thefarshore | BBS/Video

From: Li Tieguai
Posted: Oct 7, 2:49 PM

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[Hakkai's sitting at what looks like his kitchen table, hands folded and phone carefully propped up facing him and the wooden wall behind him. For once, he's not smiling. His expression is very neutral. He sounds slightly rehearsed.]

Good afternoon. Due to certain events, I've come to believe that there is something I need to share with you all, in the interests of honesty and transparency. I'm going to talk about some things that may be frightening or upsetting, so if you are under the age of fifteen, please ask a grown-up who you trust to watch this video first and explain it to you.

[He pauses, his eyes dropping from the camera to the screen for several seconds of silence before he looks back up.]

Still watching? Goten, Nanako, I especially mean you.

[He pauses again, for a few more seconds, and his fingers twitch slightly together.]

I have a serious criminal history. Some years ago, my lover was kidnapped by a clan of youkai known for their brutality towards captives. I pursued and attacked them in an attempt to rescue her, and, in the process, was responsible for the deaths of a majority of the clan, not limited to combatants. She did not survive.

The blood I shed was sufficient to transform me from human into youkai. [He reaches up, freeing each of three small silver cuffs from the curve of his ear in turn. His face shifts, ears lengthening and developing sharp points, green vine patterns spreading across his skin, teeth sharpening, and left eye shifting from green to a slit-pupiled yellow. His nails are long, sharp claws. He sets the jewelry down gently on the table between himself and the phone.]

After recovering from my own injuries, I turned myself in to the appropriate authorities, and received sentencing. I regret my actions, and I do not pose any public danger. However, I understand that my past crimes may cause others to be uncomfortable in my presence, and should you wish to withdraw yourself or any child for whom you are responsible from my classes, I can recommend either Lavi or Kusanagi Izumo as a substitute instructor. I will transfer any records to the instructor of your choice.

If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them.

[He reaches for the cuffs again and fixes them back in place on his ear, appearance swiftly returning to a simulacrum of humanity, before he reaches out to shut down the video.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

after i left.
maybe a break from each other then?
it can help.

[It's helped her calm down and regain some perspective on her life situation, at least.]

I see.

Currently a break from each other is my plan. I'm not sure he's interested in that, either, but we'll see.

[Considering that, every time he tries to tell Gojyo to at least leave him alone if he can't stop exploding in hatred, the explosion has been worse. Sometimes, very much worse.]

There is one thing...

May I ask a favor of you, Ayumu? It's a troublesome one.

sure,
if it's something i can do.
what is it?

[She is kind of busy but she's good at multitasking and might be able to squeeze it while she's doing other things.]

Keep an eye on Gojyo? He has not made the best decisions over the last few

[Weeks? Months? Entire lifetime?]

weeks.

It's counterproductive for me to watch out for him, but I'm afraid someone should.

i promise.
i'll look after him the best that i can.

[She should be able to keep tabs on him while she's at the bar, at least. Maybe she should get into a texting habit? It still feels a little weird to use her phone but with how busy she's becoming, she has to admit that they are pretty convenient.]

so try not to worry too much about him, okay?

Thank you. I'll try, ha ha.

you're welcome.
how are the animals doing?
for that matter
how are you doing?
aside from the obvious, that is.

The animals are doing well. I think Kishi has grown even fatter.

As for me, it's been difficult, but I'm getting back into a routine.

that's good to hear.
it's been hard for me to adjust, too.
sanzang's temple is very different from what i'm used to.

[She misses the peace and quiet of Hakkai's temple but Sanzang's home is beautiful and the monkeys have their charm when they're not being excessively loud or stealing her things. It's still all very new to her after only a couple of days to settle in.]

You're Sanzang's shinki now?

Does she still have those monkeys?

heaven reassigned me to her.
and yes, there are monkeys.
sanzang seems nice
and this is her second time here?

She's reliable, and a skilled fighter. I knew her and her exemplar when she was here before.

I think the two of you may get along.

[Hearing that about her new goddess does come as a bit of a relief. Ayumu had hoped she'd have a little more time to recover and breathe and sort her feelings out on the subject a little more but this news does help put her a little more at ease.]

she's very sunny
and friendly.
it'll take some getting used to but i like her so far.
i don't spend much time in female company.
it might be good for me.

[At least for a while. Until she can relax more easily living with men.]

Yes, perhaps it will. I know my temple didn't exactly provide that.

She is very sunny, isn't she?

it's different but nice.
the monkeys are cute.
and yes, she is.
it's part of her charm.

The monkeys will behave if you scowl at them when they're mischievous, I find.

[Or, at least, they'd behaved for him...

His limiters had been off. That did make for a scarier than usual smile.]

But they are cute.

really?
i'll have to try that.
they're pretty playful.
i don't mind but i hope they're not too rowdy in the kitchen!

[She's had to rescue her phone from them a time or two but she can't say they'd really irritated her much.]

Sharp teeth and claws may help.

If they're rowdy in the kitchen, I think you might be within your rights to shout a little.

i imagine they would.
too bad i don't have any.
it'd make intimidation easier
but you're right, shouting works, too.

[Maintaining a clean, orderly kitchen is serious business.]

Even without, I'm sure you have the upper hand. Good luck!

And let me know if there's anything I can help you with. There, or with your shelter.

thanks.
i'll be sure to let you know. :)

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