first reflection -- I am so very lost... ; video/action;

[monochrome_mirror]

[What's that sitting on a now-empty statue plinth near the Fountain? Oh, it's a person...specifically, a woman on the short side, with asymmetric green hair and a snazzy blue and black uniform. The fine fabric and gold embroidered shoulder patches say she's someone of either wealth, importance, or both, as does the elaborate hat with its metallic accents and silky edging.

Her legs are folded neatly and she is slumped over them, kneeling in almost a ball, as if she fell asleep in that position. After a few moments, she awakes. Blinking, she glances around, then fixates on the buildings, craning her head back. Her eyes widen, cold and blue.]

...Ah...

Where...

Where am I?

[She brushes a thin layer of dust off her shoulders. Looks almost like stone dust, as if one of the statues had transformed. A faint smile, nostalgic, crosses her lips for a moment. Glancing down, she seems to notice her City device and picks it up. Stares. Prods at it a bit. It statics.]

Oh, it's some kind of magical communications device...

[That didn't take long to figure out. She's gesturing at it now, calling up something, peering at it with the air of a studious professor. Her voice has a strong and projecting yet calm sound to it.]

There. My sincerest apologies to whoever is on the other end of this communicator, but I appear to be lost, and it was placed beside me. My name is Shikieiki Yamaxanadu, and I am a little bit lost...if someone is there, would you please let me know where I am and how I would get back to Gensokyo proper? If this is inappropriate protocol for your communications system, you have my apologies for my ignorance.



[Feel free to stumble upon her if you wish, or simply respond via device. She's lost and wandering around the center of the City.

Also, please take note of this: http://monochrome-mirror.dreamwidth.org/284.html  if you choose to run into her!)

Comments

action;

[anunluckypenny]

[Penny hears the end of the woman's post and edges over to talk to her.]

Hello? I'm Penny, and this is the City. What did you say your name was?

action;

[monochrome_mirror]

[Shikieiki looks up and smiles, very composed. She bows, in typical Japanese fashion, but not very low, holding her hat on as she does.]

Hello, Penny. I am Shikieiki, and...well, it appears I am a bit misplaced. The City? Does it have a formal name?

[ooc: holy crap are you the same Penny player from old Poly? The one who knew The Sorrow?]

action;

[anunluckypenny]

It's nice to meet you, Shikieiki, but you're a little more than a bit misplaced. The City's name is just the City and it's not in the same world as anyone else's. Don't worry, though--you'll be okay.

[ooc: I am, and she did! (She doesn't have those memories anymore, but.)]

action;

[monochrome_mirror]

[She leans her head to the side just a little, green hair swishing about her chin.]

And you as well.

Not in the same world...ah, that would explain how strange this place looks. So I am outside Gensokyo, but am I also outside Earth itself? I would not necessarily expect humanoids to exist on other worlds, or in other dimensions.

[ooc: omg remember me? XD awwwwwwwww but we had so much fun. alas, sometimes memories get lost...]

action;

[anunluckypenny]

Thank you, and I don't know where Gensokyo is, but yeah. Someone who gets the science better than I do could tell you more, but from what I know, this is the kind of dimension where a bunch of other dimensions meet up. No one's actually from here. We just sort of... pop in. Or drop in.

[ooc: I do! It's great to play with you again!]

Re: action;

[monochrome_mirror]

It is in Japan, a sealed-off realm that is invisible to the others outside. There, all of the world's remaining magic lies, behind the Great Hakurei Border.

So this is...a dimensional hub, then. It sounds like a place that Yakumo-san would live; I wonder if she is here. Do you know one named Yakumo Yukari? Judging by your text here...Yukari would be considered her first name.

Just drop in...I wouldn't be surprised at all if this is Yukari's doing. But, if there are other dimensions, surely there are other forces just as great as she, or greater...and she shouldn't be able to toy with me.

Who brings us here, do you know?

[ooc: you too! :)]

action;

[anunluckypenny]

Wow. And you live there?

I'm sorry, but I've never heard of a Yakumo or a Yakuri. Is she a god or something in your world? I mean, if she can pull people into different dimensions...

The deities're in charge. Or maybe they're not, but they act like they are. No one knows what they are, really, or what they can do.

Re: action;

[monochrome_mirror]

Yes, I live there. Being magical myself, I cannot exist in Earth proper, although my home is not either within Earth or Gensokyo. But my jurisdiction is purely over the magical realm.

Yukari is...not a god. She is herself. A greater cosmic force, as it were, a creature with power over all boundaries. Immense in power, but poor in motivation. She does little to interfere with the world. Perhaps that is for the greater, as she could easily undermine all of reality as we know it.

Deities -- so there are gods here? I see. I should meet them and ascertain what they want with me.

[missrosetyler]

You don't have apologize. Sort of just happens this place. Bit of a long name you've got there. First thing you ought to know is that you're in the City.

[monochrome_mirror]

Ah, yes, many find it difficult to pronounce at first hearing. I have grown used to my full name being used to address me, but if you wish to shorten it, Shiki-sama will suffice. After all, I am not even sure if I have my old position, now that I am away from my world of origin.

The City. I am surprised that it has no other name.

Speaking of names, what is yours?

[missrosetyler]

Alright then. Shiki-sama. Nice to meet you.

And what is your old position?

I thought the same thing when I first got here but it grows on you.

My name's Rose Tyler.

[monochrome_mirror]

And you also, Tyler-san. Your name is unusual to me...where do you hail from?

Were I in Gensokyo, I would be its highest judge of souls. As a Yama, it is my task to separate spirits into those who will be sent to Hell, Heaven, or the Netherworld, or be reincarnated to live their lives again.

Here, one of my kin should be performing that task, but if I have traveled farther than I expected, and am...outside the universe, even, in some other place, then perhaps there are no Yama at all.

[missrosetyler]

I'm from the London actually. Where are you from?

[A pause because she is taking it in. That'a first.]

Gensokyo? Not a planet I take it then? So you're like a judging spirit? Never heard of a Yama before...That's a bit new.

Well this place does have deities, if that helps. Although honestly, I have yet to see them with my own eyes.

Lots of us are outside our universes but I wouldn't worry too much. I've heard of people finding their way back home with no time having passed at all.

[monochrome_mirror]

London. Hmm. I haven't heard of it, but I have not spoken to the other nine of us for quite some time.

Gensokyo is an isolated section of Japan, invisible to the rest of Earth. It encloses all that remains of magic within the world, as far as I know.

Yes, one could call me a spirit of judgment. I am greater than a ghost in power and form, but I am neither human nor beast nor youkai, so it is I suppose well enough to call me spiritual.

If there are gods, I should meet them and inquire as to what they wanted with me. But if returning entails that no time has passed...well, perhaps I should make of my fate what I will. After all, while I don't believe in a greater cosmic destiny, perhaps someone intended me to be here for the greater good.

And if it was for the greater ill, I will still turn that to good.

[missrosetyler]

There are 9 of you?

Well that's a new. Sounds like a pocket dimension. What's it like?

That's interesting. So do you lot eat?

If you do give it a go, please do let me know. I haven't had much luck with contacting them. You've just gotta watch out for those curses.

Well a positive attitude's good to have.

[monochrome_mirror]

Yes. One of us could never finish the judgment of all Earth's souls. The humans are quite numerous, and only growing in number.

Ah, yes. It is a place where demons, youkai, and other nonhuman magical beings congregate, and where the few humans who do exist are magical. Many if not most powerful creatures can fly or hover, and the technology has progressed very erratically. Some magical constructs or technological developments do exist, but other areas are quite delinquent...it is very uneven. For example, I know of a kappa with optical camouflage magical technology, but most creatures who are part of civilization only have devices as complicated as a grandfather clock. It is...very dependent on the area.

No, we don't need to eat, though I can, and we sleep a very minimal amount. I can often go for days without sleep, but I do require some amount of rest if times have been particularly stressful. In that way, we are more physically resilient than humans, but only in a constitution sort of way. Our physical ability is comparable; I am likely not as strong as most athletic humans.

I'll let you know what I find, if I manage to speak to them.

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

Welcome to the City, Shikieiki-sama. My name is Nobori and it is an honour to meet you.

I am afraid you have boarded a one way train to arrive at this station. This place does not allow you to leave.

Gensokyo... [He repeats the name with a sense of familiarity, before inclining his head in acknowledgement.] You are not the first from that place that this City has claimed.

[His ghostly partner, Chandela, floats in to wave flickering blue-purple flames at the screen in an exuberant greeting.] Shanshan! [He looks her way, smiling briefly, before turning back to the screen.]

I will provide you with a map if you have yet to receive one.

Re: [Video]

[monochrome_mirror]

[Shikieiki bows toward the camera, lightly.]

And it is a pleasure to meet you, Nobori-san, not only because you are already ringing more familiar than the others here, at least in your speech. I am grateful for your assistance. This place is strange and unorthodox, and I have no knowledge of it.

[She pauses to ponder what he has said, and a faint look of dismay crosses her face.]

The City does not allow me to leave? Well, I suppose I am as limited as any other by a lack of transportation; if there is no boundary between the spiritual and physical world here to cross, then I cannot return to Higan. On that subject, you know of Gensokyo? And there are others here? If you know who they are, I wish to know also. They are still within my guidance, and I will assist them as I can.

As for a map, there is a crude one here, but undoubtedly what maps you have would be better. If you will, I would like them.

[She peers at Chandela, smiling.] Ah...you are a lamp youkai? Spiritual in nature, it seems...your flames remind one of hitodama. But please correct me if I am assuming too much.

[1/2; Video]

[brothertragedy]

[He returns the bow.]

This place is nothing if not unorthodox. It will become stranger still. The population is frequently afflicted with curses when the mood strikes our "Detities."

No, I am afraid crossing worlds is not possible. Otherwise, Chandela would have succeeded in doing so.

[He does not know of the nature of their relationship and hesitates in giving her the name, before deciding it was somewhat pointless to hide it when he had included her name in the list.] I keep track of new arrivals here... she is Utusho Reiuji-sama.

[And he will send a comprehensive, digital map to her communicator!]

A chandelier would be more precise, although it did resemble an oil lamp before evolving. [Chandela nods happily at both the "spiritual in nature" remark and the one relating her flames to "hitodama."

Then, she looks excitedly at Nobori.] Shandela-shan?

I suppose it cannot be helped, but take care not to push yourself too hard.

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

[He steps back, holding his cell phone away at arm's length, while Chandela floats back as well. They are nearly back to back when he brings up his free hand to bring the rim of his hat down, Chandela melding flames together, then he points ahead with flourish, before snapping his fingers, the fireball now breaking apart to form small, equally-sized, separate flames, arranged around Chandela in a flickering mid-air arrangement, not unlike hitodama, which then whirl around like a ring of fire.

They both have a rather ridiculous penchant for showmanship, clearly.]

[Video]

[monochrome_mirror]

[She smiles in quiet delight at the display, but her eyes gleam with a bit of otherworldly blue light.]

Beautiful! How effortless that looks for her, and how like the ghosts from Gensokyo, when they are incited.

But it seems she doesn't speak a language that I know -- have you studied it, and this is how you can understand her?

Ah, yes, Reiuji-san. She works for the Hell of Blazing Fires, and her master and I are acquainted as a result of my work. Since you know her, I likely do not have to warn you, but she is quite dangerous when provoked. Still, hell ravens tend to be social, and as such, she would likely be a friend were you to avoid threatening her.

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

[When she is finished, she settles against his chest and he wraps an arm around to support her. She still seems happy, although that's a bit hard to judge with that sewn-up smile, but winded.

He smiles at the praise, bowing slightly from the waist.] Your praise is a great honour.

That is because she is a Pokemon. It is short for Pocket Monster. They are the creatures that inhabit our world alongside humans, although not all are of the Ghost Type. They have a unique way of communicating. Many only repeat variations of their names, growl, or roar. Ours is an understanding largely born of familiarity. If necessary, Chandela can create the illusion of human voice and even shape, but sustaining a complete illusion, alone, for a long period of time diminishes her energy.

[Then, they are almost acquaintances... that's good! He was worried they might be at odds.
The warning makes him smirk.] She does seem the type, yes. There is no doubt in my mind that it can be dangerous, but I admire her spirit. I

[Video]

[monochrome_mirror]

Ah, I understand now. She needs not spend her energy on speaking to me if she doesn't wish it. How curious your world must be, humans like yourself living side by side with creatures who you must become familiar with before you can even understand them. It seems like a leap of trust to do so. I expect that if she were to desire it, she could be formidable and frightening, as a spirit with combative magic.

[She looks at him curiously, and her eyes peer into his, lightly prying. There is a magical weight to them even across the video link, an atmosphere of calm intensity.]

Do you know who I am, Nobori-san? I have only told you my name, and yet your speech implies a greater understanding than that of others here.

[Specifically, Nobori is treating her with far more respect and even a sort of reverence that none of the other residents at all seemed to have. Perhaps it is his culture? Or perhaps his world knows something of her position. They seem...closer, really, than her world and that of the others here, what with the youkai and Pokemon being remarkably similar in some ways, and the fact that he speaks with the same conventions as Gensokyo's residents.]

[Video]

[brothertragedy]

Indeed, she is a formidable opponent in battle. I train her for partaking in Pokemon battles as well; they are a popular sport in my world, dependant on teamwork.

[He lifts his head, looking thoughtful.] Trust is very crucial, perhaps moreso with her line, than with others. Chandela consume human spirits, after all.

[When he looks at the screen again, her eyes bore into his own. He listens carefully to the question, before answering honestly:] No, I have only just met you. Your name is unfamiliar. If you had met my twin brother instead, you would certainly think us to be perfectly ignorant of your status. [Kudari favours a childish speaking style strangely crossed with almost crude informality; a far cry from Nobori's teineigo.] I believe everyone is deserving of respect. My way of speaking is useful in my profession. I address you as I do others, but if you sense a an unusual depth to my manner, you are not mistaken. [If she probes further, she might find that the culture he lived in is American with a Japanese influence, so his manner of speaking is not a direct product of that either.]

The greatest difference between myself and most people is that I rever more than I fear. Someone who cannot train a Pokemon out of fear of his fragility before it, should he wrong it, is not fit to be a trainer.

Life and death are so intertwined that to embrace one while rejecting the other is foolish. If we sanctify life, why do we not regard death with the same respect?

In many ways, I must admit that I prefer the company of spirits.

[Video]

[monochrome_mirror]

[She nods, completely unfazed by Chandela's peculiarities. After all, she has seen thousands of souls, human and non-human, ranging from the near-angelic to the most cruel and vicious, and many youkai will feed on humans given the choice.

As she listens to his final comments, her smile turns to something a little warmer, a little deeper. One of her hands falls to an object hanging on her belt -- it's a perfectly smooth mirror, about eight inches in diameter, set in a wrought-gold rim. She doesn't lift it quite yet, but her fingers take hold of its edge. Nobori can't quite see into its surface, but if she were to raise it, his reflection would come into view. Her voice takes on a stronger tone, not one of emphasis, but one that is...just past human. Too large for its volume, too heavy for its tone, it has a certain aura that can't be missed now.]

You are a rare sort, Nobori-san. Many who prefer such an eloquent and formal way of speaking to others, do so out of fear, arrogance, or self-deprecation, but you simply hold all other intelligent creatures to an honest standard of respect and esteem.

You do not fear your companion here, who could likely destroy you in a moment. Human instinct is sometimes useful, but always powerful, and I have seen many fall before it...but you have refrained. Such behavior towards your friend here is not only trusting on your part, but a statement of your discipline.

Death is merely a change from body to spirit. In Gensokyo, I stand at the boundary of life and death, to meet the ghosts of the dead as they approach the branching pathway to that which lies beyond. As a human, your comfort with the spirit world is unusual but not unheard of, though many humans desire knowledge of spirits for their own power, not for the companionship that you display.

But take care that you do not disdain the humans who have not achieved your level of peace with that which is not of the mortal world, or even with with these creatures that accompany you. Not all have reached where you are.