damned_institute | Day 25: Sun Room (Fourth Shift)

The concept of gardening in the greenhouse was not one that Hitsugaya was particularly fond of. It was likely exceptionally warm inside, whereas the young captain had a preference for cold climates. He also needed to make himself available for anyone who happened to want to speak with him. The sun room overall seemed the best choice.

As a warm and cheerful nurse led him into the sunroom, he glanced around. At the moment he was the first one there, which was good, as it meant he could keep an eye out for one of the many individuals who had expressed curiosity about the 'arts and crafts' division. It also meant he could watch out for Omi or this Hellsing woman. He excused himself from the nurse and proceeded to a seat that gave him a good view of the entrance. If not for the fact that he was being held here against his will, he might have felt happy. Real rice. He hadn't had time to eat as much as he had hoped, what with his meeting with Mustang, but he still ate a lot more than he'd had the opportunity previously. Even Momo seemed to be acting more like normal.

As unpleasant as the day had begun, it was turning out to be a good day.

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Larsa listened and watched intently as Miku provided example of the ghosts of her world, trying his best to imagine something on scarier terms than what was provided for him. Still, it gave him a better picture of a small part of her culture, though when asked what his own were like he immediately turned sheepish.

"Ah, I must confess in that I've not heard much stories of ghosts in my world. My brother thought it a trivial subject and that my studies were best suited on what was purely factual..." The child quietly admitted as he looked away in shame. In fact, as one who was a possible heir to the Emperor, his free time was limited to what could be useful to him if and when the time came.

"No ghosts, then?" She looked surprised. Even --- well, one could say her upbringing had been a little odd, so she wasn't one to judge if someone thought he should learn only facts.

"My brother... he taught me lots of folk stories," which had not helped in the least when she'd been traversing the Himuro Mansion. "All kinds of things, he thoughtthat it was important that things from the past be preserved." Even if the Hinasaki family was reduced to only her now, she still had many of Mafuyu's items at home. "If you have no ghost stories, I can tell you some of mine." Miku smiled cheerfully. It wasn't night yet, she didn't have to worry about angering something.

"Your brother sounds like a good person..." He wished the same could be said for his own, but memories were only part of the present until they passed, and so cannot completely dictate one's actions despite how virtuous they had been. Though in Vayne's case Larsa shamefully admitted that he hadn't a clue if he'd been virtuous at all. His own childhood memories contradicted what events that occurred last year, but he could not deny the fact that Vayne had wronged.

"If it is not a burden then I would be more than delighted to listen to your stories." He was a curious child after all, so every opportunity to learn was quickly snatched no matter what.

"He is, er, was... no, is," Miku flushed. She knew that he'd been spirited off, but part of her desperately hoped that he'd somehow miraculously managed to survive Kirie and that cave-in.

"Anyway, I can tell you a few, I think we have time for a few," Miku wrinkled her brow. "Time is so unpredictable here. Mm..." Miku looked thoughtful. "We have lots of spirits called kami, and lots of monsters and things, but... for they're mostly fairy tales. Then, there are the ghosts, the bakemono, the yuurei..." the photographer paused. The names she'd given the ghosts had strange (though fitting) names. "There's a creature called a kappa, and it will eat you up. But... a lot of the ghosts... are unfortunate, and the stories say they are bound by duty or revenge or jealousy... Let me think of a good one.."

The photographer looked thoughtful for a few moments. "Ah. I know. I have a... friend that runs into lots of stories. Ahem." She sat up a little straighter, and smiled, before starting. "Once, a very long time ago, there were villages that did certain rituals. These rituals were said to be for the good of the village, and the surrounding areas, because it kept them safe from ghosts, and evil, and all kinds of things, like Malice." The girl's tone was hushed and secretive, almost reverent. "But they had very exacting costs - like sacrifices." Miku shivered slightly, as though something was crawling up her spine.

"And there were times that the rituals, for one reason or another, failed. And if they failed, then... sometimes, the sacrifice would come back..." she flicked her eyes down to her lap, and away from Larsa's inquisitive face. "Whole families or even villages would vanish in a night, all inhabitants spirited away, but it was folklorists that would collect the information, so that's how they know what happened. Or at least, had very good ideas."

She leaned against the arm of the couch and looked up at the skylight. "I wonder, what people thought, coming home to nothing."

Having grown up with his brother's chiding in that 'what could not be seen cannot exist', it was strange listening to the folklore that Miku imparted with him. He listened intently, almost dropping his ice pack since he’d been so immersed in her words. It was fascinating to listen to these stories having been passed down over generations and the setting sun had helped greatly with creating an atmosphere that almost made his skin crawl.

"So when a ritual for one's sacrifice has failed, then those who are connected face the consequences..." Larsa murmured to himself, finally leaning back on the couch to contemplate the matter at hand.

"There is no doubt that they would worry over their loved ones, as I'd be a little frightened myself if someone dear to me had disappeared without a trace."

But it was just a story, of course, and the child sat back up to smile down at his friend.

"Thank you for sharing your story, I found it quite enjoyable."

Miku smiled and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, "You're very welcome, Larsa-kun. Don't worry, I'm sure that no one dear will be spirited away like that here. It's only a story," the words sounded a little hollow to her - but the last she wanted to do was to worry Larsa.

She didn't want to worry anyone ever, really. Her senses caught the wavering spiritual strength of someone familiar, and she peeked over the couch at Renji. He looked terrible ~~but surprisingly less scary in this state~~!

"Forgive me, Larsa-kun, but I need to see what is the matter with my acquaintance." She ~~put a moe beam on high~~ smiled at him and slipped from the couch, straightening the wrinkles in her clothing. "I'll tell you more stories another time, okay?" she dipped her head gently, and went off to ~~bother~~ see to Renji.

[[going here (http://community.livejournal.com/damned/143962.html?thread=9744730#t9744730)]]

Day 25: Sun Room (Fourth Shift)

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