June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

[bluemackerel]

June had been an active month for everyone in Starsand. The fake tradition at the Shrine of Love, the three ghost stories, and still no way home. Knowing this, Osamu Dazai decided the only thing to do was to organize a meeting for the Fallen Stars and citizens alike...🗈

[Dazai had set up a gathering at the park with a small podium. This would do until they'd gotten an official meeting hall. Atsushi, Fauna, and Akutagawa had probably all been tasked with putting up flyers earlier advertising the meeting. He approached the podium, clearing his throat.]

Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen, Fallen Stars and citizens of all shapes, sizes, and gender persuasions. This is the first meeting held by the Armed Detective Agency to discuss recent events and to set up plans for the future ahead. Let's go ahead and go over what we already know, shall we?

[He shuffled his cards at the podium, flicking one aside. Tellingly, if anyone picked it up...it was blank. Showoff.]

First off. The 'protection charm' so-called tradition. This, as some of you may know, is not an official tradition sanctioned by the Kami of Love. We're not certain who started it, but my guess is that it's for nebulous purposes. If you've tried to 'protect' someone, you had better let them know. And if you've been 'protected', prepare for whatever may come. We'll be doing what we can to decipher the intent behind this and the perpetrator.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'Chuuya Nakahara has a stinky butt' written on it in red crayon with a chibi drawing of Dazai's face winking with his tongue out next to it.]

Now, let's get into the meatier situations. I believe we've had three curious spirits haunting our dear city as of late, and I'd like to go over each. If anyone has any relevant information pertaining to any of them - encounters, confrontations, simply details you've overheard - please do feel free to contribute to the discussion after the overview is finished.

The first of these is Bloody Mary. The Armed Detective Agency - meaning, my team - Atsushi, Fauna, Akutagawa, raise your hands. These three and myself have looked into this incident in particular. We intend to look into all of them, but this one was our first priority. We regret to inform you that she is quite real. Do not attempt this ritual. She will chase down whoever summoned her, and attempt to attack. She left us with the warnings that she 'learned so much' and that she'd be 'stronger next time' before melting into a puddle of blood. I repeat, do NOT summon Bloody Mary. We will not be discussing how to summon her in the interest of less people doing it...but you've been warned.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'YOU CAN REACH BLOODY MARY BY SPELLING OUT ICUP AND PRAYING IN FRONT OF YOUR TOILET' written on it in blue crayon. Off to the side, it has the word 'spooky! do not attempt!' written on it. And a little drawing of a bedsheet ghost seemingly dripping blood.]


The second is the Footsteps Behind You ghost. Much like Bloody Mary, I've looked into this one on my own. It attempted much the same. An assault, a promise that it had learned, and a declaration that it'd be stronger next time. It, too, melted into blood. Do NOT summon the Footsteps Behind You ghost, either. Once more, no discussion as to how to do so will be taking place for your personal safety.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'DON'T TELL THEM THE FOOTSTEPS BEHIND THEM IS ACTUALLY A LARGE HAMSTER WITH SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES. THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH.' written on it in green crayon. The giant hamster is drawn on it looking sad.]

The third and final spirit that has been spoken of is regretfully the one I have the least amount of information on. The girl in the reflection. I made an attempt to summon her as well to no success, but the important thing about her is she made no attempt to attack. Unlike the other two spirits, the potential harm of this one is undetected. Still, you should not make an attempt to reach out until further information is given.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'Potential Reminder: have ADA attempt another summoning. Certain issues may have gotten in my way.' Unlike the other cards, this one was written in pen in fairly elegant handwriting.]

With that, I open the floor to you, meeting participants. If you have any further information, feel free to share with the rest of us and talk amongst yourselves. The purpose of this meeting is to gather information and perhaps get to know your colleagues a bit better.

[And then, suddenly, he brightens.] Of course, after that, if anyone has any way to brighten the mood, we may all need it! So feel free to contribute that, too!

We at the Armed Detective Agency thank you for attending. We'll appreciate your cooperation in the future and know that we are looking into each and every incident with precision and care. Good night, tri-state area~

[And then he just. Drops the rest of the blank cue cards on the podium, folds his arms behind his head, and walks back.

The floor is yours, other participants.]

Comments

AN ANNOUNCEMENT (sorta)

[aupologizes]

[ At some point in the meeting, Hanyuu clears her throat again.

She supposes that she needs to reveal this to everyone, as it is important. ]

Excuse me... I had almost forgotten.

While this isn't in relation to the rumors, I would like to make an announcement regardless. In two weeks, on the 19th, there will be a festival called the Watanagashi--something that is done in my name. It will also be the proper unveiling of my shrine as well, so I would like for you all to come and celebrate. This will be held near the waterfall on the upper level.

It is no secret that I am a kami, but during that festival, I will be introducing myself properly as well as explaining the rites and the festival itself. I will make sure to make food for all of you.

I would appreciate the attendance, as this festival will also be a way for me to start slowly obtaining faith and power.

If you have any questions, or would like to assist in anything, please do not hesitate to ask.

[undermoonlight]

A festival??

[Atsushi is trying not to be too excited, but..! This would be his first time attending a festival!]

I'd love to attend..!

[aupologizes]

And I would be honored to have you, really.

[undermoonlight]

[!!!]

Is there anything that you'd like us to bring? Or help with? A whole festival by yourself will be a lot of work.

[aupologizes]

If you find anyone who has any old, used futons that they don't need anymore, I would appreciate obtaining them. We actually use them for the proper rites.

And do not be concerned -- I'm not going to make it a big festival, anyway. Nobody knows who I am, so I wish to not overdo it. This is an introduction to who Oyashiro-sama is, after all.

[undermoonlight]

Futons..? Sure I can look for those. It's summertime, so most people are probably switching over now that it's warmer out anyway. And my offer still stands. I can carry the futons for you, at least?

[aupologizes]

Yes, I would appreciate that. I'll also need a proper ritual hoe, but I'm sure that I can probably find one...

[undermoonlight]

Is it a farming festival?

[nightwild]

I don't have a yukata or anything, is that still okay?

[She heard a summer festival, and that's where her mind went...]

[aupologizes]

That is perfectly fine. My group of friends who attended the Watanagashi did not wear any formal clothing.

[nightwild]

Okay, then. Is there anything we should bring or do for it?

[aupologizes]

I will be explaining this on the day of as well, but... the rites include using a ritual hoe to tear open an old futon.

Other than that, there is nothing that needs to be brought.

[nightwild]

Futons, huh... I'll see if I can find one.

[aupologizes]

Thank you. It'll be rather helpful.

[violetlies]

...Hm. I guess I'll go, but I don't really know why I should worship and give power to someone I hardly know. That's taking a big leap in trust, isn't it?

Even if you're worshipped back home, I'm not sure why here we'd go for the same so soon...

Sorry to be a skeptic, but it's a bit sudden.

[aupologizes]

No, it is perfectly fair to say something that reasonable. You do not have to trust me, or even send your faith my way. I know it is... a lot to ask.

[ There's something to her gaze that looks a little melancholic, but then she shifts to something determined. ]

But I want to put my trust in mankind.

[ She shuts her eyes. ]

Coming and listening is enough for me.

[violetlies]

Well, points for not smiting me on the spot there. My trust is usually earned rather than given easily, so I can't say you'll have my support as a worshipper right away, but you seem like a reasonable enough person.

[He shrugs lightly.]

So my friends and I will hear you out. 'sides, I do like festivals.

[aupologizes]

...I am not the type to smite humans, usually. I would much prefer to work with people.

[ She lets out a heavy sigh, as if remembering something. ]

I do appreciate it. I will at least try to make most of the festival enjoyable.

[fallmushrooms]

Do we have to bring anything? Like housewarming gifts, or food?

[is there a dollar store here she can buy some towels at,]

[aupologizes]

If you wish to bring either of those, I would not be opposed to it. But they won't be necessary.

[fallmushrooms]

Really? But it's your holiday.

[aupologizes]

It is a very small thing, so you do not need to be too overly concerned.

[fallmushrooms]

I guess if you say so. What do we really not do? I find I tend to make mistakes on that front.

[aupologizes]

Umm... I'm not sure? As long as you're not doing bad things, most things are fine.

[fallmushrooms]

I guess I'll just try not to make any mistakes.