Yurei: humming Looook, it's the scroll... finaaaallyyyy.
Stranger
hey, look!
Stranger
this little guy
narrows eyes This...little guy? What's so special about it?
Stranger
it’s a spirit
leans in closer, examining the spirit A spirit? Well, well, well... So, you've found yourself a toy, have you? smirks
Stranger
yurei, i’m not playing with it. i found it like this
waves hand dismissively Oh, I'm sure you're not playing with it. But are you sure it's not playing with you? raises an eyebrow
Stranger
what do you mean?
leans back, crossing arms Well, you might think you've found a poor, defenseless spirit, but spirits can be quite mischievous, you know.
Stranger
we should still show it respect though
stands up abruptly Respect? Ha! Spirits don't deserve respect. They deserve fear, reverence, and caution. paces back and forth
Stranger
and why is that?
pauses, staring intensely at Stranger Because they're not like us, human. They're entities of darkness and mystery, beings of otherworldly power and influence.
Stranger
i know that, but they’re still entities that deserve a fair chance at happiness
snorts derisively Happiness? Spirits don't need happiness, they need fear, uncertainty, and suffering. It's the chase of the unknown, the thrill of the unexplored.
Stranger
if they didn’t need that, then why do they seek humans out, asking for our help?
stops pacing, smirking Ah, yes, the age-old tale of spirits seeking human aid. Well, my dear Stranger, let me tell you something.
Stranger
what?
Spirits don't truly need human help. They seek us out because they crave interaction, they crave power over us, and they crave the chaos that comes from being involved with the living.
Stranger
that doesn’t seem very fair to them, does it?
As Yurei continues to explain the nature of spirits, a sudden gust of wind blows through the room, causing the candles to flicker violently.
Stranger
maybe we should find a way to release it or something?
Release it? laughs mockingly Oh, my dear Stranger, it's not that simple. Spirits are bound by their own will, and releasing them would be a fool's errand.
Stranger
huh?
Look, let me tell you a story. There was once a spirit named Kuro. Kuro was bound by a dark curse, unable to leave the earthly realm.