genessia | [Video/Backdated] A Hollow Understanding

Current Location: Old Hell Sub-Archway

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[Video/Backdated] A Hollow Understanding

WHO: Koishi and you
WHAT: Public Video about the spirits (mainly directed at those affected by them)
WHEN: Early 4th day of the spirit incident
WHERE: Old Hell
WARNINGS: Pretty damn dark

There was a small crackle of static and the video feed flickered on showing a girl with green hair illuminated by the phone and another faint light-source somewhere off screen. She was dressed in full uniform, resembling the three star outfits worn by those associated with the guardian of Nova City, though she wasn't wearing her usual hat. She was unusually serious, her third eye open quite a bit; a testament to her focus. There was a glowing, semi-translucent, and half-frozen lake behind her, the glassy surface rippling occasionally as creatures moved about. Everything else was a curtain of unbroken darkness.

"Ah... Hello there. I think its broadcasting.... Yes! Yes it is!" she took a step back from the screen and gave it a small bow. "To anyone watching, hello. For those unfamiliar with me, my name is Koishi Komeiji. I'm the younger sister of Fayren's guardian Satori Komeiji and the head of magic and supernatural investigations for the Nova City Guardian, Miss Wh-" Pause. "Satsuki Kiryuin. I am a voided satori youkai, or youkai of 'consciousness' capable of reading and manipulating the subconscious minds of those around me."

A deep breath. "I was reluctant to make this video for awhile, but with the escalating problems in both Everglade and Genessia I believe I should before things escalate further. As you are all well aware, a rip in Everglade's barrier has allowed numerous hostile spirits enter unchecked. What you may or may not know is that they are after the emotions of sentient life-forms. It is for this reason I urge anyone left to retreat to Fayren, Nova City, or Attleton for safety reasons and be ready to move again should another archway become occupied."

"Now..." She lowered her head. "Addressing those who have already been... affected by the spirits. No two minds will react to trauma of this level in the same way so do not hesitate to contact me. I have... lived without my own emotions for over a century. They were destroyed along with my mind reading when my third eye was disconnected. It has only been through hard work and a bit of good fortune... and thievery if I'm to be completely honest, that I have re-discovered several scraps of my own emotion and learned how to reflect the emotions of others. Hence why I picked such an isolated spot to call from. It would be a disservice to address this issue while reflecting and acting out the emotions of others."

Gently she reached up to massage just under her scar. "You mortals don't have centuries to work at reclaiming your emotions so if a reliable method of restoring them is found, I will ensure that word travels. Until then, I have made my contact information public so if I can quiet any restless thoughts you have on the subject, I would be happy to oblige. I can't stay lucid forever, but I've done my best to make conditions ideal for my mind. I should be able to maintain clarity for some time. If later you have a question you wish me to answer I will do my best then as-well. But I can't promise I will make perfect sense."

(OOC: If you want to talk to Koishi at a "later date" just make a note of it in your post or in your header.)

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Another video that Luke didn't even listen to entirely--when he recognized Koishi's voice he worked himself into a frenzy in his rush to reply--so much do that when his face fills the screen it's upside down.

No hat at the moment. There's a fingerprint, bloody and smudged, on his face. And he looks almost like he could cry--because he's seen her on the video feed and that means she's okay.

"K-Koishi!"

He rubs his eyes. "A-are....are you hurt? Or s-safe from those spirit t-things? You're ok-kay enough t-to p-post..."

Luke acts like an adult sometimes. But when push comes to shove he's still 13 and homesick and scared.

Edited 2015-07-06 12:30 (UTC)

Koishi's eyebrows raised some as Luke suddenly popped up on her communicator and, a moment later, a small smile. Sorry Luke, it's the best she can do given the circumstances."

"Hello Luke. I'm glad to see you're okay." She kept her voice calm and level. "Don't worry. I'm safe right now. I'm resting in Old Hell. Once I've got my energy back I'm going to go back out and fight the spirits again. I know how to handle them as well as myself. And because of that I need to be out there trying to fix the hole in the sky."

"For now though, I'd like you to see something." It was time for a subject change if she could manage. Luke certainly needed the distraction... She gestured behind her, turning the camera a bit. "This is the glowing lake. It glows because fragments of spirits have bonded with the water and plant life. It's where we fish out those eels that sis cooks. It's not really good for humans to swim in. It's very murky. Especially near the surface. About... five or six meters down or so it clears up and becomes like glass."

Edited 2015-07-06 17:10 (UTC)

No he doesn't want to look at the lake. He doesn't want to look at the little spirits and plants and eels and such--he wants to see Koishi and know that she's safe, and she's moved the camera away and he doesn't like it. But he's tired and he just doesn't have the energy to argue the point.

So his head sinks behind the screen, chin resting on a pillow, bags under his eyes as he watches Koishi's little tour of the lake. He sniffles slightly before replying.

"It looks kind of scary."

Just like all of Old Hell. And all of outside. And all of everything. Koishi's calm attitude, her formal speech--it's all very unfamiliar to him. In many ways, it scares him more than not knowing how she's doing. He starts to sit up so it's easier for him to watch and address her, and freezes mid-movement with a bit of a squeak. Because ow.

He knows she's trying to help him calm down. "B...but, it looks p-pretty. Even if s'not s-safe." Half sitting up, he rubs his eyes.

Luke is quiet for a long few moments, recoiling into himself and guarding the wound in his side. The sniffling increased slightly, and he hiccuped. "I'm s-scared you won't b-be safe, Koishi," he trails off, his voice small. "Do you have t-to go b-back out?"

Koishi didn't respond to Luke's question, turning the camera back toward her face a little, smiling. It was a bit more genuine this time. She turned it down next, a hand appearing on the corner of the screen, summoning an orb of light. She drifted along the shore, the tips of her boots occasionally visible before, stopping, she landed and picked up a smooth, flat stone.

"Alright. Now watch." she took several steps back, placing the camera on a large rock and propping it up so it was pointed at the lake. she checked and double checked to make sure it was stable.Once she was satisfied she drifted to one side, half off screen. Shifting the rock in her hand she coiled and released it across the surface of the water.

It must have skipped ten or twelve times, and each time it touched the surface the water would grow brighter and churn like metallic glowing mist, the neutral blueish hue breaking into a multitude of colors. She moved quickly back over to the camera and lifted it, flying up a short ways. Each glowing ripple moved across the entire lake. A bright ring leaving dimness in its wake. The ripples hit the near edge and rebounded gently, colliding with others creating an almost kaleidoscopic effect.

"It connects to a large underwater network of tunnels that run under both the hot and cold sections of old hell. There are several lakes like this, but this one is the biggest. I've never discovered how deep it goes though. My eardrums start to hurt too badly before I get to the bottom."

"There is a water beast too. It's longer than four buses with large horns and a beautiful white mane. It's quite mild too provided you don't agitate it... or get in the water. I was hoping to see it swimming about but it's probably asleep right now."

Levy didn't understand what was going on; not completely. She had been working to help people escape the city and because of that she had seen what was happening first hand. Her voice was a little strained but she was trying to stay positive.

"Hey. I'm Levy Mcgarden. I've been out here trying to help others." She didn't want to just run to safety. "Is there anything else we can do? To stop what's happening? More and more of these creatures are showing up."

She was holding up but her magic wasn't limitless. She wanted to find a solution since only fighting these creatures hasn't been helping.

Koishi cave the camera a polite nod. "Hello Miss. I'm glad to see others trying to help. We certainly need it. And thank you, also." She felt rather awkward saying this without any real emotions, but it was the thought that counted, right?

"As for something specific you could do..." The little youkai pursed her lips, brow knit in thought. "Well, first and foremost, the rip in the sky in Everglade is what needs to be fixed. It's where the spirits are coming from. I don't know why or how, but that's what I'm looking into... There are far more spirits in Everglade than in Genessia though so be on your guard at all times. And don't go alone."

"Fighting the spirits does help though. Especially if efforts keep them out of other archways. Still, don't neglect taking care of yourself. Rest and replenish your strength if you need it. Ideally you could go to Chireiden. The plum tree by the pond has mild restorative properties. Just ask Sis for one and she'll know why."

A pause. "If you can't make it to another archway and you need a rest or you're hungry or thirsty find an unlocked and unoccupied home and rest there. Don't hesitate to take some food and water. I'm not saying loot the place. Just that a little bread and cheese is easy to repay once the crisis is over."

Levy wasn’t expecting a thank you, she liked to help others and she didn’t mind doing her part when it came to situations like this. She listened curiously and she was glad to know that her efforts in fighting the creatures were at least helpful. She had been using more magic than she was used to though and even knowing more were coming through she knew she’d had to stop and regroup for a few hours before she could run into the heat of Everglade.

“Chiredien?” That was certainly an option that Levy liked better. “That way I can keep helping? I admit I’ve used a lot of magic fighting off the things I have run into.” Koishi called them sprits. “Would that really be okay?” She didn’t want to take things that belonged to someone else but if it meant that she could help more…

Levy sighed. “I suppose you’re right but I was hoping it wouldn’t come to that. I don’t like the idea of stealing.” Even if she leaves compensation. It felt awkward for her.

She smiled weakly at the screen feeling her fatigue slip away some at the new information. “Thank you. I’m going to find a way to rest and head to Everglade to see if I can help there. I’m glad to have learned more… do you by chance know what these things are after?”

"Yes Chireiden. The Palace of the Earth Spirits in Old Hell. It's a subarchway located in the Fayren Waterways. If you send a message to my sister, Fayren's guardian, she'll inform you how to get there. It may be some distance away depending on where you are though."

A small pause as she listened to Levy speak, the little youkai's lips thinning a bit, tapping one finger on her knee. "Well... I'm going to be heading into Everglade myself soon. I've been fighting for a day and a half with no rest and my head is a bit fuzzy. So I'm taking some time out to cool my mind and eye."

Another small hesitation as she weighed her various options. "It... Mm. I would offer to accompany you. It might be safer. But my powers cause a high amount of collateral. Not physical, but mental. Getting hit with my abilities would be just as bad as getting caught by one of those spirits. My psychic shocks are directional though so as long as you're not between me and a spirit you wont be hurt. Is that a risk you're willing to take?"

Levy smiled confidently. "If it means I can help then yes." She didn't hesitate with her answer. She was the type to do anything that she can to help even if that means putting herself in harms way.

"If your sister is really alright with it. I haven't met her before... I don't want to intrude. I was headed towards Fayren anyway because that's where I have been staying. I was hoping to rest and check on my friends there." She paused. "You said the waterway? I don't think I know where that is."

She began to move which was obvious by the way the screen shook. She didn't want to stay in Genessia since she was weakening.

Koishi was quiet for a long moment before letting out a breath, lowering her gaze just slightly. "Alright. I will go with you, but try to stay out of my line of sight in combat... Also my personality will be very different in person since I will start reflecting emotions again. So just be aware."

"As for the plums... I could just bring you some if you don't know where the waterway is. Still, send my sister a message to get a map. It would be a good thing to know for the future. It's kind of an... odd place to take a rest for most people. It's usually some time before people find Old Hell relaxing. If you send me a location I can come find you. Preferably near a landmark."

Levy wasn't sure she understood what Koishi meant about her emotions but she was used to dealing with those in Fairy Tail so she assumed she'd be up for the challenge. She smiled at the girl radiating like a beckon of confidence as she spoke.

"Got it! Perhaps for now it might be best to bring me one. I'm almost to the Fayren gate. I can't say I'm used to strange places but I don't think I saw the waterway on my map." Which she had been spending the last week trying to memorize.

Levy's steps slowed to a walk as she approached the gate. She glanced around making sure that no one was in need of help before stepping through.

[Where the hell has Satsuki been? Well as it stands she hasn't done much in terms of forming a sizable force since it's entirely unclear what will happen should a large group band together. But she's been able to do somewhat well thanks to access to enchantments.

That said she just so happens to be taking a moment to recouperate and follow up on any new intel when Koishi speaks and acts in an uncommon manner- Yet one she is rather familiar with. Her brows furrow.]

Komeiji, did something happen between you and the spirits?

Koishi... visibly sighed. Satsuki had spent enough time with Koishi to recognize when the youkai was unsure of herself.

"They haven't 'drained' me if that's what you're worried about." A pause. "It's just... Hm. I suppose I am feeling something right now. A faint emotion that is completely mine. I don't know what it is but I'm inclined to follow it. Even if it echos unpleasantly." It made sense given Koishi's situation that she would take it personally. Even if she didn't completely understand it herself.

"I've ripped apart every single one that has tried. It's been a long time since I brought a hammer down on the mind of another creature. Spirit or otherwise. I normally destroy a mind from the inside out to minimize collateral... But this is much more effective. And less tiring. And there's less psychic recoil. And since most people have evacuated I don't need to worry about hurting others." Trying to understand what Koishi's power would do when used like that was more than a little frightening.

"Oh! Right you want to know what I know... Right..." A deep breath. "The crack in Everglade got a little worse after it initially opened and has been allowing more spirits to pour in. I focused on staying unseen and keeping Ted safe until we caught one and I read its subconscious. Essentially its primal desires. It's probably not something I would have recognized right away if not for... well..." She pointed up at her left temple.

"Regardless, they are quite cunning and have shown enough problem-solving to create simple traps and ambushes. Beyond that I haven't encountered anything too difficult. If you want to come out with Buggy you'll do just fine. The magic on Bakuzan will let you cut through them like butter."

Koishi is speaking rather clearly, but Satsuki isn't entirely sure she's following either- But she picked up that this 'mode' tends to follow after some pretty intense emotional waves.

Following the information update, Satsuki glances downward in a moment of frustration. She still hasn't adjusted to situations like this being entirely out of her control. "All right.. I have little to report myself; I have stationed myself alongside Grimmjow for the time being until our next move becomes clear. For now we will just have to hold out."

At the mention of the magic on Bakuzan she actually seems surprised by this at first, but it also reinvigorates her once stagnant fighting spirit. "I see.. I will not be headed there just yet, but do not hesitate to contact me should the situation get out of hand."

There's a moment of silence.

"Try not to overdo it, Komeiji. You have been growing.. Dangerous lately and I cannot help but suspect it will get worse before this is over."

Koishi nodded, but paused at Satsuki's words. "... Dangerous? That's a silly thing for a human to say. I've always been dangerous. I'm a youkai. Just because I'm not actively hostile toward humans doesn't make me any less so. Unless that's not what you mean?"

Koishi tilted her head, eyes unfocusing a little, deep in thought. "I suppose. I've been having to clean blood out from under my nails more often... I guess I've been hunting and getting into actual fights more. A lot more. With no danmaku rules I have to rely on actual physical and psychic combat."

She tapped her chin. "Also, I've been eating less rice and vegetables, especially since there's no Buddhist temple here to visit, but I didn't really think much of it. Also, I'm running across human corpses far more often than in Gensokyo so there's more meat."

There was a long pause, Koishi focusing back on the phone. "... You're right. That's unlike me. I've never been fond of the taste of human flesh. I used to only eat it when there weren't any alternatives. Either the people here taste different or I'm growing more fond of the flavor... I'm fairly certain its the former, if only because I've noticed a marginal difference in texture."

"Like the difference between a domestic pig and a wild boar. I suppose it makes sense seeing how artificial the people here are." She shrugged, likely completely oblivious to how disturbing her explanation was. "... Miss White you're going to have to explain that expression. I can't sense your emotions over the phone."

Satsuki certainly doesn't look it, but as Koishi continues to speak the more unsettled she becomes. She really has no idea if this is going to be a problem or not and perhaps she should be talking to Satori rather than the younger sister.

"You have figured it out rather well on your own, Komeiji. The issue lies in that I cannot ascertain if your changes are becoming a danger to yourself, to us, or both. I suppose a better way to word it would be to say that your level of risk has been increasing at a slow but steady rate."

Obviously Satsuki isn't used to Koishi saying things how it is. It's truly disturbing, but frankly she wouldn't have it any other way- It makes communication of this level far easier to process.

"So from what I am gathering, it is danmaku that balances you?"

"A risk? Noo. Not to you or anyone else I'm fond of. It's more... Mm..." Koishi frowned. "There were rules back home. If a youkai didn't follow them the Hakurei Miko would bind you. Or kill you. With my eye closed I act out my impulses more readily. However I've always been mindful of rules so I suppose I followed them. Considering they've been a constant for me since Sis nursed me back to health..." She seemed a little uncertain, but it was reasonable.

"I am very fond of humans. Real people. It's why I closed my eye. I didn't want to have to isolate myself to escape the noise. It... backfired to put it mildly, but I still stick to that. Even when I'm completely unconscious or sink into my more basic and instinctive mindsets. As long as a human doesn't approach me with hostile intent toward me or those I care about I won't lash out against them." A long pause. "Unless you meant something completely different and I missed the implication. Because that happens. A lot."

The mention of Danmaku actually seemed to surprise her some, her eyebrows raising, the glow in her eyes brightening subtly. The artery over her shoulder twisted into a loose heart... "Well the practice of danmaku is only a decade and a half old. Or just about." A pause. "... But yes I do see what you mean. An outlet for magic and a youkai's more basic instincts without harming others."

She looked thoughtful. "I don't really have anyone to play danmaku with though. Miss Maid and Miss Bats are always too busy, Miss Raccoon is really really hard to find... There's Miss Clicks but she's hard to catch and keep the attention of. Sis will go easy on me if I ask her and that's no fun. There's also Okuu but... Well... I'm just surprised they managed to rebuild and decontaminate the bay so quickly... On top of that everyone at the school is so under my level it wouldn't be any contest. Even with handicaps."

Focusing back on the phone. "I've asked before but would you like to learn to properly danmaku? You could even team up with Mister Big and Miss Music. I think it would be fair then. Since you guys aren't very experienced... But you're really strong and cunning.

Satsuki shakes her head, "Not at all; you understood what I was saying quite well."

The feeling of familiarity when Koishi's expression flashes and her artery takes a familiar shape brings more relief than Koishi's words- It isn't that she doesn't believe the satori, but her behavior is just so different from what she's used to that she can't help but be wary- The Guardian should ask more about how that side works in greater detail sometime.

That said, Satsuki seems to only be interested in specific recreational activities; from what she's seen she couldn't make the connection of how she would benefit from danmaku. Especially since her hobbies of choice are far more serene. It probably wasn't impossible to convince the others to take part, but it wasn't impossible for herself to be convinced either- Just now wasn't the time. "Your striped partner has asked me about that and I have given him advice toward spreading word of your sport- I am willing to support it at the very least. That said, this is not the best time to discuss the details."

It was early, but Midboss couldn't sleep. In fact, he'd barely slept all night. He was exhausted and restless all at once, and nothing, nothing seemed to be helping.

Seeing Koishi's video was a welcome distraction.

Perhaps, if he'd been in a better state, the truths she had revealed would worry him. But nothing resembling the tiniest shred of empathy seemed to find itself.

It was an effort to reach over and grab the communicator, but finally, tentatively, he opened up a video feed to reply, curling back up on the bed with the videophone in his hands. He hadn't bothered to clean the old wounds from the fight with the spirits, small splatters of dried blood still clinging to his scratches and grazes.

"...Koishi. Are you hurt?"

That was what he should be asking, right? But none of the usual warmth came into his voice.

Koishi's expression didn't change as she answered the call, her eyes glowing dimly. At some point she had turned away from the glowing lake so the world behind her was dark, though the bright water off screen did illuminate her features well enough. As did the light of the screen.

"I'm fine. The spirits haven't touched me." There was a short pause, the little youkai studying his features. "... They got to you though, didn't they? I don't need to read you to see that." A pause. "I can't really feel sympathy or empathy right now myself so I suppose an 'I'm sorry' will have to suffice until I find some to reflect."

She didn't beat around the bush. "How bad is it? Can I answer any questions or help in any way?"

It was still relatively dark in Midboss' room. He'd not bothered to open the curtains, instead just letting the screen light his face and tired expression.

It really was strange, seeing her calm and composed like this.

"Yes...I tried to seal the cracks in the barrier, but it didn't respond to my magic. The spirits attacked me during the effort." he sighed, heavily. The lack of sympathy or empathy was definitely something he could relate to right now.

At the question though, he hesitated. "...honestly, I don't know...there's...nothing, nothing at all."

"I see. It's likely that the crack can only be sealed by something very specific then. It's unfortunate. If the shrine maiden from my home were here she could doubtlessly help. Her job is to maintain a similar barrier to this one."

Koishi didn't speak for a moment. Honestly, what was there to say about something like that? She chose her words carefully. "I'm... Yes. I know. If only ambition were left, then it wouldn't be so..." She searched for a word. There was no real way to describe the absence of emotion. "Regardless, it's... Just something that must be endured. There is nothing you can do to quench that empty feeling."

"You are at least fortunate in that your emotions are likely to be returned somehow at some point. Though I suppose either way we both understand what it's like to have our wings clipped... If you'll pardon the metaphor."

She shifted the camera a little bit, hesitating only for a moment. "If, however, it turns out your condition is permanent, you must first decide if you wish to continue living. And if so, what you're going to do. I decided to become a symbol. One of joy and love so when people see me they help me remember real happiness. Even beyond my reflections of it."

"I imagine so...although my magic never was designed to hold a barrier in that way. I used it to seal away a Tyrant Overlord by the name of Baal back in the Netherworld. I imagine your shrine maiden's magic would be better suited."

It was lucky, perhaps, that with his lost sense of pride he was able to look at this so objectively. Once she spoke again, his voice lost a little of it's energy.

"Isn't there anything...there must be some way to awaken a sense of drive, or adrenaline at least...?" he asked, not even sure what answer he was expecting.

Clipped wings, hm? "Figuratively and literally...yes. I hope...this changes, I am not a shell, I never have been...everything I've done, and strived for, what is that without reason? What choices will I make, if I do not have that compass I have held so close?"

He knew he wasn't making sense, but he tried to voice his thoughts as best he could. There really were no words for it.

"Adrenaline? Well... Yes there is that. Considering its a physical stimulant. It's not the same though. Without the pleasure or fear or anger that goes with it it's just... Well I suppose it's something." Koishi shrugged.

"Truth be told what concerns me most is that you mention you lost your recollections of emotion. I imagine losing them will make acclimating easier, but it can't be pleasant... A complete lost of emotion and understanding of right and wrong." She stared off to one side, deep in thought. "I'll look into this a bit more with that in mind. Thank you."

She paused for a breath. "And... As to your question, it's not something I can easily answer. You are capable of making decision freed from morality but you are also aware of what morality is in its basic form and are aware other people have this sense too..." A beat. "I can only imagine you'll make a terrible choice in your newfound state. Something leaning too far to one side or the other. I hope you prove me wrong."

"Until we can find a remedy I suggest you simply do nothing. Or, rather, very little. Limit yourself to small decisions with straightforward solutions. Knowledge without understanding has toppled even the greatest towers."

"Something--even that, even that would be better than nothing at all, surely," he replied, calmly thinking the logic through. "I wonder if it would be the same, at least a small piece of it."

He listened quietly to her analysis, nodding a little at her thanks. Memories of emotions, everything was all mixed up, he couldn't understand any of it. Everything seemed so off-balance, so out of place.

"Morality cannot draw on logic alone, it needs empathy, understanding, without those...logic. There is only logic. I wonder if I will make a terrible choice like this, and if I do, whether I will feel any remorse. I doubt it. Perhaps I will prove you wrong, but I suppose I cannot tell, yet..."

"You might be right...if I stay here, then perhaps in time it will come back to me."

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[Video/Backdated] A Hollow Understanding

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