video; un: ashiya-dono

[nuraridouman]

-ing piece of... Ah! Does this work? Helloooo? Gods, I’m going to feel like such an idiot if this doesn’t-

[The video shakes and turns several times around before it finally settles. Apparently the owner put it somewhere and is inspecting it now like one would a mirror, all angry frowns, tousled purple hair and challenging red eyes that match well with the ornate red and black kariginu that the teen(?) is wearing. And is that a paw-print on his cheek? His voice is surprisingly deep though, and comes as a belligerent growl.]

Alright. This.

[He holds up a very elegant & smug looking fox by its scruff, looking disgusted.]

This poor excuse of a pest has been having a field day eating my food, stealing and burying my clothes, tracking ink over my notices and otherwise being a nuisance. So if this is anyone’s pet, I want compensation.

If it isn’t... I’m looking for a talented fur monger or tanner to turn this into an outfit for next winter. Money won’t be an issue.

[He lowers his captive.]

Second, what’s the best way of getting from place to place here? That stupid grilled chicken Suzaku dares ignore my calls, so I need to invest in a ride that’s both reliable and worthy of an imperial court noble.

Are those Choo-Bootys really better than horse- OW! You-!!

[Rule 1 when handling wild animals: don’t take your attention off of said wild animal.]

Comments

[endcaller]

What about eyes?

Ah.

That was an elongated yes. Forgive the accent.

[He clears his throat.]

In all likelihood, the sellers know the abilities of their own birds.

[He taps his cheek, thinking.]

Oh. There is a rare red breed of chocobo. Should you chance upon one I highly recommend turning it loose in the town square.

It will be quite the spectacle.

[Do not do this.]

[nuraridouman]

No offense taken if you take none over me misunderstanding. I'm just too used to the language of the royal capital.

[Humbledrag more, except there's actually a little more behind Douman's huffing and puffing himself up like that. The imperial court can be a snake's nest where everybody will try to undermine the status of anybody else just to raise their own, and Douman's standing has always been somewhat perilous since he's just a comparatively low-born outsider who made his way up into the highest circles by merit alone. Add that that ass Seimei's banned him to the position of the eternally 'second' and given him an ill repute of being an 'evil' curse master, and Douman has to remind people on the daily that he's no easy picking to fashion somebody else's fame from just to stay his ground.]

They better, if they're as much like medium level shikigami as you're making them sound.

[Healing and guarding? People'd pay you those birds' weight in gold where he's from! Maybe he should get himself a breeding pair or some eggs... ]

What's that variant do?

[He squints at the 'magic mirror'. Douman is suspecting that he's slowly getting a feel for his conversation partner; at least enough to not trust that expression.]

Since you say they're rare and red, I suspect they're some kind of fire ayakashi? Since Suzaku's also called the Vermillion Bird.

[A pause.]

I'll do it if they only burn the clothes and leave everything else unscathed.

[DOUMAN!]

[endcaller]

Some kind, yes!

[Fandaniel smirks.

So this man does not know about chocobos, only horses. He does know about shikigami and Suzaku.

Yep, Doman.]

The vermillion Auspice likely has a more controlled blaze than a red chocobo but there is only one way to test that theory.

...And we can all witness a grand fireworks display in the process!

[nuraridouman]

[Douman the Doman. Yep, that sounds about right.]

Suzaku, having a proper handle on anything? [He huffs an amused scoff, smirking at the idea. The only Suzaku he knows (and likes to nick from Seimei to use as his own shikigami whenever he needs one) is a kinda stupid, good for nothing bastard who won't move an inch unless it's to peep on the ladies or do some other questionable thing for his own gain.]

We'll see about the fireworks. But you've got my interest with everything else. How do I get such a "fire mount"?

[endcaller]

The taming of a red chocobo is no simple feat.

To earn one as a steed you must first best it in a contest of wills.

Approach the beast, climb on its back, and ride it for as long as it will allow.

[He curls a knee to his chest and rests his cheek upon it.]

Into town should suffice, for it is there you will find kind souls to help bring the chocobo to heel.

[nuraridouman]

Good. It won't be worth it if it's too easy.

[There is no fame to be gained from fighting easy enemies. And having to push your will above who or whatever one wishes to make their shikigami is also a given -- none of the bound spirits truly have a say in the matter of which master they are serving.

...But that's also why Douman has never bothered to get any of his own.

This man, though.... Maybe he should check him a little better later on. Maybe he is possessed.]

And if we fail I'll get a prime front-row seat to some marvelous fireworks, will I?

You haven't introduced yourself yet.

[endcaller]

Correct, I haven't!

[He lifts his head and smiles at the camera before reaching over to adjust the tablet against whatever surface it's leaning against.]

And you haven't either. Aren't we a pair?

[nuraridouman]

[and just like that Douman's scowling again]

It's only manners that the both the lower-ranking and the senior give their names first. So, your turn.

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel pulls his hood back up as he rolls his eyes.]

Very well.

...Do you out-rank me or am I your senior in this scenario?

I would like to know my standing before we proceed.

he totally is going to try and get that red chocobo, by the way

[nuraridouman]

Both.

[Thinking himself the winner and mollified by it, Douman relaxes again.]

I am twenty. And I'm also one of the two top-Onmyouji of the Imperial Court, owing answer only to the Emperor himself. [and Douman told even *them* to "shut it and quit acting like a whining kid" before] So unless you're the Emperor -- which you aren't -- I out-rank you.

Aldrip had a good run

[endcaller]

[Fandaniel's smirk widens at this answer.

He presses his glove to his breast and tips forward into as much of a bow as he can manage while crouching.]

Well then!

I am Fandaniel.

Mage, scholar, and ever your humble jester.

Your grace.

[The cloying honey in his voice is almost sarcastic.]

next player plot: "chocobos caw and rocks fall" with special thanks to Fan

[nuraridouman]

[...yeah. He's totally reading that as sarcasm and setting Fandaniel's name on his personal 'to score a win over' shitlist. Right after he's finally triumphed over that damned Abe no Seimei (not the fox). (Well, the fox too, that one's still higher priority than Fan, sorry.) (But don't worry, this guy never forgets a competition! 8D)]

Lord Ashiya Douman. An Onmyoji who specializes in the dark arts.

[He'll own that much even if he dislikes the distrust it gets him.]

I specialize in cruses, but I can do everything else as well. You won't find me lacking in anything compared to Abe no Seimei.

[Besides a good pokerface and manners.]

[endcaller]

Oh, I am sure I won't.

[He winks and lifts a finger.]

I can plainly see you are very strong indeed. I have little doubt that you will finally get the better of that fox!

[nuraridouman]

Yeah, sure. [That's a VERY teenage eyeroll Fandaniel gets as reward for his sincere faith.]

Laugh all you want. I will beat them at their own game - both the man and that fox! There has to be a reason why that small plague ghost keeps getting in my hair, and I'm planning to find it.

[endcaller]

Oh, you misunderstand, sir.

I am not mocking, sir.

[He said, mockingly.]

What chance would these spirits have against an Imperially favored court Onmyoji? Why, none at all!

Although...

I wonder if you might require assistance with this "plague ghost"? You do seem to be fighting a losing battle thus far.

[nuraridouman]

[If Douman were a cat Fandaniel would be treated to some extra-angry tail lashes.]

Because I am holding back! [is he really?]

I'm used to exorcising oni and hordes of maneating monsters, or maybe a well-hidden curse cast on a high-ranking noble or general in order to turn the tides of a war campaign! Having to deal with vermin in the middle of a living district is like asing a tiger to catch you a bug inside your house without breaking anything.

[Note that he didn't say that he isn't needing help dealing with that thing.]

[endcaller]

I am not hearing a "no"...

[nuraridouman]

[dhkfdhkf damn this joker! Calling him out like that...! ]

Then you need better ears!

What I'm saying that it's not a lack of skill, it's just the situation that's handicapping me in that bastard fox's favor!! [somebody to block the other side of the road or exit in the house would be nice]

[endcaller]

Oooh, so you do require assistance!

[His cold smile lights up his face.]

Ask me, then, I shall hie to your position.

I do happen to know something about binding.

[nuraridouman]

Screw you!

As if I'd ever ask for the help of a clown such as you or invite them to my place!

[Fandaniel pulled the kitty's tail a bit too hard. Douman has activated hisssss!]

If it's just binding magic, I can do that myself...!

[endcaller]

Oh dear, I've struck a nerve!

[He holds his hands up in a gesture of surrender.]

Well, if you should happen to change your mind then reach out.

My handle is "curtaincall". One word.

I do not often display it.

[nuraridouman]

?

Why'd you call curtain? Do you want somebody to hide something? [Heian Period awareness finally strikes.]

[endcaller]

My user name. Yours appears to be "ashiya-dono", yes?

And mine is "curtaincall". It is a theater term in my realm. Do not overthink it.

[nuraridouman]

[User name. User of what? The magic mirror? Fandaniel must have enchanted one of his own, so maybe the caster's name is required to make the magic work, similar to how one needs to mark the intended receiver of a message somehow? ..... Come to think of it, Douman doesn't remember when or how he created his own magic mirror, only what it is and vaguely how to use it.

How suspicious.]

That is what I am commonly referred to as. Why do you wish to hide your own name? Crime? Gambling? Debts? Some other dastardly deeds that you don't want to be connected with?

[aaaand he's overthinking it. Or more like trying to sus things out so that he can understand and use this new tidbit of knowledge to his own advantage. Ignorance can be easily fatal when dealing with spirits, and he isn't quite sure that that isn't what Fandaniel is as well. He'd definitely been eager enough for chaos and destruction to qualify, and the truly dangerous monsters can both disguise their looks and are as clever as humans.

Hmmmm.]

Do you like theater plays?

[endcaller]

I do. I have long been a patron of the arts.

[Well, he enjoys theater as much as he is capable of enjoying anything.]

As for your question about me hiding my name...

[He lifts a finger to his lips and grins.]

While I find it useful to commune with this network of my fellow Chosen, I would prefer to be left alone. 'Tis difficult for anyone to send me irritating, nonsense messages directly when they do not know which name to send them to.

So you see, my reasons are hardly as nefarious as you suggest.