mysteries | ic; there's so many wars we fought, there's so many things we're not

[ Living for such a long time.. it's truly strange, really. In old times it might not have mattered as much, but now demons have become more and more involved with humans, there's different life spans mingling. Humans, who have such short lives and don't notice much change in their lives - and demons who watch humanity change constantly. It seemed a lot had changed for them after the battle of Sekigahara; a fact Kazutake could not fully oversee yet at that time, as unfamiliar as he was with the human world. But he could tell by now, especially since humanity was on the verge of yet another change.

This time most of them had chosen to stay out of it though. Usually they would have had no choice since their loyalties in the past did come back to bite them in the ass now, but instead their grandchildren had (although not all willingly) taken up the duty instead as the new clan heads - fighting and following the humans' orders in their place.

Kazutake can't help but feel a little guilty over it. Sure, his grandchild had matured into a fine clan head, and he knows he is just supposed to stay in the background now and let him handle it.. but even so, these are debts he's caused. It's nothing someone else should have to take care of for him.

It's why he ends up lingering near the entrance to the Amagiri's camp on the land of the Kazama. Kazutake is well aware of the big talks the Satsuma had going on today, and how both Chitose's grandchild and his own had been expected to be there all day as well, even though the demons were treated as little more than weapons. But that's exactly why he wanted to make sure and wait to greet when he would return home, to know that there are people out there that do care - to apologize for imposing this burden on him.

But despite his heavy thoughts, the moment he notices the redhead appear Kazutake straightens, the lines in his face left by age shifting as he smiles thinly. ]

Welcome home, Kyuuju. [ As much of a home as the Amagiri can have, anyway - but it's exactly why Kazutake knows just how important these kind of greetings can be. ]

[It's hardly the most elegant thing in the world, acting as a weapon for a group of humans in their petty wars. It's certainly even less impressive following after Kazama as he pursues silly vendettas and grudges and, overall, acts in a way that really is unbecoming of an oni of his standing. Honestly, he'd prefer nothing more than to live a life of quiet peace; it wouldn't be anything remarkable or awe-inspiring in the end, but would that be so wrong?

Regardless of how unimpressive any of these tasks are, however, he can handle them. He can do his duty, act as he has to and accomplish what must be done in order to be properly debt-free.

It may not earn them a new home, but at least they won't be indebted to anyone else any longer. And yet, as willing as he is to do what has to be done, there is something very...unfortunate, about being reduced to this sort of standing in front of his ancestor like this. In a way, it seems as though he's disrespecting that legacy and dishonoring everything he worked so hard for for the Amagiri clan.

But then again, that too is simply something to accept as part of how things are these days, much as he would like to properly honor the efforts and struggles Kazutake went through on behalf of their clan. Someday, perhaps. First, they have to escape these debts. So honestly, he really is...startled, to see Kazutake there, waiting to greet him.

(It is nice though, isn't it? Nice to be greeted to a home, even if it's a home on loan.) So, surprised as he is, there's only a moment's pause, and then he's clearing his throat and responding properly.]

I am home...

[...Quite honestly, he has to ask--]

Was there something you needed?

[It's really hard to imagine why someone (especially someone as respectable as Kazutake) waiting just to greet him, so clearly he must need something--not that that really bothers him.]

[ There's a moment where Kazutake - with only slight surprise in his expression, he's rather in control of his emotions thanks to the Amagiri family trait, after all - just stares at the other for a moment. Apparently he just plainly didn't see that question coming. But if he thinks it's strange to ask if, he doesn't mention it. Instead his expression shifts into an only slightly awkward smile, letting a small chuckle escape his lips. ]

Not in particular. [ Nothing that would be worth waiting for him on, anyway. No, his reason for waiting is so different than needing anything from his descendant that it's almost comical, really, although he's not one to downright laugh at him for it. Even if certain other demons he knows might have. ]

I merely wanted to make sure you would make it back here safely. [ Not that he doesn't trust his fighting skills, because if anyone is a descendant of his, then they practically have fists of fury by default, but-- ] You have been working hard lately. I suppose I was slightly worried they might keep you there for even longer.

[ And that wouldn't do, okay.. he's certainly proud of his grandchild, that's not the issue, but humans abusing their service rubs Kazutake the wrong way. Especially since (from what he's seen when he's actually gone out there) the Satsuma aren't exactly Mitsunari material.

He raises a hand as a gesture to call the other into the village-camp to try and find a more quiet place to talk. ]

I am glad to see you have returned well, however.

[Did he say something wrong... despite everything, Amagiri still can't help but feel like there's sometimes a bit of a disconnect. It's probably only natural, considering the state of things, and yet... it's still a little unfortunate. Because Stoic Amagiri Emotions or not, he can still read some of that surprise, and it leaves him wondering--

Though of course his answer comes a moment later, and then it's his turn for some surprise to flicker over his expression. Kazutake wanted to...make sure he made it back safely?

He's still parsing that and how to respond when he's called further, and it's with automatic movements that Amagiri follows his ancestor-- honestly, wherever Kazutake would like to go, he'll go, but he can at least recognize the desire to find a better place to talk. Besides, it gives him a moment to school his expression into hopefully something less surprised, because surely being so startled that someone wants to be sure he made it home safely isn't exactly the most impressive thing... (but look at the people he hangs with.)

When he finally does respond, it's a little gruff, but mostly because he's still rather surprised. Gomen.]

...Thank you for your consideration.

[Safer ground, safer ground...ah.]

Our presence was not truly required. We were not kept longer than necessary. [Because really, their input has never mattered much to the Satsuma unless they're causing Trouble. Lookin' at you, Kazama. Not saying he's irritated by it or anything but--okay yeah, he's totally irritated by being treated as nothing more than a weapon to be used and treated as one, but at least he's too professional to let it show, aside from the subtext in his words.]

[ Yeah, at least Kazutake's used to being treated a little better.. still the same babysitter status in the group, but all of them - Chitose, Kazuya, Yukina.. even Shin, when it came down to it - have always treated him kindly aside from moments of friendly teasing. Almost as if they were their own little sort of family just by themselves. But he's not unfamiliar with the way Kazama and Shiranui act most of the time after having met them briefly before in this time, so he understands very well that Amagiri deserves a little concern from his side to make up for that at least.

Because that though, coupled with his words and the tone lingering right under the surface of them.. well, it's like a punch to the gut, really. And even though they're silently walking, Kazutake's expression can't help but twist a little bit into something vaguely guilty or apologetic. ]

Forgive me. It seems I have caused you a great amount of problems.

[ All of this came forward out of their actions hunderds of years ago, after all. Because they got involved with humans, because he got the Amagiri indebted to Chitose's family.. if it wasn't for those things, his descendants might have been able to live a normal life the way he had, instead of having to serve humans in this humiliating way. Not to mention having to attend to every single one of the younger Kazama's childish whims.

If he could have exchanged their positions, he would have done so in a heartbeat. He's not the kind of person who can accept other people suffering because of him, after all. ]

[It seems today's the day for surprising conversations. That admittance causes him no shortage of surprise after all, and Amagiri is left blinking for a moment before he recovers. At least, as much as he can recover knowing that Kazutake just apologized to him. Everything about that seems entirely wrong, after all.

So despite that slightly awkward pause, Amagiri's response comes rather earnestly, if a bit concerned.]

There is nothing to forgive. [but amagiris are so good at apologizing--] To do what you thought was right for the sake of our clan does not require apologies, regardless of the outcome.

[Everyone knows that it was an attempt to get them a home, a place to call their own, and a matter of honor. That is why he willingly serves even in this rather embarrassing and depressing situation. It's a matter of honor, and nobody can look down on that--at least, nobody that matters.

So while he can't deny that it has caused him problems, they are problems he willingly shoulders, if only because they stem from what was an earnest effort to improve the lives of everyone in their clan. And so, more quietly--]

Your actions have only ever been honorable--and with great purpose. [So he'll work off the debt, even if it means his own are less so.]

[ He can't exactly fully deflect those words. Because it's true, it's not as if he fought and protected Mitsunari for his own sake, for the sake of glory, anything like that. He wouldn't even have broken the rules about contact with humans if he hadn't been offered to finally get a piece of their land back. That was his sole motivation, his driving purpose - he just wanted to make sure that his people could live well rather than having to wander around. To protect the women and children in their clan.. that was all that mattered.

That Mitsunari had turned out to not be a terrible person was only a convenience in it all, a fact that at least made Kazutake feel a little better about fighting for a human's sake.

But even so, to hear his descendant say it so plainly.. well, it's a lot like him, but it's a little more than he deserves too, he thinks. ]

I just did what any head of a demon clan would have done.

[ .. well, should have done, anyway, considering how some of the heads apparently decide to act nowadays.. even his slightly more childish friends from back then had found their purpose and honor back in his time, after all. ]

But regardless of intentions, it was still what got you into this position. To serve humans is not always a bad thing necessarily, but..

[ He doesn't even have to finish that train of thought, right. Because he sure doesn't want to talk out loud about just how badly Amagiri is being humiliated this way. If not just because it makes some weird cropped up shame and anger mingle in the pits of his stomach. This isn't right. He fought exactly so his descendants could have a much easier time, a better time.. how did it ever end up like this? His hand forms a fist as he looks ahead of where they are walking and it tightens slightly. ]

[He really doesn't have to finish that thought at all. Honestly, between those words and the clenched fist that Amagiri can see out of the corner of his eye--well, it leaves a sour taste in his own mouth as well. It really is shameful, what he's stooping to these days. Serving even honorable humans is hardly anything to be thoroughly proud of, but... in his case, isn't he just lending his strength to the petty and the cruel? Sometimes, he thinks so. Sometimes, it's especially hard to swallow.

Times like this, watching how hard it is on Kazutake, he's especially certain that this is a bitter situation indeed. Certainly, after everything he had been through and strived towards, Kazutake deserved to rest?

Surely...

Amagiri's gaze shifts instead to in front of them, rather than draw attention to Kazutake's angry gesture.]

...I do not approve of their decisions, nor of their actions. [He can admit that easily. There are very few true warriors amongst them, if at all. (For a moment, he does think of warriors like Saitou, and it's a bit of a pang; what it would be like to work instead with people of honor, he's not sure, but it's at least something worth considering as a marked improvement.)]

However, that shall not stop me from removing our debt and returning our clan to its rightful status. [It's hardly glorious; he's not regaining lost land, or saving them all--he's just making sure they stay free. But honestly...that's good enough for him. Kazutake may feel bad for where he is now, but if he can serve them in this way, then...bitter or not, he's doing his duty, and--] I shall be satisfied with that. [and nothing more than that.]

[ He's honestly not sure if he should feel relieved that, despite his generation being the instigator of all of this, Amagiri has never expressed a single bitter feeling towards him. Maybe it would have been easier to bear if he would have gotten angry, if he would have yelled, but he's never done that. No matter how tough things got, no matter how tough things are now.

Not that Kazutake himself would have expressed any bitter feeling if he were in the other's shoes - he would have done the same. Just carried out his duty quietly, since that's just the thing when it comes to duty: you just have to fulfill it for the sake of something greater than just you.

Still, all of this feels like a forgiveness that he doesn't deserve, that doesn't live up to the guilt gnawing at the back of his mind. ]

You are far too good, my grandson.

[ Not what he usually calls him, since he's just used to using first names like demons did Back In The Day and all.. but this feels too personal to just use his first name like that. This is about the connection between them, the same blood flowing through their veins. ]

A lesser man would not have been able to carry such a feat in the slightest. [ Even if Amagiri shouldn't have to do it, even if it's cruel and unfair and-- he smiles, even if there's definitely something pained in it because of that fact. ] Words can not describe how proud I am to have seen you grow this way. To solve the problems I have caused.. truly, you have surpassed me, too.

[There's something very warming about that praise, especially when attached to something that really can only be considered an affectionate title. It'd be warming enough just to have the praise, but... Honestly, Amagiri is proud of his bloodline and his clan. He's proud of his ancestors and his origins. It may not be the same sort of pride as Kazama, but it is there nonetheless, and thus the reminder of his heritage and the claiming of him by his grandfather is...pleasant.

So while he's initially a little surprised by the praise...well, he really can't help how the shocked expression melts into a smile rather easily.

It's not exactly a familiar expression on his face, but for the moment, with how glad he feels to hear those words, it feels rather right.]

You praise me too highly... [It's said quietly, because he doesn't want Kazutake to think that he's trying to argue with him or anything (heaven forbid), but he really doesn't believe that he's surpassed his ancestor in the least--it's Kazutake who fought so hard and did so much to try to bring peace to their clan.] ...but nonetheless, you have my gratitude.

[So much of it, really. Words like that...well, they'll keep him going for such a long time. To think that Kazutake is not only not ashamed of the levels he has had to stoop to, but instead even encouraging and, if it's even possible to believe, proud... He's a little overwhelmed, honestly.] I will accomplish what needs doing, and truly... I would be pleased, should you and the rest of our clan be able to live in peace from now on.

[Isn't that something worth fighting for? And so he'll keep fighting for it (to think that he's made his ancestor proud...)]

[ He doesn't miss that small moment there, where Amagiri actually goes out of his way to mention him seperately from the rest of the clan. It's a little strange to Kazutake, who has always only seen himself as a part of the bigger whole - he's only thought of himself as the head of his clan because of the duties it brought him, not because it would give him any status above the others.

But here is his grandson, speaking to him so earnestly, telling him that he'll fight so he can live in peace, so the clan can.. there's a warmth that swells in his heart despite the circumstances. ]

Thank you.

[ Although no thanks would be enough in return for everything Amagiri is doing. He deserves all the thanks in the world and so much more than that - especially since it doesn't seem very likely that anyone else will give it to him. So Kazutake will just have to make up for the lack of it, really. He's figured that much. ]

Then.. in return.

[ They've managed to reach the tent or.. house or.. idk how the Amagiri's living situation works on Kazama grounds okay that's after the vn where Kazutake is staying, and he gestures for the younger demon to follow him inside. ]

At least let me provide you with a warm welcome whenever you return here. No matter how pathetic the humans try to make you, or no matter how much Chikage decides to be a brat.. [ Not.. very much like Kazutake to actually say that out loud but that's just how much Kazama's treatment of Amagiri annoys him okay... ] .. you shall always have a home to return to. I promise you that.

[ And if there's anything the Amagiri of all clans understand, it's the worth of a home to return to. ]

[It's more than enough. He may not receive much thanks, and not often at all, but...earnest thanks from Kazutake is more than enough to make up for all of that. He really, truly doesn't need anything more than that to be rather content. Perhaps his wishes are simple and his goals rather plain, but...how could an ancestor's praise and well-wishes not be anything less than inspiring?

So Amagiri is content to follow Kazutake inside, bowing his head in acknowledgment of the thanks.

That's more than enough--so when Kazutake continues, he's a little overwhelmed. A warm welcome, a promise to him, and a home...it's really all he could ever need to be happy, and Kazutake is here to guarantee it. For a moment, Amagiri's hands do clench into fists atop his thighs, but it's more a matter of how overwhelmed he is than anything else. It's the only indication, however, and as he takes a deep breath, he's able to unclench his fingers and lift his head further.]

You...have my gratitude. [So, so much of it. It's really about all he can do to keep his voice steady. To have that... well, what more could he possibly ask for?] I am content to do my part for such a promise.

[More than content, really. Dare he say...happy?

(also there was definitely some happiness in hearing his ancestor refer to Kazama like that, just sayin'. long overdue.)]

[ If Amagiri is happy, then Kazutake's managed to reach his goal here, okay.. he knows it's a lot harder to tell his descendant's specific emotions, but thankfully Kazutake is not the most emotive guy around either (a little better than Amagiri, but that's.. not saying much.. a piece of lint is less emotionally challenged, sorry) so he can spot the small signs a little better than most people would be able to. So he understands that what he's saying means a lot to the other - and he's glad for it.

Assuming they're just going to sit down and make themselves comfortable but still looks like a pair of stiff and formal pricks because that's what Amagiris do, he decides to start on something lighter instead. ]

Speak of how your technique has been faring.

[ Because fun topics to talk about for these two.. well.. perfecting your martial arts.. that's pretty fun.. ]

I doubt humans can stand up against a demon, but have you managed to find any worthy foes whatsoever?

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