Fantasy Ikigai

[King Crimson]

Hou Mei Shiga and Shojiro
Collaboration post between Orikanyo and King Crimson

We join our heros a few moments before the two groups meet,nestled nicely in the ramen shop the two shared a bowl of ramen to start their day, quite literally as Shojiro mooched off Hou Mei with absolutely no shame whatsoever.

The store was relatively empty, though that wasn’t indicative of the quality of the food as it was indeed quite good, though a certain small yokai might say the portions might not be large enough.

The small man began to wonder if his mallet could work on this bowl of ramen, staring down at the broth with barely held in temptation upon his face…

“So then, we are to begin our search for the young lady once we finish up here, 10 gold is hard to pass up, so we’ll need to make certain WE are the ones who find her. No need to split that prize i say, to the victors, soon to be us, go the spoils!”

Hou Mei responds by dismissively waving her hand back and forth, swallowing a large mouthful of piping-hot ramen.
“Master Sun told us that we’re supposed to join the search party.” (His exact words were: “Go help that parade of fools look for their missing brat, so that they’ll quit nagging me!”)

“Although...I’m sure he would appreciate it if we were able to bring back such a prize.”

Scratching her chin in thought, Hou Mei inquisitively asks, “Come to think of it...do you remember where we were supposed to meet with the rest of the search party, sensei?”

Shojiro paused for a moment, before looking up towards the big doe eyed young lady. He was about to pass off on knowing as he tried to buy time to figure out where they were exactly… Surely the letter stated where right?

But where WAS the letter?

Blast.. If only there was some convenient way to figure out where the search party was-

It was at that very moment the Tora clan made their entrance, a man, a really pretty looking one at least, holding what Shojiro thought to be a genbu. So likely either he was bonded to said genbu or had absolutely OBSCENE strength in those lithe arms of his…

The other one who entered looked like hes made of the same stuff as Hou Mei, he could practically smell the warrior pride off the man… Though Shojiro found it odd that he currently had a kitsune on his back. Judging from the way they were, they were bonded, most likely, or the kitsune was playing a prank of some sort.

In truth it was very likely both cases.

He knew them, it was hard not to considering how the Tora operate, plus he may have explored their compound once or twice...

The little man looked the group of four over one last time, before extending his greeting back. “And a good morning to you. I dare say we have been waiting for you.” the little man smirked, crossing his arms, playing it off as if he had expected their arrival.

“See Hou Mei? Trust in your sensei and I shall guide you to victory~!” the little man chuckled, thoroughly taking credit for this sheer coincidence.


Hou only stared blankly at the strange newcomers, obviously a bit confused.
If Shojiro listened carefully, he could hear the wooden cogs inside of her head slowly begin to turn, until realization finally dawned on her.

Before she had left, she had asked her master how she would know who her companions were.
As she recalled, her master had simply said; “You will know when you see them.”
They certainly seemed strange, which must be what her master had meant!

Puffing out her chest in pride for solving such a riddle, and crossing her arms to mimic her Sensei’s cocksure posture.
“Right! We know exactly who you are, and we are here to help, on behalf of the Shiga Clan!”​

​

 

[deer]

Meiko puffed her cheeks, disappointed that Kaede hadn't reacted to her words in a way that she wanted. She thought it was pretty funny and quite the contrary a flirtatious move that would give way to Kaede's mysterious and indifferent aura. Oh, well, she thought, maybe next time! However as she watched Kaede turn his head to check his shell, a small, giddy laugh escaped her lips as she continued to flail around Takeshi's back. She found Kaede absolutely adorable with his short turtle legs being raised up in the air to wave at her. Nevertheless, Meiko's attention was drawn to the other Tora, Shigeru as she noticed him shifting slightly and his face widening in surprise. Was that a blush she detected? A small, accomplished grin made its way towards her lips as she smirked at him. At least she was able to get to Shigeru! But, as Kaede toddled passed her, Meiko looked down as she gasped, "Kaede, wait for us!" She exclaimed in a childish manner, almost throwing a tantrum as she didn't want to get left behind. "Come on you big bloke, onwards!" She exclaimed to her transportation also known as Takeshi.

However before she knew it, his large hands towered over her head as she felt him scratching her ears only for her to mew at and into the touch. She had gotten lost in how it felt that she almost, almost forgot about the food that Takeshi had spoken about. Moving her head away from his hands begrudgingly from the distraction, Meiko bit at his hand, huffing. "Takeshi, what did I say about scratching my ears? That's rude, especially for a lady such as I!" She exclaimed loudly, folding her arms as she was getting slightly riled up. But at the mention of him needing to afford her snacks despite the long, tedious explanation of why they needed to save the damsel in distress, Meiko sighed, nodding. "Only because we need money for food." But, when Shigeru spoke up in his calm demeanor, Meiko was all ears. She found him quite pretty, like a flower.

Listening to his explanation, Meiko could only place her head on Takeshi's shoulder as she nodded before hearing Takeshi speak of others going on the same mission as they were. Her ears perked up at that prospect and she couldn't wait to see the others! The more the merrier. Meiko's attention was drawn back towards Shigeru when he picked up Kaede effortlessly and her eyes couldn't help but widen in surprise. "Take! Take! Shiggy's carrying Kaede. That's soooo cute! He's stronger than he looks, neh?" Humming to herself in satisfaction, Meiko made sure to hold onto Takeshi to not fall off his back as the four managed to set off in the direction of where the damsel in distress could be.

Her sightseeing was ten times better since she was on Takeshi's back. Meiko didn't like to consider herself as short, but the view from above was much better than the one she had from below. So many different perspectives of the world around her made her that much more curiouser. Her attention was drawn into a scene that looked to be a human and a yokai trying to speak to each other but couldn't until a third party arrived. A mischievous grin appeared on her face as she fondly remembered the moments when she met Takeshi, pulling pranks on him when she realised he was the one she'd been looking for.

As the four got closer and closer to the ramen shop, Meiko couldn't stop the drool from escaping her lips as she found herself wanting to bounce around in excitement. "Do you smell that, Take? It's the smell of Heaven!" She exclaimed nonchalantly. However, she was brought back down from cloud nine when she heard a small yelp coming from Shigeru and Meiko couldn't help but furrow her brows as she looked upon the beings who disturbed her beautiful imagination.

Meiko blinked in disbelief, staring at a tiny person that was on the female's shoulder before her . Her face paled slightly as she spoke out of slight fear,"Take. . what . . is. . that. . .talking . . ?" She stuttered with each word she spoke before she muffed her scream into Takeshi's back. "BUG BUG BUG BUG BUG. GET IT AWAY!" Everything else that was transpired between the female, the "bug" and the rest of her party was lost in translation as Meiko found herself shivering from seeing a tiny being that resembled the size of a bug to her as she whispered, "Take. . . let's sit far away and eat ramen . . .or we take it to-go and find that damsel ourselves."
tags: King Crimson , Orikanyo , Aster , A Murder Of Corviknight

codedby@meraki.

 

[Orikanyo]

Takeshi Tora


​

Shigeru was, as always, the model gentleman, helping folks out wherever he went. Even as he carried Kaede like abit of baggage, though he knew fully that the very fact he could carry that over grown turtle was because of their bond. though it didn't help Takeshi none, perhaps he needed to work on upper body strength going forwards? His naginata required good lower body strength, so he was focusing on that for abit now... maybe he could get Meiko in on this training somehow. He sticks by the thought that she should atleast be doing something other than playing pranks and such, strength for humans was as important for yokai right?

Sure she could use flames, but that didn't burn fat or build muscle... Or did it?

Meiko was pretty trim for how much she eats. The man brought the fox up abit, getting a better grip to hold her up. He remembered long ago he had abit of a problem with this type of thing, her riding on his back was... A curious thing, though with her constant jokes about riding on him the thought quickly became devoid of any ulterior thoughts as the joke quite quickly pushed the train of thought into the mud and drowned it. Not that Meiko wasn't a beauty, but when you see a work or art day in day out it becomes part of the scenery as opposed to something special.

beauty was good for a first impression, but it's everything else that makes up a long standing relationship of any sort, friendship was a curious thing.

First impressions always last.

And when they went into the ramen place, and Meiko started freaking out about the little man atop the table before them, he knew she had made one hell of a bad one. Takeshi was about to answer Meiko's insistent words before he caught a look at the lady next to the bug... Man... kid... Little thing.

He stared forwards, his eyes examining the young lady before him. His eyes widening slightly as he looked her over. Like a hound having caught the scent, he could tell, immedately, that she was a fellow warrior. Within those large soulful eyes a burning flame of passion for the art of battle! Her muscles strong and trained from long hours of work to perfect her craft! Her spirit! her energy!!! From the very moment he laid eyes upon that young woman.

He felt a kindred spirit!!!

"I.. Errh..." Takeshi sputtered, looking suddenly taken aback from having being shunted out into the situation again from the deep confines of his mind. He scratched behind his head softly, before trying his bets to ignore the faint odd feeling of blood rushing to his face. it was so weird, he only ever remembered having this happen once before and that was with Chiharu a long time ago... It was a weird fluttery feeling...

Wait!!

He knew what it was.

Yes...

It had to be...

IT WAS HIS WARRIOR SPIRIT!!!

HE MUST BATTLE THIS GIRL WHO'S NAME HE DOESN'T KNOW!!

During his thoughts, a loud grumble rumbled out from his stomach, ruining the thoughts in his mind. "Ah... After we get food." he stated to the open air, not quite to answer Meiko's words but still saying it regardless. The man walked forward to give his order to the chef and took up a seat nearby the little person and his soon to be new training buddy, or so he hoped. Fully and absolutely forgetting that Meiko asked to sit elsewhere, and the fact she was still on his back.

"Hey there! Shiga right? Nice to meetchyea, names Takeshi, this is Meiko." he pointed a thumb to his back, not quite looking to see if she was still there or had scampered off. "So your with us? the search party in the making, glad to see somebody else is out here lookin', this'll probably end in a good brawl to I can't wait to see what you can do." he talked to the Shiga lady, looking happy as a clam.

 

[Pyosimros]

Tsukiko, Chiharu Yeung, Sasameyuki, & Sachiko Miyamoto
Collab Between: Nano , A Murder Of Corviknight , deer , and Pyosimros ​

The smell of incense filled the air of the room as Chiharu closed her eyes, finishing up her morning prayers. Despite a fun-filled night of long talks and laughter with her friends, she still had responsibilities of a priestess to attend to in this following morning. There weren’t any “off” days, at least, not in Chiharu’s own personal schedule. However, surprisingly, Chiharu accepted the mission of finding Mizuha, especially when Sachi was so convincing and proved a good point that she just had to accept. (“You can tell the elders you’re trying to spread the name of your clan! But really, it’s a good opportunity for us to go out without someone trying to serve us every other minute. And just think of the injustice the poor child might be facing right now, Chiharu!”) Chiharu didn’t regret her decision but as she finished her prayers it only dawned on her that she would be giving her duties over to a priest to take her place while she was away. A sigh escaped her lips before she turned over to face Sasame.


“The duties of a Priestess are sacred. I have faith Priest Gokigenmaru will do well. But, why do I still worry?” Chiharu mused out-loud.


“Maybe it’s his ridiculous name,” Sasame answered blandly, though still with hints of a joking tone. Looking up from the miniature snowman dancing in her palm, the yukionna gave Chiharu a once over before releasing a sigh. “But those dense, wrinkly toads...what were they thinking? Regardless, I’ll make sure that dumb sheep doesn’t lay a single finger on you, and if anyone messes up in your position while you’re gone, they better prepare themselves for an ice bath.”


As if to emulate her emotions, the snow doll’s expression seemed to shift to one of irritation. Upon noticing her puppet’s actions, however, Sasame released it into a puff of snow that drifted downwards before it disappeared altogether. “L-Let’s just finish up quickly. Sachiyan and Tsucchan must be tired of waiting already.”


Chiharu couldn’t help but smile softly, cover her mouth slightly to hold in a laugh as she shook her hand, amused with Sasame’s vocal words. Her eyes gazed over her companion’s form, still in awe of the beauty of it. However, reeling back her distractions, Chiharu sighed knowing that Sasame was always there to supported her and eased her mind, comforting her as she knew Sasame’s threats weren’t idle ones. With a nod, Chiharu agreed that they should head towards their quarters quickly as it was rude to keep their guest waiting, though Chiharu’s pace still continued at a steady pace as she enjoyed the air a little more. “I have no doubt in my mind now that you have calmed the nerves and demons inside my mind. Thank you.”


While waiting for Chiharu and Sasame to finish their duties for this morning, Sachi had prepared four small neat piles of travelling supplies (each slightly different due to being catered towards their individual needs). Of course, she also made sure their lunch, snacks and mochi were securely packed away before anything else. Though the young woman knew that her friends could take care of themselves, Chiharu (especially) didn’t have much experience with travelling without an entourage so she took it upon herself to make sure they at least had what they absolutely needed. It was a familiar practice so it wasn’t much trouble, though it was a first to do this for a friend rather than a younger brother or cousin (thankfully her friends didn’t get irritated like her brother when she did small things like this for them).


After sending off a very basic paper crane messenger shikigami (which she was starting to run out of now that she thought about it) to confirm that she was going to participate in the search for Nishimura Mizuha by teaming up with Chiharu and Sasame, Sachi turned towards Tsukiko to ask, “Tsukiko, do you think we forgot anything?”


With her mochi quota fulfilled last night, Tsukiko had sat herself down on a chair nearby, relaxing as Sachi slaved away packing. Letting her thoughts drift away, she closed her eyes in preparation for a nap--that was until she heard her name be called.


“Oh!” she exclaimed, her head shifting towards her partner. Tsukiko’s eyes quickly scanned all the work Sachi had done before giving an affirmative nod. “No, I think we’re fine.”


In truth Tsukiko didn’t know, and the slight nervous smile on her face only confirmed it. She didn’t know how long they would travel, nor how long their food supplies could last. Tsukiko only knew of their mission, and that was it.


Eyeing Tsukiko with a knowing but amused look, Sachi merely patted her on the head with all the fondness of a sister. She turned her attention away from her partner to look up at the doors when they slid open and cheerfully greeted Sasame and Chiharu, “Sasame, Chiharu, I finished packing. Just check to make sure nothing is missing? And add two changes of clothes? Nothing too heavy please.”


“Already on it,” Sasame said coolly as she slid the door open. As the two already present in the room might have expected, two of the yukionna’s miniature “snow servants” came marching in with said materials in tow. Though Sasame could usually care less about such earthly garments, her clothes in her human form didn’t give her the luxury of altering its appearance it as she saw fit. As much as she hated being forced to walk, a mortal guise was likely necessary in order to interrogate any who might have seen the damned yokai.


That being said, the yukionna promptly shifted into her human form as soon as her dolls had completed their business. Silver locks turned to black and her clear eyes darkened several shades. As a ruse of sorts, she had modeled her clothing after that of a priestesses, and, most importantly, shoes were placed upon her previously unclad feet.


Picking up her own pile, Sasame turned towards the other three girls with a glint of excitement in her eyes in spite of her previous worries. “So, shall we go? We have a sheep to toast!”

Soon the four girls were off and headed towards the ramen shop only to be greeted by quite an amusing turn of events.

 

[fluticasone]

fluticasone

Shui stood and simply listened, only nodding in affirmation that she was paying attention to the words exchanged around her. Making cursory guesses about the situation and those involved, she knew she'd need to intervene herself unless she'd enjoy living with the partial responsibility of any disasters about to happen. She simply gave Kohime a pointed look that simply conveyed they weren't leaving yet.

"Thank you for trying to help Kohime then, Haruhi." She paused, trying to figure out how to broach the next matter at hand. Obviously, Shui was not senior enough to lead a bonding ceremony, as she wasn't even of direct lineage. The young girl in front of her also wasn't a member of the Zhang clan as she personally taught the basics to their younger generation, and so knew each one's face. "Since you're aware of what contracts are, I assume you're from one of the omnyouji clans...?"

The woman fell silent again, although this time her crimson eyes were directed levelly at the Iso-Onna in front of her. Zhang lessons involved the basics of identifying most common and somewhat dangerous yokai; Iso-Onna had a reputation of the latter. While Shui was typically not prejudiced against yokai, Haruhi was clearly unaware of the kind of danger that the one wanting to contract with her presented. Not to mention she seemed a little naive and that concerned her.

"Yes, the Iso-Onna"-she left mild emphasis on the word-"here would like to form a contract with you." She finally looked back to Haruhi. "You'll require the presence of one of your clan elders, as they'd be the more experienced in assessing if you two are compatible spirit-wise."

"I'd refrain from touching her." This time the statement was directed at the yokai. "Most elders are on the strict side, so any signs of mischief on your part, whether they are or not, tends reflect negatively. Most families prefer picking partners by recommendation than sudden meeting." Her smile was kind however; though the tone had an edge, it was similar to a mother chastising another's child for their antics. "It would benefit you to leave a good impression."

"Kohime?" Though she knew they had a current matter at hand, she'd feel guilty leaving the girl in front of her without protection. "We should walk them to their place." If the girl was an omnyouji like she thought, it would be a simple matter to leave them in a place filled with them to ensure the young girl's safety.

 

[Katsuya]

- Haruhi Han -
"My hair is wet?"​

Haruhi wanted to raise a brow when Kohime suddenly became proper...sort of, but her face stayed stoically curious. She assumed it's because of the older woman in front of her, Shui. She wondered which clan she is from . . .

"It's no problem, Madam . . . Yes, I'm from one of the omnyouji clans." The brunette gave the visible pair a hesitant grin, remembering Kohime's reaction from before; when she thought Haruhi was asking for her name. "I am from the Han clan. My full name is Haruhi Han-" Haruhi paused when she felt something petting her head and raised a hand, gently placing it over the wet spot that suddenly appeared. Then she brought her wet hand in front of her face, blinking owlishly.

". . . Oh! Nagisa? " She gasped quietly after pondering where it came from and grinned widely, trying to contain her mirth; completely ignoring the fact that her head is wet with water.

Did Nagisa touch her head just now? It must be by Shui's response to the Iso-Onna. She's an Iso-Onna? The brunette has read something about them, but not to the full extent yet. All she knows about Iso-Onnas is that they need to be near bodies of water and that they hunt other creatures. She will study more on them once she finds more information. If there's any more documentations so she can help Nagisa to adjust and feel comfortable being on land. Haruhi listened closely to the very motherly woman, nodding on some of her statements.

She did need to go back to her clan and ask the Elders to watch over the bonding contract. Hopefully Nagisa will get their approval...Wait...

"Oh! Um...Thank you, that's very kind of you but I'm actually gathering information of the missing Nishimura head's daughter. I know I'm not ready to face yokai, even less so without a bond but I was hoping to have an eye witness for the girl. Like at what time she was last seen so I can pass it on to others who can handle the situation." Haruhi let out a quiet sigh, disappointed in her own uselessness. Once again the voices of her parents ringed in her head, telling her that she's still not ready and to stay indoors. Again.

"Though it seems no one who works in the marketplace has seen her and that's how I wandered around here...and met young lady Kohime and Nagisa."

fluticasone Rhakun Aster

 

[A Murder Of Corviknight]

Though he was a bit caught off guard when Shigeru suddenly scooped him off the floor, Kaede appreciated it all the same and coiled his spiritual pressure (and subsequently his natural defenses) to lighten his weight considerably for Shigeru. Due to it being a bit unnatural, it did feel a bit awkward...perhaps even uncomfortable? It did leave him feeling a bit vulnerable after all. So as they finally left the Tora compound, Kaede decided to tuck himself into his shell until only his face peered out. Feeling satisfied enough to doze, he let himself drift off into a light nap as a very content passenger (on the Shigeru Express).

Unfortunately before the genbu could fully appreciate his nap, the presence of a river bubbled up in the back of his mind, causing him to stay wobbling between unconsciousness and consciousness. His grandfather’s (brutal) training leaving him unable to drift completely over the border to dreamland while vulnerable. It was an unfortunately common occurrence for him when travelling so the young genbu didn’t comment on it and just let his mind drift along with the presence of the river as much as possible without giving into the urge to jump into it. As they went further and further away from the river the feeling quietly snapped back, letting him settle into a half meditating and half snoozing state (a skill he developed through sheer necessity) though not the deep sleep he deeply yearned for.

Of course, the peaceful state of his mind was quickly shattered by an unholy (muffled) screech from Meiko. Any hopes of getting sleep today were dashed, causing him to open his eyes while idly wondering just what bug Meiko needed Takeshi to squish or Kaede to eat (he didn’t mind as long as it was tasty) in what should be a ramen shop. However, the moment he opened his eyes and took in the situation, he regretted his decision.

More warrior spirit? One clan of it was enough. Kaede thought mournfully, why can’t people just be efficient to make more room for sleeping relaxing?

Deciding to finally take matters into his own hands (because at this point they’d probably take a month outside), Kaede popped his limbs out of his shell and promptly wiggled out of Shigeru’s arms. With well-practiced motions, the turtle was seemingly a man again by the time his two feet hit the floor with a soft thump. Ignoring the stares that often came with this kind of act, Kaede straightened his sleeves out of habit before walking up to an employee.

With a blank yet intense face that came off more intimidating than friendly, Kaede asked the employee in a brisk tone if they have seen a girl of Nishimura Mizuha’s description. Of course, pretty as his face was, Kaede’s stares were quite unnerving and intense to people who are not used to his mannerism so the girl could only stutter about getting the owner of the ramen shop for him before running off.

Kaede blinked in confusion, when the girl came back with an apology and a cup of tea...only to run away without answering him again. Still, he took the cup before taking a careful sip. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the first person to act this weird around him.

Maybe it’s just civilian girls that are weird...he’s never had this issue with people like Sachiko or Chiharu...

------------------​

NAME. Kaede
OBJECTIVE. Get progress so he can go back home
MOOD. Kaede done. Kaede out.
TAGGED. Aster | Orikanyo | deer | King Crimson | Orikanyo

 

[Rhakun]

Nagisa (汀)

​

After Kohime's bow and comment, Nagisa gave her a wide grin and said:

"Noted!"

More people than she had been used to talking to in months had made an entrance in a short-lived instant; Nagisa did not expect that her first encounter with humans would not feature one, but two of them. She considered herself lucky for that good fortune and, having hitched an Onmyouji already, even more for settling the matter of in-land travel. For all intents and purposes, Haruhi seemed well-meaning and funny to her.

"Yes, the Iso-Onna--"

She knows. Thought Nagisa as she swifted her eyes to Shui, perparing to smile and say "I do not bite... sometimes."

Before she could even muster a word though, She continued with a requirement in form for the contract and a comment on not touching Haruhi. Almost instinctively, she pulled her hand back.

For a moment, Nagisa felt a little embarassed. She wanted to enter Ametsuchi with the interest of learning and so far she had only been acting on the fit of her assumptions and quirks. It was not something that she would naturally reckon: conceding to comments on her attitude was not her favorite thing to do, especially from a stranger who just had introduced herself. However, this woman had a way of getting and idea forward and, though Nagisa replied only with a nod and a glare at the floor, in her reasoning, a human so smart would probably understand she had made the point clear.

Haruhi's chuckle after touching her hair lifted her mood up shortly thereafter and her mention of the Nishimura piqued her interest. The situation seemed pretty straightforward and, although the girl seemed reluctant to take cards in the matter, maybe they could both aid the search in some form. Tracking a lost human calf down could help her impress Shui and leave a good impression on Haruhi and her family: Nagisa had everything to win from this situation so she perked up to Shui and Kohime as she waited for a response on their part.


Maybe I can... help with that. Nagisa thought to herself as she fidgeted a strand of her hair with a daydreamy smile.

Mentions: Kohime ~ Aster / Haruhi ~ Katsuya / Shui ~ fluticasone

 

[Aster]

k o h i m e

Had it been any other human aside from Shui explaining the severity of the situation, Kohime would've scoffed, not understanding the need for red tape. Her first and only Contract had been a success and the fear of turning Forgotten and/or reducing someone to such a state had never fully crossed her mind. She kept solemn but felt rather bad for the two despite having just met. She thought they suited each other, both of them seeming like the simple (it's a compliment, she swears) sort.

"Kohime? We should walk them to their place," Shui more so commanded than suggested. The hint of authority had always roused the Amabiko's respect for the Onmyouji and she nodded with a sure grin, no doubt in her mind that Shui was probably the most considerate human she knows. Haruhi was lucky, but that smile quickly turned as the addressed female declined the offer in mention of a missing young lady.

"Nishimura," Kohime thought, vaguely recalling the name to be one from the eleven known Onmyouji families. She keeps quiet, glancing over at Nagisa who seemed to be fidgeting with bottled excitement and curiosity at being introduced to the threshold of a new world. She's seen that look before in various yokai; yokai who desert Ukiyou for the start of a "new beginning". Very few are known to "migrate" especially given the fact that Ametsuchi was a world which for humans. Its very ground reeked with their scent--a smell which Kohime's sensitive nose grew to get used to, but barely tolerates when they're (humans) damp with rain. Wet humans are the worst.

"I don't know about any Nishimura girls but I did run into some gossipers who were talking about someone forming a Contract with Koubei*," Kohime comments mostly to Shui, although she's not sure why she felt the need to bring up (It's because Aster needs to move the plot, sorry not sorry).

Koubei was a Hakutaku, an A-rank yokai regarded as a holy beast in many regions throughout Kai. Kohime had gotten to know him through Seimei during her travels and introduced him once to Shui. The yokai was a known doctor, living up to his yokai type which was revered as a symbol of medicine, but it had been years since she had last saw him. Like most Hakutaku, Koubei avoided coming down to Ametsuchi and remained in remote mountain parts or heavenly places in Ukiyou. For him to come down and form a Contract was a big thing which loosened the mouths of many yokai nearby in town. Even Kohime wondered just what a human deserving of Koubei was like.

As the group begin to move, Kohime simply follows along, assuming they're walking in the direction of the Han household.

"I wonder why he's down here in Ametsuchi this time," Kohime wonders aloud, recalling how last time he came, it was to warn one of the Onmyouji families of a large rift in their territory. A hundred so violent yokai were planning to come from that rift and had the Onmyoujis not been prepared, blood would've been shed by those unprotected by the Border.

As her thoughts wander, Kohime stops in her place suddenly.

"Wait a minute," she blurts out, "If the Han girl is looking for the Nishimura head's daughter, then wouldn't we have been assigned as well? Surely the Nishimura clan is smart enough to request aid from an apt clan like the Zhang."

Location: Riverbank | Mentions: NPC!Koubei | Interactions: Nagisa Rhakun Haruhi Katsuya Shui fluticasone

 

[Aster]

s h i g e n o r i . t o r a

To say Shigeru was confused would be an understatement. Being part of the main branches in the Tora clan, he had his fair share of encounters with their rival clan, the Shiga and their yokai---most which end up looking like buff martial arts ayakashi, but never had he seen them adopt such a… tiny, peculiar one.

It was out of place and to most, probably deserving of criticism given how the Shiga clan specializes in combat. Shigeru can’t imagine the little yokai in a fist fight. He would probably get flicked away. The thought didn’t linger for long.

Open-minded as he was, he was certain there was some special quality to the small man which made him worthy of being bonded to a Shiga. Maybe he had the ability of foresight, or so the violet-head assumed.

He wasn’t informed that they were going to be joined by any specific clan but he was well aware that others in the community were joining in the search.

“You do?” he asked, containing his confusion in a small smile. He didn’t remember seeing the chirpy girl before in the Shiga compounds, so perhaps she was in the lesser known branches or recently adopted into the clan. Regardless of which, Shigeru was glad to see another helpful volunteer.

“I guess I don’t have to introduce myself if you already know us,” Shigeru chuckled as Kaede wormed himself out of his arms.

The genbu’s transformation was visible to the Bonded within the ramen shop but to regular onlookers, it probably seemed like the attractive male appeared out of nowhere. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a nearby waitress who did a double-take on their group and that very waitress later came back, passing Kaede a cup of hot tea.

“But I’m afraid I don’t know your name and your companion’s?” he continued, tuning Meiko’s muffled cries of ‘bug’ out as background noise. His attention turned from the duo only when he heard Takeshi stuttering and even that took a few ticks to process.

Takeshi.

His loud-mouth, I want to train until I can move a mountain with my bare hands, kind of cousin.

Stuttering.

Shigeru stared aghast.

Was Takeshi blushing?

He looked between him and the Shiga girl before them.

In front of a girl? Was Takeshi even capable of comprehending the opposite gender as anything more than sparring partners? (The answer’s evidently no but Shigeru doesn’t know that yet.)

Shigeru tried to think back to all of his cousin’s interactions with other females. All of them were rather platonic and never bordering past the point of friendship. He had never thought of his cousin as someone with the potential of one day coming home with a partner.

...Gods help if he does.

When the topic turned back to food, he sighed in relief, releasing the breath he hadn’t realize he was holding.

That sounded like the Takeshi he knew, though it wasn’t normal for him to reject a request from Meiko so blatantly. Shigeru could already see metaphoric dark clouds looming behind Takeshi’s back.

“Did the waitress give any hints to where Mizuha might be?” Shigeru asked, turning his attention to Kaede who was quietly sipping his tea. Unlike Takeshi, Shigeru hadn’t entered the ramen shop for food, but answers.

The longer it took for them to find Mizuha, the more anxiety pooled uncomfortably in his gut. Being one gifted with the Sight, he knew all too well the harm any ill-intentioned yokai could do.

With Kaede coming back empty-handed (kinda, not really.) with info, to be on the safe side, Shigeru asked the owner of the shop himself on Mizuha and her whereabouts. Unfortunately, he received a mixed response as the shop owner failed to recognize the girl drawn in the flyer.

“I don’t remember seein a girl like that before but I do know of a Mizuha who frequents here if that’s who yer talking about. She was looking quite down last I saw her, a few nights back, sittin alone with her half-eaten bowl of ramen. That’s how I knew she was down! No one ever comes here and don’t finish our meals, ya know? If yer lookin for her, I’ll help keep my eyes peeled.”

Shigeru smiled and nodded in polite consideration, thanking the man for his comment before turning to Kaede with a furrow.

“Well, I’m not sure if that’s a dead end. Do you think he might be talking about the same Mizuha we’re looking for?” he asked, his doubt slowly piling as he looked down at the ugly flyer. But the image had been given directly from the Nishimura clan themselves. Surely, they wouldn’t have given them misleading information.

Before he could say anymore, Shigeru looked up, spying a familiar face at the entryway.

“Chi-chan?” the childhood nickname slipped out before the Tora could stop himself. “What are you doing here?” Seeing how Chiharu was now a qualified priestess, Shigeru rarely saw her outside Yeung temples.

location: Ramen Shop | mentions: None | interactions: Kaede A Murder Of Corviknight Takeshi & Shojiro Orikanyo Meiko & Chiharu deer Hou Mei King Crimson

 

[Orikanyo]

Hou Mei, the brawn
Shojiro, the brawn and brains.​

The sound that came from Shojiro was on the line of disgust and vile choleric rage! Placing a hand upon his sword Shojiro drew it forth and pointed the blade(needle) towards Meiko.

“YOU DARE MOCK ME FOX!? I AM NO INSECT!” the small bug sized man was hopping up and down with rage, like an angered grasshopper. “You should bow before me! Begging my forgiveness! For You have insulted none other than the great master shojiro! He who has mastered every art of the blade! He who has battled thousands in his quest to perfect his craft! You are nothing but a tiny child before my great might!”

Naturally the small being was quite angered, his mind ripped away from the meal and put forwards to gaining his vengeance against the one of fluffy tails!

“Beg forgiveness! Lest i cut out your lying tongue!”

“A-A bug? Where!?” Hou Mei, exclaimed, frantically patting down any nook and crevice on her person that could contain the unwanted hitchhiker.

Stupid, sensei! This was something you were supposed to do!

In her frenzied searching, she noticed the bushy-tailed yokai the shrill voice belonged to, and once she saw the man she was connected to, that insect may as well have been all the way in Ametsuchi for all she cared.

He was massive, like a mountain on legs, with a physique of sculpted muscle that was barely restrained by his battle-worn armor and eyes that shone with a blazing, fighting spirit.

This man.

He must be punched.

Her destiny commands it.

Her hands flew from itching her head to clinging onto the seat beneath her, as if her fingers were the only thing keeping her from catapulting herself directly at her new rival. Openly gasping with admiration, Hou Mei excitedly chattered “Y-You’re HUGE!”, before throwing her arms up in the air in wanton excitement.

Realizing the possible confusion her statement may illicit, she lowers her arms, and hastily stammers, “Err...Not huge as in “fat” or anything, but huge as in “really big and strong-looking” but uh…”

Feeling as foolish as she must have looked, she places her arms back on the seat and quickly states, “My name is Hou Mei.” and curtly bows in respect.

Pausing a moment from his rage Shojiro stabbed the needle into the table and rested both hands atop of it’s “handle” like a master would with a cane. “Indeed! Yes of course I know your names! But, I’m afraid that my apprentice does not, as such, perhaps it is best that you introduce yourself accordingly! As to not be rude of course.”

Can’t pass one over on me boy, thought the small man as he smirked deviously.

“Now then, I must be…” he paused to watch Kaede change into a humanoid form, “Well then, the Genbu seems to deem this area worthy with it’s presence… Now then..” he cleared his throat. “GET OVER HERE FOX!” he leapt after the kitsune, needle in hand.

 

[A Murder Of Corviknight]

“Chi-chan?”

At the somewhat familiar voice, Sachi closed the flap of her bag to hide the rabbit in her bag from sight (and away from the chaos of the ramen shop) and poked her head out from behind Chiharu. At the sight of one pair of Tora Shigeru and Kaede, Sachi cheerily waved at the two in good humor. “We’re here too~! How is everyone?”

Sachi habitually ignored the chaos that was unfolding near them as she steered her group towards Shigeru and Kaede. Good friends she was with Takeshi and Meiko (especially) but being friends with Takeshi meant that she recognized a brewing spar when she saw one. She should be mediating honestly but she was fairly sure there was a suspiciously pink tint to Takeshi’s cheeks. And in fact she heard rumors just last week that the Tora Clan courted and flirted by beating each other into the ground… Which was the strangest thing she ever heard of but...seeing what was unfolding maybe there was some basis to the rumor? She should probably ask Shigeru about it to confirm later...

Ah, even if it’s not the case it’s nice to see her friends making new friends (1). As long as they didn’t hurt innocent bystanders it was fine.

“What is everyone doing here? Are you looking for Nishimura Mizuha-san too?” she asked as soon as they were close enough to talk to each other without being too loud. ...Not that it wasn’t already loud in the establishment in the first place...

------------------​

NAME. Miyamoto Sachiko
OBJECTIVE. aosdfiua
MOOD. It’s fine
NOTES. (1) Sachi it’s a mess why aren’t you stopping them
TAGGED. Aster | deer | Nano

 

[fluticasone]

fluticasone

Shui's taken aback; how could the Han clan assign an unpartnered omnyouji to search for Mizuha? Studying the young girl, she could only surmise that she was simply trying to help despite her limited capabilities. If that was only information gathering, then she'd do it to the best of her ability. That brought a smile out of her; she could relate to the feeling all too well. Why else was she the teacher for the Zhang's younger generation?

Decision made, she speaks. "If that's the case, then you should join us." She first looks to Haruhi, then to Nagisa, who'd accepted her chastisement gracefully. The invitation is open to the Iso-Onna as well. Having them around would allow her to keep tabs on their well-being as well as gauge how good a candidate Nagisa would be as Haruhi's partner. Shui knows she's a respected figure amongst the clans; her recommendation would have some weight with the leaders if it came to that. If Nagisa was serious about partnering with Haruhi, then she'd do her best to be as objective a judge as possible.

The news that no one at the marketplace had seen Mizuha was a damper on her spirits; Shui had been banking on one of the many people there to have seen something, no matter how insignificant it was. "I wonder where else to look." As if on cue, Kohime's nonchalant comment reveals a new lead that they could follow.

"A Koubei? Are they sure?" She makes it a point to avoid using 'you'. Years of partnership with Kohime had trained Shui in her choice of words. She quickly responds to her partner's latter comment, quickly glossing over the fact as her mind fixates on the bomb that Kohime had just dropped. "Yes, that's why I went out to look for you. A Koubei..." The story of the last Koubei's visit was a rather common story amongst the omnyouji families, with many recounting the preparations for battle and how the clans had banded together. Though her knuckles pale slightly at the thought, she forces herself to think positively. It was perfectly possible that the Koubei had simply tired of Ukiyo and visited this world for a change of pace. The fact that they had bonded with someone. however, was another point of concern.

"Kohime, do you remember who those yokai are? I think we may have just found our first real lead." Nishimura Mizuha disappearing and a Koubei arriving on Ametsuchi was too coincidental for Shui's liking. They were bound to be connected.

Aster Rhakun Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

- Haruhi Han -
"A possible lead?"​

Haruhi perked up when Shui invited Nagisa and her in their search. A soft smile brightened up her stoic heart-shaped face as she bowed gracefully again. "Thank you so much, Madam!"

The young Han member felt at ease now, her parents' doubting voices quieted down. Having someone who's part of the search---A thought made true when she listened Shui's reasoning for finding Kohime--- is just another stroke of luck. Better yet, the woman is even letting her help despite knowing that she doesn't have a bond, giving her a chance; a rare thing for the young Han teen. Though she wished that she can be more helpful with the information gathering, perhaps there's other ways for her to help that's within her limits and out of the others' ways....Kohime said what?!

After standing straight up again, Haruhi followed Shui to which ever direction she wanted to go, listening to the Amabiko's words. Green eyes bounced between the bonded pair and gulped at the startling revelation. ". . . That's . . . really intense. Koubei-sama forming a contract with a human . . . I never seen him, so I am curious. Is he a white demon with great horns?"

She has heard the name before. Her family wouldn't stop muttering about his warnings when they were sending and preparing men and women to fight along side with the other clans; Haruhi was younger and more focused on her studies at the time since she didn't have a bond yet or was strong enough to even defend herself. However she has heard the revered name through whispers and yells in the solemn hallways of her home. To hear that someone has made a contract with THE Koubei, if they are talking about the same one that is, then . . . she wondered if the missing Nishimura girl and Koubei making a contract was a coincidence or not . . .

Haruhi agreed with Shui: this might be their real first lead. The short brunette looked over to where she believed Nagisa is standing with a comforting grin.

"Are you going to be okay? Should I grab some water from the river for you to feel at ease walking on land?" She offered her hand towards the Iso-Onna, palm up. "Just tap my hand. One for yes, water. Two for no, I'm okay." She wanted to make sure that Nagisa will be okay if she decided to help with the search.

fluticasone Rhakun Aster

 

[deer]

Inhaling and exhaling, Meiko started to count sheeps in her head, blocking out all of the sounds as she tried to get the mental image of the bug out of her mind. She absolutely detested bugs, but much more so was quite frankly, afraid of getting fleas or other sort of bugs on her fluffy tails - the tails that she fluffed and combed daily. Her soft coat were her best features, especially with how pure and soft as snow they appeared. Nevertheless, as Meiko peaked her head up hoping to find the bug gone, her attention was drawn to both Kaede and Shigeru's silhouette across the area. Her ears perked as she listened and keyed on to what was being talked about between Kaede and the waitress before Shigeru's talk with the owner. However, Meiko's brows furrowed as she sighed exasperatedly. No sign of Miss little Damsel?

Deciding to get the big oaf's attention so that they could finally leave the premises, despite her raging stomach telling her she was starving, Meiko was just about to screech into Takeshi's ears, not realizing she was being introduced to the female from earlier and the bug, when the 'bug man' started to scream at her. As the . . . little man . . cricket . . . whatever it was started to direct his words towards her, the great and powerful kitsune, Meiko scoffed and only cringed backwards and quickly off of Takeshi's back as she huffed and puffed. To make matters worse, it seemed the little "person" had a partner and she was confused to what the 'bug' was and honestly couldn't see that the yokai she bonded to was the 'bug' she spoke about. Rolling her eyes at the display of attention of the little man, Meiko could only bare her teeth at the darn yokai. "Don't touch the tail!" She screeched, running amok away from the seating area when the little man lunged forward. "I can't afford my tail to get tangled!"

As Meiko ran away from the little yokai, it was only then she realised there were newcomers. However, Meiko's eyes widened in surprise at the site of her very best friend, Sasameyuki! "Sasa-chan! What are you doing here?" She questioned loudly, practically pouncing towards the yukionna, tackling her into a hug before hiding behind her. "Get that bug away from me! Apparently I tickled him off because I thought he was a bug. What was I suppose to think? Now he's brandishing that sword at me. That's quite rude!" Shaking her head, Meiko then looked towards Sachi, Shigeru, and Tsukiko pleading with them, "Can we leave already? Aren't we wasting time here if the Damsel isn't here?"
tags: A Murder Of Corviknight , Nano , Orikanyo , King Crimson , Pyosimros , Aster

codedbymeraki.

 

[deer]

Chiharu could only just stare in amazement at the mayhem that was happening in the ramen shop. Despite just arriving towards the ramen shop that Nishimura Mizuha frequented, Chiharu pondered if the shop was always this lively and if the owner had mind the disruption of what once was a peaceful day. As Chiharu glanced around the room, her eyes caught the familiar stature of none other than the imposing Takeshi-kun. However, it seemed he was caught in a stare down with a new-found female friend, perhaps? A curious look appeared on her face as she wondered what was sparking between the two of them. "Is this what they call . . .an unexpected encounter with fate, Sasame?" Chiharu questioned out-loud towards her companion. However, Chiharu was brought out of train of thought when she heard a familiar voice call her name.

Turning her attention to look to see who it was, her eyes widened in surprise as she was taken aback. "Shige-kun?" She spoke just above a whisper, staring slightly dumbstruck as she should have realised she would run into him during this mission. It had been so long since she's seen him in person and heard her nickname in awhile. As Chiharu seemed to have lost her words for a moment, thankfully, Sachi came in the nick of time and announced that both she and Tsukiko had arrived as well. A small smile appeared on her lips as she nodded in agreement with Sachi. However, a blur of white was in her peripherals causing Chiharu stumbled back as she glanced towards the white-haired kitsune that tackled her sister. Out of reflex, Chiharu almost unsheathed her sword only to realise it was Meiko-san. "Meiko-san." Chiharu spoke, her hand slightly on her chest to calm down the beating of her head. "I do not think he likes being called bug." She stated matter-of-factly before turning towards the other ayakashi. "May I ask your name, sir?"[/b] She questioned gently before Meiko's words caught her attention that Nishimura Mizuha-san wasn't around either. Glancing over towards Shige-kun, Chiharu questioned, "Since we are all gathered are, does this mean we are all working together or are we parting after this knowledge?"
tags: A Murder Of Corviknight , Nano , Orikanyo , King Crimson , Pyosimros , Aster

codedbymeraki.

 

[Nano]

taglist

deer

A Murder Of Corviknight

Orikanyo

“Chi-chan?”

Sasame bristled the moment she heard her partner’s name being called so endearingly ^[1]. Completely ignoring Sachi’s and Chiharu’s return of the greeting to the guests inside, the yukionna skirted around Chiharu and stood in front of the doorway almost like an angry guard dog.

“How dare you try to flirt with my Ch- Oh, it’s just you...” ^[2] Her angry growling promptly cut off when her eyes met a head of messy purple hair. The distinct sort that she could recognize from a mile away. It was the Tora boy—err, what was his name again? From the start, she had never been good at remembering names. At this point, her failure to recall the purple Tora’s was more of a running gag if anything, but at times, it just couldn’t be helped when she truly forgot. Or did she?

“Shigemaru.” Sasame said bluntly with a thoughtful snap. A triumphant smile then appeared on her face as if she had just done something that she were proud of. It found itself to be short-lived, however, when she finally noticed the noisy clamoring to the side.

Having heard only the tail-end of the “conversation”, the yukionna looked upon the tiny man (who had quite the vocal chords for one of his stature) with a worried expression. Without even testing the words in her head once, she cut in in a matter-of-factly tone: “It’s nice that you’re close enough to argue, but ordering someone to 'come here’ with a toothpick in hand is not the best way to court someone, mister not-even-a-half-pint.”

One hug-tackle later had one Sasame directly within the line of fire between the agitated fox and angry half-pint. Naively assuming that this was all also part of the little playfight between the two, the yukionna turned to return the hug and speak to her foxy friend. "We're here to prove some old toads wrong, though you sure do make some strange friends, Meimei. Also, isn't that a toothpick and not a sword?"

Naturally, she had no clue that she might be adding oil to the fire (as per usual) and that it might have been better to ask for his actual name (as per usual) and that this little scene would inevitably lead to another lecture from Sachi (again, as per usual). The only thing on her mind was that she wanted to prevent another bossy prick of a tragedy called a-certain-blond-tengu, with total disregard of the fact that she might be triggering some separate tragedy altogether.

There was a reason why Chiharu always played the mediator, though with that said, her ever so dependable partner had already taken the initiative to ask for the half-pint’s name.

---​

notes
status: for reference, sasame is currently in her human form (featured on the left!)
[1] note: this is sasame vision
[2] because shige is completely out of the picture in terms of chiharu’s suitors, apparently

code by Nano

 

[Aster]

k o h i m e

"Not by name, but they should be in their usual places," Kohime answered Shui, blatantly hinting at her lack of relations building with yokai as well. Seems her prickliness did not extend to just humans.

"I'll lead the way."

Seeing Haruhi burst into smiles at Shui's invitation brought a small smirk to the Amabiko's lips. It felt good to have others acknowledge how great her partner is. Naturally, Kohime wouldn't have settled for anything less than perfect.

"It's just rumors though," Kohime replied, hands tucking into the folds of her kimono as she led the way back to the part of town where she had met the gossiping yokai.

"Koubei-san's a Hakutaku so yes, he has horns and light-colored hair. But hm, his hair is more silver than white. Last I recall, he's a few hundred years old younger than most Hakutaku," she explained, glancing over at Nagisa who had been following them from the river.

They were soon turning into the part of town which the river flowed away from. Seeing how the Iso-onna was also joining on the search, Kohime decided the most efficient thing to do was to help the two of them out.

It would be a disgrace if Haruhi were to follow them around, sprinkling water as she went for Nagisa.

Unwanted attention was bad attention.

With a soundless sigh, Kohime reverted back to her yokai form, thus disappearing from Haruhi's view. Aside from the reddening of hazel irises and a slight shift in pressure force, there was no distinct difference in the raven babe.

Holding the sleeve of her kimono with one hand to pull it back, Kohime made a graceful wave towards the river, her fingers making a come hither motion towards the current.

A steady stream of water floated upwards, swirling itself into a small floating pool, large enough to fit and carry the Iso-Onna. Kohime hovered the large bubble of water above the Iso-Onna and rose her brows, giving her a look to hop in.

Location: Riverbank | Mentions: NPC!Koubei | Interactions: Nagisa Rhakun Haruhi Katsuya Shui fluticasone

 

[s e v e n]

Akiyama Misaki
​

逆境で咲く花は、最も希少で美しいものです​

Sakura, sakura,

Noyama mo sato mo,

Mi-watasu kagiri.

Pink petals dances gracefully along the wind, twirling and floating before it finally rested upon the ground. The cherry blossom is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting of trees; and just like beauty, it is fleeting. And so in that day, between the clouds of petals, whisked soft flickers of blue flames. The color of electric blue stormed its way swiftly, soaring up and up until it reached the very top-

Gentle fabric brushed against the rooftop, the shade of blue now the shade of eyes. The yokai lowered her chin, clearing her throat for a bit before she dramatically spread her arms widely as she grinned: "Good morning, my good people of Kai!"

Of course, no one could hear her- or perhaps very little could, yet it never stopped her from attempting one dramatic entrance. As she'd like to say: a poor audience does not give reason to a poor performance. It had been a while, after all, since she had last visited this part of town, and perhaps her heart just felt a slight jollier that day. Her slippers skidded against the roof panels as she slid down, and just before the girl reached the very ledge, she leapt just a little and within the snap of a finger, she reduced herself into yet another ball of flame.

'Make way! Coming through!' Blue sparks traced her path as she glided along the heavy streets, swishing by each vendor and walkers. Little did she know to why she have left this place for a while; as it was definitely one of the liveliest. Somehow, it brought content to her heart, even just for a little bit. Day by day, each passing just like this. Was she lonely? She could not be too sure. In fact, she was not even aware to how long she have been like this. Perhaps she has only forgotten what it was like otherwise. Perhaps.

Fishermen proudly hauled their catch over their backs like trophies, women swishing their baskets back and forth as they surfed the market, and children darting left and right with their hair tied up in buns. Misaki grinned to herself (as much as a ball of flame could grin, anyway), twirling around a nonchalant human child like a. . . clearly disturbed butterfly. She could not help it, after all, as she truly loved children. The innocence in their eyes, the light of absolute pureness. It is one she rarely sees in a world like their own. It was a bit later, however, despite the obvious lack of awareness brought by said children towards herself, when she managed to slip her attention away.

This. . . feeling, this smell. Could it be. . .

An-pan!

With speed as fast as lightning, Misaki zoomed away. Ducking past legs, up through loops of shoulders, the yokai dived her way back and forth. Nothing in this world could defeat her love for an-pan, after all. Like a hurricane she made her way across the town- before she then stopped in a halt.

There was another feeling present this time, one quite fairly unpleasant. Almost as though she was. . . being watched.

Misaki froze in her spot, contemplating on what to do. Was it an onmyouji? Another yokai, perhaps? Would it be too late if she escapes now? After all, she does have mixed feelings to whomever might watch a big, glowing ball of flame floating just in the middle of the street with no one paying the slightest attention to it- or more like her.

"I swear, whoever you are, that I did not make any too big of a problem. . . this time."

location: village | mentions: N/A | interactions: N/A​

X X X X X X X X X Xcode: s e v e n

X

秋
山
美
咲

​

 

[Rhakun]

Nagisa (汀)

​

Nagisa stared, aloof, at as the conversation progressed.

It was not until she glared over at the bubble absentmindedly that her eyes snapped. Nagisa rushed to tap Haruhi's hand twice, trying to make the touch as drily as possible.

"It is not necessary, but thank you." She said, excitedly. "I do not need water to move around." As if to show, Nagisa walked around in a circle, water falling all around her.

"Should we move, then?" She said, grinning. "I believe I can find this Koubei-person without a lot of trouble... Y-"

You want him alive? If not, can I eat him?

The thought of saying that breezed her mind before a spark of sense burst in. She held her tongue in its position, and just went on with nervous laughter.

"Y-you sure are a talented Amibiko to lift water like that! Hehehe..."

Mentions: Kohime ~ Aster / Haruhi ~ Katsuya / Shui ~ fluticasone

 

[Aster]

k o h i m e

The deadpanned look Kohime gave Nagisa was priceless. Seeing how the Iso-onna did not need her assistance at all, she snapped her fingers, allowing the giant ball of water to fall directly on the ravenhead, thoroughly splashing her in petty spite. The Amabiko rarely extended her help without the encouragement of Shui, but seeing how she had but it was all for naught, wounded her pride.

A soft 'hmph' was all she made in response to her strength and with a click of her heels, she was back in Haruhi's field of vision. She walked quickly with her face angled haughtily, well-hiding the embarrassed flush on her cheeks.

"Low rank yokai. What rubbish!" she thought as she strutted forward, leaving the three behind (should they not catch up to her pace). Without watching where she was going, Kohime bumped into a small girl. Her steps faltered back but the Amabiko remained on her feet as her eyes adjusted to the child she had ran into.

The girl was no human.

Long black hair covered a thin and pale stature, and at first glance she seemed like any starved child from town; but it was her aura which gave her away. Yokai have a distinguishable presence which is detectable when they make no efforts to blend in. To confirm her suspcions, Kohime glanced back at Haruhi who seemed confused as to why they had suddenly stopped. If Haruhi couldn't see the child, then she definitely a yokai.

And a C-rank as well.

Kohime didn't even try to hide her distaste.

"Watch where you're going," Kohime said sharply, with a click of her tongue. The girl looked up at her and her black hair parted to reveal one large watery eye. She looked like she had been crying.

"You can see me, miss human-san?"

"How rude!"

This seemed to irritate the Amabiko more and Kohime bent down to give a soft flick to the child oni's (she's assuming it's some sort of oni) forehead.

"I'm not human. I'm an Amabiko," she replied folding her hands into the sleeves of her kimono. The situation was beginning to dawn on her.

The oni child looked confused but then clutched onto Kohime's sleeves as though clinging for dear life. "If you're a yokai, then you know the way home right? Please help me get home," she choked on a sob, sounding both hopeful and desperate. "Please! I promise I won't wander off again. Mama and papa were right. I won't be naughty next time. I just want to go home."

Prying the child's hands away from her, Kohime shot Shui a look for help. The both of them knew the ritual song and dance to open a temporary rift to send lost yokai home, but that would require Shui's approval and skill. Even with her partner was willing to help, Kohime wasn't entirely sure if Shui had brought the tools necessary to open the rift.

Location: Town | Mentions: Haruhi Katsuya | Interactions: NPC!Oni / Nagisa Rhakun / Shui fluticasone

 

[Aster]

s h i g e n o r i . t o r a

While Shigeru paid little mind to the dispute between the small yokai and Meiko, he did promptly answer when the conversation was brought to him. Small or big, yokai or human, the male replied with the same amount of respect he shows to everyone.

“Shigeru Tora from the Tora clan,” he introduced with a polite nod in acknowledgement. “It’s a pleasure.”

After the short introduction, Shigeru’s shifted his attention back at Chiharu and her gang. When Sachiko announced her appearance, the smile on the Tora male’s face grew. It was like a mini reunion of the clans without the nosy Tora elders breathing down his neck!

“Sachi, you’re here too. I’m doing fine. It sure has been a while,” he answered, noting the signature umbrella the Miyamoto clansman always carried around. It had been a long while since he last seen the brunette. The two rarely had instances where they had to meet and even when they did, it was usually during clan gatherings where only the elders and important heirs were gathered.

“I heard you’re already Bonded now. Is that your partner?” Shigeru asked, nodding his head at the stuffed bag at Sachiko’s side. Had it not been moving up and down in the steady breaths, the male would’ve thought it to be something else. Still, he was rather perceptive and sensitive to spiritual things.

At the question given, the violet head nodded but before he could answer, a cold draft seemed to freeze the atmosphere but it dissipated as quickly as it came.

“Hello Sasameyuki,” he greeted, almost forgetting that his childhood friend now had a frosty bodyguard around. Even in her human form, she was hard to miss. Her cold yet beautiful demeanor caught the eyes of many and Shigeru realized they were forming quite a crowd in the restaurant.

“It’s Shigeru,” he corrected in vain, “I do believe we’re called to split up and Meiko is right. Seems Mizuha isn’t here and I’m afraid we’d holding up quite some space…”

Turning to the owner of the cafe, Shigeru gave a polite bow for the disruption and excused himself from the restaurant.

Luckily for the Tora male, he had left with Kaede just before Sasameyuki had made things worse between the tiny yokai and Meiko. The angry yelling went on and Shigeru sighed, envying the humans who were unable to detect the loud conflict going on.

“Looks like we ran into a dead end. The elders have already checked the temples. Where else could she run off too,” he wondered aloud to Kaede. His eyes trailed off to the horizon where the hills leading to the mountains were situated. Maybe they’d get a better view of where to check if they went somewhere high up.

Then something bright blue zipped by him, halting suddenly near the center of the road. Everyone else walked by noticing nothing but for a Bonded Onmyouji, the floating ball of fire was as clear as day.

Having lived in this area and given the Sight at a very young age, Shigeru had grown to recognize and even befriend most of the yokai there. This one was new and like most onmyoujis, a yokai fleeting around in Ametsuchi was usually lost or up to no good.

“Um, are you lost?” he asked, raising a brow at the flame yokai’s strange confession.

location: Town | mentions: None | interactions: Kaede & Sachiko A Murder Of Corviknight Sasameyuki Nano Misaki s e v e n

 

[Nano]

“That’s...not Mizuha.” The expression the young head had on his face seemed comically uncharacteristic of his usual confident front to the point where the man holding the picture could only stutter a puzzled “Huh?” in response. From the last time he’d seen her at the one of the annual meetings between the family heads, she was a delicate little girl with sleek, pretty hair. Akito didn’t know how much a child could change over the course of a year, but as far as he knew, the Nishimura Clan’s head was much too prideful to let his daughter—er—change that drastically. Besides...

“Are you doubting a Muroo’s memory?”

“No, sir.”

Curtly thanking the man for his cooperation, Akito swiftly turned and went on his way. He had only gone a few ways down the street when he abruptly turned again, this time to face his partner. “I can't say for certain, but I'm a bit skeptical of whether or not that was really Mizuha. If that really isn't her though, why? Lord Nishimura isn't stupid enough to make such a mistake.”

—or else that Nishimura Clan is doomed.

He, however, left that last bit unspoken out of due respect. It was never wise to make such comments whether you meant it or not, as you never knew who could be listening. Though, speaking of comments, there was one in particular that the man who had shown them the picture of Mizuha had made when Akito had first asked if he had seen the girl.

“Have you seen anyone with purple hair around recently?” he asked through gritted teeth. That man hadn’t been the first to comment on mistaking someone else for him, and the only person he could ever think of was his late grandfather. But ghosts didn't exist. Vengeful specters were merely urban legends told in order to scare children into obedience, so there was no way for his ancestor whom he supposedly bore a strong resemblance to could come back to haunt the streets...right?

Don’t be stupid, Akito...ghosts aren't even real! he scolded himself and promptly stammered out a “nevermind!” before the oni could reply or worse, pick up on the childish train of thought that had brought about the sudden inquiry in the first place. Luckily for him, a flash of dark violet interrupted whatever further words that would have been exchanged between the two.

His first reaction was to glance at Gozu as if to say, “not that kind of purple.” That brief exchange was soon overwritten by Akito’s realization that the figure who happened to cut into their line of sight was familiar, at least to a certain extent.

From some vague corner of his memory, he recalled spotting that violet-haired, petite lady at a meeting between the eleven clans some years ago. It wasn’t her being a distinguished daughter (from what he could infer) that she had stood out, but rather her strong gaze and spiritually disciplined demeanor that had caught his attention. However, what was important about this realization was that she was an onmyouji. Could it be that she was here in search of the missing child as well?

“Excuse me,” he quickly called out, “are you perhaps an onmyouji?”

Carefully and with poise, Akito made his way to the person he had called out to. Upon a few paces forward, he studied the violet-haired woman briefly, concluding to himself that she was indeed an onmyouji based on her bearings. Assured by his observations, he soon added, “do you happen to be looking for Nishimura Mizuha. If so, have you noticed anything strange about the information that the Nishimura Clan provided?”

---​

notes
• yes, akito fears ghosts (ironically)

tags
gozu -- zhāng xiāoyīn

fluticasone piichivy

code by nano

Nano

 

[piichivy]

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[div class=all][div class=title][div class=h1]Xiāoyīn
location ✾ town
tags ✾ Muroo Akito ; Gozu[/div][/div][div class=hold][div class=dia][/div][div class=icon][/div][/div][div class=box][div class=scroll]xxxxIt was perhaps a day much like any day, in which one wakes up and goes through their daily routines with perhaps a bit of color in the variety of foods the human stomach is able to consume and then they would be off to sleep once more. The day had started out like so for her. Wake up, dress, and waltz away in silence to town because morning meals with her family had always been detestable.

xxxxHer breakfast for the day had been an apple, coupled with a reading to digest about the young Lady Nishimura Mizuha's... disappearance. She had snatched up the papers when she saw the messenger arrive at the gates of their estate. The man of course, was likely under the impression that she was going to pass the information to her elders. Of course, she'd be delighted to! (Fake news.) In truth she decided to take on the mission herself, and well, Asians liked to gossip. Word should get around soon enough.

xxxxNo, the woman was... personally invested in the matter now.

xxxxWhatever the case, she had been making her way to Fūjin Temple, stopping in town for a heartier breakfast. Not quite lunch meal. Brunch? Yes. Yes, brunch, and also to pick up more paper. She had unwittingly used her last page redrawing Lady Nishimura.

xxxxShe had to question the Nishimura's choice of artists. The young lass looked as though she were drawn by a child! It was preposterous. The illustrator had no eye for the proportions of the human body. Of course, she knew that the Lady Nishimura was not present to use as reference, but then the fault would fall to the Nishimura clan's head. The man should have reviewed the artist's work before it was sent out. In fact, the head should have had an older illustration to use.

xxxx...Ah. It couldn't be her.

xxxxThe lady looked at her own sketch of Nishimura Mizuha, or, what she could remember from memory. Often times the clan meetings were dull and she had nothing to say there. As such, she'd take a sheet of paper and pretend to be taking notes. In truth she was doodling people that caught her interest. Nishimura Mizuha had been a darling little thing, and she imagined the girl at a guzheng, intently focused at the art. This was not her first time drawing the lass. She remembered Nishimura's amasogi haircut, her almond eyes, and her button nose. Doll-like, she thought of them.

xxxxWell, she wasn't good at portraying those features in her drawing. Nishimura Mizuha looked like a peach with eyes, a dot for a nose, and a black carpet draped over her. There was a smudge on one side of her hair. The woman sighed. She had charcoal on her hands again.

xxxx"Excuse me, are you perhaps an onmyōji?"

xxxxHer head whipped around towards the source of the sound, landing on a male with hair the color of wisterias. Ah, which one was this again?

xxxxHe walked up and she noticed exactly how much taller he was, having to lift her eyes a bit to meet his. “Do you happen to be looking for Nishimura Mizuha. If so, have you noticed anything strange about the information that the Nishimura Clan provided?”

xxxxShe clicked her tongue. No paper. Right. She opted for showing him her own drawing of the girl with the original for comparison. She had to admit, it was still closer than the frizzy, pig-faced Mizuha.
[/div][/div][div class=credit]code: piichivy [/div][/div]

 

[Nano]

He had successfully caught her attention, yet her gaze contained no indication that she recognized him. Had he assumed too quickly? Was she not an onmyouji after all? No. Perhaps she just wasn’t familiar with all the clan heads. If it wasn’t someone from his own clan or a clan with close associations with the Muroo, it might not be too uncommon for someone who didn’t frequent clan meetings to not recognize him. In that case, perhaps it might be more beneficial to keep his identity under wraps for the time being.

On the other hand, the drawing that the lady lifted up revealed that she appeared to have some knowledge of the situation at hand. The paper danced gently in the air, but no matter which way it bent about, the distorted image didn’t make itself any clearer. Akito’s eyes narrowed. No matter how long he examined the paper, nothing close to its meaning came to mind, and another minute passed in silence. Finally, it clicked.

Is that supposed to be Mizuha?

Though it was comparable to those drawings of the children who often showed off their work to him back at home, if he twisted his imagination just a bit, it did indeed bear some semblance to the missing child. Admittedly, the drawing was a better depiction of Mizuha than the hideous portrait scrawled over the parchment of the files he had read over previously. It proved his suspicions that someone had tampered with the documents. Unless this was all just wishful interpretation.

“This is Nishimura Mizuha?” Akito questioned once for confirmation. However, the bigger question at hand was…

“—but why has such a childish prank been overlooked?”

Silently, he prayed that it wasn’t a result of the Nishimura Clan being incompetent. With the kidnapping of their head’s daughter and now the tampering with official documents, they couldn’t afford to lose any more face. The last thing an onmyouji needed on his or her plate was the threat of the eleven clans suddenly diminishing to ten, especially one rooted in purification techniques. Well, the clan was strong, so it’d, without a doubt, pull through such a minor incident.

Akito turned his attention back to the dark-haired lady. “I am Akito...” He turned to gesture behind him. “—while this is Gozu. Introductions have come late, but who might you be? Do you belong to one of the Eleven Clans?”

His voice threatened to spill into a commanding tone, but he corrected himself promptly. He didn’t imagine that they’d meet again in the near future, so as long as she remained ignorant that he was the “arrogant Muroo head” for the time being, it’d likely be more beneficial to curb that image to encourage cooperation. Hopefully providing his name and, in particular, Gozu’s name wouldn’t give them away. Well, Gozu wasn’t sporting his mask, so that detail might be glossed over.

---​

tags
gozu -- zhāng xiāoyīn

fluticasone piichivy

code by nano

Nano