text; un: ᴊᴜᴇʏᴜɴ ᴄʜɪʟɪ (open to all clans)

[cutcloud]

My family say that birthdays are big days for Tianheng Thaumaturges and that we should never take them lightly.

I had planned to go up the mountain to perform prayer rituals with the elders of my clan this year ... that no longer is possible. Still, I'm left thinking about how it would have been, as well as what I would have listed for my wishes. I know that I would have prayed for my cherished friends, and those that I've met. Since I can't climb Mt. Tianheng for the ritual now, I'll say it this way.

I wish you all pleasant journeys, safety, and peace.

Aside from that ... one great wish I have this birthday is to learn more about the spirits and supernatural of other worlds.

Since we have all come from different places, I was hoping — will you tell me of your experiences with the otherworldly, when you were back home? I'd like to hear true stories, but I do also really enjoy a good hair-raising story or legend if you know of any.

( spooky stories for september! ♥ feel free to threadjack as you please. )

Comments

Private

[cutcloud]

Yes, I do. Very much so.

But I take all of my meals cold, desserts or otherwise. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before.

[worldbent]

It's a pretty rare type of youkai... I haven't seen any in the city myself, but you are correct- it is a youkai which I have exorcised on a job not too long ago.

It had taken up residence in a mochi tree in the yard of a family which have been patrons of my clan for many generations. The current residents of that house are an elderly couple who noticed the songs of a bird coming from the tree, and left food for it many times. But though the food always seemed to be eaten up, they never caught sight of the "bird". Not long after its arrival, many misfortunes befell that household.

I managed to wrest it from the tree, but disposing of it was a bit bothersome. Hitokubi are quite dangerous and capable of fooling even other powerful ayakashi.

Ah, in any case, their appearance isn't at all like a bird. Do you like puns, Chongyun-kun?

[The question may seem like a bit of a non-sequitur, but it's not.]

Private

[worldbent]

That's right. You are often eating ice cream when we meet.

That gives me the perfect idea. Do you remember the outdoor seating area where we met some time ago, and you fixed my phone? Would you like to meet me there?

[cutcloud]

I see ... and the elderly are more susceptible to the supernatural as well. It must have been causing them a lot of problems. It's fortunate that they have been connected with your clan for generations. I'm presuming given its nature, it would have continued to nest there for as long as possible if you hadn't assisted.

Puns? I ... don't like them as much as some people I know, but they don't bother me either.

Private

[cutcloud]

Yes. I always have a popsicle with me! Normally I have specially infused ones, but I can't quite find the right ingredients here. Even so, as long as it's cold, it will do.

I do remember. That would be good. When would you like to meet?

[worldbent]

That's right. It was quite a sticky situation, so it was a good thing that I could rid them of the hitokubi without too much trouble.

I see. Well, in my native tongue, the name 'hitokubi' is something of a pun- it sounds the same as a certain phrase. That is a fairly common naming structure for ayakashi, as it describes their being without a true name that might invoke bad luck.

It means "human head".

Private

[worldbent]

[The fuckin tonal switch on this guy--]

Specially infused? That sounds interesting. What are they normally made of?

When would be convenient for you? If you already have birthday plans today, I wouldn't want to interrupt them. I can always make time.

[cutcloud]

I understand. True names have power. It would be unwise to call them casually.

That being said... isn't that a bit too direct? Does it resemble a human head, and not a bird? I suppose it isn't direct if it doesn't resemble a head.

Private

[cutcloud]

Yes. They are infused with Mist Flower and Qingxin. My condition requires me to be diligent, and those ingredients help reduce ... side effects.

How about tomorrow afternoon? I am free then.

[worldbent]

Haha, I suppose you're right that it's direct in describing it. But that avoids their true names nonetheless, the same as any kappa in this city has a true name, one could simply call them kappa and it would not invoke it. You see?

Although the hitokubi is so rare, who knows how many there really are. It does indeed resemble the severed head of a man.

Private

[worldbent]

I see, they are flowers? Perhaps there is someone in this city that can help. Have you heard of the flower shop that opened in your clan's district?

Although perhaps another apothecary might have something similar as well. What are the side effects you are treating?

Ah, but putting that aside a moment- it's settled, then. I will see you tomorrow afternoon at the seating plaza.

[cutcloud]

I see ... how unpleasant. How were you able to dispel it? Did it require a particular method? And did it do anything other than bring misfortune?

Private

[cutcloud]

Mhm. They are native to Teyvat, and I haven't seen any of them here yet. But if there is a new flower shop I can certainly take a look. It would be extremely beneficial if I could find them.

They are... very unpleasant, I become quite unwell. I hope you never see me in such a way.

Yes. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

[worldbent]

[How to........ put this.]

It ended up being useful in another job shortly thereafter. It perished as a result.

It was an efficient disposal method.

Because of its form, it doesn't often attack others outright, but uses its power of mimicry to lure other ayakashi to do the dirty work. It is said that its voice is good enough to imitate humans that it hears, or even other types of ayakashi. Its manipulative powers and strong spiritual power are what make it most dangerous.

Private

[worldbent]

I believe the name of it is 'Dandelion'. Perhaps ask the proprietress if she might be able to grow them for you? Ah, you may mention that I sent you. Although I am not sure if that would hurt or help your case...

I see. Is that also inherited from your bloodline? [Mood.]

[cutcloud]

I see. What an interesting creature. I wish I could see one ... perhaps there's a chance it will show up in the city? You did say it is rare, though.

I've been keeping a journal of the various youkai in the city, even the ones I've only heard rumors about. Like the strange one-eyed oni that was eating movie tickets a while back. I never did manage to find it, but the stories a few of the sales associates told me were intriguing. Apparently it was quite intimidating.

Private

[cutcloud]

I've made a note of it. Thank you! And, of course, I am sure it would help.

I suppose so. A thousand generations ago I had an ancestor with the same condition but it's been quite some time since then. That's about how frequently the trait appears.

[worldbent]

It is rare, and usually quite... To put it kindly, this city seems to be a place where only ayakashi with calm demeanors can survive long without being exiled. Many of the more vicious ayakashi that I am used to do not seem to reside here.

That is a good thing for us now, but I cannot help but wonder if we deal with them in the human realm because they are not welcome in these dwellings.

Oh? A ticket-eating ayakashi? I have not heard of that one. Why don't you tell me about it?

Private

[worldbent]

I see. That's quite a long while for a bloodline to remain dormant. Recessive talents are not uncommon within our bloodlines, either. Even bloodlines whose power was thought to have run out have suddenly found themselves revived with a powerful child born anew.

[He wonders if Natori has mentioned it to him, but he doubts it.]

[cutcloud]

I’ve noticed that too. I thought there would be many more vicious spirits, but they are overwhelmingly peaceful … compared to what I expected, anyway.

An interesting thought. I think it brings the nature of the city more into question than the spirits in the human realm - where exactly do we sit on the line between the living and the dead? I’ve looked into this, but haven’t found any clear answers.

—ah! Yes, that fiend. This was around when Master Natori’s movie had been released. I went to get tickets for myself and a friend, and every movie theater was sold out because the same creature had bought all the tickets. The cashiers swore it was so he could feast on them, that he looked the type because they had seen similar youkai before. I only managed to find a pair because a kind cashier gave me the set she had been saving for her and her ex boyfriend. Her boyfriend cheated on her with her cousin and no longer needed them.

I occasionally check back in to see if the creature has devoured more tickets, but it seems to have gone into hibernation.

Private

[cutcloud]

The elders of my clan call it a blessing. Honestly, I find it troublesome. I want to prove I’m adept without relying on an innate trait.

1/2

[worldbent]

It is an interesting quandary, isn't it? For we ourselves are certainly not dead.

[...anyway,]

How unfortunate for that cashier.

But I am glad that you could see Natori-san's movie. He is quite different on screen from how he is in person, isn't he?

Perhaps if more of Natori-san's films make their way to this place, the creature's hunger will be revived.

>action

[worldbent]

[So, let's never speak of that again.]

[Matoba isn't at the tables yet when Chongyun arrives; it takes him a few more minutes to get there, but he has a plastic shopping bag in hand with what seems to be a fairly large box.]

Happy birthday, Chongyun-kun. [He places the bag down on the table, and takes the seat across from him.] I was struck with an idea when you were speaking of your condition, so I do hope this will be to your tastes.

[He folds the edges of the plastic bag down to reveal a box. And in that box... Matoba open the top to tilt the cake towards him, cheerily decorated with fake ice cream cones and with 'Chongun' written sloppily in frosting. Look, the employees did their best. They're not getting paid enough.]

How do you like it? [Huh? Huh?? ....He has that same brimming smile as usual, but it seems perhaps a tad more enthusiastic than normal.]

>action

[cutcloud]

[ He grabs a table when he notices he's there first, a comfortable booth with a view of the window. It's quiet inside, with only a few other people mulling about the cafe when Matoba arrives. He waves politely when the older exorcists arrives, looking quite surprised at the box put on the table between them. Matoba didn't need to get him anything, his company is more than gift enough ... which is why Chongyun is so touched when he looks at what's inside.

The young exorcist takes a moment to respond because he's emotional over this, okay. Matoba really is a gentle and kind person! Much too kind. Finally, he nods, resting his hand over his heart. He's a bit flustered, with cheeks turning pink. ]

I do. I like it very much. [ HE MIGHT EVEN BE A LITTLE TEARY ... listen, he's not used to things like this. he is a soft boy with a soft heart. ] Thank you.

[ He smiles, not sure how else to express his happiness. Words don't seem to be enough! ]

I hope you'll enjoy it with me.

[worldbent]

Of course.

[Not one to show emotion himself, Matoba merely watches the boy's reaction with his unmoving, small smile, letting himself lament this a little. Ah, it wasn't good, was it... Neither to allow himself to slip into fancies of affection, or to encourage it from others. But in a way, he couldn't help being glad that Chongyun found successes in his role despite that kindness.]

[It had been the same tug of war between frustration and admiration many years ago.]

[He tears his gaze away to unpack the plastic utensils and paper plates that the employees had hastily shoved into the plastic bag, peeling a plate off for Chongyun first, and then himself.] I'd be delighted. Ah, the flavor, they said, was "birthday cake". I wonder what "birthday" tastes like?