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

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. )

[Mikazuki just smiles.]

yes, you do need help, Tsurumaru Kuninaga.

[Saying the name again, and again, trying to appeal to what he knows is buried under there. Now that he's seen it he is even more convinced that there is indeed something to be brought back.

And then, there is another voice from behind Tsurumaru.]

"Are we late?"

You are right on time, Higekiri. Where are the others?

"My brother and Honebami are keeping the civilians away and Oodenta is taking care of the small fry. Yamanbagiri..."

"I'm here," comes their captain's voice. "What's the situation?"

Under control, but I don't think he'll come quietly. He has already threatened to kill me twice, threatened to kill Aruji once, and threatened to kill all of us another time, hahahaha!

[Yamanbagiri sighs.]

"This is not a joke, old man. Alright, we're taking him down and bringing him back."

Edited 2019-02-02 17:44 (UTC)

( Ugh, and here comes help. What annoying voices. Just listening to them makes his head hurt and he raises his sword.... but it seems to be with some difficultly, like suddenly he can't hold the weight comfortably, )

He's right. ( Yamanbagiri is. ) This isn't a joke! I'm not going back with you! Not with any of you!

( He's outnumbered and cut off from the rest of the revisionist army. He can recognize the situation he's in and he laughs madly. It sounds horribly forced and mixed in with all of it, there's something that sounds like a cry. )

Hahaha...aah...! Bring me back. Coming back with you.... Why are you trying so hard...! ( Every word feels like a struggle, heavy on his tongue and burning, ) I'm not....

( And very suddenly, he suddenly turns his sword on himself, resting the blade shakily against his neck. )

You can't save me.

[They all watch, their hands on their swords, as Tsurumaru struggles with himself, but then he turns the blade on himself and Mikazuki barely has the time to cry out a warning that Yamanbagiri is there already. The uchigatana is faster than the tachis by far, and in a flash, he's next to Tsurumaru and aiming the hilt of his sword towards his midsection to wind him while going to grab the blade with his other hand.

At least now, they have confirmation that Tsurumaru is still in there and is still fighting this.

( He's fast. Too fast for Tsurumaru to really react when he's too busy fighting himself. He yells when he's struck and he falls back. Yamanbagiri is able to grab a hold of his sword but he doesn't let it go easily. )

Let it go! Let me go!

( His eyes are wild, his screaming desperate. )

[Now that Yamanbagiri has a hold of Tsurumaru, it's easier for Mikazuki to move in again and aim a blow at Tsurumaru's head to knock him out. He doesn't really hold back on it, either. They want to bring him back in one piece, but undamaged was not int he instructions and he can be repaired if need be.

And he's ready to catch him with a hand around his waist, too.]

( When Mikazuki comes, he starts to flail harder, screaming and cursing at everyone. Let him go. He'll kill everyone. He'll slit everyone's throats and let their blood stain the ground-- and he's abruptly cut short when Mikazuki knocks him out.

Yamanbagiri catches his sword and Tsurumaru falls right into Mikazuki's arms. )

[Mikazuki's arm close around Tsurumaru briefly, but he doesn't allow himself more than one second or two to be relieved before he moves forward. That was the easy part.]

Let's secure him and go back.

[The other three are coming in, and Yamanbagiri is taking out the rope they took with them. It's been strengthened with some charms written by their masters and some of the holy swords at the Citadel.

They make sure to bind Tsurumaru's wrists together behind his back, then they loop some of the rope around his torso as well and bind his feet too. Yamanbagiri picks up the blade and wipes it on his cloak before re-sheathing it. At least it's still white. maybe it's a good sign.

Their Konnosuke sends the signal and they are called back. When they reappear in the courtyard of the citadel, they immediately spread out in a circle around Tsurumaru to prevent the others from getting closer.]

Do not get close! We have contained him for now, but he is strong and violent.

( No one backs away but they do stand their ground. They need to assess the situation before they can react appropriately... and it's unsurprising that the first ones to push forward are Shokudaikiri and Ookurikara, They come to take Tsurumaru away from them and explain that Hana has already prepared a space with Ishikirimaru, Kousetsu, and the other sacred swords.

They'll lead the way to the repair room, the door covered with protective charms. Hana is there hands held out to take Tsurumaru's sword and she urges everyone to please put Tsurumaru inside gently. It's then that he starts to stir, groaning in pain. Inside the room is another area, marked with candles, lined with salt, talismans strewn on wire and Tsurumaru starts to scream. )

Let me go! Let me-- I'll kill you! Give me my-- ( Sword. He tries to fight free but with so many managing him, he's all but thrown into the protected area, still restrained. That doesn't stop him from still trying to get up and charge at Hana when he sees her, ) You! I'll kill you. Cut you down an-- aughh!

( He can't even cross the talismans.He seems to hit an invisible wall and let's out a howl in pain.

Hana steps back, ducking behind Yamanbagiri at Tsurumaru's sudden outburst, holding his sword tightly. She tugs at his cloak and manages to say as confidently as she can, )

"We need to talk."

( Somewhere else where the can discuss things in peace. There's no shortage of swords who offer to stand guard while Hana goes to update the first squad and as they leave Tsurumaru continues to yell his threats and curses, demanding to be set free. )

( They go to the assembly room because it's closest and it would appear that this room has been converted into a temporary repairs room for the time being. It's empty all save for Yagen who is putting things in order still. Hana takes her seat at the head, Tsurumaru's sword laid to rest in front of her and cuts right to it. She can't even hide her worry, she wears it openly, )

I'm glad you've all returned safely. I'm afraid if you've been hurt... you'll have to wait a little longer. Until this is resolved, there won't be much time for other repairs.

( She bows lowly, apologetically. Her duty is to take care of her swords but she can't even do that properly now. )

For that reason... we've stopped all operations for the time being. You'll find everyone is here now so it may feel crowded.

( Rising, she continues, hands curled tightly around her robes, ).

While you were gone, I asked Konnosuke to help read the records left by my predecessor. As Mikazuki-san learned before, we don't know exactly what caused this but we know that as a result... Tsurumaru-san is losing himself. If it continues, he won't remember anything about himself or any of us. I don't think it's happened yet... you can tell just by looking at him. Even if he's different, he's still undeniably Tsurumaru Kuninaga. So we must continue to remind him of who he is... and of course, remind him of our goal. ( To protect history. ) I think there are some of us who may have a better chance at bringing him closer. Some of us... whose memories run much deeper and farther back than most others.

( Those who are close to Tsurumaru, who have known him for centuries. She looks at Mikazuki and Honebami in particular, )

I've already spoken to Shokudaikiri and the others who knew him from his time with the Date. As well as Ichigo and the others from his time with the imperial collection. And of course... those related to him like family... the Sanjou.

It won't be easy but please... you must speak to him. I'll cleanse his sword with Kousetsu and the others... hopefully that will make it easier for him to listen if we can weaken whatever has him.

We have to work quickly.

( Before those in charge decide they've been given enough time. )

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