duologs | [SEMI-OPEN] May catch-all for Hibiki

[ Despite having an entire music room set up in the Dodo, more often than not Hibiki still prefers to stay in her dorm room when the urge to play hits. It’s a miracle that she has enough room for a bed among her desk and instruments (a daybed counts, right?), but let it not be said that she doesn’t have the best priorities. Even before “dying” and being spirited away to this place, she’s always had a talent for making small spaces work, and if this place is going to give her every single one she’s lost and then some, yeah. She can sleep on the floor, no problem.

But she isn’t sleeping–at least, not tonight.

While many of the dorm’s residents slumber, the sound of impassioned piano floats through the air. The closed door does offer a bit of a buffer, anyone walking around the ground floor would easily hear the blonde attempting to work through her own troubles on the keys. It’s part of the reason why she opts to take her musical soul searching elsewhere.

The last thing she wants to do is keep her suitemates up with the clacking of her keyboard. So lost in her own music, it’s hard to say if she would notice if anyone were to let themselves in. ]

[ This was bound to happen sooner or later, and while she can’t remember when or how it came up, Hibiki is pretty sure that she offered to go out shopping with Lumine at some point. Was it during that freakishly cold winter a lifetime ago, or was it some memory planted by whatever brought them both to this place? Does it really matter? Regardless of the how or if, she’s a woman of her word. Crane City’s no Shinjuku or Shibuya, but maybe that means they can afford to splurge a little.

Besides, she never got a chance to really get to know the other blonde while they were in the Netherworld, and Hibiki is going to do what she can to rectify that problem–even if most of her clearer memories of her are the ones she has from here.

Waiting inside a small coffee shop in the Promenade, she takes a sip from her mug before jotting something down in a small notebook. An errant memory from her fake life suddenly bubbling up to the surface and quickly captured for future viewing. She’s nearly filled the journal at this point as she meticulously catalogues each item as she remembers it, in case she forgets.

Hearing chimes as someone walks in, she briefly registers it before letting it fade into the background as she continues to write. Even if she doesn’t acknowledge Lumine walking in, the fact that she sits close to the entrance will make her hard to miss. ]

[ There’s something oddly nostalgic about the flower festival here in Duocaeli, so much so that Hibiki has to regularly remind herself that this is just a game. Technically it’s a little late for hanami, but regardless, everything is in full bloom, and far be it from her to complain. It’s a good distraction from… well, everything to be honest. As the small elf sits beneath a massive magnolia tree, its branches swaying in the light breeze (which she’s controlling, shhh don’t tell), she can feel her troubles melt away. What is it about this kind of thing that always brings her peace?

Content with sitting on her blanket and people watching for the time being, she reaches for a strange wooden apparatus filled what looks to be coffee and ice. Pulling the bottom bottle out and pouring it into a glass mug, Hibiki starts to reach for a small crystal decanter before she catches a glimpse of a familiar face.

What she’s doing here can obviously wait, as she raises a gloved hand and waves enthusiastically. ]

Bricks! Hey! Over here!

[ What’s she so excited about, it’s just her ex. ]

Edited 2023-05-14 20:08 (UTC)

[ let’s farm stormblooms next time we’re both on!’

Hibiki remembers hitting send on the text just before her students started filtering into class, but after that? Her life in Crane City melts away as she steps out of one reality and into another. Shinjuku. Comparing notes with Rikiya. A potential lead in Chiyoda with the Hojo; can’t let it go cold. Everything feels so disjointed, time speeding up or slowing down as she lives days, weeks in the blink of an eye.

Then, it happens. Caught off-guard by the unsettling silence that descends upon her, the acrid, strangling stench of festering decay and damp rot hitting her just before she’s flung into a nearby alleyway. As she hurdles toward a wall, she feels the all-too-familiar yank toward the void that comes whenever she’s in danger. Digging her heels in, feeling the ring on her left hand shake, for the first time, she maintains a small amount of control. Not enough to pull her right hand back, as it stretches out toward the monster.

Go back to sleep, ░░░░░░. This will be over soon. ]

…

[ Kaito will receive a notif that Hibiki has logged in, as she winks into existence in the guild house. To the casual observer, she looks the way that she normally does, even if her eyes have taken a slightly purplish sheen. But for anyone able to read auras, they will feel a noticeable lack of anything, an endless void where her usual springtime warmth should be. Her brows raise slightly, faint recognition touching her otherwise neutral expression.

A̴h̶.̷ ]

–!

[ In a blink, Hibiki’s aura shifts back to normal before the silver-haired elf crumples. Her legs give out from under her as pain lances through her left arm, and as she falls to her knees, her right hand clamps over her left as she brings both to her chest before doubling over. Fear and confusion churn like a raging storm, and it’s all she can do to force herself to breathe, her chest noticeably rising and falling with every labored breath.

Despite clearly looking at him not a few seconds before, she doesn’t seem to notice that she isn’t here alone. Hunched over like this, practically hissing with every shallow breath, she trembles like a lone leaf on a branch. Just keep breathing. Focus. Even as she looks like she could pitch forward at any second, Hibiki continues to curl herself over her arms.

She’s okay. She’s okay… ]

[ He hears his name being called before he spots Hibiki and waves back with similar enthusiasm. ]

Hibiki!

[ He trots over and completely misses the elf on the (tree) shelf. He's more interested in Hibiki and secondarily that apparatus and the drinks she's pouring. He gestures to it while delicately lowering himself to an unoccupied part of her blanket, resting with most of his weight on the other arm behind him. ]

What's that you've got there?

[ Normally she would move over a little even if it wasn't necessary, but as Bricks sits down, she stays put. She grins brightly as he asks about the strange contraption in front of her. ]

Ever had siphon coffee? Think that, but even better. I was never able to get one back home, and after I found the recipe in the guild house, I had to. Fill this thing with coffee and some ice and you've got a refreshing drink.

[ You don't need to sell him on it, Hibiki. But just in case he's on the fence, she holds up the glass decanter, showing off the amber liquid with pride. ]

Especially with some of this mixed in!

[ He can probably figure out what it is. ]

Recipes for crafting consumables in the crafting guild, now why didn't I think of that?

[ Probably because he tends to buy his own food instead of ever making it—coffee and tea though he'll make wide exceptions for. He should be more considerate of personal space but, because of their history and the effects of the Magnolia Brickston seems more than content to lean in and be nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with her as she demonstrates.

As for the device itself it unfortunately has most of his attention. It fascinates him and reminds him very much of his earliest chemistry kit and how much he delighted separating solutions through the heat and watching them separate from one glass chamber into the other.

He can smell alcohol but he can't tell if it's meant to burn or meant to go in the drink ].

Well, it might be a bit early in the day for that, Hibiki. [ He teases with a smirk, needing no help from the Magnolia. ]

Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. But seriously, some of them are kind of a slog but read some of the books there. That's where I found this and a ton of other things. You'll be surprised what you can make in this game.

[ Hah, personal space. Sounds like something to worry about after the fact /foreshadowing

More than happy to show off her handiwork and the one kitchen-adjacent thing she wishes she could take offline with her, Hibiki remains in high spirits, smiling girlishly at him. Pouring a glass, she shrugs a bit as she hands it to him. Even without ice in it, the coffee remains delightfully chilled. ]

Hey, you know what they say--it's 5 o' clock somewhere!

[ Just because she can suddenly take two drinks before getting tipsy instead of the usual one. The magnolias will probably make that a whopping zero. ]

[ He momentarily gets hung up on the saying, lightly chuckling and zoning out for a second or two, Magnolia tree slowing his thoughts; translating that into the parlance Doskvol goes, a system that isn't set to the rhythm of clear sunrises and sunsets. It is thanks to those alternative memories that has him strangely understand the meaning of five o'clock (or, Twelfth Hour).

He hums with satisfaction. ] The coffee is delightful.

—And you don't need to tell me twice, there's few things more satisfying than getting to work with my hands as I can here.

[ Time is a weird social construct, and this is an MMO. If it isn't five o'clock now, it will be in twenty minutes. And in an hour. Try not to think about it too hard, Bricks. ]

That's what I like to hear! First cup's on the house--after that you're gonna have to pay. Gotta get you hooked so you keep coming back for more!

[ Glam end game is so, so expensive, please help her pay for her addiction while she encourages starting his own. Playfully bumping shoulders, she beams pure sunshine his way before redirecting her attention to the decanter. A quick tug of the stopper before she offers it up for him to smell, the scent of almond wafting through the air. ]

I saw somebody do this in a movie once. What do you think? Want me to pour some in?

[ While it would be a step too far to say that Knives has settled into any sort of routine, he does seem to have taken to mainly venturing out from his room at night when he doesn't have to concern himself with interacting with as many people. He isn't scared, and if anyone were to imply as much they'd have the sharp edge of a knife to contend with — it's simply that he can't be bothered to make small talk with his fellow captives.

Because they are captives, seeing how they were brought to these dual worlds against their will, stripped of their powers and forced to jump through ridiculous hoops to regain them. He's sick of it already.

But as has been made clear to him time and time again by now, he has to eat. He has to sleep. And it's late in the night when he ventures out for yet another snack, despite the fact that there is no one around to prepare meals at this hour. Meaning that he's mainly stuck with premade food he can find in the refrigerator or the pantry.

He's on his way back to his room when it seems as if the House has opted to once again rearrange itself. He lets out a snarl of annoyance as this is the last thing he wants to put up with right now, but then he hears it—

Fingers moving over piano keys, making music. It is not a song he recognizes, and yet there is something familiar about it all the same. As if in a trance, Knives follows the sound until he ends up in the music room, where there is a sole occupant.

He "remembers" her in the way that he remembers V, or Declan, or that puppet. Conversations typed back and forth regarding music, complimenting each other's videos, discussing theory. He'd even attended a few of her shows. No, not him, but these fake memories are clearer than many of the others, perhaps because they're associated with something he actually enjoys.

He stands there and watches, exuding full cryptid vibes in a pulled-up hoodie with a number of different snack bags shoved into the front pocket. ]

[ Normally she has more spatial awareness (even more so now after recent events, not going to think about that one), but it's been a while since she's lost herself in her own music, so his presence goes unnoticed at first. Harmonies weaving together as she plays, it's longing, it's mourning, and it's cathartic on a soul that's gone through so much in the past few months and doesn't know how to process her own emotions.

This isn't meant to be a performance for anyone other than herself, but as she lifts her hands off the keys and the world filters back in, the small blonde turns her head toward the doorway. Storm-colored eyes looking the plant-slash-cryptid up and down, she recognizes him almost immediately, as the backstory of her not!life adds a few more pages to the book.

And something tells her that she isn't the only one here suddenly bombarded with everything she supposedly forgot. ]

Ah, sorry, am I being too loud? [ Ruefully, as she willfully ignores the urge to call him by name. ] I guess people are trying to sleep, huh? Probably should've thought of that.

[ An apologetic smirk tugs one corner of her lips as she lets her hands rest in her lap, it seems like he might actually get away with his blatant pantry theft here. Maybe she didn't notice— ]

...Hungry?

[ Or not. ~~Is that a funyuns bag sticking out of his hoodie?~~ ]

[ Knives doesn't mind simply waiting and listening until she's done with the song. He knows how much he hates when someone interrupts him when he's in the middle of playing, and therefore would never put someone else through that. Despite all of his ire for humans, the making of music seems to somehow transcend all of that.

Seeing the recognition on her face when she does finally notice him, Knives gives nothing but a small nod in response at first. She doesn't seem frightened of him, which is how most people have treated him here, and it's odd. He's not convinced he likes it much. ]

No, not at all. [ If people want to claim that aggressive piano playing (not that hers was aggressive, but his will be) is too disruptive, well, they can take that up with him. He doesn't care, though. ] This room isn't particularly close to any of the sleeping suites. [ He shrugs. It's fine. It goes unsaid, but he came here simply because he was curious.

At her question, his gaze flicks down for just a moment. ] I was planning to take these back to my room, but then I heard you playing. It seems quite a few residents keep odd hours in this place. [ For better or worse... ]

[ Ire for humans specifically, funny story about that...

To be completely honest, Hibiki is used to most people tuning her out when she performs. An irritating bi-product of the seal she wears on her ring finger, its power has been completely negated in this world. She's fine with interruptions, but quietly grateful Knives let her finish.

Pushing the piano bench out, Hibiki shifts to face him. Was he interested in her playing because of their (fake) connection, because he's a music fan, or had her abilities begun to expand beyond her voice? ]

I wouldn't know, I'm usually asleep around now. [ Liar. Her gaze fixes on his snack hoard. ] You know, most of that is just fat and carbs. You're gonna be hungry again in an hour or two if you binge on that.

[ Ah yes, her not-so-secret ability: Meddling in other people's business. ]

What are you, my new drug dealer? [ This is a joke he finds more funny than he probably should.

He also won't begrudge anyone going for glam, he's much the same—especially when it comes to farming items just to play around with building new and fanciful weapons and experimental fire magics. It's almost annoying to have to actually play the game as intended, sometimes. ]

What movie was it? [ He inhales deeply, her smile combined with the almond smell hits him hard with comfort. He smiles in turn and puts more of his weight against her shoulder, wishing almost to be glued to her. She's warm and cloying and wants more of it. ] Is it a good one to watch together?

Shhh, not so loud, somebody will hear! I've gotta be selective about my clientele!

[ She says, clearly trying her best not to laugh. He's lucky both of her hands are full, or Hibiki would be playfully putting one over his mouth. Should she be worried about how natural this feels with him, laughing and teasing, wanting to be physically connected in some way, even if it's probably a bad idea.

But this is nice. Doesn't she deserve to have something nice for once? ]

Mm... I don't remember, actually. [ A bit of juggling things; topper goes on the blanket, and her hand reaches for him. Cup please. ] Guess that means we need to watch a bunch and figure out which one it was.

[ Girl why aren't you this smooth when not flower drunk? ]

put your hands over my mouth any time miss hibiki

[ He should equally be worried about how natural this feels, how comforting prolonged physical contact is, how much he finds he doesn't care if anyone did overhear them giggling and fraternizing just so. He's not in any of her classes anymore... it shouldn't be so inappropriate?

You don't remember? He says so scandalously. Testament to that, when she reaches for he cup he puts his own hand in her hand. A second later he realizes his mistake and laughs, recoiling his hand, clearing his throat a bit. ]

Not a single movie comes to mind where a coffee scene is so pronounced it's memorable enough to mention. [ He hands her the cup. ] That said, I think we should start with the scariest movie possible.

[ If he lingered even a second or two longer than he does, Bricks wouldn't be getting that hand back. Instinct urging her to thread her fingers between his, Hibiki doesn't act upon that urge (yet), instead awkwardly chuckling along with him.

Taking his cup, she pours a bit of alcohol in before offering it back to him. The smaller blonde shrugs, beaming pure sunshine in his direction. ]

Oh, you're into horror films. I guess that shouldn't surprise me, given, you know, everything. We might need to watch a couple, to see which one you think is the scariest. I hope you don't mind.

[ her memories of hibiki are muddled as best.

clearer is some parts, except said parts are unfamiliar to her. memories inserted in between other recollections, standing out like a sore thumb between what she remembers about the netherworld and teyvat. the only thing that draws a clear line between them is the obvious lack of "aether", and that's a sobering realization that eventually wakes her up.

the girl she met that one freezing day is definitely her, but she wouldn't call them as childhood friends. lumine doesn't think there's any way to call anyone childhood friends when they've only met after their death. so is she the childhood friend of "lumine" and is it legitimate?

this world's abyss princess, supposedly. she has to get that figured out, too. ]

Sorry I'm late.

[ lumine rushes into the coffee shop, her eyes quickly landing on the familiar blonde hair right close to the door. she drops her bag on an empty seat, letting out a deep sigh.

why, she has to go back to school to complete the other "lumine's" courses is beyond her. she could probably just skip entirely, but her conscience can't endure that. ]

I had to multitask with whatever's on this girl's schedule today.

[ The remark about the food is unexpected, and Knives stares in silent contemplation (and perhaps confusion). He knows enough about the science behind what she's saying given that his own sisters are known for producing amino acids and other important organic compounds and molecules.

Simply put, there's very little nutrition in what he's eating, so it isn't bound to satisfy him for long. ]

... Perhaps you're right. I'm not used to having to eat at all, not until I came to this place. [ He heaves out an annoyed sigh, having noticed that sugary foods tend to be the ones that he craves the most for some reason. ~~It's because you're a Plant, Knives.~~ ] Regardless, the workers who prepare meals are not around at this hour.

[ Fancy that, people don't work around the clock. It's not that he necessarily opposes that, but he is offering an explanation for why he's got a pocket full of junk food.

But enough about that. He nods toward the piano. ] Did you teach yourself to play?

[ The workers who prepare meals? That's a hell of a way to say he doesn't know how to cook, but apparently he isn't used to eating, so that makes sense. Is it weird that that fact doesn't phase her? It's probably weird, isn't it? Makes sense that someone just discovering food would go for a quick dopamine kick.

Her gaze shifting to the piano, her right hand absently resting on the keys, a peaceful smile spreads across her lips as she nods simply. ]

Music comes naturally for me. It always has. [ It's the one thing she can count on, in this world and any others. But-- ] I've never found an instrument I haven't been able to figure out. I guess you can say it's in my blood.

[ Why is it so much easier to talk about this kind of thing with someone who (probably) isn't human? She isn't going to dwell on that thought. Anyway. ]

If you're hungry, I can whip something up. I'm not the best cook out there, but I'm an expert at making whatever I've got around work.

[ Is it because Hibiki is naturally friendly and willing to go with the flow, or do the memories she has from this world swirling in her head have more sway than she would like to admit? Honestly, she's willfully avoiding that question. She's seen firsthand what it looks like for someone to grapple with visions of a life they haven't yet lived, the last thing she wants to do is lose herself in the what-ifs.

At least she has a firm sense of self, or she might not be able to handle all this conflicting information.

Watching Lumine shuffle over, a reassuring, bright grin spreads across her lips. ]

Don't worry about it. I wanted to check this place out anyway, so I got here early.

[ She tilts her head slightly, letting out a small, inquisitive hum. ]

Yeah? What's your schedule look like? We can always take a raincheck and do this another day.

[ Let the queen of multitasking see what you're working with, Lumine. ]

[ While Knives has never bothered to learn all that much about the everyday lives of humans, he is aware that some of them will have natural aptitudes for certain things, and that can include music. While he has always focused purely on the piano, it seems that this woman is talented in playing a number of different instruments.

He sees no reason to spread out his focus in such a way, but it seems like when it comes to this one thing, he won't question how another engages with it.

Perhaps if he wasn't so focused on himself he would have asked if her parents were also musically skilled, but instead he weaves right around that subject. (Does it matter who originally gave him an interest in the piano? Not particularly.)

At her offer, though, he's thrown back into not knowing how to navigate the conversation, his brow furrowing with suspicion. ]

Why would you offer such a thing to someone you don't even know?

Because I want to? Do I really need a reason?

[ She sounds genuinely perplexed by this, blinking owlishly at her like he's said something ridiculous. Sure, there are plenty of people who might have shrugged at his (albeit minor) plight and went about their business, but Hibiki has never been that type of person. And although she knows the memories of him aren't real, she can't shake that familiarity.

That means she's going to look out for him, it's as simple as that. Besides, she was getting a little hungry herself, and she hates cooking just for herself. ]

And before you ask, I don't need anything in return except your company. If you wanna help, that's fine, but I'm not gonna ask you to. Let's see... Is there anything you won't eat, or are you not sure yet? [ He did mention not needed to eat until now, so maybe food is new to him. ]

What about eggs or rice? Are you okay with both of those?

[ the slide from one persona to another should unsettle lumine. but for some reason, it's simple enough for her who'd always assumed an identity whenever she and her brother would travel. the name changes, their background at times gets twisted, and they're referred to as various things and titles, but she remains.

everything about her stays the same: one half of a pair of twins in search of a home.

this is the only place where she finds herself feeling uneven, perhaps because something is added into the mix. it makes her wonder where the disconnect is coming from, if she's really just possessed a body that's not hers. ]

Haha, it's all right. I've managed to complete most of them, so I think I deserve a break.

[ "lumine's" parents still keep in touch with her, so obviously she needs to somehow give her "reports" about her life. which only means she needs to try to keep up. ]

Any suggestions on what to order?

[ In Knives' experience someone usually does have an ulterior motive for offering a kindness to others, but when he considers his brother, he knows that there might be nothing more than a personal sense of obligation. Maybe this Hibiki has some deep-seated guilt complex as well.

She clarifies that she won't be expecting anything in return. When she suggests that he could help, a deeper frown forms because he has no idea how to prepare food. He'll simply stay out of the way as she does whatever it is she plans to do; that will turn out much better for both of them, he suspects.

He has yet to come across anything he has an utter dislike for, if he were to be honest. Eggs and rice. Protein, carbohydrates... ]

Yes, that sounds acceptable. I doubt either of those would disagree with me.

[ As much as he'd like something sweet, he holds back on saying that. He knows that it's likely only going to lead to some unhealthy habit. (And he's already found a taste for coffee.)

With that all decided, he turns on his heel to lead them out of the music room, back from whence he came. ]

[ One of these days, Hibiki is going to get her to open up about her travels with her twin. The good and the bad. Traveling from Tokyo, to the Netherworld, then Crane City has given her a strange wanderlust, so maybe she can live vicariously through Lumine's stories.

But that's for another time. As for the present-- ]

Hmm, good question. Have you eaten yet? I heard they make their quiches in-house, and they're pretty good. The house blend is decent if you like straight coffee, but if you want something less acidic, they have a cold brew that's good with a little cream.

[ Hibiki has been on record for saying that the coffee in the Netherworld tasted like dirty dish water, so it might be weird hearing her praise anything at this establishment. ]

[ There are selfless people who like to help others, Knives, and his brother is far from the only one who would bend over backwards unprovoked. But he isn't wrong when it comes to internalized guilt. Sometimes these things go hand-in-hand.

The smaller blonde follows behind him, branching off only once they reach the kitchen to pull out a few things. Some leftover rice. A few eggs. Frozen vegetables. Ketchup(?). Prepping her ingredients, she lets the dreamlike hush hang in the air before breaking the silence. ]

This dish is pretty easy to make. You can watch me if you want to learn how, or not. That's completely up to you.

[ The burner clicks a few times before turning on, and as she pours rice and veggies into a pan, Hibiki keeps her eyes on the task at hand. Even if she can do this in her sleep. But there's a reason for that-- ]

I'm guessing since you're not used to eating that you're not human either. Or at least not fully.

[ "Not human either," she says nonchalantly. ]

[ It occurs to Knives that like it or not, it might be a good idea for him to learn how to prepare his own food. This hunger doesn't seem to go away no matter what he does, and while it's possible that the need will fade as he regains some more of his power, he can't be certain of that.

He doesn't stand too close to her, but he lingers at the counter near enough that he can watch what she's doing and make some mental notes. A list of ingredients has already formed in his mind, filed away for later.

He watches as the food starts sizzling at the pan, but then his gaze slingshots back to Hibiki at that comment.

"Either"? Don't think he didn't pick up on that. ]

I'm not, no. [ There's distaste in his voice and in the twist of his mouth. ] I'm what is called an independent Plant. [ Which probably needs to be explained, but before that: ] What are you?

[ This is such a weird conversation to have while scrambling eggs.

It's hard to tell whether he's watching her cook to learn, or because he's curious. Or possibly judging? The (false) memories Hibiki has of him make Knives seem like a different person, which is a bit confusion--but no more so than having them to begin with. Just another reminder that she can't rely on what she thinks she knows.

Pulling the rice pan off the burner and shoveling the contents into a bowl, the small blonde looks up briefly, exhaling deeply. ]

A siren--half. There's probably another name for it, but that's the one I know. Think bird-like people who can entice others with their voice.

[ Why is it always easier to talk about this kind of thing with someone who isn't human? Speaking of which. ]

An independent Plant? Plant like a flower, or something else?

[ It's true that Knives' neutral expression can be interpreted as judgmental by someone who doesn't know him, though the sharpness of his gaze is more due to processing information than anything else. He certainly isn't thinking about how he might be perceived.

The way he tracks Hibiki's movements as she serves up the food, though, isn't so different from a predator scenting blood. He's hungry, hungrier than he even realized.

He hates this.

A siren. He nods as she explains. ] Known in stories for coaxing sailors to their deaths. Is that why you're so musically talented? [ The way he just casually calls her talented — he's not dwelling on it, though.

How many times will he have to explain what he is? As many times as there are people he meets in this place, it seems. He shakes his head. ] More like a power plant.

[ ~~Please stop looking at her like she's dinner, Knives. Poultry is not on the menu tonight!~~

The way he watches her is a bit unnerving, but Hibiki chalks it up to not having as much experience around humans, if she had to guess. Understandable, but she still finds it hard to relax when it feels like he's critiquing everything she does.

While the compliment doesn't go unmissed, a brief, shy smirk tugs at one corner of her lips. Blink and it's gone. ]

I think so, yeah. I've always been able to pick up instruments quickly, and I've been performing semi-regularly for almost a decade now. Piano was one of my first, though. Piano and cello.

[ Shaking the pan before pouring the scrambled egg mixture over rice, when he makes the distinction, her hand slips. It was looking so good, a blanket of fluffy eggs on top of rice, but she wiffed it on the dismount. Sorry Knives, you're going to have to eat ugly food. ]

That's... [ A long pause, as she makes a face. ] Sorry, I'm having a hard time fixing that. So... you have an overabundance of mana or chi, so you consider yourself a power plant?

[ She's really trying, help a poor girl out. ]

[ Despite the fact that Hibiki claims to be a siren, it doesn't sound as if she spent her life in the sea, singing to ships to coax them into dangerous waters. She speaks of performing, of playing a variety of instruments, and it all sounds rather mundane.

Before Knives can pursue that line of questioning, however, he's distracted by her almost dumping the egg mixture onto the counter instead of over the rice. Did something he say bother her? Or perhaps her arm simply got tired holding the pan. There's no saying sirens are physically stronger than humans in any way.

He doesn't seem bothered by the supposed ugliness of the meal, however, still staring it like he's going to devour it in one bite. ]

Plants are interdimensional beings. We have access to a higher plane, where we can draw on a variety of resources — gravity, water, energy, matter. The fact that I can stand here and carry out a conversation with you as my own being is what makes me an independent. Most plants are kept in tanks, not unlike power generators.

[ As he speaks of his sisters, his expression tightens and his eyes darken as if he's suddenly standing under a stormcloud. ]

[ It is mundane--but that's exactly what she wants. While yes, that aspect of her time in Shinjuku was relatively uneventful, it was the work that she did outside of the occasional live performance that made up for that fact. But it isn't necessarily something she openly talks about, outside of a few people who manage to coax it out of her.

Talking to non-believers about ghosts, spirits and nightmares roaming the Earth isn't something she's used to. It tires her out.

With the cooking adventure done, she puts the pan in the sink to wash later. Finding a bit of bare counter space, she rests her elbows on it, propping her head up with a hand as she listens. Her mind already works ahead of his words, trying to fit them into the (un)natural order of things back home. A people from another realm, with access to basic resources and elements of the world. Not quite spirit or kami, but something completely different-- ]

...

[ Her countenance quiets when he mentions subjugation and the presence of free will setting him apart from his sisters. That's what that is, right? Hibiki doesn't have all the details, not nearly enough to be able to form any kind of proper hypothesis for why, but how could it be anything other than inhumane? But the fact that people need these plants to act as some kind of battery... or maybe supplier might be more accurate...

Brows furrowed deeply, slate gray eyes search his for further explanation. ]

...That's awful. But why would they need to be used like that? Those are all things that occur naturally, right?

[ She may know the answer to that, but she has to ask. ]

[ Perhaps for most worlds the people here come from, which seem to differ quite greatly, Plants wouldn't be needed. They shouldn't be necessary, and would have never been created if humans hadn't done what humans always do. It's an odd thing to think about, that Knives' existence was precipitated on the folly of man, but that's all the more reason for him to acknowledge their sins and inability to move past them, and take action.

These are all trains of thought he's worked through countless times before, so he's able to multitask now, moving to grab one of the bowls filled with steaming food. He digs into a drawer for a fork as well and soon starts eating — taking large, but somehow still composed, bites.

He doesn't seem to mind the taste at all. ]

The planet the humans originally lived on, Earth, had to be abandoned when they completely stripped it of all resources. They could no longer subsist on it, so they left it to ruin. The planet that the last vestiges of their kind live on now, after traveling through space, is aptly referred to as No Man's Land. It's a barren place, covered in desert, baking under two suns.

[ He meets her gaze without flinching, waiting in a calm and reserved manner for her reaction to this tale. ]

[ The concept of an Earth completely bereft of all natural resources isn't completely foreign to her, the backdrop of many a sci-fi books or movies. But speaking to someone who lives this as a reality, whose purpose to humanity is to provide that which they lack is incredibly jarring. Hibiki tries her best not to stare, as the image that she has of him via false memories shifts drastically.

Her eyes widen as her back straightens a bit out of discomfort, no longer leaning her weight against the countertop. Not for him specifically, but just... everything? It feels similar to when she first spoke to Brooks, his words turning all that she knew on its head. ]

Another dying world, huh?

[ Said quietly, introspectively. If hers was that; if her dreams were to be believed. ]

So they need plants like you to survive. And I take it you don't get much if anything out of that arrangement.

[SEMI-OPEN] May catch-all for Hibiki

@chlorokyll

@unalign

@historicallyloaded

@nagano

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject