citynet | video; un: ihavequestion

[ 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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Can you give me a fortune on an IOU basis?

Nope.

[ Well he could give her the exact same bullshit he gives everyone, but that's not really the point of the exercise. ]

Why do you want one, anyway?

Ugh, you suck.

Why not? It's fun. And I like fortunes and fortune telling in general. I might not fully believe it, but it's still fun.

Rules are rules.
I guess. You could always just flip a coin.

I could.

[She won't though.]

Okay, a ~personal~ story.

I'm half-human. My mother was a living woman, albeit with strong spiritual powers. My father was a spirit. I was born half-dead and probably drained half my mother's lifespan to live-- At least, that's my theory as to why having a Yomiko like me shortens the mom's lifespan.

Anyway, my mother abandoned me when I was 3 with some friend of hers', which is when all my powers started manifesting. [A pause and she adds, bluntly:] It sucked.

But, it worked in my favor sometimes anyhow. I've got an agent and everything and am on my way to stardom in my world. But I heard
a woman who looks like my mother was spotted on a once-sacred mountain so I went to investigate when I got captured by the spirits and thrown into their sacrifice rituals.

I'm still alive though, it's fine.