( It's an ordinary morning at the museum when the curator personally greet a man after hours. It isn't so unusual-- the museum gets special patrons from time to time, but this time, the patron comes bearing a donation. Again, nothing special because people bring in things all of the time as well. Mirrors, paintings, scrolls, letters, and any old thing they've found in the back of their closets and attics.
But this one is different. Carefully, a blade wrapped in cloth is presented to the curator who unwraps it carefully to catch a peek at the blade within. He mentions something about it being too damaged to be certain but that they'll report their findings as soon as they verify the authenticity of the blade. With gratitude, they hurry the blade to a room in the back to be cared for.
It's all too far away and crowded for Souza to see but once they begin to move from the lobby to the back room, Souza can catch sight of an extra figure. Dressed in black and gray, it's hard to tell, but there's the scent of something burning and soot on his face. His hair is a mess, and really, the guy looks like he's been through some sort of damaging ordeal. He follows the crowd-- or rather-- his vessel quietly and curiously.
He isn't seen again until a couple of hours later, after the employees get ready to return home for work. Mutsu follows after them until they get to the entrance, stopping just short and taking a second to finally look at his new surroundings. Electric lights, stone walls, high ceilings, paintings from the west... a lot has changed since he was last in this city. )
[It's an ordinary day at the museum. Slow, sleepy, boring, until the curator personally greets someone. That isn't to say something interesting always happens when he does - if that were the case, then it might well be more eventful more often - but the visitor has a tell-tale parcel, the size and shape of a blade, and the glimpse inside, the glint of steel (dulled from soot and fire though it was) told him all he needed to know.
They'd have a new spirit around very soon, if the blade was old enough to have one.
Ah- but there was another figure among them, one who didn't quite fit, trailing along as though he belonged there, despite being covered in soot and, presumably, the source of the lingering smell of flame that was successfully setting Souza on edge and making him worry about the general state of their newcomer.
But as soon as they've come, he's gone, and Souza is left to wait - wait on the museum staff, wait on the spirit to grow curious enough to wander, maybe even wait until he was put on display.
It only takes a couple hours for the staff to go home and the new spirit to trail after them as far as the door. For his part, Souza has been waiting near to where he's been taken, just in case, because for all his aloof posturing, he still doesn't want a newcomer to be scared and unwelcome when it's likely they'll be spending a considerable amount of time together - and in disuse, no less.
He'll give him a moment to look around, acclimate to the surroundings, before approaching relatively quietly and answering question with question.]
( It's a little out of character for him but he jumps when he hears someone addressing him and he spins around quickly to see who it is.
It isn't that he's never seen another spirit but he certain hasn't seen one for a very, very long time. He's certainly never seen one like Souza at first and he's taken aback by his colorful and complicated dress. It's almost enough to make him feel a little self-conscious about his own appearance but he hides it behind a bright smile, )
Ya can see me? ( That sure is an obvious Tosa accent now that he's not mumbling to himself, ) Heh heh, been awhile...
But that's right! ( And he's loud too. Despite being dusted in soot and worn in appearance, he's energetic as if he was new, ) 'S been a while... a lot's changed, gahaha!
( And that's exciting. How much has the world changed if even a city like Kyoto can transform like this? )
[Maybe... he should have made more of an effort to not startle the other spirit, but then again maybe it would have happened no matter how he approached him, if he was unused to seeing others who could, well, see him.
But it would seem that he bounced back quickly, already loud and energetic and excited about... well, it looked like everything, right now.
It kind of makes him feel old.]
I can... [There's Enthusiastic Tosa Babbling™, so Souza just lets him go, reaching out to at least gently pat soot from his hair and off of his clothes, not out of any offense, but... it has to be uncomfortable, right? And fretting over this new sword was... somewhat welcoming, wasn't it?]
Ah- what all has changed... for you?
[He's been here for entirely too long, so it's sure to be interesting hearing about Sudden Changes from what he knew.]
( He's surprised when Souza reaches to brush away the soot. It's been a long time since he's been touched and it feels a little strange again after so long. He doesn't mind and he recovers quickly enough, laughing a little shyly because next to Souza, he probably seems particularly messy. It's enough to make him brush at his sleeve a bit, shaking off some soot, )
This building for starters. ( He makes a show of looking around, turning on his heel and waving at the stone walls around them, ) Never would've seen a place like this back then.
( His voice echoes off the walls, )
... A lot quieter now than it was back then too.
( He could talk for hours-- days, weeks!-- about how much Kyoto's changed. From the sound of things, he'd be here for awhile. Whoever this guy is, they're going to be together for awhile so they might as well get introductions out of the way before things get too awkward, h a h )
Ya'll probably hear it from them sooner or later but, ( A quick tip of the head in greeting and a wink, ) I'm Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, sword of Sakamoto Ryouma.
[It's not that he seems particularly messy - though the shy little reaction is certainly endearing - even next to him, as far as Souza is concerned, at any rate... just that he's covered in soot and still so... cheerful. It's a mystery to him, but also a story he's sure he'll here time and again, if it's of any relevance.]
You will... have to tell me of it sometime...
[Though he's more interested in the stories about the city. The sword before him is enamored. Excited, even, and that alone means he has a lot he's itching to tell.
It'll certainly make the nights less lonely.
But-! He... was also on to something. Introductions would be for the best, even if they'd hear about one another endlessly in years to come. Even if their only relevance - at this moment - was their former masters. It always did come back to them.
Though... he has only heard vaguely of Sakamoto, and paid little attention to what he was told, so the stories that were sure to come...
Well.
He could only hope Mutsu loved this Ryouma.
For his own introduction, he gives a slightly more formal bow and a melancholy half-smile.] Souza Samonji... symbol of conquerors at your service, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki...
( Wondering if Mutsu loves Ryouma is like wondering if the sun will rise in the east. Like a father that has watched a precious son grow and like a son that has listened to his father's every word, Mutsu is absolutely enamored with his most famous master and his family. He knows he's fortunate in more ways than he count and that there are certainly other swords out there that were less treasured, less valued, and less cared for. In his day, when swords were going out of style, he'd seen many cast aside and left for the scrap heap and he'd experienced something similar only recently-- forgotten in an attic until he was rescued from a fire, hamon burned, signature hidden under scorched stains. But he doesn't resent those people, feeling only a bittersweet sadness and all that could have been that wasn't.
There's a slight shift in expression. The man in front of him is different from the wild and passionate swords Mutsu is accustomed too. There's something more subdued, something a little... sad? It's been years since he'd last seen another face and he wonders if he's lost his ability to read the air in all of that time. Centuries observing and listening to others, he'd once had a knack for understanding people the way his old master had but there's something now...
Mutsu brings himself down some. He's still bright under all of the ash but he attempts to adjust his energy so that he can be more in sync with this man. )
Hey, hey. ( He holds up his hands, waving away at Souza, ) None of this at your service stuff. If we're gonna be together for awhile then we should treat each other more like the same, right, right?( Like equals! Or at least, not as formally.
Symbol of conquerors, though? There's something that catches his attention. Surely, there's a story there. )
So you're a pretty famous guy, huh? That's why they brought ya here to this place. ( He'd heard the stories about this place-- one of the three imperial museums of the day. But he crosses his arms, thinking for a moment before inferring, ) Ya've been around a bit too, haven't ya?
( Sword of Conquerors sure does sound like someone who's been passed around a lot. )
[It'll be refreshing to hear of a master whose sword is excited to tell, hear, share his story. Not like him, with people chattering about his former masters, about the damage he'd sustained, about what admirable men they once were, men that he hated so.
No, better to focus on the bright sword of the more recent past, to hear the stories of what's become of the world in the time since he'd been put away for good.
Mutsu settles down a bit, though, and Souza falls all too easily back into fussing over him, fluffing more soot from his hair, and then off his shoulders and sleeves, still concerned for him, still marveling at how he can be so unbothered by the flame.]
Right, right...
[More fussing. Mutsu asks about him, though, and he pauses for several long seconds.]
I... suppose I am, yes... And... I have...
[Not as much as many others, but also more than he thought he should have been.]
( If it weren't for the fire, he'd still be in a storage room. Tucked away in the back, forgotten by people and lost to history. It was only from searching through the ruins for what could be salvaged that they found him again and he was worth saving. An old fashioned sword like him! Worth saving!
But this guy is fussing over him now and Mutsu reaches to grab one of Souza's hands, )
Hey. ( He's a direct guy and he's going to get right to the point here. ) 'S okay.
It looks worse than it was. ( The fire. ) Everything'll be okay.
( And even behind the soot and all the wear, he can see. He can see clearly ahead and he watches Souza carefully. He'd been a fire and he would be okay. But this guy keeps fretting and he has to ask, )
[Of course he was worth saving. Important pieces of history are always worth saving, even when they themselves are useless...
Ah, but that thought would be doing this bright young sword a disservice, wouldn't it? Projecting his own shortcomings on someone else like that would be too cruel, even for him.
He fusses. Mutsu grabs one of his hands, and Souza stops short, lets his other hand fall idly to his side and lets his shoulders relax when he reassures him that everything'll be okay.
Odd, that.]
Ah-... not... by you...
[Not by his scruffy, sooty appearance, not by his presence at all, really, but by memories not forgotten, but put carefully to the back of his mind, rushing back at the smell of smoke and the sight of soot on him. He'd burned - or if not him, then everything around him - and Souza, so long left alone, left to himself, can't quite keep himself from worrying.
( Not by him? Gee, he's half surprised! He knows how he can be and knows he can be troublesome and wouldn't it be awful if he ruined his first impression already? He tilts his head curiously to the side, trying to understand what could be bothering him, though. If not him then... is it the reason behind his appearance? The fire? He gives Souza's hand a firm, reassuring squeeze and laughs, )
Gahaha. ( He stands tall and proud, even in his condition, ) I don't look like much right now.
( He aware. He's very aware of how he looks. )
But back in Tosa, I was pretty famous. ( For being a beautiful sword. A family treasure. Something his family was proud to show off to the world. But he wont' mention all of that. It doesn't matter anymore when all of that is in the past. ) Ya'll see. It's amazing what people can do these days! I was listening to 'em talk about all the new technology they wanna try... I'll be good as new in no time. I'll show everyone.
[He could already tell this new sword would be loud and boisterous and troublesome, but... that was fine. More than fine. He'd bring some much needed life to the museum, truth be told, so while there were sure to be fumbles along the way, the initial impression was a good one.
But he couldn't help but worry. Even when Mutsu gives his hand a squeeze, even when he stands tall and proud and laughs. He has to worry. What if this - all this - was just a brave front put on through excitement of seeing somewhere new, of getting restored, of meeting someone for the first time in a long time.
If it was, then it was taking far more energy than his own fronting ever did, and it was impressive.
If it wasn't... well. He'd find out sooner or later, unless one of them was transferred out.]
Were you, now...? And... why are you not still in Tosa?
[Not that he's complaining about him being here, but... didn't Tosa have museums? Shrines? Surely there was somewhere closer he could have been taken, right?
But that didn't really matter in the end.]
Anyway... I'll look forward to it... Ah- and welcome, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki...
(Mutsu never puts on a front without a reason. He's an honest sword! And right now, there's no one to protect or that he needs to be strong for so he can afford to be open with his emotions... which is being bright and casual as usual.
The question catches him off guard just slightly. He's not surprised that he's been asked and it's a valid question but he'd never really thought of it himself. He's quiet for a half second as he runs through his thoughts and memories. Why wasn't he in Tosa? How did he get all the way to Hokkaido?)
I dunno. (He really doesn't know.) Haven't been home in a long time, really... Don't really mind either.
(Which is a little sad. He misses it.)
... I’m closer here...
(Closer to Ryouma and even after all of these years, he can still feel his heart both swell with pride and twist with sadness. So maybe there is some fronting after all but not for the reasons Souza is necessarily thinking. The thing that hurts Mutsu the most isn't the fire but something older.)
[After being given a short tour of the Citadel, Kikkou was left to walk around by himself when the secretary was summoned to attend another matter. He walks along the porch, studying and memorising the Citadel's inner layout. He would occasionally greet other swords, although there might be a few... tensed moments.
...
There was a sudden, loud scream. A short moment later, Fudou Yukimitsu runs whatever Souza was doing. If Souza choose to look, Kikkou Sadamune's figure can be seen walking after Fudou.
Only to pause, when he saw Souza. He gives him a smile.]
[There had been rumors on the wind of a new sword come to the citadel, though just who it was this time, Souza had yet to find out, though truth be told, he didn't go out of his way to find out, either.
So it's relatively peaceful when he's interrupted by screaming - by Fudou's screaming, which narrows the possibilities for newcomers considerably, and raises his curiosity about who it might be by just as much.
He doesn't have long to wait. Fudou runs by, and Kikkou - of all swords - is sauntering along after him. Pauses. Sees him. Smiles.
Even his customary false smile slides from his face.]
[He had intended on going after Fudou to try and talk to him. He bore the tantou no ill will, but it seems like the past still (obviously) hold strongly onto him. Since Fudou's here, there's a very good chance they would have to work together.
They can't avoid each other forever. Him and Fudou... or other, familiar swords from the past.
He can see Souza's expression from this distance. How did Souza Samonji think about him?]
Perhaps... but I'm glad to see you well again.
[He harbour no ill will. But hopefully, it wouldn't be too awkward to work here in the future around Souza. He gives a brief bow.]
I just arrived today. But I hope we can work and fight well together.
[Sometimes, even the lack of ill will wasn't enough to erase actions of the past - even if those actions were performed by someone only associated with the person in question. Such was clearly the case now, with Fudou and, to a lesser extent, with Souza, too.
(Fudou owed him for intercepting Kikkou, he decided.)
But he was here, now, and they would be forced to work together, whether they liked it or not, so while he wasn't typically one to make the best of a situation, he could at least meet it with begrudging acceptance.]
...Is that so.
[A sigh, and he looks Kikkou over again, wondering idly why he had to be the next one brought home.]
[He only have a vague idea of who else is here. Considering his historical ties and smith, Kikkou knew his brothers and other Tokugawa swords are around. The trickier swords would be those of Oda.
He smiles and nods.]
Very much so. [A pause, as he consider what to say.] Have you seen Fudou Yukimitsu earlier?
[Tricky might just be the understatement of the year. They'll either appreciate his presence, or hold some sort of uneasy fear in regards to him - or, as in Souza's case, some mix of both.]
I... have, yes...
[Another understatement, considering when he last saw Fudou he was running, terrified.]
[The request could sound innocent, if it wasn't Kikkou asking, and if he hadn't seen Fudou run screaming by a moment before.]
What is it... you wish to speak with him about? [Maybe he could breach the topic more gently. Or maybe he could dissuade Kikkou from speaking to him about whatever it was at all. Or maybe he could distract him from it entirely. Who really knew with this sword?]
[He remembers it, as well, and he'd be lying if he said it didn't effect how he saw Kikkou even now. But he could still fight alongside him, even if speaking with him was uncomfortable at best.]
I'm sure... he will be fine... [A sigh, because he's not entirely sure at all, really.] Just... give him time...
[Kikkou's quiet for a moment, before he nods. That's a simple enough request for him to follow. He is still a very recent arrival.]
Very well, I'll wait for now.
[Hopefully, not too long. Seeing as he wouldn't be talking to Fudou for a while, Kikkou already have something else he can focus on until he receive his orders. His eyes are on Souza, studying the other uchigatana. In his mind, certain thoughts—old, unspoken ones—drifted in after a long time.
[In a way, he's surprised Kikkou was dissuaded so easily. It's good - perhaps there can be a go-between (or more likely someone to hide behind) when their first real meeting will take place.
But that leaves him with the very unique problem of Kikkou's eyes on him, studying him, and he can't even guess at what he might be thinking in that odd head of his.
So he tries to not stay around to find out, offering a polite nod before turning to leave.]
[And at that he sighs and knows he might as well have lost. If he doesn't give in now, then Kikkou will be distracted around him in battle (in case of torn clothing or awakening), or overly clingy in the baths.
So he moves to remove just that half of the top of his kimono, letting the fabric hang off his opposite shoulder and around his waist.]
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subjuggul8ion) wrote2016-09-24 12:17 am
museum fams
But this one is different. Carefully, a blade wrapped in cloth is presented to the curator who unwraps it carefully to catch a peek at the blade within. He mentions something about it being too damaged to be certain but that they'll report their findings as soon as they verify the authenticity of the blade. With gratitude, they hurry the blade to a room in the back to be cared for.
It's all too far away and crowded for Souza to see but once they begin to move from the lobby to the back room, Souza can catch sight of an extra figure. Dressed in black and gray, it's hard to tell, but there's the scent of something burning and soot on his face. His hair is a mess, and really, the guy looks like he's been through some sort of damaging ordeal. He follows the crowd-- or rather-- his vessel quietly and curiously.
He isn't seen again until a couple of hours later, after the employees get ready to return home for work. Mutsu follows after them until they get to the entrance, stopping just short and taking a second to finally look at his new surroundings. Electric lights, stone walls, high ceilings, paintings from the west... a lot has changed since he was last in this city. )
... Kyoto, huh?
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They'd have a new spirit around very soon, if the blade was old enough to have one.
Ah- but there was another figure among them, one who didn't quite fit, trailing along as though he belonged there, despite being covered in soot and, presumably, the source of the lingering smell of flame that was successfully setting Souza on edge and making him worry about the general state of their newcomer.
But as soon as they've come, he's gone, and Souza is left to wait - wait on the museum staff, wait on the spirit to grow curious enough to wander, maybe even wait until he was put on display.
It only takes a couple hours for the staff to go home and the new spirit to trail after them as far as the door. For his part, Souza has been waiting near to where he's been taken, just in case, because for all his aloof posturing, he still doesn't want a newcomer to be scared and unwelcome when it's likely they'll be spending a considerable amount of time together - and in disuse, no less.
He'll give him a moment to look around, acclimate to the surroundings, before approaching relatively quietly and answering question with question.]
I... presume you've been here before, then...?
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It isn't that he's never seen another spirit but he certain hasn't seen one for a very, very long time. He's certainly never seen one like Souza at first and he's taken aback by his colorful and complicated dress. It's almost enough to make him feel a little self-conscious about his own appearance but he hides it behind a bright smile, )
Ya can see me? ( That sure is an obvious Tosa accent now that he's not mumbling to himself, ) Heh heh, been awhile...
But that's right! ( And he's loud too. Despite being dusted in soot and worn in appearance, he's energetic as if he was new, ) 'S been a while... a lot's changed, gahaha!
( And that's exciting. How much has the world changed if even a city like Kyoto can transform like this? )
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But it would seem that he bounced back quickly, already loud and energetic and excited about... well, it looked like everything, right now.
It kind of makes him feel old.]
I can... [There's Enthusiastic Tosa Babbling™, so Souza just lets him go, reaching out to at least gently pat soot from his hair and off of his clothes, not out of any offense, but... it has to be uncomfortable, right? And fretting over this new sword was... somewhat welcoming, wasn't it?]
Ah- what all has changed... for you?
[He's been here for entirely too long, so it's sure to be interesting hearing about Sudden Changes from what he knew.]
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This building for starters. ( He makes a show of looking around, turning on his heel and waving at the stone walls around them, ) Never would've seen a place like this back then.
( His voice echoes off the walls, )
... A lot quieter now than it was back then too.
( He could talk for hours-- days, weeks!-- about how much Kyoto's changed. From the sound of things, he'd be here for awhile. Whoever this guy is, they're going to be together for awhile so they might as well get introductions out of the way before things get too awkward, h a h )
Ya'll probably hear it from them sooner or later but, ( A quick tip of the head in greeting and a wink, ) I'm Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, sword of Sakamoto Ryouma.
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You will... have to tell me of it sometime...
[Though he's more interested in the stories about the city. The sword before him is enamored. Excited, even, and that alone means he has a lot he's itching to tell.
It'll certainly make the nights less lonely.
But-! He... was also on to something. Introductions would be for the best, even if they'd hear about one another endlessly in years to come. Even if their only relevance - at this moment - was their former masters. It always did come back to them.
Though... he has only heard vaguely of Sakamoto, and paid little attention to what he was told, so the stories that were sure to come...
Well.
He could only hope Mutsu loved this Ryouma.
For his own introduction, he gives a slightly more formal bow and a melancholy half-smile.] Souza Samonji... symbol of conquerors at your service, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki...
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There's a slight shift in expression. The man in front of him is different from the wild and passionate swords Mutsu is accustomed too. There's something more subdued, something a little... sad? It's been years since he'd last seen another face and he wonders if he's lost his ability to read the air in all of that time. Centuries observing and listening to others, he'd once had a knack for understanding people the way his old master had but there's something now...
Mutsu brings himself down some. He's still bright under all of the ash but he attempts to adjust his energy so that he can be more in sync with this man. )
Hey, hey. ( He holds up his hands, waving away at Souza, ) None of this at your service stuff. If we're gonna be together for awhile then we should treat each other more like the same, right, right?( Like equals! Or at least, not as formally.
Symbol of conquerors, though? There's something that catches his attention. Surely, there's a story there. )
So you're a pretty famous guy, huh? That's why they brought ya here to this place. ( He'd heard the stories about this place-- one of the three imperial museums of the day. But he crosses his arms, thinking for a moment before inferring, ) Ya've been around a bit too, haven't ya?
( Sword of Conquerors sure does sound like someone who's been passed around a lot. )
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No, better to focus on the bright sword of the more recent past, to hear the stories of what's become of the world in the time since he'd been put away for good.
Mutsu settles down a bit, though, and Souza falls all too easily back into fussing over him, fluffing more soot from his hair, and then off his shoulders and sleeves, still concerned for him, still marveling at how he can be so unbothered by the flame.]
Right, right...
[More fussing. Mutsu asks about him, though, and he pauses for several long seconds.]
I... suppose I am, yes... And... I have...
[Not as much as many others, but also more than he thought he should have been.]
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But this guy is fussing over him now and Mutsu reaches to grab one of Souza's hands, )
Hey. ( He's a direct guy and he's going to get right to the point here. ) 'S okay.
It looks worse than it was. ( The fire. ) Everything'll be okay.
( And even behind the soot and all the wear, he can see. He can see clearly ahead and he watches Souza carefully. He'd been a fire and he would be okay. But this guy keeps fretting and he has to ask, )
Are ya bothered?
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Ah, but that thought would be doing this bright young sword a disservice, wouldn't it? Projecting his own shortcomings on someone else like that would be too cruel, even for him.
He fusses. Mutsu grabs one of his hands, and Souza stops short, lets his other hand fall idly to his side and lets his shoulders relax when he reassures him that everything'll be okay.
Odd, that.]
Ah-... not... by you...
[Not by his scruffy, sooty appearance, not by his presence at all, really, but by memories not forgotten, but put carefully to the back of his mind, rushing back at the smell of smoke and the sight of soot on him. He'd burned - or if not him, then everything around him - and Souza, so long left alone, left to himself, can't quite keep himself from worrying.
He holds on to that hand and doesn't let go.]
I... apologize...
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Gahaha. ( He stands tall and proud, even in his condition, ) I don't look like much right now.
( He aware. He's very aware of how he looks. )
But back in Tosa, I was pretty famous. ( For being a beautiful sword. A family treasure. Something his family was proud to show off to the world. But he wont' mention all of that. It doesn't matter anymore when all of that is in the past. ) Ya'll see. It's amazing what people can do these days! I was listening to 'em talk about all the new technology they wanna try... I'll be good as new in no time. I'll show everyone.
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But he couldn't help but worry. Even when Mutsu gives his hand a squeeze, even when he stands tall and proud and laughs. He has to worry. What if this - all this - was just a brave front put on through excitement of seeing somewhere new, of getting restored, of meeting someone for the first time in a long time.
If it was, then it was taking far more energy than his own fronting ever did, and it was impressive.
If it wasn't... well. He'd find out sooner or later, unless one of them was transferred out.]
Were you, now...? And... why are you not still in Tosa?
[Not that he's complaining about him being here, but... didn't Tosa have museums? Shrines? Surely there was somewhere closer he could have been taken, right?
But that didn't really matter in the end.]
Anyway... I'll look forward to it... Ah- and welcome, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki...
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The question catches him off guard just slightly. He's not surprised that he's been asked and it's a valid question but he'd never really thought of it himself. He's quiet for a half second as he runs through his thoughts and memories. Why wasn't he in Tosa? How did he get all the way to Hokkaido?)
I dunno. (He really doesn't know.) Haven't been home in a long time, really... Don't really mind either.
(Which is a little sad. He misses it.)
... I’m closer here...
(Closer to Ryouma and even after all of these years, he can still feel his heart both swell with pride and twist with sadness. So maybe there is some fronting after all but not for the reasons Souza is necessarily thinking. The thing that hurts Mutsu the most isn't the fire but something older.)
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...
There was a sudden, loud scream. A short moment later, Fudou Yukimitsu runs whatever Souza was doing. If Souza choose to look, Kikkou Sadamune's figure can be seen walking after Fudou.
Only to pause, when he saw Souza. He gives him a smile.]
It's been a while.
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So it's relatively peaceful when he's interrupted by screaming - by Fudou's screaming, which narrows the possibilities for newcomers considerably, and raises his curiosity about who it might be by just as much.
He doesn't have long to wait. Fudou runs by, and Kikkou - of all swords - is sauntering along after him. Pauses. Sees him. Smiles.
Even his customary false smile slides from his face.]
Yes... not... long enough, I'm afraid...
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They can't avoid each other forever. Him and Fudou... or other, familiar swords from the past.
He can see Souza's expression from this distance. How did Souza Samonji think about him?]
Perhaps... but I'm glad to see you well again.
[He harbour no ill will. But hopefully, it wouldn't be too awkward to work here in the future around Souza. He gives a brief bow.]
I just arrived today. But I hope we can work and fight well together.
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(Fudou owed him for intercepting Kikkou, he decided.)
But he was here, now, and they would be forced to work together, whether they liked it or not, so while he wasn't typically one to make the best of a situation, he could at least meet it with begrudging acceptance.]
...Is that so.
[A sigh, and he looks Kikkou over again, wondering idly why he had to be the next one brought home.]
I... hope so as well...
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He smiles and nods.]
Very much so. [A pause, as he consider what to say.] Have you seen Fudou Yukimitsu earlier?
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I... have, yes...
[Another understatement, considering when he last saw Fudou he was running, terrified.]
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Do you know where he went? I would like to speak with him.
[Perhaps he should leave it be. Or bring up that subject to Fudou Yukimitsu and, possibly, come to a compromise.]
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[The request could sound innocent, if it wasn't Kikkou asking, and if he hadn't seen Fudou run screaming by a moment before.]
What is it... you wish to speak with him about? [Maybe he could breach the topic more gently. Or maybe he could dissuade Kikkou from speaking to him about whatever it was at all. Or maybe he could distract him from it entirely. Who really knew with this sword?]
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About the past. Despite what happened, I hope we wouldn't let it interfere with us in the future.
[Honnouji Incident. He remember the sight from Mitsuhide's side. He suspect Fudou would remember it as well.]
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[He remembers it, as well, and he'd be lying if he said it didn't effect how he saw Kikkou even now. But he could still fight alongside him, even if speaking with him was uncomfortable at best.]
I'm sure... he will be fine... [A sigh, because he's not entirely sure at all, really.] Just... give him time...
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Very well, I'll wait for now.
[Hopefully, not too long. Seeing as he wouldn't be talking to Fudou for a while, Kikkou already have something else he can focus on until he receive his orders. His eyes are on Souza, studying the other uchigatana. In his mind, certain thoughts—old, unspoken ones—drifted in after a long time.
That mark, he wonders about it...]
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But that leaves him with the very unique problem of Kikkou's eyes on him, studying him, and he can't even guess at what he might be thinking in that odd head of his.
So he tries to not stay around to find out, offering a polite nod before turning to leave.]
If that's all...
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Just one question... Do you still have the mark?
[It sounds like just an innocent question.]
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...I do.
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Would it be too forward of me... to ask to see it?
[Of course it is. But Kikkou is curious, genuinely so.]
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[But Kikkou is too forward, and he is curious, and Souza would absolutely expect him to ask anyway or to act on the desire himself.]
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Can I convince you to let me see it?
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...Why?
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... Because I wish to see how it looks on your body. Your human body.
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So he moves to remove just that half of the top of his kimono, letting the fabric hang off his opposite shoulder and around his waist.]
Here...