[ Aldrip does a great many things to its citizens that could be considered rude. Bringing people here at all to be citizens is among them, but usually not the first thing people think of when listing their grievances. For Seimei, though he would insist he's above such things as petty grudges, he'll never forget the feeling of fear and humiliation at being whisked away in his sleep, left to just wake up in the middle of an unfamiliar town with nothing but his wits and his bed clothes.
He might reconsider the whole grudge thing now, just a little, because surprise surprise it's happened again.
The only change, whether it's a good one or not has yet to be decided, is the context clues. A translucent screen and someone looking just as displaced as him on the other side of it. Someone who, come to think of it, looks familiar. ]
...You.
[ Softly first, to test if he can even be heard from the other side of this thing. ]
[The figure opposing him on the other side of the screen only stirs slowly. Douman's clothes are pristine, the same set of cream-colored hakama pants paired with a white dress shirt and a discreet purple kimono that he has always been seen wearing ever since he arrived. And as always, there is the gilded Okina noh mask covering his face. He had been sitting in a perfect seiza pose until Seimei addressed him, eyes closed and hands on his thighs.
With the silence between them broken, sharp mismatched eyes crack open and zero in on the other's face through the see-through screen.]
Ahhhhhh.
[The exhale comes like a deep laugh that rumbles between them, the voice rough from the heaviness of sleep. Douman has been using every chance for dozing that he could get recently.]
[ Well that's an odd way to sleep, if the spirit had indeed been sleeping, but if it's functional and comfortable who is he to comment? Ask about it for curiosity's sake, maybe, after dealing with whatever's been put in front of them.
And while Seimei still isn't the most caught up on the level of technology here, he knows enough to recognize a screen like the ones on their tablets, just much bigger.
And more single-minded since there's only one line of text on it at the moment. Seimei finishes sitting himself up to lean and read it properly, ]
[There are very few ways to sleep or at least mediate and rest that Douman hasn't tried out yet in his long life. He had tested the screen between them right when he had come to, but then decided to wait until the other woke up by himself. He must have nearly dozed off in-mid mediation, which wasn't a good sign. This whole ordeal is starting to exhaust him for real.]
The questionnaire seems to be part of what is keeping us here.
[He is still not offering his name in return. It's a subtle snub, but that's nothing compared to the traces of spirit energy that he has been sensing from the other man. Somehow they are just aggravating.]
"Do you like hurting people?" That seems like an easy enough question.
[He raises his hand toward Seimei to imply that he is leaving the other the right to go first.]
[ The spirit not offering his own name in turn hasn't gone unnoticed, but he can hardly blame them. Names are an important resource, one he wouldn't give out so freely if he didn't have a backup, but that's not what's important right now. ]
No, I don't.
[ The screen reacts, a single checkmark appearing beneath the question and...nothing else. Hm. ]
[Getting no reaction in response to his provocations is a little annoying, but at the same time it's also satisfying to sit here and make Seimei take it. That alone is already enough of an answer, he thinks to himself.]
Oh, absolutely. You could even say that I relish in it ....if I think that they deserve it. That's what they call nowadays "a sadist", isn't it?
[His tone is conversational and unconcerned, as if he hadn't just admitted something rather disturbing.
Admitting the same thing to himself had once taken a lot out of him, but Douman had come to terms with it. The constant reminder that he is an ayakashi and that his inclinations weren't breaking any of their societal norms had made it more palatable. But there is still a part that wonders if that was it what the real Seimei had seen in him when he had jokingly called him 'evil'.
The screen pings with a second checkmark and flashes to show the next question.]
There is merit for being honest about it, at the very least.
[ Oh he's very aware of ayakashi societal norms, or at the very least their disregard for more 'human' ideas of morality. They have different lives, different needs, why should they care? It isn't really a problem until one of them gets too big for their britches, or decides to impose that orange-blue morality on their human neighbors, and, well. That's what he's here for.
The next question is...concerning. It gets a visible reaction out of him, brows furrowing and eyes narrowing in clear displeasure. ]
Hm. That escalated quickly, didn't it?
[ And...he doesn't answer. Not for a good while, until he shoots the spirit across from him with an expectant look, nodding his head. ]
[His lips are pressed into a thin line behind the mask as Douman has to remind himself that he can't get at the man in front of him right now. "Who hurt you the most?" Seriously? Is that a fricking game to him?!]
I'll say.
[His tone is the pitch that he uses to conversationally threaten his whole student body into behaving as he forces himself to uncurl his fingers from the fist they'd formed. It's no big deal, just stretching after a long while of holding the same pose while he is waiting for his opponent's answer with interest.
Yeah, sure.
As if he'll ever believe any of their lies. It's that thought that spurs Douman to be spiteful and offer the truth on his end. He isn't going to be nice and make it easy to discern as such, though.]
Hmmm, I don't know. Is it the one who made a sport out of mocking and ridiculing me? Or the one who put my human life to a violent end? What do you think, Abe no Seimei? Injury of the body or the mind, what weighs more in a table of sins?
[ That tone tells Seimei the question is clearly rhetorical, and maybe that's why even when presented with two options the screen between them doesn't react. Unfortunate that they can't skirt around a more direct answer, but no one can say they didn't try.
Or, something close to trying. The spirit's answer was more a happy, informative accident than anything.
So after a glance up at the silent screen Seimei will sigh, taking some time to honestly consider the question. He's never died so he can't really make an educated guess on that one. However... ]
In my experience, it would be the latter. The body can only be twisted so far before it breaks and becomes unusable. The mind...it can withstand a great deal more. It can continue even after it "breaks", let its own injuries seep deep into the body.
[ Lowering his head, ] Worse yet, it is a wound completely invisible to those around you...perhaps including yourself.
Like sentiments that have become curses because their roots have grown too deep.
[he lifts his head, leering past the screen with downturned eyes]
It doesn't surprise you at all? That I have died before? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After all you are-
[Douman suddenly claps his palms together loudly and whispers something under his breath just loud enough to be possibly an answer before returning to his previous tone and sentence as if nothing had happened]
...Abe no Seimei.
[the screen pings and turns green on his half. Douman exhales a laugh.]
Pardon my trickery, but it is dangerous to share that kind of information with one such as you. After all I know how you treat my kind.
[ Hm. Interesting trick, one leaving Seimei unsure exactly what was meant to be covered up, the whisper or the name spoken aloud. He has no memory of this spirit, but there are plenty out there he's effected in one way or another that he can't possibly keep track of all of them. So, unlikely, but not impossible.
Hurt the most though, that's... ]
There are many and more ways for a spirit to be born, few of them pleasant, to put it quite lightly. But while I understand the caution, you've no enemy in me unless you make one.
[ Not that he expects a simple statement like that to clear up any doubts, trust is never so easily won. But it's a small offering, one the spirit is welcome to accept or deny on his own terms.
He. Still has to answer for himself, though, doesn't he. An answer immediately came to mind, which would make things a little easier if the spirit didn't have a point about this being dangerous information. He isn't here, and if fate is a merciful thing for once in all of existence he will never be here, so it's not like this is something that could harm the man in question if it got out.
Funny, perhaps, that this is his worry when it's the one who hurt him the most. But fate does like to be funny, doesn't it?
With a quiet, steadying breath, ] Minamoto no Hiromasa.
[ Ping! Accepted! And now, 03. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF? ]
[The mask hides the expression he makes as Douman bites his lip behind the mask. 'No enemy in me', his ass! Anybody who is mocking Seimei's memory is also stepping on his own, and he has less and less of a mind to tolerate that just for keeping up appearances. Maybe he should just see if the most obvious culprit for his current predicament is also the real one who's taking refuge in hiding right before everyone's eyes as an too easy solution?]
The one from the stories? I heard that he was quite the accomplished musician and poet, but sadly also more fond of drinking than seeing to his duties. At least according to Fujiwara.
[Douman shrugs his shoulders. The other clearly knows the common stories about Abe no Seimei, but he's obviously falling for the common trap of mixing fact with fiction. The stories were more interesting when Seimei had a foil to prance around with rather than being the antisocial loon he had been, and a little hinting at brotherly bonding or even forbidden romance has always boosted the sales.
He wonders how the real Seimei would have reacted to hearing his imitator's claim.]
I fear losing all that I've build up. [Ping! The screen flashes green for a moment, but the checkmark is still missing.]
I fear disappointing those who put their faith in me. [Another ping and yet again no checkmark.]
But most of all I fear being powerless. [Ping!
Douman sits back with a hmph! under his breath. He meets his true self at the bottom of a bottle every other night, answering a question like this is nothing to him. If anything, he's a little grateful that that was the answer that got the pass. Having it light green over "I fear of getting broke" would have been embarrassing.]
[ In stark contrast to the mysteriously content mask hiding away hostility, Seimei's lips quirk up at the corners with an amused, if melancholy, huff, eyes taking a moment to study his hands as he schools them back into a more neutral position.
If this is all an act, it's a damn good one. ]
One can count on him to be a continuous source of trouble, but certainly not from being a layabout.
[ He could properly defend Hiromasa's honor, sure, say he was much more ardent about duties and etiquette than Seimei himself, but that's not what their current situation is about. The quiet admission from the spirit that he's likely never even met Hiromasa opens the door to the idea of that impression being wrong, so that can be saved for later.
More important is the screen's reaction to the next series of answers. Each ping causes Seimei's brows to knit just-so, further until an answer is finally accepted and they're allowed a moment to consider the implications of what just happened. ]
So now it's deciding to be cheeky.
[ A moment's silence, as if waiting on a ping or a buzz to confirm or deny the accusation, but none comes. So much for indirectly communicating with whatever's on the other side of this thing. How does it decide which of a series of 'correct' answers is the most correct, though...? ]
I fear my master being correct about my path. [ Ping, but no checkmark. Can't be too vague either, great.
With perhaps a little more annoyance than necessary, ] I fear having to walk that path alone.
[ Ping, check! Good job, we can move on! 04. HAVE YOU KILLED SOMEONE? HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT IT? ]
No. Yes.
[ Ping ping! That wasn't so hard, but he still doesn't seem thrilled about it. ]
You like him. [It is neither an accusation nor a question, merely an observation.
Douman watches calmly as Seimei tries to skirt his way around having to answer, reflecting to himself how it is quite ironic that that would be the 'correct' fear. He is tempted to point out that the Seimei he knew had never been afraid of doing things alone. The bastard had reveled in it. How else could it have been that Douman out of all people had been his closest human contact?]
It's most likely a program - a simple apparatus. It's going to repeat the orders it was given until a condition is fulfilled, and then do the same with the next set until it's run through its full course. Just think of it like trying to break a curse.
[He offers the veiled tease calmly, even though he is smirking to himself. Not as smart and powerful now, are we? Douman's eyes barely flick towards the screen as he answers the question himself and gets an immediate pass.]
Yes and yes. Does your answer extend to the supernatural, or was it only about humans?
[ He does. Kind of difficult to deny after all he willingly put himself through for that man, and yet, his first instinct is still to push away. Old habits die hard and all that. ] He can be pleasant company.
[ Seimei's been given a very, very vague idea of what a 'program' is since coming here, once again connecting the thing in front of them to their tablets. He doesn't know nearly enough about how exactly it all works to figure whether or not the curse comparison is apt, but it's all he has at the moment so at the very least it's worth pressing on...and some further skirting around with the spirit's other question. ]
That depends on one's point of view. Have you experience with apparatus such as these outside of this place?
[ What would he sacrifice, huh...well, there's really only one correct answer he can think of there. ]
Mnh. Not exactly like this one, but one does not stay a leader among the youkai without seeing their fair amount of ....challenges. This one seems to be about the level of a puzzle box.
[It's a sad truth that both his enemies and his allies have forced Douman to deal with way worse than some random barrier with an interface. The real question will be what comes next once they have answered enough questions.]
What a stupid answer. What's the point of achieving your happiness if you won't be around to experience or protect it? And point of view is a poor excuse.
My answer is Everything.
[He is a greedy, evil man whose desire extents even to the lives of those around him. That's why he can confidently say that he will sacrifice everything. But not everyone.]
[ 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.
[ he can’t retreat to the woods this time— it’s all him, and the shrinking proximity of the city, the world warping into itself over the days. sha-ming slinks into the shadows, striding through the city as if it were an ordinary day, feigning normalcy. that was the easiest way to protect yourself; likewise, it was the easiest way to hunt.
he recognizes his silhouette instantly. there’s a stutter in his steps. the sun is beginning to eclipse into the darkness of night, bleeding out reds and purples, and sha-ming has to wonder — does seimei know the full extent of the danger he’s in? he’s far from a stupid man. maybe he knows that there is no safe haven to be found in this city, contrary to popular belief. the inside of your room or aldrip’s streets, it makes no difference.
he sidles up behind him, hands in his pockets. ]
Don’t the creepy crawlers come out at night? [ he says in a lazy, sing song voice. ]
You should know better than to stay out this late, Mr. Map.
[ he didn’t forget what happened this month, you know. even with the infection in tact, the affection is still potent. ]
Seriously. Guy like you needs to be more careful. If I die, it’s not gonna make a difference… but you? Well, people are screwed.
[ Seimei feels the presence before it makes itself known, not through any supernatural means but the simple human tendency to just know when someone or something's eyes are on you. He'd been prepared to fight or fly, depending, but when it's Sha-Ming's voice that rings out behind him he's left...unsure. Under normal circumstances Seimei wouldn't consider the man a threat--annoying, yes, but unlikely to go for his throat out of the blue or something.
With this 'infection' going around it's getting harder and harder to tell.
Even so, Seimei's pace doesn't change. He wasn't going anywhere in particular, just making rounds, so they can just keep walking as long as they'd like. ]
You would do that to those who'd look for you?
[ 'Again' goes unspoken, but hangs in the air regardless as he glances back to get some kind of visual. ]
[ leave it to seimei to maintain his usual sense of calm, even in the worst case scenario. if sha-ming is affected by what he says, he takes care to not show it. there's a step forward, some attempt to minimize the distance, as his hands hang behind his back. ]
They didn't know any better. [ he remarks with a shrug of his shoulders. ] People here-- they're nice. But for how long? Doesn't take much for someone to turn, y'know?
[ he speaks placidly, like it's a rather simple conclusion to come to. ]
Not their fault. I don't blame 'em. Everything in this universe wants to live, no matter the cost.
[ That's not exactly a point he can argue. He got lucky with a few people back home, but that same thought drilled into his head from experience still lurks in the corners of his mind to rear its ugly head when least convenient: For how long? When will that inevitable turn be, and how prepared will he be for it?
He can't even say with confidence that no one's turn would be as violent as the ones the city is dreading now.
With the quiestest of sighs, ] I know.
[ He finally turns his head to get at least a peripheral look at Sha-Ming, still otherwise keeping his composure. ]
And as yet another creature who only wants to live, I'm prepared to defend myself if necessary.
[ calm man. delicate man. sha-ming doesn’t move; instead stands there, hands in his pockets, eyes sticking on the backside of seimei’s head. they map out the idle shapes of his body in all of their litheness, think about flaying down layers of clothing and flesh for his own consumption.
the pit of his stomach turns like a knife.
sha-ming takes a step forward; lingers next to him, like they’re following the same path. ]
Well? [ a beat. ] You want me to walk you there like a real gentleman?
[ there’s a numbness that glazes over his eyes. ]
In the universe where I’m one of the big bads, [ a beat. ] I feel like you could take me just fine.
[ With Sha-ming properly at Seimei's side, he can get a better look at a face he can't recall ever seeing on the other man before. Not too shocking, everyone has countless layers to them and all that, but it is...interesting, how drastic a difference there is from the carefree zest for life he's come to expect.
He can't help but take Sha-ming's words with a grain of salt. Is this one of those layers, or a warning sign...? ]
...Very well.
[ He shrugs, folding his arms to tuck hands away and out of sight. Should anything go awry, those are what he needs most. ]
I'll warn you I make for a poor choice of maiden to chaperone, but please. Escort me.
Edited (when you only realize words after a nap) 2024-09-18 06:57 (UTC)
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expiationlogs2024-07-15 08:13 am
abe no seimei | onmyoji
douman
He might reconsider the whole grudge thing now, just a little, because surprise surprise it's happened again.
The only change, whether it's a good one or not has yet to be decided, is the context clues. A translucent screen and someone looking just as displaced as him on the other side of it. Someone who, come to think of it, looks familiar. ]
...You.
[ Softly first, to test if he can even be heard from the other side of this thing. ]
You're the spirit from before.
no subject
With the silence between them broken, sharp mismatched eyes crack open and zero in on the other's face through the see-through screen.]
Ahhhhhh.
[The exhale comes like a deep laugh that rumbles between them, the voice rough from the heaviness of sleep. Douman has been using every chance for dozing that he could get recently.]
It's you again. "Abe no Seimei", was it?
no subject
[ Well that's an odd way to sleep, if the spirit had indeed been sleeping, but if it's functional and comfortable who is he to comment? Ask about it for curiosity's sake, maybe, after dealing with whatever's been put in front of them.
And while Seimei still isn't the most caught up on the level of technology here, he knows enough to recognize a screen like the ones on their tablets, just much bigger.
And more single-minded since there's only one line of text on it at the moment. Seimei finishes sitting himself up to lean and read it properly, ]
"Do you like hurting people"...?
no subject
The questionnaire seems to be part of what is keeping us here.
[He is still not offering his name in return. It's a subtle snub, but that's nothing compared to the traces of spirit energy that he has been sensing from the other man. Somehow they are just aggravating.]
"Do you like hurting people?" That seems like an easy enough question.
[He raises his hand toward Seimei to imply that he is leaving the other the right to go first.]
Well, do you?
no subject
No, I don't.
[ The screen reacts, a single checkmark appearing beneath the question and...nothing else. Hm. ]
...And yourself?
no subject
Oh, absolutely. You could even say that I relish in it ....if I think that they deserve it. That's what they call nowadays "a sadist", isn't it?
[His tone is conversational and unconcerned, as if he hadn't just admitted something rather disturbing.
Admitting the same thing to himself had once taken a lot out of him, but Douman had come to terms with it. The constant reminder that he is an ayakashi and that his inclinations weren't breaking any of their societal norms had made it more palatable. But there is still a part that wonders if that was it what the real Seimei had seen in him when he had jokingly called him 'evil'.
The screen pings with a second checkmark and flashes to show the next question.]
02. WHO HURT YOU THE MOST?
no subject
[ Oh he's very aware of ayakashi societal norms, or at the very least their disregard for more 'human' ideas of morality. They have different lives, different needs, why should they care? It isn't really a problem until one of them gets too big for their britches, or decides to impose that orange-blue morality on their human neighbors, and, well. That's what he's here for.
The next question is...concerning. It gets a visible reaction out of him, brows furrowing and eyes narrowing in clear displeasure. ]
Hm. That escalated quickly, didn't it?
[ And...he doesn't answer. Not for a good while, until he shoots the spirit across from him with an expectant look, nodding his head. ]
Well? Go on.
no subject
I'll say.
[His tone is the pitch that he uses to conversationally threaten his whole student body into behaving as he forces himself to uncurl his fingers from the fist they'd formed. It's no big deal, just stretching after a long while of holding the same pose while he is waiting for his opponent's answer with interest.
Yeah, sure.
As if he'll ever believe any of their lies. It's that thought that spurs Douman to be spiteful and offer the truth on his end. He isn't going to be nice and make it easy to discern as such, though.]
Hmmm, I don't know. Is it the one who made a sport out of mocking and ridiculing me? Or the one who put my human life to a violent end? What do you think, Abe no Seimei? Injury of the body or the mind, what weighs more in a table of sins?
no subject
Or, something close to trying. The spirit's answer was more a happy, informative accident than anything.
So after a glance up at the silent screen Seimei will sigh, taking some time to honestly consider the question. He's never died so he can't really make an educated guess on that one. However... ]
In my experience, it would be the latter. The body can only be twisted so far before it breaks and becomes unusable. The mind...it can withstand a great deal more. It can continue even after it "breaks", let its own injuries seep deep into the body.
[ Lowering his head, ] Worse yet, it is a wound completely invisible to those around you...perhaps including yourself.
no subject
[he lifts his head, leering past the screen with downturned eyes]
It doesn't surprise you at all? That I have died before? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After all you are-
[Douman suddenly claps his palms together loudly and whispers something under his breath just loud enough to be possibly an answer before returning to his previous tone and sentence as if nothing had happened]
...Abe no Seimei.
[the screen pings and turns green on his half. Douman exhales a laugh.]
Pardon my trickery, but it is dangerous to share that kind of information with one such as you. After all I know how you treat my kind.
no subject
Hurt the most though, that's... ]
There are many and more ways for a spirit to be born, few of them pleasant, to put it quite lightly. But while I understand the caution, you've no enemy in me unless you make one.
[ Not that he expects a simple statement like that to clear up any doubts, trust is never so easily won. But it's a small offering, one the spirit is welcome to accept or deny on his own terms.
He. Still has to answer for himself, though, doesn't he. An answer immediately came to mind, which would make things a little easier if the spirit didn't have a point about this being dangerous information. He isn't here, and if fate is a merciful thing for once in all of existence he will never be here, so it's not like this is something that could harm the man in question if it got out.
Funny, perhaps, that this is his worry when it's the one who hurt him the most. But fate does like to be funny, doesn't it?
With a quiet, steadying breath, ] Minamoto no Hiromasa.
[ Ping! Accepted! And now, 03. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF? ]
no subject
The one from the stories? I heard that he was quite the accomplished musician and poet, but sadly also more fond of drinking than seeing to his duties. At least according to Fujiwara.
[Douman shrugs his shoulders. The other clearly knows the common stories about Abe no Seimei, but he's obviously falling for the common trap of mixing fact with fiction. The stories were more interesting when Seimei had a foil to prance around with rather than being the antisocial loon he had been, and a little hinting at brotherly bonding or even forbidden romance has always boosted the sales.
He wonders how the real Seimei would have reacted to hearing his imitator's claim.]
I fear losing all that I've build up. [Ping! The screen flashes green for a moment, but the checkmark is still missing.]
I fear disappointing those who put their faith in me. [Another ping and yet again no checkmark.]
But most of all I fear being powerless. [Ping!
Douman sits back with a hmph! under his breath. He meets his true self at the bottom of a bottle every other night, answering a question like this is nothing to him. If anything, he's a little grateful that that was the answer that got the pass. Having it light green over "I fear of getting broke" would have been embarrassing.]
no subject
If this is all an act, it's a damn good one. ]
One can count on him to be a continuous source of trouble, but certainly not from being a layabout.
[ He could properly defend Hiromasa's honor, sure, say he was much more ardent about duties and etiquette than Seimei himself, but that's not what their current situation is about. The quiet admission from the spirit that he's likely never even met Hiromasa opens the door to the idea of that impression being wrong, so that can be saved for later.
More important is the screen's reaction to the next series of answers. Each ping causes Seimei's brows to knit just-so, further until an answer is finally accepted and they're allowed a moment to consider the implications of what just happened. ]
So now it's deciding to be cheeky.
[ A moment's silence, as if waiting on a ping or a buzz to confirm or deny the accusation, but none comes. So much for indirectly communicating with whatever's on the other side of this thing. How does it decide which of a series of 'correct' answers is the most correct, though...? ]
I fear my master being correct about my path. [ Ping, but no checkmark. Can't be too vague either, great.
With perhaps a little more annoyance than necessary, ] I fear having to walk that path alone.
[ Ping, check! Good job, we can move on! 04. HAVE YOU KILLED SOMEONE? HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT IT? ]
No. Yes.
[ Ping ping! That wasn't so hard, but he still doesn't seem thrilled about it. ]
no subject
Douman watches calmly as Seimei tries to skirt his way around having to answer, reflecting to himself how it is quite ironic that that would be the 'correct' fear. He is tempted to point out that the Seimei he knew had never been afraid of doing things alone. The bastard had reveled in it. How else could it have been that Douman out of all people had been his closest human contact?]
It's most likely a program - a simple apparatus. It's going to repeat the orders it was given until a condition is fulfilled, and then do the same with the next set until it's run through its full course. Just think of it like trying to break a curse.
[He offers the veiled tease calmly, even though he is smirking to himself. Not as smart and powerful now, are we? Douman's eyes barely flick towards the screen as he answers the question himself and gets an immediate pass.]
Yes and yes. Does your answer extend to the supernatural, or was it only about humans?
[ 05. WHAT WILL YOU SACRIFICE TO BE HAPPY? ]
no subject
[ Seimei's been given a very, very vague idea of what a 'program' is since coming here, once again connecting the thing in front of them to their tablets. He doesn't know nearly enough about how exactly it all works to figure whether or not the curse comparison is apt, but it's all he has at the moment so at the very least it's worth pressing on...and some further skirting around with the spirit's other question. ]
That depends on one's point of view. Have you experience with apparatus such as these outside of this place?
[ What would he sacrifice, huh...well, there's really only one correct answer he can think of there. ]
Myself.
no subject
Mnh. Not exactly like this one, but one does not stay a leader among the youkai without seeing their fair amount of ....challenges. This one seems to be about the level of a puzzle box.
[It's a sad truth that both his enemies and his allies have forced Douman to deal with way worse than some random barrier with an interface. The real question will be what comes next once they have answered enough questions.]
What a stupid answer. What's the point of achieving your happiness if you won't be around to experience or protect it? And point of view is a poor excuse.
My answer is Everything.
[He is a greedy, evil man whose desire extents even to the lives of those around him. That's why he can confidently say that he will sacrifice everything. But not everyone.]
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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.
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[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.
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he recognizes his silhouette instantly. there’s a stutter in his steps. the sun is beginning to eclipse into the darkness of night, bleeding out reds and purples, and sha-ming has to wonder — does seimei know the full extent of the danger he’s in? he’s far from a stupid man. maybe he knows that there is no safe haven to be found in this city, contrary to popular belief. the inside of your room or aldrip’s streets, it makes no difference.
he sidles up behind him, hands in his pockets. ]
Don’t the creepy crawlers come out at night? [ he says in a lazy, sing song voice. ]
You should know better than to stay out this late, Mr. Map.
[ he didn’t forget what happened this month, you know. even with the infection in tact, the affection is still potent. ]
Seriously. Guy like you needs to be more careful. If I die, it’s not gonna make a difference… but you? Well, people are screwed.
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With this 'infection' going around it's getting harder and harder to tell.
Even so, Seimei's pace doesn't change. He wasn't going anywhere in particular, just making rounds, so they can just keep walking as long as they'd like. ]
You would do that to those who'd look for you?
[ 'Again' goes unspoken, but hangs in the air regardless as he glances back to get some kind of visual. ]
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They didn't know any better. [ he remarks with a shrug of his shoulders. ] People here-- they're nice. But for how long? Doesn't take much for someone to turn, y'know?
[ he speaks placidly, like it's a rather simple conclusion to come to. ]
Not their fault. I don't blame 'em. Everything in this universe wants to live, no matter the cost.
[ a beat. ]
That's why you need to be careful.
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He can't even say with confidence that no one's turn would be as violent as the ones the city is dreading now.
With the quiestest of sighs, ] I know.
[ He finally turns his head to get at least a peripheral look at Sha-Ming, still otherwise keeping his composure. ]
And as yet another creature who only wants to live, I'm prepared to defend myself if necessary.
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the pit of his stomach turns like a knife.
sha-ming takes a step forward; lingers next to him, like they’re following the same path. ]
Well? [ a beat. ] You want me to walk you there like a real gentleman?
[ there’s a numbness that glazes over his eyes. ]
In the universe where I’m one of the big bads, [ a beat. ] I feel like you could take me just fine.
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He can't help but take Sha-ming's words with a grain of salt. Is this one of those layers, or a warning sign...? ]
...Very well.
[ He shrugs, folding his arms to tuck hands away and out of sight. Should anything go awry, those are what he needs most. ]
I'll warn you I make for a poor choice of maiden to chaperone, but please. Escort me.