log; ongoing

[moresake.livejournal.com]

When; 17 Jul, evening
Rating; G unless something really weird happens
Characters; The people listed in this post
Summary; Yuuko and Clow host a 100 Ghost Stories ceremony in celebration of Obon.
Log;

Initially, Yuuko had thought to gather the group in their living room, because it's easier to ward with corners, with boundaries already in place. But they'd ended up with too many people to cram into one room, so they'd moved out into the backyard, which backed into Xanadu, in any case, so there was plenty of space. She watched her guests mill around, joking and laughing with each other, as she spread the candles out. With one hundred candles lit, the backyard looked like a memorial service.

She'd never have imagined being able to do another one of these... and definitely not in this company. Even though Watanuki was scowling as per usual, and Uta was already half-frightened, everyone was here. She liked that. She'd spent years seeing very few people beyond her clients. If Obon was about coming together, then they had already achieved their purpose.

The twilight began to fade into true darkness. Clow had declared his desire to tell the first story (she suspected the reason was really his desire to get a bit sloshed afterward, which makes it difficult to tell a good tale), so she picked him out of the crowd and pulled him to the middle of the group. The two of them towered over most of the people here and it wasn't difficult to get attention, in any case.

The bowl on the table was filled with water, just in case, and the razor was nearby, and the candles glowed.

"We're ready to start!" she called out, and people began to drift over, ending their own conversations. "The players are all here. Let's have a night of 100 ghost stories."

She scanned the crowd with a secretive smile, and blew out the first candle.

[OOC Note of Doom: Feel free to mill around beforehand/conduct conversations during/actually tell stories/whatever you can think of (don't make out in the back, please, Watanuki and Doumeki ♥). Threadjack at will, label your threads as closed/open to make it easier on others, and just generally have a good time! (If you've ever read one of Neil's Dead Poets Society meetings, this is the sort of thing we're looking at.) There will be a CONCLUSION POST in Yuuko's journal Friday night... this is just going up early for the convenience of people who will be gone to Otakon and so forth.

How a 100 Ghost Stories Ceremony works: you tell a story, and then you blow out a candle. Slowly the room (well, backyard in this case) becomes darker and darker. When all the candles are blown out, it supposedly summons a spirit. This is a little different than the ceremony conducted in my canon because they used the candles as wards there. Here, we're purposefully blowing them out for atmosphere.]

Comments

[phdinbones.livejournal.com]

Brennan wasn't really used to hanging out in a large group of people, much less near perfect strangers. It didn't make her anxious, per se, but she felt distinctly awkward. She stood in a corner, nursing her drink and wondering how Angela and Booth could be so comfortable in these settings.

She hoped the ceremony would start soon. That's what she was there for, in the end.

[moresake.livejournal.com]

Yuuko was wandering through-- above, if one was honest, given that most attendees were rather short-- the crowd, saying hello to everyone, when she caught sight of Brennan standing there alone. Most people had came in small groups, so she was a little surprised to see the woman alone. Honestly, she'd been surprised to hear that Brennan would come in the first place-- it didn't seem like something the logical scientist would enjoy.

But Yuuko liked her, and she would be a good hostess.

"Dr. Brennan," she said, approaching, a drink in her own hand. "Glad you could make it."

[songofdreams.livejournal.com]

Doctor Brennan was one of the first few people Uta had met, but she hadn't had much chance to talk with her over the network with all the curses going around. She didn't seem to be that much into chatting with the crowd much, which was good to Uta since she didn't want to talk about ghosts any more than she should.

"Hi, Doctor Brennan," Uta greeted with a smile, "how have you been?"

open to all; first victim(?);

[songofdreams.livejournal.com]

Even at the last minute, Uta was ready to back out of this gathering. With Ishida and Urahara previously telling her that spirits and ghosts really do exist, it makes this gathering even less comfortable than she remembered.

She didn't want to appear childish for being a scardy-cat, so she helped out with lighting the candles. She bought herself a pink candle holder, hoping it would distract her from thinking too much about ghosts. Unfortunately for her, when 100 candles were lit in the backyard, it made the atmosphere even more eerie...

And really... why was there a bowl of water and a razor on that table?

"I don't know why I let Konata and Yuuko-san talk me into this..." she said to no one in particular.

[i-themagician.livejournal.com]

Clow saw her there, looking worried, and wandered over. He still remembered their first meeting during the curse that had turned him into a ghost, but he thought that if he made an effort not to be frightening it wouldn't become an issue.

"Uta?"

[doujin-dork.livejournal.com]

Oh, good, someone more scared than she was.

She kinda felt bad for Uta, but it was all in good fun, after all. She couldn't help but hear what the girl was saying. "They're very convincing." Oops, she probably shouldn't have said that without making her aware of her presence first. She was looking on edge already. "Er, hi."

a little late orz

[toppedbyfate.livejournal.com]

When Watanuki saw that Uta was there, his scowl quickly changed to a smile. He could tell that she was feeling scared, and he wanted to help with that if he could. "Hey," he said, "It's alright. The stories are scary, but nothing bad will happen."

Of course, he couldn't really guarantee that. The last time he had been involved in something like this he had almost been eaten by ghosts.

[monsterepellant.livejournal.com]

Doumeki had dug out his hakama he had worn for one of the Japanese festivals they'd had here out of his closet, bringing along a candle and a bottle of sake. Just for a good touch.

[moresake.livejournal.com]

"Doumeki-kun, you look so festive," Yuuko said, beaming. She was dressed in a dark-colored kimono, herself. "Looking forward to the evening?"

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

No matter how many times she'd visited Mister Clow's house Umi'd always find it a little different each time she returned. She figured it was a magician thing. This once it was obvious that Yuuko had put a lot of work into building the eerie atmosphere. The Water Knight stood around chatting, wondering when the main event would start.

She hoped she wouldn't end up telling the lamest stories. But then again she'd always considered horror tales kinda lame in themselves. Umi looked at the candles and cocked an eyebrow with curiosity. There was that thing too...

Blow a candle after each story was done, huh? Yuuko had suggested something was supposed to happen when all the candles were out, and Umi wasn't sure she was too eager to find out. In any case, this couldn't be much different from a very big, very weird slumber party game. And it was an occasion to share with friends too. Those she was always grateful for.

do you want to tell a story?

[moresake.livejournal.com]

The first tale done, Yuuko scanned the crowd of people, who were waiting expectantly. She took a candle from its holder on the table, resting it between her palms in a manner that suggested she didn't expect to be burned, even if the wax ran. Her grin was rather self-satisfied, and it had been this entire time; she was plotting a little something, but she was also just happy to have everyone here in her backyard. They'd all came together for one reason, and little things like that have their own power.

Her eyes met Umi's and she paused. Should she give over the next tale (and the candle in her hands) to the knight? She was interested in the sort of tales Umi had to tell.

Open to all

[doujin-dork.livejournal.com]

It had a nice atmosphere outside here. Sure, it was really dark and there weren't many stars out. And once the candles were blown out it'd be near impossible to see. And she couldn't quite figure out if that noise was the wind or something else entirely. And she was certainly starting to get a chill down her spine and was getting really paranoid-

But the weather was great! And tonight was going to be fun. Minus all the fear.

Maybe she should find someone she knew and hover.

great~ /threads with everyone ever

[moresake.livejournal.com]

"Hiyori-chan, glad you could make it," Yuuko said, approaching the girl. The night was beginning to darken and they'd have to start soon, but she was making a fair attempt to greet each of their guests, even the ones she didn't know well. She had a candle in one hand and a cup in the other; she was wearing a dark kimono and a smile on her face. She didn't seem particularly affected by the atmosphere, but then again, it was she who had created it.

open

[seeking-heat.livejournal.com]

Thankfully, ever since coming here, Akiha had grown less bewildered with crowds. That didn't mean they still couldn't be a nuisance, having to guard her candle as she milled around, and keeping her hair (what was salvaged from the incident) from catching the flames of others.

For Tohno Akiha, who held the swiftness of a fairy, this would barely be a problem. Except in her hand, she held a dangerous weight like a sake bottle. So bringing it up to shield her fire wasn't an option, unless Yuuko enjoyed unplanned fireworks in the backyard.

[concept-killer.livejournal.com]

Shiki had his candle held stock still, worried that he'd spill burning wax down his hand. Nothing would wake you up like the sensation of having your skin brutally peeled off because of a stupid accident.

He kept close to Akiha so he wouldn't wander around and bump into someone else. Some might find that scary but Shiki didn't really believe in ghosts. Vampires, yeah. Spiritual beings from who knows where? Not at all.

[moresake.livejournal.com]

"I see you're prepared to have a good time," Yuuko said cheerfully as she encountered Akiha, candle, and bottle. She held up her own alcohol in a silent agreement with Akiha's choices.

open story thread~

[moresake.livejournal.com]

The alcohol was a warm burn in Yuuko's stomach; the tales being told were varied and fascinating. They were perhaps an hour into storytime and Yuuko had decided it was her turn. The story she wanted to tell was an old one she'd read in a manga somewhere, but she'd decided to adapt it for their surroundings. So when the tale before her was finished, she picked up a candle, set it in a candle holder, and began to speak.

"There were two girls who shared an apartment in the City. They shared a room, actually, with two beds, because they liked to stay up late and talk to each other.

"One night, they were supposed to go out to a club together, but one of the girls felt sick and decided to stay home and sleep. The other girl made sure she had medicine and her phone nearby; she told her to call her if she needed anything.

The girl had been out and about for a few hours when she realized she'd actually left her device at home. She knew right where it was: she'd set it down on the vanity when she fixed her hair. So she decided to detour home and get it."

It was a quiet beginning, but she expected this one to hit home because of the ending... and because of the number of young people here who lived with close roommates, away from parents and family. She knew her audience, after all.

Yuuko paused to take a sip of her drink before she continued.

I THINK I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GOING FOR. And you stole one of my possibilities. XD

[doujin-dork.livejournal.com]

She was sitting rapt at attention. Yuuko's reasons were good. She'd been in this situation before, with sick roommates.

open story thread

[rockstar-otouto.livejournal.com]

"You ready for a scary tale? This happened one happened to me." Jun said, putting his face near the candle, trying to look frightening.

"Last night, when I was alone in my room," a pause as he watched the others to see if they were interested, then continued on, "And from out of nowhere..." Another pause, trying to draw in the audience... He looked terrified as he finished his short story.

"I smelled a fart that wasn't mine."


[OOC: I HAD TO DO IT.]

1/2 /kills jun for being so adorable

[songofdreams.livejournal.com]

Uta could not believe what she just heard. Not only was it not frightening (thank goodness), but it was also quite...

2/2

[songofdreams.livejournal.com]

"Gross!" she cried, and threw a crunched up paper towel at him.

open story thread~ (first story, mebbe?)

[i-themagician.livejournal.com]

"I used to know a young woman named Madeline who lived in a farmhouse in the south of France," Clow began after a suitable pause to sip his drink. "It had been a long time since I had visited her, so once while traveling through the area with some friends I asked if they minded a short side-trip to see her. They didn't, but her house was further out of the way than I thought I remembered and we got lost and had to ask for directions. The lady we asked hesitated to tell us anything, but when we insisted informed us that the house was just down the road but warned us not to stay the night. It was haunted by the ghost of a witch, she said, and no men who had stayed there had ever returned to tell about it.

"Well, I of course wasn't afraid of ghosts, witches, or any combination thereof - and in any case it was already getting dark so doing anything but staying at Madeline's was by this point out of the question. I only hoped that we wouldn't be imposing too much by showing up late and unannounced, but when we did finally reach the farmhouse our concerns were quickly forgotten. Madeline answered the door clad in a long white dress, looking as young and beautiful as the last time I had seen her despite the trails of tears that stained her cheeks and her wide, frightened-looking eyes. When asked what the matter was she said that she hadn't been able to find her husband anywhere and was worried that something had happened to him. She seemed pleased to have the company, however, and we stayed up late into the night talking. It must have been very early morning by the time the four of us retired, and she looked much more at ease by then. Even so, I didn't sleep because I was so worried about her, and after what didn't seem like very long one of my friends came into my room complaining that whenever he tried to fall asleep a draft in the room would chill him awake."

Clow shrugged, took another sip of his drink, and continued. "It happens in these older houses, I said; there was probably some crack in the window pane. But this was the middle of summer, he countered, and he seemed certain that what he felt couldn't have been anything other than frozen fingers against his skin. I finally had to give in to his pleas and agree that we'd wake our companion and leave as soon as dawn broke. However, as the first slivers of sunlight shone over the horizon, we entered the third bedroom and found it empty. The room was in shambles, with bedclothes and other items thrown about as though part of a frenzied struggle and part of the ceiling caved in, but neither of us had heard anything during the night. Thinking that he had maybe had the same idea we had and gone out to get the horses ready, we went to the front door but found it locked, barred, and nailed shut, all from the outside."

He paused for even longer, now, refilling his glass. Screw getting sloshed during the ceremony, he might not be sober by the time he was done with the first story at this rate. Strangely for him, though, he didn't even look at his audience as he did this, focusing on either the ground or his glass in front of him as though even he was bothered by the story.

open story thread~

[moresake.livejournal.com]

Yuuko rested her head on her hands and watched Clow as he spoke. Her face was oddly serious. This wasn't a story she'd heard from him before-- not much of a surprise, really, because he'd had centuries of stories in him before they'd met, and she was sure he'd never be finished telling them.

But this didn't feel like a normal story from him. She saw the way he didn't glance at her, at anyone, and she leaned forward a bit, listening.

open

[toppedbyfate.livejournal.com]

Watanuki was wearing some nice traditional clothes, though he didn't look too pleased about the situation. Why would he be? Ghost stories were a reality for him, and hearing them just reminded him of that. But still, it meant that he had interesting stories to tell.

open

[moresake.livejournal.com]

"Watanuki-kun!" Yuuko declared cheerfully as she approached. "You must feel excited about having the opportunity to do this again."

She ignored his irritated expression. After all, he'd agreed to come. That was the important thing.

late like a mofo but open to all~ <3

[mumbled_truth]

It was with no small gratitude that Todd noticed that there were a few people present that he was at least passingly familiar with, largely thanks to the play. Still, he found himself surrounded by people who were largely strangers to him, which meant that he had made himself a firm fixture at Neil's side.

He was slightly frustrated with himself; he had been working rather hard to come out of his shell, and he'd come so far, both at home and since coming to the City. He had read his own poems at meetings, he had made new friends, he'd even been in a play -- but the play, as impressive as it seemed, was different; the words weren't his own, and he was removed from the audience. He was in front of them, and as terrifying as that was, he wasn't speaking to other people one-on-one, concerned about whether what he was saying was worthwhile at all. In this sort of situation, he still clammed up.

He really had been hoping that he would feel braver than he did. He'd even memorized a poem appropriate for the occasion; a long one, too. He wasn't sure that he felt quite up to sharing it, though.

lateness is excused<3

[moresake.livejournal.com]

She'd seen Todd before, since she'd been in the play as well, but he didn't stick out quite as much as his more-outgoing compatriot. She was glad, though, that Neil had asked him to come along. He cared for Neil a lot, obviously, and she wanted to get a better look at the kid daring enough to try death for his friend.

"Todd, right?" she said, approaching him with a smile. "I'm Yuuko. Welcome to my home." She leaned down a little to be at his eye level.

OPEN || superduperlate, ilu sorrrrry ;_;

[had_not_lived]

Neil enjoyed this-- telling stories, after all, wasn't so different from acting. And this felt almost like a Society meeting-- the dark, the flicker of firelight on eager (or, in some cases, terrified) faces. It made him think of home, and he grinned wickedly, suddenly certain of what he wanted to begin with.

"I have one," he announced quietly, taking a moment to settle himself to tell the tale, his demeanor utterly serious. The trick was to leave no doubt, no question about the truth of one's claims.

"It was a dark and rainy night, and this old lady-- who had a passion for jigsaw puzzles-- sat by herself in her house at her table to complete a new jigsaw puzzle. But as she pieced the puzzle together, she realized, to her astonishment, that the image that was formed was her very own room."

He paused for effect, casting a glance at the assembled listeners, one hand raised, long fingers casting strange shadows in the candlelight.

OPEN || ilu anyway~

[moresake.livejournal.com]

Neil had a real talent for theater, and it showed in his performance, Yuuko thought. She leaned forward a bit, resting her head in her hands, listening... focused.