On and on the road does go, down into the world below.....

[demonqueen]

Who: Everybody who signed up here.
When: Saturday night, the dark hour
Where: Azuchi castle, the Gemini district
Summary: Exploring a haunted castle. Because that always goes well.
Warnings: Spooky castle, crazy lady, ghosts.... That's really it.

Here, have some mood music.


[There is a new addition to the Gemini district. History nerds Students of Japanese history may even recognize it. This seven story castle was once home to Oda Nobunaga, and was the site of his downfall. Whether you recognize it or not, the castle is still an impressive sight. The gleaming white walls contrast sharply with theblue tiled roof and the decorations of red and gold. It's a beautiful example of Sengoku period architecture.

Most of the time, anyway. Those who catch sight of it in the dark hour will find the castle a dilapidated ruin. Damage from a battle long gone by leaves ugly marks on the once pristine walls and now the structure seems to loom threateningly over the river.  The doors have been almost completely destroyed, so there's no obstacle to keep you from entering.

If you come close, a dark presence can be felt within bringing with it a sense of foreboding. But there's something else too. A strange sound echoing from the castle. If you listen closely, it sounds like.... crying? The mournful sobs of a ghost perhaps?  This definitely looks like a good spot for ghosts to hang out. Also demons, probably....

Whether you're here because you're curious, adventurous, lost, or for any other reason, it looks like you're not the only one who came to check this place out...]


{{OOC: Okay, here's how this is going to work. This thread starts right before you enter the castle, when you see everyone else. (You all mystically arrived at roughly the same time because reasons.) Progress through the castle as you see fit. I'll threadjack in with developments, demons, and flavor text when necessary. Any ooc questions can either be put into comments or PMed to this journal. }} 

Comments

[demonqueen]

'You haven't done anything wrong.' Those are the magic words. Oichi focuses on Matsu Kotoha with a sorrowful expression, but her eyes have the tiniest bit of hope in them.

"I... I try to do as I'm told. But still... they always leave me..."

The shadows are calming down. The hands have stopped lashing out and most of them disappear. The shadow arms closest to Oichi are still there, however, and one of them helpfully takes the milk from her. It'll... just hold that for a second. She takes no notice of any of this though.

"What.... what shall I do?"

[terminally_clever]

Meanwhile, in Fumi's head.

Kotoha's doing just fine, so she's just watching this unfold for the time being. She's got her cell phone in hand in case things go pear-shaped, but for the moment it seems they're safe.

[unbroken_chain]

Kotoha smiles encouragingly.

"Well, instead of doing what you're told, why not do what makes you happy? Happiness is something everyone has the right to find, after all!"

With that, she enfolds Oichi's hand in both of her own and looks her directly in the eyes.

"And if you ever think it's too far off, or you can't figure out where to look, I'll help you search, I promise!"

[genkibot]

[Tachikoma has oddly kept quiet for a bit. Maybe because she recognizes Oichi has only really been listening to Kotoha at the moment. Still, it shouldn't be surprising it wouldn't last.]

I can help too! You should come take a look at the city! There's so many neat things about it, and I'm sure we could find something you'll like!

Like ice cream! Ice cream is pretty great! Have you tried it before?

[demonqueen]

"Happiness...?"

That's a first for Oichi, and she says the word as if she doesn't quite understand what it means. No one, not ever, has suggested that she could be happy. Or that she had any right to be. Lord Happy perhaps came the closest when he said she didn't have to fight anymore, but that isn't the same thing. Happy...

She wouldn't even know where to begin looking. She looks away, unable to deal with such genuine concern. Because she knows. The shadows whisper it to her. Soon she will fail. Soon she will be cast aside. It is only ever a matter of time.

"I am.... undeserving of such kindness, Lady Matsu."

Tachikoma's words may have been ignored completely. Except for the mention of 'ice-cream.'

"I have never heard of.... iced cream...."

But perhaps there's a more important point in those words.

"Can I truly leave this castle? Undefended? Brother will be cross with me...."

Again. He's always cross with her. And with everyone else too, honestly.

[unbroken_chain]

Kotoha waves one arm at Tachikoma. Shush, she's got this.

"Oichi, it's not about deserving or undeserving. I'm kind to you because I want to be."

Her brother, huh...okay, time to bluff. Even more. Kotoha may not be particularly aware of who Oichi's brother is, but she was listening to everyone else talk about him. And then there's the fact that nobody was particularly surprised when his castle was filled with angry, murderous ghosts, which, frankly? Say a lot about the guy.

"You know what he's like. He'll be cross no matter what, won't he?"

Kotoha flashes Oichi a conspiratorial little grin.

"If you leave, though, you'll have your friends with you if he shows up, right? Wouldn't that be better than being alone here?"