( At a certain citadel, one of the newer additions is a certain "unusual" sword.
Because he is a tsurugi, Hakusan struggles with the other touken danshi. Even with his own brothers, he struggles to express himself and often feels like he's too difficult for them to really get along. It isn't something he takes pride in and he tries to keep to himself, preferring to not subject others with his inability to communicate.
But the touken danshi at this citadel are patient and friendly. They still try to talk to him and they invite him spend time together. They say it's because they want him to feel at home and he's one of their own now. If only he was able to return the sentiment by being a little better...
On a day when he doesn't have any duties, he finds himself invited to spend time with a certain other sword at the citadel. Like him, this sword is also different from other swords at the citadel. Kogarasumaru is old and said to be the father of katana but he isn't quite like an ordinary one.Maybe Hakusan can relate to him just a little more... or maybe the father of katana is still a katana at the end of the day.
Hm.
Well, it's only an invitation to come spend time with him and it would be rude to turn it down without good reason so he heads towards the gallery, walking by the garden along the way. He knocks on the doorway, announcing himself, )
Wonderful. This father was worried that perhaps might not be you at the door.
[He's teasing him even if he's rather sure it might not be realized right away. That's fine though. Kogarasumaru knows not all of the swords understand humor the same way so he's not going to hold it against Hakusan. Besides, teasing him will do him some good since it will get him used to the way everyone interacts with each other.]
Please come and sit. We can share some tea and you can tell me more about yourself.
[They could start there. Something small and easy.]
( The teasing completely goes over his head. Of course he would show up. He was invited, after all and it would be rude to not appear.
He lowers his head, bowing just a little as he enters and takes a seat neatly in front of him. Ah, is that where he wanted to start? With introductions? )
I am, Hakusan Yoshimitsu. A tsurugi, forged by Yoshimitsu. The blade has no curvature, perfectly straight and beautiful. I came together with Oohime when she married into the Maeda clan. I was a dowry and also an object of prayers of happiness in the afterlife.
( ... Yes. That's it. That's what he meant by introductions, right? )
( Like most things in this rural part of Hokkaido, the old guest house is huge. It's also, for the most part, absolutely in the middle of no where. It must have belonged to a nice family before given how big it is and some of the details inside but now, it's just old and worn. It definitely has a rustic and dignified feel to it in parts-- painted screen doors, sturdy hearths, a nice garden area, and so on but then the kitchens look like they haven't changed in centuries, the thatched roof can be seen from the rafters, and don't even get him started on some of the rooms on the farther end of the house where the smith is. But hey, at least the baths are nice.
Once you get past the wide grounds that are made of gardens and stables, there are only mountains and forests as far as the eye can see. Is there even a road that comes all the way out here? Yes, but only cars come down and it's practically useless in the winter. Well, it's not like he has a car anyway.
The best way to travel is honestly through the gates that are used to travel much greater distances whether it be to the next town with a super market or across time.
The little shrine on the house's grounds is much newer. It must have been built fairly recently once the Time Government acquired it.
Summer comes late to Hokkaido but it's finally here. It's even a little warm during the day and the nights are just right. There are fewer duties at the citadel now that no one has to shovel snow but there are still a few odd duties here and there to help upkeep the place. The weather is nice though and even this citadel's usually grumpy saniwa is willing to let some things slide so they can enjoy the season... )
( With a list in hand, he gives the sword sitting down in front of him a whap on the back of the head. )
If you got nothing to do, you can go shopping.
( And by the looks of it, Satsuki is also dressed up and ready to go. )
Hurry up and get changed.( There are plenty of casual kimono and yukata around the citadel. It's a perk of being the son of kimono designers and sellers. ) We don't need any extra attention.
( His citadel is in the middle of no where. He doesn't usually get guests so when Konnosuke runs to him to inform him that someone is coming through the citadel's gate, he checks his reports. None of his squads should be coming back so who ever is coming is coming unannounced. He calls his secretary and heads towards the gate to see their guest.
Is it a time official? Some messenger that they've sent to invite him to something? Or is it a saniwa that's traveled a little too far during their gate hopping? It could be worse, though. It could be an invader. His shrine is in the middle of no where so he knows it really isn't a key target but you never know...
When he sees that it's A Certain Saniwa or Two, though, his expression drops and he snaps, )
[Satori is brushing the snow from her coat and stamping her feed to get it off her boots. She's dressed warmly for the weather, and carrying a suitcase... and by her side is Mikazuki Munechika.]
Jii-chan needed a bit of a break, so we figured we should visit you, since it's been a while. Plus, he really liked the onsen last time.
[Mikazuki gives Satsuki a polite, but short bow, to acknowledge his Master's words as well as Satsuki.]
Oh, and I don't know what time Kikai-chan is arriving, but she probably won't be long.
( His secretary-- Midare-- relaxes as soon as he sees who it is, even giving Satori a big smile.
"You didn't say you were coming!")
That's right. ( She sure didn't say she was coming. ) You can't just show up to people's hosues unannounced.
Couldn't you have gone somewhere else to relax? Coming all the way up here isn't easy...
( It's exhausting. By the time he finishes most of his meetings, he's ready to sleep and do nothing for a whole day. That being said, he gets it and he sighs heavily, )
Midare, go tell the others to get a room ready. And ask Kasen if he can get something together.
( Midare nods and starts to run off, calling a few names to come help him. Meanwhile, Satsuki beckons for Satori and Mikazuki to follow him, )
[It is no secret in the Citadel that the Genji treasures are highly favored here.
It's also no secret among the swords that one Genji trasure highly favors Aruji. And that he isn't being deterred by anything, really.
He keeps bringing back little gifts - or not so little ones. And occasionally, Aruji throws a fit about some of them. but that doesn't stop him, and he just brings back something different the next time.
This time, he strides into the office without knocking as usual and plops something wet and smelly on the desk.
A fish. A big fish. A red spotted sea trout by the look of it.
And he's looking very proud. Aruji is lucky he didn't just dump the fish in his lap, to be honest.]
( It's a good thing most of his work is digital so there aren't any papers on the desk. At least, nothing very important. Just a few kimono designs and random notes from reports he hadn't put into one comprehensive report yet. The first squad should be returning by now so he really isn't surprised when Higekiri shows up.
... And by now, he really isn't surprised to see the fish. At least it isn't a head or an arm... or honestly, something still alive. )
Their saniwa had been old, approaching the end of his service. It's a peaceful end and he'd been able to get most of his affairs in order, giving commands to get the citadel ready for the next saniwa's arrival. Even if it isn't all easy-- having to return many of his swords to the Time Government to pay off the last of his debts had been difficult but it was better than saddling a naive young saniwa with their predecessor's debt on top of their own.
The next saniwa's belongings have already been sent ahead of them. Some boxes have been opened to help get their room ready-- the kimono folded away and the toys put up on shelves next to "beginner" books and scrolls. Its easy to tell that the new saniwa will be a girl based on the things in the box. There's a lot of guessing based on the contents about what she might be like. She's obviously young given how small her clothes are. She likes the color red... or maybe pink or both. She must like flowers based on the patterns on the kimono and some of the few, small accessories that were sent. It's really hard to tell since the Time Government really doesn't give their saniwa many personal things. But it's fun to guess!
When the old saniwa leaves and the next finally arrives, they're proven right. The saniwa is a young girl-- no older than the age of five-- and the Time Government has sent her to them dressed perfectly like a little doll. She looks at the few remaining swords at the citadel with eyes full of wonder. She's soft spoken and polite when she gives her best bow, )
My name is Hana Mori. ( She practiced her introduction before coming here, ) It's nice to meet you.
[They have been kept informed of the change, of course. Their previous Master explained how it was going to take place. Their ranks have dwindled somewhat in the last years, but the previous Saniwa somehow made sure to leave as many rare and strong swords as he could to his successor.
The whole Citadel has been brimming with anticipation and when she finally makes her way there...
She is very small. They knew she would be, but she is still very young, younger than they expected. And she is not coming with a starter, which means she hasn't summoned him yet.
As she bows, so do they, very low.]
Welcome, Aruji. We have been waiting for you.
I am Mikazuki Munechika. I was appointed secretary by our previous Master.
[Of course, if she wishes to change it that is her prerogative.]
( It's all a little intense, a lot more intense than the practice she'd had at the old place before coming here. Back then, there had only been her teachers and maybe the occasional spirit to demonstrate things to her but here, there are more. The citadel being unfamiliar to her also makes it seem much bigger than it really is. Even if she seems calm on the outside, her heart is beating quickly in her chest with a mix of nerves and excitement.
When Mikazuki introduces himself, her eyes widen just a little. He's pretty, she thinks and her mouth opens just a little as if she wants to blurt something out-- only for her to catch herself, and shut it. She lowers her head to give him a small bow, )
I'm... I'm still new so I'll be counting on-- I mean, relying on you from now on.
( ... She doesn't want to sound too casual. They'd told her she had to be polite and respectful to these swords, after all. )
[Mikazuki raises his head from where he is kneeling, putting his hands on his knees.
He's had several Saniwa coming through here but it's the first time they get such a small girl. Still, he is not put out by it. He has been around too long and when she gets so formal, he laughs gently.]
Oya oya, there is no need to be so formal, Aruji. I am just an old man, hahahahaha!
Well then, shall I show you to your room? We have brought your things there and tried to put them away to the best of our abilities.
[The trip back to headquarters went better than expected.
Mikazuki didn't even have to suggest anything. Aruji chose him and Hasebe to accompany her all on her own. And they certainly met some interesting people there. people that other people don't seem to like much, which makes it doubly interesting.
And their little master was finally given leave to summon her starter. This is a bit of a strange situation since she inherited a citadel, but Yamanbagiri is the previous Saniwa's starter, and now she needs her own. Yamanbagiri knows it, and he's dedicated to providing support, as the oldest sword in the Citadel.
They travel part of the way with the other Saniwa - it looks like they're neighbors of sorts - and part way at Fushimi Inari. One last gate and they are finally back home, with Hana still holding tight onto the blank blade.]
( It was an eventful trip. She doesn't get to leave her citadel very often and even then, she doesn't go very far. Usually her visits are much more limiting, too. She meets with a few old her old teachers and receives her training and evaluations and returns to her citadel to practice. Sometimes she meets other saniwa but a saniwa as young as her- who hasn't even summoned her first sword-- has little voice at the very few meetings she's allowed to sit in on, even if she's apparently inherited a rather successful citadel.
But this time was different. She'd met a new saniwa, one she'd never really seen around before and she'd been so friendly. As exciting as that had been though... the best part, is the blank blade she was given. She could have summoned her first sword whenever she wanted but she'd wanted to take him home first. Him. She's already decided the dormant blade is more than just a piece of steel.
Traveling through the gates would normally be tiring for anyone but youthful resilience and excitement keep her going. Once they arrive at their citadel, she greets everyone as warmly as ever. The new sword is a surprise but not-- it's about time their little master has been allowed to summon her first blade but after having it put off for so long, it's still surprising when she finally gets permission. Shokudaikiri mentions how he'll make sure to prepare another meal for their new ally and the tantou are already beginning to figure out new seating arrangements.
But now it's just her and Mikazuki now that Hasebe has carried off their things to their room like the real MVP he is. She can barely contain her smile and she nods, )
Yes. ( She hugs the blank blade close to her. ) Who do you think it will be?
( She knows that unlike with most summonings, these blank blades are special and she can easily choose the one she wishes if she just calls out to them but she'd decided a long time ago that she would leave it to fate. After all, how could she choose?!
She's already beginning to undo the wrapping around the blade as if it were a Christmas present.
Setting it down on a stand in front of her, she pauses, looking up at Mikazuki, )
Please, get along.
( Of course, she knows Mikazuki will be fine but as one of the senior swords here... he'll have to show their new friend the ropes. )
[Starters are a special breed among swords after all. While they each have their individuality and personality, there is a reason why those five were chosen as the five best swords for a new Saniwa. They have personalities that lend themselves both to leading and nurturing.
And yes, Mikazuki already had a starter in Yamanbagiri, but both he and Yamanbagiri agreed that their new starter sword would of course take precedence over them, as the first sword summoned by their Master. It was only right, nevermind the fact that both he and Yamanbagiri (and most of everyone here, really) would vastly outpower their new friend for a while.]
We are ready to welcome him, Aruji. And with this the Citadel will finally be completely yours.
[This will anchor her power to the Citadel proper even more and make it hers for good. After this, no one will be able to take it back from her.]
( She touches the sword gently with her fingers, focusing her magic into the blade. It only takes a second for a reaction to start. There's a bright glow at the center of the blade and a flurry of cherry blossom petals that begin to scatter around them from seemingly thin air. The light and the flowers grow in brightness and volume until from the storm, a figure appears.
His voice is very distinctive, something that Mikazuki might be able to recognize before the spirit even really finishes manifesting. )
I'm Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki. Since I've went through all the trouble of coming here, I'll seize the world!
( She'd let her starter up to fate and the one who'd come through had been a certain Tosan sword. The blank blade that she'd set down earlier is gone, replaced with a much more distinctive one at his side. The last of the petals fall and the uchigatana looks the girl in front of him up and down, )
Oooh! I've never had a lady for a master before.( And then he laughs. )Well, I'm not complaining! Never known a woman to let being a woman stop her!
( It's true. He's probably more afraid of his female associates in history than anyone else and he's had to share an era with the Shinsengumi. He'll also look around and give Mikazuki a look over. There's no clear recognition there other than the understanding that that guy is like him-- a touken danshi.
As for Hana? She's only barely able to contain her excitement. She's always been a more reserved girl but Mikazuki will see that right now, her eyes are absolutely shining the same way they did when she first met him. )
It's nice to meet you, Mutsunokami-san. ( And she's quick to introduce herself properly. Her name is Hana Mori and she's the saniwa at this citadel. ) And this is my secretary.
( And there's a pause where she'll let Mikazuki introduce himself. )
[Ichigo silently stepped out of the huge room he shared with his brothers, careful not to wake any of them. Then he made his way out into the courtyard of the citadel and sat down on the veranda. He sighed as he gazed up at the full moon, trying to forget the nightmare he'd just awakened from.
He hadn't been sleeping well for the past few days, but he did his best to hide it. He didn't want anyone to worry about him, especially not his little brothers.
He couldn't really remember his nightmare actually but he shuddered as he recalled the debilitating sense of despair and the scorching flames. The flames... The flames that... He immediately shook his head, trying to clear it and flopped down on the wooden floorboards. He was so very tired but he dared not close his eyes for he feared what awaited him as soon as he drifted off to sleep.]
( It's not unusual for some of the spirits at the citadel to have a difficult time sleeping. So many of them are haunted by their pasts and the dark seems to bring it a little closer to everyone. Tsurumaru isn't an exception to that rule. Sometimes there are nights where he'd rather be awake than with his dreams. But this isn't one of those nights. It's just an ordinary enough night, one where he just happens to be awake later than most others. He was even on his way to his room to retire for the night when he happened upon Ichigo on the veranda. )
My, my, what a surprise...
( He crossed his arms across his chest, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his yukata. Unlike his usual white during the day, it's a dark, almost black blue for the night. )
This isn't a very good example for the little ones.
( They'll riot if they find out Ichigo is awake past his bed time. )
[Please excuse Ichigo as his sleep deprived brain attempts to slowly process what he’s seeing. Due to his dark yukata, Tsurumaru looks more like a disembodied head floating in the darkness to him and he thinks he must have drifted off to sleep somehow and was having a very bizarre dream. Well, this was much better than that other dream as least. The crane sword did have a somewhat comforting presence even if Ichigo did find him a bit exasperating at times, especially when he insisted on pulling childish pranks, but Ichigo supposes that’s part of his charm.
Anyway, Ichigo still believes he’s dreaming and doesn’t move from where he’s just spread out on the floor in what should have been a rather unprincely manner, yet somehow, he still manages to look graceful. He gazes up at the other with a tired smile.]
It’s all right. They’re all asleep. What are you doing here, Tsurumaru-dono?
( It's definitely not princely and that's the real surprise here but there's a time and place for these comments. He knew Ichigo well enough to have an idea of why he might be up this late and as someone else who was also haunted by phantom memories, he knew this sort of thing needed a more sensitive touch.
... He'd really expected Ichigo to sit up by now, though. Were the nightmares that bad? Or is Ichigo that tired? Well, it doesn't show on Tsurumaru's face for now other than him seeming as amused as ever, )
Are they? ( He hummed a little bit to himself. Well, of course they're asleep. They're good children, after all. ) Hmm... why am I here? The same reason as you, perhaps....
( And he grinned, )
Watching the moon, of course. ( Not really. ) It's beautiful tonight, don't you think?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
cawaii
plotting comment!
with Kogarasumaru
Because he is a tsurugi, Hakusan struggles with the other touken danshi. Even with his own brothers, he struggles to express himself and often feels like he's too difficult for them to really get along. It isn't something he takes pride in and he tries to keep to himself, preferring to not subject others with his inability to communicate.
But the touken danshi at this citadel are patient and friendly. They still try to talk to him and they invite him spend time together. They say it's because they want him to feel at home and he's one of their own now. If only he was able to return the sentiment by being a little better...
On a day when he doesn't have any duties, he finds himself invited to spend time with a certain other sword at the citadel. Like him, this sword is also different from other swords at the citadel. Kogarasumaru is old and said to be the father of katana but he isn't quite like an ordinary one.Maybe Hakusan can relate to him just a little more... or maybe the father of katana is still a katana at the end of the day.
Hm.
Well, it's only an invitation to come spend time with him and it would be rude to turn it down without good reason so he heads towards the gallery, walking by the garden along the way. He knocks on the doorway, announcing himself, )
I have arrived.
no subject
[He's teasing him even if he's rather sure it might not be realized right away. That's fine though. Kogarasumaru knows not all of the swords understand humor the same way so he's not going to hold it against Hakusan. Besides, teasing him will do him some good since it will get him used to the way everyone interacts with each other.]
Please come and sit. We can share some tea and you can tell me more about yourself.
[They could start there. Something small and easy.]
no subject
He lowers his head, bowing just a little as he enters and takes a seat neatly in front of him. Ah, is that where he wanted to start? With introductions? )
I am, Hakusan Yoshimitsu. A tsurugi, forged by Yoshimitsu. The blade has no curvature, perfectly straight and beautiful. I came together with Oohime when she married into the Maeda clan. I was a dowry and also an object of prayers of happiness in the afterlife.
( ... Yes. That's it. That's what he meant by introductions, right? )
no subject
My name is Kogarasumaru. To battle foreign foes is my destiny. Even after a thousand years, that will not change.
[He settles back on the other side of the table.]
Of course, you know of this. Something that is truly touching to me.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Once you get past the wide grounds that are made of gardens and stables, there are only mountains and forests as far as the eye can see. Is there even a road that comes all the way out here? Yes, but only cars come down and it's practically useless in the winter. Well, it's not like he has a car anyway.
The best way to travel is honestly through the gates that are used to travel much greater distances whether it be to the next town with a super market or across time.
The little shrine on the house's grounds is much newer. It must have been built fairly recently once the Time Government acquired it.
Summer comes late to Hokkaido but it's finally here. It's even a little warm during the day and the nights are just right. There are fewer duties at the citadel now that no one has to shovel snow but there are still a few odd duties here and there to help upkeep the place. The weather is nice though and even this citadel's usually grumpy saniwa is willing to let some things slide so they can enjoy the season... )
FOR SWORDS
If you got nothing to do, you can go shopping.
( And by the looks of it, Satsuki is also dressed up and ready to go. )
Hurry up and get changed.( There are plenty of casual kimono and yukata around the citadel. It's a perk of being the son of kimono designers and sellers. ) We don't need any extra attention.
( Because these swords already stand out. )
FOR SANIWA
Is it a time official? Some messenger that they've sent to invite him to something? Or is it a saniwa that's traveled a little too far during their gate hopping? It could be worse, though. It could be an invader. His shrine is in the middle of no where so he knows it really isn't a key target but you never know...
When he sees that it's A Certain Saniwa or Two, though, his expression drops and he snaps, )
What are you doing here?
no subject
[Satori is brushing the snow from her coat and stamping her feed to get it off her boots. She's dressed warmly for the weather, and carrying a suitcase... and by her side is Mikazuki Munechika.]
Jii-chan needed a bit of a break, so we figured we should visit you, since it's been a while. Plus, he really liked the onsen last time.
[Mikazuki gives Satsuki a polite, but short bow, to acknowledge his Master's words as well as Satsuki.]
Oh, and I don't know what time Kikai-chan is arriving, but she probably won't be long.
no subject
"You didn't say you were coming!" )
That's right. ( She sure didn't say she was coming. ) You can't just show up to people's hosues unannounced.
Couldn't you have gone somewhere else to relax? Coming all the way up here isn't easy...
( It's exhausting. By the time he finishes most of his meetings, he's ready to sleep and do nothing for a whole day. That being said, he gets it and he sighs heavily, )
Midare, go tell the others to get a room ready. And ask Kasen if he can get something together.
( Midare nods and starts to run off, calling a few names to come help him. Meanwhile, Satsuki beckons for Satori and Mikazuki to follow him, )
Come on. It's cold out here.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Aruji~
It's also no secret among the swords that one Genji trasure highly favors Aruji. And that he isn't being deterred by anything, really.
He keeps bringing back little gifts - or not so little ones. And occasionally, Aruji throws a fit about some of them. but that doesn't stop him, and he just brings back something different the next time.
This time, he strides into the office without knocking as usual and plops something wet and smelly on the desk.
A fish. A big fish. A red spotted sea trout by the look of it.
And he's looking very proud. Aruji is lucky he didn't just dump the fish in his lap, to be honest.]
I'm back, Aruji! Look what I found!
no subject
... And by now, he really isn't surprised to see the fish. At least it isn't a head or an arm... or honestly, something still alive. )
... You shouldn't have.
( Really. )
no subject
And of course, instead of taking his master's words for what they actually mean ('Please stop bringing back dead things'), he just beams.]
I thought it looked delicious. Can we eat it tonight?
[And now he's poking the fish.]
Do you like it, Aruji?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
no subject
Their saniwa had been old, approaching the end of his service. It's a peaceful end and he'd been able to get most of his affairs in order, giving commands to get the citadel ready for the next saniwa's arrival. Even if it isn't all easy-- having to return many of his swords to the Time Government to pay off the last of his debts had been difficult but it was better than saddling a naive young saniwa with their predecessor's debt on top of their own.
The next saniwa's belongings have already been sent ahead of them. Some boxes have been opened to help get their room ready-- the kimono folded away and the toys put up on shelves next to "beginner" books and scrolls. Its easy to tell that the new saniwa will be a girl based on the things in the box. There's a lot of guessing based on the contents about what she might be like. She's obviously young given how small her clothes are. She likes the color red... or maybe pink or both. She must like flowers based on the patterns on the kimono and some of the few, small accessories that were sent. It's really hard to tell since the Time Government really doesn't give their saniwa many personal things. But it's fun to guess!
When the old saniwa leaves and the next finally arrives, they're proven right. The saniwa is a young girl-- no older than the age of five-- and the Time Government has sent her to them dressed perfectly like a little doll. She looks at the few remaining swords at the citadel with eyes full of wonder. She's soft spoken and polite when she gives her best bow, )
My name is Hana Mori. ( She practiced her introduction before coming here, ) It's nice to meet you.
no subject
The whole Citadel has been brimming with anticipation and when she finally makes her way there...
She is very small. They knew she would be, but she is still very young, younger than they expected. And she is not coming with a starter, which means she hasn't summoned him yet.
As she bows, so do they, very low.]
Welcome, Aruji. We have been waiting for you.
I am Mikazuki Munechika. I was appointed secretary by our previous Master.
[Of course, if she wishes to change it that is her prerogative.]
no subject
When Mikazuki introduces himself, her eyes widen just a little. He's pretty, she thinks and her mouth opens just a little as if she wants to blurt something out-- only for her to catch herself, and shut it. She lowers her head to give him a small bow, )
I'm... I'm still new so I'll be counting on-- I mean, relying on you from now on.
( ... She doesn't want to sound too casual. They'd told her she had to be polite and respectful to these swords, after all. )
no subject
[Mikazuki raises his head from where he is kneeling, putting his hands on his knees.
He's had several Saniwa coming through here but it's the first time they get such a small girl. Still, he is not put out by it. He has been around too long and when she gets so formal, he laughs gently.]
Oya oya, there is no need to be so formal, Aruji. I am just an old man, hahahahaha!
Well then, shall I show you to your room? We have brought your things there and tried to put them away to the best of our abilities.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Hana
Mikazuki didn't even have to suggest anything. Aruji chose him and Hasebe to accompany her all on her own. And they certainly met some interesting people there. people that other people don't seem to like much, which makes it doubly interesting.
And their little master was finally given leave to summon her starter. This is a bit of a strange situation since she inherited a citadel, but Yamanbagiri is the previous Saniwa's starter, and now she needs her own. Yamanbagiri knows it, and he's dedicated to providing support, as the oldest sword in the Citadel.
They travel part of the way with the other Saniwa - it looks like they're neighbors of sorts - and part way at Fushimi Inari. One last gate and they are finally back home, with Hana still holding tight onto the blank blade.]
... Would you like to summon him now, Aruji?
no subject
But this time was different. She'd met a new saniwa, one she'd never really seen around before and she'd been so friendly. As exciting as that had been though... the best part, is the blank blade she was given. She could have summoned her first sword whenever she wanted but she'd wanted to take him home first. Him. She's already decided the dormant blade is more than just a piece of steel.
Traveling through the gates would normally be tiring for anyone but youthful resilience and excitement keep her going. Once they arrive at their citadel, she greets everyone as warmly as ever. The new sword is a surprise but not-- it's about time their little master has been allowed to summon her first blade but after having it put off for so long, it's still surprising when she finally gets permission. Shokudaikiri mentions how he'll make sure to prepare another meal for their new ally and the tantou are already beginning to figure out new seating arrangements.
But now it's just her and Mikazuki now that Hasebe has carried off their things to their room like the real MVP he is. She can barely contain her smile and she nods, )
Yes. ( She hugs the blank blade close to her. ) Who do you think it will be?
( She knows that unlike with most summonings, these blank blades are special and she can easily choose the one she wishes if she just calls out to them but she'd decided a long time ago that she would leave it to fate. After all, how could she choose?!
She's already beginning to undo the wrapping around the blade as if it were a Christmas present.
Setting it down on a stand in front of her, she pauses, looking up at Mikazuki, )
Please, get along.
( Of course, she knows Mikazuki will be fine but as one of the senior swords here... he'll have to show their new friend the ropes. )
no subject
[Starters are a special breed among swords after all. While they each have their individuality and personality, there is a reason why those five were chosen as the five best swords for a new Saniwa. They have personalities that lend themselves both to leading and nurturing.
And yes, Mikazuki already had a starter in Yamanbagiri, but both he and Yamanbagiri agreed that their new starter sword would of course take precedence over them, as the first sword summoned by their Master. It was only right, nevermind the fact that both he and Yamanbagiri (and most of everyone here, really) would vastly outpower their new friend for a while.]
We are ready to welcome him, Aruji. And with this the Citadel will finally be completely yours.
[This will anchor her power to the Citadel proper even more and make it hers for good. After this, no one will be able to take it back from her.]
no subject
His voice is very distinctive, something that Mikazuki might be able to recognize before the spirit even really finishes manifesting. )
I'm Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki. Since I've went through all the trouble of coming here, I'll seize the world!
( She'd let her starter up to fate and the one who'd come through had been a certain Tosan sword. The blank blade that she'd set down earlier is gone, replaced with a much more distinctive one at his side. The last of the petals fall and the uchigatana looks the girl in front of him up and down, )
Oooh! I've never had a lady for a master before. ( And then he laughs. ) Well, I'm not complaining! Never known a woman to let being a woman stop her!
( It's true. He's probably more afraid of his female associates in history than anyone else and he's had to share an era with the Shinsengumi. He'll also look around and give Mikazuki a look over. There's no clear recognition there other than the understanding that that guy is like him-- a touken danshi.
As for Hana? She's only barely able to contain her excitement. She's always been a more reserved girl but Mikazuki will see that right now, her eyes are absolutely shining the same way they did when she first met him. )
It's nice to meet you, Mutsunokami-san. ( And she's quick to introduce herself properly. Her name is Hana Mori and she's the saniwa at this citadel. ) And this is my secretary.
( And there's a pause where she'll let Mikazuki introduce himself. )
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
Tsuru
He hadn't been sleeping well for the past few days, but he did his best to hide it. He didn't want anyone to worry about him, especially not his little brothers.
He couldn't really remember his nightmare actually but he shuddered as he recalled the debilitating sense of despair and the scorching flames. The flames... The flames that... He immediately shook his head, trying to clear it and flopped down on the wooden floorboards. He was so very tired but he dared not close his eyes for he feared what awaited him as soon as he drifted off to sleep.]
no subject
My, my, what a surprise...
( He crossed his arms across his chest, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his yukata. Unlike his usual white during the day, it's a dark, almost black blue for the night. )
This isn't a very good example for the little ones.
( They'll riot if they find out Ichigo is awake past his bed time. )
no subject
Anyway, Ichigo still believes he’s dreaming and doesn’t move from where he’s just spread out on the floor in what should have been a rather unprincely manner, yet somehow, he still manages to look graceful. He gazes up at the other with a tired smile.]
It’s all right. They’re all asleep. What are you doing here, Tsurumaru-dono?
no subject
... He'd really expected Ichigo to sit up by now, though. Were the nightmares that bad? Or is Ichigo that tired? Well, it doesn't show on Tsurumaru's face for now other than him seeming as amused as ever, )
Are they? ( He hummed a little bit to himself. Well, of course they're asleep. They're good children, after all. ) Hmm... why am I here? The same reason as you, perhaps....
( And he grinned, )
Watching the moon, of course. ( Not really. ) It's beautiful tonight, don't you think?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)