video; un: ihavequestion

[emyoji]

[ The video turns on displaying one of the apartment building living spaces. For the most part it looks like the typical default space, but in the background there's a low table containing incense burners and what are probably offerings. The structure sitting behind it also looks like a shrine... a very small one, but made with loving detail. The lighting is intentionally dim, and Abe no Seimei is kneeling in front of the arrangement next to a black cat that is likely familiar to some in the city. ]

Since we've been facing some unanswered mysteries lately, I thought we should conduct a ritual to try to get some answers. The preparations are all complete if anyone would like to participate in the Offering Game.

[ As he says that, he lights several candles and places them around the cat in front of him. Once the cat, seated on what looks like a cushion on top of an array is properly surrounded, he asks: ]

Are you ready?

[ The cat, for it's part, stares at the lit candles and then snaps it's head around to shoot a look at Seimei that somehow seems deeply betrayed. Apparently, this was not part of the original plan. The only thing audible is a rumbled, plaintive meow, but Seimei nods as in in perfect understanding.

Answer received, Seimei claps his hands together two times and recites what might be a chant, but the words are difficult to make out over the device. Technical difficulties? The candles flicker, then abruptly seem to gain strength as they cast an ominous massive cat-like monster shadow behind the form of the housecat. ]

We are ready. In exchange for a personal story, we can now trade one offering to this great spirit and receive a fortune! But beware, we don't know what kind of answer the unknown may offer us. But if you would like to play, answers do await.

[ Seimei bows once to the cat and once to the camera. The cat stares at the camera for a long, unblinking moment before letting out a sigh that seems to shift it's entire body. There's another, brighter flash that seems to take up the entire screen for a second--the candles flaring?-- but when it clears, the actual cat is gone and all that remains is the shadow creature.

Though the close listener might hear something that sounds like a mumbled hate you so much coming from somewhere off screen. ]


[ooc: Both Seimei and Kai will be replying to this post to play a dumb creepypasta game and discuss possibly real magic.]

Comments

text | @stray

[kampfgeist]

what could possibly go wrong

un: susuwatari

[catmemes]

Participation is not mandatory.

[ Actually he'd kind of prefer if you didn't, but no one's asking him. ]

[kampfgeist]

i don't know much about magic
but i did go through the haunted house like six times

what kind of personal stories

[catmemes]

You don't need to. If you actually want a fortune all you need to do is offer something.

[ Seimei why. ]

Just something you consider personal, I guess.

[kampfgeist]

[ heine would also like to know seimei why!! ]

i learned how to fold paper flowers for my sister when i was a kid
i folded a dozen of them to make a bouquet
she kept them under her bed so no one would find them
i think they're probably still there

is that enough for a fortune, o great spirit?

video; un: ihavequestion

[emyoji]

What's life without a little mystery and excitement? As people, don't we long to explore more in the world we are in?

[kampfgeist]

i'm having deja vu suddenly
the last time we talked weren't you like
"let's climb up to the tallest parts of the buildings"
or something

[emyoji]

Oh? Did I say something like that?

[ He opens a hand fan thoughtfully, covering his mouth as he taps against his lips. ]

Well! Let's not climb up anything tall for this. I'm just trying to conduct a ritual. It's much more grounded.

[kampfgeist]

and for your ritual all i have to do is tell a story?

[abit_ofboth]

[It has been some time since Loki and Seimei’s paths have crossed so when he sees the video pop up, he watches with interest. The interest only grows as he sees what’s happening. It is not a spell that is familiar to him, but it is clearly magic. Not only because Loki can feel all sorts of magic naturally, but because the cat is the first animal he’s seen in the City period.

When the display is over, Loki turns on his video to respond. He sits in his now freshly painted, and looking more like a home, apartment. He takes his usual place on his couch. He’s dressed rather casually for him, but still looks well put together, as always.]

Greetings. I am certainly interested in playing. Can it be any sort of personal story?

text; un: susuwatari

[catmemes]

If you really want a fortune, yeah.

Text Response | UN: Loki

[abit_ofboth]

I would say yes, I would like a fortune. Do I get to ask a question that could inspire the answer? Or is your method of fortune telling more that you get a random answer, or whatever you are able to read?

[catmemes]

You ask a question, I give an answer.

[ Whether he likes it or not. ]

[abit_ofboth]

[It's a bit before Loki responds again, debating on what question to ask that he's actually curious about and something where he'll have some idea of this person's actual capabilities.]

Well, that's rather simple. Okay, let's see. As the story goes, I was born during wartimes. My father's side was losing and during the final battle, I was abandoned, left for dead. The man who raised me, the leader of the winning side, if you will, found me and took me in, but did not tell me of this beginning. Told me all sorts that made me think his enemy, my people, were evil, not once letting me know I was one of them. When I found out and I confronted him, he denied that I was merely a bargaining chip to keep the peace.

There is your story, now, was he lying? Or was there another reason why he would lie to me for my entire life?

[emyoji]

[He's having a great time stirring the spiritual energy up. It may not be a traditional ritual and it's not functioning in the way he presents it, but it's magic of a kind. The draw of sharing energy between people and the prayers sent to some forgotten place. It's a plea of sorts, although few would know it.]

Hello again! Did you want a fortune? It can be any story, as long as it's personal, yes.

[At least to feed the cat. Any onmyoudou tricks will be another magic entirely, but he's not concerned about that.]

[abit_ofboth]

I did want a fortune. These things are always so fascinating. However, I sent a story to your… counterpart and it seems they were unable to provide. I admit, I’m rather disappointed.

[He’s frowning, though he admits it’s nice to see Seimei again. He really must get better at actually keeping track of people.]

Are you able to give fortunes as well? If so, perhaps you should considering cutting dead weight.

[emyoji]

Ah, one moment.

[ The video disconnects for a few seconds, but then returns with Seimei waving his hand fan thoughtfully in front of him. ]

Danna-sama, about your request. That's reading the past, not the future. I do indeed provide such a service, but this ritual was conducted in order to provide answers for good fortune and insights into the future. It won't cover a question within your timeframe.

[abit_ofboth]

Ah, yes. Thank you for the explanation. And what might I need to do for you to perform that service?

[It’s something Loki’s been curious about for some time and he’s not just going to give up if there’s an option.]

text; un: yomiko

[blackwaterchild]

Blink twice if you need help.

un: susuwatari

[catmemes]

So you don't want a fortune then?

[blackwaterchild]

Now, now, I didn't say that. You're so cute, Kai. I didn't know you liked these types of games.

[There's a pause, Miu hesitating a moment before she adds]

But seriously, are you okay with this? Or should I start a rescue operation?

[catmemes]

[ Oh. Unexpected. ]

Call it an experiment.

[ So no, he doesn't love it. But he hasn't actually tried to stop it, either. ]

text;

[emyoji]

We're having fun! Did you want to play too?

[blackwaterchild]

What kind of personal story do you need? I don't know if I really have anything interesting to tell.

[Which is a big lie, but.]

[emyoji]

It doesn't have to be a difficult story, just a personal one. People assume personal means it must be hard to tell or have strong impact, but as long as it's a memory of yours, it's still personal to you.

Since you're Kai-kun's friend, I'll give you an extra service, okay?