There are myriad of reasons to call up the hosts of hell, but all of them come with a cost. Are you willing to pay their toll?
RULES ○ Comment with your character, prefs, etc. Are you an erstwhile summoner of spirits or a demon yourself? ○ Tag around. ○ Thread!
PROMPTS WHY 1. For power: Imagine what you could achieve with the forces of darkness behind you. 2. For a life: Someone you love needs more time. You're willing to give up some of your own. 3. For vengeance: While you can never strike back at those who've harmed you, you know there are beings that can settle scores. 4. For chaos: Some men just want to see the world burn. 5. For companionship: Don't judge. The world gets lonely when you need a friend...or more. 6. For sex: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) 7. For no intent of your own: The accident. You knew you shouldn't have opened that book bound with human flesh. Now your weekend's ruined. 8. Wildcard
WHAT YOU'LL GIVE UP 1. Your soul: At least you'll get to keep it for ten more years or so. Besides, in this economy, it wasn't doing much anyway. 2. Your service: Demonic side gigs! 3. Your heart: You'll never love another. 4. Your body: In the gore way or the sexy way. 5. Your sanity: Do you want to end up at an insane asylum eating flies? Because this is how you end up at an insane asylum eating flies. 6. Your innocence: Interpret this as you will. Maybe murder? Maybe not? Maybe...something else! 7. Wildcard
[ The Medicine Seller smiles in turn, mirroring the fae. The idea of teaming up is an intriguing one. Hunts can be rather lonely, sword spirits notwithstanding. Nonetheless, he's leery about the idea of accepting a deal. Medicine Sellers in foreign lands do note that the Fae are tricksters. ]
We can discuss deals later, for now...
[ The Medicine Seller turns to the body, searching for whatever has the poor man pinned to the wall. The scales in the shack tilt towards the forest and the Medicine Seller pauses. ]
Help me get the body down, please. The faster we do this the faster we can prevent more deaths.
[Not so quick to trust the fae, is he? The Medicine Seller is no fool, then. The fairies of Fae Britain were more lunatics than tricksters, but it’s a distinction only Oberon knows, now.
He grants the other a fainter smile that would be approval on another man’s face, if not for the sharp eyes watching the seller’s every movement. Eventually, they come to rest on the human body he’d long forgotten.]
Ah, yes. We should. [Clucking his tongue in a way that promises sympathy. Maybe.] A shame, really. Humans should know better than to mess around with spirits.
[Stupid man got what he deserved, though Oberon feels no real pleasure in the sight of a twisted corpse. With a gesture, a quick movement of his hand from behind the curtain of his robes, butterflies made of light will flutter over to the body. Whatever magical bindings that forced the man to the wall will vanish right after, causing it to fall to the floor.]
[ The Medicine Seller says nothing at the Fae's comment, but the tightening of his fist gives away his displeasure.
A fist that's gone the moment the body is down on the floor. The Medicine Seller kneels, setting the man on his back, finding a nearby blanket to drape over him. He folds his hands in a quick prayer, before standing. ]
If there's others still around, they can take care of it. We've more important things to worry about.
[ A scale lifts from the ground to land on the Medicine Seller's arm as he collects his box once more. Not even waiting for the Fae to follow, he's off, running with a surprising amount of grace for someone in high geta. ]
[— Not even bothering to wait? Bastard. No matter that Oberon can keep up the pace without breaking a sweat, he still has time for a sour comment as they tread quickly through a sea of trees]
Hey now! I’m a bit out of shape, you know!
[Well, it’s not a complete lie; the summoning which brought him into the world left him a Master, without a proper mana flow, so he won’t be able to… flex the full extent of his powers without assistance.
But before he can dwell on his considerable disadvantage, the trees snitch what they know: some of the trunks damaged as if a large bear had attempted to snap them in two. A line of destruction leading all the deeper into the forest.
Huffing, the fae gives a small whistle]
Do you fight well? Because I am not the sort built for physical fights.
[ The Medicine Seller's teeth are bared, in a smile of anticipation or in a grimace is hard to tell. He stops short, on seeing the damaged trees. From within his box, metal clicks against metal. ]
It's been through here.
[ A fluid flick of the Medicine Seller's wrist, and ofuda appear in droves to plaster themselves on the trees, the ones further in activating and turning red. All the while, a compartment of the medicine box opens to reveal an ornate box.
Once again of its own accord, the box opens and an ofuda wrapped sword flies out to land in the Seller's outstretched hand. ]
We do.
[ An odd thing to say, at least until the ofuda on the sword dissipate and the eyes on its beastlike head open, gazing upon the Fae Prince before focusing further into the forest. ]
[The strange blade earns a stare in turn from Oberon, his smile stitched pleasantly upon his expression, but eyes always sharp, blades to dissect through flesh and soul to dig out the truth.
God, but it’s annoying. He hates dealing with this many unknown components, no matter that he and the Medicine Seller are briefly aligned in their mission. Humans, at least, are easy enough to read. Give it enough time and they blurt out their sins without prompting.
A sigh curdles under his breath before he turns his stare away, breath unlabored despite his previous complaints. The forest is a blur of color, or broken green and brown, until eventually:
they come to the yawning opening of a cave. And Oberon stops on his heels]
[ The Medicine Seller comes to a stop at the mouth of the cave. The scale on his arm moves to an outstretched fingertip, tilting in the direction of the cave. ]
Predictable, but it offers solitude and silent darkness, were I the mononoke in this situation, I'd like somewhere to be alone...to catch my bearings.
[ The Medicine Seller sweeps his arms in an arcing circle, more ofuda appearing to line the cave's entrance. They too, activate, eyes moving to further within the cave. ]
The talismans will act as a barrier, keeping it inside. Do you have a light source? [ He turns to the Fae Prince. ] I can see within darkness, so I don't keep candles or such on me.
[Underneath his cape, a flutter of movement emerges, until a few stray butterflies of light take position on the king’s shoulder — three of them, each emitting a soft glow.]
Yes, this will do! Though I’ll have to let you lead us deeper inside.
[Said with a smile, a wink and a slight bow. Let the beast bare its fangs at the Medicine Seller first; Oberon does not even try to hide the audacity. That said, a random question uttered as he takes a few cautionary steps forward:]
Medicine Seller, a question: do demons dream, you think?
[ The Medicine Seller nods, seeming pretty content with the butterflies. ]
That'll be wise.
[ The Medicine Seller either doesn't notice the audacity, or simply doesn't care. He readies a handful of ofuda with one hand while the other grasps the sword as he steps into the cave. He does however, momentarily pause at the question. ]
A curious question...I believe they do. Be it the dreams we see when we shut our eyes, or the ones that drive us forward...all things dream, do they not?
It's as the Medicine Seller says; all things dream. So too does the creature deep within the cave. Whether in delusions or in sleep, these prisons are impossible to escape.
The smile on Oberon's face could not be more pleased with the answer, allowing the other the honor of a half-step in front of him. As they pass into the mouth of the cave, pressure gathers around them -- nothing so heavy as a concrete presence, but more like a warning to all with spiritual awareness. This cave is contaminated with curses and the bared teeth of a beast who dislikes company.]
I wonder what this one is dreaming, then. [Continuing their conversation as the light from outside is locked away at their backs; only the soft glow of the butterflies grants him sight.] Whatever it is, I'd say it has a right to it, like everyone else.
[ The Medicine Seller walks, steps slow yet certain. The scale on his finger tilts towards the direction of the creature, giving him an idea of where it rests. He can feel its presence, almost akin to reaching a hand into a basket of fruit and finding a rotten one. ]
We'll only know once we find it. [ The Medicine Seller whispers, as if not wanting to disturb what lies ahead. ] It does, but in its current state, dreaming will only cause it and others pain. Thus...I must quell its fury and purify it.
[A very thorough method of sending spirits back to their birthplace, if overly complicated in execution. A far "gentler" touch than what Oberon had planned to use today.
Still, results are results. He holds back a scoff and instead cants his head to the side, even while his gaze fans out in front of them. Underneath their feet the rocks and pebbles yield, crunching quietly in the darkness.]
That requires quite a bit of training to pull off. Just how often do you walk the countryside on the hunt?
I was chosen to become an aspect. As such, I was trained for this.
[ A gentle approach means less potential injury, or worse, the mononoke escaping. His eyes are locked before him, waiting for any sign of the beast. ]
When I'm not in the Jyu-Yoku...I'm here, on the hunt. We Medicine Sellers are persistent guardians. Perhaps...comparing us to a dog that guards livestock is an apt comparison.
The corners of Oberon's mouth draw into a faint smile]
You are content with that? Being leashed to such duties?
[He's prying his nose into business that doesn't pertain to him, and knows it, but the questions sneak between his teeth as his stomach churns in displeasure.]
[... Watching the other as if sensing that clenched fist, his eyes near as bright as the butterfly's glow. They dance in the darkness, smiling.
Trust if he had his way, Oberon would break the Medicine Seller over his knee, return him to his origins and shatter the pieces on the ground. Not out of anger, not even pity, but... disappointed at such devotion for the ones who bound him into service.
He's little more than the Counter Force in execution. Freedom will forever be beyond him.
The two of them -- their operations are similar to the bone, differing only in temperament. How... gross.]
Such duty; it's inspiring. Humans themselves rarely implement such qualities.
[With a slight shrug]
Well, neither do fairies, actually! If everyone's gonna be a little fickle, then it'd be unfair to cast too much blame.
[ Bound to service, or uplifted through love and care? Is the cup of water half empty or half full? Regardless, the Medicine Seller is quickly tiring of the Fae. ]
You'd be surprised, humans can be very faithful.
[ The Medicine Seller shakes his head. ]
...If it's all the same, I'd rather leave the philosophical debates for when a mononoke isn't on the loose.
[ Or perhaps it's a conversation he simply doesn't want to have. ]
[Quietening immediately at the other’s unspoken reprimand. Indulgent. The king keeps his smile painted and his eyes sharpened forward.
The demon will be greeting them soon, so it only stands to reason they should be proper guests and keep their voices quiet. The butterflies, however — either by their master’s bidding or on instinct, all three dart ahead of the two entities, fragile lightbulbs illuminating only specks of the dark.
With a growl, something moves up ahead, retreating. With a faint laugh:]
[ The Medicine Seller readies a handful of ofuda, sword held out in front of him, its teeth chattering wildly. His steps slow further as he get closer to the demon. Only to stop completely once the butterflies move. ]
No!
[ He lets out a frustrated growl of his own, turning to Oberon. ]
Dim them, or turn them out completely. The mononoke seems to be sensitive to their light.
[ Any curtness on the Medicine Seller's part is a result of urgency, the longer the mononoke is out in the world, the more at risk people are. ]
[It’s brief, but there is a moment where Oberon simply does not listen — either out of lack of care, or more likely, his eyes have not strayed away from the beast that still hides deep in the shadows of the cave.
But the butterflies will wink out as commanded, only briefly illuminating what suggests an elongated body, as if a serpent, twisting and coiling upon itself into a small mountain.
The darkness returns, an oppressive blanket thrown over all their figures]
Move quickly, then. Our host is awake!
[Smirking some, as a large spear of ornate detail appears at his side, and the unspoken declaration is clear:
I’m here to do a job, not play nice.
Any collateral damage is not the fairy king’s concern. So the Medicine Seller will need to move quick if he wants to do things his way]
[ A flick of his wrist and a small cluster of ofuda appear between the Medicine Seller's fingers. His eyes can see the beast regardless, a long body that brings to mind a serpent.
He sees the spear out of the corner of his eye and moves out of the way, ofuda circling him before sealing themselves to the cave around them. Hands free, he pulls his sword out. ]
Your shape is an orochi, isn't?
[ If he's correct, the sword's teeth will click together. ]
The origin of all orochi is a serpent boasting eight heads, though some can only claim one to their name. In the darkness blinks a number of eyes, all trained on the Medicine Seller. One, two, three, four -- Oberon counts a pair of six before his mouth thins some, and twists his head to their turned backs. Towards where the entrance once sat.
And of course it's blocked; he needn't see clearly to know one of the heads is flicking its tongue at him in mockery.]
That's seven.
[-- where, exactly, is the eighth head? Was it cut already? Has it not emerged?
Regardless, time is of the essence, and Oberon is not always patient; his shoots his spear into the head behind them, and leaves the Medicine Seller to deal with the rest of the Orochi.]
[ The Medicine Seller grits his teeth, seeing the extra heads. This is going to be quite troublesome, even with the orochi's only means of escape blocked. ]
Damn it!
[ Sword in one hand and more ofuda in the other, he prepares to stand his ground against the serpent, only to double take as he sees Oberon leave him standing one against six. ]
Y-You! Damn it!
[ The Medicine Seller snarls, setting up a ring of ofuda around himself. The seals won't last long against six heads, he can only pray they last long enough for him to discern the Truth and Reason. ]
Truth, the circumstances that lead to your existence. You were summoned by a man to do his bidding.
[Voice ringing out in merry mockery as he takes on his opponent, dodging away from a viper’s strike that would puncture his middle. For a moment, he decides to be a gentleman - and the next spear he summons is driven down into the crown of the head, pinning it into the earth, to keep it away from his overwhelmed companion.
From behind the king, the beast squeals as if every head can sense the other’s agony.]
I just feared you might not appreciate my methods!
[But they are fortunate when the Truth is discerned. One left. The heads, having turned to fury, attempt to slither away from the medicine seller, and towards the one who has hurt them so, all connected by a body that would be a dragon’s in another tale.]
How many do you have left? Quickly now, I hate dancing alone!
[ The Medicine Seller grits his teeth in sympathy as the beast is pinned. The Shape and Truth are found but the Reason... ]
Damn it!
[ The fae king is correct in one regard, the Medicine Seller likely wouldn't appreciate his methods. Shape and Truth, but the only one who could've told them the Reason lays dead in their own home.
More ofuda appear between the Medicine Seller's fingers, quickly thrown to become a ring 'round Oberon. ]
The one person who could've told us the Reason is dead. If there's a ghost, he'll be at the house. [ The Medicine Seller makes a face, like he's eaten something sour. ] Use your methods, it's the only way.
[Huffing in vague surprise when he is surrounded, protected - proof that the Medicine Seller means to be professional to the bitter end. The heads of the beast cannot break the ring, and Oberon simply regards their fangs for a moment]
Very well.
[Voice carrying over the rubble, as the mononoke continues its thrashing]
Orochi, if you would — answer a question for me. Why are you so mad?
[That is what his partner in crime is after, yes? The Medicine Seller needs the Shape of his target, the Truth of their existence, and the Reason for their fury.
Lucky him, then, that no beast or man is allowed to lie to the Fairy King. Even as the creature howls and throws its weight against the circle of ofuda, Oberon watches it with an unblinking gaze, until he has trudged through the demon’s soul and found his answer]
… Really? That’s why.
[Smile falling flat, in a frank moment of disgust]
Eight human offerings to bring back one. You’re just a guard dog, aren’t you?
[The eighth “head”, then, further in the cave. Protected as the summoner had wished.]
[ There's a baring of teeth as the Reason is laid bare, disgust clear on his face as he lets go of his sword, allowing it to hover above his head. ]
Thank you.
[ It's unclear if the gratitude is directed at the Fae King or the orochi, but the somber expression on the Medicine Seller's face point to the latter as his markings slough off of him like paint, taking the patterns of his kimono with it to decorate the stones beneath him. ]
Release.
[ There's a bellow of 'Release!' from the sword, and all at once, where the Medicine Seller once stood is a warrior, who reaches to take the sword as the paint below rises to decorate his skin. ]
Be careful.
[ It's the only warning Oberon gets before the sword gains an almost fluid, whiplike quality and the warrior charges. There's a grace to the way he moves, resembling a dance as he swiftly begins to sever the heads that bar their path, a merciful executioner. ]
The other’s transformation unfolds from the corner of his eye, as he takes to scanning the area for an opening in the cave walls — and he finds it, a shadow just a shade darker than the rest, revealed when the creature starts to twist and flail under the Medicine Seller’s attack.
Something, he notes, something much smaller than the giant orochi, slithers itself further in.
The Fairy King’s own form flashes out of a sight — taking on a much, much smaller appearance, only centimeter’s tall, and on the back of a small moth he shoots through the air like a comet into the hole, disappearing further into the cave system.
His comrade doesn’t like his efforts? Pity.
Then good luck to him, if he dares smash through the walls to find the last head before he can]
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bakerstreet2024-08-29 07:28 am
no subject
[ The Medicine Seller smiles in turn, mirroring the fae. The idea of teaming up is an intriguing one. Hunts can be rather lonely, sword spirits notwithstanding. Nonetheless, he's leery about the idea of accepting a deal. Medicine Sellers in foreign lands do note that the Fae are tricksters. ]
We can discuss deals later, for now...
[ The Medicine Seller turns to the body, searching for whatever has the poor man pinned to the wall. The scales in the shack tilt towards the forest and the Medicine Seller pauses. ]
Help me get the body down, please. The faster we do this the faster we can prevent more deaths.
no subject
He grants the other a fainter smile that would be approval on another man’s face, if not for the sharp eyes watching the seller’s every movement. Eventually, they come to rest on the human body he’d long forgotten.]
Ah, yes. We should. [Clucking his tongue in a way that promises sympathy. Maybe.] A shame, really. Humans should know better than to mess around with spirits.
[Stupid man got what he deserved, though Oberon feels no real pleasure in the sight of a twisted corpse. With a gesture, a quick movement of his hand from behind the curtain of his robes, butterflies made of light will flutter over to the body. Whatever magical bindings that forced the man to the wall will vanish right after, causing it to fall to the floor.]
There we are! Should we provide a grave as well?
no subject
A fist that's gone the moment the body is down on the floor. The Medicine Seller kneels, setting the man on his back, finding a nearby blanket to drape over him. He folds his hands in a quick prayer, before standing. ]
If there's others still around, they can take care of it. We've more important things to worry about.
[ A scale lifts from the ground to land on the Medicine Seller's arm as he collects his box once more. Not even waiting for the Fae to follow, he's off, running with a surprising amount of grace for someone in high geta. ]
no subject
Hey now! I’m a bit out of shape, you know!
[Well, it’s not a complete lie; the summoning which brought him into the world left him a Master, without a proper mana flow, so he won’t be able to… flex the full extent of his powers without assistance.
But before he can dwell on his considerable disadvantage, the trees snitch what they know: some of the trunks damaged as if a large bear had attempted to snap them in two. A line of destruction leading all the deeper into the forest.
Huffing, the fae gives a small whistle]
Do you fight well? Because I am not the sort built for physical fights.
no subject
[ The Medicine Seller's teeth are bared, in a smile of anticipation or in a grimace is hard to tell. He stops short, on seeing the damaged trees. From within his box, metal clicks against metal. ]
It's been through here.
[ A fluid flick of the Medicine Seller's wrist, and ofuda appear in droves to plaster themselves on the trees, the ones further in activating and turning red. All the while, a compartment of the medicine box opens to reveal an ornate box.
Once again of its own accord, the box opens and an ofuda wrapped sword flies out to land in the Seller's outstretched hand. ]
We do.
[ An odd thing to say, at least until the ofuda on the sword dissipate and the eyes on its beastlike head open, gazing upon the Fae Prince before focusing further into the forest. ]
no subject
God, but it’s annoying. He hates dealing with this many unknown components, no matter that he and the Medicine Seller are briefly aligned in their mission. Humans, at least, are easy enough to read. Give it enough time and they blurt out their sins without prompting.
A sigh curdles under his breath before he turns his stare away, breath unlabored despite his previous complaints. The forest is a blur of color, or broken green and brown, until eventually:
they come to the yawning opening of a cave. And Oberon stops on his heels]
My, a cave? A little predictable.
no subject
Predictable, but it offers solitude and silent darkness, were I the mononoke in this situation, I'd like somewhere to be alone...to catch my bearings.
[ The Medicine Seller sweeps his arms in an arcing circle, more ofuda appearing to line the cave's entrance. They too, activate, eyes moving to further within the cave. ]
The talismans will act as a barrier, keeping it inside. Do you have a light source? [ He turns to the Fae Prince. ] I can see within darkness, so I don't keep candles or such on me.
no subject
[Underneath his cape, a flutter of movement emerges, until a few stray butterflies of light take position on the king’s shoulder — three of them, each emitting a soft glow.]
Yes, this will do! Though I’ll have to let you lead us deeper inside.
[Said with a smile, a wink and a slight bow. Let the beast bare its fangs at the Medicine Seller first; Oberon does not even try to hide the audacity. That said, a random question uttered as he takes a few cautionary steps forward:]
Medicine Seller, a question: do demons dream, you think?
no subject
That'll be wise.
[ The Medicine Seller either doesn't notice the audacity, or simply doesn't care. He readies a handful of ofuda with one hand while the other grasps the sword as he steps into the cave. He does however, momentarily pause at the question. ]
A curious question...I believe they do. Be it the dreams we see when we shut our eyes, or the ones that drive us forward...all things dream, do they not?
no subject
It's as the Medicine Seller says; all things dream. So too does the creature deep within the cave. Whether in delusions or in sleep, these prisons are impossible to escape.
The smile on Oberon's face could not be more pleased with the answer, allowing the other the honor of a half-step in front of him. As they pass into the mouth of the cave, pressure gathers around them -- nothing so heavy as a concrete presence, but more like a warning to all with spiritual awareness. This cave is contaminated with curses and the bared teeth of a beast who dislikes company.]
I wonder what this one is dreaming, then. [Continuing their conversation as the light from outside is locked away at their backs; only the soft glow of the butterflies grants him sight.] Whatever it is, I'd say it has a right to it, like everyone else.
no subject
We'll only know once we find it. [ The Medicine Seller whispers, as if not wanting to disturb what lies ahead. ] It does, but in its current state, dreaming will only cause it and others pain. Thus...I must quell its fury and purify it.
no subject
[A very thorough method of sending spirits back to their birthplace, if overly complicated in execution. A far "gentler" touch than what Oberon had planned to use today.
Still, results are results. He holds back a scoff and instead cants his head to the side, even while his gaze fans out in front of them. Underneath their feet the rocks and pebbles yield, crunching quietly in the darkness.]
That requires quite a bit of training to pull off. Just how often do you walk the countryside on the hunt?
no subject
[ A gentle approach means less potential injury, or worse, the mononoke escaping. His eyes are locked before him, waiting for any sign of the beast. ]
When I'm not in the Jyu-Yoku...I'm here, on the hunt. We Medicine Sellers are persistent guardians. Perhaps...comparing us to a dog that guards livestock is an apt comparison.
no subject
Pity.
The corners of Oberon's mouth draw into a faint smile]
You are content with that? Being leashed to such duties?
[He's prying his nose into business that doesn't pertain to him, and knows it, but the questions sneak between his teeth as his stomach churns in displeasure.]
Some more headcanons
[ The Medicine Seller sounds calm, but his fingers tighten around his sword. ]
Had I not been chosen, I would be little more than a broken object who failed those who cared for him. I see this as a second chance.
[ The teeth of the sword shut, a small click echoing through the cave. The Medicine Seller before the Fay King is, or perhaps was, a tsukumogami. ]
oberon is a hater, news at 10
Trust if he had his way, Oberon would break the Medicine Seller over his knee, return him to his origins and shatter the pieces on the ground. Not out of anger, not even pity, but... disappointed at such devotion for the ones who bound him into service.
He's little more than the Counter Force in execution. Freedom will forever be beyond him.
The two of them -- their operations are similar to the bone, differing only in temperament. How... gross.]
Such duty; it's inspiring. Humans themselves rarely implement such qualities.
[With a slight shrug]
Well, neither do fairies, actually! If everyone's gonna be a little fickle, then it'd be unfair to cast too much blame.
Kun's a lover in contrast
You'd be surprised, humans can be very faithful.
[ The Medicine Seller shakes his head. ]
...If it's all the same, I'd rather leave the philosophical debates for when a mononoke isn't on the loose.
[ Or perhaps it's a conversation he simply doesn't want to have. ]
no subject
[Quietening immediately at the other’s unspoken reprimand. Indulgent. The king keeps his smile painted and his eyes sharpened forward.
The demon will be greeting them soon, so it only stands to reason they should be proper guests and keep their voices quiet. The butterflies, however — either by their master’s bidding or on instinct, all three dart ahead of the two entities, fragile lightbulbs illuminating only specks of the dark.
With a growl, something moves up ahead, retreating. With a faint laugh:]
Ah. So sorry, I know they can be a little bright.
no subject
No!
[ He lets out a frustrated growl of his own, turning to Oberon. ]
Dim them, or turn them out completely. The mononoke seems to be sensitive to their light.
[ Any curtness on the Medicine Seller's part is a result of urgency, the longer the mononoke is out in the world, the more at risk people are. ]
no subject
But the butterflies will wink out as commanded, only briefly illuminating what suggests an elongated body, as if a serpent, twisting and coiling upon itself into a small mountain.
The darkness returns, an oppressive blanket thrown over all their figures]
Move quickly, then. Our host is awake!
[Smirking some, as a large spear of ornate detail appears at his side, and the unspoken declaration is clear:
I’m here to do a job, not play nice.
Any collateral damage is not the fairy king’s concern. So the Medicine Seller will need to move quick if he wants to do things his way]
no subject
He sees the spear out of the corner of his eye and moves out of the way, ofuda circling him before sealing themselves to the cave around them. Hands free, he pulls his sword out. ]
Your shape is an orochi, isn't?
[ If he's correct, the sword's teeth will click together. ]
no subject
-- Of a sorts.
The origin of all orochi is a serpent boasting eight heads, though some can only claim one to their name. In the darkness blinks a number of eyes, all trained on the Medicine Seller. One, two, three, four -- Oberon counts a pair of six before his mouth thins some, and twists his head to their turned backs. Towards where the entrance once sat.
And of course it's blocked; he needn't see clearly to know one of the heads is flicking its tongue at him in mockery.]
That's seven.
[-- where, exactly, is the eighth head? Was it cut already? Has it not emerged?
Regardless, time is of the essence, and Oberon is not always patient; his shoots his spear into the head behind them, and leaves the Medicine Seller to deal with the rest of the Orochi.]
no subject
Damn it!
[ Sword in one hand and more ofuda in the other, he prepares to stand his ground against the serpent, only to double take as he sees Oberon leave him standing one against six. ]
Y-You! Damn it!
[ The Medicine Seller snarls, setting up a ring of ofuda around himself. The seals won't last long against six heads, he can only pray they last long enough for him to discern the Truth and Reason. ]
Truth, the circumstances that lead to your existence. You were summoned by a man to do his bidding.
no subject
[Voice ringing out in merry mockery as he takes on his opponent, dodging away from a viper’s strike that would puncture his middle. For a moment, he decides to be a gentleman - and the next spear he summons is driven down into the crown of the head, pinning it into the earth, to keep it away from his overwhelmed companion.
From behind the king, the beast squeals as if every head can sense the other’s agony.]
I just feared you might not appreciate my methods!
[But they are fortunate when the Truth is discerned. One left. The heads, having turned to fury, attempt to slither away from the medicine seller, and towards the one who has hurt them so, all connected by a body that would be a dragon’s in another tale.]
How many do you have left? Quickly now, I hate dancing alone!
no subject
Damn it!
[ The fae king is correct in one regard, the Medicine Seller likely wouldn't appreciate his methods. Shape and Truth, but the only one who could've told them the Reason lays dead in their own home.
More ofuda appear between the Medicine Seller's fingers, quickly thrown to become a ring 'round Oberon. ]
The one person who could've told us the Reason is dead. If there's a ghost, he'll be at the house. [ The Medicine Seller makes a face, like he's eaten something sour. ] Use your methods, it's the only way.
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Very well.
[Voice carrying over the rubble, as the mononoke continues its thrashing]
Orochi, if you would — answer a question for me. Why are you so mad?
[That is what his partner in crime is after, yes? The Medicine Seller needs the Shape of his target, the Truth of their existence, and the Reason for their fury.
Lucky him, then, that no beast or man is allowed to lie to the Fairy King. Even as the creature howls and throws its weight against the circle of ofuda, Oberon watches it with an unblinking gaze, until he has trudged through the demon’s soul and found his answer]
… Really? That’s why.
[Smile falling flat, in a frank moment of disgust]
Eight human offerings to bring back one. You’re just a guard dog, aren’t you?
[The eighth “head”, then, further in the cave. Protected as the summoner had wished.]
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Thank you.
[ It's unclear if the gratitude is directed at the Fae King or the orochi, but the somber expression on the Medicine Seller's face point to the latter as his markings slough off of him like paint, taking the patterns of his kimono with it to decorate the stones beneath him. ]
Release.
[ There's a bellow of 'Release!' from the sword, and all at once, where the Medicine Seller once stood is a warrior, who reaches to take the sword as the paint below rises to decorate his skin. ]
Be careful.
[ It's the only warning Oberon gets before the sword gains an almost fluid, whiplike quality and the warrior charges. There's a grace to the way he moves, resembling a dance as he swiftly begins to sever the heads that bar their path, a merciful executioner. ]
One left.
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And Oberon decides he will claim the head start.
The other’s transformation unfolds from the corner of his eye, as he takes to scanning the area for an opening in the cave walls — and he finds it, a shadow just a shade darker than the rest, revealed when the creature starts to twist and flail under the Medicine Seller’s attack.
Something, he notes, something much smaller than the giant orochi, slithers itself further in.
The Fairy King’s own form flashes out of a sight — taking on a much, much smaller appearance, only centimeter’s tall, and on the back of a small moth he shoots through the air like a comet into the hole, disappearing further into the cave system.
His comrade doesn’t like his efforts? Pity.
Then good luck to him, if he dares smash through the walls to find the last head before he can]
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[ The sigh is multi-toned, as if two are speaking at once, and perhaps there are.
The warrior simply shakes his head, feet lifting from the ground to fly through the cave system.
There's no more talk, only grim determination to find the last head before the Fae King. ]