鬼の日常 ~ Oni no Nichijou~

[[ So, I’ve been thinking about it for a while and I just sent a drop notice for Hozuki, it’s been more than 3 years so im extra emo, since he was my first muse here and the start of my tumblr rp... I met wonderful people and made friends for life through this blog, so the memories will live on to build new ones. He is free to continue his work in Hell and terrorize the sinners in there

I’m still around with my idol Eichi Tenshouin, so follow him if you want to rp! His muse is pretty strong now and I hope he has a run as fun and good like Hozuki had.

﴾ ➼ ﴿ ❝Well, I’m sure that can be quite formidable in itself, too.❞ Cyrran was not exactly a fan of close-quarters combat.

Interest soon shifted when the other seemed to recognize the name of his home –and more than that, his knowledge of a certain Hero. A grin slowly spread across Cyrran’s lips, brows lifting in mild amusement. Someone else who knew Daylen, then? He shouldn’t even be surprised at this point. The mage had been in the Hive for quite some time now.

❝His name most certainly does ring a bell,❞ the elf then laughed, shaking his head. ❝Though you have probably known him longer than I, he is certainly someone I would call friend in this bizarre city.❞ Even if he did heckle the poor man needlessly; it was too easy to tease him. Ah, but that is only because he cared.

A thoughtful expression forming on his face, Cyrran shifted his weight from one foot to the other and cupped his chin with his fingers. ❝Well, in that case, how much do you know about Thedas? It is rather vast– even I do not know everything about it, but I suppose that is normal for everyone.❞

"That's very considerate of you." Hozuki bowed slightly, showing genuine appreciation for Cyrran's politeness. It's normal for him to listen negative remarks about oni's raw methods, and he doesn't really feel bothered, but a positive comment is always refreshing.

Cyrran's reaction to Daylen was really the usual when the mage's name was brought up: a smile and positive impressions, from which Hozuki didn't really feel any ill or hidden intentions. Well, Daylen knew how to make friends like few in the city, and the oni himself was an exemple.

"Well, I'm here for more than three years and he was one of the first people I met... and he was already here for a long time. But good to know that we have something in common, since I'm also lucky for call him a friend."

Hozuki's voice changed slightly to a soft tone, something he didn't mind hide when talking about his closer ones in the city.

"I understand. There are parts of Hell I'm ignorant about, too. Even our homelands hide secrets, I'm sure." He nodded, agreeing with Cyrran and tilting head a bit, thinking about the question.

"I don't know that much, though I'm aware it's vast and a quite tough place to live in, even though looks like a beautiful and interesting environment. I'm personally very fond of Mabaris, I'm very pleased for meet Daylen's companion. Wonderful and cute animals."

—✕ █ ▌He’s a good listener, Loghain notes, a softened smile BLOOMING at that thought. Hozuki doesn’t seem the type to wonder about the same, but looks, he knows, are quite deceiving. Wisdom, he knows, is not necessarily born of EXPERIENCE, and some way, it is better not to gain it in such a way.

Yet, he is SURPRISED by what he finds out, eyes blinking heavily and slowly as he all but processes the oni’s words. A smile, slow and broad, yet sad, lips twitching upwards for only a moment until they fall into his TYPICAL frown.

❝I should be GLAD that I have not the burdens I bore in Thedas, yet I feel empty. I fight and fight and PROTECT, but it isn’t the same as being a Grey Warden. I … cannot be at peace with myself, regardless of how I try.❞ He shakes his head and sighs. ❝I have someone here to LIVE for, here to protect. But sometimes, it is not enough. Should I just keep trying? Is that the SECRET?❞

"I don't blame you for feel empty. Burdens from home, as troublesome as they could be, are part of who we are. It's normal to start missing even the most annoying parts. I'm not different."

Hozuki answered calmly, not hiding he was speaking on experience. He knew that bery well, when even the whining and the lazyness of Enma-Daioh were missed daily at this point. If the lazy Hell's King would show up in the city, beat him everyday wouldn't be enough to make up for the absence of the oni's favourite exercice.

"So you do... that's good to know. I don't know any secret, my friend, I just feel that anything helps. Even the smallest things. Even if it's not enough, and even if deep down I boil with rage and always will."

He sighed deeply, not hiding the disgust in his last line, either. His spirit could keep calm and rational, but never resigned.

"At least, there is a certain. Nothing of this is bound to last forever. No matter how they mess up with the universe, everything changes all the time."

“And I suppose it’s not much better here, where such… disorderly things seem to happen fairly often?” Even if he hasn’t been here for even a fraction of the length the other has been, he’s still seen enough to tell him that this place is a mess.

“My, that does sound like quite the hefty job. Though… really, I suppose that would be more meaningful than anything here…” His voice gains a thoughtful tone to it, as a slender finger mindlessly twirls a lock of hair around. Souza couldn’t quite imagine what it’d be like to manage souls–surely managing them was different than, say, giving them human form. “It’s hard to consider much meaningful when everything is at the whims of those who brought us here.”

He’s offered an apology, and he can’t help but let out an amused hum. It seems hardly necessary for anyone who isn’t one of the creators of this place to apologize for such things, after all. 

“There’s no reason to offer me an apology; I’d much rather hear that elsewhere, but surely they have no intentions of apologizing to any of us, right…?” If they shamelessly brought beings from all sorts of places here, it’d be something of a miracle to hear them ever hand out an apology. “Ah, yes, of course. I am Souza… Souza Samonji. I am a tsukumogami, though that isn’t really a title, now is it.”

Oh–his glances at the kiseru had been noticed, it seems. Though he wasn’t going to shy away and deny such a thing.

“Perhaps I would be… I’ve never had the experience of using such a thing.”

"Disorderly is a too nice word to label things here when they get ugly. I wish you don't have to testify it, though." Hozuki answered simply, but with an obvious hint of disgust in his tone. Long was his life and long can last his feelings towards people and places, and no doubt three years or three centuries wouldn't do nothing but fule his hate towards Hive City. He had friends, yes, and things that made it more bearable, but he would never lose a chance of diss the place's concept and existence. Even if his anger was polite and restrained as usual.

"I would recommend to find a meaning in small things to preserve your sanity. You might need it." He sighed and said casually, more like a loose comment than a serious and rigid advice. He didn't how good Souza's abilities could be, but his figure and weapon hinted he probably knew how to take care of himself.

"I'm sure they aren't. Well, the only proper apology for me would scatter their members across all Hell after a long session of torture.. every day, for eternity. I suppose an oni can dream, right?" He didn't change voice or demonstrated more anger than before, just speaking in the same tone of a weather commentary that could be easily dismissed.

"Nice to meet you, Samonji-san." Hozuki bowed in a polite greeting, unsurprised but curious with the full introduction. He was used to mention he was an oni, but not everyone added their own species in response; it was actually a rare thing, that had his sympathy. Well, they could not be from the same world but no doubt were part of the same cultural landscape, so maybe the other would feel comfortable telling someone that would understand.

"I see." He glanced to the kiseru for a moment, then back to Souza. "I can tell you where find good tobacco and decent pipes, even if nothing compared to original ones, of course."

﴾ ➼ ﴿ ❝Aha, you are telling me,❞ Cyrran mumbled wearily, rubbing along the back of his neck. It could be more than tiring trying to figure out everyone’s backstory and where they come from, but a city such as the Hive forces everyone to interact more or less. Understanding one another is key to getting by.   

But the elf didn’t particularly mind one way or the other when it came to meeting new individuals. On the whole, the city did not seem to breed endless unrest unless one sought it out or –worst case scenario– the scientists intervened. 

No magic? The Herald might have first assumed an ability of oni, but perhaps that was getting too hasty. Appearances could be deceiving… But to have an existence such as that of hailing from vengeful humans –that sounded unpleasant. 

❝So it is not magic that prolongs your lifespans? That is simply… part of your race?❞ Fingers clasped together almost uneasily in front of his lap. Elves used to live just as long, but with the downfall of their magic and kingdom… Cyrran subtly shook his head clear of that idea and focused on the question. ❝Yes, that is certainly the same. Upbringings vary among elves all across Thedas– the continent I come from, that is.❞

"Yes, you can say that... we don't really have magic or ability to it, relying more in brawl and martial arts."

Hozuki answered simply, even noticing the light nervousism of the other... was he restless because of a wrong assumption? The oni mostly doubted it, but he didn't see reason to dwell on it either, since Cyrran soon returned to the flow of the talk and brought an information that made Hozuki blink, showing more interest.

"Thedas? Oh... now I have a vague idea from where I might have heard the Dalish term, after all. It wasn't completely unfamiliar... Daylen might have mentioned to me sometime. He is a good friend of mine that came from Thedas too, so I know quite a bit about the place. Do his name ring a bell, maybe?"

His appearance was massive and sadistic. Whether or not Arima was genuinely a sadistic person though, Arima would betray no comment on the subject. That was his demeanor, conservative, to give away nothing. He understood at least, why him and Hozuki seemed to get along decently well. 

The both of them were business like, you had to be when dealing with death. Otherwise it would overcome you entirely. Whether you were a murderer or a judge, oh but perhaps he was being arrogant for finding that similiarity. 

“I think worse than changing, is the pain of not changing. In the metamorphosis, the bug failed to change or realize the error of his ways in the end. He failed to see that the family was merely using him, and died with a false happiness dreaming of his sister. To not change, to stand still… to stagnate and rot away…”

Arima stared for a moment as he considered, then something was asked of him. He blinked. He really did not want to go out of his way, or make new friends. “It seems I’ll have to come by a second time then, I’ll ask you what you thought of the book.”

"... it's a terrible destiny, right?" Hozuki completed his own thoughts after Arima's musings, understanding the logic behind that easily.

"I've been living for a long time, as expected of a demon, and I've seen this happen uncountable times. Old champions, gods and powerful beasts, unable to keep with the flow of time and changes, can't deal with the despair that comes with that and end like pathetic beings, a shadow of their origins. It's a problem that even humans can face within their short lives, let alone creatures of eternity. We need to shape our minds to overcome such fate."

Hozuki spoke with confidence, remembering many exemples he saw in Hell before. Maybe his mind was just stronger than theirs, maybe he was lucky for his power and strength being result of hard work, not a granted natural ability like many gods and demons, making adaptation a more natural trait for him.

"I'm not sure if Kafka would agree with us, though. He wasn't too open for discussions in European Hell, unfortunately." He added, in a more light tone, remembering the opportunity he had to meet the author in spirit. Unfortunately, it was a short visit.

"That would be good, if you want to. I'll have an opinion of it for sure, so come again and bring your colleague if you both want."

He nodded, agreeing with Arima's decision and not minding his hesitation or possible defenses against more conversations. He was just keeping the talk going, since it was a rare occasion to bask in this subject with anyone besides Daylen, and the mage didn't exactly share some of his creepy demonicpoint of views.

Were he one for jokes, he might jest that he needs a few more drinks before he can start trusting demons– but being about as literal-minded as one can get, he’s distracted imagining what sort of job ‘Hell Secretary’ must be.

It sounds like someone who would have some grievances for him when he finally arrived.

But the oni sounds… oddly friendly, if not at peace. The words strike a chord somewhere in him– a harsh, unpleasant one, though the intent is anything but malicious.

He forces himself to drink slowly, enjoy the moment for what it is.

“…You seem terribly eager to help. What have you to gain?” His usual distrust shows itself first, though his tone is more curious than accusing.

“This one has interest in only one path, and that is the one that leads back home. He has… places he is yet needed.” A place he belongs, a life to forget his war with, a man he wasn’t ready to let out of his sight again for a while longer. Nowhere to be heard.

He’s violently tempted to just take the whole sake bottle– he lifts it gingerly, pours his host another cup before refilling his own, sipping away ever more quickly.

“Surely you understand, hm…? Have you seen no leads on a way out in three years?”

Were he one for laughs, that would be for sure Hozuki's first reaction to Bansai's inquiry. Suspicious, careful, but polite and smart enough to not become too defensive and throw harsh words for no strong reason, losing sight of details.

He was always good dealing with demons, no doubt.

"That's a fair question to ask to every stranger that looks too friendly, I suppose." He answered simply, staring blank at the empty cup in his hands.

"I have nothing to gain, except maybe a regular customer. Like I said, I have sympathy for you, coming here and talking to me in a boring New Year's Eve. You can believe or not, and it's up to you ask about anything... even about me, if you are really curious. And, like I said too, it's really not a sacrifice for me to offer basic information to newcomers. I've been doing it for a long time."

Hozuki rested hand on chin and stared at Bansai again, a little more relieved after open up a bit, even if under the situation's discretion. Still, it was definitely a heavy gaze, like the gaze of someone in grief, while the realization they were strangers again was starting to sink in.

"I understand, yes. That's good then. I hope they send you home as fast as possible, even if there's no guarantee." Hozuki nodded, thanking for the refil, holding it a bit before take a sip and sigh, shrugging before Bansai's question, but answering it in all seriousness.

"I've seen many people coming and leaving, but.. just like the arrival, the only way out is when they decide it's your time. I never found a pattern, neither hints of other paths. The city is constantly changing, though... I don't want to discourage you from trying, even if the chances are very low. It's harder than run from Hell, I dare to say... and sometimes, it becomes a lot more like Hell."

“Ah…?”

The words catch his attention–visiting the human world, mentions of Hell… Perhaps his initial suspicions were correct. Though it didn’t really matter much to him, in the end. Souza had already come to find that there were far too many different existences within this place to single out for any reason. 

“Leading a busy life before, were you…?” He muses, a faintly amused smile tugging at his lips. “Spending three years here, however, seems rather…”

Undesirable, he wants to say, but lets the words trail off into the air–like the smoke now coming from the other’s pipe. Souza glances over curiously, watching the movements carefully, even as he speaks up once more to respond. 

“I suppose it’s not. It’s just as unruly and chaotic… ah, how exhausting.”

"Oh, yes. The busiest life you can imagine, I suppose." Hozuki nodded, speaking in a casual tone, far from bragging or whining. It was just hard to imagine a busier life than a deputy of Hell, that's all.

“... rather unpleasant, I must say." He completed with his own words, still sharing the feelings of the calm man. The oni noticed the glances towards his smoke, but didn't mention it. At least, he assumed it  wasn't a bother, since the other looked rather entranced. "Not everything was terrible, but I'd prefer spending centuries judging and managing souls, like before. At least it was meaningful."

"Exhausting is a good word, too. I'm sorry you was threw in this mess, anyway... may I ask your name? I'm Hozuki, an oni from Japanese Hell." He nodded, and added another observation, pointing his own pipe and speaking calmly.

—✕ █ ▌He fidgets with fingers drawn upon his lap, finding Hozuki EASY to talk to, yet still apprehensive. Burdens aren’t for SHARING with others, but to be locked up and dealt with —- without anyone SELFISHLY called for help.

❝I suppose so, yes. It is as if my purpose has been yanked away,❞ he finally says slowly. ❝Being here FOREVER… I wonder if I could ever rest?❞

Hozuki listened carefully, relating more with Loghain’s words than one could expect. But that talk he had with himself many times too, at least once a day, almost every day.

“I understand the feeling, I really do. Lost purpose can drive anyone out of their minds.” He looked Loghain in the eye, his heavy words demonstrating he knew what he was talking about.

“But my friend, if I can offer some advice of someone living three years deep into this cursed city... our original purpose was stolen from us, but find a new one can help to keep your ground stable while you are stuck here. I was lucky I had someone to teach me this.”

﴾ ➼ ﴿❝That is an understandable qualm. I… much prefer words to threats if I can help it.❞ Sadly, in Thedas, he often couldn’t.

Demon. The word caught Cyrran’s attention a little too quickly, but his expression remained the same. If there were humans and elves from other worlds in this place, then there were also demons. That did not mean they were the same as those he had fought in the past, but the Herald would remain cautious all the same. 

Thoughtful, he nodded to the other’s ensuing explanation and focused more on the mention of Japan– Iruka’s homeland. Was it the same one he was familiar with? Perhaps not. He would endeavor to ask him about it later, but for now he thought of questions he could ask this new acquaintance instead.

Before he could, however, he offered an apologetic smile and said, ❝Forgive me– My name is Cyrran. And I am an elf, yes.❞ Motioning to the tattoos upon his face, he added, ❝Dalish, more specifically. Cultural differences and all that, from where I hail.❞ Though it could get complicated if he were to delve more into that subject.  

There was a momentary pause before Cyrran cleared his throat and asked, ❝Now…. do oni have specific abilities? Different lifespans?❞

"I see. Nice to meet you, Cyrran." Hozuki nodded politely, the term Dalish catching his attention - he had the impression he heard it before, but couldn't pinpoint exactly where. But many meetings happen in the city, so maybe he had met someone at the parlour from the same world of Cyrran. Still, he didn't recall such tattos from anyone else.

"I understand well about cultural differences, yes. We have many different demons and creatures from where I came from, and if you add the many worlds of this city, it becomes exhausting to try to grasp it all. Still, I don't hate the subject, so if you wish to tell more details, I'd be willing to listen. I believe that education is never too much."

He spoke in a sympathetic tone, glad that Cyrran didn't demonstrate aggressivity before the word demon, what would be understandable, but it’s never agreeable. He also thought for a moment before Cyrran's question, genuinely answering the best he could.

"Well, our ability rely on raw strength and physical resistance. We don't do magic, you see. Some of us are born in Hell, but many rise from humans that died carrying grudges and hate, tainting their souls and turning them in onis."

@coolheadedhozuki

TO: Hozuki FROM: Crow

[->] Hello [->] It took a little longer than expected [->] But I’ve finished that piece we discussed [->] Stop by the Nest whenever you’d like to take a look

To: Crow

From: Hozuki

1:3: Hello. I see. No problems.

2:3: I can meet you thos evening.

“Sadists, huh?” Arima smiled as if he knew a secret for a moment. Though mentally, who he thought of in his mind when he heard the word sadist, whether it was Eto or himself, he truly did not know.

“I suppose I would enjoy a book like that.” Arima did not feel the need to go on about how he was sure he had already seen the worst humanity could offer. He could say something pretentious like he saw it every morning when he looked in the mirror but he was sure one like Hozuki would not accept an answer like that. There was one thing Arima already knew though, humans could surprise you with their cruelty, never discount them for that.

“I picked the crossbreed because I can identify with it more than I could the metamorphosis. I’m a man who doesn’t change nor do I want to change after all. The crossbreed however, the strange sense of pity the owner feels when he holds his knife over the heart of the kitten lamb, that’s something I can understand at least.” Arima took a sip of his water. He was not used to talking so long. His smile, disappeared. “Besides, I have an annoying colleague whose favorite book by Kafka is the metamorphosis.”

"I suppose you would, yes." Hozuki agreed, not surprised with the other's surprise. He wouldn't be surprised if Arima was one of the so-called sadists, a common behaviour among many intelligent people. Maybe from sadist from sadist, he could sense that a bit. Even if the oni would never admit his own inclinations, quite easy to appear in his line of work.

And Hozuki could agree that humans can always surprise even demons with their cruelty. A unique talent, in a way.

"I see. Interesting points you have. That scene is quite remarkable, so I can understand... a little bit sadist, too." Hozuki listened carefully to Arima's impressions, pouring a shot of sake to himself. "Change can be painful and troublesome, right? In the way presented by Kafka, even more."

@coolheadedhozuki

Now that she thought about it, it’s been a while since she’s seen Reimu anywhere within the city. While it wasn’t like she saw her everyday but they would run into each other every so often. Mostly at her own Hakurei Shrine located here within the city. It’s been a while since she’s been there but she was aware that there were a few people who helped her maintain the shrine.

One of those people was an oni. She didn’t know what his name was but his unique appearance was enough for her to point out among a crowd. So when she did see him she had a couple of questions for him.

“You’re one of the helpers at the Hakurei Shrine aren’t you? How has all of that held up?”

"Oh?"

Hozuki turned to the woman addressing him suddenly. He didn't recognize her figure but what she said was the truth.

"Yes, I am. My name is Hozuki, I don't think we've met before, lady."

He bowed in a polite greeting before continue, open to hear what she had to say and speaking in a proud tone.

"Despite the chaos, we've been holding up fine, thanks for asking. Reimu-sama isn't always around, but a couple helpers and donators show up to keep the place functioning at least to a minimum. It’s a place worth keeping, after all."