exsiliumlogs | [Open] "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"

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[Open] "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"

Date & Time: April 18, Day
Location: In the city
Characters: Sesshoumaru and whoever dares approach him
Summary: Just a demon on a walk. That's it. Just a nice, quiet walk.
Warnings: None (so far).

Although he had just accepted the fact that humans weren't worthless before arriving here, the condition of the world--his world--he found himself in immediately squelched that notion and he found himself thinking them worthless once more. In addition, being surrounded by so many of them--both Initiative members and their guests--was too much, too soon. Everywhere he went, he could see, hear, and smell them; and with someone with his enhanced abilities, those things were becoming harder and harder to ignore--especially the odor. Finally, feeling claustrophobic within the aromatic confines of the Hold, the Demon Lord ventured outside its walls, hoping to escape the stench that seemed to pervade everything; although he would categorically deny that flight was his intention all along, citing "curiosity" for his actions, since Sesshoumaru did not flee from anything.

He realized his mistake almost immediately, for even in the openness of the City, the human scent was overpowering, and the daiyoukai barely managed to maintain his composure as it washed over him. However, there was an underlying acridity to the stench, and the Demon Lord--reminded of Naraku's earth-destroying miasma--followed it, seeking his enemy, despite his being unable to detect his presence. As he grew closer to the Outerlands--where the odor grew stronger--yet still lacked Naraku's particular scent--Sesshoumaru could barely hide his distaste at what was before him. He had originally thought the lack of vegetation to be the result of so many buildings in one place. Now, he could see the opposite was true, for stretching for miles before him was what could only be called a wasteland. No lush or verdant plants or trees like in the forest untouched by man back home--in his time--anywhere. Covering his mouth with his sleeve and gazing towards the sky, he stood quietly, his thoughts tinged with barely suppressed contempt as he addressed the spirit--or memory--of the Inu no Taisho.

This is what the humans you held in such high regard did to their world, Father. Should I still have compassion for them? With a sound of disgust, Sesshoumaru looked over the desolation before him one last time and giving one final growl of the same emotion, turned on his heel and strode purposefully into the city and away from the Initiative.

[ooc: Sesshoumaru is wandering all over the city, so if you want to run into him--feel free to pick anywhere! All CR is welcome--old and new!]

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As Sesshoumaru turned around, he saw a figure literally blur into visibility, as if they had teleported out here. Two things would jump out to Sesshoumaru's enhanced senses: first, that her scent was ever so slightly off, and second that she hadn't been hiding - the scent started on of nowhere. Some sort of magic was at work, for sure.

'Oh? Not often that I see anyone out here," Pidonus observed.

If this had been right after his arrival, the demon might have been more surprised at seeing another with the ability to teleport. However, after his own and others' "kidnapping" and witnessing the various mistakes of the Hold's transporter, he wasn't.

Her scent, however, was something that puzzled him, and that--along with the skill she had just shown--prompted him to an observation.

"You are not exactly human."

"And proud of it," the girl responded. "But then, with the symbols you carry, I suspect similar applies to you."

The tone sounded a little cautious - few directly saw past her human guise unaided, after all.

"I am a demon. I am the son of two daiyoukai and carry their markings." Whether they hold power or not--he wasn't saying, because really, they didn't.

Her tone might have been cautious, but his wasn't. He didn't care who knew his heritage; in fact, he wanted people to know who they were dealing with.

"Pride in your nature, then. Where I'm from, actual demons prefer to hide their nature, the better to not draw the attention of adventurers..."

Of course, she was an actual demon, so...

"Most demons of my time also hide out of fear." He looked at her pointedly.

"I do not fear anyone or anything."

"Feh. Sounds like you are a fighter, to be sure. Not my type of work."

"I do not fight here. This is a human war. They can fight it without me."

"Can't argue that point, except for one little thing. The sooner they win it, the sooner we get to get back to our homes, and I get to get back to my real purpose. Since my talents are suited to speeding up certain kinds of victories..."

"As one other mentioned to me, we only have the Initiative's word that this will happen. The word of those who brought us here against our will in the first place.

"And one I do not trust."

"Who else is there, though? The United Earth certainly don't seem any better..."

"I do not trust either group. I trust only myself."

"Then tell me... What does your trust guide you to do?"

"Let them fight their own war and fix their own mistakes."

"Personally? I can't just sit around and do nothing. Not my way, and not my best shot of getting home."

"There is some dispute about that possibility even existing."

"Problem is, what if they're wrong? Then we're stuck on a planet ruled by an insane empire."

"I will not be ruled by anyone."

Sesshoumaru heard something roar from out in the ruins. There was the sound of something scrabbling, then a creature that might once have been a bear but now had scales and too many legs burst out of the ruins, with fear in its eyes as it fled across his path. A moment later, the dragon came out behind it, clearly in chase, inhaled deeply, and transfixed the not-bear in a blast of fire from deep in its throat.

He had apparently stumbled upon the tail end of a hunting trip.

At the roar, Sesshoumaru's instinct that he was under attack came into play and he was already forming his Whip when the strange animal came into view. He recognized the expression easily, and his hearing picked up the hunter's steps allowing him to move out of the way before witnessing the animal's fiery end.

Recognizing the dragon from a previous mission, he gave a slight nod in silent greeting.

Ricasthix didn't initially notice Seshoumaru's presence, and moved in past him to start pulling apart the already conveniently cooked animal. Just has he had pulled off one of the many legs, he noticed his observer.

After a moment's thought, He offered the leg. "Hungry?"

Sesshoumaru remained silent and still as the repast began ahead of him, not even flinching at the crunch of cooked meat and bone being ripped apart from the body.

When the dragon turned to him, he declined the offering with a simple, "I do not require sustenance of that kind." It was not only as polite as he could get, but it was also the truth.

"Very well."

Ricasthix took a large bite of mutant bear.

"Feh, foul. So what brings you out to this charming land? There isn't much to see out here unless you have an appreciation for ruined architecture."

Considering the state of the world, the demon wasn't surprised that the meat of the dragon's recent kill was ill-tasting.

Turning his attention from the repast to the dragon, Sesshoumaru didn't hesitate with his answer. "The Hold was becoming oppressive."

"It is rather cramped, yes."

Ricasthix eyed the demon thoughtfully.

"But that was not your main concern, was it?"

Sesshoumaru didn't lie, but he also wasn't used to confiding his reasons for his actions to others. However, this dragon was unlike those the demon was accustomed to traveling with, so perhaps he might understand.

"The smell of humanity is overbearing and oppressive, yet it still does not compare to the stench created by their folly in this war," he stated, turning towards the miasma-riddled lands beyond the city.

Ricasthix shrugged. A rather elaborate gesture that involved refolding his wings.

"A human can be quite intelligent and reasonable on his own. But get them in large groups and there are few depths to which they will not sink in their mass hysteria. It is simply their nature."

The demon remained stoic during the shrug, not even batting an eye when the wings moved unexpectedly. Or perhaps it was his familiarity with dragons that made the move expected. Either way, his expression remained the same--until the dragon spoke and his eyes narrowed in angered agreement.

"That is true. Yet, what level of intelligence was present when they decided to continue this war after seeing what their actions have done?"

"And what would you have them do? Surrender in the face of adversity? Give up because the odds are against them?"

Ricasthix fixed Sesshoumaru with a steady gaze. "Have you ever known humans to admit defeat gracefully?"

"I would have them show the intelligence you claim they possess and realize the war is destroying the very prize they are fighting for. The odds are against both sides, yet all of the humans of this world refuse to see that which they covet will be worth nothing when they are through."

The demon didn't flinch from the gaze and returned it easily. "No. And that is the problem, since they have not realized that it is not to each other they need to surrender."

Just as the other demon was returning to the city, Nanami was exploring her surroundings while carrying an umbrella, a small bag, and her tiny monkey (that is known as her Shikigami) known as Mamoru. She had decided to explore the city both inside and out, so she could get a better understanding over the situation plaguing this world. Ever since upon arrival, Mamoru has been sensing all types of demons and stenches of miasmas surrounding the city, but there was not much neither of them could do to purify the world until they were able to learn as much as they can over their new found surroundings.

As she was getting closer to leaving the city's limit, her attention will take notice of the other man ahead of her. Something about his appearance and energy caught her attention. It was odd how she was able to sense his energy so quickly because it usually took her a while to sense any spiritual energy. That is until her small monkey suddenly changed forms from a small monkey into a small child wearing an apron to cover his body. He will quickly pull his master onto the floor to quickly cover her forehead with one of his hands. Nanami will make a small "eep" sound as she is suddenly pulled to floor/

"What's wrong Mamoru? Why did you pull me down so quickly?" asked Nanami as she realized her shikigami's odd behavior.

Mamoru will place a finger over his lips as he warns Nanami over the man heading their way is a powerful demon. She shouldn't make him aware of her celestial powers. Covering her forehead was all he could do, but it won't stop the faint glow to be seen unless he pulled her down and away from him. Nanami will freeze at his explanation and try to sneak a peek, but Mamoru makes certain to keep her from looking at him. It was clear that she was stuck until the other demon left the area. Maybe if she remains frozen on the floor he won't take notice of her....?

Sorry, Nanami, but Sesshoumaru was a Dog Demon, and despite Mamoru's attempts, the demon's sharp hearing heard the strange sounds and voice and he stopped. Looking in their direction and fingers flexing in preparation, he spoke in a low and commanding voice.

"Show yourself."

The commanding tone was all it was needed to make both deity and shikigami-child to flinch because they really were hoping he wouldn't take notice of them. Mamoru will look at his master and whisper for her to remain down while he took care of it. Nanami began to shake her head as she watched the determination in her shikigami's eyes. But there was no time to argue! Mamoru had decided to rise to his feet as he looked at the other demon,

"There is no one here other than my master and I." The small child shikigami will begin to feel slightly nervous, so he will add to his response, "We're only here to check on the world's health. By any chance, do you know where the door to the spirit world is...we're sensing a lot of miasma in this area. We wish to close it...."

The small child will hold his determine gaze towards the other demon once he realizes the miasma isn't coming from him. While he is speaking to the other demon, he is trying his best to use his body as a way to hide Nanami from the other demon's sights (and keep her down because it would seem Nanami had wanted to stand by her shikigami's side, but he isn't allowing it).

"I will see your master," the demon replied. His sensitive hearing had already helped him determine how many there were and their sizes--thanks to his association with an imp and a human child. Those were details he couldn't forget.

At the word "miasma" the demon's scowl deepened. "You are referring to the stench that covers this world and twists the flora and fauna? It is no miasma that you or I know. It was caused by the humans of this world."

No, the only thing coming from Sesshoumaru is anger at the state of this planet--his home--his once verdant and lively world. Destroyed by the thoughtless of the humans who now expected him to help them in their war.

The demon steps closer. "There is no door to the spirit world. And I will see your master now," he repeated, his voice low.

The explanation over the miasma being different to the ones from their world will catch Nanami's attention. She will closely listen to the other demon's explanation and tone of voice used. It was clear he was not too thrill over the sudden change of his home. She could easily tell that....this demon loves his world. Mamoru, on the other hand, did not notice these details as Nanami. Instead, he will stand protectively over his master as he responds,

"No. Why should we eve--"

"Enough, Mamoru. This isn't the time to get into an unnecessary fight," interrupted Nanami as she held tightly onto the hand that Mamoru had over her.

"B-But...you can't let him know over your identity. He might--!"

"It's okay. This man isn't a threat. He won't bite as long as we don't," added Nanami with a bright smile. Mamoru will continue to look worried over the situation, but his grip will loosen as Nanami began to rise from the ground. She will turn to her little shikigami child with a bright smile as she placed comforting hands over his tiny shoulders, "Good work. You are doing really well in taking care of me, Mamoru. Thank you. Tomoe and Mizuki would feel very proud of you." Those words was all it was needed for Mamoru to believe in his master as he gives her a hug prompting him to return to his true form as a tiny monkey. Nanami will bring her small monkey close as she offers him a hug and light nuzzle before allowing him to climb onto her own shoulders.

Once she was through with comforting her shikigami, her attention will return to the other demon with a friendly smile on her face. "It's nice to meet you, Demon-san. My name is Nanami Momozono. I am one of the new transports that has recently arrived to this world." Without waiting for the demon's response, she will continue with her explanation, "As Mamoru originally explained to you, we are searching for the source of the miasma in this world. We wish to close and eliminate it, but..." Her smile will slightly falter as she added, "...there is too much even for someone like me to get rid of. If this problem was the size of mountain or a building, then it wouldn't be much of a problem. But...it would seem this whole planet is polluted with it...." Her eyes will begin to roam her new surroundings as she continues to worry over the world's state. It really did feel as though the planet was sick...very sick.

Returning her attention to the other demon, she began to wonder, "...if you don't mind, can you tell me a little more over the current situation? The more information I know over the spiritual or supernatural occurrences within Exsilium, the quicker I might be able to figure out a way to help heal this planet?" Well, she isn't entirely certain if she can heal an entire planet, so she will add with a nervous laugh, "...at the very least, I might be able to find a way to heal a tiny piece of it..."

Sesshoumaru remained stoic throughout the entirety of the supposedly touching scene before him. It was a human trait to be that emotional about things, and despite the girl's seeming spiritual abilities, that didn't exclude her from being a member of that race.

His silence continued as she explained their purpose, and he couldn't help but be intrigued by her. A human who wished to heal the world not for her sake, but for the world's? How rare to find such a thing during his still-short time here. His blunt response when it came, however, was probably not what she wanted to hear.

"You will not be able to heal this world. Or any part of it. This poison was not caused naturally or supernaturally by any part of the planet." He looked up in disgust. "This was caused by the weapons of man who cared nothing about this planet as they fought each other in a war of their own making."

The other man's blunt response was more or less expected, but it did make her flinch a little. She could not help find his response unsettling, but she will look up at him with a polite smile.

"Even if it is the case, I'm entirely certain there has to be another way to bring life back to this world. If there are still living people and creatures here, then not all hope is lost." At least, not yet, was all she could think to herself (but not voice out loud) because the situation really did look bad. Not look, but felt just as bad.

At the other man's explanation over the war and humans being the cause of it all, she will only have to agree with him. If she was still alive in this time, she would have found some way to prevent it all. Why didn't the other gods prevent this from happening? Not even the God of War would have allowed this if it meant sacrificing the world's life!

"....you know, whenever I think about this being a possible future, it just makes me want to find a way to do something to prevent it. I do not want this kind of future," began to explain Nanami as she looked quite depressed. However, she will look up at the other, she asked, "Don't you love this world? Okay, maybe, not exactly this one, but your world's time? Wouldn't you want to find a way to help save it? I'm not saying you should help the people here, but..." A look of determination will appear as she says the following, "I can't just stand back as I watch this world suffer and not do anything about it. I might not have the answer nor the power to entirely save it, but if there is anything I can do -- no matter how small -- then I will take it." She was determine to protect this world. She was determine to find a way to heal it -- even it is is for a little bit. That was her current goal at the moment...

The demon rarely held back his punches--both literally and figuratively--and now was no exception. She had asked a question, and he felt no obligation to sugar-coat the reality of his response at all. Unfazed by either of her reactions, his expression was unreadable as he looked at her and listen to her rather optimistic view of things.

"If there was a way to return the world to its vibrant state, I doubt any of us would have been brought here in the first place," Sesshoumaru pointed out. As much as he hated humans, he did know one thing about them. "The human race has the capacity to adapt to any situation--especially if the effects of which happen over a long period of time." Once more, he looked toward the disaster that had once been known as wilderness and scowled. "This destruction did not happen overnight or within minutes. This is the world man forced it to evolve into--and they along with it." He turned to the girl before him, his expression stern.

"The world cannot be saved as it is now--or returned to how it was." There was a hidden message in his words--concerning the Initiative's own plan about going back to the past in order to fix the future. Perhaps, if she used her power in the past, would she affect the future?

His words, oddly enough, began to remind her of Tomoe's way of communicating and viewing the world. No, that wasn't right, was all Nanami could think to herself as she fixed that line of thought. The other demon wasn't looking at the world, rather he was looking at the situation as it was: dark, and unhealthy. The idea and explanation of the situation was very similar between Tomoe and him. It almost made her wonder if all demons thought the same way. Somehow, the thought made her really wonder.

"Well then, it looks like we've been brought here to figure it out for them," was all Nanami could say as she finally found some kinda form of determination over the situation. "Even if the people of this world are unable to find the answer, it doesn't mean we have to give up! In their own way, they aren't giving up either. If the Initiative didn't really care about changing their situation, then we wouldn't have been brought here. They wouldn't even try, if that was the case."

As she thought about her words further, along with the other demon's, it made her wonder if going on the missions was the key to changing the situation. Maybe that's why they were all sent onto different missions -- each fitting their strengths or expertise. A big smile will form as she decided -- she was going to help them! Somehow, just somehow, there might be a way to change the situation without altering time too much. Either way, it would seem as though in this case, altering the past is needed to create a new future.

"I'm going to help this world. I'm determine to avoid this type of future at all cost. This isn't the type of world I want to leave behind for the next generations to come," was all she could say as a way to pump herself further. She will turn towards the other demon and offer him a smile, "Thank you, Demon-san. It looks like talking to you gave me that small bit of hope and determination to finally make a decision over finding my place here." Then she begins to wonder, "What is your name? I don't think I ever got one."

"I did not say they did not have the capacity to discover how to repair it," the demon remarked. "However, to do so would require them to admit to the mistake they made and the part they had in creating this world and to end this war. They have done neither."

If possible, his gaze became sterner. "No, in their arrogance, they refuse to admit to their transgressions and instead perpetrate them by bringing in those who have nothing to do with this time or place. Those are not the actions of someone truly wishing to seek a change, but hoping that others will clean up their mess."

Seeing her determination and reminded of Rin, the demon's expression barely lightened. "You act on the world's behalf and not the humans'. That is surprising." Yet commendable. "I am Sesshoumaru."

[It's evident at a glance that this is no local, and no ordinary Transport, either. The magical energy to him is unlike anything Kariya has encountered before (though frankly, he can't be said to be well-traveled in the magical sense, anyway), and there's something about him that is very familiar even from the back.

And it's all of this combined that stops Kariya in his tracks on his almost entirely coincidental way past -- there are times when he, too, wants to escape the crowding of the city center. Even as strangely accepting as the locals and the Transports seem to be, even as rundown as the city is, he still feels distinctly out of place nowadays.

So he comes to the outer parts of the city to rest, and think, and wonder what's out there. He's ventured a little ways out, but he doesn't yet have the resources or the knowledge to make a trip of it.

He spends a moment longer trying to place the stranger; it's when Sesshoumaru turns that he finally recognizes the distinctive features of the youkai he'd met some time ago.]

... It isn't much to look at, is it?

[He has a feeling the being might take issue if he didn't greet him despite having taken the time to stop by. And Kariya is admittedly curious as to how Exsilium has treated the youkai so far. It isn't entirely irrelevant to his own interests.]

[The demon hears the other approach, yet remains still and looking ahead, the only movement his right hand as it strokes over moko-moko as he contemplates both their possible moves.

Ever since his arrival to this place, the reactions of others to him have not been what the demon had grown accustomed to. While some fear does exist, the hostility he normally had encountered had been replaced by something else--curiosity, and in some cases, outright acceptance. Now, with every encounter, he's growing more and more cautious and thoughtful about the situation, while still readying himself for an attack--that usually doesn't happen.

Like now. Not hearing anything from behind him, Sesshoumaru silently dismisses the man by turning, intending on leaving him here and once more gain solitude. He's stopped, however, by the man's question, and turns to him, his expression angry.]

There is much to see, if one looks hard enough.

[The demon has no idea who this man is, so not greeting him wouldn't have been any type of insult; as for his wondering, the anger behind the words should be a sufficient clue.]

[ooc: yeah, Sesshy has no clue because all he got were texts... And he won't text because of being one-handed. LOL]

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[Open] "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"

Near the wastes

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Edges of the wastes

Got it! Everyone loves the wastes. :D

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At the very end, when he is returning to the city...

Okay. :D

/o/

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Sorry so late!

ARRIVES LATE TO CITY LIMITS with Starbucks..... let me know if you want me to switch to prose! :3

Don't feel bad, I just hit the mission log... (And you're fine!) And oh god, Sesshy on coffee...