It’s a special time of year and the sword army is invited to come down from their citadels and celebrate. What? A summer festival, an offering to the gods, or perhaps a special ceremony of sorts. A normally quiet, rural village at the foot of the mountains will transform for the night with lanterns, fireworks, and music all around but first! Some preparations need to be done. Did you really think you would be invited down here without having to do some work? Prepare to dance, prepare to sing, prepare for a night of fun.
1. CEREMONY PRACTICE
At the citadel, a new chore has been added to the list: ceremonial practice! The swords selected to perform at the festival will have to practice their song and dance or else they'll risk embarrassment in front of the crowds. Or maybe this entire thing is embarrassing... either way, this is your duty! Saniwa's orders! Where and when is up to you but you better be ready.
2. SPECIAL CLOTHES
You can’t wear those same old clothes. They’re all torn and worn or just not appropriate at all for the type of festival you’re going to. The government has all of your measurements and has sent special robes for the spirits and saniwa to wear. It even comes complete with accessories! What’s taking you so long? We should have left twenty minutes ago. Do you need help? Or are you trying to perfect your appearances for your big debut?
3. PERFORMANCE
Everyone is dancing and everyone is singing. Are you one of the performers? Or are they dancing to you? What kind of songs are you hearing? What dances are you watching? Did you see the ceremonial sword dance? Or maybe you were invited to dance in a special performance with your saniwa! When the performance is over, make sure to congratulate the performers on a job well done… or tease your friend.
4. OFFERINGS AND PRAYER
After the festive ceremonies, there are more serious things to do. There is a sacred fire and you can take a moment to pray to the gods. Remember, we are fighting a war and it’s important to remember those that have fallen. The swords that were broken and damaged beyond repair are gathered up and taken to a sacred fire so that their spirits can be purified and reborn. Later, all of those offerings you have been saving are offered up to the gods for their blessings. It's also a chance to hopefully pray for a turn in luck. Maybe you'll pray for an old friend to return to the citadel. It's been a long time since you saw them, right? They'll come home eventually.
5. FESTIVITIES
The ceremonies are finally over! Wow, that sure took up a lot of time, huh? There are still a couple of more hours left in the night so enjoy the festivities. Try the food, play the shooting games, win a couple of prizes. How many goldfish can you catch? Or maybe the important question is: How are you going to take care of this goldfish? At the end of the night, you can catch the fireworks before the night ends.
6. SURPRISE ATTACK
With so many saniwa and sword spirits gathered in one place, it's the perfect time for the enemy to make a major blow against the Time Government. In what should have been the fireworks finale, there's a loud explosion and lightning strikes. The Time Retrograde Army strikes without warning. It's nothing the Touken Danshi haven't taken care of before but this time, they'll have to protect their saniwa too.
7. WILDCARD
Pick your own adventure. Maybe you have to help make offerings or tonight is a special night for a special summoning.
What if the saniwa had to perform other duties besides just summoning swords to fight? What if they had to take part in special ceremonies? What if they had to invite their swords to perform with them? Feel free to get as creative as you want with this prompt as far as things like: Why are they celebrating? How often do they get to leave the citadel? Etc
( Hearts? Feelings? Free will? These are all concepts that Hakusan has heard of but not familiar with. He's never heard of these things applied to tsukumogami until coming to this citadel. And maybe this is true for katana spirits but for a tsurugi like him.. its difficult, he thinks. He's different. )
Have you ever been given an order that you disagreed with, Hakusan Yoshimitsu? One that you knew you could not in good conscience carry out?
[Kousetsu has, but their master is not unreasonable. Once he voiced his objections, either they were overruled with good reason and he understood why he had to do something he disliked, or he was listened to and taken off the mission.]
( He's quiet in response, not quite sure how to answer. Has he ever received an order he didn't agree with?
... He doesn't think so.
But then again, he's never really thought it was within his rights to have an opinion. He would follow his master's orders without question as he was expected to. He never had much of a choice before and so he'd gone along with it, not really thinking of his own feelings. But now that he's here, if he thinks back...
... There are some things he is not pleased with. It's not that he disagreed with them. He can understand the sacrifices that had to be made. But it's the smaller things... not having his own orders listened to, when he wanted others to rest instead of going out to fight. When he felt like a certain touken danshi should remain in bed instead of being sent out into the field again.
The final answer is not not yes but it isn't quite no either. Still, he can't bring himself to answer that directly. It feels like insubordination to say it out loud. His silence should really be enough answer, though. )
[Their newest little addition is a bit different, true, but everyone has been trying to help him integrate. The Toushirou do a lot, of course, but Hakusan has shared experience with others, as a ceremonial, sacred blade and as a dowry blade.]
How about we get you and your little friend something to eat?
[Kousetsu might eat a mostly vegetarian diet himself, but he's helped cook meat before - after all, the animal is already dead so why waste it - and he has never begrudged anyone for enjoying it. He simply chooses not to partake.]
( Melon's ears stick up at the answer. Yes, meat is much preferred over other things, even if a fox will not be picky when hungry. )
I do not have a preference.
( So he doesn't really care either way. He doesn't mind matching Kousetsu's choice either and it might even be more considerate. To share something makes things more enjoyable. That is something he has learned here. )
( He shakes his head no. There isn't really anything in particular he wants to try but then again, Hakusan isn't someone who wants for things often so maybe it isn't the best question to ask. He isn't really picky when it comes to food. Melon also isn't exactly traditional festival food so there's no reason to have a preference as far as he's concerned. )
No.
( Not really. Only some yakitori for Melon as foxes, though omnivorous, don't exactly lean vegetarian.
But.... he isn't completely at a loss for how to react right now. His brothers (and Chougi!) have helped him grow since he's arrived at this citadel and he knows he needs to offer more in a conversation. Communication is a two way effort and if he doesn't give the other anything to work with, the conversation will not flourish.
... He wants to be better.
So though it takes him some time, he does keep his eyes open for something of interest. He looks at the stalls they pass and the foods the others are eating.
Something Kousetsu can also eat.
Something sweet?
Shaved ice sounds nice but the night is still cool.
There's a warm, sweet scent in the air. One that reminds him of the festivals at the old shrine. )
[In all his time with them, Kousetsu has never seen Hakusan be inconsiderate. If anything, he tends to be too considerate of others sometimes. A lot of it, Koustesu knows, is due to conditioning. never before had he been asked what he wanted for dinner, or if he'd like to go to bed early. In certain ways, Hakusan reminds him of O-Sayo a little. They both have trouble with words sometimes, they are quiet and observant.
And also, there are a lot of feelings boiling under the surface, but they both are unsure of how to make them come out. Kousetsu lets Aruji send O-Sayo to battle even thought he clearly dislikes it and disapproves, because it feels like O-Sayo needs it. But he also appreciates that she gave them Samonji brothers a room of their own, and that she encourages all of them, Souza too, to simply live together and enjoy each other's company. he loves those simple days where they work in the fields, and cook, and play, and then go to sleep with full bellies and good memories.
And just like with O-Sayo, Kousetsu never minds giving Hakusan a bit of time and space for him to find the right word, or to gently guide him sometimes when he is unsure. And, of course, Chougi likes Hakusan, which only makes Kousetsu even more willing to help out their new little comrade to adapt.
The word comes out, and Kousetsu blinks, then nods.]
Alright. Let's get some, then.
[It is not lost on him that also he did say Hakusan could eat meat if he wanted to, he still chose not to.]
... Did you want us to eat the same thing?
[That is sweet.
Kousetsu will purchase the food, and then send Hakusan to the next stand over so he can get the chicken skewers for melon while he goes and gets drinks and secures a spot to sit.]
( It's nice to not feel rushed. He isn't quite used to it. He feels like he needs to be faster-- more efficient. He'll get better at this, surely. )
Ah. ( Was he that easy to read? He nods, ) I thought it would be best to get something we can both... enjoy?
( Is that the word he wants?
But yes, he'll go wait in the next line to get a couple of skewers for Melon. The crowd is a lot but luckily, he isn't alone. Melon leads the way back to Kousetsu, getting to him before Hakusan does but he's only a few steps behind. )
I'm sorry for the wait.
( It really wasn't that long but he feels the need to apologize still. )
[Kousetsu has already portioned out the food (maybe he gave Haku a slightly bigger share, but shhhh), and poured the drinks, and he will offer to hold the skewers while Haku sits, already offering one to Melon so the little fox can start eating.
Kousetsu might be one of the few swords that gets along with melon quite easily - not that he hasn't done his share of running interference when needed of course, but he's always done so carefully, and when it was needed urgently, he's resorted to stuffing the little fox in his kimono and not in a laundry basket like Chougi.]
( Melon takes the skewer and begins to eat away at it. with food at last, melon will probably leave the two of them alone for a while.
Hakusan, meanwhile, settles in and takes the skewer from him. He'll set it down next to Melon for now. She's smart fox, she can help herself. It's easier to take care of others than it is to really consider himself so like this, he can buy some time before he needs to answer, )
... There are many people here. ( Which doesn't quite answer the question, ) And everyone is happy.
Yes, indeed. But that does not really answer my question, does it?
[Kousetsu makes sure to say this in a quiet, light tone, to show he is not reproaching or being accusing. Maybe gently chiding at most. He didn't ask about other people, Hakusan, he asked about you.]
It's your first time coming to one of those. Surely there are many new things around for you.
.... Correct. ( It didn't really answer the question. ) I apologize.
( But.... where does he begin? He sits neatly in front of Kousetsu, a hand petting Melon as he thinks, )
No. ( He shakes his head. ) The shrine was popular. ( He can only be talking about one shrine-- the one he was given to and remained at for so many centuries. ) The grounds are big and many people visited. Often, there were festivals.
( He would watch them from his altar or listen to them from behind private and closed doors. )
On those days, many would come and pray for happiness but I would think... they have already obtained it. ( He's said a lot. A lot more than he's probably spoken to most people. He feels like he's rambling now, even if each word is chosen carefully, ) Tonight, I wondered if I could obtain it, too...
( He thinks he has obtained happiness tonight. But wow, what's that? His eyes widen for only the briest moment, looking surprised by the next question. Why would he ask about Chougi? In his surprise, he answers instantly, without thinking. It was almost a natural answer, even! )
Some.
( Still a little short but it came out at a natural speed, look. )
[Both that he managed to spend some time with him, and that he just answered the question without thinking too hard about it.]
I hope you had fun with him too.
[He likes Chougi, and you would have to be blind to miss the giant crush Chougi has on Hakusan. Or maybe you would just have to be Hakusan. They have time, though.]
That sounds nice indeed. Did you play any of the games?
[Hakusan looks a little lost, but Kousetsu just carries on the conversation as if it's a natural follow up form earlier, which... it is. Even if Hakusan doesn't realize it yet.]
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[Kousetsu looks at his hands.]
Aruji gave us bodies... but our hearts are our own. We have feelings, and free will. We are not expected to obey blindly.
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But we are expected to obey.
( That is the most important part. )
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Have you ever been given an order that you disagreed with, Hakusan Yoshimitsu? One that you knew you could not in good conscience carry out?
[Kousetsu has, but their master is not unreasonable. Once he voiced his objections, either they were overruled with good reason and he understood why he had to do something he disliked, or he was listened to and taken off the mission.]
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... He doesn't think so.
But then again, he's never really thought it was within his rights to have an opinion. He would follow his master's orders without question as he was expected to. He never had much of a choice before and so he'd gone along with it, not really thinking of his own feelings. But now that he's here, if he thinks back...
... There are some things he is not pleased with. It's not that he disagreed with them. He can understand the sacrifices that had to be made. But it's the smaller things... not having his own orders listened to, when he wanted others to rest instead of going out to fight. When he felt like a certain touken danshi should remain in bed instead of being sent out into the field again.
The final answer is not not yes but it isn't quite no either. Still, he can't bring himself to answer that directly. It feels like insubordination to say it out loud. His silence should really be enough answer, though. )
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[Here, have a headpat.]
But you are allowed to have your own will. If I disagree with Master, I will speak up and we will try to resolve our disagreement.
[At least in his case it is done by talking calmly, unlike certain others who just yell.]
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( A head pat. How nice. )
Speaking is difficult for me. ( It's almost shameful how poor he is at it. He wishes he could be better. ) But... I will remember.
( This lesson that Kousetsu is trying to teach him. )
Thank you, Kousetsu-san.
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[Their newest little addition is a bit different, true, but everyone has been trying to help him integrate. The Toushirou do a lot, of course, but Hakusan has shared experience with others, as a ceremonial, sacred blade and as a dowry blade.]
How about we get you and your little friend something to eat?
[Aruji gave him a little spending money.]
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Hm. (He nods.) I do not mind.
(And while he isn't picky and usually isn't one to make requests, for Melon, he'll ask,)
... Is yakitori possible?
(He knows Kousetsu is a Buddhist sword...)
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[Kousetsu might eat a mostly vegetarian diet himself, but he's helped cook meat before - after all, the animal is already dead so why waste it - and he has never begrudged anyone for enjoying it. He simply chooses not to partake.]
For both of you?
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I do not have a preference.
( So he doesn't really care either way. He doesn't mind matching Kousetsu's choice either and it might even be more considerate. To share something makes things more enjoyable. That is something he has learned here. )
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[After all, many of the foods here are ones that they don't often get to try at the Citadel.]
You could get some skewers. Or maybe some shaved ice?
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No.
( Not really. Only some yakitori for Melon as foxes, though omnivorous, don't exactly lean vegetarian.
But.... he isn't completely at a loss for how to react right now. His brothers (and Chougi!) have helped him grow since he's arrived at this citadel and he knows he needs to offer more in a conversation. Communication is a two way effort and if he doesn't give the other anything to work with, the conversation will not flourish.
... He wants to be better.
So though it takes him some time, he does keep his eyes open for something of interest. He looks at the stalls they pass and the foods the others are eating.
Something Kousetsu can also eat.
Something sweet?
Shaved ice sounds nice but the night is still cool.
There's a warm, sweet scent in the air. One that reminds him of the festivals at the old shrine. )
Imagawayaki?
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And also, there are a lot of feelings boiling under the surface, but they both are unsure of how to make them come out. Kousetsu lets Aruji send O-Sayo to battle even thought he clearly dislikes it and disapproves, because it feels like O-Sayo needs it. But he also appreciates that she gave them Samonji brothers a room of their own, and that she encourages all of them, Souza too, to simply live together and enjoy each other's company. he loves those simple days where they work in the fields, and cook, and play, and then go to sleep with full bellies and good memories.
And just like with O-Sayo, Kousetsu never minds giving Hakusan a bit of time and space for him to find the right word, or to gently guide him sometimes when he is unsure. And, of course, Chougi likes Hakusan, which only makes Kousetsu even more willing to help out their new little comrade to adapt.
The word comes out, and Kousetsu blinks, then nods.]
Alright. Let's get some, then.
[It is not lost on him that also he did say Hakusan could eat meat if he wanted to, he still chose not to.]
... Did you want us to eat the same thing?
[That is sweet.
Kousetsu will purchase the food, and then send Hakusan to the next stand over so he can get the chicken skewers for melon while he goes and gets drinks and secures a spot to sit.]
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Ah. ( Was he that easy to read? He nods, ) I thought it would be best to get something we can both... enjoy?
( Is that the word he wants?
But yes, he'll go wait in the next line to get a couple of skewers for Melon. The crowd is a lot but luckily, he isn't alone. Melon leads the way back to Kousetsu, getting to him before Hakusan does but he's only a few steps behind. )
I'm sorry for the wait.
( It really wasn't that long but he feels the need to apologize still. )
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[Kousetsu has already portioned out the food (maybe he gave Haku a slightly bigger share, but shhhh), and poured the drinks, and he will offer to hold the skewers while Haku sits, already offering one to Melon so the little fox can start eating.
Kousetsu might be one of the few swords that gets along with melon quite easily - not that he hasn't done his share of running interference when needed of course, but he's always done so carefully, and when it was needed urgently, he's resorted to stuffing the little fox in his kimono and not in a laundry basket like Chougi.]
How are you enjoying the festival, Hakusan?
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Hakusan, meanwhile, settles in and takes the skewer from him. He'll set it down next to Melon for now. She's smart fox, she can help herself. It's easier to take care of others than it is to really consider himself so like this, he can buy some time before he needs to answer, )
... There are many people here. ( Which doesn't quite answer the question, ) And everyone is happy.
( Which is.... nice. )
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[Kousetsu makes sure to say this in a quiet, light tone, to show he is not reproaching or being accusing. Maybe gently chiding at most. He didn't ask about other people, Hakusan, he asked about you.]
It's your first time coming to one of those. Surely there are many new things around for you.
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( But.... where does he begin? He sits neatly in front of Kousetsu, a hand petting Melon as he thinks, )
No. ( He shakes his head. ) The shrine was popular. ( He can only be talking about one shrine-- the one he was given to and remained at for so many centuries. ) The grounds are big and many people visited. Often, there were festivals.
( He would watch them from his altar or listen to them from behind private and closed doors. )
On those days, many would come and pray for happiness but I would think... they have already obtained it. ( He's said a lot. A lot more than he's probably spoken to most people. He feels like he's rambling now, even if each word is chosen carefully, ) Tonight, I wondered if I could obtain it, too...
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But Kousetsu doesn't interrupt, just lets the little tsurugi get things out.]
And do you think you have?
[You've been with people you like, you have had good food, you may have played a few games.]
Did you get to spend some time with Chougi too?
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( He thinks he has obtained happiness tonight. But wow, what's that? His eyes widen for only the briest moment, looking surprised by the next question. Why would he ask about Chougi? In his surprise, he answers instantly, without thinking. It was almost a natural answer, even! )
Some.
( Still a little short but it came out at a natural speed, look. )
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[Both that he managed to spend some time with him, and that he just answered the question without thinking too hard about it.]
I hope you had fun with him too.
[He likes Chougi, and you would have to be blind to miss the giant crush Chougi has on Hakusan. Or maybe you would just have to be Hakusan. They have time, though.]
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(Where did this conversation come from? Now he's lost.)
It was nice. (Which is Haku for, "Yes, I did.") We tried foods together.
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[Hakusan looks a little lost, but Kousetsu just carries on the conversation as if it's a natural follow up form earlier, which... it is. Even if Hakusan doesn't realize it yet.]
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... It was difficult.
(It was much harder than it looked.)
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[Because there will be a next time, Hakusan.]
O-Sayo likes the games.