i'll wait, so show me why you're strong

[ravagers]

[ Generally, people need time to cope and gather themselves after a... thing... like that. Unfortunately, that's not how Vanille sees it. Her thing is avoid, and once she gets out of that hellhole that's the courtroom, she makes her way to the supplies closet, then to the library. She spends some time setting up things, pushing things aside to make room. Once she's finished, and she's met up with the Party Brigade, she makes enough invitations for everyone. She slips them under everyone's doors, or hands them out if she sees someone walking around.



Inside the library, there are candles set up to provide some soft, comforting lighting. There are pots of tea, courtesy of Mercy, pancakes made by Viktor, and books (picked out by Estelle, of course) laid out on the surrounding tables. The others have provided their own touches, and Vanille's even managed to make something: sugar cookies, which are actually very good. They're flavored lightly with all sorts of flavors--not all in the same cookie, okay--and each plate is marked with whatever flavor she's put in them.

After a successful trial, it's healthy to indulge, right? Let's mingle. ]

Comments

[introspects]

Wow...you're considered to be a god... That's amazing, Hanyuu-san!

[ Technically her friends in the Soul Society are...gods...death gods. Still, she's amazed at Hanyuu's status, and claps her hands together once. ]

I'm sorry about not being able to communicate with anyone, though... Were they just unable to see you?

[oyashiromama]

[It's still so strange to her, that she says that and so many here treat it with an exciting twist. However, her eyes drop to the ground, and she stammers a little.]

M-mm... No, I...they couldn't hear me, or sense me either.

[introspects]

Ah. I see... The villagers didn't have spiritual awareness, then? That's how it is in my world, too.

[ There's something about that answer that sounds so...melancholy and sad. Orihime won't press the issue, but she can sense something's bothering Hanyuu. ]

[oyashiromama]

Yes, it... No one did, nothing I did would affect the living world at all.

...Are...you like Watanuki? [...give her a moment to clarify that-] He can talk with spirits, are you the same?

[introspects]

[ Ah...right. Watanuki had told Hanyuu about that. He'd mentioned it before. ]

Yes...we have the same ability. If...if I had been a villager, I would have kept you company.

[oyashiromama]

M- mm... [A very sad smile.] If...you would be able to... It's said I can't...make any contact with humans until... Until for eight generations, a girl is first born in the Furude family. It's...what I was so fervently waiting for back home.

[And from her tone, it doesn't seem like she thinks it'll happen soon.]

But...that would've been nice. A girl like you, to talk to...I would've liked it.

[introspects]

...Oh...Oh, Hanyuu-san...

[ Don't mind her, she's just going to come over and put a hand over hers to offer some form of comfort. It's all she can do, for now. ]

I'm sorry...you must have been lonely. But...I'm glad you're getting your chance now, even if--even if it's not the best of circumstances.

[oyashiromama]

[Ah... She's...very quiet, but:] I wish none of us had to experience this, but...

...it's the only reprieve I've had from my loneliness in one thousand years.

[So yeah. She's appreciating what little good she's got.]

[introspects]

...When we get out of here [ not if ], if you come to Karakura Town, I'll definitely keep you company.

[ She's almost sure Hanyuu's from Japan, so... ] There's a few of us who can see spirits, so you'll never be alone.

[oyashiromama]

[O-oh... Oh-]

I- I-I would have to...keep around Hinamizawa, mostly. A-as their...guardian deity.

[But she looks and sounds incredibly grateful, incredibly touched.]

[introspects]

Ah... I see. That's...very admirable of you, Hanyuu-san.

[ Despite herself, she's still staying true to her duties. That's really something, alright. Orihime's proud of her. ]

Maybe I'll visit you one day, then. I wouldn't mind taking a trip to the country side...!

[oyashiromama]

[...she wants to, sometimes, get up and run away. Just...leave. But...in honor of her family, of their memory...]

...It really is a lovely village.

[introspects]

[ This conversation definitely went in the right direction. ]

I'll be looking forward to it, then! Ooh, is there a place I can stay for a few days there? Maybe I can bring my friends, too...I'm sure they'd love to see the country side!

[oyashiromama]

Well...if you say you're honored guests of Oyashiro-sama, then I'm sure the village would put you up.

[...If they get out of here, would she be able to talk to people, or would she go right back to being a spirit? Nooope not gonna think about that-]

Ah- that's what they call me, the name they have for me.

[introspects]

Amazing...! Oyashiro-sama!

[ She thinks that's really cool! (little does she know) ] Would you rather me call you that, or Hanyuu-san?

[oyashiromama]

[hahaha-]

I actually vastly prefer Hanyuu. It was the nickname my late husband gave me.

[introspects]

[ Oh...that's...

Orihime frowns just a little bit but nods in understanding. ]

Okay. I'll remember that. I'm...sorry to hear about your husband....

[oyashiromama]

[She...gives a sad smile.]

It's alright. It happened...a very long time ago.

[introspects]

I'm...still sorry to hear about it.

[ Poor Hanyuu... She's really been through so much. ]

[oyashiromama]

[Orihime... She's such a good girl. Hanyuu pats her head, gently.]

Thank you. I...appreciate it.

[introspects]

[ Ah...that's such a nice gesture from her. She smiles a little. ]

I'm here for you if you ever need someone to talk to. Thank you for sharing that with me.

[oyashiromama]

That goes for you too, you know. If you need to talk about anything, I'll be here.