[ He'll nod along as the spirit explains, attention half on them and half on the screen. One doesn't keep a position of leadership without at the very least knowing how to delegate for problem solving.
And then the mood shifts, when Seimei's answer is called into question. That's. Unfortunately one of the more personal points the spirit could have chosen to nitpick, so the irritation is a little more than implied with his tone and the straightening of his back into a more regal posture. ]
An easy claim to make. It's a fine answer when the knowledge your happiness has come to fruition is all you want.
A very shallow victory unless you don't care that your happiness will burst like a bubble in no time at all. A parent dying to have their child spared might sound noble, but it's an illusion to think that that will guarantee the kid a good life.
[Just like Seimei had- No. No. It's no use thinking about that, this one is a fake, getting too emotionally involved with it or telling him all the things he'd wanted to yell at the real one would be utterly pointless. Douman balls his hand into a painfully tight fist and slowly relaxes it inch by inch to force himself to get a grip of himself.
Right. A game. Just like the one in front of them on the screen. Don't let yourself get provoked. Focus and stay calm.]
Question six. What do you hate the most about yourself? That I'm still allowing him to haunt me.
[ Shallow. The spirit doesn't know, can't know, what exactly he's calling shallow, so Seimei shouldn't take it to heart. Getting into petty squabbles is, once again, not what they're here to do.
A breath or two, in and out, and hopefully these questions will be overwith soon enough. They can squabble or trade threats of blackmail as much as they like once control of the situation is back with the two of them. ]
What an un-Seimei-like answer. But it seems to be the truth.
[The mask tilts, revealing glittering eyes behind it for a second. Then Douman has already moved on; Seimei isn't the only one who's losing patience with this forced game of soul-sharing.]
What do you hate most about others? That they'll betray you in a heartbeat.
[The screen flashes an angry red. The smile is audible in Douman's voice.]
So no lies after all, even if they fit the mood. [heh~] I hate thoughtless incompetence. Good intentions done by fools are tolerable, but simply not caring makes it hard for me to not want to vent my frustrations with the culprit at least a little.
[ That one he's willing to let sound more accusatory. The spirit's made it clear he's plenty aware of Seimei's reputation, but not too much about the man himself. Which isn't unfamiliar territory for said man, who just admitted gossip and idle chatter do effect him to some degree, so maybe there's more leeway to react accordingly.
It's how he'll try to excuse it to himself later, anyway. The keyword being try. ]
That for how they love to talk, so very few will listen.
What is your preferred method of murder? None. [ Another green flash but no checkmark. Correct, but not what the screen is looking for, so give him a moment to rest his chin in a hand and think this absurd question over. ]
...A fast-acting poison, I suppose. [ Not through a curse or spell, no. He knows plenty enough to make those same gossiping hens shake in their boots at the idea of his unknowable wrath, but even when he had a talisman readied at Atsumi's throat the idea had been to just stun and let his own instincts go from there. He was too blinded by rage to have a plan other than 'kill.'
Should he have time to think about it, and enough anger in him to try again in the first place, he'd want whoever it is to suffer in their final moments. It could bring about a vengeful spirit, yes, but exorcising someone who doesn't want it is just one more drawn out, excruciating process the damned soul would have to suffer.
...He doesn't like it. Doesn't like thinking like this. The screen doesn't care how he feels, however, just that it heard an acceptable answer. ]
[They might as well be playing shogi or chess with their carefully calculated back and forth. Not even the Gnosia-infection can override Douman's obsession of competing with Seimei(s).]
My. That's unexpectedly insidious for a man who could just say the word to one of his shikigami instead. Does that mean that you like to watch them suffering?
[But it's his turn isn't it? Douman thinks for a brief moment and then answers for the screen]
Personal, and their suffering adequate to what led up to it.
How strange, then, that I've no memory of you or anyone like you.
[ Short encounters that easily slip the mind for one party but have a tremendous impact on the other are more common that one might think. He's had plenty, he's sure, and maybe that's part of what the mask is for if he allows himself a moment of ego--to hide someone he might have otherwise recognized by sight. Considering this spirit's strange aura it might also be possible he managed to slip through Seimei's notice for some time, watching, listening, and that thought is...well. It's more than a little disquieting.
There are also spells that play with one's memory, if he were to consider the other end of the mundane-magical spectrum. But he's not about to put a pin anywhere on it until he gets a few more answers. ]
It would seem we're of similar mind on at least one point.
[ No time to dwell on what that might mean for them, 'cause the screen's got a new question.
09. WOULD YOU HURT THE PERSON ACROSS FROM YOU?
Narrowing his eyes, not breaking contact all the while, ] If necessary.
I am a nurarihyon. A youkai who has no presence, and whose blessing and curse is to be able to go wherever I please without anybody paying me any mind.
[He is bluffing again, but it's also not like he is telling any lies. Douman had wondered for a long time if Suzaku had had any hidden intentions by turning him into a youkai like that, but by now he is convinced that it was just how the dice had fallen that particular day. Or maybe his being a powerful Onmyoji had interferred. In any case he had revived as a troublesome new breed of youkai rather than just another tengu.]
Of course. And likewise. I won't pull any punches if you give me a reason to.
[Another approving green flash, and then they are at the last question. Douman's fingers curl like claws against the fabric of his pants for a moment in anticipation.
10. WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THE PERSON ACROSS FROM YOU?]
I honestly don't know. Probably not.
[Who knows what he would do for Seimei -- or Haruaki, more like it. He'd risk a stupid amount of things, but Douman can't imagine himself willingly give up his life and jeopardy his dream just for one person. Not until he can be sure that Hyakki Academy and all that it stands for would flourish even without him.]
[ Ah, he finally has confirmation. He's never met a nurarihyon in person, at least not as far as he recalls, so he couldn't be sure if said lack of presence was intentional or a byproduct of the spirit just being himself. At least now he has a better idea of what it feels like to recognize later.
But man, what a doozy of a last question in a series of questions that were already awful to sit through with another person. Given Nurarihyon's answer, however, it seems he won't take offense to Seimei going the reasonable route with his own. He's not quite so altruistic as to let himself die for someone he just met and is, honestly, a little annoyed with. ]
As it stands, no.
[ Accepted, and for a moment the screen goes blank but not dark. Perhaps it's tallying the results, perhaps it's loading up the newest question, but when it finally appears it's slightly different than the others.
PLEASE SELECT THE IDENTITY OF YOUR ASSIGNED PARTNER.
The new and seemingly final question get a laugh out of Douman. That's it? This is was all those previous oh-so-ominous questions lead up to?]
Haha, this is really just like in one of those killing game stories. Now let's see...
[What should he do. Since he is Gnosia himself Douman knows that the one opposite of him isn't. He could feel if he were. But that doesn't mean that the other could do the same, and wouldn't it be fun to cast the suspicion on a Seimei for a change? There is so telling how their answers will influence the outcome either. Is it a blame game where it's best when they both pick the same and seek to 'spare' the other side? Or is it about figuring out the truth? Or does it not matter at all, and the supposed 'monster' will be smithed, no matter if the one making the call is right or wrong?
Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions~ What would the real Seimei do?]
I think I'll do this.
[He leans forward and picks the HUMAN option. It's a risky move, but gambling is Douman's favorite vice.]
[ With all the casual talk of sadism and murder, it would be understandable for most anyone else to come to the conclusion that this man was either already crazed or a gnosia.
To Seimei, however, that's just the natural inclination of some spirits, especially those who've experienced violent ends themselves. Something to watch out for in the future, but not an immediate sign of infection needing to be cured. (Being a little annoying is also not sufficient grounds for accusation, satisfying as the idea of cleansing this man and having him take everything back might be.)
So there really isn't any big reason not to give Nurarihyon the benefit of the doubt. If Seimei's wrong and Nurarihyon tries something he still has the ability to cure him, so if being wrong is the only real punishment here... ]
If you'll pardon the slight inaccuracy.
[ Seimei chooses HUMAN as well, and once again the screen blanks into loading mode. The final string of text that comes across is a simple THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION and shortly after the entire thing shuts off. ]
[Douman furls and unfurls his fist lightly as he rises to his feet.]
Nothing to apologize for.
[He'd meant to attack the other right away, but knowing Seimei he's on high alert right now. And for all his hate and aggression Douman doesn't want to run facefirst into his exorcism powers. That had already smarted the first time it'd happened.]
This whole ordeal was quite the waste of time tough. If you'll excuse me.
[and with that he'll try to powers to vanish and appear a good distance away with the plan of following Seimei until there's a better chance to strike.]
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expiationlogs2024-07-15 08:13 am
no subject
And then the mood shifts, when Seimei's answer is called into question. That's. Unfortunately one of the more personal points the spirit could have chosen to nitpick, so the irritation is a little more than implied with his tone and the straightening of his back into a more regal posture. ]
An easy claim to make. It's a fine answer when the knowledge your happiness has come to fruition is all you want.
no subject
[Just like Seimei had- No. No. It's no use thinking about that, this one is a fake, getting too emotionally involved with it or telling him all the things he'd wanted to yell at the real one would be utterly pointless. Douman balls his hand into a painfully tight fist and slowly relaxes it inch by inch to force himself to get a grip of himself.
Right. A game. Just like the one in front of them on the screen. Don't let yourself get provoked. Focus and stay calm.]
Question six. What do you hate the most about yourself? That I'm still allowing him to haunt me.
no subject
A breath or two, in and out, and hopefully these questions will be overwith soon enough. They can squabble or trade threats of blackmail as much as they like once control of the situation is back with the two of them. ]
That I let the words of others effect me.
no subject
[The mask tilts, revealing glittering eyes behind it for a second. Then Douman has already moved on; Seimei isn't the only one who's losing patience with this forced game of soul-sharing.]
What do you hate most about others? That they'll betray you in a heartbeat.
[The screen flashes an angry red. The smile is audible in Douman's voice.]
So no lies after all, even if they fit the mood. [heh~] I hate thoughtless incompetence. Good intentions done by fools are tolerable, but simply not caring makes it hard for me to not want to vent my frustrations with the culprit at least a little.
no subject
[ That one he's willing to let sound more accusatory. The spirit's made it clear he's plenty aware of Seimei's reputation, but not too much about the man himself. Which isn't unfamiliar territory for said man, who just admitted gossip and idle chatter do effect him to some degree, so maybe there's more leeway to react accordingly.
It's how he'll try to excuse it to himself later, anyway. The keyword being try. ]
That for how they love to talk, so very few will listen.
What is your preferred method of murder? None. [ Another green flash but no checkmark. Correct, but not what the screen is looking for, so give him a moment to rest his chin in a hand and think this absurd question over. ]
...A fast-acting poison, I suppose. [ Not through a curse or spell, no. He knows plenty enough to make those same gossiping hens shake in their boots at the idea of his unknowable wrath, but even when he had a talisman readied at Atsumi's throat the idea had been to just stun and let his own instincts go from there. He was too blinded by rage to have a plan other than 'kill.'
Should he have time to think about it, and enough anger in him to try again in the first place, he'd want whoever it is to suffer in their final moments. It could bring about a vengeful spirit, yes, but exorcising someone who doesn't want it is just one more drawn out, excruciating process the damned soul would have to suffer.
...He doesn't like it. Doesn't like thinking like this. The screen doesn't care how he feels, however, just that it heard an acceptable answer. ]
no subject
[They might as well be playing shogi or chess with their carefully calculated back and forth. Not even the Gnosia-infection can override Douman's obsession of competing with Seimei(s).]
My. That's unexpectedly insidious for a man who could just say the word to one of his shikigami instead. Does that mean that you like to watch them suffering?
[But it's his turn isn't it? Douman thinks for a brief moment and then answers for the screen]
Personal, and their suffering adequate to what led up to it.
no subject
[ Short encounters that easily slip the mind for one party but have a tremendous impact on the other are more common that one might think. He's had plenty, he's sure, and maybe that's part of what the mask is for if he allows himself a moment of ego--to hide someone he might have otherwise recognized by sight. Considering this spirit's strange aura it might also be possible he managed to slip through Seimei's notice for some time, watching, listening, and that thought is...well. It's more than a little disquieting.
There are also spells that play with one's memory, if he were to consider the other end of the mundane-magical spectrum. But he's not about to put a pin anywhere on it until he gets a few more answers. ]
It would seem we're of similar mind on at least one point.
[ No time to dwell on what that might mean for them, 'cause the screen's got a new question.
09. WOULD YOU HURT THE PERSON ACROSS FROM YOU?
Narrowing his eyes, not breaking contact all the while, ] If necessary.
no subject
[He is bluffing again, but it's also not like he is telling any lies. Douman had wondered for a long time if Suzaku had had any hidden intentions by turning him into a youkai like that, but by now he is convinced that it was just how the dice had fallen that particular day. Or maybe his being a powerful Onmyoji had interferred. In any case he had revived as a troublesome new breed of youkai rather than just another tengu.]
Of course. And likewise. I won't pull any punches if you give me a reason to.
[Another approving green flash, and then they are at the last question. Douman's fingers curl like claws against the fabric of his pants for a moment in anticipation.
10. WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THE PERSON ACROSS FROM YOU?]
I honestly don't know. Probably not.
[Who knows what he would do for Seimei -- or Haruaki, more like it. He'd risk a stupid amount of things, but Douman can't imagine himself willingly give up his life and jeopardy his dream just for one person. Not until he can be sure that Hyakki Academy and all that it stands for would flourish even without him.]
no subject
But man, what a doozy of a last question in a series of questions that were already awful to sit through with another person. Given Nurarihyon's answer, however, it seems he won't take offense to Seimei going the reasonable route with his own. He's not quite so altruistic as to let himself die for someone he just met and is, honestly, a little annoyed with. ]
As it stands, no.
[ Accepted, and for a moment the screen goes blank but not dark. Perhaps it's tallying the results, perhaps it's loading up the newest question, but when it finally appears it's slightly different than the others.
PLEASE SELECT THE IDENTITY OF YOUR ASSIGNED PARTNER.
A. GNOSIA B. HUMAN ]
no subject
Haha, this is really just like in one of those killing game stories. Now let's see...
[What should he do. Since he is Gnosia himself Douman knows that the one opposite of him isn't. He could feel if he were. But that doesn't mean that the other could do the same, and wouldn't it be fun to cast the suspicion on a Seimei for a change? There is so telling how their answers will influence the outcome either. Is it a blame game where it's best when they both pick the same and seek to 'spare' the other side? Or is it about figuring out the truth? Or does it not matter at all, and the supposed 'monster' will be smithed, no matter if the one making the call is right or wrong?
Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions~ What would the real Seimei do?]
I think I'll do this.
[He leans forward and picks the HUMAN option. It's a risky move, but gambling is Douman's favorite vice.]
no subject
To Seimei, however, that's just the natural inclination of some spirits, especially those who've experienced violent ends themselves. Something to watch out for in the future, but not an immediate sign of infection needing to be cured. (Being a little annoying is also not sufficient grounds for accusation, satisfying as the idea of cleansing this man and having him take everything back might be.)
So there really isn't any big reason not to give Nurarihyon the benefit of the doubt. If Seimei's wrong and Nurarihyon tries something he still has the ability to cure him, so if being wrong is the only real punishment here... ]
If you'll pardon the slight inaccuracy.
[ Seimei chooses HUMAN as well, and once again the screen blanks into loading mode. The final string of text that comes across is a simple THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION and shortly after the entire thing shuts off. ]
no subject
Nothing to apologize for.
[He'd meant to attack the other right away, but knowing Seimei he's on high alert right now. And for all his hate and aggression Douman doesn't want to run facefirst into his exorcism powers. That had already smarted the first time it'd happened.]
This whole ordeal was quite the waste of time tough. If you'll excuse me.
[and with that he'll try to powers to vanish and appear a good distance away with the plan of following Seimei until there's a better chance to strike.]