Who ⬤ Emily and open! What ⬤ Monthly catchall - clinic work, music club, etc. When ⬤ Over May. Where ⬤ Across the city. Content Warnings ⬤ TBA if needed.
[Matoba glances around the space- a little bare, now, but every business began from scratch at some point. His arms are both concealed, folded into one another, in his kimono sleeves- but he's certainly in a lot less pain now than the last time they met.]
[His gaze falls to Emily, and he bows his head in greeting with a polite and dry smile.]
Word spreads quickly. I came to see it for myself.
[It doesn't seem as if they've had any trouble yet... He takes a step forward, and inclines his head towards his left shoulder.] And for that follow-up.
[bowing her head back, she greets him with a smile, having just set up what she'll consider to be the desk area for notes and paperwork and the like. it'll remain sparse for a while, as she prioritizes things, but the brightness in her chest can't fade over managing to get some actual healers involved in the project.]
As to the former, that was entirely my intention, and I'm glad to see that people are hearing about things. And as to the latter, I do happen to have an examination room set up, if you'll follow me.
[there's a bed to sit on, and she had managed to stock supplies, and light comes in through the window. washing her hands first, she indicates that Matoba can sit if he likes.]
How have you been feeling lately? No unusual pain or anything seeming amiss?
[After a slight pause, Matoba follows after Emily into the more private setting, passing glances around the walls and other doorways as they go. The place wasn't terribly large, but it was perfect for a discreet spot that could administer quick aid for the types of rough-and-tumbles that came through this city. He wonders if it will become overwhelmed if some other Night Parade-like disaster hits. Perhaps they will need some extra resources, in the event of another emergency...]
[He sits on the bed and unfolds his arms from his kimono after a moment of thought, pressing his palm to his left. Beneath the sleeve, it was still bound in bandages, but Matoba had made sure to change them with some regularity and get a peek at how the wound was closing. Reluctantly, he draws the haori back from his shoulder with a draping tug, and then loosens the folded-over side of his kimono to allow the sleeve to sink down enough for his shoulder and arm to be freed.]
Oh, I've behaved myself... [Mostly a truth. He flexes his left hand, as if to sense for any residual tightness or pain coming down the tendons from his arm.] There is a bit of a pull in movement, but I imagine it must be at least partly lack of use. I'm eager to begin my training again.
[undoing the bandages, there's everything of the professional in her, much the same as it had been during the parade. she's pleased at the wound's closing, and at this point, she thinks it will be fine to remove the stitches - they're not the sort to dissolve on their own. with forceps and surgical scissors, she begins the task of clipping them away. for the most part, unless he gets shot again, it will finish mending.]
Where you are, I'd say you're in a fine place to resume it. You've been taking care of yourself, and that pull should be lessened once I finish taking these out. I'm going to give you some medicine to take before you leave that will also aid you in finishing your healing. As long as you pay attention to what hurts more than "adjustment to exertion", you'll be just fine.
[he can get back to shooting arrows and whatever else he needs to do.]
[From the corner of his eye, Matoba watches, observing her reaction to the wound. That was a good sign, he'll take it- it's a relief that he will try not to show, always one to swallow down any show of vulnerability. But if this had healed badly, it would mean a very complicated future.]
[So he lets out the little breath he was holding, little more than a small little breath that could be chalked up to the tug of the stitches being snipped.] I'll certainly say that it hasn't been easy, [He chuckles lowly; the Daitengu had certainly been putting them all through their own little bit of fun and games, hadn't they? He had been eager to interfere with the fray in the sewers, but his arm had held him back. No longer.]
Very well. Thank you for the assistance, all the while. [He smiles, which is never quite convincing enough.] ...By the by, while I'm here, might there be any way my skills may be of use? I have no real knowledge of medicine, but I happened to notice those... haniwa, those cursed figures, are causing a lot of trouble about the place. I imagine they won't let any patients rest peacefully..... Shall I do something about that?
Those strange dolls? You could do something like that? All I'd be able to give you right now would be my heartfelt thanks, but I would greatly appreciate it - I keep unearthing them in this box or that, despite knowing full well they aren't supposed to be here.
[strange cursed dolls don't belong in the glassware. nor do they belong hiding with clean sheets.]
Yes. At least, for a little while. [He gestures with a wave of his hand.] They're showing up everywhere, causing all sorts of troubles... It seems they have been crafted with the intent to curse whatever is nearby them.
Luckily, our illustrious leadership has seen fit to return to me the ability to purify a space. If nothing else, a hospital should be protected. The trouble is, from my testing, it seems to be only a temporary measure against them.
But, better than nothing, right? [He slips a paper charm from his sleeve, covered in strange writing.] Sealed onto the entryways of the most vulnerable rooms, it should at least have some effect for now.
That would be utterly fantastic, if you could. Temporary or not, patients being able to recover without the curse dolls' meddling would be a great relief.
[and she looks thoroughly impressed by the charm and the confidence by which he could proclaim his skills. it's his time to show off, if he's so inclined, with a captive audience at his disposal.]
Two would be enough, for the recovery room and the one for more involved procedures.
[Matoba smiles, in at least an attempt to be charming and friendly. Your mileage may vary on that one. And once the stitches are removed, the cleanup over with, he flexes his arm to test it once more, and reaches to tug his kimono back over his shoulder.] Very well. Since I have the doctor's bill of clean health, shall I get to work?
[He slips off the examination table, and reaffixes his kimono into place over his arm and shoulder, tightening it securely under the obi. Already, standing and with his arm free and fixing his clothes, he can feel a bit of the difference; there was still some soreness in the bicep, and he feels that he should not test it too much, but at least he could take up his bow again with some painkillers and go through the paces.]
[Two talismans, each with the same writing, are produced; led along to the recovery room, he begins there- the talisman is clasped in his hands as they meet with a resounding 'clap', and a strange wind rises around him as his aura gathers into the spellpaper.]
[With it, the singing scent of purification as it flows through the room, burning away trace of ill-intent that lingers before he attaches the tag over the entryway. There it forms a bond with the 'gate' of the doorframe, a continuous source of purification that will remain even after he has left.]
...You may need to be a little careful, Doctor, [He murmurs as he works.] Wards will activate under the malice of any ayakashi, indiscriminately.
[Just what is he getting at? He hasn't forgotten, that night in the alleyway, the sensation of her other half. Human though she may be, he doesn't know the temperament of her passenger.]
[she watches him with respect and fascination - feeling the difference in the room as he attaches it. even Hibiki gives a hum of approval, though they laugh in her head to hear his disclaimer. she'll keep them quiet for the moment, and instead smiles to see it there.]
So, I should ensure my patients remain on their best behavior so as not to get tossed out from the very place I expect them to recover. That's good to know.
[no, she understands his meaning, but she's playing dumb. if he wants answers about that, he'll have to be direct - she hasn't forgotten how he seemed pleased to know that innocent souls were terrified. "ayakashi" or not, youkai that did nothing wrong didn't deserve to be running from gunfire.]
...Yes. You can think of it as a suggestive aid. [Cheerfully, he lets that one slide for the moment, because while it might not have been his meaning, it was relevant to the application. If any patients from opposing clans decided to have a problem with each other, these wards would put a swift end to that. Or at least, discourage it.]
[But.]
Don't worry. I have no doubts in the bedside manner of your masked friend.
[Matoba's eye strains as he glances at her, almost as if he's looking through her. Back then, he hadn't yet regained his full power, but now, his eye was true. There was the faintest sensation of a presence, but at that time, he had been too weakened and too bereft of his Sight.]
[Now, the meaning of her wings is much clearer. He cocks his head to the side with a calm smile.]
I see that after all, you were more or less telling the truth. But I do understand your hesitance. It might not have been the best time to be misunderstood as one of the Tengu clan's own.
[her hand drifts to the iron mask at her waist, passing over it so casually that it's almost as though she was reminding herself it was still there, still a comforting warm weight at her side. a reflex - but not her own. it's them and her, her and them - one presence that looks back as he gazes, and one that only seems as though she's bracing herself. a pair and yet one.]
If I was one of their own, it would be a far simpler situation, Mr. Matoba. Attending to your injury was of far greater priority to me than discussing the finer points of who and what I am. To offer the best care I can to those that need it - that is part of my oath as a physician.
[Matoba notes the gesture, though he doesn't call her out as hard as he could by allowing his gaze to linger on it. They all had their masks in this clan, whether figurative or literal; their master was defined by it. The Alliance was defined by it.]
[Matoba'd had the discussion with a few of his fellows, in the aftermath of that night. Some of them understood where he was speaking from better than others.]
...No offense meant; I would never mean to imply that your intentions were anything but to provide me aid. [He inclines his head apologetically, a gesture of politeness more than anything.] A role which you performed admirably.
But from my position, it was a risk. Putting myself into unfamiliar hands is something I try to avoid, even when they are human. To say nothing of what could have happened in a chaotic situation like that...
I could explain the details, but perhaps you have been informed? [The way his gaze shifts, even when he is still looking at her- he is addressing the other.] The benefits and potency of an exorcist's flesh and blood.
...I cannot think of anything you might mean that doesn't devolve into the truly barbaric.
[and indeed, she looks discomfited by the idea, unsettled. a natural human reaction to considering any number of possibilities when in the presence of beings with another moral code than yours.
(Hibiki laughs in that hoarse, smoky way, and it sets her on edge. no, it's impossible, it truly is, nothing had been spoken, there's not a chance the little exorcist could have an inkling. just his own prejudices, and nothing more.)]
[Which wasn't to say that humans didn't engage in them likewise; the use of youkai blood in rituals was not unheard of.]
[Matoba shifts his step and leans against the frame of the door he's sealed, and raises a thoughtful hand to his chin.] ...Hair is useful to trade to youkai for their spells. Did you know that? Sometimes, I get annoyed and chop it off, but if I do so, I need to destroy it quickly, or some passing ayakashi might get tempted to steal it. But hair is probably the least potent of things to trade them.
Spilling blood is a common part of our spells, as it allows us to summon contracted ayakashi, which we call shiki. Some shiki require blood only when we form contracts with them, while others demand it every time they are called upon. It's a rather costly thing as you can imagine, letting your blood all the time, but for the powerful ones who call for such tribute, it can be a very worthwhile relationship.
Unfortunately, that also means that our blood is sought after, as the commodity that another ayakashi can use to control those we have contracts with.
[He smiles; it's perhaps meant to be friendly, despite the subject matter.] ...So you see, that is why I was in a little bit of a hurry, that night.
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no subject
[His gaze falls to Emily, and he bows his head in greeting with a polite and dry smile.]
Word spreads quickly. I came to see it for myself.
[It doesn't seem as if they've had any trouble yet... He takes a step forward, and inclines his head towards his left shoulder.] And for that follow-up.
no subject
As to the former, that was entirely my intention, and I'm glad to see that people are hearing about things. And as to the latter, I do happen to have an examination room set up, if you'll follow me.
[there's a bed to sit on, and she had managed to stock supplies, and light comes in through the window. washing her hands first, she indicates that Matoba can sit if he likes.]
How have you been feeling lately? No unusual pain or anything seeming amiss?
no subject
[He sits on the bed and unfolds his arms from his kimono after a moment of thought, pressing his palm to his left. Beneath the sleeve, it was still bound in bandages, but Matoba had made sure to change them with some regularity and get a peek at how the wound was closing. Reluctantly, he draws the haori back from his shoulder with a draping tug, and then loosens the folded-over side of his kimono to allow the sleeve to sink down enough for his shoulder and arm to be freed.]
Oh, I've behaved myself... [Mostly a truth. He flexes his left hand, as if to sense for any residual tightness or pain coming down the tendons from his arm.] There is a bit of a pull in movement, but I imagine it must be at least partly lack of use. I'm eager to begin my training again.
no subject
Where you are, I'd say you're in a fine place to resume it. You've been taking care of yourself, and that pull should be lessened once I finish taking these out. I'm going to give you some medicine to take before you leave that will also aid you in finishing your healing. As long as you pay attention to what hurts more than "adjustment to exertion", you'll be just fine.
[he can get back to shooting arrows and whatever else he needs to do.]
Really, Mr. Matoba, you've been a model patient.
no subject
[So he lets out the little breath he was holding, little more than a small little breath that could be chalked up to the tug of the stitches being snipped.] I'll certainly say that it hasn't been easy, [He chuckles lowly; the Daitengu had certainly been putting them all through their own little bit of fun and games, hadn't they? He had been eager to interfere with the fray in the sewers, but his arm had held him back. No longer.]
Very well. Thank you for the assistance, all the while. [He smiles, which is never quite convincing enough.] ...By the by, while I'm here, might there be any way my skills may be of use? I have no real knowledge of medicine, but I happened to notice those... haniwa, those cursed figures, are causing a lot of trouble about the place. I imagine they won't let any patients rest peacefully..... Shall I do something about that?
no subject
[strange cursed dolls don't belong in the glassware. nor do they belong hiding with clean sheets.]
no subject
Luckily, our illustrious leadership has seen fit to return to me the ability to purify a space. If nothing else, a hospital should be protected. The trouble is, from my testing, it seems to be only a temporary measure against them.
But, better than nothing, right? [He slips a paper charm from his sleeve, covered in strange writing.] Sealed onto the entryways of the most vulnerable rooms, it should at least have some effect for now.
this got lost somehow....
[and she looks thoroughly impressed by the charm and the confidence by which he could proclaim his skills. it's his time to show off, if he's so inclined, with a captive audience at his disposal.]
Two would be enough, for the recovery room and the one for more involved procedures.
no worries!
[He slips off the examination table, and reaffixes his kimono into place over his arm and shoulder, tightening it securely under the obi. Already, standing and with his arm free and fixing his clothes, he can feel a bit of the difference; there was still some soreness in the bicep, and he feels that he should not test it too much, but at least he could take up his bow again with some painkillers and go through the paces.]
[Two talismans, each with the same writing, are produced; led along to the recovery room, he begins there- the talisman is clasped in his hands as they meet with a resounding 'clap', and a strange wind rises around him as his aura gathers into the spellpaper.]
[With it, the singing scent of purification as it flows through the room, burning away trace of ill-intent that lingers before he attaches the tag over the entryway. There it forms a bond with the 'gate' of the doorframe, a continuous source of purification that will remain even after he has left.]
...You may need to be a little careful, Doctor, [He murmurs as he works.] Wards will activate under the malice of any ayakashi, indiscriminately.
[Just what is he getting at? He hasn't forgotten, that night in the alleyway, the sensation of her other half. Human though she may be, he doesn't know the temperament of her passenger.]
no subject
So, I should ensure my patients remain on their best behavior so as not to get tossed out from the very place I expect them to recover. That's good to know.
[no, she understands his meaning, but she's playing dumb. if he wants answers about that, he'll have to be direct - she hasn't forgotten how he seemed pleased to know that innocent souls were terrified. "ayakashi" or not, youkai that did nothing wrong didn't deserve to be running from gunfire.]
no subject
[But.]
Don't worry. I have no doubts in the bedside manner of your masked friend.
[Matoba's eye strains as he glances at her, almost as if he's looking through her. Back then, he hadn't yet regained his full power, but now, his eye was true. There was the faintest sensation of a presence, but at that time, he had been too weakened and too bereft of his Sight.]
[Now, the meaning of her wings is much clearer. He cocks his head to the side with a calm smile.]
I see that after all, you were more or less telling the truth. But I do understand your hesitance. It might not have been the best time to be misunderstood as one of the Tengu clan's own.
no subject
If I was one of their own, it would be a far simpler situation, Mr. Matoba. Attending to your injury was of far greater priority to me than discussing the finer points of who and what I am. To offer the best care I can to those that need it - that is part of my oath as a physician.
no subject
[Matoba'd had the discussion with a few of his fellows, in the aftermath of that night. Some of them understood where he was speaking from better than others.]
...No offense meant; I would never mean to imply that your intentions were anything but to provide me aid. [He inclines his head apologetically, a gesture of politeness more than anything.] A role which you performed admirably.
But from my position, it was a risk. Putting myself into unfamiliar hands is something I try to avoid, even when they are human. To say nothing of what could have happened in a chaotic situation like that...
I could explain the details, but perhaps you have been informed? [The way his gaze shifts, even when he is still looking at her- he is addressing the other.] The benefits and potency of an exorcist's flesh and blood.
no subject
[and indeed, she looks discomfited by the idea, unsettled. a natural human reaction to considering any number of possibilities when in the presence of beings with another moral code than yours.
(Hibiki laughs in that hoarse, smoky way, and it sets her on edge. no, it's impossible, it truly is, nothing had been spoken, there's not a chance the little exorcist could have an inkling. just his own prejudices, and nothing more.)]
no subject
[Which wasn't to say that humans didn't engage in them likewise; the use of youkai blood in rituals was not unheard of.]
[Matoba shifts his step and leans against the frame of the door he's sealed, and raises a thoughtful hand to his chin.] ...Hair is useful to trade to youkai for their spells. Did you know that? Sometimes, I get annoyed and chop it off, but if I do so, I need to destroy it quickly, or some passing ayakashi might get tempted to steal it. But hair is probably the least potent of things to trade them.
Spilling blood is a common part of our spells, as it allows us to summon contracted ayakashi, which we call shiki. Some shiki require blood only when we form contracts with them, while others demand it every time they are called upon. It's a rather costly thing as you can imagine, letting your blood all the time, but for the powerful ones who call for such tribute, it can be a very worthwhile relationship.
Unfortunately, that also means that our blood is sought after, as the commodity that another ayakashi can use to control those we have contracts with.
[He smiles; it's perhaps meant to be friendly, despite the subject matter.] ...So you see, that is why I was in a little bit of a hurry, that night.