[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.
[ 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
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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.]
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.
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[ 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.
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[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.]
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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 ]
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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.]
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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. ]
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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.]