[it's not out sheer stubbornness that he doesn't remain in repose. the truth is that he is far too used to activity and it's been long since he suffered such extensive injuries. at least long lasting ones that kept him bed bound. now he couldn't help but to wander out of the tiny room he had chosen for himself. and sure it still remained cold and drafty as ever. he still doesn't regret his choice. he's almost sure that he'd have been festering had he ended up in one of the warmer rooms. but even now he's out stretching his legs. even if his steps aren't all that steady he can manage to feign wellness. there isn't a hint of pain on his face, not does he give any signs that he's still mulling over what he can't remember.
muichiro doesn't have much time to go over his thoughts. the city was in disrepair and already he noted many people hard at work trying to clean any debris around. in some ways they were trying to find normalcy in the life they now had here. he couldn't fault them for that or their attempts to keep busy.
what he noted to cause most people problems were the left overs of the initial attack, the roots that were still weaved into concrete. in order to clear those out they would have to be cut. he didn't have an axe. but he had a sword. a sword he knew he would no longer need to fight demons and yet it hurt to think he would use this finely crafted weapon made by kanamori-san's skilled hands per tetsuido-san's instruction. what he left him. he really had caused that man to worry. so maybe he could give some people peace if he got to work. his sword is unsheathed and he gets to work but he does note nearby that there's someone else.]
These are quite thick. It's going to take a while.
( when people say that cleaning makes you feel zen, yuuji has to say that he fully agrees. he knew that ever since he had to keep the house back home clean on his own, but cutting off roots and removing them like this sure gives one a different level of satisfaction. it's much, much more satisfying than crossing things out of your to-do lists. it also keeps your mind from wandering around, and stay focused.
so for a moment there, he doesn't notice there's someone working around him, until the voice calls out to him.
there's a beat, then two before he finally turns his head and brightens up a little to shoot a polite smile at the stranger. not a familiar face, but always happy to make new friends! )
Ah, you're right. Some of these roots are real stubborn!
( he glances at the shriveling root under him. sometimes it feels like it's alive, somewhat. the thought of it makes him feel rather... uneasy. )
How're you going the-- no, wait. You're using that to cut it?
( a sword... it looks pretty sturdy, but he can't help worrying when these roots are thicc as fuck. )
Won't that damage your sword? ...Not that I know much 'bout it.
( he's seen people use knives to slice through smaller roots, though, so maybe swords can actually handle it better than he thought? anyway, he'll shuffles through the ruins to have a closer look of the other and his weapon. )
[two question follow in succession that have him consider what was said. he lifts his hand up slowly, the one gripping the sword and his eyes scan the blade as if trying to assess if there was any damage. the blade glimmers, polished metal, it's clearly not a typically weapon. the color is unusual. at a gradient from teal to white at the sharp edge. something inscribed on it.
when he looks up, there is no surprise to see that they're close now to each other. he had been aware the space between them was being closed, the sound of footsteps alerting him.]
It's a sturdy weapon. I'm the one who's lacking now.
[that is he lacked his typical strength. strength enough that none of these roots would give him a problem. now it takes more elbow grease, far more effort to just hack one of these thick roots. as for the blade, it could withstand this. strike at its length. Its weakness came from a blow to the side. muichiro isn't worried. but if it shattered. well he isn't sure how he would feel. on one hand, his battle is over. on the other, he was now in this land where a weapon was vital.]
( yuuji watches the metal glint against what little source of light they have, eyes affixed to the beautiful gradation coating the weapon. now that he's closer, he can tell that it is no ordinary sword. it looks nothing like the swords he's used to seeing; be it through medias he consumes, at the museums, or any of the cursed weapons. a custom-made sword, he's sure. looking from the way the other wields it, yuuji won't be surprised if the other boy is an actual swordsman. the familiarity, the way it's being handled displays a lot of care and hard work in the form of posture and grace.
which is why it surprises yuuji how well the boy's words resonate with what yuuji feels about himself at the moment. 'i'm the one who's lacking now.' the look of surprise is clear in his face, for a moment, before he pulls a friendly smile to the other. )
... I see. We're the same, then! I'm real weak here, too. ( he hums, thinking for a moment. ) In that case, let's work together! It's easier to make openings with an axe ( points at the axe in his hand ) and easier to slice through things with a sword ( points at the other's sword ). If we combine that, we'll save quite a bit of time, don't you think?
( as if to demonstrate, he slams his axe on one of the thicker roots nearby them to crack it open, and then gestures for the other to finish it off. )
[he hadn't really considered how much other people were affected but there had been a lingering suspicion. if he had investigated a little more he would have become aware that it wasn't only total concentration breathing hampered by something in this land, nor genya's own abilities, but everyone seemed to be weakened in some shape or form. a slight tilt of his head, if brief and passing, indicated his curiosity in knowing just how this person before him was affected.
no chance to ask. they had to get to work and a single nod from him shows willingness to aid. after all helping each other was all they could do here and in that they could all find a way to grow stronger together. but would that eventually come with negative consequences? after all strength for them meant also for the youkai attached to them.
there wasn't time for such unpleasantries now. instead he looks towards the axe then his own blade. ] That's a good point. Really this weapon isn't suitable for this but now with that opening —
[naturally he means the split made by the of the axe, he is soon to follow it by a swing of his own blade. it's quick (though not as fast as his formerly polished skills would have allowed but it is controlled) and muichiro strikes the very spot where the roots had been cut open.]
Let's continues. [there is a motion towards another thick root. like this they could make quick work and that is actually lightening his spirits.]
( things that remain unchanging: the hard-to-track passage of time under the never-clearing skies of hakagemachi. the fog that continues hanging low. the forever missing fourth floor and the inaccessible thirteenth floor of the apartment. the unsolvable mysteries of various corners of the city. the unfamiliar creatures slithering in and out. the flickering neon signs.
things that have changed: the broken streets, ripped through by overgrown roots. the piles of debris and wreckage that slowly get cleaned up. the holes that got covered. the wounds that began healing. the series of uneventful days, eeriely 'peaceful'. the quiet forest.
ever since yuuji came to hakagemachi, he's always looked for one thing — stability, even if just a semblance of it. where he came from, there was a place to return to. a place he could call 'home'. a place that he's likely lost. selfish as it is, he still wishes he can have something to hold on to over here, before (if) he returns back to face the consequences of his actions. something that can keep him going, driven.
that 'something' has always been, now and before, people. his bonds with the people here, the connections he's made, are what pushing him to keep going, no matter how hard things get.
the bond he's formed with six over the past month is a big portion of it. six has always been there, involved in nearly every step he takes from the very beginning. he doesn't 'just' owe six his life. he's been given so much — more than he deserves. trust. care. promises. reassurances. friendship. even the warmth against his body at certain nights, when they huddle up for some restful time. the same one radiating from the soft, velvety grey against his palm right now. )
Morning, Six. Imma head over to Taishou's for a bit. You can continue sleeping if you're still tired.
he remembers winding up at yuuji's apartment last night, talking about mundane things. how did your day go? did anything happen? did you eat enough for the day? little conversations that can be taken for granted because when your life is always at risk, you run out of time to go through the motions of normalcy. hakagemachi has been kind enough to grant them a moment of reprieve for the past little while now, and it's something six doesn't allow to slip through his fingers.
he doesn't remember when and how he slipped off to a dreamless slumber, but he remembers the way yuuji's eyes lit up when he asked him if he wanted to stay over for the night since it's getting late. they talked about a few more things after that, and then there was nothing.
morning comes and yuuji is already awake before he is, a soft, feather-light touch against his ear brings him fully to the land of consciousness. ]
I've slept enough.
[ slowly, he sets himself to sit upright, moving away from the warmth of yuuji's touch. it'll take him a moment to realize he isn't wearing his mask but his voice is a lot quieter, almost meek. ]
I'll come with you, even though I fail to find a reason why you are bothering Mister Mori so early in the morning.
[ is he cranky? maybe a little......... his sleep got interrupted, after all. ]
( six's reaction makes yuuji snicker. in fact, being able to see his reaction at all gives him a glee that he never thought he'd get to experience here. it's such a small thing that would've been so normal in other circumstances — but when you live day by day not knowing if you'll be alive by the end of the day (or if it is even the end of the day), even the smallest of things feels so precious. the frequency of him seeing six without his mask as of late has surely multiplied by, well. a lot, compared to their first few encounters. the way his face easily flushes in embarrassment, the grumpy pout and the little frown he sometimes does... all of them among things that yuuji wants to protect. )
Geez... you sure don't trust me, huh? It's not me bothering him this time, actually! He told me to drop by after a snooze yesterday, so I'm just gonna go over and see what's up.
( his hand reaches to mess the friend's hair. )
Like I said, you can just go back to sleep if you wanna. Just tellin' you cuz you'll get lonely if I just leave like that, right?
( he knows the answer to this, but he likes teasing six a little sometimes. with that he gets up, stretching his body before heading over to the entranceway to put his shoes on. ahh, they're all torn up. they were such a nice shiny red a few months ago... )
Just in case, bring some weapon along.
( they're just going to head over to a ramen shop, but you never know what's gonna come up here in hakagemachi. there's always the power of the oni that he can utilise, technically speaking, but he's wary about using them for the foreseeable future — he's pretty sure six is the same. )
[ yuuji's comments are rewarded by what he likes to see: six is pouting again, quick to come up with a protest. ]
I will not get lonely; however, someone has to make sure you won't cause too much trouble.
[ once yuuji leaves the bed, six follows after him too, reaching out for his mask first before grabbing anything else. yuuji told him to bring a weapon so he'll bring all he has just in case: he attaches his glaive behind his back, hides his claws where they're usually are. his cloak is still in ruins but it still offers enough protection from biting temperatures.
... that, and it feels wrong to walk around with it, almost as if he's letting go of a part of himself.
he heads over to stand by yuuji's side. ]
I'll follow your lead, I suppose.
[ he's just more comfortable if he can watch yuuji's back, okay... that's the kind of fighter he is anyway. ]
( after all, six has given him a front-row seat view of his favourite look! he'll give him that much.
once his shoelaces are perfectly tied, yuuji makes sure the hammer that he always keeps close by is in the pocket of his pants, and picks up the axe by the door. if they were anywhere else, it might be rather alarming to carry weapon so openly in broad daylight (or lack of it), but here in hakagemachi, it's the least of their worries.
when they arrive at the storefront of mr. mori's ramen shop, it's almost like the man has been expecting the two. he comes right out at the perfect timing, seemingly delighted that yuuji doesn't show up alone. if six pays attention, he'll notice that mr. mori's gaze on yuuji isn't exactly very friendly, and yuuji does seem to avert his gaze from the man quite a bit with a guilt-ridden look in his face. however, mr. mori is a professional, so without wasting much time, he explains what he needs the two to help him out with: corn harvesting.
now, for yuuji, this isn't his first time, but he has quite an apprehension, considering his initial run with joonghyuk. still, there's a reason he can't say no to mr. mori's requests.
after bidding goodbye to the man, they leave the city behind them, and off towards the unstable path towards the farmlands. )
Sure thought he'd gonna ask us to do something else... guess he still needs more corns. Have you done this before, Six?
[ six finds himself looking at yuuji's shoes while the boy ties his laces.
he wonders just how long it's been since they first met each other outside of the forest. he looks up when they finally leave the room, trailing after yuuji just as he said he would. the only thing that comes to mind when they get to the ramen shop is the question of what yuuji could have possibly done to earn that kind of look from the usually friendly mr. mori.
he raises an eyebrow when it doesn't look like yuuji is going to address it. if that's the case, then six might as well bring it up now before it turns into another elephant between the two of them. ]
What did you do?
[ he'll answer the question about whether or not he's done this after he gets a satisfying answer. if there is one. regardless, he needs to know so he can ensure they don't annoy mr. mori even more. ]
( yuuji jerks a little at the question. he should've expected the erune would spot that, but he thought the distraction worked. ah... )
...I stole some of his corns.
( he has reasons!!! but reasons he won't say, because that means outing yjh as well. the man probably doesn't care, but this is something that yuuji decided on his own volition, yjh has never asked him to help! so there's no reason to out him! )
Was tryinna see if I could figure out what's their deal. I couldn't, though.
( is this a good enough answer...? he peeks at six, hoping it was satisfying. )
[ if only yuuji can see how six is looking at him right now: eyes narrowed, lilac hues filled with so much judgement. why is he not even surprised at this point? that definitely sounds like something yuuji would try to pull, and of course it got him in even bigger trouble. ]
Was it worth Mister Mori's annoyance?
[ he picks up the pace, walking past yuuji because now he's a little bit annoyed too (on mr. mori's behalf). might as well be the first one to arrive at the corn stalks so yuuji doesn't get any more bright ideas!! ]
( ouch... he can tell the judgement. even without looking at six he can feel the prickling stare in the depth of his bones. )
... No. I won't do it aga-- ( wait huh??? six's just gonna leave him behind like that?! is he mad?! ) Ah, oi!! Wait!!
( then again, of course six would be mad. he has all the reasons to. even if yuuji's broken laws here and there, he knows that stealing is never a good idea. much less when it's from someone who's saved both of their asses time and time again. one of the few allies they have in this flimsy youkai realm.
he'll catch up with six soon enough — he's not called the tiger from the west middle for nothing! (how lame...) — and attempt to block his way forward, just so he can explain a little more. not everything, obviously, but just a bit more. he clasps both his hands in front of his face, bowing his head slightly. )
I properly reflected on it and I won't do it again, promise!
( especially now that joonghyuk would most likely never do it again... not after all the crying and wailing they had to deal with afterwards. that sure taught them. )
[ it doesn't come as a surprise to the erune how quickly yuuji chases after him, hands clasped in a way that's practically begging six to reconsider. six wonders if it'll be worth it to make yuuji wait for his forgiveness, but it's not like he was the one wronged in the first place, and yuuji looks pathetic enough as it is.
after a while, he sighs and drops the annoyance. ]
You'll apologize to Mister Mori by gathering more corn than you stole. Come on.
[ when he starts walking again, at least his pace is slower... it's clear he's more willing to walk alongside yuuji now compared to earlier. ]
( despite how easily annoyed six is at yuuji's ridiculous antics, yuuji's aware of how soft six is on him, and how quick six can be in forgiving him. that being said, he isn't interested to use that to his advantage. in fact, it makes him feel a little bad. he's really not one to talk, but he does think that he deserves to get a colder treatment or even an earful of scolding...
so!! to make up for what he did, he will work extra hard, for both six and mr. mori! )
Aye aye, Sir! I won't disappoint you!
( he brightens up and salutes at the friend.
hey, actually... )
Then, as a warm-up, let's see who can get there first! 3 2 1 go!
( and he dashes forward without any further indication. if six remains where he is, he'll laugh as he turns around and say, )
Come on!! Let's go!!
( if six immediately goes into the race, he'll laugh too, like he's truly enjoying himself — because he is, cutting the wind with a friend like this, it's a good feeling! )
[ before six can protest any further, yuuji has already bolted into a sprint, leaving the erune staring at his retreating form with disbelief written all over his features. his ears are pin-straight, his body is tense, but he quickly relaxes when yuuji tells him to follow up. he mumbles something under his breath — this is ridiculous, he says — and then he immediately breaks into a pace that will surely make yuuji regret for suggesting they compete over this.
the erune has always been fast, even without the help of his oni's agility, born with a speed that's meant to aid him with the way he fights. he quickly passes by yuuji and casually drops a comment— ]
Don't fall behind.
[ —before letting him eat dirt, to be honest.
he'll be the first to reach the corn stalks if yuuji pull a miracle at this rate!!
(if yuuji is paying attention, he'll see that six is smiling... only a little bit.) ]
( it's rather terrifying to see the aftermath of the forest rage. cracks and rips stretch over the streets, buildings that threaten to collapse aren't just a handful. a few days have passed since people come together and try to clean the mess up, yet their work is far from being done. one of the main reasons is definitely the lack of resources and appropriate tools. but honestly, if yuuji would be a little less stubborn about using some of his youkai's powers, maybe it'd go slightly smoother for him — and by extension, everyone else.
compared to the others who blaze through the thinner roots in no time with their magical powers, he's hard at work with an axe that looks like it's on its last legs, taped over and worn out. yuuji's blessed with physical strength and stamina, but it stands no chance against elemental magic in terms of speed and power. still, he looks determined as ever, diligently hacking away the roots that seem to choke the pipes underground. as he takes a little break wiping away the rolling sweat, a voice makes itself heard to the people in his vicinity. )
Sigh, how stubborn. Just how long do you intend to prolong this? If you would just put on the mask, I could always lend you my fire.
( yuuji's eyebrows knit, and the expression in his face quickly darkens. )
Like hell. Don't think I forgot what happened.
Kufu. Did I not tell you I, too, reflected about it? Besides, at the rate you're going, you will just trouble the people around you, you know? Look at that man behind. I bet he wants you to get off his way already.
( despite knowing that it's 66%... no, 84% just a nonsensical babble by his oni, yuuji does actually turn to look at the said man. seems like he's yet another person who has no qualms in using his youkai's powers. it makes yuuji wonder if he's the one doing it wrong. is there a way to actually keep their youkai in check, or is he just really unlucky? from what he sees here, everyone else down the street seems to be doing peachy utilising their magical powers. maybe, for once, his oni is telling him the truth and he's the one being insensitive here?
his expression softens somewhat, mainly because it's not directed to his oni, a little awkward as he asks: )
The streets are a vision of wreck and ruin, concrete split and cracked like breaks in an ocean's tide. Roots vein throughout the rubble, a snarl of wood that's caught in time, a moment of seeded grip that's taken days upon days to par down.
Broken glass and rock crunch beneath the daemon's zori as he steps lightly across the landscape, looking too at east and comfortable amid the dust and aftermath of what could only be considered a war. But, as a war daemon, this all feels natural to him—the battle's done and now all there's left to do is haunt the field, surveying the ruin and offering his hand to those in need of assistance. It's what the samurai in him demands, despite how he lost his humanity a few years ago. Some things, despite being drenched in the malevolence and ill-wishes of humans, don't change.
Drawing his short sword, he cuts through a particularly stubborn knot of root that cuts across some sewer holes and pipes. Sharp as the wind itself, his blade cuts through it with a thunk, splintering wood and branch enough that he's able to dig his heel into the weight of it and push it out of the way to make room for some other workers. It's a particularly tumultuous patch, he notes, the vibration of earth shifting beneath his heel slight but recognizable enough for a daemon. If they aren't careful, some of this sidewalk can just crumble away, having nothing below it for support.
... that's along his line of thinking when voices cut through. ]
Hm? [ turning, the daemon samurai perches a heel on a high cut chunk of sidewalk, peering at the young man only a foot away. after a moment he cocks a toothy grin, friendly and amiable in nature, as he shakes his head, ] In the way? Not at all. You seem perfectly fine to me.
[ His oni's mask remains at his hip despite most others using their youkai to clear away most of the debris. It's a rough looking creature, horned and painted red with a brilliant toothy grin, blazing eyes—a wild creature that no doubt loves a good fight, standing contrast against the purple of Rokurou's jacket and softer lilac of his hakama. Even the aura it exudes is strong, not that its owner seems to need its help. ]
Not that I'd mind either way.
[ Cheerfully said, as he takes another generous hack at a limb of root, dragging it out of the way so a little girl can pass through; she happily waves at the both of them before dragging a bag of rocks along behind her. Collecting, maybe? Kids do weird things. ]
( after getting a thorough explanation from sachiko of what he should do, yuuji does another run-through in his head as he walks over the corridors of the bathhouse with necessary weapons (read: mops and cloths) in his hands. she's not-so-surprisingly meticulous about it, explains why she's bothered with the appearance of said 'akaname'. yuuji feels like he's vaguely heard of the name somewhere, but unable to picture how they looked like in his mind.
for some reason, the way she described it made them sound like insects with long tongues. kinda gross. either way, yuuji's pretty sure he'll do a good job catching 'em all! reason being, he's not alone today!! well, he can do it himself too, most likely, but he's got an excellent partner on his side: genya, who definitely looks like someone who'd catch beetles as a kid!!! (what kind of stereotyping...) )
Hey hey, let's race to the end of the corridor!
( if they're gonna clean up the whole area, might as well have some fun too! it's such a great opportunity for a mop race, don't you think? ✨ )
[ Sachiko's a tough lady. Even having grown more accustomed toward being around women, Genya's still kind of flustered in her presence, trying to ignore the fact that she's terrifying and cute all wrapped up into one.
At least there's a job he can focus on—though he's not sure he's ever come across that type of demon before, it sounds like a problem for her. So, serious as ever and sporting a good heavy broom and a couple of mopping rags, he sends Yuuji a stern look when the other boy suggests messing around. ]
And end up breaking something? You should know better than that.
[ Though, admittedly, there isn't much around to break other than a couple of decorative vases that no one would probably miss.
Before he can say anything else, something scuttles across the corridor at the end of the hallway—it looks like a person, but crawling on all fours in a manner that's just straight up creepy: feet first, then hands, feet hands, bent knees and outward jagged elbows. That's all Genya manages to catch before its gone, headed quickly down another hallway. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
action.
muichiro doesn't have much time to go over his thoughts. the city was in disrepair and already he noted many people hard at work trying to clean any debris around. in some ways they were trying to find normalcy in the life they now had here. he couldn't fault them for that or their attempts to keep busy.
what he noted to cause most people problems were the left overs of the initial attack, the roots that were still weaved into concrete. in order to clear those out they would have to be cut. he didn't have an axe. but he had a sword. a sword he knew he would no longer need to fight demons and yet it hurt to think he would use this finely crafted weapon made by kanamori-san's skilled hands per tetsuido-san's instruction. what he left him. he really had caused that man to worry. so maybe he could give some people peace if he got to work. his sword is unsheathed and he gets to work but he does note nearby that there's someone else.]
These are quite thick. It's going to take a while.
no subject
so for a moment there, he doesn't notice there's someone working around him, until the voice calls out to him.
there's a beat, then two before he finally turns his head and brightens up a little to shoot a polite smile at the stranger. not a familiar face, but always happy to make new friends! )
Ah, you're right. Some of these roots are real stubborn!
( he glances at the shriveling root under him. sometimes it feels like it's alive, somewhat. the thought of it makes him feel rather... uneasy. )
How're you going the-- no, wait. You're using that to cut it?
( a sword... it looks pretty sturdy, but he can't help worrying when these roots are thicc as fuck. )
Won't that damage your sword? ...Not that I know much 'bout it.
( he's seen people use knives to slice through smaller roots, though, so maybe swords can actually handle it better than he thought? anyway, he'll shuffles through the ruins to have a closer look of the other and his weapon. )
no subject
when he looks up, there is no surprise to see that they're close now to each other. he had been aware the space between them was being closed, the sound of footsteps alerting him.]
It's a sturdy weapon. I'm the one who's lacking now.
[that is he lacked his typical strength. strength enough that none of these roots would give him a problem. now it takes more elbow grease, far more effort to just hack one of these thick roots. as for the blade, it could withstand this. strike at its length. Its weakness came from a blow to the side. muichiro isn't worried. but if it shattered. well he isn't sure how he would feel. on one hand, his battle is over. on the other, he was now in this land where a weapon was vital.]
no subject
which is why it surprises yuuji how well the boy's words resonate with what yuuji feels about himself at the moment. 'i'm the one who's lacking now.' the look of surprise is clear in his face, for a moment, before he pulls a friendly smile to the other. )
... I see. We're the same, then! I'm real weak here, too. ( he hums, thinking for a moment. ) In that case, let's work together! It's easier to make openings with an axe ( points at the axe in his hand ) and easier to slice through things with a sword ( points at the other's sword ). If we combine that, we'll save quite a bit of time, don't you think?
( as if to demonstrate, he slams his axe on one of the thicker roots nearby them to crack it open, and then gestures for the other to finish it off. )
no subject
no chance to ask. they had to get to work and a single nod from him shows willingness to aid. after all helping each other was all they could do here and in that they could all find a way to grow stronger together. but would that eventually come with negative consequences? after all strength for them meant also for the youkai attached to them.
there wasn't time for such unpleasantries now. instead he looks towards the axe then his own blade. ] That's a good point. Really this weapon isn't suitable for this but now with that opening —
[naturally he means the split made by the of the axe, he is soon to follow it by a swing of his own blade. it's quick (though not as fast as his formerly polished skills would have allowed but it is controlled) and muichiro strikes the very spot where the roots had been cut open.]
Let's continues. [there is a motion towards another thick root. like this they could make quick work and that is actually lightening his spirits.]
◣ SIX
肺に潜り 秒針を噛み 白昼夢の中でガンガン砕いた
things that have changed: the broken streets, ripped through by overgrown roots. the piles of debris and wreckage that slowly get cleaned up. the holes that got covered. the wounds that began healing. the series of uneventful days, eeriely 'peaceful'. the quiet forest.
ever since yuuji came to hakagemachi, he's always looked for one thing — stability, even if just a semblance of it. where he came from, there was a place to return to. a place he could call 'home'. a place that he's likely lost. selfish as it is, he still wishes he can have something to hold on to over here, before (if) he returns back to face the consequences of his actions. something that can keep him going, driven.
that 'something' has always been, now and before, people. his bonds with the people here, the connections he's made, are what pushing him to keep going, no matter how hard things get.
the bond he's formed with six over the past month is a big portion of it. six has always been there, involved in nearly every step he takes from the very beginning. he doesn't 'just' owe six his life. he's been given so much — more than he deserves. trust. care. promises. reassurances. friendship. even the warmth against his body at certain nights, when they huddle up for some restful time. the same one radiating from the soft, velvety grey against his palm right now. )
Morning, Six. Imma head over to Taishou's for a bit. You can continue sleeping if you're still tired.
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he remembers winding up at yuuji's apartment last night, talking about mundane things. how did your day go? did anything happen? did you eat enough for the day? little conversations that can be taken for granted because when your life is always at risk, you run out of time to go through the motions of normalcy. hakagemachi has been kind enough to grant them a moment of reprieve for the past little while now, and it's something six doesn't allow to slip through his fingers.
he doesn't remember when and how he slipped off to a dreamless slumber, but he remembers the way yuuji's eyes lit up when he asked him if he wanted to stay over for the night since it's getting late. they talked about a few more things after that, and then there was nothing.
morning comes and yuuji is already awake before he is, a soft, feather-light touch against his ear brings him fully to the land of consciousness. ]
I've slept enough.
[ slowly, he sets himself to sit upright, moving away from the warmth of yuuji's touch. it'll take him a moment to realize he isn't wearing his mask but his voice is a lot quieter, almost meek. ]
I'll come with you, even though I fail to find a reason why you are bothering Mister Mori so early in the morning.
[ is he cranky? maybe a little......... his sleep got interrupted, after all. ]
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Geez... you sure don't trust me, huh? It's not me bothering him this time, actually! He told me to drop by after a snooze yesterday, so I'm just gonna go over and see what's up.
( his hand reaches to mess the friend's hair. )
Like I said, you can just go back to sleep if you wanna. Just tellin' you cuz you'll get lonely if I just leave like that, right?
( he knows the answer to this, but he likes teasing six a little sometimes. with that he gets up, stretching his body before heading over to the entranceway to put his shoes on. ahh, they're all torn up. they were such a nice shiny red a few months ago... )
Just in case, bring some weapon along.
( they're just going to head over to a ramen shop, but you never know what's gonna come up here in hakagemachi. there's always the power of the oni that he can utilise, technically speaking, but he's wary about using them for the foreseeable future — he's pretty sure six is the same. )
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I will not get lonely; however, someone has to make sure you won't cause too much trouble.
[ once yuuji leaves the bed, six follows after him too, reaching out for his mask first before grabbing anything else. yuuji told him to bring a weapon so he'll bring all he has just in case: he attaches his glaive behind his back, hides his claws where they're usually are. his cloak is still in ruins but it still offers enough protection from biting temperatures.
... that, and it feels wrong to walk around with it, almost as if he's letting go of a part of himself.
he heads over to stand by yuuji's side. ]
I'll follow your lead, I suppose.
[ he's just more comfortable if he can watch yuuji's back, okay... that's the kind of fighter he is anyway. ]
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( after all, six has given him a front-row seat view of his favourite look! he'll give him that much.
once his shoelaces are perfectly tied, yuuji makes sure the hammer that he always keeps close by is in the pocket of his pants, and picks up the axe by the door. if they were anywhere else, it might be rather alarming to carry weapon so openly in broad daylight (or lack of it), but here in hakagemachi, it's the least of their worries.
when they arrive at the storefront of mr. mori's ramen shop, it's almost like the man has been expecting the two. he comes right out at the perfect timing, seemingly delighted that yuuji doesn't show up alone. if six pays attention, he'll notice that mr. mori's gaze on yuuji isn't exactly very friendly, and yuuji does seem to avert his gaze from the man quite a bit with a guilt-ridden look in his face. however, mr. mori is a professional, so without wasting much time, he explains what he needs the two to help him out with: corn harvesting.
now, for yuuji, this isn't his first time, but he has quite an apprehension, considering his initial run with joonghyuk. still, there's a reason he can't say no to mr. mori's requests.
after bidding goodbye to the man, they leave the city behind them, and off towards the unstable path towards the farmlands. )
Sure thought he'd gonna ask us to do something else... guess he still needs more corns. Have you done this before, Six?
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he wonders just how long it's been since they first met each other outside of the forest. he looks up when they finally leave the room, trailing after yuuji just as he said he would. the only thing that comes to mind when they get to the ramen shop is the question of what yuuji could have possibly done to earn that kind of look from the usually friendly mr. mori.
he raises an eyebrow when it doesn't look like yuuji is going to address it. if that's the case, then six might as well bring it up now before it turns into another elephant between the two of them. ]
What did you do?
[ he'll answer the question about whether or not he's done this after he gets a satisfying answer. if there is one. regardless, he needs to know so he can ensure they don't annoy mr. mori even more. ]
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...I stole some of his corns.
( he has reasons!!! but reasons he won't say, because that means outing yjh as well. the man probably doesn't care, but this is something that yuuji decided on his own volition, yjh has never asked him to help! so there's no reason to out him! )
Was tryinna see if I could figure out what's their deal. I couldn't, though.
( is this a good enough answer...? he peeks at six, hoping it was satisfying. )
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[ if only yuuji can see how six is looking at him right now: eyes narrowed, lilac hues filled with so much judgement. why is he not even surprised at this point? that definitely sounds like something yuuji would try to pull, and of course it got him in even bigger trouble. ]
Was it worth Mister Mori's annoyance?
[ he picks up the pace, walking past yuuji because now he's a little bit annoyed too (on mr. mori's behalf). might as well be the first one to arrive at the corn stalks so yuuji doesn't get any more bright ideas!! ]
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... No. I won't do it aga-- ( wait huh??? six's just gonna leave him behind like that?! is he mad?! ) Ah, oi!! Wait!!
( then again, of course six would be mad. he has all the reasons to. even if yuuji's broken laws here and there, he knows that stealing is never a good idea. much less when it's from someone who's saved both of their asses time and time again. one of the few allies they have in this flimsy youkai realm.
he'll catch up with six soon enough — he's not called the tiger from the west middle for nothing! (how lame...) — and attempt to block his way forward, just so he can explain a little more. not everything, obviously, but just a bit more. he clasps both his hands in front of his face, bowing his head slightly. )
I properly reflected on it and I won't do it again, promise!
( especially now that joonghyuk would most likely never do it again... not after all the crying and wailing they had to deal with afterwards. that sure taught them. )
I'm sorry...
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after a while, he sighs and drops the annoyance. ]
You'll apologize to Mister Mori by gathering more corn than you stole. Come on.
[ when he starts walking again, at least his pace is slower... it's clear he's more willing to walk alongside yuuji now compared to earlier. ]
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so!! to make up for what he did, he will work extra hard, for both six and mr. mori! )
Aye aye, Sir! I won't disappoint you!
( he brightens up and salutes at the friend.
hey, actually... )
Then, as a warm-up, let's see who can get there first! 3 2 1 go!
( and he dashes forward without any further indication. if six remains where he is, he'll laugh as he turns around and say, )
Come on!! Let's go!!
( if six immediately goes into the race, he'll laugh too, like he's truly enjoying himself — because he is, cutting the wind with a friend like this, it's a good feeling! )
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[ before six can protest any further, yuuji has already bolted into a sprint, leaving the erune staring at his retreating form with disbelief written all over his features. his ears are pin-straight, his body is tense, but he quickly relaxes when yuuji tells him to follow up. he mumbles something under his breath — this is ridiculous, he says — and then he immediately breaks into a pace that will surely make yuuji regret for suggesting they compete over this.
the erune has always been fast, even without the help of his oni's agility, born with a speed that's meant to aid him with the way he fights. he quickly passes by yuuji and casually drops a comment— ]
Don't fall behind.
[ —before letting him eat dirt, to be honest.
he'll be the first to reach the corn stalks if yuuji pull a miracle at this rate!!
(if yuuji is paying attention, he'll see that six is smiling... only a little bit.) ]
◣ ROKUROU
たとえ燃え尽きてしまったっていい
compared to the others who blaze through the thinner roots in no time with their magical powers, he's hard at work with an axe that looks like it's on its last legs, taped over and worn out. yuuji's blessed with physical strength and stamina, but it stands no chance against elemental magic in terms of speed and power. still, he looks determined as ever, diligently hacking away the roots that seem to choke the pipes underground. as he takes a little break wiping away the rolling sweat, a voice makes itself heard to the people in his vicinity. )
Sigh, how stubborn. Just how long do you intend to prolong this? If you would just put on the mask, I could always lend you my fire.
( yuuji's eyebrows knit, and the expression in his face quickly darkens. )
Like hell. Don't think I forgot what happened.
Kufu. Did I not tell you I, too, reflected about it? Besides, at the rate you're going, you will just trouble the people around you, you know? Look at that man behind. I bet he wants you to get off his way already.
( despite knowing that it's 66%... no, 84% just a nonsensical babble by his oni, yuuji does actually turn to look at the said man. seems like he's yet another person who has no qualms in using his youkai's powers. it makes yuuji wonder if he's the one doing it wrong. is there a way to actually keep their youkai in check, or is he just really unlucky? from what he sees here, everyone else down the street seems to be doing peachy utilising their magical powers. maybe, for once, his oni is telling him the truth and he's the one being insensitive here?
his expression softens somewhat, mainly because it's not directed to his oni, a little awkward as he asks: )
My bad, am I in the way?
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The streets are a vision of wreck and ruin, concrete split and cracked like breaks in an ocean's tide. Roots vein throughout the rubble, a snarl of wood that's caught in time, a moment of seeded grip that's taken days upon days to par down.
Broken glass and rock crunch beneath the daemon's zori as he steps lightly across the landscape, looking too at east and comfortable amid the dust and aftermath of what could only be considered a war. But, as a war daemon, this all feels natural to him—the battle's done and now all there's left to do is haunt the field, surveying the ruin and offering his hand to those in need of assistance. It's what the samurai in him demands, despite how he lost his humanity a few years ago. Some things, despite being drenched in the malevolence and ill-wishes of humans, don't change.
Drawing his short sword, he cuts through a particularly stubborn knot of root that cuts across some sewer holes and pipes. Sharp as the wind itself, his blade cuts through it with a thunk, splintering wood and branch enough that he's able to dig his heel into the weight of it and push it out of the way to make room for some other workers. It's a particularly tumultuous patch, he notes, the vibration of earth shifting beneath his heel slight but recognizable enough for a daemon. If they aren't careful, some of this sidewalk can just crumble away, having nothing below it for support.
... that's along his line of thinking when voices cut through. ]
Hm? [ turning, the daemon samurai perches a heel on a high cut chunk of sidewalk, peering at the young man only a foot away. after a moment he cocks a toothy grin, friendly and amiable in nature, as he shakes his head, ] In the way? Not at all. You seem perfectly fine to me.
[ His oni's mask remains at his hip despite most others using their youkai to clear away most of the debris. It's a rough looking creature, horned and painted red with a brilliant toothy grin, blazing eyes—a wild creature that no doubt loves a good fight, standing contrast against the purple of Rokurou's jacket and softer lilac of his hakama. Even the aura it exudes is strong, not that its owner seems to need its help. ]
Not that I'd mind either way.
[ Cheerfully said, as he takes another generous hack at a limb of root, dragging it out of the way so a little girl can pass through; she happily waves at the both of them before dragging a bag of rocks along behind her. Collecting, maybe? Kids do weird things. ]
Why, you alright there?
◣ GENYA
太陽と雨音の狭間に生まれたジルバ
for some reason, the way she described it made them sound like insects with long tongues. kinda gross. either way, yuuji's pretty sure he'll do a good job catching 'em all! reason being, he's not alone today!! well, he can do it himself too, most likely, but he's got an excellent partner on his side: genya, who definitely looks like someone who'd catch beetles as a kid!!! (what kind of stereotyping...) )
Hey hey, let's race to the end of the corridor!
( if they're gonna clean up the whole area, might as well have some fun too! it's such a great opportunity for a mop race, don't you think? ✨ )
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At least there's a job he can focus on—though he's not sure he's ever come across that type of demon before, it sounds like a problem for her. So, serious as ever and sporting a good heavy broom and a couple of mopping rags, he sends Yuuji a stern look when the other boy suggests messing around. ]
And end up breaking something? You should know better than that.
[ Though, admittedly, there isn't much around to break other than a couple of decorative vases that no one would probably miss.
Before he can say anything else, something scuttles across the corridor at the end of the hallway—it looks like a person, but crawling on all fours in a manner that's just straight up creepy: feet first, then hands, feet hands, bent knees and outward jagged elbows. That's all Genya manages to catch before its gone, headed quickly down another hallway. ]
—did you ... see that?