(open) a wizard and a fox spirit walk into a void

[kimihiros]

Who: Kimihiro&You
What: Getting to know the Void, just generally being confused. Catch-all post!
Where: Around the Void!
When: November OOC
Content Warnings: Nothing!! Perhaps spoilers?

Comments

Outside the Heavenly Blanc Bar & Café ;

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ Sat outside the café, the black and gold Melinoë is enjoying a second cup of espresso when she spots Kimihiro and his furry noodle companion. Whereas the creature may first draw the eye of others, it's the young man's scent that entices the Goddess. It's peculiar that the Void is drawing more non-mortals than mortals, and she wonders if someone like Professor Oak may be interested in the numbers, in the lack of balance. She's only interested in having more beings like herself present, especially if said beings are divine (because eventually someone from her own pantheon has to show...surely...).

In hopes it'll capture their attention, Mel breaks off a piece of maple scone and affectionately beckons to Mugetsu while holding the pastry out to him.]

[kimihiros]

(kimihiro is still navigating this. from the lack of magic and the lack of the shop that confines him to the unfamiliarity of the setting. mugetsu is the most anxious of the two - what could a semi-kami even do when he's stuck in such form, unable to protect the one he vowed to?

at least, so far, everyone seemed to mean no harm. the scent of his blood hasn't attracted any beings so far, as it usually does, but he keeps his guard up for that. he can't exactly fight in this shape, but neither could he a few decades ago and here he is.

kimihiro can't quite see her from where he stands, with only one eye being functional. judging from mugetsu's excited reaction, there's something ahead and he moves his head slightly and -- oh. an offering. the man approaches, bowing at the woman who performs it and mugetsu happily jumps on the table to accept it, squeaking the cutest sounds.)

You know, they prefer sake, but I suppose food is always welcome. Thank you.

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ The Goddess dissolves into tender murmurings of Italian, calling the darling kitsune beautiful and good and all things lovely.

Happy to keep Mugetsu around longer, and in turn the young man to learn from, she says - ]

Then let me order them sake. Would you like some as well?

[ Out of respect for the creature, Melinoë doesn't reach out to pet it. She looks up with a welcoming warmth in her aubergine eyes, meaning to introduce herself afterwards. ]

[kimihiros]

(truth be told, kimihiro can't understand what she was saying and neither can mugetsu, but both can pick up the fondness in the woman's voice and kimihiro just smiles in response.)

Why not?

(it's not like kimihiro doesn't drink everyday.... except he does. he just justifies it with the fact that the other creatures and doumeki drink much more than he does. finally, he bows, politely pulling a chair for himself as he watches the little fox nibble on the piece of pastry.)

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ She nods curtly before elegantly rising. Mindful of the fact that cultures have a variety of greetings, Mel doesn't extend a hand for shaking, but instead offers a kind smile. ]

I am the Goddess, Melinoë. Is it safe to assume that you're new?

[kimihiros]

Watanuki.

(a goddess? this is interesting. she may notice that he doesn't flinch much at the word, but instead, he gives her another smile and a nod of his head. he's dealt with spirits, kami, yokai, and many other entities to be surprised at this point.)

I've just arrived.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Then welcome, Watanuki-san. [ It's only fueling suspicions, which in turn have the potential of being thrilling. If he's also like her and the others; Viridi and Parsee and Merlin. With a subtle bow of her head, Mel slips away to order the sake and sugar cookies.

She returns with a tokkuri and ochoko, as well as a small soup bowl. Setting them on the table with the explanation of - ]

I wasn't sure if your friend would prefer cup or bowl, so I grabbed both.

[kimihiros]

He'd drink from a bottle if I weren't looking.

(the tone is docile, playful but mugetsu knows it's a bit of a reminder of how attached watanuki is to manners and the like. speaking of, he holds an ochoko with both hands when she seems to be settled again, awaiting for her to pour so that he could do the same in turn.

he doesn't bother explaining tradition - she has already used a suffix to his name.)

Charmed to meet you.

Hover text for translation

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ She may or may not have been in love with the water dragon God, Zennyo Ryūō, and as such devoured any knowledge that might work in her favor regarding Japanese culture. Between her own courses, summoning ghosts, and teaching friends Italian.

Melinoë pours accordingly, though aubergine eyes remain affixed to Watanuki's one. ]

E'un piacere conoscerti. Have you met anyone else thus far?

[kimihiros]

Very few, I must say.

(and respectfully, he pours her own with both hands before doing the same for mugetsu, who squeaks happily enough to startle before he tackles it, his drinking resembling a bird.

when both raise their beverages, kimihiro takes a sip before resting on the table.)

May I ask what are you the goddess of? Pardon my inexperience.

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ She quietly murmurs 'arigato' and can't help but giggle at the furry noodle. ]

No offence taken. I am the Goddess of ghosts, nightmares, and insanity. Though, this place hasn't really been kind to people with abilities, since we've been depowered for now. We only recently had sleep introduced. Before that was hunger. It's been...an adjustment, to say the very least.

[ Mel doesn't withhold her distaste, even grimaces a bit. ]

[kimihiros]

Ah, that I've noticed. Even my eye isn't working proper and Mugetsu seems stuck in this form.

(he taps the skin under the golden one, as to clarify. universally, there isn't good or bad as an absolute definition, so the realm in which the goddess reigns isn't something he turns away from or fears.

after all, is he all that different?)

I can imagine it's been a journey for you.

USJ ; (& minus the headpiece in the linked image)

[obscurus_phantasma]

Madonna santa, it most certainly has. This world, it has a habit of combing our lives. There are creatures that have what would be their identifying marks only it's as though two or more species evolved into something that resembles them together. It's done the same with places from our homes, as well.

[ The very café and bar they're seated at being an example of location/architecture melding. ]

[kimihiros]

The latter is interesting.

(kimihiro perks up at the mention, his eyes fixed on hers before he takes another sip of his sake.

he's not exactly secretive as an individual when it comes to facts, he's much more reserved about feelings. in the presence of a goddess whose affiliation somewhat matches his own skills, he has no inner quarrel on revealing his conditions.)

You see, Melinöe-san, I'm bound to a single place, can't have left it. I was wondering if the store wasn't carried along. I don't suppose it's a dream so that I can walk freely like this.

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ Curious, she sets her sake aside to cast a look about them, not overly certain they'll actually see said place. Still. ]

It's not not possible. We could have a look around, unless you'd prefer finding it on your own?

[ She returns to looking at both one-eyed gentleman and kitsune. Because Mel doesn't know if it's a positive binding borne out of responsibility or the like, or if it's more the negative, prisoner sort of binding. ]

[kimihiros]

If I'm here, the store would have to be as well and I should still be inside of it, from my perspective on possibilities. As you said, places from our homes just appear. I'd like to return to it if it has.

(it's both out of payment and free will. the original wish-granting witch finally granted his own - to cut his ties with the supernatural and make him normal... and he sold it right back to be able to keep them when she died. she's gone now and he made a promise to wait for her there, never to leave even if he had the power to.)

I've already looked everywhere but I had no such luck.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Places haven't always coincided with people, though they have tended to crop up in groupings. We'll suddenly find that there is new life and new locations. So, it stands to reason that maybe your shop hasn't come along.

[ An unspoken but implied 'yet' hangs between them, though it would break with consistency. Furthermore, it'd be a first if the place showed up whole and as is. ]

[kimihiros]

That's unfortunate.

(if he feels uncomfortable, and trust that he does, he doesn't show it. mugetsu knows though and he jumps to kimihiro's neck again, snuggling against the cheek. instead of showing it himself, he shrugs.)

I guess we will know if we must know.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Not to be impolite, but you introduced yourself, however you've yet to introduce your friend. Unless, of course, that was deliberate.

[ She returns to consuming the sake and nibbling at the treats, the gaze of purple orbs mainly focused on Mugetsu. She can think of at least three things to call the kitsune by, should he be without a proper name. ]

[kimihiros]

His name is Mugetsu.

(which means moonless, a tribute to the way his eyes almost disappear when he is in his other form - a majestic nine-tailed kitsune. kimihiro offers his hand for the fox to wrap himself around and return to the table, but not before kimihiro gives him a gentle pet.

the fox is back to contently beak the sake, now that he's sure kimihiro has been comforted.)

He was traded with us back when I was younger and he's been with me ever since. Izunas are nothing but loyal to the ones they choose as masters, although I still don't know what he saw in me to guard me with such care. (he smiles, just a little, taking the sake into his lips and sipping before he serves her some more if she allows it.) He's been anxious that he too is powerless.

[obscurus_phantasma]

Mugetsu, Il mio cuore, may I have the honour of petting you?

[ Melinoë has clasped her hands against her chest to keep from reaching out, and she nods consent at more alcohol, sure to refill Kimihiro's and Mugetsu's in turn. ]

Perhaps he was drawn to your soul? Some of us are meant to fit together, and you two certainly seem compatible. He knows you well enough to sense your distress, after all.

[kimihiros]

(mugetsu himself shortens the distance between himself and melinöe, almost too adorable when he boops her arm in response to the request.

kimihiro smiles, mostly because she seems to get what he means. all is connected, after all.)

A hundred years together helps.

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ She isn't embarrassed or reserved as she makes a sound between squeeing and cooing, delighted by the spirit and lavishing him with proper pets and scritches. ]

Watanuki-san, I almost envy you for your little darling.

[ Mel's ministrations to Mugetsu become more methodical as she peers closely at the Japanese man across from her. And there's a spark in those purple eyes as she allows hope to blossom ever more. ]

And yet you look to be in your late teens, perhaps early twentys. Are you also divine?

[kimihiros]

(what an adorable woman, he can't help but to smile watching her delight as she showers mugetsu with affection, the little fox just basking happily in the attention he's given and kimihiro laughs a little at the comment.

divine, however, isn't a word he'd use to describe himself.)

Divine isn't the right word, I'm afraid. I'm a mage, but in regards to my age, it's simply due to the time within me stopping as payment. (and of course, he saw the sparkle in her eye.) I apologize for giving you such impression.

[obscurus_phantasma]

[ She shakes her head to dismiss the apology. ]

No harm done; I suppose I'd still like to keep you around.

[ And leaning down to kiss Mugetsu's nose, Melinoë adds - ] Especially Mugetsu~

[ With one final pet, Mel gives her attention back to the mage and her scone. ]

May I ask what you mean by that? Time stopped?