thebastion | Perhaps I Died At The Rock Gate After All?

Entry tags:

Perhaps I Died At The Rock Gate After All?

Who: Abe no Seimei, Duke and anyone else that happens by.
When: Day 68
Where: The Skyway, en route to the Bastion.
What: Seimei is wandering the Skyway in search of answers.
Format: Action
Warnings: None so far.

[ It hadn't been the worst time to leave. In fact, perhaps it was the best, Seimei had mused to himself as he looked over the statue of the minister standing before him. The onmyoji had spent hours pacing around the statue, humming to himself or chanting. When nothing changed and nothing was revealed, the man had bowed, uttered a soft prayer and departed in the direction of the Bastion.

Meandering towards the structure in the distance, Seimei has plenty of time to ponder the situation. Eventually he accepted that he was being punished. Resurrecting Amaterasu had taken more than he'd had to give, obviously. And it -was- written that those who passed through Ame no Miyashiro and Ama no Iwato would never return to the mortal realm. Evidently Amaterasu had been kind enough to grant Seimei a little more time before he was forced to move on. Kind of her.

Still, that left him in an unusual predicament. Where, Seimei wondered, had the goddess dropped him? It wasn't Heaven. At least not the sort he had glimpsed beyond the gate. This, he mused, was what one got for meddling in the business of Gods. Fighting Susanoo and reviving Amaterasu; what had he been thinking? All for Hiromasa. His mother had warned him not to grow attached to mortals. ]

At least he isn't here as well. Either he went on to heaven, or Amaterasu left him in Kyoto. Either way, I'll miss him. But better that than in this strange hell with me.

[ Seimei speaks to himself, a habit he picked up from years of addressing silent spirits or speaking to creatures with no voice. He comes to the edge of a sheer drop, staring down at the emptiness beyond before catching a glimpse of a nearby piece of land. Close enough to jump for, he does so, landing gracefully and perching atop a rocky platform, tilting his head thoughtfully as he settles. ]

Oh Hiromasa. What would you think of this, hm? Probably think it was a dream. Perhaps it is some nightmare and I am lying in bed recovering from the wounds Gekkakun inflicted upon me? Ah, would that you were here to play your flute. It would help me think. Alas...

[ The onmyoji shrugs and sighs, dusting off his expensive garments and adjusting his tall black hat of office. For a moment he simply stands in silence, gazing out across the broken landscape and battling internal grief at the loss of his dear friend. Better on Earth or in Heaven than dead and trapped as a statue. And much as Seimei wishes not to be alone, he is not so selfish as to wish Hiromasa were trapped with him in this strange place. Steeling himself for the unknown ahead of him, Seimei trudges forward, keeping an eye out for any of his lost shikigami, or a flower suitable for creating a companion to walk with him. Then again, he worries to himself, perhaps the servant gods were not able to exist in this place? ]

I would give all of Kyoto for some sensible answers, right now.

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[ You, sir, have a very funny hat.

Well, at the very least, Duke thinks it distinctive. The knight is out collecting pieces of scrap wood when the black hat catches attention. This is slightly wary straightening, but the knight is fairly sure that the monsters don't wear hats like that.

Sword held low but ready enough regardless, Duke sets the bundle of wood down and takes a few steps closer. ]

Hello?

[ Startled, but not thrown off, Seimei turns slowly, that unnecessarily tall cap swiveling around like a cranes head looking out over lake reeds. He blinks twice, buying himself several mental moments to process that he was not, in fact, alone in the strange and barren land. ]

Ah, please forgive me...

[ He trails off, lowering his head and bowing gracefully in polite greeting - a bit of a feat considering the amount of clothing on his person and further impressive for the cap managing to remain perched on his neatly bound hair. ]

Good...Morning, I will have to guess. It was morning when I...Well, I suppose "poofed" is a rather unprofessional explanation for what happened. I digress. My name is Abe no Seimei, and I appear to be lost. You wouldn't be able to tell me where this is, would you?

This part, here, is called the Skyway. Light is all weird here, so I'm not really sure what time of day it is either. I'm Duke.

[ The knight shifts, trying to figure out how best to explain what was known. ]

Its apparently all that's left... ever. This Skyway here, and The Bastion, which is much safer than out here.

[ The onmyoji frown faintly, then nods and offers up a dazzling smile in response. He wouldn't question the name - after all, he was the stranger here and it would be impolite to query such a thing. ]

Then you have my gratitude. I was worried this was some strange sort of Hell I had been transported to for my transgressions, but if someone so charming is here also, I can only assume to be trapped in a spirit world I was previously unaware of.

[ Bowing again, Seimei rises and allows his eyes to drift down Duke's frame to the wood on the ground. ]

By your suggestion, I should continue to head for the "Bastion", was it? If we are headed in the same direction, perhaps you would allow me to share your burden? At least until I can find another way to repay you.

[ ... Excuse the knight for staring blankly for a moment. Guess who isn't used to flattery? This one. Clearly the answer is to smile politely and pretend nothing was said. Even if the eyedrift is slightly uncomfortable.

But Duke studies.. Abe no Seimei for a moment back, eventually deciding that the other is a civilian of some sort, and nods. ]

If you like. I think that heading back would be good now, just in case something decides that we might be easy to attack.

Under normal circumstances I would propose that I am not particularly easy prey, but as I am unfamiliar with the surroundings, I will have to take your words under advisement. Please, allow me.

[ Seimei moves forward and raises his hands, shaking them in order to push his sleeves up his arms and give him more freedom. Taking up most of the wood, despite his slender frame, the onmyoji rises with an ever-present, pleasant smile. ]

If you would be so kind as to show me the way, I would be grateful. As curious as I am of the landscape, I am more interested in hearing about the strange circumstances which brought us here, and seeing this bastion.

If you're comfortable talking and walking, we can get started on that.

[ The knight steps out, looking about with blade low just in case. ]

I haven't been here long, so there's information I'm missing. There's talk of some 'Calamity', which seems the same as any other word for 'world ending event', which is why this place... looks like this.

[ A nod for how there isn't much of a path on until they start moving toward specific sorts of edges. ]

Only it happened everywhere, or is happening everywhere.

[ The onmyoji nods slowly, walking along and keeping pace with the knight, his footsteps surprisingly sure and silent for one so over-dressed. ]

Ah. So, this is where one goes when the world disappears?

[ He tilts his head with a curious expression, a smile curving his lips, brows raising slowly. ]

Perhaps so, but what a dreadful event. I cannot believe that all worlds everywhere simply ceased to be. There must be another explanation. If it -is- correct, however...

[ He sighs, looking towards the Bastion then sliding his gaze sidelong to regard Duke. ]

Well, whatever the case, it is a very curious situation I find myself in. It would not do for me to ignore the plight of yourself and others, so I will offer my services, for what they are worth. Perhaps a resolution can be found.

Some go, at least.

[ A tired smile, which may be pretty clearly putting some expression on rather than looking blank. ]

The statues are those who didn't quite get here, or something close. I haven't recognized any yet, but I'm pretty sure some of the others have recognized some of them.

Aah, I hope its not all. I know there was a very good chance of mine going the way of a dead rock, but all seems a bit big. There's something down below, but its not reachable, and probably not safe.

[ And a less tired looking smile for that, but still not particularly wide or anything. Reserved seems to be a good word for Duke. ]

That's good. We're currently at barely at a score of people, we need all the able hands we have.

[ But yep, that would be a pillar of light the knight is steadily walking for. ]

[ Offering a small nod and smile in reply, the onmyoji follows alongside the knight, eyes trailing the landscape as they move. He thought about mentioning the minister and how he had become a statue, but decided against it. Most people would find jokes about the situation in poor taste, regardless of how relieved he was not to have to deal with the odious man any longer. Besides, thinking about it made him worry for Hiromasa.

Time to change the subject.]

Hm. I have never seen someone with such a remarkable color to their hair. Am I due for many other surprises like you? I know that to the far West of Kyoto there were supposedly fair-haired maidens and men, but I never saw one myself. Which is odd, considering the myriad other fantastic things I've seen.

[ That's a topic jump. Duke blinks back for a moment, then a awkward smile. ]

Somewhat. There's some other ... remarkable, hair colors, but not too many. [ Yep, the knight is amused. ]

I supposed for much else, it depends on what your definition of what would be surprising.

Ha. Ending up in a world made of floating rocks and people made of stone is a fairly good example of what I consider shocking. Since we've raised the bar on my expectations, I suppose unusual hair shouldn't be that interesting, hm?

I've seen demons and spirits, done battle with priests and fellow onmyoji, spoken to butterflies...and I can still be surprised.

[ He smiles, winking at Duke and uttering a short hum of some unfamiliar tune before adding... ]

So, since we're on the path and it may take a while, perhaps you would tell me about where you are from?

I don't know much about demons, priests or onmyoji, but I'm pretty sure your definition of spirits and mine are different.

[ The knight taps the flat of the blade against the shin armor, looking about. That's a harder question than it sounds. ]

Terca Lumireis. Ahh... Well, 'home' is the simplest answer, but that says absolutely nothing. I'm from Zaphias, which is the capital and main city of the Empire. It looks... it looks sort of like a great big layered cake, with fancy houses up top, simpler ones around the edges.

[ And it has a great big sword-like structure sticking out of the top but details. ]

The world itself is a bit... troubled. The population of.. well, wild things is most commonly known as monsters, greatly outnumbers that of humans, so travel is usually knights and well protected merchants, or hired guilds and merchants. And that's just the usual state of things.

Not terribly unlike any world, I imagine. I have yet to hear of a place without monsters of some sort, be they man, beast or something else. In Kyoto, man and demon live side by side, though most men aren't aware of it, or pretend not to notice. As men spread across the land, they force things into hiding that aren't accustomed to being told they can't be where they please. It tends to create conflicts, and that is where I come in. Onmyoji placate or combat demons and spirits. And sometimes men. We do other things, of course, such as cure ailments and predict weather. Mundane things.

[ The onmyoji offered a casual smile, eyes turned up in a decidedly vulpine manner. ]

I have never heard of this Terca Lumireis, or Zaphias. They are surprisingly elegant names, however. Elegantly named places produce elegant people, I see.

This is true. As my sister likely would point out, monsters do not always indicate beasts.

[ Oh, there was something in that that was very important- ]

When you say ailments, do you mean sicknesses and poisoning, or injuries? We're low on anyone who knows anything more about patching people up than how to set bones and bandage cuts. I've a little magic in the area, but its not the best. [ And that was a bit of a lie, the knight was moderate with healing-

Also, flattery again. A thin smile, a arm gesture that would be a bow if the knight wasn't holding a sword and unwilling to bend far while walking. ]

My job within Zaphias was that a captain of the Royal Guard. I would have ended up in a dusty hall somewhere, if I didn't learn to hold myself just so.

A pity. Where I come from, guards tend to lead very active lives.

[ The onmyoji remarks casually, inclining his head at the minute bow. He falls silent a moment before nodding once. ]

Indeed, I am proficient in many arts. An onmyoji is expected to be many things - not just a court astrologer. We tend to physical, mental and spiritual ailments, when the work of a physician is either inadequate or hopelessly outclassed. I did try to implement a school for doctors to learn something more than the basic arts of healing craft, but my idea was rejected. Regardless of the decisions of my more material-oriented peers, I offer my services when asked. If there is a dearth of healers, I believe I can be of use, and I can certainly teach basic craft to others who have the ambition.

The higher nobility wanted the higher ranked to stay around them, unfortunately. I was able to get out and about, but not without my share of pretending to be an armored statue.

[ Because high-ranked nobility can be jerks, just like anyone else-

But the knight is looking relieved. ]

That would be most appreciated. I think at the moment, I'm the best at healing, and I never really studied healing, much to my own loss here.

It can sometimes be a gruesome and disappointing task with very little reward. I have always respected physicians for the work they do, but I do not envy them the dirty work. Provided my magic still works, I will be versatile. Though keep in mind, my expertise is in spiritual ailments more than broken bones and bloody knees. I am, however, proficient in diagnosing illness, which can help others devise treatment, at any rate.

[ Obviously feeling more at ease, he allows his curiosity to hasten his pace, though he remains careful not to stray. Not until he knew what sort of dangers one faced in this new wilderness. ]

So, my new friend. As I am trusting you with my life at the moment, you assure me I am not being led into danger and other unpleasantness? I should be very disappointed if we arrive at this bastion you mentioned, and I end up in a cage or worse. Nothing is more likely to spoil my day, at this point.

Understandable.

[ And the knight matches. ]

I believe there's no cages, and the only basement I know of is currently being used as someone's bedroom. If there are monsters this way, they weren't here before.

[ And look, the light isn't that far away. ]

Would you prefer to precede me, or the other way around?

[ that light goes up and up and up... ]

It would be impolite to precede you, and it would seem slovenly should I fall behind. Unless you object, I should like to keep pace with you.

[ The onmyoji answers candidly, offering his pleasant smile and adjusting the weight of the wood. ]

Then again, perhaps things are different in your culture? Should I fall behind? In my culture, I would only walk in front of a woman, who would stand behind me.

[ He grins slowly, arching a brow in playful challenge before chuckling and looking forward, walking along. ]

It depends on the situation. Am I escorting you? Then I ought to be on whichever side has the most danger, which would be, unfortunately, anywhere. Am I supposed to announce you? That would be before, when entering. At the moment, keeping pace with you on this side is the best.

[ And lazily tapping the sword against shin-armor once more as illustration. The comment about women gets a sigh, but one that is of the good-natured sort that says 'this happens a lot'. ]

As refreshing as it is to know I can still imitate my sister well, she is not a knight.

[ He chuckles and shrugs, shaking his head and casting a glance off to the side before returning his attention to Duke. ]

I'm sure it is very refreshing. I mean no insult. Simple conversation is all. As far as announcing me goes, normally yes. You would. but under the circumstances anyone knowing who I am seems terribly unlikely. It would be refreshing, however, to know I am not culturally alone in this world. however I did not see anyone with me but the minister, and he was rather stone-faced, at the time.

[ A small chuckle at that, though he is decent enough not to laugh outright at his own joke, considering it is in poor taste, after all. ]

How about this. You just do whatever feels most natural, and I will follow your lead. At the moment, you are the expert, and I am the apprentice.

Very well.

[ Duke pauses on the edge of the light, looking about. Sheathing, the knight nods. ]

Ready.

[ And the knight isn't going to wait long. Putting a blade away is pretty much equals asking for a monster or four to show up, in Duke's mind.

But stepping into the light ends up with an odd flying-but-not upward, and a easy set down into a fairly green, fairly empty and run down looking place. ]

[ He handles the transition fairly well, saying nothing and following Duke without hesitation. One does not get by in life without taking leaps of faith, after all.

On the other side, Seimei reorients himself, checks his hat, shifts the weight of the lumber and smiles. ]

And here I thought there would be some complicated ritual, or guards to barter with for passage or really anything other than a casual jaunt, really. I'm almost disappointed.

As simple as it seems, nothing aggressive has made it past that.

[ Just pointing back at that.. light-ride. Duke has no idea. ]

But it's rather flashy, all the same. This way.

[ Since he's still carrying the wood, the knight will head off to where some other bundles are gathered. Its not particularly good looking wood, but it doesn't seem like this is a spot for keeping firewood. ]

Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one, despite the human nature to seek out adversity and conquer it.

[ He shrugs slightly and smiles, following Duke and allowing his eyes to drift about idly like a lazy tide. He follows to the woodpile and deposits his armful without comment on the quality. He doesn't know what its for, so commenting would be ill-timed. ]

Flashy. Ha, well. Once, I traveled a stairway of light into the heavens, dressed as a woman and dancing to the sound of a man playing the flute. Insofar as travel goes, this was considerably less tacky, at any rate.

[ He smiles, cocking a perfectly shaped black brow. ]

So, I suppose I should ask for escort to your liege, or some reasonable facsimile of a leader. If it would not put you out, I would be grateful.

Sounds a bit slower than a horse, but those don't do well with stairs, do they?

[ At that request, the knight thinks for a moment, and starts toward an odd central piece. ]

Defaulting to leaders... well, there are those who have been here longer than me, and a few who know the workings of the Bastion. We haven't tried making anything that resembled a chain of command yet. Might be a good idea to see about that... I'll have to ask.

That might be prudent. Honestly, if people are in fact stuck here permanently, a chain of command and a basic government are imperative. And if people are continuing to arrive, as in my case, then there will inevitably be those that find it difficult to adjust to a world without structure. If the land itself is fractured here. Were I less accepting of abnormal events as I am, I would doubtless be stricken.

[ He shrugs, dusting himself free of wood chips and bark as he checks over his robes for any tears. Finding himself in reasonable order he continues along with Duke, gazing at the central focus of the land and where he is to inevitably meet more survivors. ]

I do hope the others are as interesting as you.

I'll look into it.

[ That gets a short laugh out of Duke. Oh, interesting people, hmn? ]

Perhaps that's where the surprises will be.

[ Duke isn't going to try to describe the other people here, the knight might get it wrong and that would be terribly awkward.

But the walk stops outside of the monument, and Duke looks about for anyone. ]

((OOC: I'll link this part for other people to wander across them o/))

[ Smiling, he arches a brow slowly and leans slightly closer to Duke. ]

That laugh suggests you think things won't be all that easy.

[ He leans back, folding his arms into his sleeves, hands disappearing into the voluminous fabric. ]

I assure you, I am the newcomer and I respect the already present hierarchy. I promise to be on my very best behavior.

[Hierarchy? Well if there is one, it's sure not in this kid. Maka's attention is caught by the unfamiliar presence and he waves.]

Hey, Duke! You found another survivor?

[ Swiveling his gaze in the direction of the address to Duke, Seimei waits patiently for the figure to be within reasonable distance before bowing politely and smiling, arching a brow Duke's way as if to suggest that introductions were in order. After all, Duke is the expert.]

Yes. Maka, this is Abe no Seimei.

[ Come on over, Maka, because you know things that the knight doesn't. ]

Maka is one of the people who arrived before me.

[ A small explanation. ]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Maka. Interesting that people here are apparently informal about their names. Perhaps I should simply go by Seimei?

[ He tilts his head and arches a brow, glancing between the two. ]

I would not want to make other more uncomfortable than they no doubt already are.

You're Japanese, is that right sir? We tend to be less informal in the West, it's true, and I guess whatever world Duke is from is somewhat the same, but I wouldn't worry so much about formalities or lack of. Whatever you want me to call you, I will.

[He shrugs.]

My last name is Albarn, for what that's worth, if you'd rather call me by that.

Seimei is acceptable. And I will refer to you as Maka, if it comfortable and not insulting. I am curious, however. You know of Japan? So then, you are from my world?

[ He asks, brows lofting in curiosity as his gaze drifts up and down Maka's form. Maka doesn't look to be from Heian Kyoto, so what does that mean, precisely? ]

Hmmm...well, let me put it like this--I'm from a version of Earth, and so are you evidently, it might not be the same version of Earth, but maybe it is. At any rate, I do know about Japan, though I'm not from there--my mom's Japanese. It has quite a bit of influence on the city I'm from, too, though our countries are hundreds of miles away from each other.

[He scuffs at the ground and indicates their environment.]

There are a lot of different people from different places brought together here by the Calamity that destroyed all the worlds. Since you're a survivor that found your way here, you live here now too and can help rebuild and strengthen the Bastion if you want. Just hanging out and getting to know the other survivors is perfectly fine, too, not everyone can handle going out on the Skyway for finding supplies.

I see. Hm, curious. Different versions of the same world had not occurred to me. It is a fascinating concept. At any rate, it is good to know that Japan reaches beyond one world. Or did, I suppose.

[ He sighs, frowning slightly before shaking off the gloom and offering that lazy smile again. ]

I appreciate your added information. Duke had been kind enough to inform me of the basic situation, but it appears I will have to piece the events together through the tales of many.

Yeah. Besides me, there are other survivors that have been here a while. There's Rin--who arrived on the same day as me--and Bon who arrived some time after. And even if they don't provide enough information, the townspeople here have been around in Bastion a long time before us.

I am curious if this Bastion is part of a specific world, or the result of the remains of many worlds. However, perhaps this is a discussion better had closer to your homes, as it were. It is my understanding that while the danger of creatures is past once crossing the light, there are still plenty of risks.

[ Though it would be impolite to mention he was hungry. Asking for food was looked upon poorly when one was supposed to give others the chance to offer. He only hope his belly didn't get ahead of itself. ]

I am eager to meet the others, as well.

We all pretty much live in the same area.

[ And so the knight will start that way - and name the few buildings in the other sections of Bastion on their way toward the apartments. East has memorial, shrine, and lost and found, West has an arsenal, forge, distillery and farmland.

And this would be the three-level building where everyone lives so far. ]

Everyone lives in the same building?

[ He asks incredulously. Eyes drift up the building, head tilting slightly as he arches a brow. ]

How...does anyone have privacy? Is it sanitary?

We all have single rooms to ourselves, it might be tight quarters with what you're used to, but there's no chance of someone walking into your room uninvited.

And, yes, it is quite sanitary.

[ He says nothing in reply, though his gaze is dubious at best, hands remaining folded neatly into his sleeves. Cogs turn in his head as he ponders his options, eventually sighing softly. ]

Security in numbers, I suppose.

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Perhaps I Died At The Rock Gate After All?

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