ellipsanet | voice; un: hakkai

I see, thank you again. I understand completely - it seems the problem has become quite widespread. Do things like this happen often?

[Is this like Trench had been, before? Some sort of corruption?]

Primarily Chinese. Though, I've been learning some more local dialects between China and India, here and there. I haven't had as much time as I'd have liked to practice, however. My companions and I have been on something of a lengthy journey of some urgency - so I can also understand how travel affects one's learning. Of course! I have a great deal of time on my hands. [Being alone here and all, and trying not to dwell on that for longer than a few minutes.] I can assure you, I've helped far worse hands in the kitchen, regardless of your skill level.

It doesn't happen with all that concerning a frequency, so far.
Most of the dangers have been on quests or otherwise out in the segments, thankfully.

[ Distractions are exactly why she's asking too, despite having a very wide support network here her life is still a horror show. ]

Those options sound right up my alley. I speak Mandarin much better than I can write it, and my Cantonese is probably embarrassing all around, I only managed just enough to get by. I don't know any Indian languages at all since I never made it to that part of Asia, but I'd love to learn some. They say there's nothing like teaching someone else to make great gains yourself.

Your skills as a cooking teacher must be impressive if you can handle a disaster like me. I'm great with cutting things up, but that's about it. [ She's a pro at pointy things! ]

I'm Saya. And I should probably tell you now, I'm not human. I try to be upfront so no one is shocked. [ Also so if it's a deal breaker she can find out early. Nothing like getting close to someone and then they decide they're scared of you. ]

Edited (I completely forgot his first question slkgj) 2023-07-24 22:22 (UTC)

I see. So the city itself tends to be safer than the outside areas, in regards to these phenomena?

[So the opposite of Trench completely, then.]

Ah, well, we haven't managed to get too far into the country. Not for lack of trying! Troubles keep appearing to waylay us. But what I do know, I'm more than willing to share - though you'll have to excuse any accent issues, ahaha. That's a great starting point, actually. You would be surprised how many recipes can be prepared using only a knife and cutting board.

[Listen... the guys he hangs around with are barely above survival levels of cooking.]

Oh. Thank you for your honesty. Would it be too forward of me to ask what you would classify yourself as? [He's met a lot in the crazy world of Trench, Deer Country. There's just one that might actually be an issue...]

[ Saya's previous residence was Hell and her occupation there was torture-ee, so her standards might be a bit off but she's being as honest as she can be. ]

Generally, yes. I won't promise there's no other danger, of course, but the quests inside the city tend to be tamer than those outside it. We had one incident of statues that became animated but they weren't so difficult to handle. There was one quest that exposed us to aphrodisiacs, which might bother some people. [ Not her, though. It was fun. ] If you see a quest that's not available to anyone under the age of 16, it's a safe bet that there's some risqué aspect involved.

[ Anyway. ]

The name of my species is Chiropteran. The closest word most are familiar with is a vampire, though if you're familiar with the stories I'm not very much like that. I only use willing blood donors, I promise. [ Outside of hypothetical status effects from quests and events ~~and player plots under controlled conditions~~, that is, but her track record even in that situation is stunningly good. Anyone who knows her even in passing would attest to it. ]

[... Aphro what now. Please kill him. That sounds absolutely mortifying. Of course, this is Hakkai, King of Stepford Smiles.]

My goodness, you certainly have a variety of incidents here, don't you! It's not much of a problem, however, I'm quite used to danger. Just another facet of life, really!

[Danger, bloodshed, assassins, and that was just what happened at home!]

[But, more importantly... not an answer he'd heard before, actually.] I must say, that's an unexpected answer. Though, I can safely say I'm not bothered over something like that.

[ Meanwhile Saya and her husband took some of that tea to go. It's all in one's perspective on such matters. She knows some who would find the process objectionable though so no judgment, couldn't be her is all. ]

If you're used to dangerous conditions, then you'll be fine. Especially once you get good at your Seasonal abilities. I imagine someone accustomed to danger would be good at adapting and fighting with what's at hand. If you ever want to practice, I'd be glad to help. I'm not trying to barter for your teaching services or anything, I just enjoy sparring and practicing.

I'm glad. I understand when it makes people nervous, but it never feels very good to be rejected for the way I was born.

Ah, yes, I should likely look into researching those as well. My healing ability appears to have followed me here, fortunately. But I've yet to explore those "seasonal" ones I've heard of. So, yes, I would be very grateful for your assistance.

[Maybe he won't have to hold back, sparring with someone who isn't human. That would be interesting.]

For what it's worth - "vampires" aren't a terribly common "threat" where I come from. We have more pressing concerns, you see. I have no reason to be fearful, is what I'm attempting to say, haha.

The seasonal abilities are very useful, especially if you want to go out beyond the city. Some of the monsters out there aren't effected by our natural abilities. That's pretty rare, but it happens.

Can I ask what season you were assigned? It shouldn't matter for my being able to assist, I've helped those who were not Summers with their abilities.

In the meantime I'm proficient with martial arts weapons and hand fighting, so either way.

[ He almost certainly won't need to hold back, Saya is a tiny pretty lady but she hits like a meteor and heals immediately as a passive ability, tough to beat (but it's possible). She has excellent control though so no injuries unless they agree to fight at that level. ]

I understand. If you're curious I don't mind answering most questions.
I'm pretty uncommon even among vampires. [ Just be prepared for a real sad story, friend ]

I see. I'll be certain to take that into consideration. It would have been quite the nasty shock to run into such creatures unprepared! Is it only our natural abilities that they withstand, or are they also resistant to weaponry? Oh, ah, Spring, I believe. That was the season I recall seeing upon regaining my senses.

[Which he assumes has something to do with another ability of his. One that he hopes won't see the light of day, here.]

How fortunate. Hand-to-hand is my preferred method as well. Though I'm a decent enough hand with smaller weapons, if the need arises.

[Oh he's hilarious.]

Should any occur to me, I certainly will. ^_^ Thank you for your candor.

It's a form of dark energy. After I couldn't injure one with my sword, I resorted to fire weapons, an ability in the Summer skillset. Even then it was nearly impossible to take it down. [ And, Saya being Saya, that's saying a whole lot. He'll understand if he sees her fight, not much would just be immune to her attacks. ]

Spring makes sense for a healer, given that the powers also include healing. I have a fair bit of experience with Spring users so if you're looking to learn, I'd be happy to help, just as a favor. We should all support each other in little ways if we can. [ Perhaps it's naïve but she really believes that. ]

I should be back in the city soon, but it might be wise to wait until there's a working cure for this cold sickness. I'm not sure I'll be much use before that, between caring for those afflicted and working to help with ingredients and distribution. You understand.

I can contact you once that's accomplished, however. [ ~~Which can be done via inbox or as a continuation to this thread, whatever's easiest!~~ ]

That's disconcerting... I can see why needing to practice one's abilities from this world is an important undertaking. Are all the seasons associated with an element like that? Hah, I see. This world had me pinned from the beginning, didn't it? Hahaha. [Whoever taught him to type that laugh of his should be ashamed.] But I agree. The same went for the last world I was brought to, although it was quite a bit more antagonistic than this one. Of course, I understand completely. I would never expect anything else. I believe I'll volunteer to assist the search for ingredients as well. Certainly. Please take care of yourself in the meantime. [He'd never ask a healer to prioritize anything over their patients, after all. But here would be fine!]

In a nutshell, yes. There are other abilities in each seasonal cluster, for example as a Summer I can also learn telekinesis, but each has an element. Summer is fire, Spring is wind, Autumn is earth, Winter is water. They each also have emotions that enhance the abilities... it makes more sense in practice, I think. [ aka she's not the best with words. ]

Thanks. I'll be around as soon as this mess gets sorted.

[ In the end she has to wait a bit longer once there's a potion to fix everyone up, since she exhausted herself what with dashing back and forth while also not feeding. Hypothermia and blood donation don't really work together. (She also got really drunk which -- look, not all necessities are so black and white, especially when liquor doesn't work on you normally and it's been kind of a horror show of a month.) But once she gets her loved ones warmed up and Saya gets a few good meals and a rest, she makes good on her word to contact him. ]

Now that the minor catastrophe is over, I'm available anytime you are. I work at night, so no worries about a schedule.

Wind... interesting. But yes, I look forward to learning more from you. Thank you, again, for the offer. I'll wait to hear back from you.

[It's fine, it really is. It doesn't bother him, waiting. As long as she needs, he'll understand. And it's a chance for him to settle in more. Figure out where he stands, what to do with all that extra space available in the apartment he was provided. Pitch in with the temple situation. Find the library. Keep himself as busy as possible.]

[It's easier that way.]

[And, thankfully, his new tutor is mercifully free after the wild events.]

Ah, what a coincidence, I'm often free as well. Perhaps this afternoon?

Of course. Are you more of a "meet for tea and snacks" type or a "straight to the coliseum to test out these abilities" type? Both have their merits.

[ On one hand food, on the other fighting. Win-win. ]

I suppose it would depend on where you wished to meet. I wouldn't be able to stop myself from preparing a guest refreshments, should they arrive at my residence. But I wouldn't ask for you to go to any extra trouble on my account... so perhaps testing first. And go from there?

It wouldn't be any trouble, but then it's no trouble to handle the testing first either. I'll meet you there this afternoon. [ Whatever time they agree on is fine with her, usually she's just training anyway (albeit closer to home). ]

[ Saya doesn't look very much like a vampire, or a dangerous fighter. She looks like a perfectly normal human woman, and a petite one at that. Aside from being almost unnaturally pretty, having red eyes once one gets close enough to see them, and carrying a katana that's significantly larger and heavier than her frame would indicate she can handle, she hardly seems anything noteworthy. The smile she offers when she sees she's being approached is warm and kind. ]

Are you Hakkai? I'm Saya. It's nice to meet you in person.

[That makes two of them, looking perfectly average. For Hakkai's part, he looks like he just stepped out of a schoolteacher convention. Average height, on the skinny side, not even oddly colored eyes - they're just green. Except for the monocle anyway. And the little dragon draped on his shoulder.]

[It's not a katana, but that's probably similar in terms of odd factor.]

[He actually bows slightly, seeing her arrive, his own smile as polite as can be. His little friend even trills out an answer of its own.]

A pleasure, Ms. Saya. Thank you again for your assistance.

Just Saya, please--

[ She pauses and takes a half step backwards when she sees the little dragon, arms held up with her palms out. ]

Ah... animals don't usually like me very much. [ She's an apex predator and all. For animals it's like trying to walk up to a hungry lion. ] I have something of a better track record with dragons, but I don't want to upset your friend.

[ Saya seems quite genuine in her concern for the dragon's comfort. ]

(( OOC: totally your call how the dragon reacts! Some people like to have their animal companions get a little nervous or protective and then the owner calms them, but I have no idea how used to supernatural predators the little guy is. ♥ ))

Oh! I'm terribly sorry... he's rather attached. [For his part, though, Jeep doesn't seem to mind too much. He knows how to make himself scarce in bad situations, and was occasionally fearless in the face of horrible danger.]

[But Hakkai would prefer not to upset the young lady, or worry her too much.]

Jeep, would you mind? [Honestly, said dragon seems more upset at the idea of giving them space, leaving his person. But, resignedly, off he goes, to perch somewhere out of the way.]

Please don't worry too much. He's rather adept at getting out of uncomfortable situations, should the need arise. But, I suppose it's better to have him give us space, regardless, given what we're here for.

[Seriously the little dude fully attacked a boss level bad guy for his person and collection of idiot friends. No worries here, Saya.]

[ Saya watches almost wistfully as the little dragon flies off. Someone observant might correctly assume that she always wanted to be close to animals. ]

I'm sorry about that. If you let me know what he likes, maybe I can bring a bribe in the future. That seems to work as an introduction. Food or whatever he enjoys. It's a relief to hear he can manage himself, given what you might encounter out on the more remote parts of the map.

He might like my husband, however. [ The fact that Kantera is descended from dragons is physically obvious once one meets him. He has wings and horns for anyone to see, and he's used to dragon familiars. ]

[ Saya props her sword against a nearby wall. ]

How much experience do you have with using magic? It's not necessary, but it will effect how I explain things.

Oh, no need to apologize, truly. I doubt you'll even need a bribe - if he's put up with myself and my companions this long, he should be fine. [He laughs, his usual filler sound, but there's some actual humor, somehow.] In fact, the only thing he seems to be afraid of is roughhousing.

[Hakkai's smile softens, defrosts. It's more of an encouraging expression, now.] He once attacked a very powerful man, on our behalf, and as it turned out, he was the only one of all of us to injure our foe. Please don't worry for Jeep.

[Hopefully, that will reassure this young lady somewhat.]

It would depend on what magic is defined as. Ah - you see... [He curls his hands, cupping them together. Light begins to bloom between his palms - energy.] ... this, I'm quite experienced with.

[ Saya has the good grace to look amused at herself. ] Jeep is a brave one, isn't he? It sounds as though you're lucky to have him.

[ She watches Hakkai's demonstration, clearly pleased. ] You'll have an easier time than most, I think. Using one's internal energy for magic is universal enough, or so I gather. I've only started using it recently, for perhaps a year.

Every season's abilities are broken down into categories... I'll demonstrate what I can, run down the basics, and then we'll go from there. Okay?

First, your element. [ Saya's eyes glow a vibrant red and she flicks her wrist, and a deep crimson fire -- nearly the same shade as her eyes -- roars to life above her hand. ] Creation, the easiest. You'll be able to make air and wind.

Then, manipulation of your element: [ Another movement of her hand and the red fire thins into a long line and then takes the shape of a spear. Saya gives it an expert spin. ] For a Spring user this would be wind that cuts or becomes a cyclone.

There are some associated pieces of magic too, once you get into the more advanced skills. I can control heat and breathe fire. A Spring user will be able to fly or send messages on the wind. The guilds have a whole list that anyone can look at that tells you what can be learned.

[ Another movement of her hand, and the fire-spear is gone. ]

Then there's magic that's not really to do with our element. For example...

[ Her katana flies from its place propped on the wall into the air in front of Saya, spins around in midair, the sword draws itself from its sheath just a few inches (there's a bright red stone embedded near the hilt) and then sheaths itself again before flinging itself into Saya's waiting hand as if drawn there by a magnet. ]

Telekinesis. Summer users can also learn shapeshifting and to identify diseases on sight, et cetera. Your powers include healing, as I mentioned. You'll learn to make plants grow or bloom, purify air and liquids. Once you learn more advanced spells you can create things from paper or clay, grow a full tree. You get the idea.

Be careful not to overstress yourself, if you use too much magical energy you'll get tired. Touch can help strengthen magic a bit, since that's what this place runs on.

Your associated feelings are hope, joy, and desire. These will help make your magic more effective. It helps if the feeling is genuine.

[ She thinks for a second, then smiles. ] I think that's the dime tour. Did that make sense?

voice; un: hakkai

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