[Video/Action][Backdated] Chika no Hinansho/Underground Shelter

[satori_komeiji]

Who: Satori and YOU.
What: Response to Spirit Event.
When: Backdated to the start of the attacks.
Where: Chireiden
Warnings: None

Satori's dourly concerned face would pop up on a public feed marked as [!URGENT!]. As usual, her broadcast was made from her typical sitting room, a bird perched on her shoulder and a small snake clustered at her feet, both looking rather relaxed. The snake helpfully takes a moment, wiggles aside, and bumps the camera gently into a better position as Satori begins to speak.

"In light of the recent crisis involving the Spirits, I've once again opened Chireiden's subarchway as a refuge for any and all who've been displaced or effected by recent events. To remind anyone who'll consider this option: I will send directions towards Chireiden if necessary to those unfamiliar with the area. I ensure you all that, as the last time, the route is safe and well defended. Moreover, my rooms are more than able to accommodate a multitude of people, if you can stomach sharing some areas with my pets."

As her bird flies off into the distance, towards the camera, she quietly shoos it away and adds... "Now, should any of you replying and arriving here were compromised by aforementioned spirit attacks, feel free to speak with my sister. As some of you are aware, she has been void of proper emotions for around eight or more decades, and might be able to offer you what little solace she can. If there are any burning questions you also might have, don't hesitate to ask."

Approaching the camera, but not quite ready to shut the feed off, Satori seems all too calm and collected, the mark of having done something like this more than once and being quite used to it. "I hope that at least some of you will take advantage of this opportunity. Should you stay where you are or fight the Spirits head on, I wish you all the best of luck in enduring this unfortunate event. If my assistance is required in that respect, you only need ask."

^{(For those who are affected by the spirits and wish to speak with Koishi click here.)}

Comments

Action/Video For Those Affected by the Spirits.

[koishi_komeiji]

Anyone wanting to msg or talk with Koishi feel free to reply here. She'll likely be in the back with her fish for any action posts.

[Action]

[megabond]

[As she is busy with whatever she is doing, Koishi may notice a man in his 30's approaching her not far away from where she is. And while she doesn't know him (if she doesn't recognize him by the similarities of her opponent from the Showstopper or the same one she pranked in the circus), she may see his vacant eyes and his emotionless stare at her.]

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi was sitting by a small pond fed by a spring flowing steadily from a rock split by a decorative stone spike. There appeared to be fish inside the pond as the little youkai was tossing in what looked like fish food. She paused, glancing up at his approach and offering a small smile. She was doing her best to prevent herself from reflecting emotions for the moment. It would be disrespectful otherwise.

It was this empathetic nature that allowed her to recognize exactly what had happened.

"Please, come sit with me. The koi make such interesting shapes as they swim."

[megabond]

[Usually, Sycamore would smile for her invitation to join. But due to his lack of emotions, he just continues to stare at her, wondering if she has something that he was looking for. Despite this, he then silently sat beside her to join on watching the koi swims around the pond.]

[koishi_komeiji]

She was silent for several moments, throwing another pinch of food into the water and watching how the fish excitedly began eating it. "I can't really comfort you. There's nothing to comfort. Nothing to upset. Nothing to sympathize or empathize with. I'm as empty as you are. And I've been empty for a very long time." Despite this, her face was relaxed, save for that same small smile. Maybe to smile was her face at rest?

She reached down and brushed a pellet of food off of a lily pad. A chubby raccoon wandered over to the professor and grabbed his sleeve, sitting up and staring at him. It was looking for a handout. It left when it realized neither one had food.

"It's discouraging, isn't it? Motivation isn't an emotion and a lack of emotion removes the brain's ability to reward itself." Her third eye was turned toward him, open a sliver and revealing the blinded surface. "Endorphins and adrenaline though... You can still enjoy those. Why don't you go jog around the grounds a few times? The flowers smell sweet, the sun-lamps are warm, and the slate makes such a pleasant sound underfoot. With your mind more relaxed perhaps you'll find the motivation to speak."

[megabond]

[Everything she said is completely true. Ever since he got touched by one of the spirits, he is unable to feel happiness, empathy, and fear like he used to. Even when he noticed the raccoon staring at him, he didn't smile at the animal as he still shows his emotionless state.

However, he does seem to take her advice to jogs to the grounds, which he hopes it might help him relax.]

[koishi_komeiji]

The grounds were enormous. A winding path made of slate twisted between fruit trees and flowers, the greenery giving away shortly to more organized and less decorative edible plants. There were a great many vegetables and a significant amount of rice. It was kind of amazing the soil was fertile enough to sustain all these plants... but then again it was hell. It would make sense for the soil to be very rich. Near the back there was a greenhouse containing more exotic plants next to an old stone well that was covered by a wooden lid. There also appeared to be a couple bee boxes. It certainly explained why the flowers and such stayed blooming.

Additionally, the resident animals were everywhere. A few birds were following him, fluttering from branch to branch. And about halfway through the jog a dog scampered over to trot along side him. It really was a wonderful place.

[megabond]

[Once he jogs around the grounds that Koishi mentioned, he can see the greenery such as the trees and flowers as well the greenhouse filled with plants he never saw before. And even without his emotions, he still has time to admire the birds above him as well stroking the dog's head once it scampered around his legs. He has to admit, this place is really relaxing after what transpired with him.

Once his jog is done after a few rounds, he decides to return to Koishi's side to rest near the koi pond.]

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi scooted over a little bit as he returned. The raccoon had managed to climb up and into her lap and was nibbling on a peach quite happily as it was stroked.

"You're looking less tense. That's good." She scratched the little animal behind the ears. "Would you be willing to recount to me how you lost your emotions before I attempt to give you some advice? I will even offer my own story in exchange, if you wish to hear it."

[megabond]

Well, I do want to hear your story as well.

[And an advice, huh? Now that he thinks about it, he didn't seem to share his story regarding how his emotions were drained to anyone at all. Regardless, he takes a deep breath before he speaks out for the first time since the incident.]

It was when I tried to head into a safe house with Garchomp by my side. One of the spirits managed to attack her from behind when she tries to help out an injured resident. I managed to protect both of them from their touch, but as you have guessed by now, I used myself as a shield to do so.

Right now, I don't know where is Garchomp right now. I... don't know why, but maybe it has something to do with what I did to her and that bystander that was trying to help her.

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi wordlessly listened, her head tilted slightly. The raccoon in her lap tensed and scampered off, half a peach in its mouth as an Ivysaur wandered over, half crawling into Koishi's lap and wanting cuddles. A Nidoking wasn't far behind, rumbling a little bit before settling down next to Koishi. The little youkai had to use her tentacles to pet his head.

"Well, my story isn't as selfless. We satori can read minds as easily as we hear words. And we feed on fear. And it's very lonely. I wanted to stop feeling lonely and seeing hearts that were only full of contempt and hostility toward me." Koishi's third eye was open slightly, staring blankly forward. The cataract was thick, leaving no visible color behind. It also seemed thicker in a single line across the lens. Like a scar. "To make a long and sad story short it involved a twenty centimeter kitchen knife and uprooting the connection between my eye and brain." She tapped the scar above her left temple.

"But that's the thing. It was entirely my fault. It's because of me that sis is so lonely. And my state during the first few decades caused her more pain than I'll ever be able to understand. And I can't feel a shred of guilt over this. I'm not capable. And worst of all I'm aware my own weakness of will would cause me to do something similar again if by some miracle my eye was restored."

"But my sister is still important to me. And if I couldn't feel love for her then I needed to find a way to show how I felt before. So I became a symbol of love in her eyes and always smile and try to make up for the joy I took. And I made that my motivation. If I could become love and joy in her mind it wouldn't matter if I couldn't feel happy with her or love her back because she would feel those things in my stead."

She looked at him, her head tilted slightly. "Learning to stand for something wont fix your emotions, but it will certainly help your motivation. There's only one real fix for the spirit's drain that I'm capable of and its not something anyone would volunteer for."

[megabond]

[Judging by Koishi's story, he can tell how lonely she had felt after she got rid of her third eye. And despite that he is unable to feel empathy from her story, he feels sorry about how she tries everything to help her sister see her love again.

Which makes him wonder about her advice she gave to him. Before his emotions were drained, he remembers that he used to be very sociable and tends to help anyone in need without any questions. Most importantly, he cared not only for his friends but also for his Pokemon, especially with Garchomp.

This makes him realize what he needs to do next, his new motivation to get past through his current state. Yet, he starts to wonder about what the yokai said regarding about how to restore his former self.]

What do you mean? Are there any risks of the methods you've mentioned just to restore my emotions?

[koishi_komeiji]

Koishi let Ivysaur go and the little pokemon scampered off toward the side of the building where a Goodra and a Haunter had settled down with some gathered food. There were a few other pokemon there too including a Garchomp that clearly wasn't his.

"That time already, huh... One moment Mister." She reached down and tossed out a few pokeballs, letting out a Gallade and Mimikyu. The latter didn't go for the food, however, instead wiggling its way over to Koishi and using shadowy tendrils to climb up into her lap. "Oh fine. You can eat later." And thus began the pets.

She addressed the professor again. "It's not that the method is 'risky.' To have your emotions restored you would have to die. This place will restore you to life after a short time once you've sacrificed something and you will awaken with your emotions in tact. If that is your wish I can certainly grant you a painless end. But that's your choice to make. Not mine."

"Beyond that I think you can also restore your emotions by spending time with a loved one, but that's not something I can help with. And most people don't have loved ones in this world to spend time with regardless so I don't know how much that helps."

[megabond]

[Despite the sight of Koishi's Pokemon scampering around the side of the building, it isn't enough for him to crack a smile at it. Though seeing her male Garchomp was enough to remind him of his own, which he still wonders about her whereabouts.

As for the methods she mentioned though...]

I can understand that ending my life will cure me. But with or without emotions, I feel that killing myself isn't an option for me to take. I rather live than to make my friends and Pokemon mourn for my short death.

[While she does have a point regarding that killing him allows most of his emotions and morals to return, he feels that committing suicide won't make him even feel better, especially his Pokemon. Plus, he doesn't know where Ted or Sonico is right now during the chaos outside the building.

Also, thinking about the spirits outside makes him wonder. How can he help not only to bring himself back to normal but to help out the city and the residents themselves? More importantly, how can he able to defend himself from the spirits despite his current state?

The thoughts regarding these questions then makes him remember something that he saw from the network.]

Hmmm... That video of that blonde-haired man I saw. He did mention about some flowers from Fayren that this Mr. Seek just used back then...

[koishi_komeiji]

"Oh. Mister I wasn't suggesting you end your own life. That stands against everything you are as a human. I, on the other hand, am a monster. One who feeds on humanity. I have taken a great number of human lives and I'll likely take a great number more should my existence persist. Though, certainly fewer. Sis and I haven't actively hunted humans for food in centuries. But we still get self-proclaimed monster hunters coming to our door from time to time. And we both require human flesh to eat from time to time else we don't get the 'nutrition' we need to survive."

She wiggled a finger at Mimikyu, a little shadow tendril reaching out to grip it. "If you change your mind, I will be here. Death is momentary. A day of quiet and light and peace before waking once more. I speak from experience. No one would have the time to mourn."

"As for Mr. Seek..." Koishi's brow furrowed. "I think there may be some truth to that. I will be going to find these flowers later on. Once the people of Fayren are safe. Perhaps sis will join me. Perhaps she wont. I don't know. She always did like flowers though. So perhaps she will help. I hope so..."

[megabond]

[Considering that he learned of her monster origins, she does have a valid point. However, it still stands against his beliefs and how his friends and Pokemon sees him. Yet, he did wonder if it might be a good way to heal him of his emotionless state.]

I-I'll think about it.

[He does want to see any second thoughts about his decision. Yet due to his drained emotions, he felt that finding more about these flowers is his first priority.]

If I may, can I accompany you to search for these flowers? If not, I may try to go there alone.

[koishi_komeiji]

"Of course. It's always best to exhaust all other options before taking the one you're least comfortable with. Just don't start lying to yourself and stall. The worst thing you can do in this state is stop moving forward. Allow doing things to become your gratification until you figure out how to get your emotions back. My offer is always open. And I can promise that you wont feel a thing."

The offer did make her pause, however. "I suppose so. After all things can't get much worse for you, can they?" She licked a finger and gently rubbed out a spot on Mimikyu's cloth. "If you can tolerate me appearing to have a full range of emotions due to reflecting them from other explorers, then you may."

[megabond]

[Well, if he is not able to find any methods to restore his memories, maybe he might consider her offer. However, he might try to prepare himself mentally if he has to take this route.

Though seeing Koishi's emotions may be troublesome as it's one of the reasons he attacked Garchomp and a bystander that tried to help her.]

Alright. Until I have my emotions back, I may try to control myself from seeing everyone else's emotions.

[koishi_komeiji]

"Control yourself?" Koishi tilted her head, glancing at the professor. "I brought it up because to be able to mimic emotions so well despite not having any is disrespectful to you and others who have lost theirs. If you become hostile from simply seeing someone able to express themselves... Well, perhaps you didn't quite lose your anger or jealousy completely."

"Either that or you're already psychotic on a subconscious level and have the ability to ignore the preprogrammed social instincts of human nature." Her tone implied she was trying to make a joke.

"In all seriousness though; It's more than likely, though seeing expressed emotions without your empathy felt very alien. Especially if you were still full of adrenaline. You likely wont be able to understand it yourself until you get your emotions back."

[megabond]

[If that's true, then it might have something to do regarding his sudden aggression towards his Garchomp. Although, until he has his emotions back, he doubts that he can get any more answers.]

I see. I'll take note of that later.

For now, we should rest up for tomorrow.

Video;

[superficially_busy]

[As the Komeiji's would be aware, Alice had set out to take on the spirits head on in a glorious display of Danmaku. The background behind the puppeteer shows her to be in the middle of Elegant: "Spring Kyoto Dolls."

Satori. I'll stay near the Chireiden's sub archway and keep the way clear for refugees.
Sorry I can't be there to serve everyone my finest tea this time.

Re: Video;

[satori_komeiji]

[Satori's reply would be nothing more than a curt nod. She knew Alice could more than handle herself in terms of defensive measures.]

"I'm grateful for the help, Alice. We'll worry about tea once all's said and done. I plan on bolstering the defenses on my side, as well. If you have need of anything else, let me know."

Telepathic message for Satori

[psychic_supremecy]

[The message seemed uncharacteristically weak for Mewtwo, but considering his strain keeping a barrier erected was taking almost all his concentration.]

Satori... I hate to ask... but is there... a way to.. track the placement... of civilians?

Maintaining this barrier... over the whole city is... starting to drain my power...

Re: Telepathic message for Satori

[satori_komeiji]

[Satori would reply with characteristic calmness mixed with a hint of concern. However, her thoughts betrayed her true worries about innocent people getting caught in the crossfire.]

I'm not sure if I can accurately track civilians and refugees without heading out to problem areas, myself. If matters become too dire, focus on evacuating them to Chireiden as quickly as possible and try to conserve your energy. I will need your power there as much as ever.