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

[ 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.]

[ Those words are practically enough to strike him straight through the heart.

It's not surprising. Part of him already expected an answer like that. And technically it's hypocritical for him to wish the other demon hadn't done that - because he would have done the exact same thing, being put in that position. His clan has always been the first priority over everything else. Being the first demon to lower themselves enough to work for humans, being scolded by it both by his friends and the elders.. everything had always been for the good of the Amagiri.

It had been so in the future, the clan would be able to live more comfortably without having to move around all the time, without having to struggle just to live. Without having to lower themselves the way he had to. But to hear this now, his very own grandson having to give something relatively important to him up to Chitose's brat grandson.. is this not what he worked so hard to prevent in the first place? ]

I understand.

[ So he says, but his tone is low and heavy, his gaze cast downwards as if it's glued to the ground.

He sucks in a deep breath. ]

But.. Kyuuju. You have already given enough to the clan. [ Even more then Kazutake thinks he did - he didn't have to put up with Kazama along the way as well, after all. Chitose and Kazuya and Shin were all idiots and a little annoying at times in their own way, but they were never downright malicious or constantly self-centered. ] I know I am old, but perhaps I should take your place once more. You should not have to do these things.

[In a way, it's a blow to him as well to hear that. He had only been telling the truth (and it was a bitter truth indeed), but...Amagiri was the same as any dutiful grandson. He didn't want to see his ancestor ever feel the need to bow his head. It hurts, in a way, to think that he was the cause of that anguish, even if really, it's Kazama's fault.

It's certainly not Kazutake's, though. He'll never accept that. Kazutake was an honorable leader of the clan, someone who had worked so hard and had given so much to try to bring them up further, to allow them to live in peace and quiet on their own home. What wasn't to admire about that?

He worked so hard to prevent things like this from happening. He sacrificed to allow them to have what they deserved as a clan. And none of that would ever be Kazutake's fault or responsibility. In response, Amagiri lifts his chin, expression calm. He means every moment of this.]

I appreciate your concern, grandfather. [Certainly, he is usually much more respectful than to use such a familiar term, but it works both ways; he wants to acknowledge that familial connection, and acknowledge that he has so much respect and care for Kazutake, even if he never really shows it (as per the Amagiri way).] However, I would respectfully prefer to see this duty through.

[And not make Kazutake take up the burden once again, after he has already done so much.]

...I do not intend to falter.

[ He raises his head to be able to look at the other demon at that statement. Not because it's surprising - honestly, it's the exact opposite. He knew Amagiri would reply like that. He may not be directly his child, but it's not like Kazutake has exactly sat back during the whole process of raising the young demon.. so he understands very well what sort of person he is. Someone who's dutiful, calm, strong - a lot like him, really, if not a little more stoic than he himself is. (Not that he blames the other. He'd probably want to be a brick wall if he had to deal with Kazama on a near-daily basis too.)

And Kazutake does smile, even if there's something slightly pained about it. ]

I already expected you to react as such. [ Because it's just like he's always spoken, like he's always felt. He can't help but be so proud of the man his grandson turned out to be, even if it hurts him too to see the shitty circumstances he's stuck in. ] You have always stayed so strong through this, no matter how heavy of a duty is it to bear. Even if you deserve much more respect than you get.

[ As he releaes a breath, he really can't help himself.. it's been ages since they last did anything like this, and Amagiri certainly isn't a kid anymore, but..

Kazutake places his hand on top of the other's head, lightly ruffling his hair just a little bit.

Just let grandpa have his little moments, okay. Someone has to appreciate Amagiri, even if the world won't. And this is the best way he knows of how to express just how important he is to him, just how proud he feels. ]

.. Thank you. For everything.

[...O-oh. For a moment, he's a little too startled to react. This wasn't what he was expecting in the least. It's not that their family is lacking in affection or love, because that's as far from the truth as can be; still, physical demonstrations are pretty rare.

A moment later, he bows his head slightly to accept that hair ruffling properly, because...rare as it is, it's certainly appreciated now. The assurance, the reassurance, and...the thanks. He still doesn't believe that Kazutake has to thank him in the least, but the last thing he wants to do is ever deny it, especially with how much warmth it fills him with.

Thanks and acknowledgement is rare in Amagiri's life, much as Kazutake already knows, but he thinks that he really doesn't need much more than this. This is already enough acknowledgement to carry him through any hardships or struggles in the future, and those he has already managed to get through.

(For a moment, he feels smaller again, when the world was less confusing and difficult, even if they didn't necessarily have a home to call their own. They had each other, and that was what a home was, as far as he was concerned. What more could he need?)

He has to clear his throat before he can answer, if only to try to keep his voice steady.]

It...has been my sincere pleasure to carry on the work of my ancestors, on behalf of our clan. [Kazutake's work. Overcome as he is, that's the honest truth and always has been. Kazama, the humans, none of that matters in comparison this this, which is what's most important of all.]

If the work I have done has been done well... it is due to the examples I have followed. [Thank you, he means--and he always will. The inspiring, honorable people in his life will always give him something to strive for. That much he knows makes him lucky.]

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

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