epidemiology | EVENT ★ ALL HALLOWS' EVE

ALL HALLOWS' EVE ( OCT 31 )

In Chantes, they say All Hallows' Eve is the night where the veil between this world and the next thins, allowing the souls of the dead to walk the streets. To disguise themselves from vengeful spirits seeking to carry out their last deeds, the cityfolk wear (sometimes outlandish) costumes, allowing them to revel in peace. Lanterns all around the city are lit to ward off evil spirits; wine and soul cakes have been left out as offerings. The civilians ask that you please don't steal them... or do, if you don't care what they think.

The festivities are more extravagant this year than ever before, despite the fact that supplies are lacking. The cityfolk need something to take their mind off of the ever-growing unease. There's a wonderful feast to behold in the city square, if you're willing to spend the coin. Locally grown meats, autumn vegetables like pumpkin and squash and turnips, and — of course — delicious baked sweets of all kinds. There's dancing and singing and general merriment, the people seeming relaxed now that the goblins have been confined into one area.

The revelry is open to all, but the food costs. Those who don't wish to pay can try their hand at begging door-to-door for sweets with the children, make some trades, or literally steal candy from babies.

The goblins celebrate the holiday in their own way, too. In their house of worship, the elder leads a prayer for the lost souls of the dead. There's copious amounts of alcohol amongst the outskirts, although they're somewhat lacking in food — it's difficult to get humans to sell to them these days. Even Graldia and her men are out enjoying the festivities, but they're also on the look-out for outsiders, ready to fight if need be.

All in all, the night goes swimmingly. With everyone on their different sides, it seems they can't fight. Then, like clockwork...

All the candles in the square go out, just as they had at the Festival of Illumination. For a moment, only darkness. Then the flames ignite again to show two bodies in the center of the square, side by side: one goblin, one human. Closer inspection shows they're dead, but they have no signs of wounds or anything that could suggest they were killed. It comes with no symbol, no words this time; it seems the culprit felt they had already conveyed a strong message. The square erupts into chaos as law enforcement pushes them back, away from the square. Word travels fast as they run back to their homes. Only one man looks on, unsurprised. His costume is scarce, and those who were jailed may recognize him, the suspiciously silent prisoner. The moment he notices someone looking at him, he turns his back and walks away towards the outskirts.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

_{[ True enough, Gintoki had successfully gotten a chocolate bar out of this girl which was a terrible loss for the girl. He speaks with a mouth full of chocolate. ]}

Oi, oiii. Pipe down. Dracula-san's butt doesn't need to be kicked. There is nothing to kick. _{[ to the girl: ]} Go fly a kite. Sugar is bad for you anyway.
_{[ then to Fai: ]}
Are you going to try?

[ The little girl sticks her tongue out at Gin. She doesn't intend to leave until she gets some compensation for what she had lost. Displeased with his nonchalant retort, she starts to pester Fai, chanting a persistent 'Do it! Do it!'.

Fai lets out a sheepish laugh, and his response comes prompt. ] Nope! [ The expression on the young girl's face drops, and she lets out a disappointed whine. Fai only laughs once more and offers his explanation, trying his best to sound apologetic. ]

Dracula here is pretty strong! I don't want to get hurt. [ At least, Gintoki was able to hold up on his own during the brawl a week or two ago. That spoke for his strength. Fighting over a piece of candy was silly, and Fai doesn't particularly enjoy fighting at all. Maybe they could talk this out.

To Gin: ] Now, don't you think it was mean of you to take her chocolate like that?

Dracula-san has a black belt in martial arts and is double-jointed, oi. I can also tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue. _{[ GET REKT. ]} So you shouldn't threaten me. I don't care who you are. I can break every bone in this guy's body— I know how to kill a man 500 different ways and that's just with my bare hands. Hey, do you really want that over something like chocolate?

_{[ Gintoki nibbles on the chocolate bar, wrinkling his nose up. ]}

I didn't take it. She dropped it and I found it.

[ In the face of all those threats, the smile on Fai's face doesn't quite fade. He still humors Gintoki, however, feigning a bit of trepidation. It's wholly unconvincing with the cheerful look that's constantly on his face. ] See? I told you he was scary. I don't think I'll survive this fight.

[ The little girl looks quite displeased with the both of them. It's clear to her that Gintoki was making unfounded claims, and that Fai was doing little to actually help her - basically, both of these grown-ups suck. Then comes Gintoki's other claim ...

And the little girl stomps her feet in complete indignation. ] Liar! He's a liar! He scared me and made me drop it! Give me back my chocolate! [ Fueled by her tantrum, she moves over to where Gintoki is and tries to shove him. ]

_{[ Okay, well. Gintoki is about to have his own tantrum— then Fai will be stuck with two screaming kids and that isn't something pleasant that anybody should ever have to face.
Gintoki takes the push and barks back in response to the girl: ]}

Shut uuuup! Oi, oi, finder's keepers! Isn't it past your bedtime? Don't you ave a bedtime.. ?!

EVENT ★ ALL HALLOWS' EVE

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