estoria | ( OPEN )

You honestly expect others not to drop in?

[Noticing Kogi's stare, Koumei deftly picked a dumpling out of it's sweet broth and placed it in a bowl for Kogi. It was a treat closer to what Koumei would find a home-- similar to a dish called Tang Yuan, although the dumplings themselves were surprisingly similar to Mochi.]

I'm anticipating it. I grew up in a household with a dozen children, Kogi. Between all of us, possible spouses, and our retainers...well, even a family gathering turns into a grand affair. More people are always good, in my own opinion. Mister Kaden seems like he would be an excellent addition.

Hm. Well, there are definitely more than a dozen of us around here... I suppose it'll be enough. I just would hate for anyone to miss out.

[ Taking the bowl, he stares at the dumpling with intense scrutiny and curiosity before popping it into his mouth quickly with one of those pairs of chopsticks left around. Probably easier to use his hands, which is something he would do, but to maintain a relatively courteous and display manners... ]

Ooh. These are tasty.

[ A few more thoughtful chews and then puts the empty bowl down. ]

I believe he will be, too. No one ever said more foxes would create more problems, yes? [ Kogi smiles, thinking about the addition of yet another vulpine roommate, though this one is certainly more fox than he and the other that currently lived in their specific room. ]

[The chopsticks were a good move, because the Tang Yuan were served in a sweet, gingery syrup that would be sticky on the fingers and make a mess of everything they came in contact to. While they were superficially similar to the Mochi that Kogi would be more familiar with, that itself was one of the key differences between the two.]

I'm glad you approve of the sweets. They're a dessert from home that's popular to serve at family gatherings, and I feel like the filling inside is something my brother would enjoy.

[Though sesame paste was traditional, these were filled with sweet potatoes and dried figs. Kouha was a notorious lover of anything involving sweet figs, so it seemed like a good choice.]

And I'm certain there will be no complaints about Mister Kaden. Life is much more interesting if there's more people around, even if you prefer books over people for company.

Well, good that you live with us! We're not people or books, so I guess that puts us outside of those two groups for your preferences?

[ Which automatically means spirits and foxes are greater than books and people! It's simple logic, really. Kogitsunemaru licks his lips--- the snack is definitely sweeter than he thought, perhaps cloyingly so, and the ginger is sharp on his tongue. ]

And hopefully everyone will grow accustomed to Kaden. He should be respected, just like the other foxes in our group of apartments! There's only one who would probably show no mercy toward him, but I know his weakness... and he lives with Fishy.

[ Tanuki-san. The dreaded Doudanuki, the sailor of donuts himself. ]

You're still a large group of warriors; this is as close the atmosphere in the imperial palace that I'm going to find in the Colony.

[Because, though they were neither books nor people, he knew the mentality of warriors and the quirks of those who possessed a spiritual nature. Being aligned with an otherworldly spirit himself, this was incredibly familiar territory for him.

Especially since the Djinn were a lot like the Swords. They each had their quirks and their temperaments, and were as far from 'divine' as anyone could imagine.]

I'm sure Mister Kaden will adjust fine, so long as he doesn't get any strange ideas about Doudanuki or the Fishy. We all may be in trouble if we upset that balance.

[ Kogitsunemaru starts to open the bag with the tofu in it, having very little patience while delicious aburaage sits and waits to be eaten! The little fox, whose hands make quick work of the brown paper sack and the foil wrapping as he inspects the pieces very, very carefully. One of them even gets the special treatment--- being slowly eaten and savored. ]

Ha, Doudanuki couldn't harm a fox even if he tried. [ Except, he did once, but Kogitsune never took serious damage! Just a lot of pulled hair... ] Fishy though... I hope he's okay, living with Tanuki-san. It's hard to determine which is more civilized between the two, but I feel that the fish knows better manners than the spirit.

[ And he laughs! Man, the tofu is so good. ]

An imperial palace sounds great for someone like Mikazuki. Personally, I rather sit in a shrine.

I'd rather just read, but that wasn't the lot I was given in this life.

[Not that he even cared enough to fight it; such was the way the politics of his country had become ingrained in his person.]

I don't think we'll need to worry about either Doudanuki or Fishy. They're not likely to actively try to kill any of us, unlike others we've met in this city.

I agree with you, but unfortunate things can happen, even to those who we trust the most. This place can manipulate and twist perspectives and I would hate to be on the wrong end of a rabid animal and a fish.

[ He, of course, says that term of endearment very gently. Kogi is very much someone who cares for the sword spirits of Swordhaus! Corruption, though it hasn't been seen around them, is always a possibility... even if very, very unlikely. ]

... books? Mm. I've never found reading to be relaxing. Then again, I guess I've never had enough time to have hobbies such as that.

That's right, many of your bretheren have very colorful histories, [Koumei commented, referring to how many of them talked about war as if it were second nature. It was a part of what drew him to that crowd in the first place.]

What sort of existance have you lead, Kogi?

I was owned by many masters until one thought he had something to prove. He held me up high and I was struck by lightning.

[ Kogi says it all very flatly, snorting his short explanation. Of course, he could go into detail on how his masters were all very good diplomats, decent swordsman, but mostly good at taking care of such a legendary and spiritual sword.

Emphasis on mostly. ]

I believe most of my comrades have seen more than I have. Truthfully, whatever happened to me after the event is... a mystery.

[ Or is it? OR IS IT???

It sort of is. ]

But my current master is quite honestly the one I prefer the most. Though he may not wield me, I would much rather protect him and the timelines as I am.

Well, Mister Haru is certainly more sensible than to decide to use your blade to tame lightning on a whim.

[Because seriously, man. What kind of master was that???]

But I imagine that having your own autonomy must be a big benefit to this arrangement. You're more than just a blade, as you are now. You're a small but powerful fox who doesn't let a strange Fishy get in his way.

[ Someone who wanted to make a point and did it the wrong way. ]

You're right, but at the core I will always be the spirit of a sword. Having more freedom is a blessing, that is for sure, however I will always want to be wielded or to be with my master.

And no Fishy will get in my way. Ever! Ever? Ever.

[ And then he smirks at Koumei before picking up a piece of tofu and unceremoniously stuffing his face with it. ]

[Koumei bobbed his head solemnly, understanding that sentiment better than a man who was merely a man should.]

I understand how difficult life can be without a 'king,' and it's fortunate for you that you're content with this arrangement.

Let's hope that nothing gets in the way of it for any of you in the future, so that we may all be safe and comfortable in this city.

It's a little too late for 'safe and comfortable'.

[ Kogi's trying not to be too serious, but then again he's seen enough to know that even the smallest window of peace isn't actually that at all. He's not at paranoia yet, though he had been some months ago. ]

As long as the future involves us being able to stay together, as family, then I'll continue to survive for that.

[Having lived on and off battlefields since he was too young to fully comprehend it had left Koumei somewhat twisted in character-- war and death were merely parts of life, and danger from within was often times more treacherous than danger from without.

He had seen both sides of this equation. Had lived it.

And likely was already dead due to it.

But Koumei's smile was oddly serene as he regarded Kogi, knowing entirely what the sword meant.]

From within as well as without. You don't need to worry about your aunts and brothers betraying your bond because of some goal that they refuse to speak of--I admit, I'm a little jealous of what you have.

But, just because neither you nor I were meant for times of peace, it doesn't mean we can't try to make it so for those who may come later. Time stops for no one, men die and blades rust, but there are always others who follow. I, too, am content to stand with those I trust.

...And, perhaps that's good enough.

[ ... ah, Koumei is such a wonderful speaker? Such a way with words! Kogitsunemaru tilts his head, curious about what he means about aunts and brothers and betrayal. Koumei sounds like he's lived an interesting life but not one that would end well.

Perhaps him being here, just like the rest of the sword spirits, is a blessing in disguise. ]

Jealous? Mm. There's nothing to be jealous of. We both share the same freedoms here that we may not have in our own worlds. [ Another piece of tofu is put on his plate as he looks at the rest of the food. What agile chopsticks Kogi has, to flip them off of the table! ]

Time, however, does stop here. I intend to make the best of it. If time continued to flow, we would have failed our mission and none of us would be here.

[ A sigh. Comforting or not, at least Kogi knows the pressure of saving the timelines from evil intentions is gone as long as they exist on the colony. ]

I meant time within this city, not time within our homes.

[For that alone was the only reason he may even have a chance at survival, he was certain. But it was pointless to focus on the fate of lands that he currently was in no position to influence...if he were ever to be in such a position again.

Indeed, his presence in Tellus, in this apartment with the Foxes and Haru's battalion of swords, was a blessing in disguise.]

I intend to as well, [He said, unconsciously shifting his hanfu to be certain he was fully covered as he continued bustling around the dining area.] And, if we're to be here in the long term, then we can only hope that we find the key to ensure the various parties in control here leave us alone.

Besides... [He glanced at Kogi, sober if not for the glimmer of weariness that flashed through his eyes.] If time at home did affect time here, then odds are that neither Kouha nor myself would be in a position to even enjoy this meal tonight.

It's the simple things that make life worthwhile-- and it's been far too long since I've been able to enjoy them.

If we do find that key... then I hope that we can also find a way to safely travel from our world to here and back. Some of us may want to stay, some of us may want to go home.

[ It's because Koumei brings up his odds that leads Kogi down this path. The one where he may have very well shattered somewhere in another time or possibly corrupted and lost to the very same agents they fought tirelessly against.

Or, even worse, watching as his comrades did the same thing. ]

However: you are right. The simple things are ones that I've never gotten to truly enjoy myself. I'm glad to do so with you and Kouha.

[ And he returns to a more serene, amiable expression. The little fox never could stick to the 'what-ifs'. Those ideas are deadly, where he's from. ]

[Kogi's comment earns a small and sincere smile from Koumei, a sort of smile that would be rare for him to give in his home, when he has the world's eyes on his every gesture and movement.]

We're glad to be able to share these simple pleasures with you and your bretheren as well. It's been a learning experience, and one that I hope I shall never forget.

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