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]

"You're welcome."

It really hasn't been that difficult. After her talk with Satori, Satsuki had seen the both of them in a new enough light to keep from being as alienated as when they had all first met. Still, one thing she can't get used to is the little youkai's energy and general nonsense, as it tends to throw off her order and efficiency about the house. Distracting her with cereal should keep the girl busy long enough to finally start her exercise regime.

At least that's what she first thought, but before she could move to the living room, Koishi completely and utterly freaks out and that catches her completely by surprise. "Komeiji?" she quickly moves then attempts to set a hand on the girl's shoulder, "Komeiji, what's happening? Can you hear me?"

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi's eye snapped to attention, rolling to look at Satsuki, it was twitching, searching the woman's face. Again the little youkai's hand wrapped around the artery attached to her temple, but she didn't pull this time. She set her head down on the table with a dull thunk, fingers slowly creeping up, fingers wrapping around the little heart button firmly clipped to a black bandanna.

She quieted as the hand settled on her shoulder. "Yes I... Oh gods I can see everything. Give me a moment." She reached up toward the eye, fingers wrapping around it, the index gently, gently pulling the lid partway down. Focusing on her breathing, she focused on a single speck on the table, trying to tune out the world and the sense of vertigo creeping over her as her awareness continued to sharpen.

It was several minutes before she lifted her head, looking far more alert than Satsuki had ever seen her... In fact Satsuki would have no trouble seeing the little youkai as she gazed around, drawing her third eye in close to her chest.

It was a small fortune that it was still fairly early. The early risers would already be at work and the late birds still hadn't quite woken up yet.

"I-Im fine." She didn't sound fine. "I just-" A breath. "May I have some water Satsuki?"

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki wishes that Satori were here; she hasn't the slightest idea about what's going on, and knows even less of how youkai anatomy works. If Koishi were to drop right here and now, she wouldn't have the slightest idea what to do. The screams are so startling, but it'd do no good for her to panic.

'See everything'? During the moment of silence, Satsuki takes in the details, seeing what may be different now than just moments ago, the most obvious being that the eye is now open and connected to Koishi's head- It must be linked to a sudden surge of information, and is able to read minds again. Satsuki didn't have a good feeling about this..

"Of course. Gothorita." the raven haired woman glances off to the side, and the small pokemon tends to opening the fridge, then levitates a cooled bottle of water over to the young lady. She twists the cap off first, then hands it over in hopes that it will keep any additional storms from raging. So, for the moment, she doesn't press any questions.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi released the heart button to take the bottle, allowing herself several long drinks before lowering it to take a breath. She seemed far more composed than she was before, her panicked eye finally starting to calm somewhat. Especially after she tilted her head slightly, resting the chilly corner of the bottle's base against the base of the temple artery.

"I'm worried too..." She let her third eye go, flinching as it opened further. Without he cataract it had that same eerie depth her sister's had. And, like the eyes of the blind, it had retained a very static nature. It wasn't rolling wildly in its socket like it was before,but it certainly wasn't still, drifting around the room as if tracking something Satsuki could not see.

She turned to face her host, opening her mouth once, and then closing it. "Forgive me... If- ah..." She cleared her throat, hands trembling as she drew herself up, folding them tightly in her lap. "Yes. I can... Read your mind Satsuki. I'm sorry. I know I tell Satori not to answer people's thoughts but..."

Talking helped. This she remembered. Voices did wonders to drown out the mental chatter. As did having a clear view of the psyche of a single entity, though the presence of the human's mind was a bit overwhelming. She latched on, focusing, easing the mental burden somewhat.

"... I'm sorry..."

[weavemyownfate]

The situation is simply so.. Out there, Satsuki really doesn't know if she should be horrified or not. Perhaps it's Koishi's normally playful nature that keeps her feelings grounded. That and the fact that she didn't abruptly vanish and go into hiding is rather helpful.

For the moment she shows little concern for the now-open eye wandering about, her own gaze locked on Koishi's with an uncertain frown. Perhaps what's most surprising is that Koishi just seems.. Vulnerable? Ah, yes, Satsuki recalls that Koishi's eye was not always closed.

"Hmph." Satsuki raises her hand to set atop Koishi's head as a small smile creeps upon her features. "While I appreciate the apology, I believe I can trust you not to shout everything from the rooftops. Besides, it is hardly rational to blame you for your very existance, Komeiji. Is focusing on me helping you keep control?"

[koishi_komeiji]

"Your presence is a cornerstone in my mind Satsuki. A simple 'thank you' would not suffice." There was a moment's pause, Koishi finally having managed to steady herself, for now at least. Though nothing significant had physically changed, she had a whole different energy about her. Her stare was harder, her shoulders square, she no longer fidgeted... Some of the little mannerisms she had before were still present, though it was still like speaking with another person entirely.

"Right. It's easy to see now what I could only sense before. Practical but layered with so much hardship and-" Koishi visibly flinched, looking away, silently thankful reading didn't bring the probed memories to the surface. She stood up a little too quickly, jostling the table, hands darting forward to steady the bottle. Perhaps her clumsiness was not actually attached to her hyperactivity.

"My head hurts..." She raised the heels of her hands, pressing carefully on her eye lids, swaying unsteadily. her third eye was still trained on Satsuki. "It's selfish for me to ask, but could you take me to Fayren? I don't trust myself to fly right now. And if I'm restored I could never forgive myself if something happened to my sister... And I'll never forgive her if she did something to cause this, be it a miracle or a cruel joke."

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki draws her hand back to pull a chair over and sit next to the little Satori without looking away from her. She's noticing the different behavior for the most part, but it's difficult to determine if, because of it, such behavior is abnormal. When the girl attempts to stand, she doesn't budge; only intending to move should the girl actually fall.

Being where they are, Satsuki doesn't particularly mind being addressed by her first name but she doesn't really understand why that switch has happened either. Actually what's making her the most uncomfortable is how unprepared she is for this. So when Koishi asks her to get her to Fayren, she is actually too happy to arrange travel. She stands up to head to the fridge again, and grabs a ice bag. "Very well, let us get going. I am uncertain how much it will help, but try applying this to your head."

"So your sister is capable of doing something like this?" Satori asks. Not that she's judging; she took her own sister's limb as a fiber sample to make another uniform.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi didn't move from the side of the table, choosing to lean against it to prevent herself from falling for several more moments before releasing it, holding out her arms to steady herself. She remained stil for a breath before cautiously lowering them, her third eye taking its place in front of her chest.

"I really appreciate your help. I can't imagine what would have happened had I been alone... And I know this is shocking. Truth be told I'm as confused as you are." She took the ice gratefully, pressing it to her head. "My condition is permanent. Or it should have been, so your lack of preparation is understandable. I've never heard of anything like this happening before." She stepped forward with no small amount of care, moving around to take Satsuki's hand, not wanting to risk falling. Even if she was growing more stable it was better to be cautious, allowing Satsuki to lead her.

She opened her mouth to reply to Satsuki's question, flinching a bit. She didn't have her sister's control when it came to hiding her emotions. She quickly moved on to answer Satsuki's question before she could delve more into the woman's mind. "Forgive me for talking a good bit. It helps drown everything else out. Ah... Yes and no. All satori are mind readers. My sister and I are on different ends of the spectrum. Her mental strength isn't anything special but her focus and control is among the best. I, on the other hand, lack the control needed to reel in my ability."

"I read more than just surface thoughts... and it wouldn't be so bad if I could choke it around people. Even if only for a short while. Read the secrets of the wrong human and soon you'll have an angry lynch mob at your door. It certainly doesn't help that their most 'treasured' secrets tend to pop into their heads when they find out they're speaking with a mind reader."

[weavemyownfate]

... Ok, now things are getting strange. Satsuki thought she had gotten used to Koishi's shift in speech but, no, she's been with the girl too long to accept this as normal. It wasn't bad, mind, but it was going to take more getting used to than she thought.

But it's possible this could be reversed at any point, so maybe she's thinking too much on that front.

"Not at all," she replies with another shake of her head, she could use a break from her usual routine, though it's a shame it's under such stressful circumstances. "Say whatever you wish, though I confess I am not the best at keeping up idle chit chat.." of course Koishi already knew that. A couple of ideas for distractions come to mind, however.

Of course Satsuki show hesitance in taking the hand, and she somehow manages to look awkward while eventually doing so and breaks eye contact. Satsuki's never even held her own sister's hand. "Unfortunatly I know what you say to be true; I do not have a solution at present, but perhaps there is some comfort in saying that I am not one of the 'wrong' humans you speak of." beat "Let us make our way to the garage, Komeiji."

[koishi_komeiji]

"I'm well aware my behavior is not anything that you're used to. A lot of my actions stem from the unconscious desire to be noticed. So I do what I must so others can more easily become aware of my presence. I'm not... Actually all that childish in my thinking. Just incapable of certain levels of complexity."

She set the ice pack by the kitchen sink as they passed. It was soothing but it probably wasn't the best of ideas to continue with it. "Though those are all wonderful distractions they won't get us to Fayren any faster. Talking may be difficult but its all I can really do for now."

There was a small pause, a misstep in her gait, head inclining slightly toward Satsuki, as did her eye. "I don't think so. You aren't the kind of person to dirty your sword due to an action someone cannot help. Even if it is personal to you. Control? Perhaps. If you weren't sure of them. But you already know I'm 'trustworthy.' It is not my place to judge or pity. Especially when its clear that a mind like yours will remain unbroken no matter the hardship."

She was trying to emotionally distance herself, and it was not easy. The ebb and flow of the thoughts and emotions around her were not easy to stand against. "... Why don't you tell me about your sister." Black, red, lots of yelling... She did her best to restrain herself. Hearing the thoughts and ideas colored by Satsuki's voice would give a much better picture than simply reading them.

She reached up, gently pulling the eye's lid down partially, the little youkai allowing the world go go a bit fuzzy around her.

[weavemyownfate]

"Ah, so that would explain it.." Satsuki couldn't figure that out on her own, she'd never faced a girl quite like her. "But the intent isn't to get us to Feyren any quicker, they are means of getting your mind to focus on a particular point. Besides, talking without a specific means in mind is not exactly my.. strongest suit either."

After grabbing her briefcase and sword, Satsuki makes her way out into the hall and toward the elevator with a small frown. It's at this point she notices that Koishi isn't fading in and out- perhaps this must be another effect of the eye being opened.

When Koishi asks about her sister, though, Satsuki withdraws her communication device. The strongest feeling that goes along with Ryuko is 'guilt'. ".. I had better make certain the car arrives on time. It will only take a moment."

[koishi_komeiji]

"Some of those games would have required us to sit down and play them rather than continue moving. A word game might help but a simple conversation will do. Perhaps it will benefit you too. Freely speaking is a skill you seem to lack. You are a born leader and you will accomplish many great things. You plan every step and accomplish feats and sacrifice much. But what will you do when the 'war' is over? Where will your happiness be? Especially if you don't practice now."

She pressed her fingers against her eye more firmly, stopping by Satsuki near the elevator. Her finger shifted and the eyelid shut completely, the little satori wobbling a moment, her outline wavering, before jolting 'awake', the eye snapping open. She forced her hand down by her side, trying to ignore the growing noise.

Koishi took a breath and nodded, waiting for Satsuki to finish her call before she would speak. She ran a hand through her hair. Her hat...? She blinked, glancing over her shoulder. It was still on the table inside. Well, it wasn't the end of the world. She couldn't wear it right now anyway. Satsuki would take good care of it.

"You do care for your sister." She tried to shake off the little ripples of guilt. "You should invite her over for tea sometime. Or perhaps you could both come to Chireiden and we could go have a picnic near the underground lake. The lichen there is bio-luminescent and actually has a multitude of colors."

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki mumbles something, then ends the call.

".. Who has time to worry about such matters?" Satsuki asks and, for the time being, ignores the comment of needing to sit for the tasks she had in mind. "I certainly do not feel I possess such a luxury. I have been thrust from one problem to another, and both require my attention and participation. Besides, I have the rest of my life to figure that out."

The doors open and she takes Koishi in with her. While she notices the treatment with the eye, she isn't really sure what to make of it but her grip upon the smaller one's hand firms up a touch.

But once Ryuko is mentioned, Satsuki grumbles and her cheeks pinken. "Ryuko does not drink tea. And I do not play video games." she mutters, not out of disappointment but clearly having an internal struggle. It wasn't easy, but she has adjusted to guiding her generals along like pawns. But doing the same with Ryuko makes her feel a bit of dread. She tries to keep a neutral expression, but it seems she wants to drop the subject. ".. I would rather not."

[koishi_komeiji]

"You don't and you know it." A deep sigh, her third eye turning up to Satsuki. "You would not appreciate someone sugar-coating the truth, and so I wont. You must prepare for the world outside of your conflicts just as you must prepare for each and every battle fought. A fish that has spent its life in a the ocean cannot simply be tossed into a lake. Most fish would die quickly, though some strong ones are able to acclimate. And even for the ones that can, the process must be at least somewhat gradual. You are so focused on your goals that you do not take the time to prepare for whats beyond them. Or, at least, how you will fit into them."

She returned the squeeze. "I would not bring it up if I was not concerned. You may hate me for it if you wish, but you've done a lot for me, I would like to do something for you. The breakdown of the psyche is something only a third party can really see and understand. Because we lie to ourselves. Even me."

Truthfully, she would not normally try to help someone like this. Humans rarely viewed actions like this as "helping," even when they were sincere. Her sphere of influence was slowly decreasing as she drew her powers into herself. Though this only made Satsuki's thoughts louder.

"A sensitive topic. One after another it seems." A bitter joke. She and Satori really were related. "She's not a tool. She's your sister. Even if she's a living weapon. You chose your generals based upon their ability and because you knew they would work well with you. But you do not choose family. Besides, you have more in common than you think."

She leaned forward a little, looking up, trying to give the woman a smile. "Start on equal footing with her. She may be stronger than you but her swordsmanship is very sloppy. Her swings are erratic and she wastes so much energy correcting it. Why not teach her how to properly use her weapon? Then, in time, you might someday find a video game you like. Just as she might find a tea to be fond of."

[weavemyownfate]

"Hmn." Satsuki is actually a little surprised by Koishi's first words. She doesn't take it personally, maybe it's the lack of fire behind it that caught her off-guard. It's mostly hotheads that really disagree with her after all. Her cheeks pinken as she shakes her head, "Yes, well.."

After a few moments the duo reach the parking level, and it is only a few steps away to their ride. Enough time has passed; while it can be a bit unsettling, Satsuki is growing more aware of the benefit of having a satori read her and provide feedback, even if she may not agree at first. 'Hate' is about the furthest thing from her mind.

"I suppose that is true.. In fact that is such a simple idea, I am a little surprised I had never thought of it." she opens the door to allow Koishi inside. "That is an acceptable first step- I shall try that. But my future is.. Complicated. I have enough issues to manage. While perhaps I exaggerated on how much time I have..." When she was told that she actually failed in defeating her mother her confidence was deeply shaken by it, for example. All of that training and preperation lead up to nothing. "I just cannot right now."

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi hesitated, moving to the door to the back seat. Of course... The only other time she had ridden inside a car she had been buckled into the middle back so the belt wouldn't constrict her external nerves and arteries. "You're welcome. It is rare that someone understands the benefit of having their flaws exposed." She paused for several moments, situating herself before very very carefully buckling herself into place.

"Of course you didn't think of it. You're thoughts are too complex. With complexity comes adaptability but also hubris. It becomes easy to overlook things and you're no exception. Everyone can benefit from listening to what the fool has to say once in awhile." A beat. "Wow... That 'Mako' person might be a bit... Well if her presence helps your sister I guess..."

She allowed her third eye to settle into her hands, gently massaging it as she allowed her thoughts to wander. "Your drive will not be restored by this sort of worrying. While it would seem your grand plans bore no fruit, it's not entirely true. It brought you four warriors and friends. It furthered your research into your weapons. It even attracted the attention of your sister who it seems will help you seize victory. Even if the battle was lost to that monster, you set your own victory in motion. It's something to take pride in."

"Oh... That's what it was." She blinked. "Your uniform has had me so confused. Nerve-like, parasitic, ability enhancing fibers woven into a strength enhancing suit is not the strangest thing I've heard in my life." Her brow furrowed, third eye drifting closer... She shook her head. "I can't pick up on it with my eye open. Your thoughts drown it out. It was like... Mm... Describing my perception consciously is not easy."

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki buckles herself in as well, after Koishi gets herself settled in- With little trouble which, almost sadly, is rather interesting to see. Her bag is set upon her lap with her hands folded atop it, back and shoulders straight.

"'A fool', hmn?" she replies, though her cheeks end up pinkening again at the mention of Mako. It seems she's still adjusting to Koishi's methods. Following that, though, Koishi's words come off to her as rather.. Fluffy. But somehow it isn't so bad. Still, it's difficult for her to shake off, but less so than it was before.

Then at last comes Junketsu. Satsuki had been actively avoiding talking about it to Koishi, keeping it more as some sort of trump card if a conversation went in a particularly bad direction. The satori's reaction toward it leaves her a little confused in turn, though. "Does it really matter? It is just a suit."

[koishi_komeiji]

"Indeed. Never let your hubris dictate your actions. Though most sentient creatures are not able to remove themselves from it entirely... And I'm sorry if my speech is coming off as overly light and happy. Or even airheaded. I'm used to having to articulate and be very clear with my thoughts in order to be understood." She shifted uncomfortably, lightly rubbing her left temple.

She pursed her lips at Satsuki's question. Did it matter? "I feel it matters. Thinking back is like trying to make sense of a semi lucid dream. I remember colors and shapes and emotions but I'm already starting to overthink it." She set her head back, closing her eyes, quiet for several moments. "I'll just..." A sigh. "There were blues. Lots of blues airbrushed and smeared over black. And a quiet simmering that made my bones ache... It's presence is too small and lethargic to focus on. Ask me again when I go back to... Actually I suppose this is supposed to be 'normal' for me."

She thumbed the heart shaped clip connected to her bandanna. "Does phenomina like this happen very often? It is temporary, right?" It had been something she had been afraid to ask.

[weavemyownfate]

"There is no need to apologize, I merely confused your words as idealist in nature." Satsuki replies, "I suppose even if they were it is not inherantly bad. But that is neither here or there."

As for her thinking it matters, "Well it shouldn't, what you are experiencing is a simple case of making something out of nothing. My clothing is not something you can interact with nor care for as a pet. It may as well be mold." beat "'Normal', hmn? It was not long ago you mentioned Gamagori being 'two people'. Considering the circumstances, would that not to you as well?"

The question of phenomina arises then, and Satsuki twists her lips a moment. "Assuming this is one, it is difficult to say. There was an episode in which one could walk into others dreams and that was temporary. But I have not experienced enough to say for certain that it is. Perhaps I should speak to Raye about it later on."

[koishi_komeiji]

"Idealist?" She scoffed. "The world is full of pain. That's why you need to appreciate anything positive you can find in a situation. Even a phyrric victory can be something to take pride in when the deck is stacked so heavily against you."

She sat back in her seat, her eyes glazing over as she allowed her third eye to settle in her hands, a finger pulling the lid partially down. "I meant that he had two reactions. As if he were two people reacting to one thing or one person reacting to two things. In this case his attitude toward both you and your uniform is vastly different."

Another gentle stroke. "As for Junketsu... I don't think you should speak so poorly about it. It seems aware and thinking, though I don't know how complex it is. Regardless, wouldn't it be best to work with how it thinks rather than forcing it?"

She didn't respond right away at the mention of the previous phenomena, a bit caught up in her own thoughts. "I hope sis isn't too happy about this. Despite how she acts she has such a soft and kind heart. Something like this can only end in tragedy, be it tomorrow or in a century.

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki can't really argue with Koishi's retort to the idealism comment. And following the clarification, "I understood what you meant."

"And no, not particularly." is the Deputy Guardian's response to the question of Junketsu. Her thoughts purposefully drift toward those of revenge, though it doesn't get her blood boiling as it did in the past. "And I feel I understand your sister enough to gather that much.. In fact I am somewhat envious of her." To be particular, her relationship with Koishi. She gestures toward her company. "That said, it would appear I am missing something.. How, exactly, would this development end in a tragic manner?"

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi smiled a bit, letting go of her third eye, wincing as her mind expanded again. It would hurt so much less in Fayren. There were far fewer people to keep pressure on her mind. At the question, however, Koishi stiffened for a different reason, her third eye turning to look at Satsuki. The little satori seemed reluctant to speak.

"I suppose I might as well tell you. I'm not fond of thinking about it. It's... kind of funny to see. Satori omitted most of the story when you spoke with her. I can't imagine its a happy memory for her either."

"I severed my own connection to my third eye. There were quite a few events leading up to it and I won't go into too much detail. Satori can seal away their power though it can be dangerous. An improper seal can cause a painful and eventually fatal amount of psychic feedback over time." She reached up and touched the artery coming from her head before letting her arm drop back down, resting her elbows on her knees. "I was so desperate to make the pain stop I took a knife to my eye. When that didn't work I ripped out the nerves connecting my eye to my brain. I probably should have cut it with the knife to keep the would clean, but Satori had managed to get that away from me." She was wringing her hands. "I would have probably bled to death if she hadn't been there."

A breath. "I don't remember much after that... Or rather, that's when my memory really became jumbled, but it improved a lot in the decades that followed. My sister told me it was years before I could walk and function again. Much less speak. But I knew the risks and did it anyway. And I know myself well enough that I'll probably end up in a similar position again. I'll break my sister's heart again."

She looped her finger around the artery. "I don't want to be hated. I don't want to look at someone and feel nothing but loathing and disgust. Purely because of what I am and my power to see their thoughts. That feeling is not one I can describe to a human. I'm sorry."

[weavemyownfate]

Well. That is a rather dark tale.

Satsuki listens quietly- in some ways the tale is relatable, but in others it surpasses the scope of reality. But at it's heart, the tale is quite 'human' when she was expecting something more mythical.

"That is a troubleing situation," Satsuki murmurs as she raises a hand to her chin. If history did end up repeating itself, is there anything she could do to stop Koishi? Is the environment of Genessia so similar to the satori's home for that matter? And, what is most troubling, is should she support Koishi's choice of running away from what she is? "I feel I understand."

But not to the degree in which she empathizes with the little one's desires.

[koishi_komeiji]

"I didn't tell you because I wanted your help, pity, or approval. I just knew you'd understand. Humans and satori are alike in a lot of ways and we do have different ways of thinking, but I wouldn't tell you this if I was afraid your emotions would cloud your opinion. That's both your greatest strength and greatest weakness. And besides, it's only fair if you learn a bit about me considering the situation." Her tone was a bit lighter at the end, making another attempt at a joke.

"There is a difference though. There are times when you can abandon yourself without shame or scorn. Reading minds can be unbearable and it can be very easy to simply turtle yourself away from the hatred, and that's fine for Sis. But I can't live like that. I still want to see and try new things. I want to meet new people. And I'll find plenty of people to hate me on my travels. I'm mentally stronger than I was before, but I still have limits. I don't want to be caged by my own ability."

She visibly relaxed as they crossed into Fayren, melting back into her seat and letting out a long breath. Satsuki could feel the full weight of Koishi's mental presence lift from her mind. "Ah! There aren't nearly as many minds." She let out another sigh of relief. "Ah! People are happier here. Less stress than in the city. More animals too. They're so simple. I forgot how soothing it was. A mind completely devoid of the baggage sentient beings carry."

[weavemyownfate]

Satsuki doesn't quite as visably relax, but she certainly projects feelings of relief once the pair have passed through. She hasn't spent much time in Fayren herself, other than to visit a couple of people, but it seems more of an annoyance for her. A puzzle that's beyond her understanding.

But with that aside, it should come as no surprise that she doesn't appear amused by the crack. It might have flown over her head. She does appear more thoughtful following the description of the small satori's desires. "So that is why you enjoy the company of animals." beat "Where are we headed from here?"