faithfulflame | Thirteenth Prayer: A Flash of the Future [Video/Action]

[It's been nearly two years in Luceti, and Rei's come to realize that things are very different for her than they were initially. Then, she'd been so focused on getting home, getting back to the fight, and finishing what she'd started. But everything that'd happened since that time had given her other things to focus on, other people to care about besides just the Senshi, and a semblance of happiness she'd not had at home. People to trust, a shrine to call her own, and a way to grow stronger without having to rely in the power of Mars and that link to the past. It was nice, having that life, even the experiments and friends randomly disappearing were better than being dead.

Haruhi's departure had been a little shocking, but then...every time someone left it meant they were just going back to the life they'd been stolen from. Even as much as she'd grown attached to the place, going home still felt right, like it was the way things should go. After all, destiny could only be put off for so long. Which she knew all to well applied to her, that she shouldn't wish too hard to delay the inevitable, but all the same she couldn't quite bring herself to hope for that. Even if you knew you'd come back, and everything would be alright in the end, there was something oddly morbid about wishing for death.

Rather than dwell on it, though, Rei does what she does best: she moves on with her life with a sigh. Today is Setsubun after all, so inevitably, she finds herself in the shrine. After a while she decides to perform a flame reading of her own future, something she's been putting off for a while. Unsurprisingly the results are too much of a jumble to make much sense, though Fenimore is beginning to feature more prominently in them. Disappointed that she couldn't get more, she decides to set up a broadcast because even if she can't get a proper Setsubun ceremony going this year, Rei feels she should at least do something.]

Video

Good afternoon, Luceti, and welcome to any New Feathers that have just arrived. For those of you that do not know me, my name is Rei Hino and I run Tsukino Shrine, across the river from the Flame building. It's a peaceful place and it's open to visitors at any time, regardless of spiritual beliefs.

As today is a sort of traditional festival day in my world, I'll be offering fortune telling and flame readings to anyone who visits today. If you have an interest in knowing a bit more about your future, your luck, or other things, feel free to come by and I will be happy to help you.

Also, I was wondering if anyone knows much about carpentry. There are some parts of the shrine that are beginning to get a little worn and some improvements I'd like to make, though I need some help with that. Any assistance or advice would be appreciated. I'm more than happy to offer what services I can in return. Baking, limited enchanting, exorcisms, omamori and other charms, or even just help with yardwork.

[And she bows to the camera before turning off the feed.]

[As promised, Rei is at the shrine, and while she'll be replying to journals she'd prefer in person visits!]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Fenimore covers her mouth as a small laugh escapes. She doesn't want to laugh at Rei's traditions -- she's pretty sure some of her people's festivals would seem odd when described -- but, like Rei said, it sounds a bit silly.]

Is there a particular reason why it's beans? I guess even evil spirits wouldn't like being pelted with beans, but -- it's a bit of an odd choice, isn't it?

Edited 2014-02-07 08:32 (UTC)

[Rei smiles at the amused reaction and shakes her head.]

It's a symbolic one. Oni, the demons, are hard to get rid of. Just like roasted beans. So when you throw out the beans you're throwing away something that's hard to get rid of. I know it's a little odd, but that's the reason.

[Trunks heard Rei's video feed earlier, one of the few feeds he checked before going to the shrine. He was interested in having his fortune told and looks around for Rei.]

Um hello? Miss Hino? I saw your video and was interested in having my fortune told.

It's somewhere you can get away from everything else. I understand. [For her, it's the library.]

Well, not just plain animals. All of the ones where I come from are different. Owl-cats, wolf-bats, poodle-ponies, that sorta thing.

And yup, this guy is Pabu. He's from home, too.

I see...I think. At least, I can't think of a better thing to throw at a demon.

[Or, at least, nothing that could also be thrown at a priest.]

I feel a little bad for the priest who is dressing as the, um, oni, though. ...Did you really not have time to prepare for the festival, or did you just not want to get pelted by beans?

[Her tone suggests she's kidding, though. She does believe Rei when she says she was too busy.]

[Seriously, he only looks big and scary. He's really the biggest softy you'll ever meet. And, by God is he loyal. Like a big, goofy puppy.]

Yeah, well, the weather's not too bad so I thought I'd come by after your post-thing. I didn't really have anythin' in mind. Just lookin', but... Uh, are you still doin' fortunes?

And it's good to share it, even if it's not a proper shrine, in the traditional sense, yes. [She bites a bit of fruit and nods]

But it's sometimes offputting, with how few people believe in my fortunes until they happen.

It sounds like...animals are combined in your world.

[She holds out a hand for Pabu, if he'd like to sniff or whatever.]

He's very cute. A fire ferret? Does he breath fire?

[And that's the point. You're a sharp one, Fenimore.]

Well, the priest that's performing the dance needs to be male, not female, because Oni are always bare-chested and wear loin clothes. I would rather not do that, it would be indecent. And it would be breaking tradition.

And no, I'd rather not get pelted with beans.

[Well, be that as it may, for a teen from a private school he's a bit of a shock.]

Of course I am. You'd like one, then?

[She grins and sets down her broom, heading over towards the main building.]

Is there anything specific you'd like me to ask?

[She greets Trunks with a wave and a little bow, gesturing towards the shrine building.]

Of course. Please, come inside.

[The modern mind is rather bred towards skepticism, not to say cynicism.]

I might not have believed it myself, if I didn't know yours come true.

[Trunks waves and bows back to her, since it's the polite thing to do before walking towards the shrine.]

This is a really nice place, I'm surprised I haven't come here sooner.

Edited 2014-02-08 00:54 (UTC)

[And Fenimore has to cover another laugh.]

With a costume like that, I can see why you'd be especially against breaking tradition this time, even with bean-throwing left aside.

Is fortune-telling and flame-reading a part of the festival that just involve less in the way of beans and loincloths, or did you mention it because it was a convenient time to remind people about them?

Oh that? It's just a convenient time, but then, people do often have readings done during the festival. It's all part of the fun too.

[She pauses, quirking her head to look Fenimore up and down.]

Would you like me to read your fortune?

Well I'm glad you came, sir. I do try and make it into a haven for anyone who wants to visit.

Oh? [That gets a questioning look]

You wouldn't?

Oh I should introduce myself, I'm Trunks Brief. So now you don't have to keep calling me sir.

[ Pabu leans out of the safety of Bolin's coat to sniff Rei's finger for a moment before licking it. Congrats Rei, you've just gotten the Pabu seal of approval. ]

No fire, but he does like eating noodles and he can do tricks.

It's hard to believe, if you haven't had any experience with it. [And if you're the by-the-textbook scientific type, no matter how many flights of fancy your mental airspace holds.]

Brief? Are you related to Vegeta-san?

[Well that's cute! She definitely smiles.]

What sort of tricks?

Even after everything with the Senshi? [She's clearly teasing you, brainy!]

Yeah he's my dad. How do you know him? Are you two friends?

Edited 2014-02-08 05:25 (UTC)

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Thirteenth Prayer: A Flash of the Future [Video/Action]

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