[He did move faster than expected, because she could've caught the ball too. She didn't even have time to react to his reaction, but all was well, and the tantous were happy. She claps instead, impressed by his show of sportsmanship as he returned the ball in a rather flamboyant display.]
More things I also find interesting. That was nice.
[Lucky for him, she's fine with silence. It's never awkward for her. What's awkward is talking in a neutral manner to someone you were supposedly with when he doesn't remember, but it's not so bad.]
On how to cook? [She cracks a tiny smile.] Plenty. What would you like to know?
He may have grown to be more confident, but Mitsutada's core has always been the same. It's strange, that she should feel relief, that no matter what, she'd still love him for everything he is. Even someone more emotionally constipated than she is. That's saying something.]
I'll teach you everything I know. We can do it now, if you want to spend time doing something on a day off.
[ He nods, stepping away from the wall and waiting for her response. For a moment, his expression changes - just a very subtle, slight smile, and all-too-easily missed by those not paying enough attention. ]
[She's paid attention to him enough to be able to pick it up. It was just a glimpse, but she stares, just a little, before she shakes it off and leads him to the kitchen. Seeing how in the future he will be very comfortable in it, she's sure he will be fine.]
---
[Days past since her next visit, but seeing how Mitsutada has opened up to her, just a little, she resolves to see him again. Although, this time, she was a little more hurried, as she was running late (at least, so she considered when she made her schedule), being held back by work with her older brother in a crucial trade meeting.
With a good part of reaching the Citadel requiring traversing by foot, she notes, while making her way closer to the edge of the lands, close to the fields, how she is far into the afternoon, and the visit would potentially be a short one. But she does not have much time to consider what other options she has when she picks up on movement around her.
All she does is quicken her pace, but she stays alert. Once she crosses into the Saniwa's lands, all should be well.]
It's not something be has been expecting, but it is something he isn't quite sure how to deal with. He knows that it could simply be some sort of mundane reason, but the route to the Citadel has been a little strange these couple of days. It was situated far away from civilization to allow the swords some peace, but its distance made it hard to reach as well.
So he's walking along the road out now, hoping to see if he could meet and escort her along the way. Anywhere with a high concentration of spirits tended to draw more of them - and not all of them are beneficial. ]
[Not every country is able to see spirits. But with greater power clustering around an area, it seems like she would be able to. In any case, she knew it was since it moved so fast that it cut her off.
And she couldn't even see its form properly when they found each other trying to find the other off. She wasn't sure if it was because of her own self not being quite human that she was able to fight it, but as long as her punches and kicks connect, she's not going to complain.
It is just incredibly irritating to be unarmed for such a moment.]
What are you? Do you want to hurt them?
[If anyone is in the premises, they would be able to hear her demanding answers. She can't die, but it doesn't mean this wasn't going to hurt.]
[ The spirit lurks mostly in the growing shadows, two red eyes glowing from within the darkness. There is the sound of rattling as it moves, accompanied by low, animalistic growls - and the glint of silver on its claws.
Vietnam's strikes can wind it somewhat, but she does too little damage to incapacitate it completely. But luckily for both of them, her shouting lets him locate her, and he is by her side within a few moments. He isn't wearing any armour, but his true form is drawn and purple gaze sharpened to terrifying intensity. ]
I have you covered.
[ And then, as he turns to address their opponent in a frighteningly soft hiss: ]
Die.
[ His slashes are precise and forceful, chaining one after another to force the beast backwards - even reverting mid-strike and manifesting some distance away to shift into a more advantageous position. The demon bleeds glowing ectoplasm everywhere, staining his well-pressed clothes, but he doesn't seem to care. ]
[She had no idea how to destroy it, but as long as she could keep up with it, she'll think of something. Keeping up is one thing, though, as it takes strong hits and she's not left undamaged. It'll take more than that to take her down, though.
What she didn't expect was for Mitsutada to be looking for, so seeing his larger form surprised her enough to stop.]
Mitsu-- [Not Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, it is the Nameless Mitsutada, but nonetheless she was happy to see him. And for the first time, she saw him in action, and it was a sight to see.
But she had no time to admire it, in this growing darkness, because the blood covering him had her forget for a moment that it wasn't his own, and for once she felt fear that he will die yet again.]
[ There were some things that his previous version had gradually forgotten, or otherwise hid away for a variety of reasons. The sheer ferocity and accuracy of his strikes were one of them, because he was taken from a time where his sole purpose was to kill - and he did it with terrifying perfection, using the environment around him as well as his spirit form to full advantage.
There is a metallic shing and blue light flares along the length of his sword - a flash of brilliance that was blinding in the evening light. The beast sputters and falls, its form shattering into myriads of splinters that fizzed away harmlessly on the ground.
His stance doesn't relax until he can confirm that it is indeed gone. Then, he sheathes his blade without a word. ]
[They say even the nicest of people can be monsters on the battlefield. If there was an example, Vietnam would name herself. Giving her all extends to even the most violent of tasks. To say she wasn't expecting it would be a lie, that Mitsutada, having been said to be one of the stronger tachis, would not be a beast in battle.
She never expected Mitsutada to be this vicious though. It was like he saw only one thing, to end the life of whatever was coming. It was keen, precise. And he wasn't going to lose.
Vietnam didn't know how she should feel. There was a chill, but it wasn't fear. She wasn't afraid. And there was a part of her that was mesmerised by his strength.
It was only when he sheathed his sword that she moves to join him.]
Are you alright? Are you... [The blood covering him catches her eye. But while this disturbing vision before her would make others think him bloodthirsty, she immediately searches him for wounds.] A-are you hurt?!
[ She comes too close too fast, and there is a part of him which is still on high alert - so he moves back, but it's merely by reflex and the kill in his sharp purple eyes is fast fading. ]
I am not.
[ As much as he is okay with Vietnam, having her come too close still makes him a little uncomfortable. ]
[She stops as he requests, hands raised to show that she means no harm. The heat of the battle must still be getting to him, and she had always been one to respect space.
It didn't mean she'll stop worrying about his condition.]
Are you sure? We should get back as soon as possible, and get you cleaned up.
[ He's managed to calm himself fast enough to return to his usual breathing, but still very aware in case something else pops up. He doesn't seem to notice the sheer amount of blood splattered over his clothes, only realizing when he adjusts his hair and sees the stains on his fingers.
Examining his hands, he shows no sign of reaction towards this. ]
I am unharmed.
[ Mostly because his spirit charge orbs took the damage for him, but also because the beast barely landed a scratch. ]
[Yes, it's actually quite worrying how much blood is on him. In fact, it should be worrying how easy he's taking it, but what's done has been done. No one should flinch at the sight of blood in battle. She's seasoned enough.
But as along as he is fine, she sighs in relief.]
As long as you are unharmed. I... [--don't want to go through this again.] Let's return to the citadel. Before anyone realises. [She pauses.]
Thank you, for helping me. And coming out for me too. I troubled you greatly.
[ He proceeds to train his clear purple gaze on her - clear like ice, or sharply tinted glass. ]
No, you did not.
[ And then he turns towards the Citadel, signifying that he did not wish to speak further on the matter. He doesn't look back.
Because what needs to be done will be done. Circumstances can, and will change. Such as these. If he did not adapt his schedule to it, then he would not have fulfilled his duty.
Even if Nobunaga was gone, that sense of perfection still remains with him. ]
[It should relieve her when he says she did not trouble him. But she's still filled with dread, just watching him walk forward, and she follows. Because she did trouble him. No matter what happened, he still had to fight, and it was because she was late that he had to look for her.
She heaves a long sigh as she continues after him in silence. How does one make it up to him, though? The same rules do not apply now, his younger self does not appreciate the same things he does.
Vietnam looks up. His back still looks the same to her. Still the same shadows cast when the light his them from the Citadel, now growing bigger as they get closer.]
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More things I also find interesting. That was nice.
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[ While his expression doesn't change, he sounds a little less serious. Maybe just a little. ]
Have you not seen these things before?
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[She manages a smile before she stops clapping.]
What do you mean? Seeing your katana skills in action?
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Yes.
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Yes, I have seen it before. Well, not in battle, but in duels and practice. Your knife work in the kitchen is also impressive.
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I see.
[ Is this a good thing? ]
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A-ah, I meant that you are really good with cooking, and it shows in your blade work too.
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[ A pause, because conversation is hard for him too. ]
Do you have any advice?
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On how to cook? [She cracks a tiny smile.] Plenty. What would you like to know?
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[ He didn't expect any less from himself. ]
I... want to be useful to everyone.
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He may have grown to be more confident, but Mitsutada's core has always been the same. It's strange, that she should feel relief, that no matter what, she'd still love him for everything he is. Even someone more emotionally constipated than she is. That's saying something.]
I'll teach you everything I know. We can do it now, if you want to spend time doing something on a day off.
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[ He nods, stepping away from the wall and waiting for her response. For a moment, his expression changes - just a very subtle, slight smile, and all-too-easily missed by those not paying enough attention. ]
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---
[Days past since her next visit, but seeing how Mitsutada has opened up to her, just a little, she resolves to see him again. Although, this time, she was a little more hurried, as she was running late (at least, so she considered when she made her schedule), being held back by work with her older brother in a crucial trade meeting.
With a good part of reaching the Citadel requiring traversing by foot, she notes, while making her way closer to the edge of the lands, close to the fields, how she is far into the afternoon, and the visit would potentially be a short one. But she does not have much time to consider what other options she has when she picks up on movement around her.
All she does is quicken her pace, but she stays alert. Once she crosses into the Saniwa's lands, all should be well.]
no subject
It's not something be has been expecting, but it is something he isn't quite sure how to deal with. He knows that it could simply be some sort of mundane reason, but the route to the Citadel has been a little strange these couple of days. It was situated far away from civilization to allow the swords some peace, but its distance made it hard to reach as well.
So he's walking along the road out now, hoping to see if he could meet and escort her along the way. Anywhere with a high concentration of spirits tended to draw more of them - and not all of them are beneficial. ]
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And she couldn't even see its form properly when they found each other trying to find the other off. She wasn't sure if it was because of her own self not being quite human that she was able to fight it, but as long as her punches and kicks connect, she's not going to complain.
It is just incredibly irritating to be unarmed for such a moment.]
What are you? Do you want to hurt them?
[If anyone is in the premises, they would be able to hear her demanding answers. She can't die, but it doesn't mean this wasn't going to hurt.]
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Vietnam's strikes can wind it somewhat, but she does too little damage to incapacitate it completely. But luckily for both of them, her shouting lets him locate her, and he is by her side within a few moments. He isn't wearing any armour, but his true form is drawn and purple gaze sharpened to terrifying intensity. ]
I have you covered.
[ And then, as he turns to address their opponent in a frighteningly soft hiss: ]
Die.
[ His slashes are precise and forceful, chaining one after another to force the beast backwards - even reverting mid-strike and manifesting some distance away to shift into a more advantageous position. The demon bleeds glowing ectoplasm everywhere, staining his well-pressed clothes, but he doesn't seem to care. ]
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What she didn't expect was for Mitsutada to be looking for, so seeing his larger form surprised her enough to stop.]
Mitsu-- [Not Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, it is the Nameless Mitsutada, but nonetheless she was happy to see him. And for the first time, she saw him in action, and it was a sight to see.
But she had no time to admire it, in this growing darkness, because the blood covering him had her forget for a moment that it wasn't his own, and for once she felt fear that he will die yet again.]
no subject
There is a metallic shing and blue light flares along the length of his sword - a flash of brilliance that was blinding in the evening light. The beast sputters and falls, its form shattering into myriads of splinters that fizzed away harmlessly on the ground.
His stance doesn't relax until he can confirm that it is indeed gone. Then, he sheathes his blade without a word. ]
no subject
She never expected Mitsutada to be this vicious though. It was like he saw only one thing, to end the life of whatever was coming. It was keen, precise. And he wasn't going to lose.
Vietnam didn't know how she should feel. There was a chill, but it wasn't fear. She wasn't afraid. And there was a part of her that was mesmerised by his strength.
It was only when he sheathed his sword that she moves to join him.]
Are you alright? Are you... [The blood covering him catches her eye. But while this disturbing vision before her would make others think him bloodthirsty, she immediately searches him for wounds.] A-are you hurt?!
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I am not.
[ As much as he is okay with Vietnam, having her come too close still makes him a little uncomfortable. ]
Please don't touch me.
[ No really. Don't. ]
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It didn't mean she'll stop worrying about his condition.]
Are you sure? We should get back as soon as possible, and get you cleaned up.
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Examining his hands, he shows no sign of reaction towards this. ]
I am unharmed.
[ Mostly because his spirit charge orbs took the damage for him, but also because the beast barely landed a scratch. ]
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But as along as he is fine, she sighs in relief.]
As long as you are unharmed. I... [--don't want to go through this again.] Let's return to the citadel. Before anyone realises. [She pauses.]
Thank you, for helping me. And coming out for me too. I troubled you greatly.
no subject
No, you did not.
[ And then he turns towards the Citadel, signifying that he did not wish to speak further on the matter. He doesn't look back.
Because what needs to be done will be done. Circumstances can, and will change. Such as these. If he did not adapt his schedule to it, then he would not have fulfilled his duty.
Even if Nobunaga was gone, that sense of perfection still remains with him. ]
no subject
She heaves a long sigh as she continues after him in silence. How does one make it up to him, though? The same rules do not apply now, his younger self does not appreciate the same things he does.
Vietnam looks up. His back still looks the same to her. Still the same shadows cast when the light his them from the Citadel, now growing bigger as they get closer.]
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