genessia | One | Video + Action

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One | Video + Action

Video | Early Morning

Oh, how interesting! [Someone has been poking around with her new phone. And accidentally pressed too many buttons, turning on the video function without realizing. Have a very-too-close close-up of her face! Also, like someone read any of the pamphlets or anything. She doesn't even realize one has money in it.]

I guess this is how this works. You know, for all I've spent trying to fix the Eluvian I have back home, I never really gave much thought about how it would work. And there isn't anyone around I can ask either, not like here. Not that there could be, just it would be nice. Still, the surface is so pretty! How does it manage to reflect anything...

[She will finally lean away from the communicator, laughing awkwardly.]

Hah, oops. I'm rambling. I always ramble when I'm nervous. I don't mean to, it just happens. I'll just...stop talking now. Yes.

[She fumbles with the communicator, eventually dropping it and the fall turning it off.]

Action | Throughout the Day

[Why anyone thought it would be a good idea to let Merrill wander around any of the cities unaccompanied or without some string to find her way is anyone's guess. She did pick up a map and she can be found throughout Genessia and other cities staring at it; sometimes it's upside down, sometimes she's not even looking at the map side of it. Yeah.]

How odd. No matter where I go, it always says that I'm "right here". But I know I haven't seen that street a second time. Unless I have and the bushes are moving on me. Can they do that here?

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"You talk funny!" Though Koishi was one to talk herself, her native Japanese tongue giving her a rather obvious accent. "It's okay. The name is Japanese. Also, some of my best friends talk funny and they say my name wrong too. You're close though. I'm sure you'll get it eventually."

She only brightened. "It's a word that means little stone. 'Ko' means little and 'ishi' means rock. And Komeiji means 'ancient bright earth!'" Certainly a flavorful name. "I've never heard of an elf before though. Where I live we have fairies and ghosts and gods and all sorts of youkai. Satori is the type of youkai I am. We're carnivorous creatures that live in mountains and protect people who respect it and live there and tell stories to travelers." And sometimes they eat people who are alone and frightened. But Koishi wasn't about to say that.

She paused for a long moment. "OH! I forgot. Not many people know what a youkai is. We're spirit, monster, demon... things..." Koishi scratched her head. "There isn't a good word for it in this language. So any of those work, really."

"Japanese?" Merrill asked, testing it out on her tongue more than anything. "I've never heard of a Japanese anything before. But it sounds lovely! Especially the meanings. 'Little rock' is a cute name."

She paused, bringing a hand up her chin and tapping a finger against it. "I wish I could say Merrill means something, but I don't know what. Or if it does. How odd." Then she shrugged her shoulders and let it go for the moment. Even though she might spend tonight wondering if Merrill has a meaning.

"I've never come across a sentient creature who protected travelers before. Usually only guardians or spirits or demons. And they weren't nice. Or really protecting anyone either." She wasn't too surprised to learn that Koishi was a demon/spirit/youkai thing either. She came across things just as strange on all her trips to the Fade.

However there was something very different about her. "And I've never seen a demon or spirit outside of the Fade without them possessing a body. But you're not possessing anyone, are you? Usually there's a lot more screaming and rampaging when that happens."

"Well..." The blue sphere bobbed up and down a little bit- wait, was that an eye? Yes. The sphere was a closed eye. "We're sort of sentient. Or rather we become sentient with time. When we're first made we're nothing but our aspects. Technically I'm still bound to them. But that's fine. I'm good at bending the rules."

"We're also neither malevolent or benevolent. We're just... smooth stones resting with curled cold parting around. I mean some youkai are very malevolent but we're also individuals too. And I try to be real nice!"

She did pause at the next question though. "Oh? No no no. If you possess a youkai really terrible things happen. Likewise we don't really possess people unless that's a part of our aspect. I'm a pure aspect youkai so I technically don't have a body or soul. My form is neither and both, formed by the restless will and false beliefs of superstitious humans to fulfill a role and belief that would not have existed without the imagination of mortal creatures."

She blinked, focusing on Merrill again. "Also, what's the fade? Is that kind of like Gensokyo? Because I'm from Gensokyo. The world didn't need monsters or magic so we all moved to our own little corner of the world and made a magic barrier. This way we don't have to worry about things mostly."

Merrill nodded along to her explanations, waiting to reply until she had heard everything. Unlike some others, Merrill was well aware of the dangers of demons and spirits. While she may have willingly entered into a pact with one, that didn't mean she didn't have a healthy dose of skepticism and wariness of them. She knew none of them were good or bad, just simply spirits and demons.

"That sounds similar to what I know, where I'm from. The Fade is the the place of dreaming. It's where everyone goes when they go to sleep. But it's also a spiritual plane, too, so it's where all the demons and spirits are. But they're really only really dangerous to mages, because we experience a greater tie to it. And our magic is an easy way in for them, if we aren't strong enough.

"But spirits can also come in that way, too. Neither is good for anyone, usually. Very few know what they're getting into with it, and that's when it gets bad. But in general, demons and spirits are only aspects, too."

"That sounds like an interesting world. Where I come from anyone can learn magic but some people are more talented than others. It takes a lot of hard work though." A pause. "And people don't go anywhere when they dream. Instead, their brain takes the information they took in during the day and plays it back and mixes it with memories and emotions."

Her smile only grew when Merrill spoke of people getting in over their head. The artery over her left shoulder twisted into a loose heart-shape. She knew exactly what the dalish elf was talking about. "Heheh. Not many people understand that Miss. You're really smart. Never forget though that an aspect can be bent and stretched and twisted to cover a whole range of things. A cunning spirit can justify all sorts of actions with aspects. Like how I sought you out now. You're lost and alone in the place I call home. I sought you out, followed you, and made you aware of my presence. But instead of attacking you, I'm talking to you. Because this is your home now too." A pause. "Well... I mean it's not your home yet. But you're stuck here. So it might as well be. And satori youkai don't attack people like that. Understand?"

"Of course, it works the other way too. Loopholes and all. Humans have a policy not to deal with certain types of youkai where I'm from. We like to do whatever we can to get off the hook. My aspects were damaged though. I keep my promises now because I can't lie."

"Oh, I have no doubt about that," Merrill said. "I've spent most of my entire life studying about demons and the Fade. A lot of humans, and even some elves, are just as tricky as they can be. Which shouldn't be all that surprising, not if anyone really thinks about it."

Merrill knew better than others that humans and elves weren't the only sentient creatures in the world. Nor the only ones who could lie. That was what the vast majority of demons of demons did, after all. "Demons where I'm from will offer up pacts easily to people, always something they want. They also have to keep their words, but hardly anyone is specific." And that went for dealings with other people, not just demons. People were so imprecise with their words.

Loopholes were the worst at times.

"But even then, I couldn't imagine keeping every promise or not being able to lie. I've learned that sometimes lying is necessary. Not everyone likes to be told the truth all the time. Some get mad, actually."

"Oh? So you know a lot about demons then? That's really interesting. It's rare mortal creatures have the courage to dip their feet into such dangerous waters. You should be careful with what type you deal with. Some will betray you on principal as opposed to just trying to get wiggle room." She looked thoughtful. "I mean, I understand offering pacts. Some youkai feed in similar ways. But generally those kinds of youkai aren't very nice."

She shifted in the air, drifting back as if she were sitting on nothing, her third eye swaying very gently as if to music only she could hear. "Wellll... I have to. Unfortunately. My head is broken, see?" The little youkai reached up and removed her hat, a severe looking coin-sized scar quite visible above her left temple. It looked like some of the bone might have been missing with how it was indented.

"So I can't lie now. I ripped out my mind reading because I didn't want that power anymore. It as kind of a stupid thing to do but what's done is done." She placed her hat back on her head. The inner ring was actually somewhat lopsided and dipped down further to better protect the old injury. "However, that doesn't mean I can't lie through omission."

"That, and I try not to make many promises. I'll make true promises to friends but usually I only make promises in the context of a situation. If the situation changes drastically, I don't have to keep the promise."

"As a mage, I have to know a lot about demons," Merrill said. "Though I think every mage knows something about them, with how dangerous they are to us." It was just the depth of knowledge that varied between people.

When Koishi took off her hat, Merrill focused in on the scar. "What a nasty wound. But I understand! I think a lot of people would want to be able to read others minds, but I don't think it's that glamorous. Especially if you couldn't turn it off."

While Merrill knew the dangers of demons and never to trust them, she couldn't help but feel a little empathy for the one before her. She seemed sincere and nice. And it wasn't every day she found a demon willing to do such a thing to itself.

"Right! I wish humans would do that. They always seem to make promises, but it's rare to find one who keeps them." She sighed.

"Glamorous?" Koishi tilted her head. "Far from it. People hate it. They always thought Sis and I were judging them. But when you see everyone's sins for hundreds of years it gets really same-y. From petty thieves to murderers and rapists. We saw it all over and over. But humans always think their own sins are special or something. There's always something worse out there."

"I just miss Sis' mind. It was so comforting and lovely." There was a slight melancholic tone there, but it didn't last.

"Humans? I don't. A human's ability to be so cunning and deceitful is one of their greatest strengths. How else are mortal creatures going to outsmart demons and other intelligent beasts? You're certainly not stronger than us. So the only other way is to be more clever."

"I mean, other people. People who would want to read minds for whatever reason." She paused. "Some people actually want such a power, but they don't realize what it would do to them. Probably. Most likely."

Merrill tilted her head as she regarded Koishi. How odd to find a demon that wanted humans to be smart. "But a lot of them aren't smart or clever, even now. That's why there's such a problem."

Koishi blinked and just kind of... tilted her head further, having to reach up to keep her hat from falling. It's not a contest, Koishi. "Well..." She finally straightened up. "That's true. If they were all smart then the monsters would be wiped out. It's a cycle, you see. After all. Demons and monsters need to eat something. Anyone not clever enough is fair game. That's the way the world works. At least, where I'm from."

"Of course, there are other places that are safe where people can live without fear of getting eaten. But step forward to challenge the youkai in their own forest and they better be prepared with either good magic or a good sword. Few youkai understand the concept of mercy."

Koishi drifted forward again, her third eye gently nudging Merrill's shoulder. "I like you Miss. You really understand things. And I can respect that. I wish more people were like you."

"Yes," Merrill agreed, "I think that's how most worlds would work. Otherwise it would be awfully boring. And overcrowded. Not that most cities aren't now, but it could always be worse."

Then Merrill smiled. "That's one of the nicest things someone has said. Most just listen without listening. So I'm glad to have met you as well."

"Not most of them, actually. A lot of them seem to lack a sense of balance between humans and monsters. I wonder how those worlds deal with how boring it can get? I couldn't imagine a world without magic. Though that might be because I'm a creature of magic."

Koishi just brightened at the compliment, though she paused, frowning for a moment, and then smiling again. "I'm hungry! We should go get some food. Do you like meat? They sell meat in little buns and its really tasty!"

Merrill nodded along. A world without magic? How...odd. And strange. "I can't entirely imagine a world without it either. Granted, magic has decreased greatly since the time of the Elvhenan, but it still exists."

Then she nodded again, smiling brightly at Koishi's suggestion. "Food sounds lovely! I've had meat quite a few different ways, but I don't think I've ever heard of it being stuffed into a bun."

"This way then!"

Koishi took Merrill's hand and began dragging her along. Very strong for such a tiny thing. Though that probably wasn't too surprising considering what she was. And she seemed to be pulling Merrill to a cart on the edge of the park that surrounded the bay.

She didn't bother explaining what it was, instead, walking right up to the man who was tending it. "Can I have one and can my friend have one please?" She was already pulling some coins out of her pocket.

"Sure thing." He reached into the cart and, with a few quick movements, had two hot dogs ready for them in little curled paper dishes.

"Thank you!" Money was exchanged and Koishi took them both, offering one to Merrill. "Here. This one is for you."

Merrill followed along, letting Koishi lead her. She couldn't get lost that way, after all. And Koishi was nice, so it was all right.

When she held one of the skewers out to Merrill, she took it and eyed it with some hesitation. "Interesting. It seems good, and not at all like rat. Even though I've seen people cook rat like this down in Darktown. But it was good, even if it didn't smell as nice."

With that said, she took a tentative bite from it and chewed almost thoughtfully. "Why, it's delicious! I don't think I've ever had meat this good before. What is it?"

"Rat?" She tilted her head. "I've had rat. It's not very good. I prefer rabbit." And took a bite of her hot dog, chewing thoughtfully. "Though I'm not very picky. Sis is way more picky than I am. She gets cranky when she had to eat raccoons and weasels."

At Merrill's question though Koishi had to pause... and look down at the hot dog. "Umm... I dunno." She turned it over in her hands. "I think its beef... or turky... or pork... or all three. It's certainly not rat though. I know what rat tastes like and this is absolutely not rat."

"Yes, it's definitely not rat. Rat's more chewy and not nearly as flavorful!" Merrill held it in front of her face, staring at it as if it would get it to release its secrets.

"And it's also not rabbit. Or deer. Oooh, does that mean it's a mystery meat?" she asked, with almost too much glee. "Oh, but then that means we won't know what it is, right? Or does it mean that we have to research it further?"

"Nooo. Most hot dogs are made of cows, turkeys, or pigs. So its probably one of those three. I guess it could be chicken too but it really doesn't taste like it."

Koishi finished hers off in another three bites, licking her lips. "I would hate it if my meat was a complete mystery though. I want to know what I'm eating so I can eat more of it if I like it!"

A little sharp toothed grin was given at the end of that statement. Though she hadn't had sharp teeth before.

"Hey! By the way-" And her teeth were back to normal. "-you're a magician, right? what kind of magic do you like using. Do you play danmaku at all?"

Merrill missed the teeth change as she focused on finishing off her hotdog. It was slow going as she slowly chewed each piece, savoring the taste.

"I'm a mage, not a magician," she stated between bites. "And I primarily use primal magic. Though I do dabble in arcane as well. And I have to say I've never heard of 'dan-mack-u' before, so I can't really say. Is it a fun game?"

"Mage and magician are the same thing where I come from. Though Magician refers more to the profession as well as the species of youkai. A magician dedicates their life to magic."

At Merrill's question though the little youkai's face absolutely lit up.

"Danmaku is a form of dueling! It crackles and shines like a pearl in a shell and rends the sky apart! It's so immortal and powerful creatures can settle disputes without destroying everything and so mortal creatures can stand on equal footing. You create magic that shows your heart and dazzle your opponent while trying to hit them! And the opponent does the same. There are lots of rules but the big one is it absolutely has to be non-lethal. Always."

"It's how we settle disputes where I'm from! It's so much fun!"

"We don't really have magicians where I come from. Being a mage is something you are for life, though."

Merrill listened to the explanation with equal parts curiosity and worry. Worry because rending the sky apart generally means the fade's been ripped open as well. And that is a very bad thing.

"I've never done something like that. We don't exactly have non-lethal magic that can be used in a duel.. Or magic duels for that matter. Mages are rather rare and if you're with other ones, that means you're in a Circle," she said. "If we have a dispute, it generally ends in death of some sort."

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