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2 ❀ bad end meme
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❝ANOTHER BAD END MEME❞ A popular fan theory is that the enemy swords you fight are actually your swords from an alternate universe who wished to change history. For this meme, feel free to make up your own starters or use one of the prompts below. Remember to state if your character is corrupted, not, or if you have no preference. △ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ △ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ △ 1. How could you let this happen? They wanted to be left alone, their mood was poor, and maybe you should have noticed the signs but now that you have, it’s too late. They can’t stop these thoughts in their head and something in their soul has turned dark and ugly. Is it too late? Maybe you can get through to them… if not, are you ready to draw your sword? 2. Possession. Even the smallest trace of doubt can attract them— evil spirits. Once the dark spirit has latched on to your soul, it takes over and consumes you. Maybe the possession is gradual or maybe it happens suddenly. All you know is that everyone has regrets and anyone can doubt… this could happen to anyone. 3. In a moment. You've been assigned on a mission. It's nothing surprising but this is one that hits a little closer to the heart and not in a good way. It's natural to wonder what you would do if you could go back in time and change a certain thing. But right now, it's actually in your power to make it happen. Can you do it? And if you do, can you deal with the consequences? 4. Becoming your own enemy. Your mission is to go back in time and let things happen as they were meant to be but their fall into despair was never supposed to happen, right? And so you went back in time to prevent their misfortunes but you keep failing again and again until, this time, you think you’ve got it. This time, you’ll be able to save your friend - but will you be able to save yourself too? 5. Reborn again. When destroyed in battle, the sword disappears only to return again anew. You can’t choose the fate you’re born with though and this time, someone has returned… on the wrong side. 6. The other side. But there are three sides to this war, aren't there? You are the third side: the Kebiishi. This army thinks they're preserving history but you know better, don't you? It's not their fault... the only history they know is the history they ruined. The saniwa's army doesn't know how to stop and that's why it's up to you to put an end to them. 7. Actually not so innocent. You don't even realize you're doing it. You go to sleep, you black out, and the next thing you know, there's blood on your sword. But from what? How? Did you do it? You don't... remember doing this but everyone is saying you did something wrong. But you're innocent! You swear! 8. The cure is ineffective. They saved you. You'd turned on them before and you were forced to commit grave sins against your will but they saved you. They stopped you. Your soul was purified by the saniwa sage. Did it hurt? Maybe you remember. Maybe you don't. But all that matters you thought you were saved... until it became clear that you weren't. You're living on borrowed time. You're a ticking time bomb. Are you ready for part two? 9. Wildcard. Bring the pain. Make your own/mix and match. △ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ △ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ △ |
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Mikazuki appears to be lazy and taking it easy most of the time. Given both his value and his level now, he gets sent out when they need heavy hitters, which is not always very often these days. And while he was secretary for a time after he arrived, he's happily relinquished the position to someone else. Mutsunokami is much better at keeping everyone motivated and happy, and Hasebe is much better at organizing the day-to-day happenings at the Citadel. Mikazuki's strengths lie elsewhere, in his long experience and even longer memories.
These books and records that are still too complex for Hana to grasp completely, he will have to delve deep into them. Hopefully, he'll find some information that is worthy of reporting to their Saniwa... or to exploit himself, even without her knowledge if absolutely necessary.]
Aruji, please take a little rest. Someone will bring you a meal. We will be calling back everyone who is out as per your orders and assigning work as needed. Once Shokudaikiri Mitsutada and Ookurikara are back, we will have a clearer picture of where to start looking.
[And right now, he wants her out of the office so he can start snooping around. She doesn't need to be here to work her magic on the forcefields, and in fact it might be best for her to do it from her room so she can rest as soon as she is done.]
Off with the two of you as well. We have work to do.
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She shakes her head, though.)
There's no time.
(To rest. Besides, how could she? There are still injured spirits to tend to and though it's difficult to admit out loud... she needs to check on the wellness of the others at the citadel. She'd missed the darkness that had festered within Tsurumaru's spirit. Was he the only one? Or were there others? There's much they don't know about how this darkness works and they can't wait to find out...
But when she looks up at Mikazuki and the others, she smiles. She'll surely be tired later... she's tired right now. But there's no need to worry. She'll do her best.
Mutsunokami and Hasebe both leave to tend to their duties. Hana follows behind them to see the out but she doesn't quite leave. Turning back to look at Mikazuki curiously,)
What will you do, Mikazuki-san?
(She listens to her swords when they speak and as she recalls... Mikazuki hadn't said what he would do exactly.)
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And well, as usual, she is sharp. Sharper than one might expect in someone so young still. But Mikazuki can be cagey with the best of them when he wants to, and he just smiles.]
I should probably rest more as well. It will still be a little while before my injuries are healed completely. Do not worry, Aruji, I don't over exert myself.
[Reading doesn't require much physical strength, after all.]
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She's seen Mikazuki reading before but more often than not, she couldn't really figure out what or why. He isn't the only one either. Sometimes Hasebe or Mutsunokami will also become curious and turn through the pages of recorded history in this room. She should try to read more too, she thinks... but it's difficult. There are so many old characters and the so much complex grammar... )
Can you really read everything here?( She's genuinely curious. It would make sense that someone as old as him would be able to parse through the old writings here. She gives the room a look once more, ) ... I've been learning how to read.
( From Ishikirimaru and Kasen and so many others. The books in here sill seem intimidating, though. )
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[Mikazuki can give a good summary of what he reads when needed. Right now, though, he's not quite sure of what he's looking for. he has a memory niggling at the back of his mind, but it's vague, which is why he'll need some time to find the right volumes again.]
If there's anything you'd like to try and read, we can try it together one day, Aruji.
[But not now, not when they need all hands on deck. No, when the peace and quiet are back and they can once again spend long, lazy afternoon watching their small master grow, that is when they'll do it.
For now, Mikazuki has a crane to hunt. Most probably, the First Unit will have to be dispatched for this once Tsurumaru is located.]
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Instead of leaving, she heads further into the room, coming to meet Mikazuki. Stopping in front of him, she raises her hand, beckoning him to lean down. When he does, she'll pet the top of his head gently. It's a habit she picked up from her earlier days when it was just her, Mutsunokami, and Sayo. )
I'll check on you later. But if it starts to hurt, come find me.
( No matter what she's doing, she'll make time. But knowing Mikazuki... she knows he likely won't come to her for something like that. Most of them don't so she has to be more proactive. )
... We'll bring him back, Mikazuki-san.
( He's spent all of this time reassuring her, she should return the favor. After all, Mikazuki has known Tsurumaru longer than she has. )
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He used to find it odd at first, but it is strangely comforting and he's always happy to indulge it when he comes towards him like this. And her words bring another smile to his lips. She's trying so hard.]
I know, Aruji.
[She's right that he won't bother her, though. As soon as she is out he starts trailing the bookshelves looking for what he knows is somewhere in there.
When he next looks up from his reading, it's already dark outside, but no one has come to fetch him for dinner. Everyone is probably too busy and Shokudaikiri is out, so most probably everyone just nibbled on what they could and they forgot he wasn't around. It's not that important.
He puts the books back in order and heads out, first intend on checking on Hana and making sure she has eaten and is resting a little.]
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Mutsunokami and Hasebe handle most of the duties but there are still some areas where they need to run things by their saniwa. So basically, she's been kept busy with all of the chaos and extra duties! But when Mikazuki finds her, she's in her room. He'll probably here her voice because she's talking to someone. That someone ends up being Mutsunokami who excuses himself and starts to walk right into Mikazuki before catching himself. Once he realizes who he's bumped into, he calls into the room, "Fo~und him~"
It looks like he was about to be sent off to get Mikazuki. But since he's saved him the trouble... he'll step aside and let Mikazuki go in. It looks like Mutsunokami also brought her a snack earlier judging by the tray of sweets and still hot tea next to her.)
Mikazuki-san. (She smiles! If she's tired, she's doing a good job at not showing it,) I was just about to call for you.
(Mutsunokami pokes his head into the room and looks at Hana and then at Mikazuki,)
"I'll get another cup for ya."
(Because... Mikazuki wasn't at dinner or anywhere in the dining room either, was he?)
Thank you, Mutsunokami-san. (She returns her attention to Mikazuki,) Come inside, please.
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It's late, Aruji. You should get some sleep.
[Of course there is a lot to do but they are only going to get busier. They should all rest while they have the chance. She might be good at hiding her tiredness, but Mikazuki is an old soul who has been around humans for a long time. He knows that running around for a long time with little rest is not good for them.]
We will need all of our strength in the coming days. You as well.
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Not yet. ( She still has things she needs to do. A last check on the swords in repairs, tending to Mikazuki, reviewing the schedules and assignments that Hasebe and Mutsu helped draft up, looking at the maps and books she has to try to learn something... But she knows that answer won't suffice so she folds her hands neatly in front of her and insists, ) I'll go to sleep soon, I promise.
( Will that be good enough for now? )
How are you feeling? Does it hurt? ( His injuries. ) I asked Yagen-san to prepare some medicine for you just in case.
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I am fine, Aruji. I rested for most of the day.
[Well, he read for most of the day. And forgot to eat. Oops. But it's true that it doesn't hurt that much. He's had worse. Physically, at least.]
Please keep it for those who are more injured. My own injuries will be gone by tomorrow.
[So there's not need to waste medicine or a help token. He's fine.]
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( She glances back at the low table next to her. There are papers everywhere and Mikazuki can probably make out what some of them are. Different units-- some of them the names of swords who are still out, others that look like they'll be on new squads. She's thought of something but she won't say anything for now, )
... It's true that all of you are able to heal much faster than regular humans.
( And since the injury is only physical, it's very likely that he will be better by tomorrow. Hm.
Mutsunokami returns with a second cup of tea and a small teapot. He sets the cup down on the same tray and the teapot on the table, )
"Don't stay up too late. That goes for ya both"
Of course. ( She'll pour Mikazuki's cup as she continues speaking to Mikazuki, )
Shokudaikiri-san and Ookurikara-san should be here any time but they sent their report ahead. They followed Tsurumaru to the end of the Edo era and lost him again.
( Regular paper and parchment wont suffice for this next part so she pulls up the projection hologram next. There's a pale, pink light as a screen lights up between them for Mikazuki to see. There are charts and graphs with different dates and plenty of names but at a quick glance... things seem to be mostly fine. )
There are some small disturbances in these areas. ( Kamakura and Sengoku and the ever present ripples in the Bakumatsu era where history is poised to change at the slightest divergence. ) The third and fourth squads were assigned here but I've called them back. They've managed to get it under enough control for the time being. Even more, I've asked for their reports as well and they've reported no increased activity.
( Zooming in on the Edo era, to the ripples and disturbances that make up the Bakumatsu era-- Ikedaya, the skirmishes on the Sanjo bridge, the assassination of Sakamoto, the execution of Kondou, and beyond that... into a new era, a period they've only just barely begun to make headway into with the death of Hijikata Toshizo.
There's a new ripple, a sudden spike in anomalies just ahead of their most recent mark, )
Instead of going farther back in time, I think he's pushed ahead. It's unexpected but.... that's why it must be him, don't you think? He's moved ahead with the Retrograding Army into the Meiji Era.
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[He nods his thanks when Mustunokami brings him back a cup, and waits until his master has poured so he can take a sip. It's warm and really good, especially on an empty stomach.
He's seen the papers and all the work that has been accomplished, but turns his head towards the projection. Indeed, nothing seems to be too terribly amiss in the various eras they are customarily visiting. Some of the expected hot spots, but nothing that seems out of the ordinary.
That spike there is, of course, surprising. And concerning for many reasons.]
Meiji.... we won't be able to move freely there. Carrying a sword is forbidden in that time. We will not be able to move inconspicuously.
[As is Mikazuki has ever been inconspicuous, of course. But at least their usual operations take them to times where openly carrying a sword is normal.]
He might have done it on purpose, knowing it would be hard for us to follow. The only ones who might be able to move around without being noticed would be the tantou, and they won't be strong enough to bring him back on their own. He knows that.
[Of course, in the end, they're spirits. They can do whatever they want to, including disappearing, if they get in hot water. But they always try to disturb whatever era they visit as little as possible.
A sword fight in Meiji era will definitely not be inconspicuous.]
More surprising is why the TRA would follow him. That era is getting too close to present times. there is still much that can be changed, but nothing as profound as what they could accomplish much earlier.
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She pulls up a few reports on the screens. The profiles of men who have died in this era recently. Most of them appear to be police officers but there appear to be a few ronin tossed in the mix too, )
There have been murders in Edo. Or rather... Tokyo, now. So far, it's no one of significant importance. ( No one who's death would unravel the fabric of time and history, ) At first, Konnosuke and I thought this was the enemy army but as I said, it's no one important that we can figure out but there's something else.
( A new record comes up. One man is marked dead but is neither a police officer or ronin,, )
It says here he was a baron but history shows no record of any man by this name ever earning a title. In the Meiji Era, a new aristocracy was established and it would become the body that would lead the nation through the era. Many old families lost their ranks from before while new ones gained high titles. It wasn't just old lords... many were also men of "merit" who had proved themselves in areas like business and military.
In this case, it isn't anything that won't fix itself with time... but we don't know how it happened in the first place. Whether or not Tsurumaru is really here... this is worth investigating still.
This will be two assignments in one. ( The screens fade away and there is Hana, sitting neatly in front of Mikazuki, ) You'll have your hands full starting tomorrow so please, rest.
I've already told the rest of the first unit.
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It makes sense, they're the heavy hitters. They can dispatch most enemies extremely fast. But it will be hard to move around as they have both mentioned.
In any case, he won't discus the order of being sent out. What happens when they are out there... well, they will see. Mikazuki is pretty used to doing whatever he needs to on missions, as logn as the end result is the desired one. This time will be no different.
So he puts his hands to the ground and bows to her.]
Hai wakatta.
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When Mikazuki rises, she's still sitting as delicately as ever, a careful smile on her face. She's worried. Of course she's worried. But she won't let it show (at least, not too much).
Moving the tray of snacks between them, she takes her own cup of tea which has cooled enough for her and takes a sip, )
Did you learn anything, Mikazuki-san? You were reading for a long time.
( Lowering her cup, )
You didn't eat dinner, either.
( Eat some snacks at least!!! It's just senbei, lightly frosted with flower patterns, but it's more than nothing! )
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He'll help himself to a few snacks as he tries to order his thoughts and make it easy to understand.]
I wanted to refresh my memories. There were things that I remembered, but I wanted to check if I was correct.
[And he thinks he is. That won't answer all questions, but some of them at least.]
Do you remember what happens when we go out on sortie and come back with new swords, Aruji? Those swords... They do not simply appear out of nowhere. They are from our enemy's ranks, and they cross over to come to us. We do not seek them out. They decide to come to us.
The process is... not completely clear, but it seems that once one sword becomes aware of their own uniqueness, of their individuality, of their will, they can... regain themselves. So it is not... inconceivable that it could happen the other way around.
But it would have to be something extremely powerful for it to happen. Once a sword has regained themselves, their link to who they are, breaking it is no easy feat.
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So it's possible that... he's losing who he is. (She isn't usually one to let her emotions get the better of her but right now, she sounds genuinely sad. It makes sense. It would at least explain how he could cut down Mikazuki without a second thought. She's quiet again for another moment,) Then it's important to remind him of that.
(Of who he is. A white crane sword, an irreplaceable friend, a valued ally.)
Whatever has taken a hold of him must be strong to take that away from him. You must be careful.
(And she sighs, letting out a breath and relaxing her shoulders. She's still worried. She probably won't stop worrying until things are right again but they've done all they can for now and at least, after almost two days, they have a plan.)
Now... you'll need more than snacks to get your strength back, Mikazuki-san.
(Standing up, she sets down an empty tea cup and dusts herself off.)
Let's go to the kitchen and see what's leftover. (She reaches out with both hands to help Mikazuki up and adds,) You're not good in the kitchen.
(That childlike honesty...)
So let me help you. Then I promise I'll go to sleep.
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I have never seen it happen this way around. Always it has been others coming to us, not them taking anyone from our ranks. So yes, whatever it was, it was powerful, and we will have to be cautious when approaching it.
[And once Shokudaikiri and Ookurikara are back, they can formulate a more definite plan with their full intelligence report.
He does let out a small laugh when Hana remarks he is not good in the kitchen but insists on taking him there to find him something to it, with the seriousness only children can have. And he doesn't let go of her hand as they walk to the kitchen.
He'll leave her to find whatever food she wants to feed him while he makes more tea. Maybe he can convince her to have some with him before he makes sure to walk her back to her room and put her to bed himself, just to be sure.
He knows Hasebe and Mutsunokami have probably taken care of having someone on watch during the night, and that having been among the injured, he won't be asked to do it. He can at leat get some sleep tonight.
... He wonders if Hana will want to sleep alone, though. As strong as their little master is, she is young and sensitive.]
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And like that, their late dinner for two becomes a group meal. There's a lot of worrying and catching up, but knowing that there is now a plan and there's nothing more that can be done for the night, the others try to move on to lighter topics. It's the returning expedition unit that tells everyone stories about their most recent mission; the people they saw, the foods they tasted, and promising to bring back some treats when they go back.
Something else they can all agree on is that Hana should get to bed sooner rather than later and a few of them offer to walk her to her room. She bids them all good night and like that, she's tucked away for the evening while the others speak of heavier topics they didn't want to worry their young master with.
When morning comes, quite a few have come to see the first unit off. Hana, of course, is one of them and she reminds them of their assignment once more before presenting each member with a small gift. For each of them, there's a new omamori, different from the ones she usually offers to her swords. It's an ornate charm, one to ward off evil.)
I'm sorry I can't do anything else.
(It won't do much about the darkness that may already dwell in their hearts but at least, it should make it easier for outside forces to harm them. The rest, the swords will have to handle for themselves.)
Remember your assignment and good luck, everyone.
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Mikazuki isn't the captain of the unit, but he still steps forward to give her a little bow.]
We will bring him back, Aruji.
[In what state they do remains to be seen, but they will bring him back. Mikazuki will make sure of it.
They let themselves be taken into the whirlwind that is the normal process of transferring them to the era they are going to. At least they arrive in a deserted area. But now they are faced with the problem of moving around carrying swords, and of being relatively inconspicuous, which is hard with Mikazuki.
They set up a base in an abandoned shrine, and for the first part, Yamanbagiri and the Genji swords head out for scouting, since they are the ones least likely to attract too much attention with their clothing.
It still isn't easy for them to move around, they narrowly escape encounters with the police several times before they come back to report.
There's an undercurrent in the town of tension that they are sensitive to, because of the murders, and by nightfall they have a list of people who died who do not seem to correspond to any know person in History.
And when night falls, it is easier for Mikazuki to move out and head to the entertainment quarters, where his get up is less out of place and people think he is an entertainer. He scouts a little as well, keeping an eye out for a familiar silhouette. They need to come in and hit hard and go out. Not linger.
When he feels the presences around he whispers to the Konnosuke on his shoulder.]
Tantou. They sent in their small units first to force us to unveil ourselves while they can weave in and out of the crowd. This won't be easy.
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Meanwhile, in the new capital, the first squad has their work cut out for them. If Mikazuki is keeping an eye out for a familiar silhouette, he might miss the very person he's looking for. Barely resembling himself, a man with dark hair pushes through the crowd. He wears the dark uniform of a police officer and his cap is pulled low over his eyes, now red instead of the pale gold they should be. What gives him away is the sword at his side, still white and decorated in gold. It's too valuable to belong to a common officer. Of course... Mikazuki should recognize the blade and know that regardless.
It doesn't take long for Konnosuke to notice too and he whispers quietly, "Mikazuki." Does he see what he sees?
The man doesn't seem to notice Mikazuki outwardly but the way he acts, pushing through the crowd and making his way towards the outer streets, suggests he's trying to avoid him.
Or lure him.
He turns down a narrow, poorly lit street and if Mikazuki should follow him... he seem to disappear. )
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Before he does enter the street that Tsurumaru disappeared into, he gently removes the Konnosuke from his shoulder and puts his down on the ground.]
Go get the others. I'll hold them off until you get back.
[The tantou will be easy enough to take care off. And hopefully the others will be coming fast for the main event. Mikazuki watches the small fox spirit disappear into the crowd before he slips away into the shadows he saw Tsurumaru fade into. He hasn't unsheathed his blade yet, but he is ready.
Most people tend to underestimate his speed and his power, because he spends most of his time at the citadel being an old man and not pulling his weight with chores. Hs comrades from the first unit know better, of course.
He'll still be glad to have them here, even if he plans to drag Tsurumaru back kicking and screaming if he has to.]
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Swords are prohibited in this era. Unless, of course, you have permission.
(The voice is both familiar and not. The sound is the same but the tone feels all wrong-- actually cold and hard, even when he jokes,)
... Or you look like you have it.
(That explains the change in clothes.
When Mikazuki turns around, he'll see that familiar face he was looking for but he's hardly the same person he was before. His hair is black, his clothes dark, his eyes are red and when he regards Mikazuki, it's without any warmth.)
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He turns around but doesn't reach for his own sword. Not yet. The longer he can stall the better, because once he gets his blade out, things will get... very messy.]
Hahahahaha! I do not think those rules apply to me.
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