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

[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?

[This emotionally challenged demon is super happy, okay!!! It's just not as obvious as with most. But while they're sitting and looking ridiculously stiff and formal but actually honestly being relaxed, Amagiri is more than happy to pick up that thread of conversation.

Speaking of their fighting skills is always interesting. Especially with someone like Kazutake... honestly, there is so much more about everything his ancestor knows than Amagiri himself does. It's pretty impressive.]

Recently I have been granted the opportunity to properly fight. [It's not something that happens often, for them. Even if it...didn't last long.] Though I have much to learn [especially from Kazutake] I believe I have improved somewhat.

[It's just a musing comment, though. It's hard to judge, without pitting his strength against someone who can actually...keep up...and isn't a cheating cheater like Shiranui (seriously a gun??) or would beat him up for it (thanks Kazama).

...except a moment later he actually looks a little startled by that question. A worthy foe...admittedly, he sorted of eluded to that, but at the same time....his tone drops, a tad, even as he glances away.]

I have. He is...certainly worthy of being called an honorable warrior. [They are few and far between here, and yet...it leaves a bitter taste in his mouth, knowing how disadvantaged Saitou is. If it were simply a matter of strength and swordsmanship, Saitou would be fine, and yet...

How frustrating.]

[ Poor Amagiri.. it's okay, come spar with granddaddy sometime. Although it's probably easier to spar with someone who actually uses a sword, huh, considering that they're like the only two beings who think it's pretty rad to just punch people in the face and flip them over with one hand.

For now he just does his best to smile encouragingly when he brings up having improved a little. Kazutake is willing to believe it, honestly - Amagiri is so hard-working that there's no doubt he'll keep improving over time. It's nothing surprising to hear.. although the last part is. ]

Is that so? [ Not that he doesn't believe it. After all, Mitsunari turned out to be pretty okay for a human - honorable, not unkind despite appearances. Maybe a little stubborn and flawed in other ways, aren't both humans and demons that way?

So to hear there are actually still warriors out there like that even now is a good thing. ]

One of the shogunate's people?

[ Considering that's what the Satsuma are usually up against.. ]

[It's okay, he doesn't mind if his ass gets kicked if it's granddaddy. Totally worth it, as far as he's concerned. That said, talking about Saitou is a thing he can do!! Saitou is a bright spot in all of this Kazama and other human-created drama, okay. There is something very refreshing about someone who so honorably lives his entire life by the way of the warrior, never deviating from it.]

... He is of the Shinsengumi. Saitou Hajime. [Which is not necessarily not of the Shogunate, but at the same time, it seems... well, human politics are complicated, often needlessly so. Besides...he'll honor Saitou enough to acknowledge his true loyalties.

And of course he'll remember his name as well (even if he doubts he'll survive much longer now.)]

He fought bravely and well. I have never met another human with his same level of skill. [Of course, Amagiri still kicked his ass, but you know. Humans.

Though his gaze darkens a moment later, because he's still not happy about how Kazama treated him after. That fucker.]

[ Granddaddy's so happy that his cute grandson has finally found someone to experience true honorable foe yay with, okay.. even if his own case with a human was more like ally yay (considering the last thing he'd want with Shuu is foe yay, th.. ank you...) but he still understands it, the thrill and pride of being able to work with humans who understand true honor, strength and pride. ]

I have heard that name before. [ Vaguely, though. He's not too up to date with human practices when he doesn't have to be - although unfortunately you at least somewhat have to understand them in these trying times for demons. Hence why he at least knows a little, especially when it comes to business his grandson is involved in as well. ] Well, perhaps you will be able to meet him in battle once more.

[ He would be glad if Amagiri would, okay...!! His grandson deserves only the best and most honorable of foes.. actually quietly overly doting granddaddy Kazutake...

Although that last look doesn't go unnoticed, and he raises an eyebrow. ]

.. Did anything happen in particular, though?

[Granddaddy your doting game is too strong...!! Next thing you know he'll be going to sit Saitou down to talk about the rules of honorable Foe Yay Courtship.

Though that really is the nicest thing that Kazutake could have ever said about it. Amagiri hopes so as well, truly. It would be nice to be able to meet Saitou in battle one more time before the man ends up fading away due to the rasetsu thing. (Thanks, Kazama.)]

I, also, shall hope for such an outcome.

[It would be nice!!

Though of course granddaddy amagiri would recognize that look, they're pros at understanding subtle displays of manpain. Though admittedly bringing it up feels a bit like...well, he has no intentions of dragging Kazama's name through the mud despite everything he's done. (This is a bit like going to the dad and complaining about the oni down the street and what he did.)

...Still, he's more honest than anything, and Kazutake asked, so he's not going to hide it.]

...It is unlikely he shall survive much longer, as he has become a rasetsu.

[Even if it was all Kazama's doing (thanks, Kazama), he's still not going to remove Saitou's agency from the whole thing. He did make his choice. Amagiri has to respect that.]

Rasetsu?

[ Not that the term surprises him, he's heard it being thrown around more often. And the whole story with the ochimizu - as far as he's heard it, anyway - seems oddly familiar to the whole mess with the Sentan back in his own time. But the only time he saw it being used was when Shuu tried to pull off a last desperate move before his death - he wasn't planning on living on after it, probably. Not that he got a chance anyway with Kazutake defeating him, but.. you know...

But to hear someone who according to Amagiri (and Kazutake fully trusts his judgement, really, one of the few reasonable people in his life) is an honorable warrior taking it..

It doesn't add up. ]

Why? Are humans that eager to throw away their lives? [ Considering being a rasetsu isn't exactly Good News. Then again, maybe the Amagiri are just cursed to have their honorable partners die early, huh... ]

[Amagiris being the only reasonable people in each other's lives...truly, the Amagiri life.

But Amagiri does know that it doesn't add up, and that's why he's so bitter about it. If Saitou had chosen it to only be stronger...well, for one thing, Amagiri would probably have respected him less, but nonetheless, he would have accepted that as his choice. But to be backed into a corner, where the choices were duty and ochimizu or death and disgrace...well, that's just bitter and distasteful.

Kazama could have pursued Chizuru in a way that did not so humiliate him, Amagiri thinks. (Or he could just stop chasing after Chizuru like some perverted stalker thanks!!) But being asked that...in that way...

Amagiri does feel the need to defend Saitou's actions a bit, tilting his head slightly in acknowledgment of Kazutake's point.]

...There are those who are, as there always are. [He won't deny that one.] Saitou appears to have chosen to become a rasetsu for the sake of his duty, and I cannot begrudge him that.

...He was forced to face an opponent that he would never have been able to defeat.

[also kazama is a dick]

[ Kazutake's fairly smart, quiet as he may be. So he does manage to figure out the situation even if Amagiri doesn't lay down all the facts directly. After all, if there really was such a difference in strength between that Saitou and whoever he was fighting, then the latter must have been something with strength greater than a human's - a demon. Unless Amagiri means he was overpowered by a big group, but he said "an opponent" so specifically that Kazutake can't help but feel it really must have been a demon he was facing down. It was the whole reason Mitsunari required his help too, after all - humans don't stand a chance against demons.

Although he doesn't know if it's Kazama for sure, even if he's high on the list of usual suspects.. but it's not like Shin's grandchild isn't a problem child too (although he at least expected that much.. the Shiranui more like actual problem children.. and then there's the descendants of the Hagureoni, possibly, or.. well, god knows what sort of demons are out there by now. ]

I see. [ A calm acknowledgement of the facts. ]

That is a shame. No matter whether it is a human or a demon, no one should have to be forced in such a position where they can hardly make a choice out of their own free will. [ and where kazama is a bag of dicks to them ] The mark of a true warrior is that they can fight honorably for that which they believe in, after all.

[ even if kazutake's is a little less HONOR and more protect waifus and kids.... so he's more like sengoku sano i guess. ]

[waifus, kids and honor, the new bestselling autobiography.

Amagiri is really not surprised that Kazutake figured it out; honestly, that's why he didn't have to say more, seeing as how he had no intentions of avoiding the answer. Just. In a way that isn't tattling on Kazama like a child. He's totally not a child. Well, Kazama might be but--

Regardless, all Amagiri can do now is bow his head slightly in acknowledgment of that.]

There is nothing to be done now, regardless. His life shall not last much longer, whether his death be by the war or the ochimizu.

[It's just a fact. He'll be dead even faster than most humans!!

~~or you could tell him about that bizarre knowledge you have about the ochimizu, amagiri~~]

[ If he were anyone but an Amagiri, he may have given the other a hug for that, to be honest.. he knows what it's like to lose your battlebro, it's pretty terrible especially if it happens in such a humiliating way. Sometimes he regrets leaving Mitsunari behind there, but the man had requested him to do so - and he didn't want to dishonor his last request.

This is probably why demons are just foreveralone.jpg, huh... ]

I hope his end may at least be honorable. [ Because if it's a human his grandson likes, then Kazutake will at least bother to give a shit about humans he hasn't interacted with for once..

Although the topic of ochimizu sure is on his mind, yeah. ]

It truly wears humans out that easily? [ Even with sentan, he's only seen it used on demons.. and the ochimizu is a different version of it to begin with. ]

[The mental hugs are appreciated, ancestor. Actual hugs would probably be awkward and weird but maybe not entirely unappreciated either. Regardless, Amagiri inclines his head in response to that, because it's true. Wishing for an honorable end for Saitou is all that they can do, and that Kazutake is willing to do it says good things about Saitou too. It's a shame he'll probably never know or understand just how big of a deal Amagiri thinks that is.

Ah well. Foreveralone.jpg continues for the demon hobos.]

I thank you for your consideration on his behalf. [Though Saitou would probably be polite enough to at least do that much if he was given the chance. What a good human.

But right, Ochimizu... he nods at that, expression solemn.]

It takes from their already short lifespans to fuel the changes in them. They are doomed once they take the draught.

[It's just fact for puny tiny human lifespans, really.]

[ Yeah, humans already live for such a short time (in their eyes, anyway) and to think even more would be taken away from that thanks to the ochimizu.. If usually Saitou might have had still about sixty years left with a lot of luck, then who knows what it would be now. Half of that? Ten years? Or perhaps even a few years at best?

Kazutake stares at the floor for a moment as he overthinks it, letting out a deep breath. It's a strange idea, with how long as he has lived already by now. ]

I can not imagine doing the same. [ Even though he's a demon so it's less of a problem, but he's seen the same with the sentan back in his own times.. ] .. But I do suppose each person has their own duty.

[ It's exactly why people like Saitou could take it and they can't. Because those humans' loyalty lies to the battlefield, and theirs lies foremost to their clan and family. Kazutake couldn't have abandoned his clan even while he got in tough spots fighting Shuu - so a solution like the sentan never even crossed his mind to begin with. ]

[The thought is utterly foreign to Amagiri as well, at least, and he's not at all surprised to hear Kazutake say the same. They don't have the same reasoning as Kazama, but nonetheless, their determination is just as strong. They have family to take care of, and they can't do that if they are doomed to an early death, more strength or not. After all...they have to be able to protect themselves with their own hands, or what good are they?

Amagiri simply nods in response to that, understanding and agreeing.

Saitou's priorities are different, but he is still doing what he can to do his duty. Amagiri can respect that much.]

...Indeed. It is not my place to interfere regardless of the outcome.

[He really doesn't intend to do any more than what is required to get their clan out of nasty human debts (or nasty kazama debts, same difference). Still.... maybe if there was a way to help Saitou, he would consider it. It's not everyday you find a Rival™ after all.]

[ Life must be hard when your asshole "friend" tries to kill off your official rival, Amagiri.. at least Kazutake didn't have to deal with that shit. Bless the other ancestor demons for being sane, even if they were a pain in the ass (but in a fond way, really) sometimes.

There's something about the wording though that makes Kazutake wonder though, and he can't help but ask-- ]

Was there anything you could have done? [ Because, you know, he doesn't know the exact circumstances this happened under.. for all he knows it could be a moment of Kazama's An Asshole But We're Indebted So Shit Sucks: The Life once more.. and he's going to be pretty not pleased if that's the case. Shit was already bad enough when they killed off his Honorary Human, stop doing this to the poor hobo demons!! ]

[It's so hard, and nobody understands. Life is so hard when you have to deal with spoiled brat Kazama and his whims....

Still, that question does give him pause. Was there something he could have done? He doesn't like to think about it, truthfully, because he could have done something. He had interfered in the end, but it had only been to warn Kazama about the fuss he'd been making. He hadn't been able to bring himself to do anything more, and risk crossing Kazama at that point.

But he could have. He could have crossed Kazama, and prevented that entire tragedy from unfolding.

He hadn't, though.]

...Yes. [But he won't shirk the fact that he could have.] I chose to prioritize instead the debts of our clan.

[Okay, but he couldn't have without pissing off Kazama and that would've pretty much undermined all of his efforts thus far. Still....it's a shame.]

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