He listened carefully to the different conversations ongoing, but didn't chime in too frequent as he was debating a multitude of things. How come the Herald showed himself, why did he side with Kami_X...? Who exactly was this man who showed up, and how did he apprehend the Herald with minimum effort. There was a lot of stuff that didn't exactly line up, but time for answers could come later on.

Shorn joined alongside of #4389, and then met back up with #10013 at the table where they were at previously, "Looks like you held your ground too. I guess I need to follow up on my word of buying that train set, huh?" He gave her a light pat on the head, and smiled at the two of them, "I'm proud of you both, you did well! I thank you for what you did, even if you two don't think you did a whole lot but sit idly by. It still means a lot that you were willing to listen to me, and sit tight, even in a situation like that."

Daitan stood tall, and proud as he exchanged information with Kami_X, "No matter, doing things in a formal matter makes the most sense." He looked over to Shorn, and the spirits that accompanied them, and gave them a friendly smile, "I'll appreciate the courtesy text, it'll make things easy." He typed a blank space into his phone for where he would end up adding Kami_X's text when he would receive the message. He even bowed to Kami_X, and even forced the Herald to do so since it was within his grasp.

Shorn turned to narrow his eyes at Daitan, "I don't trust them." He mentioned under his breath towards #4389, but not to #10013. Simply put, Shorn didn't want to drag #10013 into any kind of problems that may occur in the future from their interactions at this very moment. "I don't care how charming, and handsome this guy may be, something tells me he's bad news." It would be a lie if Shorn wasn't feeling heavy envy of Daitan too, the man was built strong, friendly, and got along with a phantom/god like it was nothing to him. It was all things that Shorn felt, and wished to be able to accomplish without people looking down upon him.

On top of his previous pang of envy, Shorn felt it even deeper when Kami_X demonstrated some Godly innate abilities as he simply digitalized out of the restaurant with minimum effort. All these extra things other gods seemed to do that Shorn couldn't even remotely get the hang of, or did he just not have these abilities to begin with. At this point, he just wasn't sure anymore. Maybe he was faulty.

The Herald aimlessly stared towards Shorn, and then spoke through Daitan, "You, depository, don't get comfortable, I am no friend to you." It started to get up, as Daitan was no longer holding it back. However, almost immediately, the weight of Daitan's stare put the herald in its place as though it were a mere child. "You will do no such thing! Don't even remotely think about it, you'll ruin the relationship with the god you were interested in. You dolt." Daitan placed his hand on his hip as if a mother scolding a child for disobedience, "You don't even think things through do you!?"

Shortly there after, the Herald seemed to sink down into itself in silence, and Daitan turned to the trio. "Well, now that the 'rabid' beast is calm," He made a finger quote around the word, "where were we?" He looked to #4389, and then to #10013, "Ah yes, I suppose I should introduce myself. I'm Daitan, but please call me by my modern name, Eliyahs." He bowed before the trio, and kissing the back of #10013, #4389 hands. He then did so to Shorn as well as if to prove a point, and not leave him out of the equation. "Pleasures all mine dears." Eliyahs winked at the three, and then he took off the waiter's uniform, and tossed it off to the side having his black undershirt below it. He ran his hand through his hair as if to try to get it out of the way, but it simply flowed back to where it was previously.

Shorn pulled back from Eliyahs, and shook his hand a bit, "Yeah... sure thing." He felt a bit odd, and he then massaged his temple in annoyance. This guy was someone who easily got under Shorn's skin, and it was pretty evident by how easily Shorn was thrown off balance by him.

Eliyahs laughed, rich, hearty and deep, at Shorn's reaction, "Ah, my fault. I hadn't expected you to be so bothered. I suppose it comes with the territory, huh, God of Despair & Disdain, right? Shame, that you're labeled with such a thing, no matter, Herald..." Eliyahs flicked his hand towards the Herald, "Come. We're leaving." He looked to Shorn, and then to the two girls, "Sorry to cut it short, places to be." When the Herald didn't move Eliyahs practically growled under his breath, "You couldn't be more difficult if you wanted to be!" Eliyahs grabbed the Herald with his fingers within the bird skulls eye sockets, and drug it out of Hanabi Amaku Grills.

Shorn sighed deeply as if greatly annoyed before he looked at the two girls, "Alright." He glanced around the restaurant, "Well, I guess we better head out too. Either of you have anywhere you'd like to go? I know we need to pick up #10013's train set at least, I did promise that much." He glanced to #4389 meeting with her eyes, "What about yourself, do you have anywhere you'd like to go?" His voice was a bit strained, it was obvious that Shorn was disturbed by what had happened. He then coughed, clearing his voice, and tried again. He knew that he came off a bit rude to #4389, and it wasn't on purpose, "Sorry. Let me try that again, Sorami, would you like to go anywhere before we head back to the SSA?"

 

[Lucem]

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

Ryotaro Hirai
While his classmate was cooking, Ryo waited in silence. Since he entered the house, he'd been very careful not to touch anything. It was as if he was trying to make himself smaller, attempting to avoid physical contact with the furniture as much as possible. He even hesitated to sit down, but quickly shook off the feeling of discomfort in an effort to avoid bringing attention to his odd behavior.

He slowly examined his surroundings, staring at each object for several minutes. It was a very ordinary home, one that could be found anywhere, but Ryo acted as if he had never seen anything like it. To an extent, that was true. Aside from his uncle's house and the one he grew up in, he had never set foot in another person's home. It wasn't as if he never had the opportunity. Over the years, he had received invitations from classmates and members of the archery club, but he always declined. He wouldn't object to other things, such as a trip to the movies or a karaoke bar, but visiting someone's home was a line he never crossed. These days, he wouldn't accompany those old acquaintances anywhere. Those relationships had already been severed, and he didn't have much free time anyway. After objecting to something like this for so long, being in Rika's home felt strange, almost discomforting. He felt the same way whenever he visited his uncle. Despite all of that, he still came.

The sound of waves and the accompanying headache went away a while ago, but enduring that may have been preferable to listening to the news. He watched the report with a blank expression on his face, focusing on the man's stained clothes. Priests still had it rough these days. Well, at least it was just a tomato this time. Compared to how he felt about entering the house, he didn't have much of a reaction to the familiar scene of a religious man being attacked. He'd gotten used to seeing things like this. That's how the world was, and he accepted it. However, that didn't mean he didn't want to change it. If he didn't, he wouldn't be here right now. He wouldn't have set foot back in that office again.

Nothing good was on TV, but the distraction did help him get his act together before his classmate returned. However, he nearly cracked when he saw what was on the tray. As Rika walked into the living room, Ryo's eyes were glued to the food she prepared. It was no spirit, but he could've sworn he saw a threatening aura coming from those bowls of soup. No, that was ridiculous. He was just tired.

Unperturbed by his hallucination, Ryo grinned at his classmate. "Thanks, I can't wait to try it. Although, I'm sure anything would taste great if you made it." Despite the playful tone, Ryo felt concerned when he got a closer look at his bowl. Something was definitely up with this soup. Why did it seem more ominous than Mizuki? What was with the color? Was that an entire onion? Was she trying to poison him? Was it revenge for teasing her about her math scores? No, she wouldn't have made a portion for herself if that was the case.

It took all of his acting skills to maintain a straight face, faking like he'd never faked before. He was in a predicament. His survival instincts were telling him to put down his spoon, but he couldn't do it. If he hesitated, he'd end up staying here longer than necessary. In addition, he found it hard to reject a meal someone else made for him. He'd been cooking for himself and others for most of his life, so this was something he didn't experience often. As much as he enjoyed teasing people, he couldn't ignore the effort Rika put in. Also, his father told him to never waste food. He only had one option at this point.

Maintaining composure in the face of danger, Ryo raised the spoon to his mouth and remained stone-faced as a variety of flavors assaulted his taste buds. There were many tastes and textures in a single bite, but somehow the saltiness managed to overpower everything else. Just how much salt did she put in there? There was no time to think about such things as he continued tackling the dastardly dish. He used several of his best techniques in the fight, moving his tongue to the side and swallowing chunks whole. Eventually, the battle was won, but he did not come out unscathed. I'll be joining you soon, Pops.

Thankfully, the bread was normal. As he washed it down with water, he could feel his tongue beginning to heal. Thank you, Hoori. I'll pray to you every day from now on. Feeling as though he owed his life to the god of grains, Ryo chewed with renewed vigor.

Trying to pass the remaining time and avoid thinking about the inevitable stomach pain, Ryo decided to speak up. "Do you usually cook for yourself? Your dad seems to get home pretty late." It was a normal question, but there was some concern that wasn't conveyed by his casual tone. He doubted it, but if that was the case, he had reason to be worried about the Murakami family's health. A family couldn't live off Phantom Soup.

QuirkyAngel

 

[CheshireMitsu]

Ekibio ~~ god of Pestilence, Disease, and Sickness
QuirkyAngel
( VeiledPariah )

• ACTION
• BASIC INFO

• 
  Location: SSA Office
  Date: April 4, 2030
  Time: 12:37 pm
  
  
  Kami_X? Must be a newer god, he didn't think any old gods could stand having a name like that, and he knew he was right when she said he was young and shrineless. He looked down at the card and it had a little bit of information on it; "Kami_X, Lord of Information Larceny" and a number to text him a prayer. I'm not gonna pray to anyone else, Ekibio thought to himself.
  
  When she leaned forward with twinkling eyes and said that she heard he was here with a girl named Ametaru, he almost corrected her to call him Ekibio, not Ekibiogami, until he heard what she continued to say-- "Are you two an item~? How did it happen?” An item? As in boyfriend-girlfriend??
  
  "Ametaru...?" He thought for a second, then remembered that Ametaru was one of the other names for Tsugusa. "Oh, yeah. Uh, no no no we're not together, I just remembered that Ametaru was one of her names. I turned her into me regalia yesterday, and of course, I gave her a different name..." He made a weird sound and blushed. He was never asked if he was "an item" with anyone. I seriously have to stop overexplaining myself.
  
  
• 
  
  Ekibiogami, god of Pestilence, Disease, and Sickness
  Male
  Lazy with an attitude
  Give people sicknesses, although using this power goes against his morals
  
  View attachment 829372
  
  
  
  

​

 

[Takumi98]

Seiichi Tanaka(God)
Location:
Date: April 3, 2030
Time: 3:35 pm
Mentioned: QuirkyAngel

Seiichi hummed as his cup was refilled, Inari made some rather good points, and when she made eye contact with him, he kept it. Inari had a way with words, though he supposes that it was due to being a businesswoman as well as a goddess of agriculture and such.

Protecting crops for farmers was what he usually did, what he was born for, and he had no problem doing so to help Inari out.

Though he may need to find a regalia first before giving the other god an actual answer. What regalia would want to stay with him for long though? He almost scoffed at the thought. Instead he focused on his drink.

And the next, and the next, and the next, and the-





Location: Kyoto Skies
Date: April 3, 2030
Time: 5:35 pm

With each drink he wasn't sure if he should stopped Inari, but at some point he felt tingly and his limbs (to his inebriated mind at least) felt as limp as a wet noodle, and before he knew it the jug was gone and wow they drunk all of that?

For a second he wondered if that one god from the...was it Roman or Greek? Meh, whichever one, he wondered if they felt like this all the time. Relaxed and warm and kinda sleepy.

Seiichi felt warm inside and out, eyes closed as the wind cooled his heated cheeks. He nearly nodded into sleep as they traveled until Inari spoke, blue green blinking open at her voice. Directions, right.

The blonde glanced down below, the scenery of the city both familiar yet not. His vision was a bit blurred, and he thought he saw double for a second. His shrine wasn't anything special, and nowhere near the size of Inari's. His directions were a bit slurred, but were clear enough that there was no doubt Junki would get them to their destination without any problem. Hopefully.

All the trees looked the same to him, but he definitely remembered his shrine was partially hidden in a small grove of trees near a park, the trail to it being somewhat non-existent at this point. A thin dirt path really. Long before the park, it had simply been an open field between a forested area. As far as he remembered, anyway. He couldn't remember the park name or what he ate that very morning and really wanted to sleep.

The thing is, even when the few AFAH members that had torn down most of the wood of the shrine, they cut down a few of the trees in the process and damaged some of the foliage. The fact that the one to lead them had been a relative of the farmer who created him long ago had upset him enough that he may or may not have went to their house and kicked up their flowerbed and almost wished to kill all of the plant life around their home at once to make it clear he was displeased.

It wasn't one of his best moments, but he wouldn't have allowed himself to punish them any worse at the time, and luckily he didn't have a regalia to cause any actual damage at the time either, else he'd have felt worse about himself as a god.

A wooden shrine that looked more home than shrine, part of it's foundation still stood, yet nature had reclaimed a good portion of it and may have been what kept the rest of it standing. The gloom that lingered from the AFAH members visit is what attracted most phantoms, and as such a few of the larger ones lingered when they showed before moving on to something or someone else.

One shaped like a large pink blowfish floating by, a slight smaller purple crow with six eyes on it's face, and another like a large twisted and blue deformed dog riddled with eyes were in the area today. Seiichi, drunk as he was, scowled at the sight of them and found himself tapping a finger on his arm from where they had crossed. More awake now that they had gotten closer to land, he had grown somewhat agitated at the gloominess, though was sure he wasn't a belligerent drunk, he was most likely grumpy.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Forest Outskirts - where Inemaru disappeared
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 12:55pm​

Abe no Seimei (God) + Kuzunoha (Regalia)

Inemaru?

With the name given, Abe no Seimei came to recall a god of ‘fairness’ born in the feudal era to bring about vengeance and equality for those who have been wronged. Some called him calamity. Some called him justice. However, regardless of the interpretation, his birth was a star added to the Heavens all the same. Seimei couldn’t really recall having a reason to interact with such a god, but Lady Inari did mention wanting to purchase a regalia from him…

“There, there, it’s not your fault,” His mother said as she lovingly embraced the lowered head, petting the creature's snout in a comforting manner. “Of course we’ll help you find your family.”

Being the spirit of an animal, Kuzunoha had little communicating with one of her kind—especially foxes. It was a trait she’d passed on to her son. Though all gods, to degree, possessed the ability to speak to the soul regardless of the form they manifested in—humans, flakes, animals, etc. It depended on experience and the authority or abilities the god possessed. Gods like Fuujin spoke to and named the spirits of the wind, who fell under his protection. Gods like Watasumi named the spirits of the sea. And gods like Lady Inari named and protected fox spirits, such as herself, from the calamities that threatened both far and near shores.

Her son had gained that authority as well…though he wasn’t as nearly well known for it as Lady Inari.

“It won’t be so easy, Mother. As I’ve said, the arrangement celestial constellations have become irregular and clouded, much like it had 10 years ago. Even if the god of justice is alive, divining his location would be no easy task – especially if other forces are at work blocking my vision. Besides, it isn’t unusual for gods to hide themselves away from the Heavens for a time.”

The Travel God did, when he decided to leave his Heavenly home and wander the near shore, leaving behind a sole servant to tend to his house. An obscure tale to mortal ears, but not many in Heaven didn’t hear the rumors of the abandoned regalia who still dutifully guarded his god’s home. Right or wrong, it was a decision made by a god and not really something to be questioned. Heaven had many such cases, especially in the cases of large families. Unused tools that, for years and years, haven’t heard their names being called, yet still maintaining their composure as to not blight their god. Three days wasn’t an especially long time in comparison.

After all, it was impossible for a popular goddess like Inari to visit every shrine or remember the name of every spirit that wanted to work for her.

“But you understand the desire to be with family, don’t you Doji?” Kuzunoha said as she stroked the Shiro’s matted fur, the same way she would for any child. Sometimes she wished Doji would return to being the innocent boy that used to cling to her skirts, scared of the abilities he’d been born with, instead of the prickly personality he now possessed as a god. “My son might say that, but he really is a filial child that chose to remain by my side even after death and ascension. He understands the importance of packmates” Even if it meant working for another goddess. “And would surely help you find yours. But first let’s get you cleaned up, Kit. You must be hungry as well. Divine for us the location of water and food, Doji.”

“But we still haven’t finished—”

Kuzunoha gave him one of those ‘I am your mother and what I say goes’ glares and Abe no Seimei relented. Closing his eyes, the god of onmyoji and divination focused on feeling for the dragon veins of the earth. Pretty basic for a master of fusui like himself, but having his regalia’s assistance made it even easier. Even a novice in onmyodo could practice the yin-yang arts with ease if they wielded the Hyakki. Therefore, it was barely a second—practically a blink—before Abe no Seimei opened his eyes, snapped his fan close, and pointed the way.

Nudging the large fox to get up and follow, Kuzunoha and Abe no Seimei led the exhausted regalia through the foliage to a wide, slow-running river full of fish.

“We’re one regalia short for an ablution ritual,” The most efficient and thorough way to wash away blight and impurities from a regalia. Neither Kuzunoha or Abe no Seimei were blind to the fact that Shiro’s depression at losing his god and being trapped in his vessel form played a part in the growing gloom that drew phantoms, steadily eroding the mountains. “But you can purify water and make it holy, can’t you?”

“Not to the extent of the gods and regalias of the sea,” Abe no Seimei answered. “But yes. I know the spell to do so”

He, and Inari’s regalias, were a large reason the springs on mount Inari remained pure enough to bathe in, after all. He heard rumors that the goddess of vitality maintained excellent springs for soothing spirits and washing blight as well though he never had much reason to visit the luxury resort. Due to the earth being full of phantoms, Earthly springs were much more difficult to maintain then Heavenly ones. That was why he often took his baths in Heaven. Much more prudent that way. Lady Inari did as well…sometimes. Then again, she interacted and answered the wishes coming from the near shore more than most gods—which played a part in her current popularity. Abe no Seimei received much of her patronage when he’d been alive. Therefore, god or not, it made sense of him to repay his debt to his mother’s goddess in death. Unlike gods like Kami_X, the fox goddess’s money and influence didn’t matter to him in the least, but it certainly helped find a cushy spot in Heaven’s court all the same. His deification was largely due to the belief that he wasn’t fully human anyway.

"Let's get to it then." Kuzunoha said as she found some wood and started a campfire the old fashioned way.

Once more chanting (with slightly altered verses) and drawing a five-pointed star in the air, Abe no Seimei tapped on the point of the pentagram where the water element resided. However, instead of sending the Seiman forward, his divine instrument absorbed it and started to glow an azure hue. He then approached the bank and touched Hyakki on the surface of the water, watching as the ripples carried his divine power to the rest of the river. Meanwhile, once she was done with the fire, Kuzunoha peeled off her loosely worn jacket and lifted her sleeve as she looked towards the large fox. “C'mon. We’ll listen to your story and discuss what to do once we get the dirt and impurities off you." Seeming to find some cloth and hand soap from her purse, Kuzunoha ushered the big, formerly white fox into the newly purified holy water. "Doji catch us some fish for lunch.”

At this point, Abe no Seimei no longer protested. From mingling with humans to marrying one, Kuzunoha had always been the type of spirit to skirt around the rules and do what she wanted. As Inari’s oldest regalia and best friend, some argue that only the name she possessed prevented her from deification. Others say such a thing is impossible for a mere regalia and that Inari’s protection was what kept her from turning into a phantom for breaking Heaven’s laws. Discarding her god-given name would only discard her identity and all the abilities that came with it. Regardless, it couldn’t be denied that Kuzunoha became the mother of a god and possessed a shrine dedicated to her on Mount Inari, making her the most well known of Inari's messengers.

His mother.

Abe no Seimei simply found a stick, some twine, and got to work making a fishing rod.

Phayne

 

[CheshireMitsu]

Unnamed Spirit
QuirkyAngel Kagemi, (me) Ekibiogami


Location: Near SSA Office, Kyoto
Date: April 4, 2030
Time: 12:28 pm




The spirit watched the people pass as he walked, noticing who had phantoms clinging to them and who didn't. He even noticed an average-looking man with blue eyes and glasses as he entered a building. He scanned around him, not finding the place he was looking for. The SSA Office would be necessary for him finding a god to be his master, as all the shrines he had went to proved unsuccessful. Either his calls went unanswered at empty shrines of forgotten gods, or he had found someone unwilling to take on a new regalia. More often then both, what he found was only ashes and rubble, showing AFAH's mark on Japan, how they destroyed the once-thriving gods.

He looked up at the phantoms that glided and spinned with the birds, as if desperate to become one, and stopped walking. Soon I will have a master. I will not be a waste of space like these phantoms. He smiled to himself. What if I find the girl I was looking for tomorrow? He blinked away a happy, hopeful tear. I will be useful to someone soon.

He set back to walking, but instead of seeing the SSA Office, he felt something that directed him to it. He looked to his left and noticed the building that the living ignored. Two people were at a counter talking, while others dressed in black entered and exited. It seemed a perfectly normal building, but unlike the humans that surrounded the spirit, he could see the light of the Borderline that painted the windows pale blue on the bottom, feel its slight pulse. This must be the SSA Office.​

Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
Date: April 4, 2030
Time: 12:35

​

He opened the door quietly and held it for a black-clad woman, then stood beside a table near the front desk, waiting for the man already there to finish his conversation before the spirit would begin his own. They both wore black and white like everybody else here. He looked down at his own outfit. If black is the appropriate attire here, I believe I fit the code.

He looked back to the pair and noticed how captivated the woman seemed to be by the conversation, while the man went on a small embarrassment rant. He sat down in a chair, knowing it may take them some time. Luckily, quite literally as long as he remembered, he had always been patient.










Unnamed Spirit
Male
Loyal, kind, calm
Can use Borderline, practicing Bind and Umbra

​

 

[Haze-]

Location: Kyoto streets
Date: April 3rd, 2030
Time: 7:37 pm
Mentions/Interactions: Karcen (Ny) Fill (Nomoto)

Vengeful Phantom

​

The plan wasn't rocket science. At all. At its best it was just some briefly thought out scheming with an exceptionally delusional, extremely hypothetical 'result'.

To Nox it was just impractical child's play that paled in comparison to the other demented stunts he'd pulled in the past. It was simple enough, "Where there is a god, a phantom follows."

So damn superficial and effortless "I could do this with my eyes shut..." His face tensed as he felt that deranged smirk creeping in, lightly lowering his head he hid his excitement from the duo. Knowing that, with a god and a phantom, he'd finally have access to both heaven and yomi, his mannerisms became more unhurried.

All those putrid, impure souls waiting for him at the gates of hell, the almost perpetual knowledge to be obtained over at heaven; the thought of it all made his mouth water. He wouldn't have to worry about starving himself anymore, no longer would he be going around the bend in his search for power. It all boiled down to how he choose his wording from now on. He had to find a way to not beat around the bush, but still keep his dialect cheap enough to get the both of them on his side.

Sure, they both held different ideologies that cryptically contrasted and collided with each other, but he would find a way to make it work. "This is going better than expected." Nox couldn't put up a front anymore, his enthusiasm was just too big.

And so, the corners of his mouth rose until forming a demonic smirk, fully prepared to put on display the speech that would mark the very beginning of-

"...You two obviously have something to work out, and I've got wishes to fulfill, so if you'll so kindly excuse me, sir and madam." At the sudden interruption and vanishing of the god, Nox could only express how dazzled he was with an annoyed, dragged out —"Haah!?"— 'Incredible' didn't quite encapsulate what just happened before his very eyes, 'Irritated' failed to fully describe the feeling. But he grudgingly bit his lip with all his might, and did his best to soften his angered expression.

After all, "In life the only thing that you can expect is the unexpected; the only surprise is a day that has none." He wasn't about to let the disappearance of a single god get under his skin, there were still many fish in the vast ocean and he wasn't nitpicky. He was sure that, working together with the other phantom, they could find another god and carry out from there.

And so, forcing a smile on his face, he struck a mighty pose and was more than ready to deliver the world's greatest-

"A hatter should know better than to interrupt a tea party"

"OH, WE'RE GETTING REAL FUNNY, HUH!?!??"

As Nox's dead stare landed right back on Ny, his mind then came to a final conclusion "I'm gonna drag this old hag's face through the damn floor." He tried to keep his cool, they were just petty insults he's heard over and over again throughout the years after all. But the wavery polite smile drawn on his face, instead of making him seem as the friendly buddy-buddy type, it more or less made him resemble that of a monster that sprawled its way out of the darkest of abyss' just to eat someone alive.

But before he could get to do anything, the phantom had already puffed away with the same simplicity as the god.

Still baffled, and unremarkably dumbstruck, Nox ended up muttering something unintelligible, almost out of reflex, in true caveman language.

———​

Location: Shirotomi Highschool
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 12:28 am
Mentions/Interactions: QuirkyAngel (Kami_X) VeiledPariah (Ame) The Secret Archives (Sakda)

Nox's bloodshot eyes were locked forward, viewing the world with murderous intent as he kept marching onwards with no signs of ever stopping.

Demonstrating admirable resolve, Nox dropped the idea of chasing down Ny and doing something he'd later regret. Going for a nice walk around town instead, the idea of committing manslaughter next time he caught sight of "Vermin ginger weasel bastard." and "Lobotomized bitch." looming in the back of his mind.

With little to no enthusiasm in his gait, he moved sheepishly down the empty morning streets. His blank, lifeless stare taking a 180 degree turn as a chilling, cold, indifferent breeze eerily caressed the nape of his neck. Leaves rippling and soaring away, a ghoulish screech resounding all-throughout, the scenery clouded up by a sinister, wicked smog emanating from Shirotomi High.

At the sight, Nox's smile widened. What happened last night had been a hidden blessing, it'd led up to such a delightful stench after all. This smell, however, was ten folds different than yesterday's god. It wreaked malice, a taste of malevolence flying partridge with the wind; too appetizing to be true.

Taken at a glance, other lesser phantoms were also attracted to this inviting aroma. That's when the idea came to him.

"Kuhuhu.... Brothers! Sisters! Chime those bells! We're having a little mid-morning snack, folks!!"

Using the pent up anger residing within since yesterdays encounter, Nox leaped with a masterfully elaborated movement, which could very well be considered acrobatic, onto the rooftop. Landing in a perfect squat, the vengeful phantom analyzed the environment; a predator sizing up its prey.

Once done, he quickly stood up and obnoxiously cleared his throat to get everyone's attention — "Morning, people!" — Feigning his usual politeness, he addressed the crowd. He couldn't help but let out a faint — "Woah..." — at the sight of the destruction all around, the battle seemed to have been raging on for a while.

Retaking it from where he left off — "Just by looking at me, what I came here to do becomes pretty self explanatory. So, let's just cut the tough talk and get to it." — Just glaring at the imposing presence the other phantom exuded got his heart racing, he couldn't keep that diabolical grin at bay anymore.

"Oh! And before you hit me with the stereotypical hero to villain catchphrase. Let me just say that that's not gonna work. At least, not if my boys back me up." Almost as if on cue, five of the lesser phantoms that decided to follow Nox climbed their way up and stood beside him.

He tipped his hat "That all? You guys are damn disapointing..." to hide his embarrassment.

If there was one lesson to take away from his recent adventures, is to never count on phantoms.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Kyoto Skies (Above Seiichi's shrine)
Date: April 3, 2030
Time: 5:45 pm​

Inari (Goddess)

Seiichi’s sense of direction had been a bit questionable at first—given his inebriated state—, but somehow the divine pair managed to make their way to grove in a park where Seiichi’s resided. It looked like a small, simple-looking wooden home, not as elaborate as some of the shrines or temples built for gods, but the truth of the matter was that the size of the shrine itself didn’t really matter except for prestige…or if the god wanted to live in the near shore. The important part was getting the shrine registered for a connection to Heaven. That was where many gods chose to live—whether they came down to the nearshore to work or not.

A land free of phantoms where the negative influences of the lower realm couldn’t reach…supposedly. The war 10 years ago proved otherwise with ‘smarter’ evolved attempting to claim both the land of men and gods for themselves. Freedom had been their banner. Freedom, conquest, and the right to live an eat peacefully without being exorcised. With their evolution came the ability to ‘think’ in the way that humans did, organize, and question why the ones crossing to the nearshore couldn’t get a midnight snack without being hunted by gods. Of course, consumption on their part meant the further spreading of negativity and impurities upon the Land of the Rising Sun.

It wasn’t as if Inari didn’t feel a smidge of pity for their plight…but that was all it was. A smidge. The younger ones probably felt a bit more since theirs was an era that sympathized with darkness. That supported progressive movement and ‘positive’ change. Differing views, likely influenced by modern humans they interacted with if they chose to live among the residents of the near shore. The more soft-hearted they were, the more likely they were to sympathize with suffering—especially if the phantoms came to resemble humans.

However, taint was still taint and blight still blight. Anything that threatened her pack or her grain storage was to be eliminated. She also felt no remorse about answering prayers dedicated to her or removing phantoms that would encroach upon a god’s land. Kyoto was the turf where her largest shrine resided and letting it get overrun with phantoms was bad for business. Not to mention highly uncomfortable for a pure, divine being such as herself.

Circling Seiichi’s shrine from above, Inari considered her options as her gazed down upon the phantoms bellow. There were many ways Inari could handle the situation at her fellow rice god’s shrine and she opted for the simplest approach. “Junki, fire~”

Yes, Milady.

Blue flames of purification (FoxFire) gathered in the divine fox’s mouth as it lifted its head before spraying a stream of azure heat down at the area bellow like a holy flamethrower, lighting the shrine—and nearby trees—in spiritual, ghostly flames. It didn’t harm the things or people of the nearshore. However, residents of the far shore were a different matter. Lesser phantoms coming in contact with Junki’s flames found themselves being exorcised one after another by the spiritual fire rapidly spreading across the grass as it burned away any corruption it touched. Bigger, more powerful ones took longer to burn than smaller ones, but it would burn all the same. The blowfish. The dog. The bird.

Wails of phantom agony filled the orange sky as the sun in the horizon started to set, nearing the hour where phantom liked to cross shores the most.

Pain. pAIN. Pain. PaIN. wHy? SMELLS NICE.

“Keep it up Junki. Don't let any escape.” Inari had grown used to the sounds and her regalias as well. Echoes of the spirits that had been eaten. Many voices distorted together into one. Listening to them, it was easy to fall prey to doubt, especially if it was a spirit one had known and interacted with. That was how novices got eaten. Even some of the more experienced gods didn’t feel comfortable with it and didn’t want to risk themselves or their regalias getting blighted. That was why things like phantom infestation of the near shore was typically left to war gods who were more jaded and had more experience fighting phantoms.

Some gods hated phantoms. Some gods sympathized with them. And some plain didn’t care unless the phantom approached their territory. It wasn’t like the battle against human negativity ever ended anyway.

“Burning through all the filth is the easiest way to clean up a shrine.” Inari glanced at Seiichi. “Of course, maintaining that healthy environment is your job as a shrine owner, Seiichi-kun~ I don’t work for free you know, so you’ll need to make more offerings if you want my assistance again.”

She already had gods like Kami_X with zero-godly pride calling on her, and leaving offerings on her shrine (like a human), whenever he needed a phantom taken care of because he couldn’t seem to find himself a regalia that could stand his lifestyle. She didn’t mind helping out. The god of hacking helped some of her businesses from cyberattacks and he seemed like a smart kid, all things considering. However, she expected returns for her investments as well. Altruism was good for business, but too much could be detrimental.

Takumi98

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

Rika Murakami (Human)

“Nope. This is my first time in fact—,” Rika coughed as soon as she tasted her own soup and reached for her cup of water. She might not have much experience cooking, but her tastebuds worked just fine. Seemed she underestimated the overpowering flavor of salt. As for rest…Rika wasn’t quite sure what she did wrong. However, her tastebuds told her it didn’t taste right either. She had no idea how Ryotaro managed to consume as much of the soup as he did. Sighing sadly as she stared at her failed creation, Rika shrugged. “…You don’t have to finish it if you don’t want to. I know it tastes bad. As for Dad, he’s a hard worker. I don’t expect he’ll be home until 9pm at the earliest, so there’s no need to wait and greet him. We have school tomorrow, after all. Finals are starting next month so I wouldn’t play hooky too much either—even if your grades could afford to take some hits. There are some—like our resident computer club president—that have already started studying…”

Though if he did, Rika now knew that Ryotaro Hirai was doing ‘detective’ work to help spirits and humans. She always thought she was the only strange one…but it turned out she had a classmate who was even stranger. Returning to the kitchen, Rika came back out with a jar of peanut butter and some knives to go with the bread.

The house had plenty of food in stock, including frozen foods and leftovers of whatever Dad found the energy to make a batch of on the weekends. There was a local convenience store near her house where she could buy quick and cheap dinners as well. She’d simply been a little ambitious after seeing a classmate cook with such ease at his house. Simple stuff like cereals, sandwiches, and ramen cups were easy enough that even an idiot could make…Rika just didn’t exactly count that as cooking. “…speaking of which, have you heard of a god called Kami X that lives in our school?” She hadn’t even been aware such a god existed until she talked to Momo, since the computer club seemed to be full of Otaku, idol-worshiping, tech nerds with possible 8th grader complex , but if Ryotaro had his ‘divine eye’ then perhaps he noticed. “It seems he owes Azani—the goddess I’d been talking to you about earlier—a debt of some kind…”

Rika spread the peanut butter on her bread. “I figured I should inform him about that and get him to pay his debts—whatever they are—before the goddess of vengeance sends him to hell. Apparently, you can contact him by posting on the school forum and if you’re ‘special’ you’ll get response—whatever that means” Rika rolled her eyes. “I plan to test that theory once were done eating; Just post a message up there and see what happens. If this ‘Kami X’ is as all-knowing as Watanabe-kun makes him out to be, maybe he can help me find my old friend, Uzume-chan...who I want to apologize to. On hindsight, I should’ve asked Ryuujin if he knows, since he’s also a god, but the opportunity never seemed to present itself…and I don’t know how I should start getting stronger to do the things I want either…”

Mizuki was still out there. Nikushimi seems like she’s dangerous as heck. AFAH terrorists, if they were still around, are always a threat. More importantly, she still felt helpless when it came to evolved phantoms and the like. Big phantoms, storms, and possibly evil gods that could kill her in general. If the reasons her talismans hadn’t been working right was due to Nagi ‘dying’ should she look to a different god? Inform her grandfather as well as Tatsume-san that Nagi was no good? The old man was a devout believer of Nagi, much like her ancestors on her mother’s side were, but what was the point in praying to a god that was no longer there...possibly even dead?

Still.

Rika remembered all the countless times she’d gone to Nagi’s shrine under the Sanjoo Bridge for protection against phantoms. Whether the god was there or not, she’d felt safer there—perhaps because Tatsume had been watching. Taking a bite of the bread, Rika glanced out the window to where she saw something akin to…blue forest fire…in the distance. Strange sightings had become the norm for her. Strange creatures on people’s shoulders. Storms. She’d gotten better at pretending she didn’t notice them until she met Ryotaro and helped Kenji…which she didn’t regret. Nor helping Ryuujin, even if she didn’t do much. It was the first time since Uzume that she’d spoken to a god. She was the one to tell him to give humanity a chance.

Perhaps she should do her part to help pick up plastic bottles along the beaches—prevent more phantoms like Mizuki from being born. It wasn’t quite on the level of convincing others to believe in an unknown religion, but it was something at least. Rika hated doing nothing. Even if no one at school prayed for Suda Kiyomi’s soul, she would. She didn’t especially like her math teacher. However, since she knew about it, she didn’t want to go back to ignoring it. Whether it had a big impact or a small impact, failed or succeeded, didn’t matter. She would just do what she could so she didn’t regret running away like she did today when they'd left Ryuujin to fend the storm alone.

Lucem

 

[Karcen]

Location: SSA Office
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 12:37 pm
Mentions: Dante Verren QuirkyAngel CheshireMitsu
​

Azani Goddess of Vengence and grudges

Azani had done much work with Miu over the night, during day she would redeem and at night she dammed it seemed. Still word about her dual nature had gotten out and more people that ever were ready to call upon her to settle their grudges. They were of course given their wish and left marked as new converts. They would fall into hell of course, them and many souls not marked it seemed, but one day soon that would change. Azani was thinking up an idea with the spells she now knew she could do what few other gods had done, and something she assumed Enma had done. She could die and regain her memories. That would explain the few times he had new looks, minor differences in truth, and yet did not seem a new person. For this Azani needed more regalia, which was annoying as if not for this need she would stick with just Miu. Still Miu would be her guidepost, the most senior of any regalia in a clan she might form. That lead her to the SSA office, as Ame seemed to be around when Azani might have wanted her, how fun that would be to take a treasure of her sister and make them her own. The barriers that might have been an issue before would likely be less so today for her companion. It would be annoying yes, but well it even annoyed Azani to come to this place after what she had said before. These people now knew she had taken pity on another god, she had thought of someone else, they would know she could be weak.

Walking in with Miu Azani saw one of the death god's regalia and some no name god. Azani did not recognize him, so she assumed he was some youngster here to get a spirit of his own. There was also a spirit dressed extremely formal, the guy must have been named and gotten a nice suit or been ready to go to some fancy party when he died. In truth Azani wouldn't mind naming more phantoms, but she was not yet immune to blight and while she was showing no symptoms despite a constant link to a former greater phantom she could still feel it. Azani did not want to risk being overwhelmed should she name to many greater phantoms. When she revived, perhaps she would being a ruler of a hell gain immunity, but for now normal spirits were a safe bet. Azani would rather speak with the boss and not an assistant as she would like a regalia that had some guarantee to not break easily, Ame would not ever break, miu could never break, Azani needed more like them.

" See I told you the barrier would not be so bad, perhaps as this is no shrine it is easier for you to walk here" Azani said as she looked from figure to figure then to Miu who she hoped would understand the annoying need to take on spirits to gain power, though she didn't really need to keep them. Then Azani looked tot he Regalia " I hope I don't need an appointment I didn't yesterday " Azani said trying hard to not come off as smug or hostile, but likely failing after all she stood beside a named phantom and Azani had never been one to be seen a friendly.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Shirotomi Highschool
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 12:28 am​

Kami_X (God)

Kami_X backpedaled as he fired continuous streams of bullets at the target that met the Nora’s borderline/spiritual sword with a soul-wrenching attack of his own. Why? Because ‘Detriment Wave’ sounded like a terrifyingly powerful assault that would hurt a lot. He could feel Roka flinching with each fired bullet was destroyed as if it was a part of himself.

You okay, Roka?

Y-yeah, I’m hanging on. You’ll wanna avoid the big blast though Kami. I can’t hold it back.

Yeah, I figured.

By the time the borderline the Nora made shattered from the powerful assault, Kami_X had already dove off the side of the school roof as the explosion of spiritual energy covered the rooftop. A hit direct hit from something like that would probably horribly blight him and send him to the afterlife. Well. Godly afterlife…wherever that is. Running from phantoms was probably the one thing he was good at--especially when he didn't have a regalia.

Don’t ever do what he did. Even if Chimata offers you a different road, it’s not worth it to take that one.

Both Chimata and his brother, Sarutohiko, headed the shrine registration office which allowed for a god’s passage to Heaven—provided they had a shrine—if he remembered correctly. Mainly Sarutohiko though. Chimata just got drunk a lot. To think that dumb idiot would actual guide a spirit down the path of phantom-hood. Kami_X rolled his eyes as he free-fell. Just his luck.

Uh, I have no I idea what you’re talking about X, but, if hadn’t noticed, we’re FALLING!

I know.

OMG, the ground is getting closer! We’regonnadie! We’regonnadie! We’regonnadie!

Despite the situation, Kami_X chuckled. His new regalia could really be amusing. A weapon like you won’t break from this height. Besides, you’re already dead.

Yeah, but wouldn’t you go splat? If you die, I’d be stuck like this forever!

C’mon, I’m still a god. Kami_X pushed up his glasses. Have a little faith. A fall like this can’t kill me even if I did hit the ground. That last spiritual attack might’ve though…

Or it might not, but Kami_X wasn’t willing to take the chance. 40 years old was too young for a mortal human to die let alone a god. He had gotten a glimpse of the soul the moment the phantom out the remnants of whatever soul it possessed left and burnt it for power. Images flashed before him in the same way it did like when he named Renka. Like when he named Roka. Daishin’s life. Dashin’s death. Dashin’s immortal life as he was tricked by a god. Kami_X wasn’t sure what the foreign goddess did, but it didn’t seem that different from naming a regalia…minus the fact that the shaman had been alive. As the soul burned away it made one final request calling for a god…and Kami_X was the only god present. Hand running through his messy, just-out-of-bed hair Kami_X sighed. How complicated. He’d only come out to help drive back phantom that’d been clearly bullying a lone girl, not take on a request he wasn’t sure he’d be able to even with Roka by his side.

“Don’t let it roam free forever, huh…?” What did stop it even mean? Stop it from doing what? Did Daishin want his phantom exorcised? That seemed like the simplest solution to stopping Sakda. Kami_X tightened his grip on his regalia. “We’re going take on that soul’s final request, Roka.”

We are? I mean, I don’t have a problem with it, but what brought this along? You don’t seem like the type of god who’d help a random bystander for free, and there’s no way a soul that’s been burned away is going to repay—or even thank--you for that matter.

“A dream,” Kami_X answered vaguely before he started to chant. “You who have chosen the path to desecrating the land of the rising sun. With my advent, I, Kami_X, lay waste with the Ruki to expel thy vast defilement.”

Ruki glowed a brilliant red as Kami_X’s body digitalized, breaking apart into zeros and ones, just before touching the ground. When the god reappeared, his body reforming with the teleportation, he was directly behind Sakda with the barrel of his red-glowing regalia pressed to the phantom’s back. “Even I can’t miss from his range.”

Or maybe he could. Maybe Sakda was just that fast or exorcising the evolved phantom was too much for Ruki at the moment, even with the god-spell powering his next shot. Kami_X wouldn’t know. However, he’d regret not trying even more. “So let’s call it a day for now. Tell us where Susanoo is and I’ll be sure to give either Chimata or Kamuy the middle finger if I ever see them.”

Kami_X didn’t actually give two figs about the God of Heroes and Men—never met him in fact—but the Nora seemed to considering Sakda seemed to be constantly taunting her about it. Likely one of her gods. He was rather surprised that a god like Susanoo even owned a Nora…but then, there was rather famous sword of his that might fit the bill, given the legends surrounding it. Kami_X glanced at the new phantom that showed up. If it was allies with Sakda, things would be difficult. Sakda seemed to know the Herald as well, so perhaps he could get some information out of his new allies Daitan or the good ol' bird-skull. “Sadly, I’m running out of hero juice, even with the pretty girl present. I just want to go to back to bed without the school blowing up because of a fight.”

Borderlines had already cut into some of the school. Small cracks on the roof from Roki's bullets as well. Now he had to keep an eye on both the new phantom and Sakda. Fortunately he and Roka were two sets of eyes. If the bone-dressed phantom so much as lifted a finger to attack them, Kami_X would pull the trigger. As for the rest…well…who could say? Kami_X had taken more risks today than he had ever done in his 40 years of life…and it was surprisingly thrilling. The god of hackers always did enjoy a challenge.

The Secret Archives Haze- VeiledPariah

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Hanabi Amaku Grills, Kyoto
Date: April 3rd, 2030
Time: 1:35 pm​

#4389 (Free spirit) + #10013 (Free spirit)
#4389 rubbed the hand Daitan, Eliyahs, or whatever he wanted to call himself, kissed furiously, trying to get the feeling off his lips on her hand off. The still-living human was obviously a foreigner. Rude. He clearly didn’t know how the Japanese people operated. It was impolite to do such things—that could make others uncomfortable—without permission. He reminded her of Kami_X—but a bit worse, seeing as not even the dumb red-head approached her in such a manner at first greeting.

#10013 hadn’t seemed to mind or care and just waved as the human took his pet phantom away. Hmphing, #4389 glanced worriedly at Shorn, hoping to silently convey that she still wanted him to name her and that she had no intention of partnering with anyone else…though it seemed Shorn was also dissatisfied around Eliyahs. Uncomfortable, in fact. Odd…

“No, let’s just get the train and go back. I think we’ve got enough excitement for one day.”

“But my burger…”

“Finish fast,” #4389 said with finality and #10013 nodded, chomping away at the rest. The raven haired spirit wiped the mustard covered lips of her brown-haired companion before packing away rest of the food to share with everyone else at SSA. She hummed happily. Even if she told him not to get her hopes, she couldn't deny that it did feel nice when Shorn called her Sorami.

The Secret Archives

Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 12:37 pm​

Kagemi (Regalia)

Kagemi giggled as Ekibiogami furiously denied being an item with Ametaru even if he didn’t deny naming her. That was what she meant anyway. The relationship between gods and their regalias took on many different forms. Some were familial. Some were working-relationships. Some were best friends. And some had a deeper meaning. How a regalia chose to protect and represent their god was different for each pairing, but it couldn’t be denied that regalias typically only went for one god and it was typically a lifetime commitment.

Gods and their regalias could live together for hundreds of years after all. Wasn’t that practically a married couple?

Nana’s blond regalia opened her mouth to respond to the god of pestilence when more people came in. First was a spirit. The second was a goddess and her regalia. “Ah, sorry looks like I’ve got work to do. Hopefully Kami_X will be able to help you find the human you need.”

Kagemi turned to Azani, the teddy bear goddess first, and smiled. “Welcome to SSA.”

She blamed Shorn for starting that one and instilling it in her head. The fact that Kagemi was a social spirit and liked to talk (gossip) couldn’t be helped. It had been quite the dramatic discussion between 2 gods and a fairly well known Nora…one that ended with the Nora crying. Hikarumi was still annoyed that Azani had apparently insulted SSA, but Kagemi hadn’t been there for that so the impact was less. She was also the type to forgive and forget.

The fact that Azani brought a phantom with her was a little jarring, but Kagemi could see the name ‘Miu’ on the winged-girl. That the phantom was a protector of a god all the same. Both their pungent scents from Yomi didn’t even bother Kagemi, because death gods sometimes bathed themselves in the scents of phantoms to do their job and retrieve spirits without drawing too much attention. Otherwise they would ‘Smell too nice’. Besides, the borderline drawn around the SSA building would’ve stopped Miu from crossing if she were a threat—god, phantom, or otherwise. The fact that it didn’t meant that Miu hadn’t come with malicious intentions.

“No, an appointment is not needed, Lady Azani.” Kagemi glanced at the formally dressed spirit that waited at the front table. “But it’s much faster if you want the god-treatment. You see, this gentleman was here first and the SSA of Kyoto feels strongly about the equality of gods and spirits. Therefore I must ask you to wait your turn.”

At least until another agent arrived to assist. Hikarumi was off with Nana for another client and who knows where Shorn was. His job title was field agent anyway so he was possibly out finding mores spirits to guide/collect/persuade. Since they were a little short staffed some, like Kagemi and Hikarumi, ended up taking on multiple duties. They were the branch manager's regalias after all.

She cleared her throat and addressed the dichromic spirit in a suit formally as a good receptionist should. “How many I help you, Good Sir? Are you here to register as an SSA spirit? Look for employment?”

Karcen CheshireMitsu
(mentioned: The Secret Archives )

 

[CheshireMitsu]

Unnamed Spirit
Karcen Azani, Dante Verren (Miu), QuirkyAngel (Kagemi), (me) Ekibio


​

• ACTION
• BASIC INFO

• 
  
  Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
  Date: April 4, 2030
  Time: 12:40 pm​
  
  
  
  
  The spirit watched silently as the young man and woman finished their conversation suddenly when another person came in. A goddess, he saw from how she talked to her, but a very... small one. She may be a very major goddess, but her size did not show that very well. Anyways size wouldn't matter-- anyone can have great power and a small body, just as he had no power yet was taller than many others. He also noticed that she had brought a phantom with her, although it had seemed like it was more passive than the other phantoms, intelligent or unintelligent. He did not mind that she was there, like many other spirits would, he didn't even mind the smell.
  
  He was slightly surprised when the secretary turned to assist him before the goddess, but it was her choice. He stood and bowed to the lady. "You do not need to call me good sir, miss, you can simply call me Spirit for now. I am here to find a god to serve-- I've tried searching on my own for a long time, but I never could find someone that would take me. AFAH was horrible to the gods when they came to Japan, but I was still searching. Is there any that may name me? I may need a little bit of training, although I already know much of what I need." Again, he was joyful to be able to have a master. Hopefully he could have one soon.
  
  He looked over to the goddess that had walked in, asking a question. "Are you looking for a regalia? If so, I can be yours if you chose to name me." It would be the best if he could serve a god quickly, but he was willing to wait if she was here for something else. Lady Azanai, the secretary had called her.
  
  ​
• 
  
  Unnamed Spirit
  Male
  Loyal, kind, calm
  Can use Borderline, practicing Bind and Umbra
  
  View attachment 834785
  
  
  
  

​

 

[CheshireMitsu]

Ekibio ~~ god of Pestilence, Disease, and Sickness
QuirkyAngel Kagemi, Karcen Azani, Dante Verren Miu, (me) spirit

​

• ACTION
• BASIC INFO

• 
  
  
  Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
  Date: April 4, 2030
  Time: 12:36​
  
  
  "Huh?" He turned around just as a goddess and a regalia walked in, and noticed a guy with two-toned eyes in a suit that must have came in silently. Then he smelled the air. Ugh... not a regalia, a phantom. "Alright. I'll go see this Kami_X then. Bye." He waved lazily at the girl as he walked off, giving the phantom a glare and dirty look as he passed. How did it even get into the office? Are the borderlines weak? Well, the secretary didn't seem worried... Thinking about what she said, he was happy that he got away both from that stench and any more embarrassing questions
  
  
  ​
  Location: SSA Office, Kyoto
  Date: April 4, 2030
  Time: 12:36​
  
  
  He tapped at his phone irritated that it decided to stop working now. "No, no, no, no!" The screen froze how it was, turned some weird combination of random colors, then went black after it made a weird keening sound. "Dammit!" He raised it up and almost threw it down, then put it in his pocket. It was old, yeah, but it might still work later... but he doubted that. "Ugh. Does this have an address on it or something?" He pulled out the card again and searched what little was on it. Nope... makes sense, anyways. He probably doesn't want some phantom or rude god to come try to kill him. Whatever. Where's somewhere I can take a nap?
  
  He looked around him a little bit but there weren't any trees around. He sighed and climbed up a drainpipe on the SSA building and found a spot on the edge of the roof that was comfortable enough, where he could see who came in and went out of the place. This is good enough, I guess...
  
  ​
• 
  
  Ekibiogami, god of Pestilence, Disease, and Sickness
  Male
  Lazy with an attitude
  Give people sicknesses, although using this power goes against his morals
  
  View attachment 829372
  
  
  
  

​

 

[Dante Verren]

• Miu
• Sumiko

• 
  
  Location: SSA Office
  Date: April 4rd, 2030
  Time: 12:37 pm​
  Miu (Regalia)
  Interactions: Azani ( Karcen ) Ekibio/Unamed Spirit ( CheshireMitsu ) Kagemi ( QuirkyAngel )
  
  Right now Miu was not a very happy regalia. It was bad enough that they needed the stupid priest, he was already taking some of the praise that rightfully belonged to herself., but now it was different. A human was one thing, another regalia was a completely different matter. Another regalia was likely going to be working with them more closely, another regalia was going to have their name called by Azani, and another regalia was going to get pride that belonged to Miu. She was very much not happy spirit. She had made her displeasure at the idea very clear before coming here and all the way until they had gotten through the barrier and into the office. While in the office she wouldn't voice her displeasure but it would just hang around her like an irritable cloud. All of this was made so much worse by that stupid barrier that hung outside. She had no problem getting past it, that wasn't the issue at all. The issue was that it made her skin crawl and itch like a billion pure bugs were flying around her nipping at any bit of exposed skin they could in attempt to bite away the phantom part of her.
  
  "I almost prefer the shrine barrier, at least once we got past it didn't bother me as much as this one." she said with annoyance as she scratched at her left arm with her right. Following Azani's gaze she glared at each individual with her own annoyed expression. As the blonde spirit looked at her Miu matched her gaze with one of her own. If she still had wings of her own the feathers would have been bristled up in an intimidation tactic, but she didn't have her own wings anymore. Just the decorations that clung to her back. As the obnoxious looking god passed her and glared she returned his glare and did her best to not spit in his direction, "Prick" she mumbled to herself as he left. This place was driving her nuts, she didn't normally result to such barbaric speech. Still she couldn't risk Azani coming here and choosing too pathetic of a creature to serve her.
  
  The spirit that approached Azani next actually caused Miu's expression to soften a bit, he looked prim, propper, and most importantly like he would know and respect the pecking order. Maybe this one was going to be worth something,
  
• 
  
  Location: Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto
  Date: April 4rd, 2030
  Time: 1:30 pm​
  Yuya Sumiko (Spirtual Human)
  Mentions: Susanoo ( VeiledPariah )
  
  Sumiko had quiet a busy day planned for herself, starting of course with morning classes. Waking up and pulling herself out of bed was always the most difficult part of the day for Sumiko. Sleeping was one of the college students favorite past times outside of reading or writing so she always found the waking up part rather difficult. After a few minutes of mental preparation she would force herself out of bed, scarf down breakfast, pack her bags, and head out the door. After taking the train to get closer to her college she would walk the rest of way making it just in time to her class start at 8 am. From there she would spend her time taking notes, listening to lectures, and doing her best to ignore the phantoms that hung around the room. Remembering what Kami_X had told her she figured it was better to pretended she couldn't see them. Even when one would occasionally get in her way of taking notes or mess with her hair before moving on. They were annoying but not impossible to ignore.
  
  Her morning classes would come to end at around 11, leaving her about an hour to eat lunch and do some independent study, Going to the cafeteria she would find an empty table and pull her lunch from her bag. Over the course of the next hour she would slowly whittle away at both her lunch and today's assigned work until she was satisfied. At noon she would pack up her things and set out again this time hopping on a train and continuing to head away from her home and her work, She had called out that day from work, feigning illness. Given her personal circumstances it was easy to do. Her real intention wasn't to go home and slack off but rather complete a personal mission she had for herself. Now that she knew the gods were real, she felt a personal responsibility to go to every shrine she could and give thanks to as many of them as she could for protecting her and the other humans. It wasn't like her saying thanks would mean anything to the gods but she wanted to do it anyways. It felt wrong to not say thank you to the people who watched over you, even if it wasn't just you they were watching. Pulling out the first of the coding books that her sister had leant her she began to do some more independent learning while she waited for the train to stop.
  
  Finally she had reached the end of her journey, the Kyoto Yasaka shrine. An old shrine dedicated to the god Susanoo. The first thing she noticed was the smell, just like with the other gods she had met there was a wonderful smell hanging around the shrine. The scent had the same pure and heavenly feeling but it also had a bit of a refreshing edge, similar to the way the air smelled fresher and clean after a storm just sped through. Heading into the shrine she followed the pathways leading to the offering box, glancing around to see if she could get lucky enough to glance upon one of those regalia that she had met at Hasuna's place or maybe even the god Susanoo himself, but no luck. Finding the offering box she took out her wallet a single 1,000 yen note. It wasn't much but considering she was going to go around and visit a bunch of shrines she couldn't give much, Plus it was the thought that counted right?
  
  Placing the note into the offering box she lowered herself down onto her knees and clasped her hands together in front of her face. She couldn't remember if this was how you were supposed to do it or if this was the Christian method, until recently she wasn't all too invested into religion. "Susanoo-sama if you can here me thank you for all your handwork in protecting us humans from phantoms. "she said quietly. After a moment of silence she stood up and set out heading for the shrine exit. Glancing around one more times in another hope of catching sight of something.
  

 

[Takumi98]

Seiichi Tanaka (God)
Location: Above his shrine
Date: April 3, 2030
Time: 5:45 pm
Mentioned: QuirkyAngel

He knew the cries of pain from phantoms well, it was something he heard a lot during times of drought and time of heavy rain that had ruined crops and attracted gloom he had to deal with. Even if he didn't have to deal with it, he's seen it from other, older gods who slayed Phantoms while he had been passing through or was nearby. Even if it had been a while since he was needed for such a thing he was no stranger to it, so he simply did his best to block the sounds. The flames were rather pretty, and yet they made his stomach twist in an odd way he didn't have the energy to try and decipher.

Seiichi nodded his understanding as Inari explained about the burning of phantoms as well as upkeeping the health of said shrine (and likely the area around it). When she mentioned giving more offerings he acknowledged it with a hum and a nod. She was a businesswoman after all, so it made sense to his wine addled brain.

"I'll make sure to do so, but thank you for your help, Inari-san." He replied, doing his best not to slur his words too much and embarrass himself. Once the gloom and the phantoms were taken care of, he could properly assess the damage and go about figuring out which followers to contact that weren't too old, too young, or too scared of AFAH remnants potentially being in the area that he could get to fix the place up.

It's almost a shame that there weren't as many spiritual humans these days as the days of old. But...

'Ah, there was that one from ten years ago, he'd probably be much older now. ' Seiichi thought, reminded of a child that had seemed much more aware of the far shore than most. He could be a start, at least, to help get the shrine itself to look a little nicer. After the god found a regalia.

'Most of the roof is in tact, so if I sleep here and it rains again I have a low chance of getting wet.' He thought to himself. It'd been raining a lot the past few days it seemed. His shrine stood the test of time but with AFAH's movement and the destruction hadn't been too kind to it. It still stood, partially, and to Seiichi that was enough because it meant that he could have it upgraded even if some of the old bits of it remained. It was like...renovating a house or something. He didn't know, and was too tired to go over the semantics of it.

"Thank you too, Junki." He added, hand running through white fur in a pat. It was brief, since he wasn't sure if she'd be comfortable with petting or not.

When the flames did their job and would finally stop is when he would speak again, having enough liquid courage still in him to voice something he probably wouldn't of alluded to if completely sober.

"Anyway, it's rather late, and I don't want to keep you any longer than needed." He added, not wanting to be a bother to Inari anymore than he had been.

 

[Phayne]

~Regalia~
Location: Forest River// Date: 04/04/2030 // Time: 13:05 Pm // Mentions: Inemaru // Interactions: Abe No Seimei + Kuzunoha QuirkyAngel

Beginning to leave an imprint in the ground as he begged for their aid, Shiro had not seen Kuzunoha's hands approach him and like someone whose guard had been up for long, it was only instinctual and natural that he'd recoil from the touch, his head jolting backwards ever so slightly. It was almost like a 'fight or flight' reaction, with Shiro choosing the latter such was his state of mind at this moment. The last 3 days alone, devoid of physical contact had left him so desensitized to another's touch that his body had simply moved on its own; to defend itself from that unnatural sensation. Though that initial shock and reaction had just as quickly been alleviated as his instincts were soon calmed; his body beginning to relax under the comforting motions against his snout, each stroke seemingly taking with it some of his worries.

It was a new feeling for Shiro, to have his snout embraced in such a way; yet it was a feeling that seemed to bring with it a wave of nostalgia from a time long since gone; a time before he was even aware of Inemaru's existence, and whilst her words alone were cause for him to feel a glimmer of hope, it was the warmness that emanated from her touch that seemed to melt Shiro. Like a sun shining upon the shadows of despair, this embracing warmth had started to melt the cold fortress of solitude that had gradually begun to encapsulate Shiro's soul. Despite everything he had gone through these past few days, in this very moment in time Shiro was not alone.

Overcome by a wave of relief that he had now found others that would help him in his search, Shiro's body had almost collapsed like putty in Kuzunoha's hands, the large fox slumping against her and almost beginning to fall asleep as her touch continued to ease his woes. Though just as he was about to succumb to it, Abe no Seimei's matter of fact statement had caught his attention, his ears twitching, canines visible and his eyes shooting open as two golden orbs now focused upon the god.

"Don't say that! Inemaru would never do that! he would never hide from the heavens and leave me behind like this!" he mentally shouted, unable to voice his protest beyond a low growl that reverberated from his throat. "The phantoms must have taken him, He'd never leave me behind! He wouldn't even consider it!" he continued to protest, not willing to accept the slight possibility that he had been abandoned by Inemaru. It would be the final nail in the coffin for Shiro if that nightmare became a reality. Alas, his growl soon died down as Kuzunoha in turn replied to her son, still stroking away at Shiro's matted mess before easing his new concerns ; reaffirming the fact that they'd both help him find Inemaru.

With that worry put on the back burner, the situation was soon directed to the present and towards Shiro as his own state was brought to light. Truthfully, Shiro hadn't really thought about the condition he was in, nor had he allowed himself to think about finding sufficient food and cleaning himself up. All of that had been trivial problems that took little priority when compared to Inemaru's situation. His duty was to his god and anything else didn't much matter until he was sure that Inemaru was safe. Any food he had eaten over the last few days had been little more than wild berries that he had simply found in passing. Hunting was out of the question, since he couldn't start a fire in his state and he didn't fancy the thought of eating wild-game raw either, thus the search for any substantial food source was of little priority, likewise whether he was clean or not would not make a difference when it came to searching, thus the time needed to do either would have been would have been better spent searching for Inemaru.

Eyes still focused upon the god, Shiro watched as Abe no Seimei begun his divination, the speed in which he had divined water and food lasting little longer than a single blink of the eye. Without a doubt, the god's skills were completely different to the more mundane and menial methods that Inemaru had used, heck technology had taken over in recent years and their quest for food had only ever amounted to a hunt for 'cheap delivery deals' on various websites and apps.

Nudged to his feet by Kuzunoha, Shiro was now even more aware of how fatigued his body was and how sore his muscles ached. With his mind no longer one tracked in his mission, he was now beginning to process the condition that his body was in, slowly feeling the full brunt of the strain his body had been put under these last few days. Sore and aching, Shiro quietly followed behind the two as they led him to a slow running river, one that Shiro had not taken notice off but must have passed several times these last few days. Whilst led to believe that they were only here for food and water, Shiro quickly took a step back when Kuzunoha mentioned an ablution ritual or what some called 'a beating'; a name given considering it was said to be a very painful process for the one being cleansed. Having ignored his own state, Shiro himself had not realised the growing gloom that loomed over him, nor taken note of the traces of blight and impurities that had steadily begun to attach themselves onto his body. Though it must have been clear as day to the other two, if they had considered the ritual. Alas, it seemed like they'd be unable to go through with it as Kuzunoha suggested an alternative.

As Abe no Seimei begun to chant, Shiro could not help but watch as the god begun the ritual for the spell, his chants mesmerising in their tone and his actions precise as he delved into a skill that Shiro had very little understanding of. With his hand getting to work at drawing the five pointed star in the air, Shiro watched with fixed intrigue as his divine instrument begun to glow; the god bringing it towards the waters surface and releasing the spell upon its surface. As if reacting to the spell, Shiro felt a cold shiver run down his spine as the gloom that shrouded him begun to react to the divine energy reflected upon the water's surface.

That alone gave Shiro some hesitancy towards entering the water. Whilst not an ablution ritual that was known to be painful, Shiro did not doubt for a moment that he'd feel some sort of reaction once he stepped into the divine pool. Even standing this far away, the impure stains that matted his fur were causing them to stand on end. Shiro may have been a battle hardened regalia, but the thought of plunging into a divine pool was not that enticing to him at this moment, considering the potential for pain. Much like getting an injection, it was more the fear of getting pricked rather than the act itself that was making him feel uneasy.

Though whether it was merely coincidence or Kuzunoha had picked up on his hesitation, Shiro was given little choice but to enter the divine pool as he was ushered into the river; his body lacking the energy to fight back as he reluctantly stepped into the cold water and as he did, he could already feel his body reacting to the holy energies that permeated the water around his feet. Like pins and needles, Shiro's entirety had become increasingly numb as the dark remnants of phantom residue began to react to the divine energy that soaked into his fur. Having never actually been washed in this state before, Shiro was getting a crash course lesson into understanding why many animals detested the idea of having a bath.

A wet mess, Shiro sat with his body half out of the water; lowkey wishing for this to end; the wet fur covering his body adding weight to his already sore muscles.

"Inemaru must never know about this..." he silently thought to himself.​

 

[VeiledPariah]

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


"WHERE'S YOUR DEAR SUSANOO, HEAVEN'S MUTT!!"
Sakda cried as the waved collided against the regalias attack light and dark clashing the sheer force of the detriment wave causing Ame to strain against its blight.
She edged forward a bit more her body still suspended in the air above the phantom as KamiX dove away from the blasts scattering effects. She couldn’t hold out much longer, though her conviction wavered none her strength had diminished in the last onslaught of strikes to get her to this vantage point.
The haze swirled around her more pinpointed area of attack as it stung at her forearms and shoulders brushing against her cheek as she cried out before the collision of opposite energies burst sending her skidding along the rooftops cemented surface the base of the buildings fenced edge catching her body as her eyes raised amongst the demonic fog once again trying to focus on the task at hand.
“Your faltering, I can feel it. You can’t keep this up. I won’t stop, tell me where he is?! What have you done with my kami!!”
The Nora stood swaying a bit her left hand blighted and now clutching at her side that had been grazed by the earlier palm strike she narrowly avoided thanks to the gods intervention. As she winced against its revolting control over her. She stepped forward once, her breathing heavy as she continued.
“I swear, I’ll stop the pain...no matter what it takes”
She wasn’t speaking to the Ayakashi before her but to the soul that cried out before begging for it all to end, for some reason his plea resonated within her on a level she didn’t understand but she couldn’t bear to be distracted now.
Ame sprinted ahead towards him
more seemingly abandoning all tactics once more but in truth she had an idea, if it would work however....
The female sent forth another set of lines towards Sakda much like last time creating the assumption that she would try to maneuver around him to attack from behind.
Yet instead she drove forward her speed increasing as her iris honed on the phantoms hand the one that had been severely degrading as the fight went on.
The girl dropped to her knees mid sprint now sliding the rest of the distance towards the phantom her in damaged hand burning brightly as she twirled a borderline passing beside him hoping it had hit its mark in either disarming him, or better yet finding flesh.
Still she could not keep this up either as she turned into a roll stopping on a knee now on Sakda’s opposite side.
Her eyes searched for KamiX
and just as the newest phantom arrived seemingly with back up against the trio KamiX materialized behind Sakda the barrel of his regalia poised to end him.
Ame smiled, so he was at least decent in combat. Although the paltry display earlier was not much in the way for a vote of confidence.
She was grateful for the help regardless and now it seemed they had Sakda pincered.
Her free hand began to shine once more as she began the chant.
“Beast with no name, hear me now, I judge you for your sins and grant my verdict from this day you will no longer reside between the shores, I erect this border for those you intend harm against and it is absolute!”
her words were soft and her vision blurred from fatigue but she held true on her target as her hand moved forming one borderline after another each holding still in the air before her until there were seven in total poised for her hand to fall as she raised it above her head like a student wanting to be called by their mentor.
This was the strength given to her by two of the strongest gods in Japan.
If Sakda had been watching her for this long he would no doubt understand what this could do.
“Take your friend and leave, but first you will answer the Kami’s question...or you will die here”
Her intent was as strong as her borderlines, he called her a tool...nothing more than a plaything of the gods that abused their power over those like him. If it was true, then so be it. She would be their tool. Their weapon, Their shield.
As long as she still believed in them in their strength, then hers would never fail... The red head behind Sakda proved her right.
As long as she was right, she could win.
“Answer!, where is Susanoo?!”
The blight creeped along her wrist a little more a soft sizzling sound emanating from the spiritual wound. The Nora pushed through the pain awaiting the phantoms retaliation or answer.
A few lesser phantoms had shown with the newest entry who very sadistically growled his entrance before seeming to become embarrassed. Were phantoms already working together? Was their someone behind this pulling the strings...more questions wandered into her tired mind, but she only wanted one answered now. Where was her god.
Interactions: KamiX QuirkyAngel , Sakda The Secret Archives , The vengeful phantom Haze-

​

 

[VeiledPariah]

Location: Yaksha Shrine
Date: April 4th 2030
Time: 1:30pm
Susanoo

Spoiler: Ayakashi- Koigokoro Ost

The yen note she deposited earlier rushed past the females face the small gust of wind tossing her hair a bit as she looked back.
Seated against the offering box was the dark navy haired pale god his clothing looking ragged on his thinner frame, his eyes looked upon the silver haired girl as they shone in the now dimly lit shrine. The air seemed strained almost stagnant now that the small tempest had denied her offering.
“Human, tell me. Why do you bother?”
he expressed his voice choked on the words as his hunched figure braced against a chill only he felt.
His shoulders shuddered slightly his features showing a slight pain as he continued.
“You have met others of the far shore, and now plan to do what exactly?, see them all as if we are a part of some sightseeing collection”
The blighted god stood slowly halting his movement to brave against the pain he would be caused to venture closer. With Sakda gone he was able to finally muster the strength to exit his room but he hadn’t made it far until her offering.
It being mid day also kept his....security at bay for now...
“I will not be gawked at like some rare bird girl. So explain yourself what do you seek from me? Such an offering of thanks is meaningless if you don’t want something”
By this point he had taken a few steps toward her his stance was shaky at best looking almost as if he would fall over at any moment.
Still he continued his advance until he was in arms reach.
“If you are truly grateful..then do me a favor, get me some water from the trough outside.”
His words although choked seemed undeniable in their accusations and interaction.
It had been some time since he had met a human who could view him while he teetered between the shores.
The god lifted a sleeve of his kimono to stifle an agitated cough emanating deep within his lungs as he wheezed a few haltering breaths in an attempt to regain his composure before leaning against a pillar of the shrine hall they now stood in.
It was disturbing how much she looked like her.
The eyes were different but his eyesight was not as good now anyway.
Was this another one of the phantoms games at deception to twist his mind once more.
Not that it mattered the damage was far gone and his body was too weak to care at the moment.
Still her presence revolted him slightly.
Susanoo gazed at Sumiko his eyes never leaving hers but these were not the friendly or welcoming eyes she had seen before.
They were like those of a wounded animal starved in a cage,backed into a corner and capable of harmful acts.
Interaction Dante Verren ​

 

[Takumi98]

Konjin (God) + Miname and Ezume (Regalias) & Kaguya (Goddess)
Location: Shrine near Niwa Residence
Date: April 4, 2030
Time: 12:28 am
Mentioned: N/A

Red eyes stared at the abandoned shrine with a deep sadness and slight confusion. The male's messy white hair had been slicked back, well most of it, and donning a leather jacket with the words 'Life's Not Fair' on the back he almost scoffed at the thought that indeed, life wasn't fair. To anyone really. He hadn't been by in some time, and since no one was out and about this late other than those on third shift and lesser phantoms that didn't get too close to the place nowadays he thought it was a nice time to think when he couldn't sleep.

This shrine wasn't his, no, but it was more or less Amatsu's. He knew she fought during the war ten years ago, something he didn't heavily participate in himself when it came to facing the Phantoms head on. He had remained in the near shore and with all the damn negativity in the air someone had to stick around.

"Konjin-Sama. Something's wrong." Miname spoke up, voice tight and hackles raised. She had always been rather sensitive to negativity, or at least able to pick up on some things rather quickly. Konjin wasn't exactly sure if it was due to her being used much more during his days as a chaotic god that brought bad luck or not.

His red eyes landed in the direction of Shirotome, narrowing them as a sound seemed to be carried on the very wind. A sound of pain? A soul crying out?

"If those humans could see all the damn negativity going on at that school that place'd be shut down or something." He snapped with a deep sigh.

"Do you wish to intervene?" Ezume asked his god, who turned to look at the white haired young man blankly.

"Who knows how many lesser phantoms are gonna swarm the place, I'm not a war god with a whole convoy of weapons y'know. It'd be putting you two at risk too." He countered.

"Even so, it mi-" Ezume started, only to pout when Miname had perked, her head swiveling to look at movement she had seen in a way that hit the younger Regalia in the arm with her hair as she cut him off.

"Ah, Konjin-Sama, it seems like someone else is going to get a closer look." She frowned, and Konjin followed her line of sight both surprised and not at what he saw. Traveling from the rooftops was Kaguya-hime, decked out in her armament with the Shōki in hand and the Tonki at her hip.

"Oh? I didn't know Kaguya was in Kyoto." He muttered. Scratching the back of his head he clicked his tongue in slight annoyance at the current situation. While he wasn't buddy buddy with the Goddess, he was technically acquainted to her through Amatsu, even if the two goddesses likely didn't know each other too well.

"Alright, I guess we can check it out before heading to the SSA. Doubt even they're open this early." He shrugged, causing Miname to raise a brow.

"Are you saying that because you simply don't wish to be seen as a horrible pers-" she began to ask, but her god quickly cut her off as he held out his hand to Ezume while giving her a pointed look.

"Come Biki, come Kōki!" At his call, both regalia would take on their weapon forms and the white haired god was off, ignoring the Biki's teasing laughter all the while.


Kaguya (Goddess) + Atsushi (Nora)
Location: En route to Shirotome High
Date: April 4, 2030
Time: 12:30 am
Mentioned: QuirkyAngel VeiledPariah Haze- The Secret Archives

Kaguya had been in a good mood since yesterday. Seeing Atsushi speaking with the human that luckily didn't join the far shore so young had caught her interest. Especially with how calm he'd been surrounded by spirits. Or as calm as one could be for making the girl who saved your life cry.

She had walked over and asked both spirit and human if they wanted to join them for a late lunch after the pinkette payed for the spilled groceries, and even went as far to offer to escort the spirit ( RI.a ) to wherever she called home. Roaming spirits, as far as Kaguya knew, always found a place to stay that could protect them from Phantoms until they either found a god to take them in or ran out of luck and we're consumed.

Lunch had been rather interesting, full of questions from the pinkette who she found out was Hiroki, and she answered them the best she could despite the bit of doubt he seemed to have had until she called the Seiki to her while he was still eating. Shino scolded her for it, but it was worth the amusement.

There seemed to be much more gloom today than yesterday, and it was almost worrying for the Goddess. Phantoms seemed much more active in the least, and she had every intent of cutting down some of their numbers before they became more of a problem. It didn't take long for her to notice that quite a few seemed drawn to a high school, nor which high school it was and that another god seemed to have the same intentions as her. Even in Atsushi's time when he was alive from what she had seen when naming him, Kaguya didn't think Shirotome had this much gloom at once outside of AFAH's surge of influence.

"Kaguya-sama." Shōki spoke, tone cutting through her thoughts. The Goddess simply nodded. Touching down on the school grounds she made quick work of any phantoms in her way with the Shōki, her eyes taking in the mess that was the campus grounds with a displeased frown on her face. From the corner of her eye she saw Konjin touch down and while the Biki easily tore into any phantoms that dared grow too close his red eyes were focused on the school's roof.

'We're going up.' the Goddess decided.

"Is that wise, My Lady?" Seiki asked.

'Yes, something's going on up there. Even if we're not needed, I want to assess the situation.' Kaguya replied, taking a few steps forward for momentum before jumping with as much strength as possible until she landed right over the fence into a crouch with a grunt.

"This place is a mess." The Tonki commented with a wince at the state of the roof.

'Ah, this is troublesome.' she thought as she stood, eyeing those present with a cold almost calculated gaze. Her blue eyes flickered to the top hat wearing Phantom before zeroing in on the Phantom the red haired god stood behind, keeping both in her sight in case she really did end up being needed.

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Location: Seiichi's shrine.
Date: April 3, 2030
Time: 6:00 pm​

Inari (Goddess)
“Indeed it is.” Inari replied as she bade Junki to land them safely on the ground once the phantoms were eliminated and her regalia put out the flames. “Kimiru, see to it that Seiichi-kun makes it safely to his shrine since he seems a bit wobbly on his feet at the moment. Erect a borderline around the premise as well for the time being so that phantoms do not return.”

“Yes, Milady.” From white fox to a woman in a shrine maiden's garbs, the regalia brought Seiichi's arm over her shoulder as she supported the drunk god to his partially damaged shrine whether he protested or not.

Meanwhile, the salmon haired goddess brought the large sleeves of her outfit together as she glanced up at the darkening sky. Soon would be the time when phantoms paraded the night and Inari wasn’t the type of goddess to do things half-heartedly. She would give Seiichi a bit more time before demanding further payment for any needed services. It wasn’t as if she could demand anything if the younger god were dead anyway.

Perhaps if Tsukuyomi were diligent in taking care of his domain, phantoms wouldn’t cross over so easily during the hour of his watch, but, alas, every incarnation of him seemed to be a phantom sympathizer. Despite that, the last war proved that—sympathizer or not—the moon remained dutiful to the Heavens all the same. Lazily twacking away a surviving bug that thought she'd be helpless without a regalia by her side with a single, powerful whip of one tail, Inari waited for Kimiru to return before lifting the sleeves of her kimono over her mouth. “I do hope we get the chance to drink together again, Seiichi-kun~”

With those parting words, both the fox goddess and her regalia vanished into night.

Takumi98

Location: Forest River
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 1:15pm​

Abe no Seimei (God) + Kuzunoha (Regalia)

“Haha, we’ll make you squeaky clean in no time!” Kuzunoha said happily as she lathered soap on fur and started to furiously rub off the stains—both dirt and blight—with a damp cloth of divine water. As someone who had experience being a mother, she was used to dealing with kits and their tendency to make messes. Even Doji had been a bit of a mess-maker as a toddler. Fun times. “It’ll feel better once all the blight is gone and all the dirt is washed off. How would Inemaru recognize you otherwise?”

It was as plain as day how much the younger regalia cared for his god. Therefore, Kuzunoha brought up Inemaru’s name as encouragement for the divine fox to endure the cleansing. A bit of a manipulative tactic to be sure, but all mothers had to be at least a little manipulative to get children to do what was good for them—whether it was eating their vegetables or taking baths.

Besides, there were few gods out there willing to name a blighted regalia. Already having a name was bad enough, but he’d be hard pressed to get himself into a shrine with so much blight covering him. It wasn’t out of hatred or discrimination that gods closed their doors to such things. It was simply the fact that blight was highly contagious and no one wanted to risk their loved ones. And, unless his god came back, or he got a new name, the boy probably wasn’t going to see his human form in a while.

But, of course, it was the boy’s choice as much as it was Tatsume’s.

Kuzunoha was careful not to touch the infection directly with her bare hands as she worked, chatting randomly so as to distract the other regalia from any discomfort. The weather. Her favorite shops. Where she liked to get her fur trimmed. Occasionally, she would ask him to lower his head so she could reach areas that she couldn’t otherwise reach as well. Twenty minutes of Kuzunoha scrubbing, and talking about mundane, trivial topics later, she finally wrung the cloth for the last time. “There you go~ All done!”

She glanced over to see that Abe no Semei already had six sticks of fish cooking near the campfire and was simply feeding the flames. “He sure works fast, doesn’t he?” Sniffing the air, Kuzunoha grinned and, after putting away her supplies, moved from the bank of the river to where her son tended to the food. She motioned for the large fox to join them. “You’ll dry faster near the fire.”

If she knew she would be cleaning a large kit, Kuzunoha would’ve brought a towel with her—or a hair blow-dryer— but, alas, she only had the things in her purse with her so air-drying would have to do. Abe no Semei passed her a stick of fish, which she held out to the newly cleaned fox.

“What’s your name, by the way?” With her sleeves rolled up and her white shirt somewhat wet from the effort of her work two characters were visible on the fox spirit—one on her left arm and one underneath her right breast. “I’m Kuzunoha—as a vessel, Sechiki. Or Hinoha—as a vessel, Touki—but only my son really calls me the latter.”

She looked to her son, clearly indicating that he should introduce herself as well. The white-haired god, who had been scrutinizing the interaction between his mother and Inemaru’s regalia with an indecipherable expression, responded without missing a beat. “I am Abe no Seimei, Patron god of Onmyoji and Divination. You have my condolences for what you must’ve gone through, Divine Beast of Inemaru.”

Phayne

 

[Phayne]

~Regalia~
Location: Forest River// Date: 04/04/2030 // Time: 13:30 Pm // Mentions: Inemaru // Interactions: Abe No Seimei + Kuzunoha QuirkyAngel

Shiro was not having the best of times right now, the crestfallen boy silently moping as he was lathered with even more soap. Baths were not a problem nor a point of grievance for Shiro, at least when he was in his human form; they were even enjoyable when he was soaking in a hot spring. However this was a new experience for him and quite honestly he was not enjoying it in the slightest. Being covered completely in thick fur added a whole new dimension to the 'bath experience' and for Shiro personally, it wasn't in a good way. Quite literally every fibre in his exhausted body just wanted to shake, shake shake and shake. To rid his body of the damp feeling that soaked into his fur. Alas, despite being readily willing to do so had it been Inemaru doing the washing, Shiro was far less inclined to get Abe no Seimei and Kuzunoha wet as well if he were to shake his fur wildly. He had only just met them and didn't want to overstep any boundaries or potentially anger them and lose their aid in the process. Thus, even when a little soap did seep into one of his ears, Shiro begrudgingly forced himself, digging his claws into the soil beneath him as he endured the uncomfortable feeling; slightly empowered by Kuzunoha's encouragement of them finding Inemaru.

Gradually as the bath progressed, Shiro could sense the lingering darkness over him begin to seep away, each cleansing of blight that stained his body weakening the hold that darkness had managed to dig into him over the last few days. While he was still immensely concerned about the wellbeing of his god, there was no longer that pressing sense of demise or looming negative thoughts that seemed to eat away at him. Dark thoughts that threatened to consume him were lessening their influence on his mind and were slowly allowing him to see the bigger picture and more importantly breath a little easier.

It also helped that his thoughts were momentarily drawn away from the events of the past few days as Kuzunoha discussed a wide variety of topics whilst she removed the blight. Whilst some topics didn't really 'resonate' with his own personal interests such as their contrasting preferences for shops, it was the fact that this casual conversation [though one sided] was bringing back a 'sense of normality' to Shiro that had helped ease his mind further. It was comforting and a relief for his mind to no longer be one tracked in finding Inemaru.

Roughly 20 minutes later, which had gone faster then Shiro had anticipated and the cleansing was finally done and undoubtedly Shiro begun to feel far better then he had been prior to it. A weight had been lifted off of his shoulders as any remnants of blight had been removed from his fur and the dark clouds that swirled in his mind were no longer present; exorcized by the divine water that had been used to wash him clean. Glancing down at the water's surface, Shiro glanced at his own mirror image for several seconds; his golden irises making contact with the irises of his spectral reflection. In silence, Shiro made the promise to himself that he'd find out the truth about Inemaru's disappearance but to do so in the right manner that wouldn't cause his god to worry about his well being.

As he did so, Kuzunoha had already made her way to where her son was, the god fanning the flames of the campfire as six sticks of fish cooked away, filling the air with the aroma of fresh fish and enticing Shiro to make his own way towards the appetizing meal. Needing little convincing from Kuzunoha, Shiro had begun to make his way towards the pair; his stomach lowkey grumbling as he got closer to the fish and a bit of saliva already beginning to form against his bottom lip as his hunger began to make itself known.

All that building up inside of him, Shiro did not hesitate to take the offered fish from Kuzunoha, carefully biting the fish off of the stick and taking it whole. A mistake as the heat simmered his tongue, though considering how hungry he was he had endured that initial burn and readily chewed the meal; swallowing it in short time as he overheard Kuzunoha introduce herself, though upon revealing the characters on her body, Shiro did turn away slightly; flushed from where the second character had appeared. It was only now that he had seen the state she was in, after getting herself wet during the cleansing. Despite not enjoying the wash in his fox state, he was thankful that the fur hid the redness that would have appeared on his face. Had he been in his human form, then he'd have very little to hide his facial reaction to the sight before him.

Thankfully Abe no Seimei gave him a reason to look elsewhere as Shiro began to look at the god, introducing himself as the Patron god of Onmyoji and Divination. As he finished, Shiro bowed his head in respect to the pair of them; once more conveying his thanks for all the help that they had already given him as well as their help towards finding Inemaru. Words could do very little to convey how he really felt about their help thus far, thus the only way he could truly convey how grateful he was was to bow to the pair of them; an act that was sometimes seen as unethical and an insult to a shinki's own god. Though if it meant he'd find Inemaru, then he'd happily take the consequences for his own actions. Once his thanks and respects were paid, Shiro took several steps backwards before glancing at the ground in front of him and raising his right paw.

"I am Shiro, trusted Shinki to the God of Justice; Inemaru-sama. As a vessel I am Haku. The fox that aides in bringing justice back to the world" he silently thought, simultaneously his right paw had begun to claw away at the dirt; a stick figure of a person being drawn next to the Kanji for Shiro. Once that was drawn, he'd soon write the Kanji for Haku, before pointing towards himself. Having no reason to know if they could see his thoughts, this was the only way he could think of introducing himself to Kuzunoha and Abe.

​

 

[The Secret Archives]

Location: Shirotomi Highschool
Date: April 4th, 2030
Time: 12:29 am​

Sakda, The Weaver (Phantom)
Interactions: VeiledPariah QuirkyAngel Takumi98 Haze-

It was complete, Sakda purged it, he got rid of that nagging voice that ached, and spoke in the back of his mind at all times. It was a shackle released, and broken without a single doubt having done it. Yet, now that part of him was gone, his mind grew clearer, sharper, and more deadly. Daishin's spirit had once held back Sakda's urges, and neutralized some of the corruption that spread throughout him, but now, that was gone. It was unstable, it was twisted, and it finally shattered the remnants of his humanity. Now, he was nothing more than a corrupted spirit who was spiraling towards an endless deep black abyss of annihilation.

The purple haze that flowed off Sakda continued to flow, despite there being nothing left to burn of Daishin's weakened soul. His essence was gone, but in exchange, Sakda was raring to go on this new high. Yet, even then with his injuries, Sakda wasn't dumb enough to stand back up yet, he needed time. "You dare to chant such foully towards me, you insignificant God?!" He felt the gun press against his back, and he narrowed his eyes, "You might not miss, but her answers will never be heard from me otherwise." Sakda looked to Ame, "Isn't that right dearie, you want those answers don't you, make sure this idiot doesn't kill me, and you may get them!" He reared his head back to displace Kami_X's gun, even the slightest bit, and adjusted himself in place to be more comfortable in a kneeling position.

"Ah yes, Kamuy & Chimata, both such lovely people. You do me a solid like that, and I might just start liking you Mr. Red. Just like your little bird friend."

Sakda brought his hand up to the bridge of his nose in annoyance by the sudden greeting of the new phantoms arrival. He let out a deep breath of annoyance, just who was this guy, and why did he remind him of a poor gangster movie with his lackeys? "Oy' Stereotypical Villain," Sakda thrust his chin out towards Nox, "You're in the wrong era, take those wanna be gangsters back in time, and go put on a dance elsewhere. We're busy..." Honestly, it seemed pretty pathetic coming from Sakda in his current state, after all, he was the one currently with his back against the barrel of a gun.

The Purple haze at this point had grown to be a low fog atop the rooftop, it seemed to just radiate, and flow along with the wind. It didn't simply stop on the school roof though, the minor type of gloom like miasma drifted into the school from the after effects of the detriment wave. Still, as if it didn't stop, it continued to emit a despair that was heavily rooted in Daishin's despair. However, with Daishin's spirit gone now, the haze was burning off its remaining energy at this point. It couldn't continue forever without more fuel to burn, but for now, it would draw in phantoms as it had been.

It didn't take long for the Heaven's tool, Ame, to show back up from Sakda's attack. He covered his face with his hand in just absolute annoyance, "Aye' this is getting out of hand, don'tcha think so?" He shrugged his shoulders, "Your dear Susafu, ah yes, of course! A Kami, for a Kami, no? You get Old Red here off my back, and I give you that information you want. As it stands, I think I'm feeling a bit tongue tied."

He looks at all the borderlines, and the overall threats against himself, perhaps it was getting out of hand. "Fine, you're interested in what I have to say, I'll give you a hint." He taps on his head a few times with emphasis, "It's all in the mind, and a dream. That's the kind of clue you need, what you want." At this point, Sakda seemed to have just dismissed the fury, and anger of Kami_X & Ame for his own satisfaction. "What kind of Phantom do you think I am?! What do you think I can accomplish? It's fascinating really, did you know, Gods & Goddesses are vulnerable to spells, and curses? Especially if you get creative about how you apply them?"

Time, he got the time he needed, now it was a matter of Kami_X and a matter of avoiding the numerous borderlines pointed at him. He flexed his hand, and looked around the rooftop, his weapons were gone. Most likely discarded somewhere when the ongoing fights had hit a climax. He noticed the blighting on the Heaven's Tool, and he smirked, that was a chance too.

Earlier, Sakda gave himself more room to maneuver by attempting to push back Kami_X, yet... Sakda's plan came to an immediate stop before beginning. He snapped his gaze up towards the new comer, a god, one that wasn't here before. How insufferable, another puppet of the heavens, and that was putting Sakda to the end of his possibilities. The new phantom, it was an option, but not a solution. Not to mention, he didn't think he could rely on someone who just pal'd around with some random phantoms in tow.

It was two gods, three regalia, and one phantom who was currently neither ally nor enemy. He was disarmed, injured, and hadn't many options available. He couldn't even muster another Detriment Wave if he wanted at this point. "Don't think that this new comer is going to change things..." Sakda muttered under his breath.

Instead, he knew, the Nora, Heaven's tool... That was his chance.

Taking a deep breath, Sakda focused all his focus on the borderlines of Ame, and her overall fatigue. It had to be, the blight, and all the power she was pushing out there had to be a limit. Without a god backing her, she couldn't just push out power endlessly. "You want Susafu, visit him as any mortal would, you may at least see him then!" With those words, Sakda placed both hands on the roof, and thrust up a kick at Kami_X's gun hand. His intention wasn't to injure, but merely skew the shot wide of him, even if the shot did go off it wouldn't be fatal yet.

With this, Sakda focused the purple haze underneath his palms, and rolled forward expelling the remainder of his soul-weaving strength through his palms. The burst of energy was enough to get Sakda airborne above Ame, to which, he didn't care about the numerous borderlines. It was a direct course, timing, it had to be fast. As fast as physically possible, the shortest pathway...

With self-disregard, Sakda thrust his right hand through Ame's borderline. It created a direct line to her, an absolute tactic of self-harm, and disregard for ones own well being. In exchange for this movement, this effort, Sakda saw his own hand torn asunder before him, three fingers burned away in the essence of her borderlines. His intent, his option for escape now, it had to be taking a temporary hostage. "A FOOLISH EFFORT, FOR A FOOLISH TOOL!" Even if it meant taking hold or grappling with the insufferable tool of the Heavens directly. He couldn't think of a more foul thing to do than actually touch or come in contact with such a thing.

Her weakness, may be his only chance now.

 

[Dante Verren]

Location: Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto
Date: April 4rd, 2030
Time: 1:38 pm​

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

Sumiko stopped walking as a stagnant and unpleasant smell cut through the air and filled her nostrils. A gust of wind sent her hair rustling and 1,000 yen note... no the note she had placed in the offering box. Turning to face the source of the wind and the source of the stench saw a hunched over dark blue man. He might have looked wild and fierce if it was a better day, but now he looked wounded and beaten down. Any form of awe that Sumiko would have had was replaced instead with a sense of alarm and concern. Whether or not this was Susanoo himself she was sure that underneath the putrid scent of rot there was the hint of a storm being overpowered.

Despite his objective rudeness and distrust Sumiko couldn't bring herself to be angry. Looking at the man coughing and leaning against the pillar next to him. Kami_X had warned her that there were going to be beings from the far shore that weren't going as welcoming as he and Hasuna-sama had. Though she wasn't prepared for his overt hostility. Rolling her shoulder she unslung her backpack and set it down at her feet. Taking the water bottle that was in the side pocket she looked back over to the man. "I'm sorry, my intention wasn't to gawk. My sisters taught me that good deeds should never go unpaid. I was only trying to follow that teaching, though my own curiosity might have made me get ahead of myself. You just need the water from the trough outside right?" Despite it being a question she had no desire to stick around and wait for an answer. Instead she turned on her heels and headed out to the trough outside.

Walking at a fast pace she made it swiftly to the trough. She didn't run, the only way she would put so much effort into something for someone rude like that was if they were endanger of kicking the bucket, and despite already smelling like a corpse he probably had enough life in him to last. Once arriving at the trough she quickly uncapped her water and poured the contents of it onto the grass. Using the ladle that was next to the trough she carefully spooned the water into the bottle before capping it once she was done. Why he needed this water, she didn't know. Maybe it had some specials properties or something like that. Honestly Sumiko wouldn't be surprised if it was some kind of divine holy water. Neither Kami_X or the gods she met had said anything about it but it probably existed somewhere. Why wouldn't it exist with the god of storms?

Keeping up the fast walk on the way back to the stranger, she stopped part of the way through. The note of which had been rejected. Swiftly picking it up she continued on her way back to where the man waited. She would try to offer the note up again, but if it was still rejected she would give it to someone else as an offering of thanks. She would never let anyone say that Yuya Sumiko didn't at least try to get the hard headed shrine to accept her offering.

Arriving back to the hall where she had left her stuff and the man she held stopped with in arms reach and held the bottle out. "Here, fresh from the trough outside." She had already loosened the cap on her way back to him to make sure he could actually open it, but she didn't want to do that in front of him. If this really was Susanoo then from she read he wouldn't like his pride wounded like that. Looking at him now though it felt hard to believe this could be Susanoo. He looked more like a wounded animal stuck in a human looking body. Normally when dealing with a wounded animal she would have given it a reassuring smile and tried to coax it out of it's shell, but she felt like that would only piss off the man more then anything. Instead she held the bottle outwards and waited for him to take it, keeping her composure as calm and and neutral as she could be, despite the fact that she could feel some anxiety starting to build up.

 

[VeiledPariah]

Location: Yaksha Shrine
Date: April 4th 2030
Time: 1:42pm
Susanoo

The god scoffed as she returned with the water bottle of blessed water from his shrine.
Taking it he pressed the plastic to his lips wincing as the spiritually charged liquid slid down his throat cleansing the blight that had started working its way internally. The remainder he dumped over his head with a pained sigh as steam emanated off his skin the purplish tint receding slightly from the areas visible but this was only a bandaid compared to what he truly needed compared.
With that done the doused man opened his eyes locking them on Sumiko as he held the empty bottle out towards her for her to take back.
“You humans are always curious, and that curiosity normally gets you killed. You should quit while you are ahead. We may be gods but even some miracles are beyond even us”
He spoke less agitated now however his words still held a lashing sting of sorts. Like that of a father disappointed in their child. In retrospect the relationship between those of the near shore and the gods were not all that dissimilar to parents and children.
“Now, you replied but hardly answered my question. What would you ask of me in exchange for that offering? To wish me thanks for something you have no knowledge I am even accomplishing seems more like you are just assuming, and not really asking for anything”
Susanoo stood a little taller now despite the pain that wracked his body.
Holding his hand out a gust of wind swirled throughout the hall and kited the 1000 yen note into his open palm.
It floated there seemingly suspended as tilted his head slightly.
“Sumiko, for this offering I will satisfy your curiosity. Ask me one question...”
He expressed holding back another coughing fit but never once looking away from the girl.
Interactions: Sumiko Dante Verren

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