OPEN | The Kennel's Grand Opening

[chichichi]

⌛ Who: You and you and you!
⌛ What: The Kennel's Grand Opening!
⌛ When: November 5th-8th
⌛ Where: The Kennel @ Yoshiwara, Tokyo
⌛ Warnings: Violence, probably sex

After a long and arduous battle with bureaucracy over the course of many months, the figurative green light to open the Kennel was finally acquired. That was Monday and anything resembling an air of calm about that business and its staff evaporated as long held and properly adjusted plans were promptly executed with precision. Announcements were made. A generous number of flyers and advertisements were put out in every city and certain invitations were promptly extended to people of rank and note ahead of the date of the grand opening.

11/5 | FRIDAY

The good word spread so that when the day of the Kennel's grand opening dawns, the air surrounding that monumental stadium in the heart of Yoshiwara is charged well ahead of the arrival of the spectating crowd.

Those employees and the curious arriving ahead of the latter will find the Kennel looks distinctly different from what they've glimpsed over the course of the past several months. The previously visible exterior renovations are complete with new life breathed in its base colors. They contrast the red and gold banners accented with paw prints hanging from high walls that cast a rich, colorful hue when the light falls just right. They're visible from a distance and well before one quickly passes through one of the many quaint Admission stands. After that, it's a short walk through impossible tall doors into the sights, sounds, and curiously delicious scents of Tokyo's premiere fight club.

It's shortly after noon that the spectating crowds begin to arrive and what a mixed crowd it is! Humans are expected in Tokyo, but there's no shortage of hanyokai and yokai in these crowds, native and refugee, and it's every bit intentional on the part of the business' owner. That there is a large number of Inu Yokai present... is that intentional?

And, as excited patrons begin to filter in, there's plenty for them to do ahead of the fights.

Circling the exterior of the arena proper is a myriad of colorful Concessions and Shops native and local, native from farther away, and many more clearly refugee owned. It's mostly concessions at this time and a variety of them if the scents are anything to go by, but what business owner would forego enthusiastic and colorful advertisement? It's part of the draw, after all. It's no secret that people can rent spaces here provided they have a business license and the coin for the purchase. In fact, it's widely, politely advertised by Kennel staff, who stand ready with information pamphlets for the curious in those holes between the stalls out of which they're advertising.

From sweets to breads to more popular festival foods to noodles and a variety of drinks, the hungry and thirsty will have no reason to go wanting short of too little yen and once they've acquired those goods, they're free to wander a while. Ushers will help increasingly excited patrons find their seats as two o'clock draws near.

Patrons aren't the only people excited about the pending matches, however, and the exterior of the arena is far from the only location brimming with energy and busy. In the adjacent building connected to the Kennel itself by a sky bridge and underground entrance is the Dog House, a dormitory exclusive to those employed by the Kennel insofar as who may regularly room there. Given that, and the fact that many Dogs room there, the air about the place is anything but sleepy despite the departing numbers. The Leashed -- that is, magic barred fights -- are slated to begin and that means it's time for many to hit the Locker Rooms and Showers located in the underground level not far from the Toy Closet, the latter of which is presently overseen by a small Kitsune woman wearing a pair of oversized spectacles.

"You want to check something out? Of course you do and you'll use the inventory log," she says, the glare off her glasses blinding and... intentional?

Ask how it got the "Toy Closet" got that name and she'll laugh as she shows you the inventory. There are weapons, costumes, all sorts of props -- "toys," the boss calls them, but not everything is so innocent. Is that a box of dildo swords? It's a box of dildo swords. Clearly not all of the stock is entirely innocent with even some of the costumes being racy.

The Locker Rooms and Showers can't be said to be any less dangerous in terms of atmosphere. They're a step up from what one might expect with towels, shampoos, soaps, and the lot provided in addition to lockers, but the air here is no less charged. If anything, it's more and it won't be getting any less. Two o'clock in the afternoon is when the Leashed fights begin. Six o'clock, the Unleashed and there will be varying levels of traffic in and out well past the last fight at four o'clock in the morning, but four o'clock is far from now.

It's only just two now and today, that means a blissfully short period of opening ceremonies conducted by the owner in conjunction with her assistant. The speech is brief. There are people to thank, but Setsura is well aware of the impulses of those around her and draws it to a quick close.

"It's the fights everyone's come for, hm?"

And so, it begins with the flurry of black feathers dissipating in the wake of Setsura dispersing into so many black sparrows and the monstrous ayakashi dog that had stood by her pads off the figurative stage. Dogs -- that is, the fighters -- and Moderators, the fight's authorities whose function is to intervene to prevent fatalities and call matches, are introduced ahead of each match to fanfare that only becomes more raucous as the fights continue all the way up until six o'clock when the Leashed -- that is, magic barred, vanilla -- fights end and the Unleashed -- magic permitted, weapons allowed -- begin.

One might argue that that's when the real show begins despite that the setup seems no different. There are measures seen and unseen taken to protect the audience from any potential damage. Staff stands ready to utilize Kaze magic to teleport injured Dogs to the Infirmary, located in the Underground level, should it prove necessary, and it has. Those healers and medics are not and will not be without work as the Kennel progresses to its the Unleashed. The atmosphere in the arena seems to intensify, the scent of blood mingling with food and drink and so much adrenaline and it's this that greets the Unleashed when they cross into the arena proper.

The matches are played straight for some time before a curious condition is put into place. Ever played Tag? Now it's Extreme. Be sure to put on a good show, doggos, and fight to your heart's content. Everybody is watching.

11/6 | SATURDAY

The last fight draws to a close minutes after four o'clock in the morning to outstanding applause and shouting. The crowds will filter out until just after noon the same day, but there's work to be done in the meantime. No sooner than the last sizable group is gone does Maintenance and the Janitorial Staff descend upon the arena with the sort of fervor that might alarm the unsuspecting. There's much to be done in preparation for tomorrow's events, nevermind should someones wish to use the arena before then.

In the aftermath of the fights, any arena goers will find that expansive space only slightly calmer. Even the Dog House is still brimming with energy as employees change shifts and retire for the morning.

There are still people about, of course. The Kennel is open and the owner has confidence enough in Security in conjunction with those curiously familiar pitch birds that patrol the business. Now is a better time to get a closer, slower look at the place from the Arena to the Locker Rooms and Showers to the Toy Closet to... those strange rooms scattered around the stadium one might've noticed people paying to enter.

What's that about, anyway?

Should a person happen to peek inside, they'll be informed by a cheerful staff member that they'll have to come back to the Play Pen later as they're closed for cleaning at the moment.

Later comes the same day when the fights begin promptly at two o'clock. It seems that for a nominal fee, one watch the fights from rooms -- that is, Play Pens -- scattered about the second floor in relative privacy and immense comfort, but these are far more than simple VIP seating. They're for "play". It wouldn't do for a person to become so excited they'd have to leave, after all. Grab a friend, make a new one, or play solo -- there's plenty of quiet places where one can keep a good view of the fights or make a pleasant one for themselves.

Today's specials may certainly inspire. There are plenty of increasingly bloody, violent straight matches to be observed before a brief intermission during which patrons and Dogs alike will return to find much of the arena is now essentially a mud pit! Mud fights, anyone? That might be tantalizing enough if not for a sudden announcement mid-match that the fight is now a strip fight with points given for every article of clothing taken!

And, of course, a dirty dog needs bathed. Is Setsura audibly laughing as they introduce... are those water cannons?! Water cannons any patron can pay a nominal fee to utilize.

11/7 | SUNDAY

It's once again four o'clock in the morning when the still cheering and excitedly chattering crowds file out of the Kennel into the streets of Yoshiwara. Clean up and maintenance begins promptly only to become somewhat complicated as employees have a bit of fun with the water cannons stationed throughout the arena.

The final day of the Kennel's Grand Opening dawns according to the regular week day schedule. The fights will begin at four o'clock in the afternoon instead of two and run until two o'clock in the morning at the latest crowned with the long awaited and incredibly hyped Battle Royale wherein all dogs in their respective category -- Leashed and Unleashed -- will fight until there's only one left standing.

This, of course, after several straight matches in a packed stadium. There isn't an empty seat, isle, and quiet has no home at the Kennel before or after the matches. Employees and staff, especially, have been given something special to look forward to in the form of personal invitations to an after party at the Lounge, but first things first.

Fight to your heart's content.

11/8 | MONDAY

It's roughly three in the morning when the last of the spectating crowd filters out of the stadium in anticipation of their regular work days. Maintenance and the janitorial staff are not so quick to descend upon the Kennel proper, having received invitations to the after party as well. Indeed, this particular Monday will ring a bit different with the business beginning its regular operations later for this event.

Those unfamiliar with the Lounge will be in for quite a treat. Sleek and modern in feel whilst managing to maintain its traditional quality and flavor in construction, this particular Kennel facility boasts a magnificent bar and a full-service kitchen with plenty more places to sit besides. Tables and chairs, plush couches -- if it can be thought of, it can be found here with an emphasis on quality in every item under this ceiling. A myriad of games can be found here including pool, darts, and cards and the lights remain fairly low with sparklers drawing eyes over anything especially bright in honor of this celebration.

And this is indeed a celebration. Employees of all positions, friends, family, and even some patrons can be found here tonight and if they thought they were in for a treat, they're in for that much more of one.

"'EY! Quiet down, quiet down," the bartender calls, slapping his gargantuan hand atop what appears to be a crate that's appeared atop the bar. "As a thanks for a spectacular opening weekend, the boss is presentin' the lot of you with a stock of this -- " hang on, he's reading the card, "sake brewed by the god "Hiko-chan" from her world. It's apparently potent enough to knock even gods on their ass with a small amount, so you're to respect the portions I give you, especially, uh... Chuuya Nakahara? And, uh... she says thank you again for the wonderful opening weekend."

With that, the party commences or would it be more accurate to say it continues? The god-brewed alcohol is available in quantities of half a shot glass at most. Eat, drink, and celebrate! You've earned it!

There will be no rendition of "Closing Time" playing at any point; though, many do filter out to the Dog House and their respective homes as dawn draws near. That sleepy air is finally cast like a blanket over the Kennel. Not even the Offices will be opening before one o'clock, but after that, it's business as usual.

No longer will people have to wander into the wilderness to train or come into a fight that's worthwhile and allows for faster growth. The Kennel is finally, officially open to the public.

---

[[ ooc note: I'll probably be doing an official mingle of some kind every two months depending on interest including like... company mandated vacations and hang outs, so feel free to use this post into oblivion for the grand opening nd please, please, please make use of the setting. I typed so much and there's more details available on the business' page! ]

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[chichichi]

Surprise Guest NPC | Sunday Night Only

[jikan_npc]

[On Sunday night, those looking up at the seats at the highest level may notice what appears to be a handful of Imperial Samurai seated around an unfamiliar figure in regal dress. Curiously, at no point is any attention brought to his presence by the show below, having clearly not made an effort to get in touch with the organizers, as if attempting to avoid drawing any attention.]

[The man seated doesn't appear to visually react to anything happening in the arena at any point. He remains unusually still, with only his eyes turning to follow the action down below, his expression muted.]

[But for those lucky enough to score a seat nearby, they'll hear the excited whispering of the people in the rows below: "Is that the Emperor? In a place like this?" "No way, he hasn't been in public in ages... but it certainly looks like him. Who can mistake that beautiful face?" "But I heard he was unwell. Is he feeling better now?"]

[The guards won't stop people from turning and trying to talk to him. However, he seems to be a man of few words, with the guard closest answering for him in most cases. But should a refugee approach him, he'll turn his head and stare back at them, as he speaks with apparent difficulty.]

You are... one who has come from another world... yes?

[All characters are welcome to take this opportunity to talk to Tennō Karu, the emperor of the Eastern Kingdom. But despite him reaching out, no conversation will last more than a few minutes before he falls silent, and the guards ask them to return to their seats.]

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim has no clue why he’s even at the Kennel. Maybe a curiosity of sorts, maybe something to take his mind off other things. Maybe he just wanted some entertainment. Or, perhaps, this was all so reminiscent of the training grounds open to all in Menancia. Either way, he’s there, sitting with the rest of the audience when he hears the excited mutterings of an emperor among them.

with the same curiosity that had brought him to the Kennel in the first place, Dohalim can’t help but be drawn to the man, intrigued by his austerity and beauty. He’s almost surprised when the guard doesn’t stop him as he approaches and greets the Emperor with a polite bow of his head, and a slight bend at the waist.

and his curiosity swells at the strain of his voice; perhaps he really is unwell... should he be out, if that’s the case?]

Yes, I am... Dohalim il Qaras.

[straightening up he gives Tennō a concerned glance]

Pardon me for being so forward... But are you alright?

[jikan_npc]

It is... a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[His gaze falls from Dohalim's face briefly, as he looks a bit troubled by the question. Before the silence lingers for too long, the guard closest to him answers in his stead: "His Imperial Majesty has elected for a gradual return to public life following a brief period of convalescence. However, there is no need for concern."]

[Karu seems satisfied by the answer given, but won't address it.]

Have you... enjoyed your time in this Eastern Kingdom?

[chichichi]

I am.

[ Setsura turns her gaze directly on the man addressing her and with a casual air belying the steadily intensifying energy that has her on the edge of her seat. The emperor of the Eastern Kingdom, hm? She has ears and they're more than keen enough to have caught as much as close as that conversation was uttered. She hadn't thought he'd show, however. There'd been no response via any formal channel, but that isn't a slight and she's more curious as to his presence here unannounced.

Feeling unwell...? If she recalls correctly, hadn't he had a scheduled appearance during Tanabata? An appearance he'd missed, even. It makes her that much more curious. ]

My name is Setsura Light.

[ And she has some manners and mind enough to use them in this instance, offering a bow less slight than she tends to. ]

[jikan_npc]

[He bows his head in turn, a slower and subtle gesture. Everything about him seems a bit subdued, almost as if every action and word were being uttered with a great deal of concentration. But while his expression is fairly neutral, there's a hint of a smile in his eyes.]

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I was... hoping to reach out and perhaps arrange a proper meeting, but... I could not be certain as to whether I would have been able to keep such an obligation. I hope my impromptu appearance here is... not a distracting one?

Minato Arisato | Persona 3

[afoolshope]

Unleashed

[Looks tended to be deceiving, as they say. Minato knew he hardly looked like the fighter. Short, lean, and slouching as he walked into the stage. He had a sword in one hand and there was a... gun holster? at his hip. Who brings a gun and a sword to a fight? Especially an Unleashed fight? Well, Minato did, apparently.

He had assured Setsura that he was fit for Unleashed. He had magic, even if it didn't look like it. And, he promised, she and her audience might like what they see. After all, who puts a gun to their head as soon as they go on the floor? It definitely earned several gasps of surprise and horror. Was this kid really going to blow his brains out so soon?!

But Minato merely stared at his opponent and if anyone was going to stop him, it would be too late as the sound of a gunshot rang out almost as soon as the gun was at his temple.]

Thanatos!

[Rather than blood and brain matter, crystalline particles exploded from the opposite of Minato's now tilted head from the ricochet, a grin on his face as his eyes glowed blue and the being he summoned formed from those particles with a mighty roar.

Ready to fight?]

Leashed

[Minato didn't always rely on his Personas, though. He was very willing to participate in fights that didn't have any magic involved. He also chose a different weapon depending on the opponent, although it was pretty obvious he was most comfortable with a sword.

Minato yawned as he got onto the stage, rolling his neck slightly afterward to work out a kink and sighing softly when he heard the satisfying crack. He flicked his bangs to the side and held his weapon loosely.]

Well, you ready?

Obligatory Food Prompt

[When Minato wasn't fighting, he was eating. A lot. But of course, the after party in the lounge is no different. Although Minato does not partake in the alcohol, he does get himself a lot of fruity drinks and whatever food that looked tasty at the time. He was also covered in quite a few bruises and cuts that were bandaged and but otherwise Minato looked none the worse for wear. Aside from the healers, his own Persona could heal.

So, now he was just concentrating on replenishing his energy. His now empty plate was put to the side for now as he got a refill on a fruit drink that seemed to start purple and blend to a bright blue. He held it in a bandaged hand as he tilted his head to the side.]

Grape and blueberry? Well, hopefully it isn't too sour...

[Sip... and that was quite the pucker face from how sour it really was! His eyes shut tight for a moment and then he shook himself out of it. And promptly took another same, he nodded to the bartender.]

S'good. Thanks.

Wildcard

[I'm up for anything else, just lmk and we can work it out! mossflower#4962 or mossflowered]

Unleashed

[schrodingers_joker]

[After a talk with Morgana, it was decided that if Ren's face is seen as Joker, it's not an issue. After all, it's not like any of their enemies are here and even if they did show up? They won't have any real power here. Socially anyway. Plus Ren has been itching to use his personas and even his personas all wanted to be let out more.

So Ren showed up as Joker, who looks like he would fit better either robbing museums or at least putting on a show in a theater. Especially since he brought a knife with him. His gun he has hidden for now, since he has limited ammo for it.

He's not surprised he found his boyfriend here, but that's fine. He had been wanting to see his personas since they first met. Though he hadn't expected Minato to point the gun at his own head and shoot himself with it. Boy that gave him a mini heart attack, but seeing Thanatos calmed him down and he focuses.

Joker hovers his hand over his face and blue flames appear on his mask.]

Ongyo-Ki!

[Joker's mask disappears and suddenly the masked oni persona appears. The persona uses their dual sided bladed weapon to try to strike Minato three times with the physical attack Myriad Slashes.

If Minato tries to hit this persona with a light or dark type attack, it will get reflected back at him.]

[afoolshope]

[Thanatos was a bit more bloodthirsty than his other Personas, so it was with a mighty roar that the persona intercepted the attack, parrying with Tempest Slash followed swiftly with Brave Blade. Thanatos also reflected Dark so there was no issue about reflecting.

Minato also wasn’t idle, while the personas attacked, he dashed forward with his sword. He never got to learn to use a knife, but he’s fought against foes with them. They tended to be quick.]

childe | genshin impact

[acutabove]

[ it's less out of obligation and more out of enthusiasm that Childe finds himself at the Kennel, mere days after he's recovered well enough to be able to walk around on his own (read: recovered enough that Zhongli trusts him not to get into any trouble when he's not looking, but he's not going to argue semantics).

it's probably not quite the same as "walking", given that, for the majority of opening weekend he'll be mounted on a strange lion creature cat elephant thing that's small enough to fit comfortably in the venue. from time to time he can be heard speaking to it, barely loud enough to be heard unless one decides to get closer, and even if they do there's no guarantee that he'll notice any kind of approach before he's setting off again astride the odd mount.

should one wish to catch him alone, his schedule ends up being something like so: ]

FRIDAY/SATURDAY ||

[ Friday he can be found participating in the ceremonies as much as he's allowed to. having recently come off the mend there's really no need for him to hold back, right? right. as infectious as the atmosphere is even Childe is having a hard time getting amped up for the occasion, despite the imminent, looming promise of a bit of bloodshed and ample amounts of chaos in the ensuing strife.

still, that's not going to keep him from ensuring he's got a good grasp on his current place of work, milling about in-between fights (when, understandably, his ride ends up having to play security) and poking his nose into one or all of the rooms spread out around the building. catch him in the locker rooms or maybe perusing the list of weapons and "toys" at the Toy Closet with a curious look, though the grin on his face is probably unmistakable. ]

SUNDAY EVENING/MONDAY MORNING||

[ one can catch Childe sprawled out in a seat at the stadium by himself, tapping a rolled up pamphlet against one knee while the other nurses a bottle of - is that vodka? where'd he get that? if you want to get past him to get into a good seat - seeing as how he's claimed a prime spot in the front row for all the carnage and bloodshed - you'll have to either knock his legs aside or crawl over him, and neither seem very polite.

unless you're that kind of person. but linger around long enough and eventually he'll catch notice, turning with a grin on his face that doesn't quite reach his eyes. for someone who's about to bear witness to an all-out Battle Royale between "dogs" he could stand to look a little excited, right?

whatever the case, he's tapping on the unrolled pamphlet to indicate a portrait of someone labeled "CHUUYA" and when he speaks it's brightly, conversationally, even if his expression still has a bit of a sour undertone to it. ]

He probably doesn't look very impressive, but it's best to keep your eye on this one. I've got a feeling he'll make for a good show.

[ is he talking from experience? who knows.

later, though, despite not having participated in any fighting at all over the weekend because Ouji doesn't want to write fight scenes and doesn't want to be a little bitch by handwaving them, Childe will be found at the after-party mingling with his fellow dogs (with varying degrees of success) and splitting his time between the bar and the darts. what better way to improve his aim by throwing something pointy into a tiny circle, right?

much much later will find him sprawled inelegantly on a sofa, arm thrown over his head and an incriminating handful of shotglasses at his side. yeah. it's that kind of Monday. ]

WILDCARD ||

[ ooc: have a place you want to catch him at? throw me a bone (shut up it's 7 am i'm so tired)]

Friday Night, Between Fights

[sweet_malanore]

[There's a little blood on her nurse's outfit, but that doesn't stop Nephelea from politely clearing her throat.

The little bouts have been more or less easy to deal with, but Childe in the Toy closet seems a little odd. Does he intend to brain someone with a dildo?]

Have you been out yet?

[acutabove]

Out?

[ the look he gives her is unmistakable when he turns around - he's absolutely checking her out. but he's polite enough not to let it linger too long (though linger it does, inevitably) and he coughs and turns away to nod at the room beyond. ]

I haven't. I'm kind of... uh. Sitting things out for now.

[ he doesn't look particularly happy about it, either, but there's a resigned acceptance to it all the same. ]

Am I in the way?

M-M-MONDAY

[chichichi]

[ She should probably sleep. Not nap like she has through this past week, but properly sleep. Of course, that would require her to... go home and for Lewin, Chuuya, Akutagawa, or Higuchi to be there and in bed and there's work to be done today, albeit later today given she gave thought to the state of people and things after a weekend long grand opening.

There's numbers to crunch, a stadium to clean up and maintain. That sort of thing.

She could crash in the Dog House, too, but that would require walking more steps than she cares to at the moment.

Lifting and turning her head just slightly above bar level, her eyes roll from one end of the room to... the couch, where a particular shade of red catches her attention. She blinks slowly for a moment and rolls her eyes to her near empty glass, which she reaches to pick up and polish off. Then, she pushes herself up and not quite hops to... walk around the couch and... roll herself over the top of it so that she lands on top of Childe with a soft oof.

Words should follow, but instead she just. Vaguely wiggles her hand on top of one of his abs in a faulty attempt at giving him a pat. Give her a second to maybe reach up and... properly pat his head. ]

Good.

[ That's all she says before she drops her head onto his chest. If Zhongli shows up and opens his mouth about it, she'll pull him in so she can be sandwiched between warm people. It's fine. ]

[acutabove]

[ It's fortunate that 1) Childe is used to taking a pounding and 2) Setsura is not heavy at all. Certainly she's not the heaviest thing that has decided to pile on him, being in the same weight class as Aether, maybe, and so therefore when she lands on top of him he's only unsettled enough to blearily blink himself out of his drunk stupor to drape an arm around her in turn.

He's not averse to cuddling, far from it, in fact; he's always been something of an affectionate person by nature even if he doesn't know the more complex details of love beyond what he felt for his family, so being flopped onto like this wasn't really new or unexplored territory for him.

It takes another beat for him to recognize just who has done the flopping and, when he does, he lets a hand rest in her hair and gently sifts his fingers through her brunet locks gently. It's a gesture that's probably done with more care than one might expect, but it's also the sort of gesture that speaks of practiced experience, like he's done this countless times before and he'd probably be doing this countless times after.

When he speaks there's the scent of alcohol strong on his breath. It might ruin the soft, cuddling ambiance of the moment but she made her bed and now she must lie in it. ]

Pretty good opening weekend... [ He's only mildly slurring. Just a little. ] Wish I could have joined in on the fights...

Setsura Light née Yamaguchi | Original

[chichichi]

FRIDAY | 5TH | PREGAME

[ In the hours preceding the Kennel's opening ceremonies, the offices may very well appear to be closed. Most of the lights are off. Most of the chairs are abandoned as the majority of those who would regularly occupy it have completed their work pending its opening and been granted the day off to attend the opening or use it however they see fit.

There's more work ahead of them, after all. The opening of the Kennel isn't an end to their labors, but the beginning and Setsura had told them as much as she'd ushered them out the night prior. She perceives this even now sitting behind her desk in dim light, the ink pen in her hand at rest for the moment. Hers is naturally the highest of the rooms within the stadium, her gaze turned and extending well beyond the wall of glass out of which she can clearly view the arena were she to cross the room. For the moment, however, she remains seated, one deep, violet eye flickering black as she occasionally jumps from familiar's eyes to familiar's eyes in viewing things about the Kennel.

It isn't the exact type of organization she's been priming herself to take and run for the past eight decades, but some things ring true regardless. The people she hired have feet and it's imperative that she allow them to run if they're to flourish. Adjustments, areas where improvements can be made can and will be found, but it's a poor leader who doesn't trust those she's employed in the first place to do their jobs.

Placing her pen beside the document atop her desk, she pauses to stretch and turns her gaze to the bottom left drawer, the side of which she gives a light kick with her boot. It opens to a fridge out of which she gingerly plucks a bottle and a pair of rather crystal glasses. They're no fancier than the crystal ornaments complementing the kanzashi in her done-up hair. Her assistant wouldn't hear anything about her dressing as casually as she wanted for the opening ceremonies, a step in the right direction for a budding chick with quite a lot to learn about the business and its handling.

For the moment, it's according to plan if behind schedule. There were many reasons Setsura had wanted to establish the Kennel. The need for income to support herself and hers was one. To provide a place where those unaccustomed to a relatively peaceful setting compared to their own world especially could meet and fight, really fight was another, whatever their reason. A speedier accumulation of experience, pleasure, the satisfaction, to exercise that restless energy and keep from wearing their skills -- oh, she can think of a million and they're all perfectly acceptable answers, many of which she herself would agree with.

Birds grow restless in stagnant air and dogs need to be exercised if they're to be happy and healthy.

She won't turn whether the person striding toward her door cares to knock or not, one half of her gaze settled through a night sparrow's eye trained on her very busy assistant. Her other is relaxed as she places the bottle and glasses atop her desk and leans back into her chair and the shadows for the moment.

Well? Don't keep her waiting. ]

SATURDAY | 6TH | HITTIT THE SHOWERS | CW: Nudity

[ There are perfectly acceptable bath houses available for use throughout the city and none too far from the Kennel itself, but making the trek covered in mud after another busy business day during her business' grand opening weekend isn't agreeable to Setsura despite her love of baths. She'd planned to be on hand to the point she brought most everything she'd need for the weekend. She'd planned quite a lot including that she'd make good use of the showers in more ways than one.

It pays to be efficient.

She didn't give everyone the memo, however. Certainly not the Dogs and similarly minded employees she's passing as she enters the locker rooms. It's not unusual to see her around and about the Kennel without a sliver of ceremony for all that "the usual" isn't quite established yet. Peeling out of her shirt no sooner than she's two feet in as she makes her way to her locker is another story and there's a few awkward people who trip over their greetings presumably for the sudden and largely unexpected sight of their new boss' large breasts being freed from their cloth prison after a long day. ]

Evening.

[ It's a greeting those awkward few may miss initially only to doubletake at the rough dialect she just used. For her part, Setsura doesn't stop walking, slinging her shirt over her shoulder as she makes her way to her locker to procure a few things before she heads to the showers.

She's not in a rush per se. There's no nervous energy about her and one might assume a total lack of awareness of the eyes glued to her chest as she closes her locker door, a change of clothes in hand. ]

What? Is it your first time seeing breasts?

[ Were it not for that and the confidence she exudes, a smirk tugging at her lips as she lazily rolls her eyes in the direction of one of the onlookers.

There's at least one cough as the person she singled out looks abruptly away and a sudden wave of laughter and slapped shoulders. The ice effectively broken, she'll be moving seamlessly through the locker rooms for the showers; though, the sharp may notice a curious detail given how many she put to the test in combat during recruitment.

The seal at her palm may be eye catching, but there isn't a scar to be found on her person despite any solid blows landed on her person. Huh. ]

SUNDAY | 7TH | UNLEASHED

[ To those unfamiliar with Setsura, she's likely appeared calm and composed throughout the grand opening. She looks no different through the majority of the night as she goes about her business, converses with employees and patrons, and observes the fights from this seat or that. Her assistant, exasperated, can't seem to pin her to any one seat or section. She flits about like the bird she is with a particular smile in her face that matches the restless energy brimming in her every step and it only grows as the night goes on, all the way to just past the beginning of the straight Unleashed matches.

The announcer drops the names of the first fighter to much fanfare, and the second -- Setsura Light -- is simply given and with a hint of question that's answered when a certain night sparrow hanyoukai jumps from the seats into the arena proper. It's an inky blackness that seems to explode from her person in mid air, the kimono she'd been wearing evaporating in the time it takes her to land crouched. When she stands, that darkness swirls and dissipates to reveal her hands are shoved into the pockets of a pair of black shorts with fluff along the bottom. A green jacket with cream colored fluff about the collar conceals very little of the elaborate black button-up midriff tank and its ruffles or her generous chest. A violet belt, violet leggings, and black boots complete her ensemble -- enchanted the lot of it to be able to withstand that darkness few present likely understand. Her hair, however, remains done up with a very particular kanzashi that catches in the light.

It would be impossible for even a civilian to miss the energy, the presence she exudes. She's always cast herself larger than her height, but that harnessed energy, her intensity is not so quiet as she strides forward, hands still in her pockets. The excitement of the crowd isn't lost on her, but she's not focused on that. No, her opponent to be has her attention over the announcer's introduction.

It's a sharp grin that she offers when she catches her opponent's gaze. ]

If you go easy on me, I'll never forgive you.

MONDAY | 8TH | AFTERTHOUGHTS

[ She makes a quiet entrance after grabbing a shower in the underground. Claims a perch off to the side at the bar without drawing much attention to herself because it's not her hour and she's content to watch as the people who made this possible filter in. Those unfamiliar with the Lounge are easy enough to spot judging from their expressions and it tickles her, something akin to fondness touching her features occasionally between chatter, occasionally raucous banter, those coming and going presences as time passes.

Her drinks don't add up. Even now, she's still sipping the same drink she started with, turning the glass idly in hand, and she isn't so intense as she was in the arena. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that her energy is restrained on a different level. Still, she's accessible and responsive if approached, talking freely until her company departs and leaves her once again to her own devices atop her perch.

Care to join her? She'll be there well into the morning, quietly thoughtful. Might even fall asleep at the bar if someone doesn't pluck her up before dawn. ]

WILD CARD

[ Don't see anything to your taste? Wild Card me or hit me up at c_anon to plot. ]

Saturday | Shower Time

[blackbeastcoat]

[ It was no surprise that he enjoyed this place for what it was, allowing him a place to fight unrestrained and vent his energy in a way that didn't have to be sexual without the worry that someone would look down upon him for being so 'violent' and as such?

Akutagawa had indulged in his own fights that day, though perhaps the mud fighting was a little excessive in his eyes. He'd been all too relieved to be able to use the showers after everything, presently at his locker grabbing a few things when Setsura came in with her usual air. It should have been expected that the woman who now served as his boss was going to just be as laid back and as casual as ever, but it never stopped him from nearly dropping what was in his hand when he realized she'd decided to strip off her entire top.

His cheeks had turned a soft shade of pink but remained quiet as she called out one of the others here who had been gawking at her like some uncouth idiot. Sure enough, she was taking it in stride. ]

Really... Was that entirely necessary?

[ He had started towards the showers a short moment before she did, and just maybe he could pretend like he hadn't been getting comfortable with the fact he may have been staring longer than he should have. There was a change of clothes folded over one arm as well, gaze focused ahead of him. ]

I didn't think I would run into you so soon, but you seem to be doing well, Setsura-san.

[ An unspoken thing being that she'd been so invested in this that he hadn't seen her, so why not do so now? There wasn't harm in it after all. ]

[chichichi]

[ There isn't any harm in quickening her pace just enough to match his stride and fondly leaning her arm against his in front of her employees by Setsura's reckoning. That his gaze is focused ahead of him isn't lost on her. In fact, she's easily leaning forward, head turned and canted in peering up at him, and with an easy if teasing smile. ]

Oh? You can tell that much when you haven't looked at me?

[ She knows when eyes are on her and his is a presence, an energy she's more than a little fond of. She knows what direction he came from and put two and two together easily. Of course, even if she hadn't, it's Akutagawa and she isn't inclined to forego an opportunity to tease him a little and turn his gaze to her.

She's got the upper hand in this situation besides. She's still got her hakama to lose, but first things first. She wants his eyes on her. ]

Friday

[holeful]

[He does knock, though it's with his usual combination of timidity and unintentional(?) rudeness, as the knock is soft and then he just comes in anyway. He is carrying a paper bag.]

Um, Mother, I brought you something to eat, because I though you'd probably be busy.
[His tail is twitching in that fretful way of his when he's avoiding talking about something, but he's got one of his usual smiles on his face as he pulls a sandwich out of the bag and offers it to her.]

[chichichi]

[ As keen as Setsura's hearing is, a soft knock is more than loud enough to be heard and his voice is one she's glad to hear. A single, deep violet eye trains itself on him as she leans forward into the light with an easy smile as she looks him over non too subtly as he approaches and gratefully accepts the offered sandwich with both hands.

Nevermind that her other eye is black. ]

You're such a good boy, Fuku-chan. I don't remember the last time I ate.

[ It was something most people would deem too small and devoured too quickly while she was on the move. Some things stick with a person well beyond their childhood. ]

Come. Sit down. We haven't had a chance to talk properly with so much to be done. You look well.

[ "What's on your mind?" It's unspoken, present in her tone, inflection. ]

Monday

[baedou]

[The whole set up remind Beidou of the Crux Clash — if the clash wasn't something so ephemeral every time it popped up. Alas, that's not the most appealing thing about it. The most interesting thing about it this is that a place like this doesn't just get built unless the person in charge is a hard-worker. If that's not the most attractive trait in a person then she doesn't know what is.

The fact that Setsura gets in the ring herself, though, now that easily wins her points too.

It's late into the evening- it might even be early morning, actually, now that Beidou stops to think about it. Her intentions were either going to be making another pass (and isn't that a fun game they play often enough?) or it was to tease Setsura for holding out on her— she's not quite sure herself. At the very least congratulations is in order. But by the time the Captain tracks the woman of the hour down she looks Tired with a capital T, that's for sure. Once Beidou catches sight of that her energy that was flirtatious edges on the side of, well, not necessarily concern- but obviously some kind of fondness in a way.

Naturally it means that Beidou presses in on that perch of hers and invites herself to sit right next to her. She also taps her knuckle against the counter situated in front of Setsura to grab her attention.]

Hey, you. Don't tell me your so busy that you can't find a proper place to pass out.

[chichichi]

And where would constitute a "proper" place to pass out?

[ Setsura cants her head lazily to one side, deep violet eyes rolling to settle on the source of that friendly, familiar voice. Her own is a little softer than usual and faintly breathy in that sleep touched way, but there's a spark there, some energy, a definite fondness as she regards the other woman.

The corner of her mouth tugs just slightly upward with her next words as she directs a finger around the rim of a half emptied glass. ]

Assuming that was my intention at some point, Beidou.

showers. time to embarrass him.

[sixtyeighth]

[ His clothes are bloody, destroyed, and he needs to shower and change out of them. He's decided that he'll always keep a spare couple of outfits in the lockers here on fight nights, because he's willing to throw every ounce of himself into the fights, and he has no qualms with getting serious injury. Of course, this comes with the price of his clothing. But, fighting like that allows him to burn through some of his more pent-up steam and frustrations, so by the time he gets to the lockers, he's the slightest bit less likely to snap at the first person who irritated him. It works for him.

No, he certainly hadn't expected to see Setsura there. And he definitely didn't expect to see her peel out of a top and get an eyeful of well - that. He doesn't blush, and there's basically no real way to tell that he's slightly embarrassed by this other than the fact that he - well, shifts his eyes away and blurts out. ]

No.

[ Yes. And instead he jolts his head to the side, looking away almost as immediately as his answer came out. ]

Chuuya Nakahara | Bungo Stray Dogs

[darkdisgrace]

Leashed
[Chuuya's been helping with the kennel from the moment Setsura began planning it, so of course he's going to be there on opening day in the thick of it. He'll participate in both leashed and unleashed fights: and in spite of his small size, he makes quite the impression on the audience, even based on just his martial arts alone. He's never been the type to rely on his supernatural Ability to get by, always challenging himself to--]

Well, we going to do this or what?!

[...Well, it doesn't help that he's fucking loud either. Ow? Why is this tiny, 5'3 man so loud, where the hell does that volume even come from.

He's standing there in the ring with hands in his pockets, all swagger and confidence, a manic grin on his face. Some might put it down to showmanship and psyching up the audience, but let's be honest: he's this dramatic by nature.]

Come on, I don't like waiting.

Unleashed
[Of course, all that earlier swagger starts making sense when the unleashed matches start. He makes quite the entrance, too: A faint red glow envelopes his body as he steps into the ring... and when he steps up to face his opponent, the ground shakes as he sets his foot down, a crushed indent forming beneath him. All the previous fights so far have only riled him up more, made his blood sing and body ache for greater challenge, and he looks entirely too eager to start.]

If you don't go all out, I'm going to be very disappointed.

[Setsura why did you hire a man who is already destroying the floor on day one.]

Dirty Dogs
[On Saturday, Chuuya participates in the mud fights. He certainly doesn't mind getting dirty, especially when it presents the opportunity to grind his opponent into the mud if he gets the upper hand.
However-- then the announcement comes and he barks a wry laugh.] Seriously Sets? Shoulda known you'd try to get us out of our shirts.

[....It's no longer funny when the water guns come out. He snarls up at the stands for a moment, grumpy.] Oh come on! That water is freezing!!

[Which just earns him another blast of water to his face. Small, wet chuuhuahua barking at the world, what else is new.]

Good 'clean' fun - CW: Nudity, possible sex
[After the mud fights, he can naturally be found in the shower room, a little too wound up from the fighting to settle down, and with lingering mud besides. He peels off whatever clothes remain, dropping them where he stands before heading into the showers, stepping beneath the spray without a shred of shame and letting it soak his hair, curling red strands settling against his shoulders as mud slicks away, long fingers working their way through the locks as Chuuya grimaces.]

My hair is a mess, shit.

[He can be found there for a decent while, carefully cleaning his body, soap suds sliding down long, toned legs and an equally built body. For a tiny guy he's fit as hell, though the numerous scars on his body tell the tale of a life full of violence, so perhaps that's the reason.

And if he catches anyone looking, he shoots them a quirked brow.]

Something catch your attention?

Monday CW: Alcohol
[There's a very good reason that the bartender had been warned about him by name.

Even the alcohol he is permitted is enough to get him utterly trashed, and Chuuya can be found laughing and arguing in equal measure, the normally emotional man even moreso with alcohol in his system. One second he's laughing uproariously, the next he's picking a verbal fight that he quickly loses track of after a minute-- and later in the evening, he can be found... floating. in places.

He seems to have forgotten gravity exists for other people.]

Hey... why're you sittin' on the ceilin'.....

[...he's the one on the ceiling, though. Someone might... want to pull get down before an accident happens.]

Wildcard
[Honestly open to anything and everything, Chuuya's going to be a fixture here.]

Dirty Dogs

[sweet_malanore]

[From behind her watercanon, Nephelea's voice tinkles an airy laugh. She's mended enough cuts, broken bones, and concussions this weekend to almost be as numerous as a warzone.

So she certainly does deserve to have a little fun with the fighters.]

And I'll do it again, Chuuya!

[Said gun aims lower, less in his face. (It was an accident, she promises!)]

Monday

[chichichi]

[ That familiar voice in the din catches Setsura's attention. It would have regardless of the difference in its height compared to that of others in the room. She perceives it in the split second before she processes his question. Placing her drink down atop the counter, she hops down from her perch and turns bodily as she directs deep violet eyes up and around to find the man who'd posed the question.

It isn't difficult. She's used to picking his hat and that brilliant shade of red out of a crowd by now and his position on the ceiling makes it that much easier. She strides toward him, a hand settling atop her hip as she cants her head lazily to one side, a fond smile settling on her face despite herself. ]

Shouldn't that be my line? C'mere, you [ and she extends her free hand, making a grabby motion once, twice ], or are you going to give me more of an excuse to bring this up later today?

[ She's going to bring this up later regardless. It's more a matter of when. ]