thebastion | A stroll through the gardens... ( Day 69 )

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A stroll through the gardens... ( Day 69 )

Who: Seimei and anyone/everyone else he happens across.
When: Day 69
Where: All about the Bastion.
What: Familiarizing himself with the denizens.
Format: Action
Warnings: None likely.

[ Having decided against taking up residence in the apartments and bowing out as gracefully as possible, Seimei had elected to sleep under a tree, leaning back against the bark, expression serene. He was untroubled, it seemed, by his plight and the plight of others. Just another obstacle to overcome. Rising early - so far as he could judge time - before anyone else appeared to be wandering about, the onmyoji decided to spend his time exploring, pacing the perimeter of the Bastion and fanning himself idly with his tessen as he hummed a nameless tune.

Without any particular purpose or direction, he eventually begins a spiraling path in towards the center, stopping on occasion to watch the horizon, inspect a plant or, if possible, gather an idle person to walk with him with the intention of learning about the Bastion, but more importantly, about them. He has a deep curiosity and need for knowledge, and while he would be loathe to admit it, he enjoyed socializing. Without the social stigmas of his birth and occupation that he faced in Heian Kyoto, it doesn't seem unlikely that he could make friends here.

That, and he wanted to distract himself from the inevitable need to accept that he would likely never again see Hiromasa, the only friend he had ever really known.

So it is, without any particular direction, Seimei sets to explore and socialize, unperturbed by race, gender or species. After all, at the end of the day, who was he to judge?

Each person he comes across is cordially greeted and invited to walk with him. ]

Anou, sumimasen.

[ He began every time, offering a polite bow and smiling behind the curve of his paper fan. ]

I am Abe no Seimei. I only arrived yesterday and was wondering if you would have a moment to speak.

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Huh? Sure, that's fine. [Osahar grins a warm greeting to the newcomer. He had been working on a bit of a diagnostic- with a holographic screen projected against a bit of the Bastion's machinery- but when he turns to Seimei, the screen disappears. Sadly, this is a task that will never really get done, but... on the positive side, it means he can put it aside as needed?

That's the excuse he uses, anyway. Besides, newcomers should have their questions answered. Normally he'd offer a handshake, but when the man bows, Osahar mirrors that- a kind of cultural mimicry that he's learned after dealing with so many different cultures.] I'm Osahar Solarin. What would you like to know?

Osa-har Sol-ar-in. Osahar...Solarin is your family name, then? According to the manner people have been speaking to me. You may call me Seimei. It is a pleasure to meet you.

[ The onmyoji tries the name out in his elegant accent, able to pronounce much of it without particular effort. He smiles again and tilts his head, arching a brow at the place where the holographic display had been. ]

Too many remarkable things in this place. Remarkable people as well. Hm. There are many things I would like to know. Mostly I am looking forward to learning about the people around me. Are you interested in walking and talking? I can stay here and allow you to work, if you prefer.

[During Seimei's wandering, he may have seen a rather... interesting sight once or twice. A girl passing by, at first glance no different than any other female. Japanese by physical appearance, a mess of long blue-black hair tugged back in to a ponytail, clothes a mix of modern and whatever era Caledonian-style clothing looked like. She wasn't tall, maybe a little thick in the way of muscle mass, but really she would have been easy to miss or overlook.

If not for the fact that she clearly had a long, black fluffy tail.

And that she was carrying items over each shoulder that were far too heavy for a girl her size to possibly lift on her own. But there she was, bouncing by like they weighed no more than a sack of feathers.

It's only on about her third trip from wherever she's taking the items back to the kitchen that Seimei catches her and stops her with his conversation starter. Blinking big blue eyes, tail twitching, the easy rattling off of Japanese and his name really got her attention. He was... odd looking, and didn't feel completely human to her senses, but she wasn't about to begrudge some one from her home country.]

Ah... Okumura Rin. What did you want to talk about, Seimei-san?

[ The young woman had looked so busy and intent, Seimei hadn't thought to bother her the first few times. Eventually, as the time wore on, he decided he ought to make introductions and was pleased when he did. Not only did she turn out to be reasonably respectful, but familiar with his language. ]

Ah, Nihonjin? I had wondered. Your fashion is unfamiliar. Have you gone native, so to speak?

[ He asks with a polite and courteous tone, suggesting no intention of offense, merely curiosity. He seems delighted, in fact, to meet someone not only familiar with his language, but possibly even a resident of his country. Then again, they way he was beginning to understand it, she might not be from his time, or even his Japan - just some reasonable facsimile.

When she speaks, his gaze narrows with a sort of lazy, casual concentration similar to a cat observing a mouse. It lasts only a moment before fading in the wake of a wide smile and single word uttered in amusement. ]

...Akuma.

Well. Suddenly this displacement is considerably more fascinating than it already was.

Huh? Oh uh... kinda, yeah.

[It would be unfamiliar to Seimei even if she was wearing her usual uniform. She wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, but she could recognize that his clothing was from a time far removed from her era, even if his language was the same. Well. Similar, at least.

He seemed nice enough--

Until that.

He wasn't threatened by her, but the comment was enough to make her tail twitch in mild irritation.]

Half. How did you know that?

[ He chuckles softly, covering his mouth with a satiny sleeve as he does, eyes squinting in a fox-faced expression that screamed mischief more than malice. Collecting himself, he bows with more grace and formality than before. ]

Abe no Seimei, author of the Senji Ryakketsu, head of the Onmyoryo and I am told, a most extraordinary onmyoji.

[ He rises, cocking a brow and offering a vulpine smile. ]

Very little escapes my attention. More importantly, very little demands it. It is a sincere pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Okumura.

... just... Rin. Please.

[She wasn't uncomfortable, but his behavior was slightly off-putting. Like he knew more about her than she knew about herself with just a glance.

It was unnerving, to say the least.

And onmyoji wasn't a completely unfamiliar term, since exorcists employed demon hunters from all walks of life. Her and Bon were living proof of that.]

I'm... nothin' special. Even if I am a demon.

[And that is a total lie]

That is a false representation of oneself, if ever I heard one. Everyone is special - especially people like you.

[ And I, he could add, but doesn't. He tended to keep himself mysterious, throwing others off with brutal honesty one moment and frustrating cryptics the next. ]

And you said it yourself, only half. Hardly anything to go up in arms about, isn't it? I imagine in a situation like this its considerably helpful. You're hardy and strong, and no doubt dependable in a pinch. I for one am grateful for your presence.

[ He remarks pleasantly, flipping open his fan and flapping it lightly beneath his face, the faint perfume filling the space between them. ]

So tell me, Lady Rin, what is your opinion of the situation. Do you believe the world has ended? Is this some punishment, or a second chance, hm?

[Again with the 'lady' thing. It made her scowl, but she held her tongue and set the box she had been carrying this time around on the ground, trying to not visibly wrinkle her nose.]

I ain't really some one to ask 'bout that. I'm just tryin' to survive, same as the rest of us.

[More like she didn't want to think about it, but if pressed about it she would have leaned more towards the 'world destroyed' option.]

Everyone has an opinion about everything - an unfortunate fact of life. However, if you feel uncomfortable sharing yours, I won't press you.

[ He smiles and offers a small bow of his head in acquiescence. Rising, he closes his fan and tucks it into a sleeve, arching a brow at Rin. ]

I admit, you're actually the first true half-demon I've ever encountered. It is something of an exciting thing for me. If you have a few moments, perhaps you would join me for a short walk? Indulge my curiosity and, if you like, indulge your own. I bear no animosity towards you and would be honored to share your time.

That's right. [More technically it's almost a clan name, but since that's about the same thing, he's not going to quibble over details. From the way that Seimei's talking, it seems like he's more used to the family name going first. Which isn't terribly unusual, considering.

As for the question, Osahar shakes his head.] No, just give me a second to wrap this up and then I can walk with you.

[He brings up the hologram again, starting to close out of the process. As he does so, his lips quirk upward.] Well, unfortunately, learning about me won't help you too much with learning about the others. Where I come from is... quite a bit different from everyone else.

Quite the contrary. If I learn about you, I understand one more piece of the puzzle and further understand the unique community growing in this strange little place. You are important to the dynamic here. What you offer is also important. How many people have made the honest effort to get to know -everyone- here?

[ The onmyoji tilts his head and smiles before looking at the screen curiously, speaking conversationally as he watches Osahar work. ]

People are people. They are individuals. In a time of crisis they are also resources. Every talent becomes a precious commodity. If we are indeed stuck here for the remainder of our days as the last survivors of a bygone era, we have a responsibility to one another to create as harmonious an environment as possible. How can one expect the village to adapt to him, if he is not willing to adapt to the village?

[ Another smile as he glances sidelong at Osahar, then back to the screen. ]

Everything has its purpose and every event happens for a reason. We are the survivors because we were meant to be. Now we simply have to understand why. Who you are and where you come from will eventually be integral in some way. If we are not given to believe this, then what reason does anyone have for not walking off the edge of the cliffs and joining those they will no doubt be missing, once the shock has worn off?

[A lot of things were making her uncomfortable, but again, she wasn't about to tell him to screw off just because he was asking questions. Even she wasn't stubborn enough to refuse getting along with a survivor just for some odd feelings she was getting from him.]

... lemmie go put this down.

[And with that she wandered off, vanishing in to the kitchen with her load and returning empty handed.]

Alright. I'm all yours, Seimei-san.

Are you? How interesting...

[ He remarks with a slow smirk and arched brow. Nodding lightly, the onmyoji gestures forward and begins walking, hands folding into his sleeves. ]

As a gesture of good faith, why don't you ask me something first? I promise you on my honor, I will answer you truthfully, whatever you query.

[That could be a dangerous move, Seimei. Rin stares at the man with a scowl tugging at the corner of her lips before asking something that's been bothering her from the start.]

What are you?

That depends entirely on who you ask, or in what context you're asking. However, since I did promise...

My mother was Kuzu-no-Ha. Much like you, I am half-human. A yokai mother and a human father.

[ He tilts his head, arching a brow expectantly. ]

You have never head the name Abe no Seimei? I am uncertain how I feel about that. While I do not consider myself particularly arrogant, I do find that to be something of a blow to my ego. A Japan devoid of Abe no Seimei? How tragic...

... funny, that sounded like an ego.

[Sorry, Seimei, if you're going to deal with Rin, you're going to have to deal with Rin's snark, too.

Though it doesn't last long, any semblance of a smirk fading quickly.]

When this all happened it was 2011, if that tells you anythin'. And... well I ain't all that smart, I can't sit still and learn from a book very well so if you're in history anywhere chances are I missed it.

I do know what an Onmyoji is, though.

[ He laughed in reply, a delighted sound, no hurt or animosity in it. he genuinely enjoyed the banter. ]

I never said I didn't have an ego. Everyone does. But you're right. I am glad you know what I am in particular. You do not know Lady Kuzunoha? There was a shrine in Shinoda, in Settsu province...?

[ The onmyoji trailed off, searching Rin's face before looking away and sighing softly, trying to hide his disappointment. ]

Perhaps in the future, people no longer respect shrines?

Can't argue with that.

[His disappointment, surprisingly, made her feeling bad about even bringing it up. She fidgeted, her tail lowering to sway closer to the ground with the end curled in to a fluffy spiral.]

It's... not like that. People still respect shrines. M-maybe not as much as they used to, but they're still there. They're used in festivals a lot.

... bet you anythin' my friend knows who she is. Or hell, anyone in my class. Like I said, I'm just... not smart. There's a lotta stuff I don't know.

[Listening to all of that, Osahar can only blink in confusion. There are a lot of thoughts in that monologue, and for someone who's gotten used to providing the conversations, suddenly having one dumped on him is a shock that takes a bit to get into the proper mindset.

What's also throwing him off is that Seimei is talking about things in a language that Osahar understands- not the language of Orphan or Japanese, but rather, the idea of destiny and purpose, of adaptation and community.

So, after a little while, he finishes his work and dismisses the screen, and finally looks at the man again, sizing him up with a new attention.] Well... one reason would be the belief that there's no way to reunite with them by that route. If you believe that there is no life after death, then death is not worth even contemplating.

That being said... I think you're right. I have some theories, but... right now, nothing concrete. I just don't have enough information to work with. ...and as for harmony... we do all right, here. It's just still a shock to me, having to deal with technology so much less advanced than what I'm used to. It's hard to describe, but... every aspect of life is different, in a hundred thousand tiny ways. But that's my problem, not something I expect anyone else to help me with.

...as for people who have been trying to learn about others... mm, Rin is probably the closest to that. I've been trying, but my work keeps me busier than I'd like.

I will need to speak with this Rin soon, then. And in regards to the level of technology, better to have to work backwards than forwards. Consider my position - none of this is sensible or familiar. All of the technology here is beyond my understanding at the moment. I will do my best to learn, but where I come from, the most advanced technology is probably the iron they steam our robes with.

[ The onmyoji smiles and fans himself with his tessen lightly, gesturing for Osahar to join him on a brief walk. Walking and talking, he has found, tends to loosen people up to branching conversation. ]

I know for a fact there is a life after death. however, I do not know if everyone goes to the same place. So it stands to reason that everyone will have different, and soemtimes even conflicting, motivations. I am interested to hear your theories.

Hah... I don't know about that. It's easy to start from nothing and build up, if someone tells you how to do it. Even someone with your background could theoretically use one of my weapons without a problem. But when you've got a lot of things that you expect and it's not true anymore... that's tricky.

[He puts his hands on his hips as he walks along, pursing his lips as he does so. Honestly, he's trying to do his best, but the fact that this world works under rules so radically different than his own is... frustrating.

Still, what Seimei says so flippantly makes him stop short and stare at Seimei.] Wait. How do you know, for a 'fact', that there is a life after death?

There is a distinct difference between not smart, and not educated. [ Seimei remarked, tilting his head to regard Rin from the corner of his vision. Turning his head fully to face her, the onmyoji smiles, appreciative of her attempt, however clumsy, to reassure him. ]

It is disappointing to find that shrines are merely an amusement later on. I suppose it was inevitable. With man's constant growth, the power of the unknown weakens and human arrogance devours all, casting a shadow over what was once beautiful and magical. A pity the people of your generation will not experience the wonder of living parallel to the world of demons and spirits. No doubt the creatures are reduced to villains by the time you are born, hm? Tragic.

[ Seimei shakes his head and dusts himself off ineffectually, finding his center once again. ]

Unfortunate talk. We should find something else to discuss that doesn't demand we think of what was, and what will never be. Walk with me, and tell me about yourself, won't you? I promise, no sneaky onmyoji tricks. I will even let you carry my ofuda, if it makes you more comfortable.

[ Seimei stops as well, blinking slowly before offering a soft smile and cocking his head. ]

Because I have seen it. I very nearly walked into the gates leading to the life beyond, though it was not my intention to do so. I was in the process of giving life to a goddess struck down by a sad old man's grief and desire for vengeance.

[ The onmyoji sighs softly, clears his throat and presses his tessen to Osahar's chest for emphasis. ]

What you feel in here is what matters, unfortunately. If you believe in a life after death, there is one. If you do not, then there is nothing for you. However, you do not simply cease to exist. Even if you believe yourself to disappear, that is impossible. The energy of life is eternal. Energy never ceases to exist. It cannot be destroyed or snuffed out, merely changed. Those unfortunate and unbelieving souls wander as lost spirits or reenter the world to try again. Sometimes, this is better.

[ He taps the tessen to Osahar's forehead lightly before folding his hands into his sleeves. ]

The mind misleads men, drives them to greed and glory and spoils the goodness inside that draws them towards the light of the afterlife where all things exist in harmony. Man exists in a perpetual state of conflict. All species experience the various sins of the heart and flesh, from war to lust to a desire for material things. Even apathy and the illusion of being unfeeling. These things shroud the vision and keep men from seeing the world beyond their own. There are those of us who, by way of lineage or occupation, training or powerful hope, are standing always with one foot in the other world. They see a little bit of this life afterwards.

However, there is no universal life after death. Remember, life energy cannot cease to exist, it only changes. What it changes into is entirely dependent on the individual. In my time, people imagine a heaven where there is no sickness and you may dine with gods and goddesses. So that is where people go. There are requirements there, dictated by those who dreamed the heaven first, and in life you have to meet those requirements before you go, but the end result it the same.

[ He falls silent for a time, glancing off to the side as he debates his next choice of words. eventually he speaks again, hesitation evident. He does not like admitting this... ]

I cannot see nor feel anything in this place resembling the afterlife. I know there is one....but I do not know if we will go there, if we die in this place. I feel...like a fish in a glass bowl, in the ocean. I know everything else is out there, but I cannot feel it, I cannot interact with it. Considering the circumstances, where I would normally say very little on the matter, I must admit my unease. I am not familiar with the feeling of detachment. I do not like being incapable of feeling a world alive around me--

[ He stops abruptly, staring at Osahar for a moment before plastering a smile on his face, unaware of a dampness beneath his eyes. He had said far, far too much without intending to. He was not used to being nervous, his stability fraying at the edges. ]

I apologize. I am...what I am means I am always connected to the realm of spirits, of demons and the dead. To be suddenly excised from everything is like...having my hands and feet removed.

[ He looks down for a moment, trying to find the words to explain everything simply, finally looking up at Osahar and shaking his head slightly. ]

I am lost.

['not educated' earned a sudden reddening of Rin's face, and something close to a pout tugging at her lips. Of course she wasn't educated, she barely paid attention in school and dropped out before even trying for high school entry.

Granted the Academy had all but eradicated that, but it didn't change that she was... well, pretty damn dim.]

... actually...

[What he wanted to hear from her and what he had questioned on went hand in hand, oddly enough. She shook her head to the offer for the ofuda, and started walking again.]

I am a demon. ... half, but still. And that class I was talkin' about? It's a cram school for exorcists, run by the Order of the Knights of True Cross.

You're right about them bein' kinda... turned in to villains, more or less, but there are ones that cause trouble, y'know? But not all of 'em. That cat with the two tails? He's a Cait Sidhe named Kuro, and he's my familiar. He was my adopted dad's familiar, before me.

Assiah is still uhm... [what was that word he used?] parallel to Gehenna, but it's only people with mashou that can see demons. Your average guy walkin' down the street ain't gonna know that there's a whole 'nother world connected to ours, but it's there.

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A stroll through the gardens... ( Day 69 )

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