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Xingqiu,

It is good to hear from you. I had intended to write to you soon as well, since there is much for us to discuss. My clan has been keeping me busy, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t had time to look into what you’ve mentioned.

I want to tell you about the strange things I have heard about, and also hear more about what you have seen. Other than the Kappa, there are several people that I have met that I would like to tell you about as well. I look forward to seeing you and will wait for your reply.

I have already prepared enough popsicles! They are not as good as I hoped, since I haven’t found Mist Flowers or Qingxin, but they will do for now. I won’t pass out this time.

For you, I will also bring something else.

Yours,
Chongyun

[ His eager heart devoured the message whole, delighted by the prompt response and the knowledge that he had been in Chongyun's thoughts. Because of course, he is after as he said in the message Chongyun's most loyal friend, his dearest. Content that their plans align, it was time for him to set the next scene in motion. Yet from his cot, he cannot help but wallow in the satisfaction he received from that short read.

A sigh. Deep and longing. And his eyes peruse the message again. If he laughs and smiles, it's only proof of further contentment. And then he has a short response to send Chongyun's way. Short. ]

Admittedly I find myself occupied quite often, leisure time doesn't seem to concur for us too often, which is why I thought my suggestion would satisfy your needs. My own as well, though I may be a member of the Sutoku Alliance, for my loyalty I require full comprehension of this faction's mechanism but of course, if I were honestly my heart is somewhere else.

For now, I suppose I'll satisfy myself with the surprise you'll have in store, so don't tell me what snacks
you plan to bring along for me. I want to take the time to try to guess.

There is something else I want to discuss with you presently, I believe through this method of communication it should be quite fine. Your continued search for evil spirits, so far it's been quite fruitless. So how about rather than going to them, why not have them come to you. It seems like anyone and everyone has one of these mobile devices. So, let's give them a call.

[ Short. Only to Xingqiu, who could even wax poetic over a grocery list. It’s not something the exorcist would admit out loud—but he’s endeared, always so, lips taking an upward tilt at the (what he would consider) lengthy response.

In the quiet seclusion of his room, he can read it over again and again, a little marveled by quickly these phones make exchanging letters and a lot marveled by his friend (but that isn’t new). Really … Xingqiu is just great. He doesn’t know how to describe the way he’s feeling in the moment, only finding “stuffy in the chest” and “itchy under the skin” to be somewhat close. ]

We may have been placed in different groups, but it doesn’t change anything. Not between us or our individual goals—I will put both above the Tamamo anytime, though I don’t plan on going against them.

Go ahead and guess. With the range of options here, I’m not sure you’ll manage to get it.

I wouldn’t say fruitless, exactly… I have met many spirits, though I wouldn’t call them evil. I’ve started thinking that maybe the truly malicious spirits are kept somewhere else. It would make sense, wouldn’t it? The worst are isolated. That’s just a guess, though. I bet the Enma would have more information. I feel like that faction has access to a lot we might want to know in general.

As for these devices … it’s fellow lost souls, isn’t it?

[ Does Chongyun know how to tickle his fancy, a swift and prompt response are enough to maintain a genuine smile upon Xingqiu's face. Only further pleasure can be derived from the message read. A truly trustworthy friend, his fealty earned. And though doubt never tainted his thoughts, expressed in words that Chongyun mirrors his very own steadfast devotion, unwavering vision, it marks prove that they would remain the same.

It would be Chongyun and Xingqiu. No. Wait Xingqiu and Chongyun, arm in arm, through the land. This place, which is only a cause for concern. Well, if any person, if anyone dared to take advantage of his most cherished friend then he would deal with them appropriately. As always. ]

At the present, your decision is for the best, there is no reason to act contrary to the Tamamo Clan. I am not completely certain of how these factions function as a whole, I image they would be displeased if you were a cause for any issues. Although, as far as how they handle disobedience and mutiny. Who is to say. I have yet to be reprimanded for. Well it's a list. And right about now, it seems unimportant.

As for guessing, I'll have to use deductive reasoning, with that I can already eliminate a range of goods.

Are they though? With the many fights that break out, I suppose they're merely unruly, but I don't believe the state of affairs remains the same, the population likely fluctuates. Who knows who is coming and going. After all, to put it like this, if you were a truly nefarious villain then would you show your true colors for all to see? Would you warn your victims? Evil spirits, malicious people, well, I am not sure you'll find information easily from that department. Let me tell you the wait time, well you'll be there a couple of years. If you plan to go that route I recommend grabbing a number now. Mine is fifteen-ninety-nine∼

As for who has access to these devices, well, is there truly a way to know? If I gather enough funds I can in fact purchase a second one.

[ Did Xingqiu really just assert himself as the top in meta... no way, kiddo, you're in for a surprise later.

On his end, Chongyun's satisfied that they're of an accord. Not that he expected differently—their agendas usually align—but it is nice for the reassurance. Xingqiu has always seen the world in a way Chongyun doesn't, flexible in his approach while the exorcist has always been more straightforward. Thinking in lines when Xingqiu can curve to circles. He'd been concerned when Xingqiu ended up in Hell too ... but there's really no one else that Chongyun would want to be stuck in Hell with.

........ of course, getting into mischief. He can't help but squint at the first part of the phone letter. ]

A list? Xingqiu... what exactly have you been doing to already have a list? It might seem unimportant right now, but you're right. We don't know how they handle disobedience and discipline. I don't want to see you get hurt, even if your clan sounds to be fairly reasonable.

Yes, that's why I won't be giving you any hints. Not unless you ask nicely.

You're not wrong ... but I have been pretty diligent in walking the streets and surveying. Even with my skills suppressed I feel that I have a good sense for these kinds of things — and while there have certainly been some shady characters, none have an overwhelming presence of evil. I could be missing some, of course, but so far it's been like this. Could they still be avoiding me, even though my condition has been less severe here...? That is something I will have to test. As for taking a ticket number... yes, I think I'll do that. It can't hurt.

..... I suppose that's true. I didn't consider buying a second one. Do you think people have done this already?

Edited 2022-03-25 19:45 (UTC)

[ He will be in for a shock! But at the moment it only echoes as a title of a short tale. Nothing more. Nothing less.

As for the misdeeds he has managed to achieve, well, he doesn't consider any to be major transgressions which would explain why he hasn't even been chastised. Not a word has made it to him, of course, they could be planning to surprise him with whatever penalty they feel he deserves. However, he isn't the sole individual to have merrily strolled through the sewage in search of the Kappa's doing but as for impersonating an Enma Department official, well that might just be him.

He doesn't need to see it, he can already imagine Chongyun's exasperated expression as he reads the reply he so recently received, and a smile can't be helped. ]

Would it help if I said it is only a short list of what may be deemed as misdeeds, promise. Besides, I don't believe I've done anything out of what is expected, I have only gone out of my way to satisfy curiosity and gain a better perspective of tasks I'm assigned. There can be no fault found in a man seeking to comprehend his present situation, is there not? I don't feel I have a complete grasp of what is expected. I could easily follow orders but what is truly the purpose of all this? I want to know that.

Now on to that surprise. Hm. If I ask nicely, but won't too many hints make it an easy guess?

Chongyun, you know, I guess being straightforward is one method to go on. However, I don't really recommend that path, take my number if you want, it'll be a while before the turn comes up but it won't be as long as a freshly acquired ticket number.

Now as for that last question.

Perhaps.

[ Exasperated indeed … if they were in the same clan it would be less so, but the lines their territories have drawn in the sand are an obstacle. It isn’t as though Xingqiu can’t take care of himself—he obviously can—but what if something does happen? Would Chongyun even be able to find out, with how secretive each faction is regarding their internal affairs?

They can’t even room together. It’s troublesome. ]

I think your definition of short and my definition of short are very different. I understand wanting to know more but … please don’t get into too much trouble, until we know more. Since we are in Hell, I can’t imagine the punishments are light.

If you ask nicely, I’ll give you one. Only one. You don’t wouldn’t need more than that anyway.

No, it’s fine. I’ll take my own number. It doesn’t matter if I wait a while since this is just for my own personal curiosity.

…. Which may not even be right. Two usernames? What do you even do with the second one?

[ An obstacle only to those unwilling to find a way through, there is nothing physically restraining anyone. While vile and sneering, barely discreet, looks are garnered it does little to prevent someone adventurous from pressing on. And did he ever, he does suppose that eventually, he would find trouble but between the two of them wasn't it best he test the limits?

Still, Chongyun's concern charms him, not enough to desist from his actions, but to take consideration for him. Perhaps, he would slow in his search. Not that he hasn't taken care, that single time he found himself behind bars had only been a miscalculation. ]

Chongyun, are we in hell? Though the label has been placed upon this land, it's rather tame by all accounts. Well, I guess what I mean to say, some fictionalized works I've perused make this more of a paradise than a land of suffering. By comparison, I mean.

You know, from my perspective, it feels like you wish for me to ask. Well then, my dear Chongyun, won't you please share with me this clue?

If you're certain, although, it's doubtful there is much information to be garnered. Sayuri's office didn't have much to give, although she is likely not a highly ranked officer.

Things you wouldn't do with the first one, but might consider for a third or fourth one, perhaps even using others for certain subjects or matters you wouldn't want to be associated with. I presume anyway.

Right. Before I forget. I've been considering something, I've been giving it much thought but do you consider that perhaps I should make a change to my wardrobe?

[ I swear to god if he finds out about the being ARRESTED…… well, he won’t do much, but still! ]

They call it Hell. It … does feel more like a spirit realm or a ghost town, but it would be unwise to act recklessly. Just … be careful, okay? I know you don’t need me to tell you that, but … you know.

… I did work hard to think up this hint so that it wouldn’t be too obvious. But, you haven’t even tried guessing once, you already want to ask for it?

Sayuri’s office? What were you doing in Sayuri’s office? … was Sayuri there?

Your wardrobe… why would you change your wardrobe? You’ve never said this before.

[ Fully aware that Chongyun wouldn't be able to do anything, especially when it comes to a past event, he still doesn't intend to reveal his stint with the law. No use in needlessly causing concern. ]

No, you're probably correct in your warnings. I guess there is no need in explaining my difference in status here, I am unknown so my behavior doesn't reflect upon my family. Perhaps, I've allowed myself to be lax, run astray, I've contented myself. I'll stick to my studies.

I'm only asking because you seem so ready to part with that hint; even through text I can't help but feel a glimmer of pride in that work you've put in.

Let's not worry about Sayuri now.

As for my garments, no, I suppose, I've never felt inclined to give them much consideration. They're finely crafted, true, silk from the guild. However, maybe I am contemplating on it too much and giving leeway to unpleasantries. I suppose you could say I am displeased with certain matters but I shouldn't make hasty changes in some effort to abate attention. Yet I must give it thought, I cannot possibly wear the clothes on my back day after day. And while I've made some investments into different articles of wear... perhaps it is time to put this away?

[ ... the rest of the letters are mostly come to close, which is why decides to focus solely on the last part there. It just feels. Off? Because Xingqiu's clothes are always nice. Not that Chongyun ever really minds clothes, usually wearing his thaumaturge attire. Between them, it's the other boy who actually has taste.

Giving leeway to unpleasantries ... displeased with certain matters... abate attention...

Chongyun squints at the screen. ]

What happened?

[ That's it, that's the letter. ]

[ This time it's surprising how quickly Chongyun responds, but upon seeing the text it becomes clear why that message came so swiftly. Two words, and again there is concern. But he is not going to detail his experiences, he'd sooner go down the list of skills he never once mentioned taught by the Guhua Clan.

It's... just... well he doesn't know what to think aside from being upset. That's it. ]

Shouldn't you be heading to work now? Actually, that's where I should be. I doubt they'll notice my tardiness, from all accounts all soul-crushing jobs require their employees to drag their feet. However, I'll have to practice that distant expression they all wear.

[ Dodging. Chongyun's squint only becomes narrower and his suspicions only grow, with his response a quick ding ding ding. He might be slow at times, but with everything that Xingqiu said earlier and then the sudden veer away ... is it so bad that he doesn't want to explain?

He's in Tamamo. He already knows there are plenty of unseemly people about. Whew, just the thought of this is getting him hot and bothered—deep breaths, Chongyun, deep breaths... ]

Xingqiu. Did someone say something?

[ Drat, Chongyun is becoming more adept at noting his tactics. He has to work doubly hard from now on it would seem. What's next, the exorcist not falling for his ploys. That would be the day. ]

I can handle the odd remark. Delivery, however, well, it does not matter presently. I am being cautious. But maybe I'll call upon you for assistance if need be.

[ But not really. It's his own mess, he would mop up. Speaking of which. Right he is supposed to be on janitorial duties... Ugh. ]

[ Will he? Debatable, but Chongyun hopes he does. Isn’t that what friends are for? ]

Alright. I won’t press. But I am here, whenever you need me.

[ He’ll allow their conversation to end there—but he tucks this into the back of his mind, for safekeeping. He won’t press, but he won’t forget either. ]

[ Friends also take responsibility for their own folly, the case here being that he sailed an unknown route running aground. Perhaps nothing will come of it, he isn't sure, there are a few reads he managed to garner but never a complete picture. But with that last message received he is content to let the conversation fall idle. ]

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