[12:09] Hidatsu couldn't help but to just nod at the infant holding kitsune besides them upon her last words, and specially after hearing all which was being said and shown before them by the market.

Their eyes however trailed over to Satsuki's hand, something they have witnessed - even if briefly - before, and from the very little Satsuki spoke of it, they could havean idea of what that actually meant. The energy and the looks from her limb were far too familiar to be missed or mistaken, but the doctor wouldn't be saying anything specifically on those regards; not out here.

Though that which they were dealing with on the most surfacing subjects were politics, Hidatsu had their own opinions on the Desetian situation, but the lieutenant have decided themselves into actually not messing with politics to that extent. It was just easier like that, in some regards.

"Mm, I'm going to keep the Green Squad reinforcing the patrols between here and the Stone Stairway to Deseti, Sultanna. If the desert folk wants to come, it should be...Ah, less worse to be doing so with the patrols." a brief nod was offered to the leaving blonde woman, and with a simple tap on Yuki's shoulder, Hidatsu motioned with their head, approaching Satsuki instead with their own lowered steps.

"We haven't talked much ever since, Lady Shimasu." they said, placing both hands inside of their own kimono sleeves and offering the Chancellor a bowing; it was rare for Hidatsu to bow like this, and even now it actually looked like a brief and a sloppy attempt of doing it, but the intention was there.

"Mm, can we help you carrying the...Shoppingness inside the Shrine? By we I mean I, and Yuki coming along too, she actually wanted to talk to you and about something, and...We can always do it while helping, yes?"
(Hidatsu Tougou)
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[12:13] Salthiel frowned as her gaze briefly fell upon Satsuki's hand. She pursed her lips as a momentary burtst of coldness overcame the area. However, still, she remained silent.
(Saomi)
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[12:15] The Kitsune watched Harlow as she left, and then seemed to... space out just a bit, staring blankly at absolutely nothing for an uncomfortably long period of time. It was akin to behavior in people that didn't sleep enough, but Satsuki was getting the same (lack of) sleep as always. No, there was something wrong there, and the only thing that snapped her back to attention was Hidatsu's question.

Satsuki blinked and shook her head quickly, forcing herself back into reality. As soon as she did, she gave an apologetic bow to the merchant she accidentally frightened the daylights out of, and then turned to face the group that had gathered around her.

"Ah, the... shrine- yes. Come along, if you wish, all of you," she rambled off in one nearly slurred statement that sounded just a bit too much like one long word than an actual sentence. "...Yes, let us... speak, hm?"
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[12:21] Holding a squirming Kitsune infant in her arms still, the little creature would be offered an egg-shaped toy that rattled and glowed with the pulse of runes. Now thoroughly distracted with said toy, the entranced child fiddles with it and settles down.

"Ah-- Yes, as Hidatsu said, we want to help you. Our desire to aid is a bit different though."

While that's said, blue eyes stare from behind the mask, watching the other Kitsune with a wide gaze. Every detail, from how she snapped to attention, to how she reacted after doing so gave hints, little things.

"But yes! The shrine."
(Miyukiko Guren)
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[12:23] Saomi says, "Please take a seat."
[12:24] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Actually... this way."
[12:24] Miyukiko Guren says, "Oh, I've never been in here."
[12:29] After some deliberation, the Chancellor led her merry band of students and associates to the back room of the Illuminated shrine. It was a moer intimate location, better-suited for small and important gatherings. There were no attendants flitting and bustling about to and fro, no non-magi citizenry seated at the table enjoying tea or the vast library of the Illuminated.

There was only the four adherents of the Faith, Hidatsu's daemon, and a tranquil room that almost seemed like it could be someone's house. There was space to work, space to converse, a proper kitchen better than those seen in most houses... oh, and an odd bit of technology that whirred quietly at all times, positioned in the center of the room.

But never mind that. With her right hand - the good one - she gestured toward the nearby tea table, giving a weak little smile to the group. "By all means, take a seat, all of you. Miyukiko Guren, HidatsuTougou... what can I do for you today?"
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[12:37] Hidatsu did as they normally and absolutely expectedly did as they walked in the shrine, a second workplace for them other than the clinic and the Fourfold Barracks. As a member of the Order, that place was no stranger for them, but to enter it always had the strange change of atmosphere from the outside. As if the place was calmer, in some senses, or perhaps just a little more on the sacred side of things, an actual shrine.

Removing their matte black shoes to walk inside, Hidatsu guided over Yuki to the back along Satsuki, while carrying and holding some of the groceries and sorties bought by Satsuki in the market; they truly intended on helping.

"Mm, it's basically a visit, first and more importantly so." they answered, looking over the room for a moment and walking towards the cabinets, where they placed over most of the paper bags for Satsuki to handle later if she'd so want. "And as your doctors, we wanted to see how you're doing, Lady Shimasu. Ever since the expedition the three of us had some...Ah, bad times, mm. But...We can talk about it later if you want to."

Moving over to the tea table, Hidatsu gestured to Yuki as if silently asking if she wanted them to hold the child instead. Hidatsu was very well a relative by proxy of the small kitsune in the end.

However, they quickly offered Satsuki a playful smile, closing their eyes and just adjusting that very white kimono which she would know quite deeply by now.

"You already have so many people approaching you because they need or want something, maybe we can start the afternoon just by talking over tea like actual friends, yes?"
(Hidatsu Tougou)
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[12:48] Following Hidatsu's mannerisms, she too removes her wooden sandals and follows after the group. Remaining quiet as they step into the backroom, she idly comments about never being in this part, before turning to stare at Satsuki again. It's hard to read her expression, what with the mask, but the woman eventually uses a hand to pull the painted face away.

The chubby cherub in her arms, with little hands reaching out, is then given said mask to wear proudly. It's far too big for them, and makes for a silly scene. Perhaps it might lighten the mood.

"Like Hidatsu said, we're here to check up on you..." There was a pause, her gaze falling on the other doctor with a perplexed look. Normally the snowy vixen liked to come out and say just what it is that she was here for, or desired-- However, at the mention of talking of the Chancellor's possible problem later, she the topic is dropped.

Stepping over to the table, the woman sets herself atop a cushion and rests the masked baby atop her lap. While trying to remain silent about the subject, those blue eyes constantly glance to the Chancellors hand.

"...Yes, you really do help a lot of people. Perhaps, for a good change of pace, we can help you?"
(Miyukiko Guren)
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[12:55] The girl moved for the kitchen better than most households.

And with slender fingers, she gently poured a few tablespoon of sencha into a kyusu. Ah, she gasped and covered her lips, realizing she already had hot water ready. With that, she started to brew green tea, standing there whilst allowing the others to discuss.

Though, her ears remained open.
(Saomi)
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[12:58] Satsuki Shimasu was one perceptive little fox. Feeling the stares, her tainted left hand sunk further into her pocket if it were at all possible. "By the way... congratulations," she muttered, giving a tiny but no less genuine smile to Miyukiko. The world had gotten itself in a hurry while Satsuki wasn't paying attention, it would seem. There was oh so much to catch up on.

And, though she wouldn't say it, she was quite glad that it was a Kitsune. She was more quiet about it these days, but there was still no hiding her favoritism toward Jiuweihu's chosen race. "It is... all I am approached for, Hidatsu Tougou," the Chancellor responded, eyes not leaving the baby for a few moments longer. "There is a reason I called myself Huangzhou's janitor."

A small nod and mumble of thanks was given to Salthiel as she set to work on preparing tea; Satsuki had intended to do so herself, but she wouldn't complain. She only stepped forward, crossing the floor silently and sitting opposite Miyukiko.

"There is... nothing to check up on, however. I am fine," she said. She was lying, of course. Everyone in the room saw her hand earlier. People didn't often wear funeral black when they were 'fine,' and Hidatsu was actually there to witness the beginnings of a breakdown she never quite came back from.

No, Satsuki Shimasu was not fine.

"...And so," she continued on, almost in a rush to change the topic, "...How is everyone?"
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[13:06] Hidatsu nodded all along, picking that small hand puppet from their clothes and wearing it over a hand again; it was a small kitsune, where their fingers were being used to move it's arms and mouth, and just casually and shortly they approached the hand over to play with the masked baby.

Though their attention were certainly being granted to the adults in the room.

"Mm, I know how it feels. I'm only ever approached when someone is missing an arm or an eye. Or both, the arm and the eye. Some of them are even rude when we don't have the proper supplies to take care of them." they said quietly, not in the tone of a complaint, but actually a comment. They seemed to have grown used to it. "I could count on the fingers of a single hand how many people come to me just to talk, and I'd still have enough free fingers to play the Kitsu Katsu Kotsi."

With a silly gesture they moved the hand puppet that likely looked like a piece of cloth with a makeshift wig and ears and waved it's small hand over to Satsuki. It was being used to play with the baby and nothing else.

"Other than that it's just as you saw outside...If you caught up with that younger one along the Sultana. Those are the days!~" with a brief snickering they added, but soon enough a hand of their own moved, parting their hair a little and bringing some of it from over the eyes. "Mm, though...We might be a little more of help than to just check up on you, Lady Shimasu. Doctor Guren is very experienced with the inscriptions and the diagrams of runes, similar to the...To the ones you use."

They said meaning obviously the source of that blackened arm of Satsuki's, or at least what they assumed it was considering their own moments together during the expedition and the professional meetings they had every now and then.

"-So maybe other than just sharing some tea and a few silly words, this time we can say we approached you to do something for you instead of asking, mm?"
(Hidatsu Tougou)
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[13:20] Fussing some, the child seems to be a bit unhappy about being so low to the floor. She sympathized with that...The whining creature would be elevated some, the mask pulled from it's tiny face. Immediately, those over sized ears wiggled and listened as big blue eyes look around. It was just as painfully blonde as Hayashi, with big curls and a face to make even the meanest of Necromancers coo. "Ah-- Thank you Miss Satsuki. They're clever, as they ought to be, always escaping their crib or hiding their toys."

Giving a nod, the fussing creature would immediately gravitate to the puppet Hidatsu pulled out, tiny hands grabbing for it as giggles and drool escape it's mouth. "..Ah, that feeling is...Difficult. I can understand it too-- too many feuds I'd had to moderate, advice asked, enchanting demanded." There was a long pause, her hand reaching up to stroke the child's head. "...But my voice is never heard."

Thoughts go back to Shen, to Astaria and that whole stupid issue. While outwardly her face did not express it, there is a certain twinge of sadness that courses through those words. "Truth be told, I had wanted to visit with you many times, seeing as we're like minded in more than one regard-- But, you always seem so busy." There was another long pause, nails tapping lightly on the table. It garners the golden haired child's attention for a moment, but they're quickly back to giggling.

Turning her attention back to Satsuki now, a warm smile graces her face, directing an affectionate gaze in the Chancellor's direction. "But, as Hidatsu said. Today, I've come with the desire to help you. I had wanted to speak with you about it since I first heard about...IT all. But I could never seem to grab you at the right moment."
(Miyukiko Guren)
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[13:24] The aroma exuded while she brewed could easily be distinguished as sencha, a tea famed for its scent and taste both in Jianghu and Izhura.

One might wonder why she remained, as if focused entirely on the brewing tea. This, because, she needed to control the water’s temperature with ice magic, making sure it was not too hot. For she did not want to serve a bitter tea, no?

She then smiled to herself in satisfaction, before covering the kyusu with a lid, allowing it to sit for a minute. While waiting for it, she immediately walked around the tea table with soft steps, setting down a teacup for each of the individuals present excluding herself.

Returning so quietly to the kitchen, as if not wanting to disturb the discussion, she finally took the kyusu with her.

Thus, she moved back to the table and poured only a little into each of the cups alternately. That way, the rich taste of the tea would be distributed evenly.


And with that, she sat comfortably upon one of the pillow seats, waiting until someone needed more serving.
(Saomi)
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[13:41] Satsuki shook her head back and forth slowly. She sympathized all too well with Hidatsu's complaints. When a person becomes skilled enough at something, it's all too easy for them to just become a tool for society. Head Doctor? Better get to attaching those limbs. Master runescribe? Better get to enchanting those weapons. Chancellor? Better get to interrogating those prisoners and purging that occult. It was all good work, yes, but Satsuki had come to hate it all.

The "Sultana of Nothing," as she called Harlow, trying to bark orders at her was the final straw for the already-frustrated Kitsune, and actively being afflicted by whatever the issue with her left hand was truly wasn't helping matters.

Regardless, she distracted herself by watching Hidatsu play with the baby for awhile, and in this rare moment of absolute tranquility, the Kitsune smiled again. It was rare to find true joy in things these days. Her next distraction came in the form of Salthiel serving the tea; taking hold of her cup immediately and giving a genuinely appreciative smile and nod to the boy- er- girl. She... really did need to find out what happened there. But that, perhaps, was an issue for another time.

It was clear that her right hand wasn't the dominant one. She could still wrap her fingers around the teacup just fine, but there seemed to be just a little bit less finesse to the gesture than she would typically put into it.

"You... want to do something for me," she said finally, breaking her longstanding silence. "You want to help me," she continued. "But my, for the life of me... what could you possibly help me with?"

The issue was glaring, but she didn't seem keen to speak of it. Suffering in silence was more or less the Mei Shimasu way, and being so busy with work - or so busy secluding herself from the myriad voices that screeched for her to solve their problems - had done well enough to distract herself from it up to this point.

Hand? What hand? Out of sight, out of mind, right?
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[13:52] Hidatsu continued for a few moments to play with the baby using that hand puppet that was likely crafted by themselves, trying to grab and hold the tiny kitsune's hand's with the puppet's own, but only to move away before they could, and repeat the process again while shaking the head in a funny movement.

Still, as soon as the tea have been served, they removed the puppet for a moment, just so they could pay the proper attention and respects over to Salthiel and the drinks, dipping their head towards it in the best of their own good manners.

"Thank you," they said on a lower tone of their voice as they reached out for the tea, using a lower voice to not get over the conversation, but quickly enough turning over and again for Satsuki and Yuki. "That's right, Lady Shimasu! You've helped us and everyone else basically...Ah, everyday and one more, if we can, you deserve some of it as well."

With a brief nod they added, and finally, they lowered the eye down to Satsuki's hand, but the gesture and the glance itself was brief enough to barely be noticeable as their eyes met hers once more.

"We wanted to help you with...Your condition. So to speak, mm? I've seen it happening at the Lost Swamp, and at the Inn, Lady Shimsau; your...Well. Your hand. We could start by knowing what is happening and how it is happening, if you'd want to."

It was true, the issue was alarming even if Satsuki didn't want to get on the subject. As her friend and also bearing the responsibility of being her medic, Hidatsu had to press, even if a little, so they could possibly see the prospect of aiding the kitsune in the end. No one should be suffering in silence like that.
(Hidatsu Tougou)
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[14:04] While the puppet continued to keep the tiny tot distracted, it eventually came to an end-- And with it, a very upset infant. Lowered ears and a pouty face were all the warning Yuki needed, once more shaking that egg-shaped toy to catch the favor of the golden Kitsune. Thrilled to once more have entertainment, the tiny creature busied themselves with shaking and rolling it around. The runes would glitter and shine, likely adding to the attraction the girl found in it.

A sneaky trick to keep them occupied.

Glancing to Salthiel, a smile is given to them, coupled with a nod and a mouthed 'Thank you'. Fascinated with the smell of tea, the babbling baby tries to reach at the table to get a better look. With another well placed shake of the toy, the tot was once against distracted by magical glitter. Once done, Yuki then looks to the Chancellor with a frown.

"Yes, your hand resembles something of what Kim's condition looked like. Occultic taint...Right?" Memories flicker back to both procedures, to the pain she'd put both Hidatsu and Kim through. Guilt burned in her chest, making the Kitsune fuss nervously.

"Ignoring it will...Make things worse in the long run, I promise you. I've found a way to help cure them both so-- I'm sure, we can find a way to help you. I can't imagine it's easy to deal with, not at all.."

If it was anything like Kim's condition, it was likely staggering.
(Miyukiko Guren)
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[14:07] The girl quietly pursed her lips as the Shimasu inquired as to what possibly might be able to help her.

However, though she felt hopelessness by the seemingly murky context of the question, she convinced herself by rationalizing the question itself.

As she pondered to herself, she tilted her head and glanced to Hidatsu, nodding slowly before offering the Guren a light smile.

Her attention then turned to her master, curious as to what she might have to say.
(Saomi)
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[14:42] Well, they had addressed it, and at that point there was no dancing around it. She took a very long sip of her tea, deliberating with herself how to best explain it, and, more importantly...

How to apologize.

Setting the teacup down, she inhaled terribly slowly, similarly to how she instructed Salthiel to meditate. And, closing her eyes, she exhaled. It was a sad little noise, but theatrical too. She was stalling - but stalling could only go on for so long.

"...I... owe you an apology, Miyukiko Guren. I have... committed a grave mistake, no, a... a sin," she began, taking frequent pauses as she continued mumbling somewhat sheepishly. "It... is not fair to you, not fair to Hayashi, who I... intended to be my student."

She rose her left arm, pulling up her sleeve and reaching into her hair for a pin to fix it all in place. Not just her hand, but her entire arm was visibly blackened. Occultic taint was putting it lightly; the typically deep blue nine-tailed fox tattoo was a sickening, pulsating black, and as the mana visibly flowed through it, it seemed to eat away and corrupt the adjacent flesh. An already thin, sickly arm looked like it was about ready to rot off - an apt equivalent was that it looked almost like the arm of a mummified corpse.

"Sunyata... hinges on my tattoo," she began to explain. "The power is my own, yes, but... it is possible because of this tattoo." She pointed to a few visible runic markings along the length of the tattoo with her right hand, and ended on the far more obvious runic sigils on her palm. "It was made from a special kind of ink, from a... parasitic flower. The flower consumed and released mana, and its ink is... very similar. When Ikkaku Ukitake purged his occult, it was done with... proper runic circles, and all was well. When I, myself, am the... wielder of those circles..."

She fussed about with the empty teacup for a moment, taking a sip of absolutely nothing if only for an excuse to take a break. It was a purely scientific explanation of her ability, sure, but she couldn't help but feel rightfully guilty at hiding the greatest drawback of this technique.

"...The occult must go somewhere," she said quickly, breathlessly. "The tattoo... stores it - like a parasite, it absorbs it. And... it releases it, in time. Over the course of... a few days, typically. It is uncomfortable, but not harmful as long as itis... given time."

But why oh why was this affliction still lingering? Satsuki's gaze trailed to Hidatsu, staring at him with what may have been the saddest eyes the oft-emotionless Chancellor could muster. He was there for it. He knew exactly what she did, and he already probably had a few good guesses.

"We... went on an expedition recently. I will not... bore you with the details, but... I took Hidatsu Tougou and Kim Yugao to the ruins of Gao Deryu, I... wanted to see where all of our families... started, as it were- a tavern that once stood there fifty years ago. You see, I... began my studies because of my grandmother, who... went mad with the occult and... presumably died, but... well."

Her breath hitched mid-sentence, and she opted to cut herself short. A weak gesture was given toward Hidatsu with her now-exposed left arm, urging him to explain in her stead. It was, understandably, a difficult subject for her.
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[15:01] Listening quietly, Yuki's eyes widen at the sight of the Chancellor's arm. Immediately, as if on instinct, the babbling baby is gripped and held close. For a moment, she stares past Satsuki to stare off into a distant nightmare, the child squirming unhappily against their mother's form. Blinking again, the Kitsune snaps to attention and slowly releases her hold.

Shakily, the golden haired infant is set in Hidatsu's lap, no doubt in capable hands that can handle her. Standing up, Yuki then steps around the table to stand beside Satsuki, a hand hesitantly reaching up to motion around it some. All sorts of senses went off, her arm was...Rotting.

"So, you take on their corruption yourself and just...Suffer in silence? Miss Satsuki-- That's so unfair to ask of you. It's wrong.." Had Yuki known? Had she any idea of any of that?

Well, what would she have done?

Pulling back her hands, the woman restlessly wrings her hands. How could this be fixed? How could she take the taint and fix this? The mana was afflicting her, rotting away her LIMB! There had to be a way to absorb it-- For a moment, inspiration crossed those pools of deep blue.

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, to allow the Kitsune a moment to rest her voice, she herself spoke with a soft tone; "...Please, finish your story..? It matters not about apologies and guilty feelings, what DOES matter is how this happened, and how we're going to fix it. In order to do that, though, I need to understand how it happened."

Another moment passes.

"Please?" Extending a hand out, it seems she means for the other Kitsune to lift their good hand to hold it, if that would help them feelbetter. "What you're leading to sound like you tried to absorb too much Occultism, too much corrupted mana...Is that right? Is that what happened?"
(Miyukiko Guren)
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[15:04] The girl poured more tea to Satsuki’s cup, filling it only half full as she averted her gaze away from the seemingly mummified arm.

She attempted to remain calm and appear serene, inhaling slowly as if to meditate before withdrawing the kyusu. The wrath that she so managed and trained hard to control seemed to ebb off her though she remained silent, bowing her head low as she tried to cast angry thoughts away.

Hey, Chancellor, take my occultism away. Hey, Chancellor, stop being so heartless. I’m suffering, so you must take my occultism away.

Laying the kyusu down, she placed both hands atop her lap, before gripping her fists so tight her nails bit through her palm; drawing blood. Swiftly, however, instead of hiding a superficial wound, she quickly wiped a tear off her cheek.

Thereafter, after Miyukiko spoke, she squinted a glare to Satsuki; eyes indicating- no, she was demanding for an answer, for her to continue. Indeed, like what the Guren said, it was unfair for her to remain suffering in silence.
(Saomi)
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[15:13] "My grandmother was still alive," Satsuki murmured with obvious difficulty, setting her afflicted arm down onto the table. It was already immediately apparent that this was something a simple medical procedure couldn't fix. Regardless, she was still Satsuki. Her eyes didn't miss a thing - and just like that, her right hand reached into her pocket for another handkerchief, white as snow, with a rose embroidered in the corner.

Just like before, it was offered to Salthiel... Saomi? Regardless, the handkerchief was offered to her gender-confused student. Evidently, she noticed the blood.

"Lost in an illusion of a scene from over fifty years ago, repeating on loop. She was... happy, but... I remember the letter that she left behind all those years ago when she ran off. I never... saw it, but I was told its contents, and..."

What was already terribly slow, halting speech screeched to a complete and total stop as the Chancellor bit her lip. She took this moment to attempt to offer a reassuring smile to her student - remain calm, all is well, leave your wrath behind.

"I..." she began anew, but it was a false start. Her gaze fell to her arm again, and if only to do something other than continue the story, she unpinned her sleeve and covered the affliction up again. "I... had to. I had to do it. I had to send her... home," the Kitsune said, voice becoming little more than a feeble squeak at the end. "We... broke the illusion, she... attacked, I- I subdued her, and..."

She didn't finish the tale, but the slight shift of her left arm told the end well enough: she purged her grandmother's occult. Given there was no elderly Kitsune accompanying Satsuki as she walked around town on her daily business, it was a safe bet that the darkness was the only thing which kept her alive at that point.

"...It was what she wanted anyway," Satsuki muttered under her breath, quickly bringing the refilled teacup to her lips and downing it all. "But yes. You are right. That is... more or less what happened. I am sure that it will be... released, expelled as always, but..."

Satsuki shook her head back and forth, slowly and mechanically. She had never taken in that much tainted mana before. It was anyone's guess how long it would linger, or if indeed it would ever go away. She could wait and see, or...

"...But perhaps this could be a learning experience, perhaps I could... overcome Sunyata's greatest flaw, hm?"
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[15:36] Listening silently, taking in the information and processing it slowly, Yuki began the process of dividing up information and putting it into sections that her brain could come to understand.

One idea still continued to stand out among them all.

"I see, so you...Saved her? You risked your own well being to se her free...?" The Chancellor was too giving, to open to help others. It was the kind of thing Yuki had to force herself to grow out of, less that feeling consume her; Guilt.

There were always more people that needed help, more souls in need of guidance-- Yet, so many refused themselves to aid another. Shutting both eyes, letting Satsuki rest a moment from the story she had told, the younger Kitsune silently contemplated. IT took a moment, but then her eyes open and a smile crosses those painted lips again.

"What you went through Satsuki? I am so sorry that it happened, that you were put through that. You're a kind soul, kinder than most people in Huang. Sunyata and you both are struggling to contain this Occultism, to...Cleanse it, so to speak." Leaning forwards, Yuki's big ears wiggle as a sparkle of excitement glitters in those eyes.

"But, I've got an idea on how we can help you with this and-- Maybe even the limitations of your powers?" Looking to Satsuki's student, an feeling of understand wretches at her heart; This was unfair for Satsuki to have to deal with.

Digging through her sleeves, rooting around for SOMETHING, a small bundle of folded cloth is pulled out and set atop the table. "We're going to make a device, or perhaps...An organism akin to your flower that can absorb mana-- No matter the type." Comforting people was not Yuki's strong suit, knowing how to make them feel better was...A struggle. The woman struggled with emotions.

She would, however, provide solutions.

"Originally, I was going to start working on some kind of device to replace the gems on Neries, but still allow them to Siphon mana for fighting-- However...This is a more pressing matter." Unfolding the fabric, the iridescent gem of a Neries sits atop it in all it's glory. "I had a friend who kept one, and if we can figure out how it works? We could very well Siphon some of that corrupted mana out of you-- Maybe enough to help you recover? Maybe even find a permanent solution?"
(Miyukiko Guren)
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[15:44] There was only a saddened expression as the Shimasu tried to reassure her with a smile, before she resumed her tale. In response, she only averted her gaze, as if she believed such reassurance was only but a lie. Was it all well? She did not know. Not to mention that those who contain the blood of Usiel has a hard time overcoming their wrath and pride.

The handkerchief, what was then so pristine and white, was dirtied with Saomi’s blood. However, she pushed it so hard to feel a stinging, self-inflicted pain, as if it could alleviate the sorrow, that she felt for her master bored in her heart.

She then glanced to the Guren, reassured with hope that something might be able to help.

Though it wasn't her place to speak, a soft, delicate voice escaped her lips.

"The origin of the problem. The plant. Tell me where it is, and I will find it. Most of the time, the root of the problem helps and guides one to find the answer. Maybe- just, maybe it will help," she said.

It was a suggestion, but she felt the need to do something, to at least assist her master ease her sufferings. She may be a Luminate, but she's a capable magi as well.
(Saomi)
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[15:54] For the most of the time Hidatsu remained silent, allowing Satsuki to explain most of the expedition situation and Yuki to have her questions; they would only add confusion and cluster the conversation if they had added something prior.

However, the subject came to board a field of their better understanding, to an extent. Hidatsu was a doctor, and that normally required some degree of creative thinking and wondering some things, which was exactly what went through their head that moment, from Satsuki's explanation to Yuki's own suggestion.

"The gem of the Neries is known to be a very strong conductor of mana and the source of their own siphoning, there could be two things we could do with that in mind." the only dark haired in the room said, lifting a hand and motioning with both fingers, making a 'two' with those. "One; we could learn how the gem works and use it to remove some of this occult you have in your arm, Lady Shimasu, relieving and cleansing your weight...Transferring the load over to the gem, and from there, somewhere else."

They said lowering a finger, and eventually keeping just the index one up as they continued speaking. Naturally enough Hidatsu wasn't experienced in runes whatsoever, and all of that was just evidently a form of brainstorming which more often than not ended up with a good basis for most of the suggestions, but no deep knowledge and experience in these matters.

"-Or we could go a little deeper on the matter, and learn exactly how and why the gem makes it possible to turn mana into something else. And then, from there, theoretically speaking...A powerful enough inscription or diagram from Yukio's rune working could emulate the effects of the Neries gem, turning all of this occult mana in your arm into something else, something less...Uh, damaging."

With a brief shrug and a light toned smile they continued, proving yet again that it was hard to keep Hidatsu's mood down by any means, even after hearing of the expedition where they went and that was actually a greater reason for their overall change, if anyone could notice.

"It's an idea, but we'd need to learn exactly how the gem does that, first. And then, if it's possible to replicate the 'how' into a rune."
(Hidatsu Tougou)
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[15:59] Satsuki, too, struggled with emotions in most cases. It was abundantly clear that empathy was not a strong suit, as every other person at the table witnessed just recently in the Chancellor's dealing with Harlow. She was glad to hear solutions. Comforting words likely would have done little; the Chancellor was a woman of action. Of science. Of progress.

Projects made her happy. Advancements made her happy. That was the right way to cheer her up. She had ideas, too, and as Miyukiko spoke of her own plans, the gloomy Chancellor's eyes briefly lit up. Another new project. Good. Great. Excellent. Even if it didn't fix her, it'd be a worthy distraction.

And so, eyes on the Neries gem, she ventured: "...Filtration. Better filtration. What do you think?" she asked, looking up at Miyukiko. "The ink filters mana naturally, but... if I had better control of it..." It was only the beginning of a thought. It could hardly be called a concrete plan or even a research project yet. It was just a frantic musing, but she didn't quite know how to keep the idea going.

Her eyes fell on her student, then, focusing briefly on the now-blooded handkerchief. This was beginning to become a running theme; she'd have to stay stocked up on them. Embroidery was something of a hobby, anyway. It would help pass the time.

"I... found it deep in the Maplegrove, though I... have been averse to telling people this, so that I might have some... control over who can use Sunyata and who cannot. It was a grand system of parasitic flowers killing all the flora and fauna in a part of the area. We solved the issue, and... thankfully, we were able to turn those flowers into something productive."

Something productive which, as it turns out, was also slowly killing the Kitsune that thought it would be a good idea to tattoo her skin with magical, parasitic ink.

Her stare snapped to Hidatsu, then, as she listened with interest as to what the Head Doctor of Huangzhou had to say. All at once, she came to life again - however slightly. Her tail began to swish back and forth at a snail's pace, like a metronome, and her eyes were so alive, more alive than ever.

Another project indeed, and she was already so excited by the prospect.

"Sunyata was initially inspired by how Qilin take in mana. I... studied it with Moriya, and tried to replicate it in my own way, as best I could. Neries are..." she trailed off, gaze wandering to the gem on the table again, "Able to absorb and consume mana with no ill effects. If Sunyata began as my attempts to emulate Qilin physiology, perhaps... improving it involves..." she went silent again for a moment. She couldn't believe she was about to say this.

"...Perhaps it involves learning now Neries work, and... learning how to harness that to my advantage."

Hidatsu was onto something here. Merely fixing her arm was useless; it would help her, yes, but it wouldn't generate progress. And progress was always the most important thing, as far as the Chancellor was concerned.
(Satsuki Shimasu)
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[16:12] Tapping a finger atop the table, Yuki then would return to her seat and scoop up the babbling child. Filtration is not what she had in mind-- Removal was a better way to put it.

"I don't mean filter at all, I mean--" Then, Hidatsu cut in, explaining what the Kitsune was thinking in a more effective manner. Explaining an idea was also another weakness of Yuki's. "Exactly so, that's actually been my project for awhile here. I've asked Astaria some questions, looked around for books and even whispered with some bar flies."

However, straight from the horse's mouth was still the best policy. The Nerie's had provided her with answers to her questions, and would likely do so again, if prompted.

"What's special about their gems is that they make up for the Nerie's limited circuits. Compared to a normal magi, theirs are thinner and smaller. Siphoning mana and transforming it for their own use is the method they use to keep up-- IG not outrank some by substantial amounts."

A long pause follows, the woman bouncing the infant some to get them to once more stop fussing in their mother's hold, and perhaps distract Yuki herself for a moment.

"I have an idea-- as to how we can see how the gem works. Remember when I spoke of artificial circuits? Well, if we made some and connected them to a crystal to store the mana they gathered, we might very well find a way to mimic it's behavior-- Be that with runes or something else."
(Miyukiko Guren)
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[16:14] Saomi says, "My lady. I'd let you all discuss and take my leave."
[16:14] Saomi says, "I'll be heading for the caverns."
[16:14] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Ah- farewell, Salthiel. I apologize that this must be... so dull for you."
[16:15] Saomi says, "It's not. I lack knowledge regarding mana transference."
[16:16] Saomi says, "Therefore, I cannot assist. However, I'm glad that there is an open, possible solution. So, if you're in need of help, don't hesitate to ask of me."
[16:16] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Of course. I will... let you out. One moment, Miyukiko."
[16:17] Saomi says, "Thank you. Please don't forget, and let me brag to gain your confidence. That I'm one of the most powerful magis of Huangzhou right now."
[16:17] Satsuki Shimasu says, "Hm, hm, hm. I will not forget it."
[16:17] Saomi smiles. Of course, it may not be true. But she was confident.
(Saomi)