The Open Eyes of Love [Action/Closed] (AU Event)

[koishi_komeiji]

Melt my Obstinate Heart

Cereal. The the greatest human invention to ever grace this beautiful earth. Not the ambitious machines that can breach the atmosphere into the great beyond. Not the complex electronic devices designed to process things no human ever could with mind or on paper. Not even sliced bread could compare! She would have to tell her sister about it when she got home. The modern world had so many wonderful things!

Koishi was sitting at Satsuki's table, spoon in hand, hat set carefully off to one side, the felt having been lovingly brushed down to remain uniform. Its presence in the center of the table (along with the little youkai's constant happy sounds) acted as a beacon. It helped mark Koishi's presence in a place greatly easing the burden of trying to detect and remain aware of the smallest resident.

“Thank you Miss White!” She chimed, kicking her feet a little bit, hair still messy. She had slept on the couch last night. Or, more specifically, in a couch fort constructed of every pillow she could get her hands on. It was a wonder Satsuki put up with her. At least Koishi had taken time to put all the cushions away... sort of... kind of... she tried to. They weren't exactly neat and some weren't even in the right places, but it's the thought that counts, right?

It started as a tickle in the back of Koishi's mind. One she didn't give much thought to. An awareness that started slow, but was soon spreading rapidly through her mind like wildfire. Her mind burning, prickling like a deadened limb regaining feeling. And it wouldn't stop.

The youkai's jaw tensed, head leaning forward, fingertips rising to massage her temples, then cover her face, then clutch at her hair, pulling, then tearing at it. Small whimpers turned to groans which became shrieks as her mind boiled.

Everything. She could see everything!

She curled forward, the cereal bowl rolling across the table, trailing milk as she desperately tried to focus through the sudden onslaught of mental presence. Her hand wrapped around something and she pulled, pain blossoming in her left temple. Shrieking, she let go just as quickly, a familiar blue cord swaying into the corner of her vision. One she had not seen in over a century. Her third eye was laying on the table, the once static organ twitching and rolling in its socket, trying to process the sudden onslaught of information, the frosted surface clearing to show a deep, vibrant green.

Comments

[weavemyownfate]

Ok. Satsuki can't help but emit a grunt-like sound of amusement. Koishi's understanding without her having to say aloud, at that particular moment, was amusing rather than unsettling.

Though while she has the laptop open, she decides to look at something else for a moment- it appears she plans on rebuilding Honnoji Academy in Genessia City. "That is a rather intriguing defense mechanism," she replies as she shifts some rooms about in the hologram. "I suppose I will have to experience it at least once so I know what I am dealing with. The effects are temporary, correct? By average, how long may one be effected?"

[koishi_komeiji]

"It's very effective, though it can be unpredictable. There are always those who simply become more violent when they're afraid, even when pressured to run."

Koishi readjusted herself in the seat, her third eye drifting a bit closer to Satsuki, inclining her head slightly. She was doing so much better now that they have been out of the city for a bit. Some of her body language indicated her head might still hurt some, but she didn't say anything if that was indeed the case. "Of course the effects are temporary. They only last for a few minutes at most, depending on one's own mental fortitude. As long as direct my mental presence you shouldn't be too badly affected regardless. You have an advantage in that you know I'm harmless."

[weavemyownfate]

"True.. Though a skilled fighter could take advantage of an opponent in such a state with little trouble. So I suppose that is where I come in." the raven-haired woman replies, at this point so used to the floating eye that she doesn't pay it any mind.

Just don't touch her.

"Mental fortitude.. Understood, I shall keep that in mind. But what about your danmaku?" Though Satsuki isn't just thinking about the possible opponents in the near future, but in the distant future as well. Koishi knows that Satsuki is constantly looking for ways to gain advantages on all of her possible opponents- to assert dominance and maintain order.

She eventually ends the program and shuts the laptop to at last glance to the little satori. ".. You're looking better."

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi looked up at the roof of the car. "It's a bit strange to me. How much you dislike being touched. I suppose I've done it without thinking before, but physical contact is a remembrance tool for me. Other forms of communication are valuable to satori youkai. Sight, sound, and touch. Contact is a sign of trust."

She lowered her gaze, blinking. "My danmaku?" And smiled slightly. "If we get into a real fight, danmaku would be a poor first weapon. Maybe a few volleys of magic to stun, but danmaku at its core is designed not to kill things. It just hurts a bit. Magic actually intended to break bones and spirits is a better choice." A pause. "Danmaku is better used as a training tool rather than a direct weapon."

She reached up toying with her third eye a bit, massaging the sides. She perked up a bit, inclining her head slightly to Satsuki... but she waited for the woman to actually voice her observation before responding. "I feel better. The mild thoughts of the animals are certainly helping. That and I enjoy listening to a few sentient minds. It keeps me focused. Yours is especially nice. You have a great deal of mental discipline and that makes your thoughts very clear. Though it does come with its own hardships."

She didn't bother elaborating, looking straight ahead. "Oh. Wow are we almost there already?" She must have a hard time judging speed without the wind in her face.

[weavemyownfate]

"Mn."

As Koishi talks about her reasons of contact, there are quick and brief, flashing images of a primarily white haired woman. Her face is blurry; the image fights with flashes of Kazuya Mishima, which eventually takes the forefront of her thoughts followed by thoughts of rather brutal, methodical violence.

Satsuki's expression, for a moment, is blank, but eventually she looks to the little youkai once more. "Magic.."

Her thoughts are a bit more scrambled then, obviously she's glad that Koishi is feeling better but she's more focused on pulling herself back together. This is easier as they grow closer to their destination. ".. So we are. Will we need to walk from here then?"

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi didn't comment on the white haired woman, just lowering her head a fraction. She had already caught glimpses of her more than once and she honestly didn't want to see anymore. While everyone 'sinned' it was always rare for her to run across anyone who had done anything bad enough to really stand out. Or meet someone who was subjected to such things.

"Yes magic." She said, trying to get both her own and Satsuki's mind on a different topic. "I understand it's rare or unheard of where you are from. From what I understand the outside world where I'm from also doesn't have magic. Perhaps It's because humans don't need it anymore?" She shrugged. "My sister has several books on magic, though nothing as grand as the Voile Library. Perhaps we can make you something interesting and simple. Like giving Bakuzan a little more bite perhaps?"

She noticed the car slowing, looking over to her right. "Yes. From here we walk. The sub archway is beyond several forks so that it's not that easy to get to. But it's also not that deep in the waterway."

[weavemyownfate]

"Magic has been a cause of concern for me," Satsuki replies with yet another frown, "It is nothing against either of you, of course, but a lack of any research of it's effects on life fibers is something I need to remedy fairly quickly since we will be stationed in this world for some time."

That said, Koishi's suggestion of modifying Bakuzan in such a way brings a surge of positive emotions forward- she's not only very interested, but had no idea that was even an option for her. Of course her usual calm tone betrays her excitement, "Something like that is possible? If that is the case I would certainly be willing to try."

And finally the vehicle comes to a stop. Satsuki slips her laptop back into her bag and grabs her sword as the doors are opened. The driver is instructed to stand by, then she joins Koishi's side. "Then let us be on our way."

[koishi_komeiji]

"Fear of the unknown is extremely dangerous, but a healthy dose of caution can save one's life. You can think of magic in the same way you would think of a science. It's important to remember that magic is not bound by the same rules as science. Certain magics do certain things and react differently when combined with various other types of magics. In addition there are many ways to get the same result using magic with varying degrees of efficiency."

She unbuckled herself with ease, turning and scooting out of the car, smoothing her wrinkled skirt. "A better question to ask would be 'which schools and spells would have the greatest effect on life fibers' rather than generalize magic as a whole."

She looked down at Satsuki's sword. "Of course its possible. Anything can be enhanced with magic though its harder to directly enchant complex life forms. If the blade is hardened life fibers it would probably be easiest to enchant the pommel or guard and direct it up through the blade." At least this train of thought was sufficiently distracting to Satsuki. It helped lift the little satori's mood.

Koishi stepped forward, her third eye drifting up a little as she approached the entrance. Chilly waves of fear were already rolling off of her, though she was trying to direct most of them forward. "Just watch the rear. If anything is out to get us then it will come from somewhere behind me.

.. Dat icon tho D8

[weavemyownfate]

"It sounds like I have much to learn," Satsuki replies, impressed by how simply worded such a complex subject is. It's the mention of efficiency that draws her in deeper still; she's efficient!

It isn't difficult to follow Koishi's instructions since the smaller girl has to take the lead anyway. The waves of fear catch her by surprise at first, but for the moment isn't difficult to adjust to "Understood."

She doesn't get a moment to look her blade over, but she does consider the offered solution; but it isn't entirely clear to her just how much of her blade (and toenails, for that matter) is made of what. Regardless, the possibilities excite her. "So, in theory, this could be done without damaging the blade, correct? While Bakuzan's original purpose is not relevant here as of now, there is no telling what circumstances will form in the future."

There are a few I've been waiting to use...

[koishi_komeiji]

The fear seems to fluctuate a little bit, wavering. The little youkai remains still for several long moments, palms settling above and below her third eye. All at once the power seemed to even out, magnifying immensely. It didn't extend that far back but approaching Koishi from behind was terrifying. It was hard to imagine what it would be like in front of her.

"Ah, there we go." The aura chilled her words almost beyond recognition. "Haven't done this in centuries... It would be easier if my eye was still disconnected though."

This was a good demonstration of her species abilities. Even if Satori had far less power than Koishi, her laser scalpel precision could likely produce superior results on a much smaller scale while Koishi was far better equipped to deal with large numbers of people. They really were opposites.

Koishi started forward quickly, relieving Satsuki of some of the power's weight. At least the fear being created was an irrational one rather than forcing someone to feel their greatest personal fear.

"Don't worry. The blade wouldn't be damaged by a proper enchantment. It would need a new hilt though. One created to contain and channel the spells as well as absorb and store ambient magic since you don't seem to have any yourself. Or at least lack the training to use it." Distance made both her voice and her aura far more tolerable.

That's fine, I didn't need to sleep anyway.

[weavemyownfate]

The experience, without a doubt, is quite the eye opener for Satsuki. It was always difficult for her to place how potentially dangerous Koishi could be, especially being so 'fluffy' most of the time.

The Deputy Guardian has to put in some effort to keep her focus, and is surprised to feel a cold sweat form- how long has it been since she felt that sensation? Her free hand remains on the handle of her sword as she follows along.

"That.. Sounds acceptable.." she replies, actually uncertain how far or how close she should even be.

Sleep is overrated.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi raised her chin slightly, faint glowing orbs of magic drifting up from the ground. Though some of the mushrooms and lichen did seem bio-luminescent, it wasn't quite enough to see by. The orbs were a great help.

"The closer you are, the safer you are, but if you prefer to stay away I can't really blame you." There was splashing and movement in the distance as creatures of various sizes fled the fear aura. "Besides, you can defend yourself if something happens." Now was as good a time as any to talk. It would certainly help Satsuki to focus on something other than the fear aura.

"Satori youkai can be extremely dangerous, even beyond our mind reading ability." She spoke slowly, focusing. The fear aura didn't appear to be perfect, as it did waver now and again. "Precision can allow us to strategically cut an individual's mind apart in an instant, seize control of those with a lesser will, or force them to relive past traumas. Power can let us shatter and strip minds, or force false and irrational emotions into people. Some of us can bring entire crowds to their knees. These feats take a lot of effort, however and are never pleasant. We feel the pain of the mind we hurt."

She paused at a fork, taking a deep breath and turning slowly, pressing on. "Voided satori are immune to magical and psychic influences that target the mind, cannot feel long term emotions like fear, hate, remorse, and love, lack any sort of rational foresight, and often have warped versions of the abilities they were born with. Very few have the awareness to use them, however."

"As a void I can see a person's true nature and read their emotions and intent. I can manipulate a person's true emotions as opposed to imposing false ones, as well as alter their perception. I can seal a person in their own nightmares or simply crush their subconscious as easily as I would a dry leaf."

A T intersection, the little youkai turning and pressing on, floating up to avoid a puddle. "I'm telling you so you understand, not so you can feel nervous around me. When I'm alone, if someone intends to hurt or kill me I alter their perception of me and walk away. If someone intends to hurt or kill someone I'm with, I will try and protect them. I can't help it."

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki remains roughly arm-length in distance, it should be about right for her to turn and swing her sword without much trouble. She is also rather distracted by how unfamiliar her surroundings are- the map she has of Fayren is quite lacking in detail and notes to herself to remedy that at some point.

A detailed map of all sub-cities would be pretty useful.

Koishi's details are greatly appreciated though, she was never clear on how much potential the satori youkai had. It is almost overwhelming, really, and makes her glad she had run into Koishi first instead of Satori since their first meeting would surely have gone downhill quite quickly.

"I am aware of your intention," Satsuki replies with a hint of annoyance, and a few drops of sweat fall down the sides of her face. "So I recall you mentioning that satori get along with animals. But what about other types of youkai?" Obviously there weren't many, if any at all. She recalls Koishi mentioning other species before but doesn't recall if that was before or after she had severed her connection.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi made another turn at the next intersection, something especially large scampering away into the darkness. There were more luminescent plants this way. Mostly lichen. "My sister is less cheerful than I but she doesn't go around breaking minds either. She prefers to use her antagonist's psychology to talk her way out of problems."

She paused for a moment, listening, the fear aura dimming a little bit. She turned to the left, a camouflaged reptile like creature with too many teeth squealing as it dashed from its hiding spot, shooting down the corridor and around a corner.

"Opportunistic creature. Not really dangerous but its one less worry." She continued on. "Animals we usually get along with due to their lack of sentience. Simple minds, like animals, are soothing. And our abilities give them a way to express themselves on a more clear level. It's mutually enjoyable. However sentient creatures like humans and youkai tend to dislike it. They're afraid to be judged I suppose. But, as I've said, when you can see the wrongdoings of everyone it becomes hard to judge people..." A pause. "Some demons seem to mind it less though. I suppose they don't feel they have to hide as much."

She pointed to the next junction, making the mistake of glancing back at Satsuki momentarily. Fortunately her third eye stayed focused forward. "We're almost there. This is the last turn." The sub archway really wasn't hidden that deeply in the waterways but the amount of turns would certainly make it much harder to find for anyone who didn't know where they were going.

*sobs* kowaii...

[weavemyownfate]

She felt so hot. Her heart rate so fast, and can't tell if her hand is steady or not, and when Koishi glances to her she, for the briefest moment, feels like she's going to choke.

And yet she can't help but feel that it's absurd; despite being in this state it's difficult for her to accept. She's certain if she saw herself in the mirror she would call herself pathetic.

At this point she isn't paying much attention to Satori's words, and is extremely focused on slicing anything that gets too close to ribbons on top of resisting the urge of activating junketsu. Koishi's words are responded to with just an affirming, on-edged grunt.

Cue scenery porn.

[koishi_komeiji]

"..." Koishi allowed her aura to dim significantly and then vanish as they reached the end of the path. Before them was a severely warped metal door no longer able to fit in its frame. It was very bent and a chunk from the bottom had rusted away. Light was filtering through the crack in the door as well as through the gap near the bottom.

The door opened easily, long since having distorted to the point it no longer fit into its frame. The hinges were surprisingly quiet, probably recently oiled considering the lingering smell. The chamber was surprisingly open, the dim glow of the sub archway lighting a good bit of the far wall with a orange glow. A rather stark contrast to the blues and greens of the glowing plants.

The room itself was partially submerged with several piles of dark marshy earth with several varieties of lichen and other plants growing over them. There was a surprising abundance of bio luminescent mushrooms. It looked like it must have once housed some sort of primitive pumping or drainage mechanism though very little of it remained. The archway itself was made of a dull, reddish metal. It was almost otherworldly. Some kind of hell-metal it could be assumed. The rippling, glassy surface of the portal was surprisingly chilly and held the blurry shape of what lay beyond.

"There's another lizard thing to your left hiding in that little fern waiting for you to turn your back." A pause, Koishi looking back again to ensure Satsuki was okay after their ordeal. "Would you like a moment to regain your composure?" Koishi was already drifting slowly around, eyes locked on where the lizard was hidden, shoulders shifting subtly.

Bow chikka wow wow~

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki continues to struggle with her emotions, but seems to otherwise follow along easily enough. And while her eyes dart about, it most certainly isn't for the appreciation of nature.

She hasn't spent a lot of time passing through sub-archways, but this one may be the most memorable of the few that she has seen thus far- Again, merely observed rather than admired.

Satsuki's hand remains upon the handle of her sword, and the grip tightens upon her guide providing valuable information- sure, she feels it was likely she could have struck the creature without it, especially with how on edge she is, but the Deputy Guardian is all about efficiency in almost all things and she trusts Koishi enough on that front. A mental thanks is given, as well as a thought that she would much rather continue moving as she turns to continue to follow walking backward after passing the shrubbery.

She feels she can recover while doing as such, so long as the aura remains down anyway.

More scenery porn!

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi also kept her eyes on the lizard, moving forward and standing next to the sub archway. "It's okay. I'm watching it now." Upon closer inspection it was clear that the metal that made up the archway was very sharp, jutting out at odd angles. Not razor sharp, but it could easily scratch or puncture someone who carelessly bumped into it.

She nodded once in silent acknowledgement and waited for Satsuki to pass through the archway first following through after a moment. The archway, it seemed, had been set into an obelisk and faced the palace, the building itself silhouetted against a faint red glow. In fact, most of the area was obfuscated by a deep blackness, though there were lights in the distance here and there.

"Ah. Sis hasn't lit the lamps yet. I'll get it." Faintly illuminated by her glowing eyes, Koishi made her way over to a pole in the dark. It was strange. Her two regular eyes glowed far more brightly than her third. Summoning a bit of magic into her hands, she rose into the air, laying her palm against a glass orb at the top. Instantly it sprung to life, growing gradually brighter. This started a ripple effect, lights all around brightening and rousing the ones next to them, quickly illuminating the palace and the area around it.

The buidling itself was massive, far more so than Satsuki probably envisioned. It was a massive three stories and was built with a strange mix of russian and gothic archetechture. The whole thing had a burnt feel to it, the exterior surface, stained a deep red color, the fresher ash that had settled on top of it cracked and caked in some places, marred by trails left behind by dripping water. Despite this the windows were impressively clean and many of them containing decorative stained glass of many colors. Above the towering front doors was a decorative eye likely ten feet across. It seemed to stare down at them, though it was likely only for show.

The land around the imposing building was rather stark in contrast. The slate path leading up to the door was a bit dirty but was likely swept with some regularity. And though there was quite a bit of machenery dotting the areas around the palace, there were also well tended flowers, shrubs, and areas of grass placed in aesthetically pleasing areas. The strange orb lamps must be generating something similar to real sunlight.

"We have fruit trees, a vegetable garden, and a pond in the back." She made no move to continue. She could faintly sense her sister's presence inside, focused, probably on her writing. She would notice them soon, however. She shifted from foot to foot taking a slow breath. She had no idea how this was going to go...

Iyaan! D:

[weavemyownfate]

It isn't until Satsuki finds herself in the deepest of darkness does she realize she did not arrive fully prepared- She didn't think she would be going on an expedition, per se, but maybe she should have brought at least one or two basic survival items aside from her sword. Well, there was no use reflecting on it now, was there?

The Deputy Guardian looks from one thing to another, but at this point she really does need a moment to allow her body to get back to normal- This was quite a trial, but she had managed to pull through much like with her first encounter with Junketsu. She raises a hand to her forehead as her heavy breathing continues.

"What kind of fruit?" she manages to ask between breaths, and her stance a bit slouched. After a moment she'll be able to observe the area proper, but first thing's firest..

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi waited several moments for Satsuki to relax and regain her composure. While it would still be easier for Satsuki to go inside and rest there, it was clear that she would not wish to be seen in such a weakened state. Pausing for only for a moment, she reached out and took Satsuki's hand, leading her slowly around the side of the palace, cutting across the lush fields of grass, the faint, chilly breeze stirring up a variety of familiar and unfamiliar smells. Most of them were surprisingly floral.

"Just a bit further." The palace was huge and there was an impressive amount of ground to cover to get around to the back of the palace. A number of curious animals began making themselves known. Dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes... An impressive variety. Koishi doesn't seem to pay them much mind, but her third eye does react, turning and focusing on each in turn, quite alert.

She stopped once they had reached the back courtyard. The area was quite peaceful, a nearby burbling spring and many different kinds of fruit trees gave the air an additional sweet scent. The little satori led Satsuki over to a bench, setting her down and floating up into the air. She drifted over picking up a wicker basket and gathered a few pieces of fruit from the trees, apples, plums, peaches, oranges... The basket filled quickly, koishi drifting over to the spring and filling a tin cup directly from the source. She drifted over to the exhausted woman, placing the basket down next to her, offering her the cup. "Here, this will help. The spring water is pure. Don't worry."

As if called, a raccoon poked its head out from a nearby bush, making a beeline for the two. More specifically, the basket. Koishi quickly set the basket and cup down next to Satsuki, scooping the squirming creature up before it could get to the basket. "No Scribbles. Those aren't for you." She took a much smaller peach out of her pocket, giving it to the raccoon who took it greedily, stuffing it in its mouth.

[weavemyownfate]

Of course the moment her hand is touched, she jerks it back, but not hard enough to break the grip perhaps. She goes along with being led along, though as they do, her cheeks darken- It's pretty obvious she's never done anything like this before.

Once they eventually arrived, she had to admit she was impressed by the size of the palace; it really wasn't what she was expecting at all! There's so much to look at, she doesn't seem to even notice the time passing when Koishi went to get fruit then eventually brings it back.

Satsuki responds with a surprised, "Ah." ... "Thank you." then quickly consumes the water. She could feel herself quickly recovering, though her nerves were still pretty frazzled. Following that she picks up the apple, blinks a few times, then an amused snort passes her lips.

Scribbles. Of course.

"That.. Was quite the journey."

[koishi_komeiji]

"Indeed it was. I didn't understand the strength of your resolve until now. You're an exceptional human Satsuki. Thank you again for coming. If there's anything you need don't hesitate to ask." Though, truthfully, the woman's thoughts were likely more than enough to convey any desires to the small mind reader.

The chubby raccoon managed to squirm free from Koishi's hands, landing with a soft plop and dropping its peach. It blinked and sniffed around, quickly finding it and scampering off into a nearby bush to enjoy its treat.

And then, as if a switch had been flipped, more animals began making themselves known. Several rabbits, a fox with a missing eye and ear, and several other small mammals were the first to make themselves noticed, followed quickly by several birds and a large tortoise who had, not long ago, been masquerading as a rock.

"You are a curious bunch..." It seemed they had all come to investigate Satsuki for one reason or another, their numbers slowly and steadily increasing. The presence of the animals was having a significantly lightening effect on the little youkai, her third eye dipping and bobbing, turning from one creature to another as she listened to their mental chatter.

There was a small sound, something nudging Satsuki's side. A ferret had managed to make its way up onto the bench, nibbling her fingers some, wanting to be petted. The bunnies were already crowding her feet, warming them. Even through her boots. It probably wouldn't be long before the other animals wanted attention too. Satsuki could see an irish wolfhound making its way around a hedge into the clearing...

2x post combo! \o/

[satori_komeiji]

Inside, under Satori's desk, a catlike presence stirred, sitting up and stretching as it padded out of the room slowly, as if drawn to something going on. Slowly, Satori's third eye turned to follow the panther's wanderings as it walked straight out the door, into the hallway and down a rather large flight of stairs leading down.

Satori slowly put down her pen, noticing something amiss. It had slowly been building in the back of her mind, but was making itself known. After all, animals had instincts as a form of their own 'mind-reading'. But this wasn't simply one animal wanting to wander outside. Shutting her book solemnly and leaving her study for a moment, she heard several animals, their thoughts trying to alert her, calling for their owner's attention. As for the few she felt outside, they were beginning to cluster about. The elder Satori youkai heard countless voices, the thoughts of animals approximating their humanoid equivalent's as best they could. Sporadically, she heard 'master master owner come here come here' At least it was a synthesis of what she could divulge from the many streams of thought of these animals. In time, Satori would emerge from Chireiden, following the various animals out, trying to calm them down, some.

And then Satori noticed Satsuki and Koishi nearby, her third eye straining a little bit to pick out what was...off about her.

It hit her like a ton of bricks. She could feel Koishi's mind directly, instead of it being obfuscated under her void state. Immediately, she thought of what could've triggered such a change. But this wasn't an occasional burst of lucidity. She felt...much the same as how she used to be.

The wolfhound move to Satori's side, looking up at her with concern and whining. Its thoughts displayed a shared confusion they both understood. The panther nuzzled Koishi's leg and pressed its head into her hand, looking happily to see her. "Kuro, please, come back..." And when the panther just glared back in defiance, she decided to call out to her sister... "...Koishi, what's happened to you? Are you...are you alright?" She was perplexed. Her typically emotionless detachment gave way to worry, perhaps even fear... "Lady Satsuki, I'm so glad you brought her to me when you did..." She paused for a moment, reading surface thoughts... "Or...that you brought yourselves here. Regardless...I don't have any clue as to what's going on..."

- MARVELOUS!

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki looks the apple over before she takes a bite into it, though takes the compliment in stride- She doesn't question how exceptional she is, in the position she has taken she has to be, really. But a test like this one was and extremely unique one.

And of course she has no idea that the experience will aide her in the future, but that is another tale.

The young lady pauses in her munching once the animals start to reveal themselves in droves, many types that she had never seen up close before, and to her own surprise doesn't find herself particularly uncomfortable with the situation. But if Koishi suggests she takes any of them home, there's going to be a problem for sure. She has enough animals, thank you. That said, she's merely tolerant of their presence, with no intention of showing any sort of affection.

To no one's surprise, surely.

But Satori's presence is a welcome one for certain, and so upon her arrival Satsuki stands once more, but doesn't make an attempt to move her feet- despite the rather unusual surroundings, she still manages to keep a regal presence. It's also at this point that she seems to notice the warmth the rabbits give and is a little confused about that, but speaks to the older sister first. "Unfortunately nor do I, Komeiji, it happened rather suddenly. I suspect that an unusual event occurred to cause this and in my experience they are temporary occurances. Still it is just an assumption." beat "Actually, I should check the network to see if any new information has come up."

Slow in coming but I hope I got this right...

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi didn't turn as Satori approached, keeping her face carefully blank. She felt her sister's mind brush against her own, recoiling a little, visibly cringing. Though Satori had managed to maintain the semi monotone Koishi had come to know from her sister, it did little to alleviate her rising heartbeat. She was scared. So very scared.

There was a subtle movement, her jaw tightening, her eye turning from the animals to her sister, reaching out to meet her sister's psychic probe before turning to face her older sister in full.

She opened her mouth... and closed it just as quickly, legs wobbling as she stepped forward, unsteady as her mind struggled to find the old, unspoken middle ground they had shared in the past. It had been over a century, and yet- "Sis?" Her own voice sounded strange, Koishi stepping forward, her third eye hovering centimeters from her sister's. Satsuki had never seen it open so wide. "You haven't changed at all." The words were breathy, a little slurred, and audible purely out of habit.

It was quiet. Even the animals seemed to have grown still, watching the silent exchange between the two sisters. Koishi's eyes fell again, biting her lip hard, she raised a sleeve to wipe her eyes before wrapping her trembling arms around her sister's shoulders, gripping as tightly as she dared.

It was the first time in over a century Satori had seen Koishi cry.