minutemen | 2 ❀ bad end meme

2 ❀ bad end meme

❝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.

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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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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

(While Mikazuki brews the tea, Hana begins to put together a late meal for Mikazuki. Kasen already prepared meals for everyone so it's just a matter of heating up some things and quickly putting together a few other items. While they're getting ready, some others arrive from their expeditions as well as Ookurikara and Shokudaikiri.

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.

Edited 2019-01-30 01:22 (UTC)

[They all tuck the omamoris safely int he fold of their clothing. There is no telling how effective those will be, but Hana worked hard on them, and they all feel better carrying this little bit of her with them anyway.

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.

( His reassurance means a lot to her, as does the promises from everyone else. When she first took over this citadel, she was always nervous about sending the touken danshi out into the field but over time, those anxieties faded as normalcy settled in. Today is the the first time in quite a while she's felt nervous. Her smile is shaky and she bows in return as she sees everyone off. She's asking them to do so much now. As the first unit departs, another sword grips her shoulder gently and says something to her they won't be able to catch before being sent off...

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. )

[Of course he sees. The colors are all wrong, but the blade is unmistakable. And of course he is being lured. It's obvious, just like the enemy tantou closing in are. But Mikazuki still follows. What other choice is there? It's the first time they manage to sight Tsurumaru, and he doesn't want to lose him.

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.]

Edited 2019-01-30 23:28 (UTC)

(It's dark and eerily quiet on the street. Everything about it just screams that this is a place no one should be in alone or something might happen. Once Mikazuki wanders in a good distance, there's a sound from behind him, like fabric just barely moving and the familiar clink of a certain sword being prepared for battle.)

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.)

[Familiar and yet not. The whole color scheme is wrong. The voice is wrong. But who this is is unmistakable.

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.

( Laughter falls on death ears and the black crane only shrugs, tapping his sword tapping against his shoulder. Mikazuki might notice that even if Tsurumaru faces Mikazuki and clearly sees him, his eyes seem to come just short of actually meeting. It's almost like he can't quite bring himself to look. )

No... you're right. ( He smiles, amused. ) Because neither of us should really be here, isn't that right?

( Not that he cares. )

... You didn't come here because you're worried about a few nobodies.

( Arrogant ronin and nosy police officers all with equally bad luck. )

[Yes, there is something here. Tsurumaru is evading his gaze. Those beautiful, piercing eyes in which the crescent moon glows brighter in the dark, and during battle.

He'll ignore Tsurumaru's cold and clinical tone for now. He needs to focus on keeping him engaged, and hopefully on not attacking before he gets back up... but Tsurumaru is one of them. Even if he is losing himself, has he lost all of his memories? Mikazuki doesn't count on it.]

I came here because Aruji has given me an order to bring you back. And I will do as she order.

[A small pause, and then he smiles.]

I came here because I am worried about you.

(His fingers curl tightly around the hilt of his sword and his eyes flash, seeming to glow an all too familiar sort of red. Mikazuki has said something that's caught his attention but it's hard to tell if it was mentioing the saniwa or saying he was worried.)

You left her? (Out of everything, this is what he seems to be most focused on.) Who will guard her now?

(Other swords, of course. He knows that. But they hadnt been the ones that stopped him last time. It had been Mikazuki. And he knows there are others here too. The sword army rarely fights alone and surely, Mikazuki is just buying time. He lowers his sword, raising it to Mikazuki and shifts into a ready stance,)

Save your worries.

(And he charges without hesitation.)

Are you worried about Aruji?

[Mikazuki did not expect that, somehow. There is still something there, a fragment of individuality he needs to seize and not let go of.]

She is well protected. She is safe. There is no need for you to worry about her.

[But in a way, it is reassuring that he does. And yes, Mikazuki was the one to stop him, but that was mostly because the others were taken by surprise and he'd been faster to react. Now they are expecting it, they won't be so easy to get through.

He should have expected Tsurumaru to try and cut this short of course. Hopefully, the others aren't too far. He steps aside, avoiding the first charge without yet drawing his blade.]

You should worry about yourself, Tsurumaru Kuninaga. I won't go easy on you.

Should I be?

( Worried about the saniwa? He laughs and just swings again and again until Mikazuki either draws his sword or loses so much ground he can't move back anymore. )

Draw your sword already! If you're so strong, why are you waiting for help to come?

( F I G H T H I M. )

[The laughter rings hollow. Mikazuki is certain Tsurumaru reacted to something when he spoke of their master, though. Or was it when he spoke of himself?]

She is worried about you.

[And he's not waiting for help, really. Or rather, he is waiting for help to keep this contained enough. He could probably just go and end this himself, but at what cost to their surroundings...

He does end up drawing his sword eventually to parry a blow.]

Do you think you can take me down on your own before the others get here, Tsurumaru Kuninaga?

[He doesn't know if the darkness has made Tsurumaru stronger, but he is not planning on going easy on him just because he is a comrade. Quite the contrary]

( HIs attacks do seem stronger but that isn't the only thing different. His style has changed, becoming more wild and harder to predict. He's traded skill and control for power and speed. When he mentions the saniwa, he strikes harder than before, the sound echoing in the street. )

Do you think I won't try? ( He steps back, giving himself more space to attack, ) I'll destroy you.

( He slashes again. )

Stop talking already and fight.

[It seems he was right. When Tsurumaru got taken by the darkness, he lost something of his individuality. His blade feels heavier, but more haphazard, less controlled. And with his different clothing, you can't hear the flap of his cloak, like crane wings. It's almost like fighting a different sword entirely.]

Hahahahaha! You aren't exactly coming hard enough for me to stop talking, Tsurumaru Kuninaga.

[He is still parrying only with one hand and not yet going beyond defending and outright attacking. The buildings around are flimsy. They will break if he starts going all out.

He might not have a choice for much longer. But he'll keep talking to keep Tsurumaru engaged and focused on him. Him Mikazuki, not just him the enemy.]

Aruji wants you back, Tsurumaru.

( His next attack is charged, stronger than all of the others. There's a spike in the dark energy around him and there's an electric crackling-- a red energy coming from his sword. He strikes MIkazuki's sword hard, intent on breaking it and hisses, )

Who are you talking to?

Is there anyone else here but you, Tsurumaru Kuninaga?

[This time, he does use both of his hands to parry the blow and push back. And this time, he does not wait for the next attack to come and just pushes in, his own sword heavy with all the power he can summon. he's done his best to hold off, but he can't do that any longer.

The blade starts glowing slightly, and the wooden walls around them tremble with the pressure.]

We have orders to bring you back, and we will.

( He can feel the pressure and it sends a shiver down his spine. It makes him smile and it makes him want to fight but what Mikazuki says? It makes him want to laugh. So he does. It's loud and mad, there's no warmth and it feels unnaturally cruel, )

Are you talking to me? What crane do you see here? ( He pushes back against Mikazuki, his sword crackling, ) I don't see any!

I know the crane is there. He is a little hard to see right now. A little dirty. But it's fine. We can clean him up.

[Mikazuki can't really hold back for much longer. Tsurumaru is really coming at him.

The wall next to him explodes. And from the smoke and debris, a glowing crescent moon of energy comes out, slashing deep grooves in whatever it touches.

This is going to attract attention.]

Then you're seeing things.

( Because there's nothing here. There's no trace of that beautiful white crane in this Tsurumaru. He was lost the moment he attacked the citadel.

The house bursts, the crescent moon glows. Is this the power of one of the swords of heaven? )

Ah, be careful. You wouldn't want to attract attention, would you? ( He knows how these guys work. In his memories, he knows how all of this goes. ) What will you do if someone comes to see? I'll have to cut them down.

I do not think I am.

[Tsurumaru's next words only bring out more laughter as Mikazuki follows up on his attacks.]

Hahahahaha! Do you really think we are concerned about not attracting attention now, Tsurumaru Kuninaga? If we were, it wouldn't have been the First Squad sent out there to retrieve you.

[And he trusts that his comrades will secure a perimeter around this area first and foremost, to make sure no one uninvolved gets caught in it.]

And you know this, or why else would you have come to this era?

( He's strong. He's really strong and he grits his teeth, growling at Mikazuki. )

Do you think I want to be here?! ( He pushes back against Mikazuki and tries to keep him off, even if it means kicking back, ) I'd sooner go back!

( He laughs, )

That's right. Why don't you take me back? And when I'm close to that little sage, I'll strike her down. It's too bad these clothes are black. I wonder what her blood would look like on white.

( Because that's what he meant by taking him back right? Taking him back alive? What a bunch of fools. )

Good. Then, we agree on one point at least, hahahaha!

[Another crescent moon beam flashes outs, taking down a crumbling building as it hurtles towards Tsurumaru. Mikazuki is right behind it, one hands extended to grab Tsurumaru's throat.]

We will not allow you to do that, Tsurumaru Kuninaga. Whatever possesses you had the advantage of surprise last time, but not so now. Aruji has ordered you to be brought back so we can purify you, but if we cannot, we have orders from the government to break you.

[He hates it. He doesn't want it to come to this. But if it ends up being the only way...]

And if it comes down to that, I'll break you myself.

( It's an attack that sends him flying back and by the time he recovers, Mikazuki is at his throat. He grits his teeth and glares at Mikazuki. It's the first time he meets his eyes and what he shows is nothingness. There's no recognition in his eyes as he looks at Mikazuki and he holds his sword tightly in his hand hissing, )

Let me go. Let me go, let me go! I'll kill you! I'll destroy every last one of you and then I'll kill that girl--!

( But then there's a flicker in his eye. It's brief, something that would be missed if Mikazuki missed but there's a moment of concern and Tsurumaru's eyes look away, glancing in the direction of an enemy tantou that suddenly comes from the shadows, aimed right at Mikazuki.

It's the enemy so it should be an ally but what Tsurumaru does next...

He shoves Mikazuki away with all of his strength, kicking him hard in the chest. )

[Ah. He was right. Tsurumaru is still in there somewhere. Whatever has taken a hold of him is powerful indeed, but there's still something in there...

Mikazuki has known about the tantou since before the battle began, but he is pretty sturdy. He'd planned on ignoring them. He could either slash them down at the same time, or take the blows. they were unlikely to harm him too much, and he could definitely take some damage if needed.

But Tsurumaru's actions surprise him. He gets pushed out of the way, crashing into a wall and grimacing as he does and gets back up only to see the other sword cut down the enemy tantou.]

Oya. That is a surprise.

Why did you do that, Tsurumaru Kuninaga?

( He cuts down the tantou and yells angrily,, )

Stay out of this! ( His breathing is hard and he shoots Mikazuki a glare like daggers right at Mikazuki. ) Be quiet!

Stop calling me that! I told you, there isn't anyone like that here!

( His breathing is hard and he can't seem to focus on Mikazuki for too long. He gasps, holding his sword tightly, as if trying to get a grip on himself. )

I don't... need... help.

( That was why he cut down the tantou. That was the only reason. He steps on the bones, making it dissolve into black smoke. )

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