The Devil's Gatekeeper

Affiliated with Citta Alveare

[scarlet-belle]

//To anyone still following Meiling here, apologies that I haven’t been around! My life’s been terribly hectic with ups and downs since I was last making posts. I kept re-applying and extending hiatus thinking I’d be back in full swing before long, but I never seemed to find the time.

I recently found a job and whilst the job itself has a decent income, it’s very heavy on my schedule and gives me very little time to RP on here. This time I just sort of let Meiling fall inactive, and for now I won’t be re-applying her to Citta until I really feel re-kindled again. It’s been really great RPing with all of you over the nearly 2-years I was here for, and I miss you all very much! I’m still ‘here’ but I just won’t be posting much, if at all or affiliating myself with anyone, but I’ll still be leaving this blog logged in since I don’t use any other tumblr blogs anyway!

Happy RPing errybody!

[scarlet-belle]

I'll Oni Say This Once! | @Hozuki

[coolheadedhozuki]

"Thanks for your observation. I can picture what kind of oni you’re talking about, they are problematic. Would be shameful for Hell’s image if the deputy was like that, don’t you agree?" He nods, pleased with her words. Also, he could totally relate to her talk about the differences in their responsibilities compared to their positions at home - without a Hell, the presence of a Hell’s deputy is pointless, even if his pride doesn't allow him to introduce himself in any other way.

"I can understand. There’s no way we can fulfill our duties properly in this place, but keep track of who we are is important even if we need other occupations. Focus in take care of your mansion is a good way for it, I believe. I’m currently working at a Sushi Parlour, and since it was a skill important to my original job, I feel more comfortable. Work at something totally unrelated would be annoying, I must say." Even aware that everyone is doing their best to adapt, find someone else to share experiences is actually a relief. While stuck far from home, the decent people should support each other, at least.

"Oh, that’s true. The kanjis are really different, but it’s an interesting observation. I didn’t realize until you said.” He blinks when she comments about the sound of Nagisa’s name compared to his own, it’s the first time someone points it.

"I see. It’s good to keep the rhythm even in this place, so your body won’t get used to slack off. Good to see that you have senses and it’s enthusiastic about your work. I wish all Hell minions were like this at home." He gives a respectful look to her. Who would tell that a hard worker was behind a carefree smile like hers. However, the 24-hour shift seems a little too much even for him.

"You must really like your position to keep the spirits high like this, but this shift sounds concerning. Don’t you have regular weekly breaks and paid vacations?"

[scarlet-belle]

Meiling nodded along with Hozuki’s words on working and keeping up images for the sake of others in the workplace. Meiling, however, didn’t put on any particular facades back at home, infact she was very different to most of the people in her household. Crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow in thought. “I do hope my image or behaviour doesn’t tarnish the mistress’ reputation. I have a pretty bad, albeit misplaced reputation back at home. I suppose if I gave off a bad image then Milady or Miss Sakuya would have approached me about it.” She gave a brief nod as if to re-assure herself.

Meiling soon gave a quiet chuckle on the mention of those names being similar, nodding her head. “Oh yeah, they’re completely different of course, but they sound pretty similar right?” Meiling beamed, just trying to think up some puns she could throw in his general direction, but she remained silent for the timebeing.

“I’ve had my ups and downs. Moments where I’m full of energy and moments where I’m so down that I can’t move... It’s hard being away from home for so long, I’m sure you can imagine. Now that I’m here I have more breaks and free time than ever, and yet at the same time I want nothing but to go home. I had my breaks and vacations at home when the mistress felt like it, but her pace was my pace; everything worked perfectly for me. Honestly I didn’t really need to get paid either. I’m paid just by having such a wonderful home and family to protect - If I want to buy anything, I simply ask the mistress and she considers the request.” Meiling gave a sweet smile, reminiscing of home once again. It was always bittersweet to do so...

“What sort of things does your job entail, anyway? What do you need to do there?”

[scarlet-belle]

Tactical Weed Plucking | [Closed @Morgan]

[sanguinetactics]

“ I’d like to think I’m at least mature mentally.. but I suppose when you consider how long yokai apparently live for, I suppose that’s quite understandable. It’s just difficult to see Sakuya as anything but young. She’s a very mature young woman whom I respect a lot to not call her such. “ It was a rather simple compliment but he really did feel that way about one of his friends. Although Morgan would take a step back at hearing yokai preying on humans. He knew that Meiling wouldn’t possibly eat him but.. that didn’t stop his feet from moving backwards. 

“ I.. well.. that’s good..? I think..? “ Leaving the subject alone for but a moment in exchange for speaking of tea, Morgan would nod his head at the idea of sugar with a smile on his face, one of the more immature moments coming out. 

“  Rest assured, I’m sure your tea will be just as good as Sakuya’s! But she does brew an incredible cup.. I will say that.. “ Rubbing his chin in thought, Morgan would watch Meiling leave to the kitchen for said boiling water and tea bags. 

[scarlet-belle]

Meiling worked on brewing the tea just right. She was far from bad at it. She knew more about tea ceremonies and etiquette more than most people after all. She prepared a good amount of water in a teapot together with the sufficient tealeaves. Placing two cups and a small jug of milk onto a tray with the teapot and a pot of sugar, she returned to the living room again and set them down on the table before Morgan. “It’ll just need to brew for a few minutes now~”

“Oh, well I consider her young, yes! But I also consider the mistress young, and by some people’s standards, that’s far from the truth. Age is a confusing thing in the world of youkai...” Meiling felt a little guilty as she noticed Morgan’s unease from the topic. She shouldn’t have brought it up, though in her defence it was part of the reason youkai looked so human a lot of the time... “Don’t worry, don’t worry! I’m an incredibly not-scary youkai! Sometimes I swear I’m nicer than most of the humans in Gensokyo too.” She tried to put a positive spin on things, sitting herself down on a nearby armchair. “Please take a seat. ‘Just as good’ may be pushing it, but you can be sure it’ll be satisfactory.”

[scarlet-belle]

//Ohmygosh there’s a Melia here

Maybe come april and I replay Xenoblade I’ll make a XB character...

[scarlet-belle]

Tactical Weed Plucking | [Closed @Morgan]

[sanguinetactics]

" Really? When I first met her she seemed rather open. I suppose it might be a difference in age. She seems like someone who can get along with those younger than her. Although I don’t look quite that young.. don’t I? " Evaluating himself on the matter was a tad difficult without a mirror, but the thought left his mind as quickly as it entered as he wasn’t too interested, only in such of speaking about such a good friend he had in Sakuya, as well as reconfirming knowing of Meiling’s lineage as a yokai. 

" I’ve heard several things of yokai but it’s quite odd. You all look as normal as can be! I suppose there are some I’ve seen with various features to them that most others would not have, but even then they comparably look so similar to humans, differentiating you all is actually difficult. I suppose that’s just a yokai matter I don’t understand. " Shaking his head a bit as he continued to follow her inside the mansion would he look around at the garden and flowers as she spoke of them. He’d nod his head to the explanation laid out before him as to the actual ownership of the mansion, finding it odd how she could give such a thing away. But with how highly Sakuya spoke of the mistress, it wasn’t too surprising. Once inside and he’d ask about his favorite tea, he’d stumble about a bit, a finger on his chin. 

" I don’t quite think I have a favorite? I’m not really the avid tea drinker so I’m more than happy with anything else! More so do I enjoy the scents of it, as the taste it quite lost to me. I suppose it’s something one has to adjust themselves to, huh? " Letting out a small chuckle as he followed inside and took a seat. " Anything that isn’t trouble, really. " 

[scarlet-belle]

Meiling rubbed her chin, closing the door behind them as both of them stepped inside. “That might be it - Well, I’d say you definitely look young to me, but in the same way Miss Sakuya does - I see most humans as ‘young’.” She gave a quiet chuckle for just a moment before making her way towards the kitchen door. “Youkai are deceptive - Since many of them prey on humans, we look as unsuspecting as possible... P-Please don’t let that scare you though! I haven’t heard a single case here in the city of a youkai preying on any humans yet!” She gave a sincere bow of her head.

His lack of preference did make the choice a little harder for the gatekeeper. Now she was wondering what she wanted too - But she figured she’d go with the safe, popular choice Assam Tea with milk. If the taste was lost on him, maybe he had a sweet-tooth? Worth investigating... “Ah - If the taste is lost, maybe you’d like plenty of sugar to bring it out? Or maybe you haven’t had a well-brewed cup before!” She gave another quiet laugh before shaking her head. “But I digress, if you’ve already had Miss Sakuya’s tea then I’m afraid you’re a lost cause!” Her banter was all very playful, quite clearly, as she stepped into the kitchen and got some water boiling.

[scarlet-belle]

Tactical Weed Plucking | [Closed @Morgan]

[sanguinetactics]

" That might just be it if that’s all that’s left of this house hold. I’ve been anticipating meeting you and this Lady Patchouli for quite some time, so this is all quite the experience for myself! I’m glad to have finally been able to meet you, even though the circumstances could be a tad better given recent events. "

" That she is! Being able to speak with her on such a familiar basis is something else. She has such an air of maturity to her but speaking with her is so easy. Oh, um, I believe I know why you have retained your age while she had grown up. It was this term I learned of called.. Yokai, wasn’t it? While Sakuya is a human?  I suppose the main thing is that you tend to age differently. " He had some thoughts and remembered a few tidbits here and there in regards to the identity of these people. Having actually met some Yokai but not knowing of such, he’d have to familiarize himself with the term and others who fell into that category, however broad it may be.

         Morgan would let out a sigh of relief when he heard that everyone else was alright, laughing a bit at the comment about the sinister aura. Oddly enough, he felt that the mansion held the most presence among anything else in this city, but with what just had happened, it was really only winning by such a short shot. He would have insisted on leaving after knowing of the current state of his friends, but being invited for tea.. it was quite tempting, given his relatively parched throat.

" If it’s alright with you and not a burden to what you were doing before. I had really only come to see if everyone had been alright, but do you find it to be a bit odd to do these kinds of things while the owner and other important residents are out? If you see no problem with it, perhaps I’m just over thinking things. " Like he always did. 

[scarlet-belle]

The gatekeeper remained rather calm even as Morgan highlighted the slightly bitter circumstances, but honestly, Meiling felt pretty good. Even if it was a little sad seeing this house completely uninhabited for the timebeing, Meiling still couldn't shake the feeling that this lodging was temporary. It may have been home for now, but it would never be her, their, true home. 

"The circumstances could be worse though, right?" She responded quickly, making way for Morgan to come inside. Pairing together the matter of ill circumstances and Meiling's species, it did conjure up a few thoughts on events that had come and passed that truly shook Meiling to the very core, but she had moved on from those already. It was better to not dwell on them. "If you're able to speak to Miss Sakuya freely and easily, then I'm sure you deserve a cup of tea!" She spoke out a little playfully. "Sometimes it's hard for her to get along with outsiders, so she must hold a great deal of respect for you. But yes, you heard correctly, I am a youkai, I guess I needn't hide that from you; but don't worry! I'm very friendly compared to most of them, I think?"

As Meiling led the young man inside, she insisted upon her offer. She trusted the flowers could deal with the company of a few weeds for another hour or so. She could always feed them some good qi if they started wilting. "Oh, don't worry about any of that. I was just checking up on things, so I needed to come inside anyway. I mean..." She rubbed her chin for a moment, chuckling somewhat as she put on a somewhat prideful expression. "Technically, this is actually my house. I owned it before any of the others arrived, but with the Mistress here, naturally anything I own is also hers. I'll always see her as the head of the house, no matter whose name is on the building." She gave a content nod. Whilst her words spoke true, she still held a tinge of pride for actually being the home's owner as far as the city's home listings were concerned.

"Now then, what sort of tea do you like? We have... Well, uh, a bit of everything. Everybody in this household is basically a tea enthusiast."

[scarlet-belle]

I'll Oni Say This Once! | @Hozuki

[coolheadedhozuki]

"Yes, there are other versions of Japan in this place, then probably that’s the case. Although I’m not really similar to the majority of onis from my own world." Most of them are worthy the stereotype of drunken thugs, something totally different from the deputy nature. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Meiling-san. So you have a position and a master here. Quite impressive.” Hozuki did meet and work with Sakuya Izayoi, but the maid didn’t mention often the name of her mistress or friends, even frequently talking about how lovely and important they are. The labels are somehow familiar, but the oni doesn’t associate precisely. “I see. I don’t frequent this kind of place, but strong security is highly necessary. However, I’m a little impressed there’s manga fans like this even here.” He notices her small embarrassment and has an idea of the place, but doesn’t seem bothered or uncomfortable about it. There’s tons of clubs in Hell too, anyway. But, different from the Scarlet Devil Mansion, the mention of Just Desserts immediately rings a bell. What a small world.

“Oh, I’m aware of Just Desserts. Hazuki Nagisa-kun, the cashier, is a close friend. And you sure work hard, since it seems you actually have three jobs.” Definitely he says the last part as a praise.

[scarlet-belle]

Meiling had also noticed Hozuki's mannerisms being slightly... Different to that of the typical oni. "You're a little different from the oni I'm familiar with too... I mean that in a good way though! You seem pretty level-headed."

"Well, it's the same position I have back at home - I suppose it didn't really apply until my mistress turned up here too, but even now, there isn't much gate-guarding to do when there isn't much of a gate, so I've sort of focussed on being the house gardener along with my other side jobs." Meiling crossed her arms and beamed a little, Just desserts seemed to have become a pretty popular location! She kept finding people who knew about it... She supposed people gravitated towards company in a secluded city like this. "Hazuki, Hozuki--Your names are similar too~" She gave a quiet chuckle before continuing. "Well I'm used to working 24-hour shifts and my breaks back at home were sporadic. I also have a lot of stamina! I can keep on going for a long while, though sleep is always appreciated when you're working all the time..."

[scarlet-belle]

A gift could be found waiting for Meiling, wrapped in a light green paper. Inside said gift was a tea set, a bottle of wine, several manga copies, candles and a tin of sweets.

 A card was neatly placed on top that read:

“TO: Hong Meiling

Meiling, I hope the winter season has been treating you well. 

These material possessions won’t ever be enough to thank you for the kindness, loyalty and friendship you’ve shown me — but I knew you would appreciate them, anyways. 

Let this be a chance for me to say thank you — for everything. I don’t know who I would be without all of you.

Happy holidays.

— Sakuya”

Meiling returning to her room to find a solitary gift waiting for her made her feel a little sad about how much she'd been away from home during the holiday season. Nonetheless, she put on a weak smile and sat beside the gift, carefully reading the card. Her smile warmed up a little upon reading it, giving a quiet giggle as she opened up the gift, a quiet gasp escaping her lips.

"Oooh wow..." The manga bundled together with wine and a tea set made Meiling giggle a little at the contrast. It was all wonderful... "Gosh, Miss Sakuya... Thank you~" She muttered quietly as she admired the bottle of wine and tea set rather slowly. She'd definitely make an effort to get through those sweets and manga, probably at the same time...

[scarlet-belle]

Satori greets Meiling with a smile before leaving her a gift box. If Meiling were to open the box, she would a pair of heavy duty gloves and boots, a few books focused on martial arts, and (Satori can't help it) really cute green colored hair accessories.

"A-Ah! We met in my dream-world, didn't we? Is this for me? Th-thank you so much! I'll get you something in return!"

Meiling began to open the box and look inside, giving a curious 'Ooooh~' as she examined the contents. Heavy-duty gloves and boots were a little different for the gatekeeper, perhaps they'd be good for this season's harsh weather? The books were enough to get Meiling burying her head into the pages almost instantly, and those little accessories would likely look nice with her braids!

[scarlet-belle]

"Meiling!" Walking up to the gatekeeper, with the present behind her back. "I hope you will enjoy this." Presenting her gift which contained a music box, which has a Chinese dragon that pops up when winded, and plays a calming tune. It was well decorated too with charming decorations like its carefully engraved Chinese letters and what not. Maybe she could listen to it when she's resting or something?

Meiling jumped a little from the sudden calling of her name, swivelling around before beaming down at the small vampire. "Mistress! Happy Holidays~" She quickly responded before she was handed that gift.

"O-Oh! Milady, you didn't need to get--" She paused, clearing her throat. "I suppose you know that. Thank you, milady. I'm ever-so grateful as always for your kindness~" Meiling gave a polite bow of thanks, before she began opening up the present. Seeing the winding-key adorned on the box gave her a pretty quick idea of what it was, and her eyes quickly lit up ass she turned the key and watched the dragon pop out. She gave a delighted hum before placing the music box down, beaming at the vampire.

"Milady~? May I give you a hug?!"

[scarlet-belle]

Merry Christmas, Meiling! It looks like Morgan's gotten you a gift! Inside, you'll find a brand new, extra soft pillow! Alongside there's some lemon candies and tea bags, as well as what looks to be a pretty neat looking dragon styled teacup!

"Ooooh~" A pillow? Meiling gave the plush object a few pats and shakes about, getting a feel for just how soft it was. For somebody so centric on the body's health and good condition, a good pillow can make all the difference to neck and spinal pain!

Candy wasn't something she was given as a gift all that often, and she was eager to throw one into her mouth the moment she opened it. She hadn't been at home all that much lately, so returning to such heartwarming gifts was really comforting.

"Gosh, I'll have to get him something too! Now, time to make some tea..."

[scarlet-belle]

//I'd like to wish everyone a happy new year! It's been a really hectic one for me with my third year of university, dissertation, graduation, attempts to find jobs and such, so I apologise for how poor my activity has been overall, this is just a time that I really need to tend to life on the outside.

I'd also like to apologise to those who sent me Christmas messages that I'm yet to reply to, and those who are waiting on replies from me. They'll come as soon as I can! Again, Happy New Year to you all, and I hope everyone had a splendid holiday season too.

[scarlet-belle]

"L-Lady Patchouli I know I'm always asking you to get out more but you had to choose this weather of all things to endure?!"

"I digress, I love the gift! Is this one of those... Game system things? D-Do you--N-No, never mind!" She was about to ask how to get it working, however asking such an oblivious question after the librarian went through all that effort may come off as ungrateful. Unlike that phone that spent months in her pocket, sending dozens of pocket-texts to unsuspecting innocents, video games might be something she can get behind!

[scarlet-belle]

Tactical Weed Plucking | [Closed @Morgan]

[sanguinetactics]

" That might just be it if that’s all that’s left of this house hold. I’ve been anticipating meeting you and this Lady Patchouli for quite some time, so this is all quite the experience for myself! I’m glad to have finally been able to meet you, even though the circumstances could be a tad better given recent events. "

" That she is! Being able to speak with her on such a familiar basis is something else. She has such an air of maturity to her but speaking with her is so easy. Oh, um, I believe I know why you have retained your age while she had grown up. It was this term I learned of called.. Yokai, wasn’t it? While Sakuya is a human?  I suppose the main thing is that you tend to age differently. " He had some thoughts and remembered a few tidbits here and there in regards to the identity of these people. Having actually met some Yokai but not knowing of such, he’d have to familiarize himself with the term and others who fell into that category, however broad it may be.

         Morgan would let out a sigh of relief when he heard that everyone else was alright, laughing a bit at the comment about the sinister aura. Oddly enough, he felt that the mansion held the most presence among anything else in this city, but with what just had happened, it was really only winning by such a short shot. He would have insisted on leaving after knowing of the current state of his friends, but being invited for tea.. it was quite tempting, given his relatively parched throat.

" If it’s alright with you and not a burden to what you were doing before. I had really only come to see if everyone had been alright, but do you find it to be a bit odd to do these kinds of things while the owner and other important residents are out? If you see no problem with it, perhaps I’m just over thinking things. " Like he always did. 

[scarlet-belle]

Meiling was rather astonished by Morgan's knowledge and how he spoke of Sakuya. Even though she was polite and friendly, it took a fair bit for Sakuya to truly open up to those outside of the mansion. This fellow must have been rather exemplary! Meiling already felt a little more comfortable around him. So he knew she was a youkai? Something else that she didn't need to explain. The gatekeeper gave a gentle nod of her head.

"Yes, that's right, I'm a youkai. Not all youkai age in the same way, but it's safe to say that by default, my lifespan is longer than that of an average human. There are exceptions to this though." Meiling continued towards the front door and fished a key from a pouch on her hip, unlocking it and letting the doors slowly creak open. She gazed back over her shoulder with a welcoming smile, giving a quiet laugh.

"It's not a burden at all, I was actually thinking of making myself some tea anyway, the weeds can wait a few minutes I'm sure. As for the Mistress and the others being out, well I'd gotten almost used to being alone when I first arrived in this city, it was just me here for a long while. There were a few familiar faces about, but not any I'd consider close or all that trustworthy, I actually got this house soon before Miss Sakuya arrived and Lady Remilia followed soon after. Besides what furniture was already provided, I prepared it to look as much like home as possible, were the others to arrive. Miss Sakuya of course, added her own touches upon arrival." Meiling let out a sigh and shook her head.

"Forgive me, I ran off on a tangent a little, what I mean to say is, it's fine for me to be making you tea here. Come on in!" She stood in the doorway off to one side, gesturing with one hand to beckon Morgan inside.

[scarlet-belle]

//Just want to make a quick OOC notice/apology for my inactivity for the last two weeks or so. Things have been rather hectic here lately, I'm hoping to squeeze in some time to make my replies ASAP, though I'm not too sure when that'll be. Thank you as usual for all of your patience, those waiting on me!

[scarlet-belle]

♎

"So let me get this straight… Does each and every additional arm sprout the same amount of qi that currently flows through your arms? Do it again, I want to check…"

"Very well—But if this Qi you’re talking about is some form of life energy as you say, I’d imagine each and every hand shares a portion of my own energy. Using my ability extensively does cause fatigue in the long run.”

"Ooh wow, that’s fascinating… It’s like your energies are flowing further and further with each additional body part grown! And you can do this with any part of your body? What would happen if you grew so many that all life left your original body and moved into the other fragments?"

"Yes indeed, any part of my body. I could even grow my face upon your face. Intriguing, no? Oh, and if it ever reached that point, I suppose I’d shrivel up and die painfully, looking like a raisin.”

"H-How do you say such scary things with such a kind smile…?"

[scarlet-belle]

♎

“YOU there! You have the air of a mighty warrior about you. What say you to a test of strength? The loser buys the ale.”

"Whilst your challenge is tempting, I don't really have enough money on me to be risking buying drinks for strangers!"

"I believe you misunderstand my meaning. I do not challenge you to a show of cowardice my lady, were my predictions of a mighty warrior falsely placed?"

"Hey now! Playing the coward ticket won't work on me! I won't let your taunts get the better of me. My funds are for the support of a dear family, not the support of a drunkard!

"Tch... A dear family eh? You're lucky that I'm a bit of a romanticist for such sentiments. Well then, how about we pit our strengths against one another in a drinking game, only we pay for our own rounds!"

"Even more tempting, but still damaging to my wallet--Hold on, you just want a drink don't you...?"

"REMEMBER! Absolutely no driving under the influence!"