summoning in the park

Meridian arrives early to the park. He scouts the battle ground before the battle even commences, memorizes all possible plans to attack, and comes ready with his weapons. It is no laughing matter to find companionship in the darkest of times, and he takes it gravely seriously,

That is to say, he looked around to find a nice place to sit in the park and brought a small basket of snacks and a blanket before heading over to where he is supposed to meet his blind date. He’s not the dating type, but he thinks a few dates in search of his soul partners is a worthy cause. Plus, it was fun gathering the snacks and sustenance needed in order to properly supply this expedition of the heart-kind.

He makes his way to the bench the Church of Sulfur told them to meet at and puts one foot up on it, looking out into the middle distance. Searching for meaning and guidance in the cave ceiling, and also just trying to see if his date has gotten there yet.

Lumen bounced into the park like a darkly clad whirlwind, their attire a blend of elegant lace and flowing skirts, accented with silver jewelry and a touch of mystical flair. They had gone all out for this blind date, determined to make a lasting impression!

As they spotted the figure standing near the designated bench, Lumen's heart fluttered with nervous excitement. This blind date was a new adventure, a chance to meet someone who might be a new companion. They clutched a small bouquet of dark red roses and a vintage-looking book under their arm.

Approaching the bench, Lumen's eyes widened as they took in the sight of Meridian, the serious and stoic figure standing with such purpose. Despite their initial enthusiasm, a surge of self-doubt crept in.

Shrugging off their momentary uncertainty, Lumen plastered a bright smile on their face and skipped over to the bench. "Hi there! I'm Lumen," they chirped, their voice a blend of excitement and nerves. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long!"

The runes adorning Meridian’s outfit swirl as he swings around to face the oncoming bun. This time, he thinks, it’ll actually be his blind date and not a random bun who he seemingly is frightening too for some reason. 

And it seems he is correct, as this bun is carrying the accouterments for a proper date. He stares at them, single red eye honed in with focus.

 “Greetings, Lumen!” He says, holding a hand out in some sort of… point? Maybe? His fingers were clenched strangely, as if he was attempting to call forth something to no effect. He shapes it into a regular outstretched hand for a handshake. “You did not keep me for any longer than was absolutely ordained and necessary; all things in time will fall into place. I am Meridian, and should this meeting go well the city may fall entirely under our domain!”

Meridian grins wildly. His date looks absolutely stunning, radiant light like that of what is rumored the Moon gives off. And in their hands, it seems, was preparations, similar to those that Meridian brought. Things seem like they will go well, he believes.

Lumen takes his hand in a firm handshake, still grinning. "Nice to meet you, Meridian! And yes, all things in time do seem to fall in place. I suppose we'll just have to see what this date holds for us."

Their eyes sparkle with mischief and their smile takes on a slightly impish tilt. "And if the city does fall under our domain, perhaps we can summon more than just demons... What do you think of a kingdom of darkness? Just imagine the possibilities!"

They giggle quietly at the thought. They hug their book closer to their chest with a little wag of their tail.

"So, what should we do first? I brought some snacks, maybe we can talk a little and get to know each other? I've never done a blind date before, but I hear it's a good way to get to know someone without all the preconceptions of a usual date..." They trail off, suddenly uncertain. What if their idea of a first date was boring or uninteresting?

Meridian puffs out his chest a bit, excited to hear his own words paired alongside things like ‘kingdom of darkness’ and ‘summon more things’. It’s not typical people are on his wavelength so immediately, but he will never take a good change of pace for granted. 

“A kingdom of darkness indeed…” he muses, before picking up his small basket. “Yes! To determine the first step on our adventure in companionship… I have found a location I believe to be a suitable place for conversation. I have also brought some small bits of sustenance, as well as a tapestry to shield us from any manner of cutting rocks upon the ground.”

He hops down off the bench entirely, indicating a small area to the side. “We can set up a forward camp there without worry of intruders or any disturbances,” he says, laying out the small picnic blanket he brought on the ground. “And we can share with each other the bounty we brought forward on this day.”

Lumen does a small clap, their smile back in full force. "Oh, that sounds perfect!" they say. They hold their bouquet carefully as they help Meridian spread out the picnic blanket. "I hope my offering is satisfactory as well. It is a book, an antique tome of dark and arcane arts. I thought we could share in its knowledge, perhaps compare notes?"

They giggle as they settle down on the blanket and hold out the bouquet of roses. "And these are for you! Do you dabble in arcane arts as well?" Lumen's tails wags slightly, the tip flicking in their excitement.

Meridian kneels down at one end of the carpet, setting his small basket of snacks out. When books of the tome variety are mentioned, he almost topples over with how fast he leans forward to examine. “I like to consider myself more than a dabbler, but yes! The arcane arts are endlessly interesting, and I follow many different schools of thoughts to perfect all the things I consider essential for my future quests.”

He takes the flowers graciously, giving a grateful head nod. “Thank you for the offering. I have brought my own offering of various snack foods, including some fine dango snacks. They will provide the sustenance our minds will need to fully exchange knowledge.”

Lumen chuckles softly. "It's my pleasure. Dango sounds delightful. Do you have a preferred school? I've always enjoyed the darker magicks, such as necromancy and demonology."

There was a few buns that care for occultism, Lumen trying to contain their excitement at meeting someone else interested in the same things. They reach over for a peach dango to munch on while they talk.

“ I tried to do some rituals before with my friends, but none of us are very magically inclined, so I was unable to see the results.”

“All schools of magic draw my intention, but I tend to find solace in any that rely heavily on runes, rather than incantations. I have perfected the calligraphy on most common runes, and adorned myself with some of my favorites,” Meridian answers. “The darker magicks are delightful though, always a treat to study.”

Meridian grabs himself a yuzu dango, leaning over to examine the cover of the book Lumen has brought. What a fortunate blind date, to find two ones so entrenched in the powerful magicks like this. “I would quite enjoy seeing what rituals you’ve attempted so far; I have not had the materials as of yet to achieve any myself.”

Lumen perks up, their eyes practically glowing with their enthusiasm. "I have a few small ritual circles drawn out and ready for practice, perhaps you'd like to give them a try with me? It'd be good practice, and it's always better to have someone else nearby just in case."

They flip through the pages of the book, searching for a specific ritual. "I'd be happy to teach you, if you'd like. It's been a while since I've had anyone to discuss rituals with, and it's always good to have another set of eyes to check your work. Especially for the more difficult rituals."

They hum, flipping through the pages of their book, finally landing on a page. They hold the book out, their tail perked. "What about a summoning ritual? I've got a circle ready for a weak demon, I've been working on it for a couple weeks. If you'd like, we could combine our efforts and see what comes.”

“You have brought the circles to the very park we sit in now?” Meridian’s eye lights up with obvious excitement, rolling out one of the rune scrolls attached to his outfit. “I cannot deny a day so perfectly planned…. I would be more than happy to attempt a ritual with you.”

He leans over as they flip through the book, reading along with Lumen. As he does so, he begins selecting specific runes scrawled on the strips fabric of his outfit, laying them out on the grass. “I will prepare a few of my protective and destructive runes for any foul creatures pushing their way through a more subdued summoning ritual, and then we can bring forth what you hold in your heart using this ritual.”

Lumen smiles, their eyes shining with delight. "Wonderful! Shall we start? I can prepare the summoning circle." They quickly clear a space then sneak over to the sidewalk to steal some chalk from a poor bun who was drawing on the pavement. They hurry back before getting caught and start drawing out a wide circle, adding a pentagram inside. They take a moment to admire their handiwork before taking a seat at the edge, their tail swaying.

"The demon isn't terribly powerful, so we don't have to worry too much. We should still be careful, but not overly cautious."

They look at Meridian, a small smile on their face. "Are you ready?"

As Lumen secures the chalk, Meridian continues his process of unfurling rune-scribed fabric from his outfit, detaching specific runes, and spreading them around the area that will become their summoning circle. He chooses each rune with an extremely discerning eye, though it looks much like a random compilation of meaningless symbols. A few of them blow away in the cave wind, gently drifting over to land in other confused buns’ picnic areas.

“We must never begrudge the power of those beyond us, lest we be drawn in by false tales,” Meridian says cautiously, putting another few runes down. “Our summoning strength may be cause for a more powerful creature from beyond to come through…”

“But I believe we are more than capable of handling it,” he finishes with a smirk.

"That's the spirit!" Lumen cheers. "Let's give it a go!"

They grab the book, flipping through the pages and looking at the ritual. They clear their throat and begin reciting the summoning. Their voice is low and smooth, almost musical in tone.

As they finish the incantation, the air grows heavy with anticipation. For a moment, everything is still. Then, the circle begins to glow, a dark purple aura slowly forming a cloudy shape.

The cloudy shape start to bubble then explode, revealing a small imp instead of a more powerful demon. It shakes itself out, its bat-like wings fluttering and its little clawed feet scratching at the ground. It blinks its large round eyes and turns to face Lumen and Meridian.

Meridian chants alongside Lumen as they summon the dire beast, keeping a close eye on the circle. And then, with a pop, said beastie appears! Meridian is on guard, staring intently. 

“Hail and well met,” Meridian says as the demon pops into being. It seems it’s currently cloaking itself as some sort of imp, disguising it’s true form in the guise of an innocent Chirop… How dastardly. “I see the form you choose now is one that not quite suits you…”

He glances over at Lumen, checking to see if they’re similarly on guard to the deception.

"Hail, demon." Lumen says, their voice calm and collected. "You will not find any unsuspecting souls here. Reveal your true form."

The imp looks startled, its tail drooping. It cowers under their gaze, its wings pulled in tight against itself.

Lumen started to feel bad for the poor imp, and it didn't seem particularly evil. They held their hand out and the imp scuttled forward, nuzzling into their palm.

"Good boy," they coo, scratching behind its ears. They glance over at Meridian then back to Lumen.

"Do you have a name, little one?"

The imp perks up and nods, holding out its hands. In its small palms was a small, jagged rock.

"A rock... how interesting."

Meridian keeps his harsh gaze for only a few seconds longer than Lumen manages to, eye softening as the beast nuzzles into their palm. He relaxes, letting some of the runes fall to his side.

“Perhaps it’s a familiar of some sort. Or a sign. What sort of offering has it brought?” Meridian leans over to examine the rock. As he does, he sneaks a black sesame dango out of his basket to place near the imp. Just in case bribery is necessary to obtain further knowledge.

The imp picks up the dango and eats it in one bite, looking incredibly pleased.

Lumen looks at the rock, tilting their head. "It's just a rock, right?"

They take a closer look, their brow furrowing.

"No, it's got something carved into it."

The imp holds the rock out to them, pointing to the symbol.

"What is that? Some kind of language?"

“Ah, now this is my area of expertise,” Meridian says proudly, taking the rock from the imp gently to study it further. “You may be a master of rituals, but symbols are my speciality.”

Meridian stares at the symbol, angling it this way and that, trying to match it with some of his occult studies. What may look like random scratching on a rock to most buns was a decodable message to the great Meridian, master of (over)interpretation. He furrows his brow.

“This symbol, to my knowledge,” he says, “Can be one of two things. It is either a harbinger of danger to come, or a sign of great fortune. It all depends on the material on which it’s set. I believe, since it’s set on darker stone, I would interpret it as a symbol of good fortune.”

"Hmm..." Lumen takes the rock and looks at the symbol. They hold their hand out to the imp, who places its small paws in their palm. They gently stroke the top of the imp's head, their ears twitching.

"Well, if it's a sign of good fortune, that's a good thing, right? At least we don't have to worry about the demons coming for us."

They laugh and hand the rock back to the imp, who squeaks happily and scuttles off. "Maybe next time we can summon something a little more exciting," Lumen muses. They turn their attention to the picnic blanket, their eyes lighting up.

The pride bun went back to eating more dangos happily, a small smile on their face.

“Well,” Meridian says as he watches the imp scamper off, “It just follows that we must meet up again at another point, in order to summon a greater beast.”

He grabs himself a dango, getting comfortable on the picnic blanket near Lumen. “Though, of course, today we must regain our power with good company and good food.”