fandomhigh | Folklore and Fact: Mystical Artifacts, Week 11 (Thurs/2nd Period)

The display screens at the front of the room were running a slideshow that consisted of images of fire, today, and to add to the effect Sakura had placed two small, ornate braziers one on either side of the screen, both of them flickering away.

“Today we'll be discussing the concept of fire and its role in the mystical consciousness," she said once the class had gathered. “Fire is one of the basic elements, held to be one of the classical elements of many philosophies, and as such plays a symbolic and ritual role in many cultures. Consider, for example, the concept of the eternal flame. For a few minutes, please discuss the concept of fire: what ideas and feelings does it evoke for you? What does fire represent? What are its uses, and what symbolism can be derived from them?"

She gave the class a short period of time in which to talk about the idea of fire before she continued. “The sacred fire of Vesta was a key part of ancient Roman religion. Vesta, the domestic goddess of hearth and the fire, was often personified as flame, and the sacred fire of her temple was believed to be tied directly to the fortunes of Rome itself. This isn't very surprising; in ancient times, allowing the hearth fire to go out was often a misfortune for the inhabitants of the household. If the sacred fire of Vesta was allowed to go out, it was commonly held as an omen of disaster for the city."

“An obscure text whose authenticity has yet to be determined tells of a fire that destroyed the Japanese town of Higuchi and killed 40,000 people whose souls were eaten by Lord Yodoshi," Sakura continued. “As I've said, we haven't been able to determine how much of this is fact and how much is poetic license, but it does seem to tie in, at least symbolically, to the Flame of the Ruined Country, whose name as you can probably guess comes from the fact that it is said to have destroyed an entire nation. Because it's so dangerous, I didn't get clearance to bring it to show you, but it is said to have been lit from oil made from the fat of cursed people and evil wizards, and burns eternally. It goes without saying that such a thing would be a powerful weapon in the wrong hands."

She looked at the class again. “So, for the second part of our discussion: what would you do with something like the Flame of the Ruined Country? Do you think it would be possible to use it for good?"

Once the discussion had subsided, she said, “Next week we'll be having a guest speaker; my colleague, Eiji Takaoka, will be coming to discuss the Hundred-Demons Mirror and the mythos of the demon race known in my world as the Ashu. I hope that you give him the proper respect . . . even if he doesn't appear to deserve it."

[OOC: Class Info Post is here, and OCD is up!]

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"I sure hope so."

Dean grinned widely. "That's my boy!"

Sam rolled his eyes and snickered. "I knew your reaction would be something like that. You're so predictable. And dirty. But mostly predictable."

"This is a rite of passage, Sammy. A step on the journey of growing up."

"I know it's a rite of passage - an important one," Sam said. "I just don't know if I feel as grown up as you seem to think I should."

"I said growing up not grown up. You've still got a ways to go, sport." Dean shrugged. "So do I really."

"Sometimes, I'm convinced you have farther to go than I do," Sam replied.

"I just know how to have fun," Dean said with a smirk.

"And now I know how to have fun too," Sam replied, letting the smug grin return.

"And just think -- you don't have to worry about anything looking for a virgin sacrifice anymore," Dean teased.

"Of course, that also means that if we end up in a horror film, I'm no longer safe," Sam replied.

"Dude, if end up in a horror film, we'd so be the ones kicking the monster's ass."

Sam snickered. "Good point. Maybe I should rephrase that: Dawn won't be safe. Because of me." And there was that grin again.

"Yeah, I can see you're totally broken up about it," Dean deadpanned.

"Oh yes, completely," Sam said, managing a dry tone before cracking up again. "I just kind of can't believe we actually did it."

"Well, you've been dancing around it for so long," Dean pointed out. He grinned and clapped a hand to Sammy's shoulder. "And, as promised, we need to celebrate this. What do you want to do? Anything, anywhere."

"You said something about a roadtrip on the mainland. You still up for that?" Sam asked.

"You got it. Anywhere in particular you want to go or should we just get in the car and drive?"

"I like the idea of just driving. That way, you and the Impala can have some nice, quality time together."

"This is supposed to be about what you want to do though, Sammy," Dean reminded him. "Not me or the Impala."

"I know. I didn't say I wouldn't be mocking you openly when you start talking to the car and singing along with the radio," Sam replied.

"So what you want to do is mock me and my car?"

"That's not the whole point," Sam said. "Just a bonus. I don't have a particular destination in mind, that's all."

"Okay," Dean said, thinking maybe Sammy missed the road sometimes as much as Dean did. "We've got detention with Zoe this weekend -- couldn't talk her out of it, though I did get called adorable -- so we could go Sunday if you want to just do a day trip?"

"That sounds good to me," Sam said, eying Dean curiously. "Zoe called you adorable? I thought pregnancy hormones weren't supposed to make women crazy until the 7th or 8th month?"

Re: During the Lecture [FaF, Week 11]

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