#tsukiko mumei

[yutikyis]

Prompt 1: Submerged

Darkness.

Tsukiko often looked upon the sea at night. When the sky was clear and the moon full, it was like looking upon a mirror. Twin moons upon twin seas of inky darkness spattered with an infinite number of stars. If you found the right place to stand it was as if you were among the stars itself. To be lost among the stars among the depths of the sea. Would that not be a horror? Trapped. Forever. Yet would it truly be so horrible to be trapped among a place of beauty? All living beings are trapped in one way or another after all. Trapped in their bodies. Trapped in their minds. Trapped by their duties. Trapped by their birth. Even the dragons who were born of another world were trapped. Trapped, trapped, trapped.  She slowly removed her clothing, delighting in the casual coolness of the wind against her body. She had long ago foregone shame at such things. She was a servant after all. Servants had no need for such things. Yet the pleasure of the chill of the night air upon her skin was hers and hers alone. The comfortable feeling of sand between her toes, damp from the ocean’s wave. The pleasurable chill of the ocean’s water as it slid upon her knees, her thighs, her waist, until at last her feet left the bed and she slipped beneath the water. The water surrounded her. She could see nothing. Feel nothing but cold. Taste only the salty sensation of the sea. She hesitated for a moment and then spun herself in the water. Over, and over, and over again. Losing all sense of direction.  She floated there, feeling her own hair dancing around her like snakes. The beating of her heart. The soft red slowly spreading from her lungs. Trapped on all sides by water. She began to kick her legs. Was she going deeper or towards air? She did not know. Would it be freedom, perhaps, to go into the depths. An escape? Would breaching the surface just be a return to the cage of the world? Perhaps... Kitakage... She kicked harder and felt the parting of the waves, the chill of the night air upon her damp skin. She blinked the water from her eyes and glanced upwards at the moon. Her mother-of-name. She smiled and fell onto her back, arms spread, floating upon the sea.  It seemed as if her time had not come yet. Sire would be pleased. 

[yutikyis]

Prompt 8: Crag

The sun shone bright overhead. It was a beautiful day. The grove of meditation was located not far from the manor-home. Surrounded on three sides by large crags, down which poured seemingly endless trickles of water, it was a place of great beauty. A small lake lay in the middle, surrounded by carefully tended grass, and with a simple tile path leading up to it. Sayo found her Sire kneeling by the lake, his eyes closed. She approached quietly, careful to not allow her footsteps to make noise. This was a twofold exercise. Sire did not allow noise to interrupt his meditations and it was improper for a Daughter to be so uncouth as to blunder through the grass like a bandit. As she reached him she dropped slowly to her knees, resting her hands upon her thighs, and closed her eyes. She waited. Almost a half bell passed before she heard her father’s voice. “Second Daughter, why does one climb a cliff?” She kept her eyes tightly shut. A test. This was a test. It was always a test. Sire loved his tests. She knew she must answer correctly. Yet she could not think of the proper answer. Her teachers had not mentioned this axiom to her. Could it possibly be a simple question? No, Sire never asked simple questions. There was a clue hidden in his words. Perhaps wordplay she missed? Could it- “Second Daughter, answer.” His words were firm and unyielding as the cliffs themselves. He did not look at her but she could sense it in his tone. Disappointment. The worst thing of all. She was being imperfect and that was not allowed. “To overcome an obstacle,” Sayo said quickly, the first thing that came to her mind. “Incorrect, Second Daughter,” her Sire said though he had the faintest tone of amusement in his voice. “The weak, or the foolish, or the helpless climb a cliff to overcome an obstacle. For they have no better choice. The wise find another path. The strong destroy the cliff itself. The powerful create a path through the cliffside.” Sayo looked confused and tried to think of how to formulate her question. Her father was not fond of explaining himself to his children. If one did not understand his words it was because they were foolish. It was acceptable for a servant to be foolish. A daughter could not. Best to remain quiet. “Do you understand, Second Daughter?” “Yes, Si-” “Then explain.” Sayo felt a panic building in her stomach. She should have known. It sometimes seemed as if Father could read her very thoughts. He knew when she lied, when she was selfish, when she was improper. Not always… but often enough. “To… ascend a cliff is a grueling task. It requires great personal effort. Especially if a cliff is on an oft-travelled path. Those who have power are wisest to use it to make the path easier. They are obligated to use their strength to improve the land. For through improving the land they gain honor and further power and strengthen the clan.” There was a long moment of quiet. Sayo felt as if her heart was going to flutter from her chest. Had she been wrong? Had she spoken improperly? Was she- “Correct, Second Daughter.” A sigh of relief. “... so why do you still question? Why do you not speak so your foolishness may be cast into the light and the shadows of ignorance banished.” She froze mid-sigh. Of course he knew. He always knew. She closed her eyes tight and hesitated before she spoke. “Are there not, times, when it is impossible to do anything but climb a cliff, Sire?” She waited. Afraid. When he spoke his voice was stone and ice and thunder. “Wrong. The only time one does not have a choice, Second Daughter, is when they are weak or have been defeated. That is something the clan does not take lightly. The lesson one should take from being forced to climb a cliff is not that it is necessary. It is that it should not happen a second time. Even the greatest of the Kami may be foolish once. To be foolish a second time is unacceptable.” Sayo still felt the nervous tingling in her stomach from the word ‘wrong.’ It was kind of father to correct her in private. Had he been forced to do so in pubic she would have been shamed and he as well. It would have been a terrible offense. Her father was very kind. She bowed her head low, keeping her eyes closed. “I have seen my ignorance, Sire. I shall not be foolish in this way again.” “Good. See that you are not. Now come and sit with me, Second Daughter, and sing for me.” Sayo nodded and slowly climbed to her feet, moving to sit next to her Sire. He remained, still and motionless, eyes closed, returning to his meditation. Sayo waited a moment and then began to sing. A song she knew her father favored. A song telling of long ago days and men of great honor. She performed her duty as a Second Daughter and offered her father succor from the rigors of his meditation. ________________________________________________________________

The moon was bright in the night sky. The Master sat awaiting her. The Second Daughter was there but asleep, resting her head upon his lap. Tsukiko felt a small twinge of anger that she fought back. Instead she made her way through the trees and dropped down to the ground next to him. At once she dropped into a low bow, pressing her head against the ground, horns positioned so they would not scrape against the tile. She waited. Waited further. Waited still. Unmoving. Her back ached. Her limbs were sore from a long day’s travel. Yet she waited. Until, at last, he spoke. “Nameless Child, why does one climb a cliff?” Tsukiko’s answer was instant. “Because they have been ordered to, my Lord.” “Correct. Who orders the weak to climb?” “The strong, My Lord.” “Good. What are you, Nameless Child?” She began to count in her head. It was an important trick she had learned. It was the only way to keep herself polite in this situation. “I am a weak and worthless child, granted life and purpose only by your grace, My Lord.” Her tone was polite. She was smiling. She always smiled. “Good. Have you completed the task I gave you, Nameless Child of the Moon?” “Yes, My Lord. It has been delivered. The payment has been taken.” “Good. Leave me. You have my permission to sleep tonight.” Hating herself for it, Tsukiko felt a thrill of delight. Permission not merely to rest but sleep was rarely given. The night was her time, the time of the Moon, and it would not do to rest during such a valuable time. She kept her head low. “Thank you, My Lord.” And with that she was back into the trees, moving quickly, before his voice could reach her again, before he could take it back. She found a small grove and slipped into the blissful escape of dreams. At least, in this place, she was not a servant. If only for the span of a thought.

[yutikyis]

Prompt 20: Two Birds With One Stone

(Cut for potential discomfort)

“You are not allowed mistakes.” Eldest Teacher always made sure this was something she knew. Of course she was not allowed mistakes. It was plainly obvious. Sire had no room for those who made mistakes. If a mistake did not cost her life then it would certainly cost him honor. Tsukiko was sitting alone in the small room used for ‘discussions’ with the Eldest Teacher. The Eldest Teacher was, as far as Tsukiko knew, the oldest living servant in the household. Not merely the Eldest Teacher but the true Eldest. She certainly looked it. Her skin was wrinkled and lined, her eyes rheumy, one of her graceful white horns broken off. She stood before Tsukiko, studying her as the older woman spoke. “More however, you must be better than perfect. The Master has graced you with life. When he requires a task from you you must perform it not mere well but admirably. Do you know why?” This too was Sire’s teaching. This was not a new lesson. It was a reminder.  “Because I am a messenger, Eldest Teacher. My every action reflects back on my master, even if they do not know that he is the one speaking.” “Go on.” Why did she need Tsukiko to go on? She knew the answer. They both did. It was meaningless. Of course perhaps that was the lesson. This too was a message and a message that must be presented artfully. She was not merely being instructed. She was being shamed. Shown her place. Her limits. Her rules.  “Any Spoken can perform an action. The simplest of savages can cook meat over a fire. The most foolish of men can kill. If all Sire demanded was his food cooked or a man killed he could have it easily.” The Elder Teacher turned away from the kneeling Raen and walked over to the wall.  “Correct. So how did you fail?” That caught Tsukiko off guard. How had she failed? She hadn’t failed. She had done exactly as she’d been instructed. The message had been delivered flawlessly. She had left no trace. She would have known if she had.  “I... I do not understand, Eldest Teacher.?” The older woman turned towards her with a cold anger upon her face. Her broken horn somehow made her look fiercer and more dangerous. Tsukiko tensed at once, her ever sense warning her of danger. “Have you just been repeating those words back to me, Nameless Child of the Moon? Did you not *think* on them?” There was a whip in her voice and Tsukiko felt her heart drop. “But I complet-” was all she got out before the woman was upon her. Hand wrapped around her throat, squeezing so tightly that Tsukiko worried her neck might break from the force of it. Eldest Teacher was a Raen and thus slight of form. She was also horrifyingly strong. Stories said she could kill a tiger with her bare hands and Tsukiko believed them. “You did the *minimum* Tsukiko. You should know by now, Nameless Daughter of the Moon, that is the worst sin of all. Sire is gentle. He can forgive mistakes made through failures. You did not fail because you lacked ability. You failed because you did not try hard enough.” Tsukiko knew she was right. She had not wanted to deliver the message. She had been feeling rebellious. Yet she had done her mission and done it perfectly. So why was she being reprimanded? What had she missed? She tried to speak but the brutal grip around her throat choked off the words. “Whyyy,” was all she could get out. The Eldest Teacher lifted Tsukiko up, holding her aloft so her legs dangled in the air, before drawing her eye-to-eye. “The second child of Tsurugi was staying in that mansion. You know we have been seeking him for several cycles. You were in the room next to him and you. did. Nothing.” The anger in her voice was a palpable almost living thing. Ah. So that was it. This had been a chance to kill two birds with a single arrow. If she had done her full duty... not merely the letter but the spirit of her Master’s requests... then a great shame to her Sire’s house could have been eradicated. She should have investigated the entire mansion, known every guest, so that she could act perfectly, not merely satisfactorily.  Eldest Teacher stared at her for a long moment, watching as Tsukiko’s eyes began to flutter, her oxygen-deprived brain threatening to slip into darkness. Then she threw the Raen aside like so much trash. “The Tsurugi whelp had left his guarded house because he sought to lie with one of the handmaidens of the Kazarishi household. He was taking his pleasure of her. You had the perfect opportunity and your laziness ruined it. He has gone back to ground. The Kami only know when he’ll next pop his foolish head out.” Tsukiko felt a wave of frustration and anger. Tsurugi didn’t matter. He had offended Sire for the least of crimes. He’d attempted to wed one of Sire’s daughters without his consent. It had been a minor scandal but he was merely a smooth-talking status-seeking playboy. Yet of course it was her fault for not delivering her message.  The Eldest Teacher walked over towards her and knelt down, pressing her finger to Tsukiko’s forehead. There was almost pity in her eyes. “Sire, in his mercy, has chosen to forgive you. You will merely be punished.” Those eyes met hers. “You are forbidden for speaking for a week. You are forbidden to eat for three days. You are forbidden to drink for a day. You are forbidden from relieving yourself for a day. You are forbidden from moving for five bells.” Tsukiko’s heart skipped a beat at that last one. Oh no. No. No. She hadn’t... but then it hit her. The pain. Writhing black ink danced along her skin and she felt it like a hundred thousand needles lancing into her again and again and again. She fought the urge to move, the urge to scream, the urge to break her rules, because that would only make the pain worse. She closed her eyes and tried to force her mind to a quiet place. As the pain began to build she felt the soft lips of the Eldest Teacher press to her forehead... and then she was gone. She closed the door behind her. The torches extinguished, leaving Tsukiko alone in the dark. Pain. 

[yutikyis]

Honest Q&A: Round 6! Table

Hello all! It’s been a while since we were all together. I’m glad everyone was able to join our roundtable today. Hmm… looking over the questions submitted they seem to be… ahh, yes, this were all omitted from the previous questionnaires due to their… darker theme. Well, it seems my editor is looking to expand our readership. Very well, if anyone feels uncomfortable answering these VERY hypotheticals… feel free to pass.

First, a question for myself. Where have you all been? It’s been really hard to track you all down for another sit down lately.

Yuti:  “Ah... I’ve been b-busy w-with this and that.

Reri: “Same as I ever been. Huntin’ and screwin’. Ya ain’t seen me then ya either are blessed or cursed I guess.”

Rahya: “Um, same ol’, same ol’. I ain’t been that different. I been goin’ on walks with Grape an’ I found a nice pond! It’s got all kinda fishers in it an’ I saw a frogtoad once!”

Sayo: “My life has passed as normal. I have been exploring the land under the guard of Lord Vachir. I fear he is not overly excited about some of our exploration but he is kind about it.”

Tsukiko: “Ah, Lady Kususha. I am certain he is very kind about it. After all he is not a stupid man, nor a blind one. I have been waiting for new orders from my Master and aiding Kitakage in his missions.” Meichi’a: “Moi? I, of course, have been a shameless louse! Exploring the lands, drinking the finest wine, and just yesterday I spent a night with the most CHA-rming... ah and I’m getting glares again. Ahem. I’ve kept myself occupied.”

Alright, on to our… readers’ questions. <cough> Uh-hmm… let’s get this over with, shall we?

“If you had to kill one person you cared about to save the rest of the world, who would you pick?”

Yuti: “... P-probably myself? I k-know there are arguments to b-be made about t-the needs of the many a-and as a h-healer you n-need to decide these things but... I d-don’t think I could kill someone I c-cared about.”

Reri: “Haw! Like anyone’s surprised at that answer Snowflake. Me? Sure. It ain’t really a choice, is it? They’re gonna die if the world explodes or whatever. I’d just take whoever’s closest. Ain’t a big deal.”

Rahya: “Um... I... I ain’t... I ain’t gonna kill nobody, not even ta save the world. I’d keep on hopin’ an’ prayin’ that things’d work out. Aasifa’s got me belivin’ in luck so... I figure I’d just hold off an’ hope somethin’ good happens!

Sayo: “I... I suppose it would be my duty. I can not say I would... This is really a very unfair question. I... if I had to pick I suppose it would be Lord Vachir or perhaps Lord Benedict. Only because I believe the two of them would most willingly sacrifice themselves to save others! Not because I value them less!”

Tsukiko:  “If I was commanded to, of course. My highest priority is satisfying my Master and I can only imagine he would be... displeased.. if the world was destroyed due to inaction. One life is not worth more than many, especially weighed against the feelings of a mere servant.” Meichi’a: “I? I would sacrifice nobody. I have already sacrificed one person I cared about and the world is not worth more than that. Let it burn if it comes to that. Selfish perhaps but I never claimed to be anything but.”

“What is the worst thing you can imagine someone doing?”

Yuti: “Ah... t-that’s a difficult answer. I-if I had to say... it w-would be harming someone’s soul or mind. A b-body is a body a-and can be healed b-but to hurt their mind or their spirit i-is unacceptable.”

Reri: “Hah. Ya really want my answer ta this? Because I got some ideas. So, ya start with some fish hooks... now this works best if the bastard’s a guy... and ya start insertin... ya look kinda green there, fella. Ya want me to stop? Hah! Knew it.

Rahya: “Um... the worst thin’? I ain’t sure. I figure like... blowin’ up the whole world! Like in yer last question! That seems like the worst thin’ cuz everyone lives here, yah? So... where’d ya even live after ya do it? On rocks an’ stuff floatin’ around? Cuz... that seems awful inconvenient. How ya gonna make roads? I ain’t sure chocobirds can fly that far without gettin’ tired and seems kinda mean to ‘em.”

Sayo: “Ah. The worst thing I can imagine is someone shaming another. Shame is a terrible thing indeed. Many would rather endure pain and misery than face shame and dishonor... at least that is what Sire says.”

Tsukiko: “The worst thing one can do is take another. That... is all I can say.”

Meichi’a: “The worst thing one can do? To give up on life. I am afraid I must disagree with the charming silver-haired crumpet. No shame is too great, no pain is unendurable. To live is the greatest gift and to toss it away is far worse than any other. ”

“Do you think death is the worst fate there is?”

Yuti: “No. N-not at all. D-death is sad, true, but it isn’t the end of life, m-merely a transformation. T-to live in eternal a-agony or have your aether d-devoured o-or to be trapped for eternity... t-those all sound much worse.”

Reri: “Gettin’ creative there, Snowflake. I like it. Ya oughta go a bit further. Well, for once, me and the girl agree. Death ain’t so bad. Probably hurts a shiteload but I see things a lot worse than death. Ya don’t hear of folks prayin’ for the sweet relief of death for no reason, yeah?

Rahya: “I... no, it ain’t the worst thing. I’m sure hopin’ not. If’n I gotta be true... I figure death ain’t so bad for the folks who be dyin’. It’s worse for the folks who ain’t dead cuz they ain’t got the person they like ‘round much, yeah? I mean I ain’t wanna be dyin’... but I’m more scareda bein’ hurt awful bad an’ bein’ all alone...”

Sayo: “I must go with the consensus here I am afraid. Death is to be feared but it is not the worst one can imagine. The ancestors have after-lives of peace and comfort after a life of hard work. It does not sound like something to fear if you’ve lived a worthy live.”

Tsukiko:

“Death is certainly by no means the worst thing! Why, I can think of several things quite worse. Enslavement, torture, suffering... many of which some would consider death a release from!”

Meichi’a:

“Alas, once again I must disagree with these charming ladies. All this talk of afterlives and mortal suffering is fine and good, but a life is a life and death is a great mystery. Even if one should survive in some form, it isn’t *life.* No drinking, no dancing and most certainly no carnal nights spent in the comforting embrace of a lover. Life is the greatest gift we have.

“Would you rather know the date of your death or the cause of your death?”

Yuti: “A-ah... t-that’s tough. Probably the d-date. The c-cause might make me tempted to t-try to avoid it but if I know anything from stories t-that would make me c-cause it! P-plus if I knew the date I’d h-have time to set my affairs in order a-and make sure I’m not leaving anything undone..”

Reri: “Hells below Snowflake can’t you even die in an interestin’ way? I agree on the Date though... but not for the reasons ya think. If I know when I’m gonna die then I’m godsdamn sure I ain’t gonna die BEFORE that. Gives me more freedom ta do shite.”

Rahya: “Um... I figure I’d wanna know the date cuz... if I know I’m gonna die because a rock falls on my head or somethin’ then I’m gonna spend all day bein’ scareda rocks? An’ that doesn’t sound real fun. But if I know I’m gonna go poof then I can just not be afraida stuff until then, yeah? Cuz... Aasifa’s already like than an’ he seems happy.”

Sayo: “I must disagree. Knowing the date of one’s demise is... not what I would want. It feels... restrictive. The cause would be better I think. I do not fear the day I meet my ancestors but I do not want it lingering over my head.”

Tsukiko: “ Ah! But Mistress Kususha! What if you are told that you would tortured to death over a period of many days! That would hang over your head far worse! Or if you were told you would be blinded and starve to death on a desert island or...” Rahya: “Um could ya maybe please stop? I ain’t wantin’ ta hear alla that...”

Tsukiko: “Oh, a thousand pardons, Mistress Miqo’te. I meant to no offense, none at all! I certainly wasn’t *intending* to frighten you with your ignorance and shortsightedness.” Rahya: “Aw shucks, thank ya!” Tsukiko: “You are most welcome. Myself? I pick neither. I apologize if it does not answer your question but I do not wish to know the time nor the means of my death.”

Meichi’a: “I must agree with the ravishing raven-haired delight. Date or cause, it would hang over my head. Unless I was told that I would die from exhaustion after a night with several del- .. oh please don’t glare, my beret-bearing beauty! I was merely joking, merely joking!”

“If you were trapped on an island, would you rather resort to cannibalism or die of starvation?”

Yuti: “N-neither! I-if I was trapped on an island a-and had to r-resort to cannibalism, t-that would mean there are others there. W-we could work together to b-build a raft... t-then I can use conjury t-to help propel it a-and get off the island!”

Reri: “Ya ain’t stupid enough to think that’s the actual question, Snowflake.”

Yuti: “N-no! B-but... I mean...I s-suppose I w-would fish?”

Reri: “Still ain’t the question, Snowflake. Why don’t ya answer it?”

Yuti: “F-fine. I’d s-starve. It w-would f-feel... w-wrong...” Reri: “Knew it! Hah. Lookin’ Miss Prissy over here, thinkin’ she’s too good ta eat. Me? ‘course I’d do what it took to survive. Ain’t no difference between Miqo and Marlboro at the end of the day, ‘cept Miqo flesh probably ain’t gonna poison ya.”

Rahya: “I ain’t gonna do not cannyballism! Them things is big and explosive an’ madea metal! I couldn’t eat it even if I tried real real ha... what?”

Sayo: *whispers quietly*

Rahya: “WHAAA?! What kinda question is that?! I ain’t gonna eat nobody!!”

Sayo: “I must agree. To eat the flesh of a fellow Spoken is shameful and dishonorable. It would taint your bloodline and your legacy for generations. Starving is a kinder fate than that.”

Tsukiko: “It is true that such an act taints your bloodline. As I am already an *unworthy* servant of a tained line however it would not be shameful to eat the flesh of another... assuming they were already dead of course. Otherwise I would be honor-bound to offer myself first. Assuming one would like to eat *my* tainted flesh.

Meichi’a: “ Well, as much as I do enjoy eating a scrumptious beauty, it would not be in THAT way. I may consider life to be important but I am a gentleman first and foremost and there are some things a gentleman never does.”

“Would you rather have an arm hacked off or a leg?”

Yuti: “... I w-wish this wasn’t a question. A-ah... I m-mean... N-Nate seems to be doing okay... I g-guess... I d-don’t... A-arm? Yes.” Reri: “Easy. Arm. Ya can get by one one arm. It takes some work ta relearn to fight but ya can do it. Leg though? Shite, yer gonna be hobblin’ along. Lookit the Flames general. He ain’t havin’ a bad time.”

Rahya: “Um... I like havin’ arms. I can draw an’ move stuff.... an’ hug! I ain’t able ta hug nobody if I only got one arm... I mean I guess I kinda can but it’d be all.. *awkward one-armed hugging motions* so.. leg. Leg ain’t so bad. Plus ya could still ride on a chocobird or somethin’!”

Sayo: “I would choose to lose a leg. One can be far more productive with two functioning hands than two functioning legs. Honored Uncle has but a single leg and has little trouble getting by.”

Tsukiko: “I would choose an arm. My job is to go where my Master orders. It would be far more difficult to do with a single leg.”

Meichi’a: “Why, not even a question. The things you can do with two hands are FAR more fun. I make my coin from music and playing a harp with a single hand would be... well, not impossible but challenging! And as for dancing, I knew a gentleman in Limsa who could dance better than most two-legged gentleman with nary but a single flesh and single wooden limb! The sound of his peg-leg against the dance floor was a music all its own!”

“If you murdered someone, how would you get rid of the body?”

Yuti: “...I... t-that is... I w-wouldn’t...” Reri: “It’s a QUESTION Snowflake, not a confession a’ guilt.”

Yuti: “I am aware, Mother. Ugh. F-fine. I w-would... I m-mean... I s-suppose f-fire?”

Reri: “(In a whiny stuttering voice) I s-suppose f-fire. Aww, isn’t that cute. Fire ain’t bad but the best way ta hide a body is ta give it to the sea. Minimal fuss, hard as hell ta look for it, the fish do mosta the cleanin’ for you. You oughta weight it down so it ain’t washin’ up on shore or somethin’ but if ya wanna be smart about it ya lure ‘em onto a boat first. Less mess an’ trouble.” Rahya: I... i ain’t gonna murder nobody none but if I was gonna I ain’t gonna hide nuffin’ because I did a bad thin an’ I ain’t should be pretendin’ I ain’t.

Sayo: “I would never murder someone. Even in the unfortunate situation where I was forced to do so in self-defense, I would not deny my crime. I would be judged fairly by the administrators of the land so that no stain would come upon my family’s honor.”

Tsukiko: “Oh, MIstress Kususha. It is so very noble that you believe so firmly in the laws of the land and their fairness! You are a very fortunate woman indeed to never have had to hide a body by melting it into a easily washed away sludge using a careful mixture of alchemic and natural chemicals!”

Meichi’a: “... I am uncomfortable with that answer! Ah... me? I suppose I would bury it. I’m not really the murdering type but it at least feels respectful.”

“Would you rather hear the voices of dead people or see their ghosts?”

Yuti: “Ah... t-that’s tough. H-hear I suppose. T-that way I’d b-be able to help them i-if they needed it.”

Reri: “*snort* The last thing I need is some clingy dead folk cloggin’ up my hearing with moans and wails. I’d rather see the bastards. Maybe I can get some clue about what killed ‘em and if there’s danger about and I don’t gotta hear them whimperin’ and cryin’ because they were too stupid ta not get killed.” Rahya: “... I’d like ta hear folks ta be honest... be kinda nice. Like havin’ a buncha friends around. An’ if Aasifa... I mean... it’d be nice ta know I could still hear Aasifa, yah?”

Sayo: “Ah... to see, I suppose. The Kami and ancestors already speak in their own ways, but it would be... comforting to see my deceased family again. To see their smiles.”

Tsukiko: “Ah, what an unusual question. I would choose to hear. The words of the dead are wise more oft than not and not all of us are blessed enough to have worthy ancestors to whisper in our ears.”

Meichi’a: “I too would choose to hear. It is the least painful choice. To see a lost love and her smile and her beautiful eyes, knowing again I would never be able to hold her? That is a torture, my good sir, a torture. But to hear her voice, to speak to her again? That would be a blessing, if a small one.”

“If someone you loved committed a gruesome murder, would you help them cover it up?”

Yuti: “I-it would depend... I m-mean on why it happened.”

Reri: “Eh. Maybe. Depends on if it’s worth the trouble. Someone went an’ killed someone for no reason, nah. Ya can’t control yerself enough to not be stupid, I’m doin’ the world a favor lettin’ yer stupid arse get caught.” Rahya: “... I ain’t... n-no, prob’ly not I mean... I ain’t... gruesome is a real nasty word, it means all violent an’ bloody an’ stuff, right?”

Sayo: “No. Even if I loved them dearly, murder is a dishonorable act even if it isn’t violent and gruesome. They would need to stand judgement for their actions. If I was caught it would bring great shame to my family,”

Tsukiko: “If my Master commanded it.”

Meichi’a: “Absolutely. Love is love after all. Though I would dearly hope I do not fall in love with a serial killer. There is some spice in danger but ah... you’d have to be rather mad to be aroused by death.”

“Would you rather be kidnapped for six months and survive or die without any psychological damage?”

Yuti: “I w-would rather survive. I... I’ve h-had bad encounters before.”

Reri: “What the Hells ‘psychological damage’ mean anyway? Ya mean I’d be more fucked up after? Who the Hells cares. Survival is survial.” Rahya: “I’m kinda wonderin’ what psycho logic is too. I mean if yer logical then ya ain’t psycho right? It don’t make a lotta sense ta..”

Sayo: *whispering*

Rahya: “Oooooooh. Um... I ain’t... I mean... I ain’t wanna die but I ain’t wanna be hurt a bunch either... If I gotta pick one I guess I’d pick survivin’ so I ain’t... y’know.. dyin’.”

Sayo: “I would choose death. I do not know what would cause psychological damage but it would most likely involved great shame and leave me incapable of fulfilling my role as a second daughter. Death is the more honorable choice.”

Tsukiko: “I would survive, of course. I have no other choice.”

Meichi’a: “Survival, of course. Life is life and even the kindest days of life can damage our minds in some way or another. Why choose to die over something like that?”

“You can only save one… your worst enemy’s infant child, or your best friend’s true love. Who do you pick?”

Yuti: "I... w-would pick the child. N-no matter what, a child is n-not their parent. T-they are innocent and h-have their own life ahead of them.”

Reri: “Pfft. Easy. The kid. If yer too dumb ta avoid whatever danger is puttin’ a baby at risk, ya probably are gonna die when ya eat somethin’ poison cuz you thought it was candy. The kid ain’t trained enough ta stand on their own an’ frankly if it’s my worst enemy’s kid then they’ll probably grow up ta be a fun challenge.” Rahya: “Um... This is an awful weird question? I’m figurin’... um... I ain’t gonna let a baby die. I ain’t got no worst enemies but even if I did I ain’t gonna let a baby die. It ain’t right.”

Sayo: “... I... that is a difficult question. Sire would say that saving a respectable adult is more important unless the child is a Firstborn. I suppose that should be my answer...”

Tsukiko: “Why, whichever my master commanded. Truly it takes a cold individual to leave a child to a cruel and merciless fate but ah.. that may be what is ordered and I must obey.”

Meichi’a: “I am afraid I must say the true love. The child is innocent... but true love is the rarest thing of all. I would do my utmost to avenge the child but one who murders love is the cruelest beast of all.”

“Would you rather marry your most recent ex or spend five years in jail?”

Yuti: "T-that one is easy. My ex. S-she is a wonderful person. I-it would be by no m-means a bad fate.”

Reri: “Easy. Marry ‘em. Then I just ditch ‘em. Like what kinda question is this? Marriage ain’t important.” Rahya: “I ain’t really ever had an... ex-anythin’ so... um.. I guess imma get locked up.”

Sayo: “I have not had an ‘ex’ in any meaningful term... but it would depend on the circumstances. If it was marriage to someone my sire approved of then it would be my duty. If it was some sort of... tawdy kidnapping then I would choose imprisonment. I am certain Lord Vachir would come rescue me!”

Tsukiko: “*smile* Marriage, of course. Marriage is much easier to escape than prison.”

Meichi’a: “... Ah, what a question! How does one qualify an ex? The last woman I slept with? The last I took for a night on the town? I suppose she was rather charming but marriage? I’m not sure. It is a sacred bond and not easily broken. I suppose if I found love then yes. Otherwise.. well, jail it is!”

Thank you all for taking the time to answer these… ahem… questions. I appreciate your candor and I’m sure our readers do as well.  One last question of my own before we break. What’s next for you?

Yuti: "A-ah, I suppose I w-will continue my r-regular healing duties. I d-do have some e-exploration to do, m-maybe Lain will come along...”

Reri: “Same as ever. The four Fs. I hear there’s some kinda big arse monster bein’ spotted around recently, lookin’ forward ta tryin’ it out.” Rahya: “Um, I ain’t sure. Whatever happens ta me, I guess. i ain’t really plannin’...”

Sayo: “I intend to keep exploring Eorzea until I complete my mission.”

Tsukiko: “Whatever my Master commands. Until then, I suppose I will keep Kitakage out of trouble.”

Meichi’a: “Well, I saw this absolutely *beautiful* Elezen woman the other day, I am hoping perhaps to run into her again... ”

Tagged by: @peacekeeper-xiv

Tagging: @voidfirenate @anataerindottir @eyesseeingbeyondtheveil @onidephor @claihn Anyone else I missed!

[yutikyis]

Prompt #26: Not a Weapon

Tsukiko stood in the simple room, staring at the display on the wall. It was a display made of a hundred different weapons. Katanas and naginatas and kunai and foreign weapons of all shapes and sizes. It was an ostentatious display. These weapons never saw battle. They merely sat upon the wall and watched. If they had been people they would have been pets, not slaves.  She heard the Eldest Teacher’s footsteps behind her but did not turn around. “What do you watch, Moon Child?” came the expected question. She was not even allowed to stare at a wall without her thoughts being known. ”I was studying the weapons, Eldest Teacher.” ”And what did you discover of them?” ”... I am jealous of such weapons. They live in peace and comfort and are never drawn. As a weapon myself I could only dream of such a simple life” She had to be honest. Even if she didn’t want to. She had to be. ”That is because these are not weapons, Tsukiko, and neither are you.” The Teacher’s voice had the air to it that Tsukiko had come to associate with a lesson.  ”I do not understand,” she admitted, frustration in her voice. “We are weapons. Be it living or not!” She turned to face the Teacher, a hint of pride upon her face that she could not keep off. She met the older Raen’s eyes and did not look away. “A weapon has a singular purpose. It exists to kill and only to kill. What you do not understand is that makes a weapon of little value.” The elder woman’s tone was firm and confident, enough to make Tsukiko’s ire build. The younger woman just couldn’t keep the disbelief from her face. “Of little value? I have seen the ledgers for the Lord’s weapons. Several of them have enough value to buy a-” The slap across Tsukiko’s face silenced her and she froze, startled.  The Eldest Teacher’s voice had not changed even a little. “You do not listen. Those weapons are not true weapons. They do not exist to kill. They exist to be admired and as a tool of status. They exist to *not* be weapons. For if you took one into battle...” Tsukiko, her cheek still stinging, heart the frustration from her voice but could not force it away. “... it would kill!” She knew she was likely to suffer another strike for such impertinence but she didn’t care. This was an absurd statement.  The Eldest Teacher however did not strike her. She walked over towards the wall and drew one of the katana from the display. It was of a fine make with a silvery blade inlaid with gold. It shone in the firelight as she drew it from the sheath. “Moonchild, listen and listen well.” Tsukiko tensed. Her eyes lingered on the sword. Had she gone too far? Was she to be executed? It was her mistake. She had allowed her feelings to get the best of her. She did not want to die. Yet if the Eldest Teacher chose to strike her down there was little she could do to stop her. Even if she fought back and killed the Teacher, her death would be assured.  But maybe it would be worth it. If she was to die let her die of her own words and her own mind. Let her die breaking not one but three of the Lord’s weapons. It would be a death of no value and in that way a rebellion Yet she waited. “Look at this blade. You have studied swords. Tell me about it.” The teacher’s voice was firm and calm. Tsukiko did not take her gaze away from the sword as she spoke. “... It is a relic of many summers ago. Forged by a forgotten Doman swordsmith known only by the title Swallow. The blade is made of moonstone and gold. It glitters at night.” She continued to speak. “It has known neither blood nor battle. The blade shows no sign of maker’s repai-” “Yes. Good. You’ve come to the heart of it. This may look a weapon, Tsukiko, but it is not. It is art. It could be used as a weapon, just as one could kill with a knitting needle or a rock. Yet that is not its purpose and to use it as such would diminish it. The blade would chip and be stained. A talented eye would see that at once and it would lose value.” The Eldest Teacher met her charge’s eyes. “A weapon has no value Tsukiko for anything can be a weapon. It is the act of restraint that gives value. Not the act of death.” Tsukiko did her best to stay calm and consider the words. “But... I am trained as a weapon, Eldest Teacher,” she objected in a slow voice. “No, Tsukiko. You are not. You are of no value if you chip and break against armor. You may kill, child, but you are not to be used carelessly..” There was almost care in her voice. “You are as a hand, Tsukiko. You may lift, you may carry, you may offer softness or you may choke the life from your Master’s enemy. But one does not sacrifice a hand carelessly. A hand wields a weapon. A weapon can be easily replaced. A hand can not.” Tsukiko’s anger boiled up. “What is the difference, Eldest Teacher? A hand or a weapon? There is n-” but the teacher was upon her. Tsukiko had been prepared and *still* the elderly Raen was faster. She moved as if in a blur and then Tsukiko was pressed against the wall, the teacher’s arm against her throat. She raised the blade and brought it down, Tsukiko closing her eyes, expecting to feel the bite and pain and-- Crack

She opened her eyes and looked surprised. The teacher had raised the moonstone sword and brought it down against the stone wall next to her. The blade had broken in half, so brutal was the force, a mark left upon the stone wall “W-wh...” was all Tsukiko got out before the broken blade was shoved through her shoulder, pinning her to the wall with a gasp of pain. “LISTEN to me, girl. This is a lesson you must understand. You are no assassin.You are no disposable weapon. You are the master’s hand. You are his. This sword was mere object. You are not. You may be disposed of if it is necessary but you are no mere weapon. The Master demands of you more than a blade. He demands your obedience.” The Teacher’s voice was harsh and she pushed the broken blade in deeper, Tsukiko’s blood running from her injured shoulder. “You have value because of him. You have life because of him. You have worth because of him. This weapon...” the slightest twist of the blade brought a hiss from Tsukiko’s lips “... was worth a small fortune and I have destroyed it to make sure you understand. Master however will accept that cost as long as you understand this lesson.” There was a moment’s pause and then the Eldest Teacher drew the blade out. She carefully withdrew a cloth and began to clear the broken sword of Tsukiko’s blood. Tsukiko clamped her hand over her injured shoulder, willing the injury to slow, breathing heavily. After the broken blade was clean, the Eldest Teacher turned it around and offered it hilt-first to Tsukiko. “This weapon is no more. It has been reborn as Hangetsu. Keep it and remember that a weapon breaks. A weapon has no value except to the hand that wields it. You are the hand, not the weapon.” There was again that odd softness to the teacher’s voice as Tsukiko reached out and took the half-blade. “Now clear this mess. You have work to do. You may take one bell to recover. Do not be late.” Almost before she finished speaking Eldest Teacher had left the room. Tsukiko took a moment to carefully wrap first the broken blade and then her injured shoulder in cloth. Then she began to clean. 

[yutikyis]