(MATT LAH HAHAAHNHNNH) (it's matt time man) (real MATT HOURS DUDE) (REAL LOLI HOURS)
"You see, I'd like to talk with you about a… new enrollment."
Keine and I are in her school, within her office. She was rather off-put by my request for a one-on-one with her, but for some unholy reason, accepted it.
The office is like any other. Dull walls, dull candlelights, tiny windows and paper everywhere.
"...A new enrollment?" She didn't seem to expect this kind of request from a loli. "...It's not you, is it?"
"No." That was a rather unprofessional question. Regardless… "She's someone… under my wing. Someone who I think could deal with a few benefits of the school setting."
Keine smiled. "...I see." Reaching down onto the top of her desk, she shifts some papers, looking for something. "Is she a youkai who'd require special attention?"
...I give it a moment of thought. "Not particularly. She's quiet. We may be able to use a uniform, however, as her choice in dress is… not quite suitable for public."
I will say one thing about this office, and it's that it has fluffy chairs.
"We could do that." Keine brings up what I assume is a form… "Here's the transfer paperwork. It has some basic questions, including grade level, some knowledge about them, so forth. You don't have to fill it out here."
This is good, because it's all in Japanese and I can't read it for shit. I'll get Aiko's help with it later.
"...Now that I think about it, what courses are taught here?" I have no idea what could be taught at this half-burnt, derelict brick box in the middle of nowhere.
"We teach history, math, basic science and Japanese skills." Keine gives me the brief rundown on the school's primary features. "We sort of have physical education, but we leave that mostly to recess at the moment. Courses run uniformly for low skill levels- mostly children- while adult sessions are either otherwise scheduled meetings, or… essentially, tutoring. With a sort of schedule of its own too, of course."
To be honest, I don't really care what they offer. It's the only school in the entire world. That, and I doubt there's anything she'll learn here that will stick with her or be immensely interesting to her.
"...What are the punishment practices employed here?" If someone whacks her with a ruler, they're going to die.
Keine simply gives me another smile. "You don't have to worry. I've made it clear that punishment is only an option for those who truly step out of line to harass, or disrupt the classroom."
Should be fine, then. Fine enough, anyway.
"We also take considerations into account depending on what type of youkai they are." Keine goes on to explain. "We know certain genuses, or species, of youkai tend to behave or act out in certain ways more often than others."
That's racist. Species-ist? Joking aside, I'm sure this won't be a problem either.
"Sounds good to me." This shall be seamless and convenient for all parties, I'm sure. It'll also be good to get her out of the house for a change. Live a little, meet new people.
Getting up out of the cozy chair- an awkward feat for a tiny person like me- I address her. "She should be arriving relatively shortly after the form is delivered. What day can we expect her to attend?"
"...I think the day after the form is delivered, would be nice." Keine considered…
"That can be done." I nod, and stare up at the window behind her...
"...Good!" Giving me another warm smile, Keine nodded herself, and stood. "Don't take this the wrong way… but, when I'd met you, I wasn't sure if you cared at all about something like education."
Oh, trust me. I don't.
==== FREAKIN HAKUGYOKUROU: SHIKOME'S PERSPECTIVE ====
Reality shivers. A phenomenon has stirred.
A building stands before. Nothing has changed, but yet something has changed. Attention shall remain, lest it fester, though may it prove only futility.
A building stands before. The building is surrounded. Structures and walls adorn the outskirts. Its self is composed like others of similar composition; of walls, holding up another surface.
Life is passing by. Examples range from appealing to reprehensible. All are some stage of infantile, making them more accessible than the average child of Her.
Only one being existing divergent has a flow dissimilar from the rest. They are standing vigil for these ones. This may include my own, with consideration to the composition of travel through this locale.
It has been made understood, that collecting any of this life energy is undesirable. Perhaps due to the threat perceived by Him; He recommends so.
Judgment pends, in regard to the concern. Fervent collection as always seems to be exempt, so here it will endure. Overt aggression from life will prove its expendability, to most likely draw a desired exemption.
Most life has passed. One remains.
"Um…" It speaks. "You don't know where to go, do you?"
This one bears feminine traits, is non-infantile and bears mint blue hair. Input to the inquiry posed is not compelled.
"What was your name?" It curls its lips as a gesture of comfort.
This being is nearly of inconsequential importance. However, it stands above the rest, meaning it will direct the others. To participate in this setting as prescribed, it will be within observation.
Therefore, observation commences. It bears a face.
"...Shikome." It declares my name. "Let me show you the lockers, and then we'll go to class. Is that alright with you?"
It stands still after declaring an inquiry. There is no desire to communicate.
"I'm one of your teachers. I'm miss Kamishirasawa." It bends to farce equality, as if speaking to an infantile. Its actions derive from attempt to communicate, but it has yet to realize it has nothing to offer.
Movement begins once it shows discontent. Scarcity of discourse has spurred its resolve.
The building is entered. Corridors await inside. There is light. The light perforates.
Rooms full of life surround the adjacent area, all likely within this building. This pattern of the progeny is almost an attempt at organization. It is a lackluster and arbitrary way to store those without worth. It would be very convenient, if only these immediate clusters were just as immediately collectable.
Yet, it is not the first time. Walking life flourishes in this pit of rock, soil and deceased material.
It stops. "Here are the lockers, Shikome." It faces me, bearing discontent. "...Do you know what a locker is, Shikome?"
It immediately attempts a behest of observation towards this green entity of metal nearest. Desire for it is nonexistent.
"...You can put your things in them." It makes an incomprehensible claim. "Only one is yours." All belong to me.
It reaches to interact with the entity of metal.
"Here." One panel shifts, it interacting with the entity of metal. "See this?" Desire has failed to pronounce. "...You can put things in your backpack into here."
The wait for it to engage movement grows. It shows discontent.
"...Can you hear me?" Its discontent grows. "Shikome? Hello?" Its lips curled down, it pauses. "...Well, I guess you can, but…"
Movement commences.
Some time later, a door is approached. "I'm going to introduce you to the class, okay? You have to say your name in front of everyone, and give them a greeting. Do you think you could do that?"
It attempts subtle comfort cues as it creates mandates. Yet, the infantile-handling and automatic delivering of it is almost a challenge. May it be a standard for the entire automation of operation as well. If proficient participation is to be executed, the irrelevant standard should at least be acknowledged.
It suspends manipulation of the door. "...Please. You have to talk, if just a little. I know it's not comfortable for you, but you won't be able to get along with your classmates if you never speak to them." It expresses its discomfort.
Despite the discontent, it proceeds the manipulation. It proceeds into one of many pseudo-organized life assortments through this method.
Now contained within the chamber, the progeny is there.
"Good morning, class!" It seeks their cognizance. "...We have a new transfer student, from… Arkansas."
"Good morning, miss Kamishirasawa~!" They respond messily, automatically. This may indicate submission, or result from conditioning.
"...If you would, please introduce yourself to the class." It marks the mandation.
Participation is desired by association. Valid ignorance is improbable. "My name is Shikome. Humans that are worthy, come forth." Come unto us. Be swallowed and reborn, as the tide commands.
"...Hi~, Shiko~me~." The response of the collective is lackluster. All keep their place.
"You may pick any desk you'd like." It provides the illusion of free will. Will is not free.
"Ooo- ooo! Ooo- ooo- ooo!"
There is one vying for acknowledgement. A juvenile female-type. It bears long, red hair, and a succulent composition. "Me- me…! Sit next to me!"
As has been requested, it came forth. To proceed, I near.
The other recommences instruction. "Oka~y…! Today, class, we will be continuing where we left off discussing the common types of youkai, and their history, in Gensokyo."
The noise is incessant, but yet it offers no irk.
The noise ceases within, and so the seated female is approached. Close proximity shall be established first.
"Hi~...!" Its salutation flows without force. "You were super cool!"
This proximity shall persist. We are close.
"Um…?" This being's head tilts in dubiety. "Hehe!"
In this time, it fidgets, some resilience. My presence at first precedes discontent, but this withers. Content grows in place.
"Shikome?" The other entity's muteness is broken by direction. "Are you going to sit down?"
This direction's necessity has been made apparent. A seat is established on the chosen female. "Uu- uwah…! Ehe- you're funny!"
"Shikome~." The being is yet discontent by the compliance. Irrationality stems in eventuality for progeny.
It approaches us. "...Is that what I told you to do, Shikome?" It betrays confusion.
It continues to be discontent. Eventually, it gives new direction. "I want you to sit in a desk without anyone in it."
Unfortunate. Yet, desire subsists in proximal boundaries.
A new seat is found directly adjacent to the female. "Uah…" The female is simple to be resituated.
"...Put her down, Shikome." It once again supplies new directives. Another common anomaly.
The female obtains a spot on me, out of necessity within the confines of these directives. "This is fun!"
"Put her back in her own desk, Shikome…" This one shall tire of clarification. As it betrays parts amusement with its directives, time may stretch.
The directive is fulfilled. "Woah!"
"Shikome- be careful!" It objects, distress sparking. "Kumiko- are you okay?"
"I'm fi~ne, miss Kamishishiwarasawara…" The female's counter-addressal was automatic.
This distress transforms into chasticism. "Shikome. You need to learn better control over yourself."
The being ceases the stress upon itself, and rescinds.
Further cadence is admitted. I observe the female, as it occasionally observes me.
/ / / / / / / /
Something rings.
The small ones rise, shuffling about in disorganization. Chaos resides in the holding room. The span of this containment period was never made clear, and the expectation deduced would have allowed encroachment upon the entire chamber. From regret, the time was fractalized.
"Oo~h…" The female embraced the 'desk'. "Miss Keine's lectures are so~ long. It- it's not that they're boring… but they kinda are!"
Abandoning the seat it had adopted, it approaches. "Can I look over your notes?"
This inquiry cannot be resolved. Of greater importance, the obedience period vaporizing abruptly to the vices of time allows the satiation of desire.
The desk becomes unoccupied, in achieving proximity to the female. "Ooo!"
"Shikome…"
The other being makes itself recognizable, once more. "I'd like to have a word with you."
"In trouble already, huh…" The female's lips curl in parts amusement, parts discontent. "I'll wait outside for you."
Time flows until one remains. "Shikome. I noticed you weren't paying attention at all, during class. You were… staring at Kumiko, the entire time."
The being is distressed. "Why was that?"
From no communication breeds confusion. It lies eyes on banal entities. It prompts again. "Was-... Is this what it was like in Arkansas?"
Outside the containment chamber, there is far greater light than what rests inside.
"Can you repeat to me anything you heard in class?"
"Shikome?"
"Hello?"
"Shikome?"
It moves from the ascended desk; deliberately shaped in differentiation from the desks that belong to cargo. "I'm worried about you. But..."
The amount of effort it exudes implies necessity. Very well. "Ghosts are one of the most common entities, prevalent all across Japan and outlying nations. 'Ghost' itself may refer to many different spiritual anomaly and cross over into many other species, the nature of them in line with behavior of the soul. Rather, a ghost is a varied soul manifestation in which spiritual energy and magic are parted from the body through death and continue to persist. Criteria for the dissipation of a ghost range from simple reduction of motives to specific resolutions that prevent them from parting, because the soul does not work as rationally as other lifely processes. Throughout Japan, the widespread phenomena of ghosts is due to the natural magical saturation and fear of them present. In order to truly banish their entire branching idea altogether, the impossible feat of removing magic from the nation must be accomplished. While the soul and magic may be parted from a body separately from death, and some projections through this method may appear ghost-like, they should not be mistaken for everything undead that should be entailed when discussing actual ghosts; rather, that would be some form of projection, astral projection or a lesser subsidiary of lichdom. Your hair looks like a box. Additionally, the potency and level of magic present in conjunction with a soul may change more dramatically according to resolve and emotions after death. The true causes for this phenomena aren't concretely outlined, but- the answer is known. Magical composition in the air at time of death coupled with natural magic, then amplified by emotions creates the entity, and the festering emotions some time after allows them to taper off, change disposition or form. Some ghosts are strongest only immediately after death, and additional power is built through the means any other being would utilize to gain power. Further, there are also rumors of artificial spirit creation; something not truly as artificial as implied, it's a process that involves summoning a spirit to inhabit a whole that was designed. It's a far more complex riddle to tie unique souls to magical compounds and mana manually, than it is to simply die and let nature execute the procedure on its own. Some call this method of conjuration forcing spirits through a 'second death' when in reality the procedure is more like synthesis with summoning elements. Soulwork, however, is always needlessly complex."
This incomplete answer seems to have placated it. "...Oh. I see."
"You weren't here for the spirituality class. And, that was more than I'd have chosen to cover, by far."
"How much do you know?"
"...Shikome?"
"Can you look at me when I'm talking to you?"
It raises an appendage. "...Alright. You may go."
Outside the containment chamber, delight realizes, the female awaiting as implied. "You took foreve~r. But, I heard you talking! It really sounds like you showed miss Keine what for!"
"Woah- oh…!" Free of direction, movement begins. The female has been secured, and from here its positional manifestation shall be altered. "...Wow! You're strong!"
/ / / / / / / /
"Um- yeah, the cafeteria's to the right…!"
Eventually, it favored a request for sustenance. It has need for different motives than of the familiar.
There were two doors into the nourishment zone. The right one proved to be the most convenient.
"Hey- hey! Gimme my nuggets ba~ck!"
"Hey- stinkface!"
"Woah! Lookit- she's carrying her!"
"U~gh."
"Aw- darn…"
The entire room was a murmur of speech patterns more irrational than the average deviation.
A mid-stride collision occurred. One's body crossed mine; its one rejected and succumbing to gravity.
"Oo- aw- aww~!" It was in great distress and encumberment. "I dropped my tendi~es…!"
"Sorry~!" The female gave a call to the fallen one.
Often, the ritual partaken in involves generic mixed material of their choice. Therefore, the female shall be allotted opportunities to sustain itself. If it is unsuccessful, it shall be sustained manually.
It is oriented for independent exploration. "Oh…! I guess I can walk again, huh. Thanks, Shikome-chan!"
It navigates the basin, driven by purposes pertaining to survival.
"It's that new transfer student…"
"What year is she…?"
"She's super cute!"
"What's with that uniform…"
Progeny approaches. Murmurs stifle, a presentation made. Our distinction is noted.
There is one, alone. "You the~re…"
"Talk about bad luck. Wakana saw her on day one…"
"Yeah! Go Wakana~!"
"Wakana~!"
Proximities intersect. It curls its lips. "That's a really nice outfi~t. Bought it just for toda~y, huh? Is that custom seamstress wo~rk…?"
Elsewhere, the female has progressed into new chambers. Assumably, a stockpile resides within, unthinkable to be far.
"You should look at people when they talk to you, hone~y…"
It has established contact. "Well, if you're nervous, don't worry. As long as you keep in mind what I've got to say, we'll get along just fi~ne…"
This room has a window in feature. A big, wide window, comprising a far wall. Light outside slices through the light within, rendering it pale and meek.
"I said look at me."
"Tell me your name. What do they call you? Hey."
The female returns. It has scavenged successfully, showing promise.
"Wha- hey!" Yet, it becomes distressed. "Wakana~!? What're you doing!?"
"I'm introducing myself. To your new, spiffy friend here…"
"Leave Shikome-chan alone! At least give her a week…!" It seems that the source of the distress is the one before.
Resources become temporarily deposited, the female approaching it. "Don't look at me like that, Waka~na~!"
"Your friend here… she's trying too hard to be fashionable."
"We- what's that got to do with you!?"
"Oo~h, Kumiko. When will you ever learn?"
"Go away!" The female arrives to contact it. It uses both arms in what seems to be one of the most common examples of aggression.
It aggresses back. The female is cast down, upon solid ground.
"What gives!?" It too, has met distress. Vexing, infectious property. "What- you got a- lady boner for this fop!?"
"Wakana~!"
At a distance, the being assumes a stance. "She thinks- she can just waltz in and challenge me!? This isn't a cushy outsider school!"
A force permeates. A meager incendiary element flares into existence, as slight as to bear little force, and has thus ceased its existence. It was declared by it, the being.
"Wakana- no!"
"Woah…! Did you hear that!?"
"Whah…?"
"...She didn't even flinch!"
"Wha- what the heck…" It is back in proximity. "You're not tough! You-"
This progenic expression of aggression is indicated in convention, and as such this irrelevant display of aggression shall be properly replied.
We raise our arms and send forth applicable force in response.
"Ouh- ah…!" It has shifted to a new displacement. "...Oww~!"
"Woah!"
"She's strong…!"
"She just pushed Wakana! Wh- you see that…!?"
The female achieves structural recomposition. "Wo~w. You're super strong, Shikome-chan! You just pushed Wakana! An'- I hope you didn't hurt her…!" Its lips curled.
Then, it reclaims sustenance. "...Um. Are you going to eat anything, Shikome? You just did a big thing..." Outside current parameters.
The female begins consumption once stationed, at one of many bases.
/ / / / / / / /
Occupation has decided the holding chamber. It bends towards arbitration.
"Good morning, class." An unfamiliar, yet unremarkable being oversees the rest. Unexpected, but irrelevance persists. "Give me a moment to set up…"
"Shikome…" The female compacted closer. "Are you good at math?"
The head-being for this scenario bends to access material. "im math" It discovers naught.
"Wh- gah- ghet- get out of there…!" It exerts dominance over the pest. "You don't belong in there…!"
"honh ho honh honh" The pest scurries.
"Hehehe!" The female expresses delight. "By the way- this is mister Arashiro. He teaches math…!"
"Alright, class…!" It prompts another tiresome monotony. "Today we're going over addition, again. It'll be a nice and simple activity..."
From nothing manifests a blur, supplying nourishment in a trickle throughout the entire space.
"Look, Shikome! Gummy bears!" The female discovers simple delight in observation.
"Do not think… this will still be an easy class, however. We are doing algebraic equations today, as well..."
The female made visual contact with the desk. "Aw~h…"
The leading entity rounds this domain. We all receive material.
The female then engages the material manually. "Aww~h…"
"This assignment will also be graded."
The female rests its form into the desk. "A- awhaww~..."
It seeks solace. "Shikome-cha~n. Help me crush thi~s…"
It feeds off of the scattered substances. In this time, it is within interest for compliance.
The desk and material descend into the bare reservoir bottom below.
"What is going on over there!?" The leading being takes notice, immediately in distress. "Wha- the desk- what have you done!?"
"Om- mm- mmm…!?" The female is parts distressed and parts in rapture from the comestibles.
/ / / / / / / /
The female and us have been ejected from the environment. It is still immediately within adjacency. Instructions indicate: stand vigil.
"That was embarassi~ng…" The female fidgets. "I can't believe he blamed us for the desk coming apart. I was so surprised. Were you?"
"...Yeah, you wouldn't be." It is comforted in this presence. "Well, we should be able to escape before mister Arashiro finds out. It's almost recess, too, so I don't think he'll know…!" It becomes anxious and delighted.
"Come on! Let's go!" The female leaves.
Between the female and the being's orders, the female seems both of greater value and participatory performance. Observance will be sustained.
Something rings.
In this time, holding ends. Sporadic passing of progeny commences.
The female has vacated the area. All others mimic this behavior.
My vision recalculates. Light flourishes under the reign of the embodiment of fire.
Numerous apparati of myriad materials rest here. Progeny are encased by a barrier.
"Rece~ss!"
"Let's go~!"
They scuffle about. The female is ahead, flailing a limb. "Shikome~! Over he~re!"
Per her call, proximity is re-established. As free roam is an element of this time segmentation, capitalization is desired.
"We should find some fluffles." It claims something unintelligible. "They might be dusty, but they're soft…"
The life lies beyond. The female holds refusal to adhere to their subtlety. The possibility of ignorance exists in concurrence.
"Wakana doesn't even wanna look at us. Aww…"
"What would you like to play, Shikome?"
An inquiry, of interest. Presentation of control.
It is acquired for relocation. "O- oh, woah! Hehehe!" A location is required for further experimentation. "Where are we going…?"
/ / / / / / / /
Vacation inside has been achieved. Though aversion to the pre-ordained automation of life hints this location is outside parameters, it is discreet and most compatible with free collection and experimentation. Here, freedom resides in obscurity.
"Um…"
This realm is small of capacity and features seclusion. Discretion and accessibility show prominence.
"What're we gonna do in the bathroom...? Do you need to tinkle?"
Further discretion has been attained. Geometric actuality exhibits compatibility for reposing.
"...I don't need to pee! I- I don't need any help peeing, either!"
Consummation shall commence. No other life of significant value currently exists in immediate proximity.
The female mounts the leisure furnishing. Here access pertains with simplicity. "Uh…?"
It will now begin.
Proximal occupation of the female's natural boundaries is the inception of progress. There exist numerous possibilities that may be partaken. "Shi- Shikome-chan…? Hehe- why'd you sit on my lap…?"
Analysis of pleasure perception and reception is paramount. Total depletion of the female resource is undesired during consumption, as to establish a foundation to serve subsequent instances.
"Mm- mmh…!?"
Socialization of the oral capacity is precedent. Experimentation is enacted through manipulation to stress its manifestation; force, durability, material, nerve stimulation, and social psychological response. Positivity concludes reception. Assortment of life-debris persists in the female; cleaning of non-essential and toxic processes has prosperity.
"Mh- mhm!"
Female disoriented. Various regions acutely dull; referencing to awareness. In consideration of the obvious ranges: attention is queued. Many forms share common critical reproductive and sensitive regions. Dull or undeveloped nervous areas blossom; awakened to touch and persuasion.
"Mghk- nnh!? Mmh!" Temporary disturbance distills the female's perception. This shall fold to the warmth, and time.
"Fwu- fwa~h…!" Readmittance of oxygen through respiratory organs is permitted. "Shi- Shiko- ehey!?"
Female accessed. Stimulation tandemed by actualization follows. This instills the intent and warmth required to progress. "Whah- whaht are you dhoi~ng…"
Projecting self to administer over the female. This is a pre-mediated preparation.
Even masked by another entity's presence, the mid-region is particularly delectable. It necessitates sampling.
"Wa- Shi- Shikome~..." It melds to touch. "Oo- o~h…" Awakening successful.
Nervous capacity approaching over standard thresholds, stimulatory response permeating. Closer proximity with face is desired.
"I- I…" Postponement of further projection is most opportune. Pleasing. "Shikome. I- I… I need to pee…"
An incorrect assessment. Veracity is stemmed by overbearing neural titillation. It is definitely confused.
The female is raised by extension, to allow direct observation. "Wo- woah...!" Physical contact with this locus has been established. "Ah- Shiko- nnh…"
"Awa- nn- aa- ah…" Mental overdrive of female executes. "Wha- whaht…"
The bond has been formed. It is a flower of transcendent beauty. A flower of elegance. A flower of purity. A Lotus. A Red Lotus...
Energy should be sufficient. The pleasure will incite further cohesion.
"Ah- ahn…" She embraces my head as a sign of affection. "Wuhouh…"
Our forms level one another's once more. A final oral exchange to conclude this correspondence.
"Mmh…" She is more than receiving.
/ / / / / / / /
Again in the structural circulation. Further direction is unknown.
"Tha- thah… that was…" She stays in proximity. "Nnh…"
Direction is still unknowable. This is predicted to continue.
A unique entity approaches. It beckons attention to itself by mere existence. It is something seen before; an aggressor. It seems suitable only for corridors.
"He~y, now… you have your fu~n?" It is one of those seen before. "I've been lookin' every~where for you… And here we are. You starin' at me with those dead eyes again. What is it with people~…"
"Awah…?"
"Anywa~y. I brought'cha a friend pal!"
Life energy flares from a different corridor. Energy reminiscent of the moon; of silence and fear. It's an abstract repository of raw energy.
"Play ni~ce!" The thing is gone. What it incited persists.
The corridor is flooded with this lunar energy.
"Wa- woahoah! Shikome- what is that thing…!?" She is disturbed by the mere sight of it.
It is distinctly unliving. Machinations, steel and flesh entities compose a mess.
"Rrh- hh~..." It attempts communication. And fails.
Every one of its limbs extend. As a four-pointed star, it rotates, thrusting into aggression.
"Shikome- look out!"
Throwing itself in a rotation, it enters proximity. Incisions are attempted; four blades tipped in lunar energy piercing non-vital bodily projections.
"Rgh- rohr- haa~r…!" It is more artificial than being. It hardly houses soul beyond what is necessary to simplify motion; the housing machinations just that: machinations.
It leaves any surface, now. Suspended, the four blades leave this body, revolving around it.
Energy sparks on its torso. Nothing happens.
"Are- are you alright!? Shikome~!" She fears for me.
It assaults this form once more. Repeatedly, blades slide through the geometry, rending fabric and flesh. Yet, it does not recognize this is largely superficial.
"Ua- ow! Ow-"
She yelled.
Behind. Turn to inspect. She got close.
Abdominal incision, festering lunar energy. Silencing. Abdominal incision. Laceration. Bleeding. Blood.
Drip. Drip.
Drip.
Blood.
…
…
Thud.
...
Blood. Pain. Pain. Painpainpainpain. It hurts.
It hurts. It hurts. Ithurtsithurtsithurtsithurtsithurtsithurts.
…
It hurts.
Fwshik.
It tears.
...It bleeds.
The soul screams.
Kri- rrak- ch.
The soul pleads.
...
The soul dies.
Crunch.
Blood.
Drip. Drip.
Consumed.
Boom.
...Atoned.
...
"What's going on, here…!?"
…An entity… distressed.
"Kumiko-chan!?" Intervention...
==== FREAKIN HAKUGYOKUROU: KEINE KAMISHIRASAWA'S PERSPECTIVE ====
"Kumiko-chan!?"
I knew this was a bad idea.
After accepting Irma's deal, progressing through the day with little turbulence, and counting on her idle demeanor to make things alright… here we are.
In the school's west wing, outside the bathrooms, Kumiko Shimizu is on the ground. Shikome stands behind her, eying me ever-listlessly, holding bloody cobalt fragments in her hands. Behind her, metal and flesh lies in a heap, an expanding crimson, brown, black puddle extending beneath it.
She's hurt because I didn't see this sooner.
Kumiko's bleeding. Wispy, white and teal energy leaves her breath like flame when she tries to call to me. It's silencing.
I move to help. "Kumiko-"
CRACK- CRACK- CRACK!
From Shikome, purple tendrils whiz out like arrows, and prevent me from getting closer. They stretch all the way from her form, past Kumiko, and into the tiles before me, plunging in.
Even with scrying spells all over the school, I couldn't see this until it was too late.
"Shi- Shikome…!" I'm not sure who hurt who, but I have to do something, right now. "Shikome."
She's clearly protecting Kumiko. It's a shielding posture. The tendrils curve as if Kumiko's body itself were a bigger hurdle than it was.
At her sides, more tendrils idly float out. They're pure purple, alive with precise mana, and a presence that seems to draw from the air around it. It's unlike-… it's uncommon.
There's no time to think about her traits. "Shikome-... I want to help her." She can hear me, so maybe she'll listen to reason. "I- I can heal her. I can get her help."
I stand with my body ready, for anything.
…
Shunk. Shu- crack- shunk…
One by one, the tendrils disengage from the tiles, ripping some up on the way out. It's a slow, cautious procedure, and they're kept ready in case I do anything she doesn't like. It's a very instinctive gesture.
I drop down onto my knees next to Kumiko, and search myself for a potion. She'll need a panacea too, and after this, ideally she'd be able to be brought to an infirmary. Potions aren't always perfect; particularly not as the sole source of healing, even if the accuracy for most superficial wounds is spot-on.
As I draw the potion, Shikome's tendrils loom over me, at least one waiting at every angle.
I slide an arm under Kumiko. There's not any time to think about the notion; I'll just have to hope she doesn't make this inconvenient by stabbing me anywhere. If I'm interacting with her friend, then that should be less likely.
Pop! Opening the potion, I bring it to Kumiko's crying lips. "Are you okay? Open up, sweetie…" I don't think… much detail needs to be given. She's not happy. "I'm here- I got medicine."
She has enough sense to open her mouth, and I tilt the potion in.
No noise comes from her as she drinks it. Silencing does that. It's not very convenient, but we'll see how this plays out.
While she drinks, I look up.
Shikome is looming over us now, her black and red uniform ripped to tatters, her body glazed in oil, blood, and shards of cobalt.
I focus on Kumiko again. It's almost all down.
...There.
I slide the empty bottle away. Kumiko is calming down.
Tracing the red along her form, I can see where she was hit. It was in the stomach, from one of those serrated chrome blades I'd glanced. Her entire lower side was ruptured; a grievous wound by most medical definitions. I can't imagine this same situation on the outside. Even if there aren't youkai out there… how do they deal with injuries like these?
By the blood pooling under her, Kumiko would have died.
"You're doing great." I bring the panacea up, next. She's still crying, but she's recovering. Through her clothes, I can see the clean, new skin forming. "One more, sweetie. Please open your mouth…"
She does, and I tilt the panacea in.
"-mgh, mmh, mgh…" Her sounds are restored. Silencing only truly silences people a margin of the time. It has to deal with the definition and frequency of the actual magic used. Most human replicas of lunar magic are imprecise and crude, and only seal some variants of mana-allocation and spell-casting. But this… this was advanced. I couldn't hear her body as I lifted it up and felt it. I couldn't feel her heartbeat, but something dead doesn't openly cry… or fidget. I knew she was still with us.
I can feel her heartbeat now, though. Fast, but easing back into relaxation.
"Aa- ah…" I took the bottle from her mouth, and slid it back into my pockets. "O- ow…"
"Are you okay?" I'm going to need a break in my office, after this… "Kumiko?"
"Ye-... yeah. I- I think so…" She looked up at me.
...I'm half-glad the guards contracted to the school for this week haven't shown up for a single day. Shikome likely would have killed them. They're trained to fight, not comfort. They wouldn't know how to deal with this situation… and, likely would have engaged Shikome for being here.
The tendrils have retracted. Shikome is still staring down at us.
I don't think engaging Shikome as a normal human would be great.
...I give her a smile. "See?" ...I should have said 'do you see', but repeating myself now is too much.
Anyway. We should get moving.
"I need to bring her to the infirmary." I tell Shikome, as I start to stand. "You can come with. You understand, right?"
...I don't receive a response. She doesn't attack me, so I guess that's response enough.
/ / / / FREAKIN HAKUGYOKUROU / / / /
We arrive at the infirmary.
I've got Kumiko laid down on a little beige bed. There are a number of beds here, about eight in total.
"I heard the noise, but I didn't think to go check…" Taura Uegaki is the school nurse I selected. She's a nice woman, with short blonde hair. "What happened?"
"I'm… not sure yet." I don't really want to disclose the details on such a… complicated event just yet. I need to get the janitors to clean the… mess, that was left behind, before the students find it. Maybe we just need to block that hallway, and cancel-... actually, water magic should do well. Just tell the kids a water tank exploded, or something.
"She was serrated through her side, and silenced. A potion was used to fix her up." I'll at least fill her in on the situation…
Shikome is just fine, which I guess is to be expected. When I saw her, I remember there being dark, black holes in her dress. Now her skin is clean, but her outfit is still in tatters. Mysteriously, the exposed portions of her undergarments are alright.
"What about her?" Taura focused on Shikome.
"She'll be fine." She's got insane bodily regeneration, and she seems to express pain as ineffectually as anything else. If she registers it, that is.
"...Hi, nurse-chan." Kumiko spoke up softly, from her bed.
Taura smiled widely. "...Hi~!"
Looks like they'll get along. Shikome returns to minding her own business, looking around gingerly and aloofly.
Taking a distant look at the wounds Kumiko's clothes beared, Taura questioned her. "Do you know what happened to you…?"
"...I got poked." She felt at her stomach. "By a big needle. Is- is that how balloons feel when you pop them…?"
"Ehehe. Maybe!" Taura leaves her with a horrible mental image by accident. "I'm gonna give you a check up, to make sure you healed properly. Is that okay?"
"I think so…" Despite what she went through, Kumiko's acting pretty… normal. I'd always figured she was kind of resilient.
Well. I guess everything's alright here. Alright enough, at least. I've really got to clean up that mess, before-
Dididididididi~ng! The bell!
"I'm sorry- I've got to do something! I'll be back!" I dart out of the room. If I fly down the halls, I'll get there in time, and some simple water spells will do the trick…
Taking to the air in the halls, I glide ahead, lockers whipping past me.
/ / / / FREAKIN HAKUGYOKUROU: SHIKOME'S PERSPECTIVE / / / /
Shimmering…
A shift occurs anew. The fabric folds. Observation lends forth unclear causality.
"Hehehe! Tha- that tickles…!"
She has reverted to normality. Entities governing this structure inexplicably desire not the death of the assorted progeny.
"Oh, what's… this?"
"O- oah, um, don't look down there…"
"Ehe- o- okay! Wow…! Well, I guess you're a growing girl, after all."
She rearranges herself. "I guess… we'll hafta wait for miss Keine, huh."
"Sounds like it. I wonder what could have happened…"
"There was this big like, zombie monster…"
"...Ri~ght."
"Aww~! You gotta believe me!"
"Oh. I believe you."
Proximity re-established with female. The storm has passed, and it is oriented to receive comfort.
Embraced. "Safe now."
"...Aw."
"Hehehe!" Comfort acclimated. "Shikome-chan here helped! Right, Shikome-chan?"
"...An', come to think of it, that's the first time I've heard you talk to me, Shikome-chan!"
"Miss Keine said you were alright, bu~t…" The other being present activates itself to make contact. "O- oh…?" It relents after. "...How… odd."
"Hmm?"
"...It's nothing, Kumiko."
…
"Y'really should talk more often, Shikome-chan!"
/ / / / / / / /
The leading entity arrives to the maternal dwelling once more.
"Um…" It looms. "Why're you lying together?"
"I- I dunno…"
"I was thinking about sending you both home, for today. Would you like that?"
"...I- I think I wanna stay." She shifts.
"...Okay. In that case... the next class is about to begin."
"Oh! Shikome-chan, we have to get up!"
"...Shikome-chan? He~y…"
/ / / / / / / /
Relocation instituted itself against desire, but bared swift and with absence of tribulation.
A progenic containment chamber has situated. An unremarkable being monitors this one as well. "Good morning, class."
"Good morn- aah, ah…" The ensemble was stifled.
"It's not morning, mister Kodama."
"...Then why'd I wake up a few hours ago? You know the drill. Today you're gonna write somethin', I'm gonna look at it… and break it apart."
She makes regards while interacting with material. "You hear that, Shikome? We're gonna write stuff!" She begins to interact faster.
Writing. Material already in proximity. The memory involved, of this endeavor; there's a relation. Something exists within us.
Play begins when the instrument is located; within reach. A search within the recesses; beneath and through it all. Writing. An action distinct, yet distant now.
If populi may render itself indicative, the material presented is in and of itself presentation grounds: the paper.
I write.
'Let me die in spring
under the blossoming trees,
let it be around
that full moon
of Kisaragi month'
It is done.
"...Wo~w. Are you done already?" She gleans its contents. "Wo~w. ...Your handwriting is super neat, too. Um." She displays her creation. It lacks sufficient qualities of known languages. "I just drew a big circle…"
"Time's up!" It lurches. Subsequently, all material is repossessed. "Let's see here…"
"Tadao, stop drawin' porn. Michihiro… hmm, that's alright. I'll make a pile for alright ones, so I can look 'em over later. And- pftuh. This one has no name. Stop drawing-... who's been drawing dicks!?"
"...Kumiko~, this is… just a circle. You have drawn a circle." It displays her creation. "Yeah."
"Shikome~..."
It takes pause. "...Huh." It establishes eye contact, and recedes. "...That's something."
The material is placed separately, individual from either collection. "Alri~ght… now, let's see~..."
Nothing more conveys significance. She is observed in torpor.
Something rings.
Beings stir, leaving suspension.
"School's over, Shikome-chan!" She enters proximity, expressing delight. "...I wonder why mister Kodama set aside your poem thing."
"Yeah, about that." As if summoned, the being. "I wanted a word with you, about that… poem. Aside from the fact you just wrote over the name field, the edge of the box you were supposed to write in, and the instructions."
"...Where's that put me?" She asserts.
"Outside."
"Aww~..."
Alone in the chamber; entity exempt.
"That poem of yours…" It communicated directly. "My first question i~s… Shikome, are you suicidal?"
"...Not answering my question, huh. It's just, everything about it struck me as kinda peculiar. The neatness, the definition… the fact you ignored everything else on the paper. Unless yer just an edgy kinda kid. But u~h…"
"Hello? Hello~!?"
"... I... see."
"Y'know, people say youkai're as weird as you… but yer the one kind that actually sorta plays it straight. You forgot to blink, by the way… Blinking now doesn't count."
"...Guess I'm not gettin' anything more outta you. Well. Since your thing impressed- or, made me do something- the most, you get the prize."
It drew forth an accessory. "...Don't think I'm proposin' to ya or nothin'. I got a box 'a these under the desk. It's a Protect Chain."
Accessory received. It embodies fragility and inferiority.
In the corridor, she has stood vigil. Proximity is co-established. "Ooo~! You got a prize!"
This accessory shows longevity in her possession. "O- oh! Are you giving it to me…?"
Parameters fulfilled; school has been participated in.
"Ooo~... it's really pretty. Thanks, Shikome-chan!"
The structure has been truly departed. Outside the walls, the Hive beckons.
Progeny impede progress.
"...What happened to your outfit?"
"A- ah…!? Wakana…!?" She recognizes it. "What're you doing here…!?"
"What's it look like, fluff-for-brains!? Your friend there is stuck. Up."
"No- she's not…!"
"You heard me!"
Most of the progeny pass. Those that remain make stance attempts.
"...Shikome- maybe we should go~..."
"...Yeah. You're right. Let's face them head on!"
==== FREAKIN HAKUGYOKUROU: KEINE KAMISHIRASAWA'S PERSPECTIVE ====
...I missed this the last time I felt it, but something strange just came over me. Something… very minute has changed. I can't divine a reason as to why. Not right now, anyway.
I'm standing on the school building. Below me, the common delinquents ready their self-defense implements in the name of bullying others.
"Yeah. You're right." Kumiko has done a one-eighty on her previous opinion, somehow stirred by Shikome's aloofness. "Let's face them head on!"
What I'm worried about is how Shikome handles this. I want to know if she'll still be kind to my students at their worst. And, well… not to be unprofessional or anything, but these are my worst students.
"Come on!" Wakana calls out to the boys nearest her, and holds her arms out. In her right arm, she's got a long ruler.
The two boys move to awkwardly heft her up by the arms and legs. I'm… I'm not sure why. Is it a height advantage sort of thing…?
"Now you'll find out… why I'm queen of this school!" She screeches down at them.
Cli- cli- click. Three boys cover their left and right flanks respectively, each with a firecracker launcher, and some kind of utility ready. Smoke grenades, stink bombs, bags of marbles…
Shikome's posture hasn't changed at all. She's actually just been staring at Kumiko this entire time.
"Ready~!" Wakana raises her ruler…
"Shikome! Duck!" Kumiko… ducks. She puts her arms over her head, too.
The ruler is swung down. "Fire!"
Fwi- fwish- crack- crack! Crack- fwi~sh…! Instantly, all of the support items the boys are carrying are thrown.
"Woah!" Kumiko runs away from it all.
Between the smoke, the gas from the stink bombs, and some of the aerial glitter from certain marbles, Shikome cannot be seen. This is probably supposed to freak out the recipient, but… they've inadvertently hidden Shikome inside of a smoke screen. The amount of tossed smoke bombs makes it very hard to see the entire front clearing in general…
Fwi- fwio~sh! Fwi- fwi- fwio~sh! Whistles ring out below, the firecracker launchers flinging their projectiles.
Pop- crack! Pahp- bam! Crack! Pop! Subtle flares of firework-like light pulse out from within.
Shikome simply steps forward out of the smog, towards Wakana.
"Wha- stop her!" She flails her ruler wildly from atop her two support persons.
Fwi- fwi- fwi- fwiclack! One of the nearest boys pumps firecrackers from his launcher, but the resulting packets just patter off of Shikome.
Pap- bam! Krack- pap! The resulting firework-like blasts don't even begin to displace her.
Reaching the three-person tower, Shikome moved to simply shove one of the lower supports.
"Wo- woah!" He was swept off his feet.
Thu- thud, thud! The human pillar toppled over, Wakana landing on her rear. "Ow…!"
One of the boys poked their firecracker launcher into the back of Shikome's head. "Don' move, or- or I'll shoot!" ...That's not quite how that works. The firecracker would go back into the barrel and blow up the toy… and, while it might sting a little, I don't think Shikome can be affected by mildly irritating implements.
Shikome turns around, staring the toy cannon in the barrel, before reaching forward-
Thud. She pushed him over. "...O- ow!"
...The other boys were no longer confident, keeping a wide distance back towards the school, instead of pressing towards her.
"Yo- you idiots!"
Wakana stood, her ruler pointed at Shikome as she yelled at her support. "Where are you going!? Come ba~ck!"
...Then, she glared. "Who do you think you are…?"
She reeled her ruler back. "Well!?"
...As always, Shikome doesn't bother to say anything, or even look like she heard anything.
"Hnn~...!" Reeling her arm back further, Wakana prepared to give everything she had.
Whunk. Kumiko ran ahead, body tilted forward. She headbutted Wakana in the gut.
Awkwardly, Wakana lost her balance, and slid back onto the floor. "Nh…! Whu- ah…?"
"Le- leave her alone!" Reeling her own arm back, Kumiko held up a firecracker she found.
Fsht. Lighting it, she tossed it down at the older girl.
"Wh- no- ah…!" Brushing it off, Wakana rolled onto her stomach, moving to get up.
Pahp! It exploded, into a flash of sparkles.
"Onh!" Wakana was thrown to the side- either for fear of what she thought the firecracker might do, or it was actually powerful enough to push her.
I think that's enough.
Slowly, I descend onto the scene.
"Ha~h…" Exhaling, Kumiko stepped back, beaming down at her fallen bully. "How'd ya like that!?"
"Fu- fuck…" Wakana's had enough.
"Very cute…" That was Shikome. She turns to Kumiko, looking intentful.
"Um…?" Kumiko turned to her with an innocently unaware type of smile. "Hi…"
All of a sudden, she brings herself to kiss Kumiko. Wait- she kisses Kumiko…? Hold on, now…!
"Hello, girls." I speak over the kiss. I don't actually know how old Shikome is, or what type of youkai she is.
Kumiko's eyes widen at me, but Shikome hugs onto her, and she forgets about me. Is-... is this really happening. This has become an awkward middle between a youkai molesting a student, and a casual-looking… exchange. Well, it's not really casual- is she using her tongue-
"Girls!" I'm genuinely, right here! "Desist!"
"Hihohe~!" Alarmed at my alarm, Kumiko alerts Shikome with a muffled call. "Hih-"
"Fwoaho~!" After being awkwardly released, she stumbles back. "Woa~h…!"
"...I uh- look." I guess I'll say this to them now, since they're experimentative… "I'm fine if you're both into the fairer sex, but I can't help but feel suspect about this."
"A fairy whah?" Kumiko-... was not listening that day. I briefly went over sex topics. Briefly because, a lot of kids just sort of… pick up knowledge on that anyway, but… now and again, there's a student like her. "And- who's a suspect? What happened?" Teaching is truly an enlightening experience.
I'm half-tempted to ask her if she remembers getting stabbed today, because she's just chipper now. I'm kind of thrown off too, because… the whole scenario is still heavy on my mind. She didn't even want to go home. She's… she's really something.
"Wha- what… the hell…" Wakana is slowly getting back onto her feet. "Ke- Keine- Miss Keine. They bullied me…"
"What- no!?" Kumiko whips her head to pout back at her. "Did no~t!"
I shake my head. "...I was watching the entire time. It was very clear who started it." It was also clear that Shikome decided to not kill or maim anyone, which I'm grateful for. Still… she was never physically struck. I'll have to keep a close eye on her, from now on, whenever she attends.
I didn't say Wakana was at fault yet, but she already knew I knew. "Bu- are you fine with them kissing!? Sexual stuff's not allowed in schoo~l!"
"That's a conversation that doesn't involve you." I also imply Shikome can be effectively communicated with. Kumiko's own lack of understanding makes her sort of hard to approach, too.
"Wh- yes it does!" Wakana-... hmm. I don't know where she plans to take this, but she may've just talked herself into a complete corner.
"...How?" I poke a hole in her claim with a question.
…
Tearing up, she turns, and begins to run. "I- I'm telling daddy!" It wouldn't be the first time.
...When she's already out of distance, I let myself sigh. I still have to grade all of B-eight's papers, tonight. I don't want to heckle the town guard about their negligence again, tonight. Last time I bothered, they gave me the runaround for the sixth time in the past few months. Maybe I'll take a nap when I get home.
This whole time, Shikome's been standing idly. Kumiko's become quiet, just staring at the mid-day sky. It is pretty full, and blue.
I'll have to talk to her about this in private later. Not that Shikome will register or care what I have to say, but it'd be for the social dynamic. She still has a presence. Kumiko's responses might be slanted because of her being here.
...I guess, there's not really much else for me to do here.
"Thank you," I regard Shikome. "For not harming them." ...I don't know if my words mean anything to her.
She doesn't seem to acknowledge me.
"Let's go home, Shikome-chan…" Looking warm, Kumiko romps out into the road slowly…
...On a delay, Shikome trots after her.
"Wah- hey…" Um…!? Shikome just- picked her up, and began walking off with her between her arms!
Hold on! "Hey- wait!"
==== FREAKIN HAKUGYOKUROU: SHIKOME'S PERSPECTIVE ====
The continuum permutes. There exists but a whisper. It pervades.
It beckons.
"Ta- take a right…!" As does she. It is inferable; she wishes for rest in her domicile. This wish may be granted. "Now- turbo~! Ooh- teacher's catching up! Faste~r!" Faux.
The entity maintains constant displacement. Procession otherwise proceeds flighty and free. Evening approaches.
Structures litter vicinity. "Go right again! I think!" Infiltration of the maze comes gracefully. Rows, columns, disjointed winds and bends through soil.
"Jump over that house!" She knows not the personal bodily stress involved, accompanying a fractal of such pursuit.
These wooden tombs encasing rotting flesh mar this land worse than any scar.
It is here. "Shikome- there! The green one!"
The dwelling. Discreet, undisturbed box. Of similar qualities to others.
She is reoriented. "...Thanks, Shikome-chan! That was super fast!"
The other entity lies in wait. It shall be observed.
Auto-obscurity.
From somewhere beyond the perception of them, I perceive.
"Oh, woah. Hi, miss Keine! I mean-... miss Kamishawakami…?"
"...Hey. I just came by, to see if you're alright."
"Hehe! Why wouldn't I be alright…?"
"...Do you… trust, Shikome?"
"Uh huh!"
"...Are you fine with what she does to you? The kissing… anything else."
"Yeah! It's fun!"
"...Fun, huh."
"Mhm!"
"...Well."
It notices. "Okay. I've got to go, now. Tell your parents I said hi."
"Yeah!"
/ / / / / / / /
All participation experienced and expended. Returning.
However. An entity appears, interrupting the procedure of scaling the dirt plain.
"Hello~. Your name's Shikome, right…?"
Ignoring entity. Yet, it follows. "You look awfully cute, in that tan outfit."
"Coming home from schoo~l? Aww~."
"...I see~. Just keep in mind… I'm a good tutor!"
"Fufufu~..."
"Do you know anything about math?"
"Incantations?"
"Incarcerations?"
"...Books."
"You're no fu~n."
"I forge~t if I went to school, when I was your age…"
"Do you know what a nickel is?"
"I should buy a new scarf…"
"I can see you through the walls."
"Do you have any crushes, yet…?"
"Oh, well. Looks like we're here."
Arrived. The sanctum.
"Another bottle."
"Woah… look at her."
"im loafy no no"
Past the court of indolence, the Lily rests. The Daffodil nourishes herself; ever-abstract in execution. The methods of self-sustenance employed amidst this wooden graveyard are not immediate at times.
"Hello~, Seiga…"
"Hey, hey. How're you?"
"Oka~y."
The Daffodil approaches. It notes this form's dress. "You've somehow lost your uniform. Entirely…"
"Hey, Shikome…" The Lily has taken sight, too. "How was school?"
She is cute. Let us satiate the effort of patience.
Proximity is established. "Ooh. Are you gonna- mmh." Care is engaged.
This mutual-rejuvenation renders brief yet satisfying. The Lily has adapted well.
"Fwua…" We part, and she is sedate.
The rest of this respite shall be free.
This structure has two layers. The second holds a place for us.
Despite ceiling, it comforts. The space is tight and tranquil; conducive to growth, and reasoning. It's also comfortable.
"He~y…" The Moonflower beckons. "Irma got me this jar of marshmallow. It won't open…"
The confectionary ingredient is exchanged. She requested, release of the content. "An' don't explode it! I wanna eat it…"
It is fixated.
"Aw…" She reclaims. "Thanks! Om…"
Here, entities are encased; solitary and awaiting. They expect nothing, and feel nothing. Imprisoned, they await harvesting. Only one rests of utility; but, it is not conscious.
"'Ou 'oh 'ry 'is. Ih- re' ghoo!" The Moonflower attempts to entice me. Her sustenance is non-consumable.
Of normal circumstances, this may warrant interaction, but not in the moment.
For now… We will permeate, as regular. Future expansion and worldly allocation will come. Predators of their own perception will stumble in.
And so the day has been decided.
/ / / / / / / /
"Shikome…"
The Lily is here. "What do you think about this place?"
Inquiry. A vexingly empty proposition.
"...I guess so." She tells. "I was just wondering. You never really expose yourself much… other than, you know, pleasurefully."
"I like it here!" The Moonflower encircles. "I get free food, and sweets, and everyone's nice…"
"Well- you say that, but you complain you're bored the other half of the time…"
"I'm always bored the other half of the time!"
"...Well. Wouldn't you want to not like, be bored…?"
"...I dunno!"
Very cute.
An urge beckons. Perhaps now, self-satiation fits.
"Oh- where are you going…?" The Lily watches.
"Feeding." A response is warranted, for comfort; so it is given.
The top layer, beyond the true sanctum, is nothing.
"Oh, hey…" Spotted by a native entity. "G'ni~ght, you thing."
On the first layer, the Daffodil oversees the empty vastness. She observes, but withholds comment.
The night is naive and gloomy. A moment's focus reveals nearby sentience.
Following a soul's scent lends one particular. An unremarkable entity of shallow impression.
"Hrmh…" It is irritated. "Damn keys. Useless things…" It lurches before one of many wood plateaus. "Wrong one again…"
Once proximity is established, it notices. "...Woa- what the fuck-"
The heart of them is most platable. A chunk-esque, yet satisfying meat that approaches a definition of satiation. Rich, full, and plentiful. "Aauh- gugh- wh-"
Beyond this, flavor and caliber are protean. Most fragments of human are acceptable, but quickly deaden in quality the further from their core.
"Wh- aa-..." Life leaves. Soul energy has long since reached peak desired capacity. Such, this thing offers little more than meat; which it is made.
It rests.
The Moonflower gave knowledge, by the label 'cooking'. Heat procedurally conditioned matter, producing a result safer for most common bodies. Such is a manner different, for consumption.
This difference qualifies testing, particularly on such unspectacular occasion.
Knowledge of fire descended from an entity. 'Mana manipulation', or the driving of magic. It is not known of magic; for a simple life energy to also be exploited for meager utility amongst the feeble.
Such is the fire; crude results of a pre-discovered manipulation of energy. Designed in discouragement and convenience.
The meat is burned. Fire most closely heats. It is a dear subject, for them. Destructive, yet a beacon.
Here is destruction. Not closely relational, here, yet present.
The result is different. The food- it is not cooked. Marred black.
Feeding. Before infectious heat sullies more; it of flavor will be salvaged.
There. Inner, soft flesh, leg string, lung, limb. Should have syphoned blood; not a loss, but a simple passing negligence.
Food. The Moonflower will be consulted later; for 'cooking'.
"My, my~. You've sullied your school dress…"
The entity. Of shaded aura, mirth and intent. "Still out for the semi-nightly meals? The mean blondie will be awfully selfish after a certain point, you know."
It is ignored. "Not the first time I've warned you, I suppose. I'm just looking out for you, you know."
"Did that heart taste good?"
"...I suppose that could go for more than a few things."
"Could you spare me a hand? Fufu, fufu… mmh. I'm genuinely guilty. Sorry~..."
"Good night, Shikome-chan."
Return to the sanctum.
/ / / / / / / /
"I suppose I'll get you a new outfit tomorrow."
The Daffodil strived for rest. Entities in nearby vicinities distance themselves.
It proceeds towards rest. The idle period of the night comes. In this time, the structure is the most compromised. Evening dwellers know where not to tread.
Let us 'rest', among the flowers.
They are here, waiting for their respite.
The Moonflower is longing. "Welcome ba~ck… you smell..."
The lifeblood on this form has been drawn. Still, they are ever sensitive to watering; always eager, hungry and needing.
Also, cute.
They are gathered, for the night's comfort. "Ah…"
"Uah."
Let us lie, this evening; indulge.
/ / / / FREAKIN HAKUGYOKUROU / / / /
Perspective Holder: Shikome, het Lckab Nscoi fo eth Isaguyo, Eveordru fo Lsuos, Oeagcdnli Ertror, Nhouly Oaisftninmate, Osrcgue fo Nrtopey, Odg atht Binrsg Odnw Tltlei Ligrs
○ Inventory:
[School Outfit] - ...
○ Skills:
Fireball - Worthless.
Dark Affinity - Absolute unholy affinity. Holy vulnerability.
Phase Shift - ...
Atypical Form - ...
Reformation Beast - ...
Magical Embodiment - ...
Corrosive Essence - ...
Unholy Life Eater - ...
Life Absorbing Aura - ...
Mark of the Saigyou - We are a monument to all your sins.
Floral Assimilation - All will become one.
Biocorruption - Purge the weak.
Evolutionary Burgeon - It hurts.
○o○o○
Party:
Matthew - Black Daffodil
o○ Inventory:
Dash Scissors - Enhances motion.
Pocket Mirror - ...
A Single Rubber Glove - …
[Bag of Holding] - …
Steel Scissors - Pointless.
Quick Scissorang - Non-elemental properties. Returns towards wielder.
Shadow Hell Scissors - Fire properties. Amalgam of unholy fire.
Blessed Steel Scissors - Holy properties. Pitiful.
Steel Alloy String - …
A Tuft of Cloth Strings - …
Danger Scissors Plus - Summons proportionally to entities possessing similar locality with reference to wielder.
[Backpack] - …
Hedge Cutters - …
Teal Stone - Wind constituent.
Hackjob Rifle - Anomalous contraption. Flawed and of dubious worth.
Water Scissors - Water. Continuous.
Goldfish Snack Crackers - …
Modern-ish Surge Protector - Appliance beyond the walls.
[Rubber Pouch] - …
Electrical Scissors - Electric. Continuous.
Holy Pot - Holy properties. Decorative piece.
Financial Officer's Card - Key to the Hive's inner sanctum. Of appreciable human value.
Love Dart - Coated in aphrodisiac.
Red Organ Cooler - …
Officer's Hat - Unholy properties. Resists quietus.
Officer's Coat - Unholy properties. Insignificant empowerment of physical and magical bounds.
Child Eater's Yukata - Moon properties. Resists silence.
Mother's Pendant - …
Sigh of the Moon - Moon properties. Resists silence. Physical imbuement.
o○ Skills:
Gravity - Space. Debilitating pressure. Inadequate.
Saw Blade - Non-elemental. Rends.
○o○o○
Vanilla - Little Lily
o○ Inventory:
[Cloak] - ...
o○ Skills:
Hypnosis - Non-elemental. Demands subservience. Resistance is without effort.
○o○o○
Rumia - Melodic Moonflower
o○ Inventory:
[Rumia's Outfit] - …
Red Ribbon - Seals one more beautiful.
o○ Skills:
Dark Biosphere - Unholy. Encases and blinds. Useless.
Darkness Affinity - Absolute unholy affinity. Holy vulnerability.
○o○o○
Author's Note:
an interesting chapter to write
SHIKOME'S STUFF WAS NOT EASY OR TIMELY TO EXECUTE
but it is poetic in a way that's super curious; i'm not sure if that'll be great to read or what but this chapter was pretty much GOING HAM ON THE FORMAT IN GENERAL
although the way shikome cognizes life in general, even outside the poetic abstract-esque parts of her thought… she's ACTUALLY POETICALLY ABSTRACT about processing events period
although, while i say poetic, she's less poetic and moreso objective; s'just, sort of poetic in the~... discreet and to-the-point sort of way that effective poetic device implementation achieves
"but wat part of poetry is to the point" XD well s'more like the word play itself is to the point sort of; omitting repetitive words or things that can work through concepts, so forth
the trial is making things make sense (even if symbolicly) with the least amount of unnecessary filler to get there
which means yes in good poetry everything better be there for some sort of warranted reason
anyway yeah; so you don't get things like DESCRIPTIONS or puny TIME PASSING SEGMENTS
some things here really pushed some folds but all in all this chapter's full of a lot of unique bits
...it's just so HALF-INDESCIPHERABLE that you can argue anything bad both ways, a~nd i'm pretty sure anyone who'd find fault wouldn't know what the fuck is going on at this point, 'cause in proofreading this is definitely something you actually gotta SIT DOWN AND THINK ABOUT if you really wanna get meaning or like… simple navigational prose from a lot of what shikome thinks
her perspective really freakin' stands out, dude…!
it was actually just shy of my 10 k words / 40 pages mark, being at like 9500 words and 39 pages; i just didn't know where else to take shikome without padding it out unnecessarily (beyond the events i elected to put 'er in). the extra events actually turned out to be illuminating and interesting! she just takes a lot of energy to write since she defies the entire momentum of how i do storytelling almost; my only control really being the SETTING around her
it woulda met the quantity mark if we had shikome not-sex loli matt but this is fine too - w -
also shikome just outright skips all fight prose 'cause she just wins; but even if it was like a 'real fight' it'd probably just be like, different ways of describing vague aggression or attempting to rend a being while meeting elemental resistance
NOT A BAD THING THOUGH; s'a nice change of paces and the outcomes are obvious anyway
more than a brief glance at this might get WEIRD yo but i dunno
as always, see you all next time!
○o○o○
Co-Author's Note:
That which rends the fabric of normality dwells in unexpected places. But yet shall this anomaly be characterized by a peculiar allure not unlike a single radiant entity masked in the twilight.
...or something like that
ive never been much of a poet, and i barely know a single thing about poetry
but i can appreciate the disparity this imposes in comparison with the standard chapter from before, whether it can truly be called poetry or a shameful knock-off of the art
writing a bunch of vague or artsy bullshit requires a certain state of mind that comes and goes in intervals of varying degree
it's perfectly readable though, except a few moments might make you stop reading for a moment to contemplate what the hell it just said, depending on comprehension
certainly a spectacle to behold
and possibly a bitch to really grasp
but hey, good job if you got here after the fact
if you didn't, go back up and read it you fucker
bye.
