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

[ 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.]

[ It's been a long time since he was young. And an even longer time since he's ever really felt young - not since the whole deal at Sekigahara, that's for sure. And even a little bit before that he had already grown faster than the other clan heads, taking on duty after duty and starting to put it first before anything else. Before himself.

But he too does remember younger and happier, more carefree days. Days when he and the others had been children, when Chitose and Kazuya had started some sort of fuss or challenge and he actually still got dragged into it.

It feels like so long ago, especially with them having grown so old. Especially with almost entire Yukimura clan being murdered by humans. It still feels like a void, really.

Amagiri should have been able to experience days like that too, instead of having been involved with humans from such an early time, considering just how entangled demons and human desire had become after they first got involved with humans to begin with.

So maybe the only thing he can do to lift the burden a little, is--

He removes his hand from the other's head, but sticks close. ]

You have done your fair share of duties. When this war is over, let's move.

[ Just like the Amagiri clan always has. Always moving around, never finding a place to rest for long.. it's a tough existence, but what matters - just like Amagiri himself thought - is that they all have each other. ]

We shall thank the Kazama clan properly for everything they have done for us, and we shall retreat once more to where the humans can not reach us. [ It's a lot harder to find a demon clan that doesn't have a cetain piece of land you can always find them on, after all. And he'd rather let Amagiri's clan head duties be taking care of his clan directly rather than having to please humans just so they won't show up with their guns and pointy sticks. ]

[It's a nice thought. They can just...leave. Leave behind this warfare, leave behind all of this petty disputing and all of these childish whims. The greed of humans, the pride of the other demons...they can just leave it all behind them, and find a place to live in peace and quiet.

All he has ever wanted, truly, is to live in peace and quiet, unmarked and unnoticed by the world. To know that Kazutake desires the same thing (even if he knew it, in a way, it is still another entirely to hear him say it) is enough to strengthen his determination. For that...he is willing to do whatever it takes.

For that, it is worth bearing these burdens just a little while longer--both so Kazutake doesn't have to, after all he has done for their clan, and so that in the end, their clan is able to live in peace again, if not with their own land. But they do not need that to be able to find a home.]

I understand. [And he completely agrees as well, and is very pleased. Sure, his expression may not show much of it, but there is a small, genuine smile there on his face, because the thought of being far away from all of this...of taking their clan and finding a place to live in peace is such a happy one.]

To live in peace...is all I desire, for both myself and our clan.

[That much has always been sincerely true, and he knows his ancestor feels the same way.]

[ He never thought living in peace would sound so appealing and yet so much like something that is still a far off dream at the same time. Sure, in the past things had never been fully peaceful either - even within the communities of demons there were plenty of conflicts and problems to deal with - but it was a lot better than this. Even if humans now pose much less of a threat to them than demons did back then.

Still, even if the dream is still far off while the war of the humans is not over yet, while they don't know if they will actually fully be able to escape the humans' grasps before the same thing happens to them that happens to the Yukimura.. he wants to believe in it. It feels like something that could be achieved, somehow. ]

Ah. [ It's more of an affirmative sound more than anything else, even if he's certain that Amagiri already understands just how much he feels the exact same. ] I wish for the same.

[ Even if some of the other demons may have more ambitious plans, just this much is enough for them, for their family. ]

My days may be numbered more certainly sooner or later, but I would at least like to see that before my spirit shall depart from this world. [ To see the mistake he started out of desperation be set straight once more. At least they'll have time - it's not like Kazutake's enough like the oji-san from his time yet to be dropping dead anytime soon. ]

Edited 2014-10-17 16:09 (UTC)

[It's a far off dream...but not so far off that Kazutake has the right to be talking that way. He's not the oji-san here, he's not that old (well he is but demons). So Amagiri is just paused, sitting there in a moment's indecision, before he finally straightens to speak.]

I believe that goal shall be accomplished long before you need to concern yourself with such a thing.

[Don't talk about dying, grandpa!!!

There's no need for that nonsense..... and Amagiri doesn't want to think of it either. Kazutake has been a guiding light for him and the other demons of their clan. While he's shouldering the burdens at the moment, he also knows that without Kazutake there to take care of their people and assist in these instances, things would be much, much more difficult.

Also, it's just sad. Family is so important to them--the thought of losing the little family he has left is not something that is all too easy for Amagiri.]

There is still much I would learn from you.

[ At least Kazutake's good at reading the sentiment. Hence why he quickls laughs a little, as if she's trying to get the tenseness away from the subject. (And at least his laugh, even if it's low, is warm.) ]

Do not fret. [ Even if even worry with Amagiris is only muted worry at best.. emotionally stunted family. At least it's better than having at least one obligatory Crazy Family Member like all the other families.. it's a small price to pay.. ]

There is still plenty of fight in these old bones. [ NOT.. MEANT.. LITERALLY THOUGH don't worry, if you really want to do your duty by yourself, then he'll let you, Amagiri.. Kazutake respects the idea of duty and all that at least enough to not butt in. ] It shall be a while before I decide to lay down like that. I am not quite sure if I am ready yet to make you carry the burden of dealing with the others if that would happen.

[ Like... Chitose...... don't get him wrong, Chitose is definitely the superior Kazama here, but he's. Sort of.. emotional. Yeah. Compared to the rest of them, anyway. ]

[Emotionally stunted family that is still more emotionally adjusted than the rest...how sad. But the tension does fade away at the laugh. It's a laugh that he remembers from his childhood (not exactly when things were simpler, because in their situation, they've always had to grow up fast, but...) and it does ease his concern away.

After all, if there's anyone Amagiri can have total faith in, wouldn't it be someone like Kazutake, who has always guided his way and taught him just what it means to be an Amagiri.

So he takes that in the spirit it is meant, acknowledging it with a nod (which also allows him to duck his head and hide the smile that is just all too easy to slip into).

When he looks up again, he's poker facing.]

Far be it from me to attempt to acknowledge all our venerable ancestors are.

[That's Amagiri speak for "grandpa your friends are weirdos"]

[ Okay, he can't help but let a chuckle escape him at that too, since.. well. He's totally speaking Amagiri language too, so he completely knows what the other means when he says that. Don't worry, Kazutake agrees. ]

You should come along sometime to one of my meetings with Chitose. Seeing him talk to his grandson is... quite the experience. [ Aka sort of hilarious, considering how worked up Chitose gets at Kazama's attitude and how the latter just doesn't care.. it's quite different from the way the Amagiri household works, anyway. He doubts those two could ever sit down like this and just quietly drink tea together.. ]

And it's come to my ears that apparently Shin refuses to talk to.. Kyo, was his name? Either way, he said he only wished to speak with him once more when he has "acquired some good taste".

[ Typical Shin. Typical Shiranui tendencies too, for his grandson to not want to listen to him and just do what he wants.. but their antics are all strangely warm in their own way, making him think of older and better times as well with a smile.

(It's probably why he doesn't mention Kazuya. The complete annihilation of the Yukimura clan.. it had cost him a good friend, as well.) ]

[It would be interesting to get to know them better, he thinks. Usually, he's off doing ~Amagiri things~ and just doesn't have the chance, and it isn't as if they meet so often, but... Well, it'd be worth it to see someone else trying to get Kazama to listen, for once.

Someone else who doesn't have to be polite to him, at that.

To think that Shiranui has a strained relationship with his ancestor as well... that's not even a surprise, honestly. Both Kazama and Shiranui... well, they just don't function in the same way. The differences are much too stark, and as far as Amagiri is concerned, both of them have forgotten how to respect their betters, such as their ancestors.

....But then, they're also not quite so lucky in their ancestor as he is, so. ~~SO SUCK IT~~ Still, such disrespect probably shouldn't be excused, and he can't blame the older demons at all.]

...It would be an honor to accompany you.

[He also knows what name is missing there. It would be impossible not to, when Kazama's entire obsession is over poor Yukimura. But he won't bring it up either. Honestly, knowing the pain it brings Kazutake, it just makes Amagiri's distaste over Kazama's actions even more fervent.]

It would appear as though there have been...changes in the mentalities of some. ["some". aka kazama and shiranui] That does not make them correct, however.

I would not disagree.

[ Shiranui.. well, he can sort of live with that one, mostly since Kazutake of all people knows very well just how terrible Shin could be at times (oh so I angered these two guys Kazutake can you take care of them while I nap.... sounds like a normal tuesday...) and Shiranui - from what he's seen - seems just as freespirited as his ancestor, just in a more modern way.

Kazama though? Lost cause. He can't even see how he and Chitose are related, they don't even share the same negative qualities to begin with..

And although the stories about Chizuru he does know she's not a lot like Kazuya either. Maybe he and his grandson really are the only exceptions to this rule, huh.. considering that even if Amagiri is even more stoic than him, he just thinks it's a matter of the times. Amagiri hasn't had as much time to fool around or hang out with friends as Kazutake has, and it shows in how he's slower to smile or show emotions.

Even so, there's a lot of himself he can recognize in his descendant. And he surely would never complain about that - he grew into a man Kazutake can be proud of. ]

Perhaps we are the "strange" ones then, so to speak. Although I certainly pity the others for not being able to spend time with their offspring such as this. I could recommend it to them.

[ Even if it makes him sound like a grandpa.. but it's true, hanging out with family is really what Kazutake enjoys best. It's what he's spent his whole life caring for, after all. ]

[Shiranui isn't so bad, it's true. Amagiri doesn't have so much against him, either, except that he can be a pain in the ass when he wants to be and when they should be fulfilling their debts so they can stop listening to crazy humans--but then, Shiranui has his own life, and his own problems. Amagiri can recognize that much, even if he doesn't really much like the trouble it causes.

But them, the strange ones...? The thought is amusing, even if not a lot of the amusement shows on his face. Because admittedly, they are the odd ones out, aren't they? He hadn't thought so, because it's so natural to act the way he does with his ancestor, but...]

...Perhaps we are at that.

[If they're the strange ones, better strange than right, he thinks. And it's clear Kazutake feels the same way--even said so outright, and honestly, it's the warmest feeling to receive that sort of praise. Grandpappy is too cute tbh. He thinks, around Kazutake, he could even, perhaps, let his guard down more.]

I...am certainly glad to have this time with you. [And he bows his head.] Your patience and guidance has been appreciated.

[Always.]

[ It's always good to hear that the feeling is mutual. Not that Kazutake can't read Amagiri - if anyone could, it's him - but hearing those words.. it's something special alright. Because he enjoys their time together so much too, it makes everything feel a little more worth it, despite the trouble he unknowingly put his own clan in.

It's why he definitely can't surpress the warm smile that appears on his mouth and in his eyes at those words. ]

Ah, when you talk like that, I can still remember the days when you were young. [ Not that he still isn't young compared to Kazutake, but.. you know, a kid. Even if it may be hard for anyone to imagine this guy as a child, Kazutake sure was there to witness it, and judging by his expression that time consists of fond memories. ]

Some days it seems as if it were yesterday that you first asked me to teach you our way of fighting. You were still so small..

[ Warning: grandpa's reaching embarrassing levels... but it's just true, okay!! His!! Cute!! Grandson!! ]

[OH NO MAXIMUM GRANDPA LEVELS REACHED. CRITICAL, OVERWHELMING GRANDPANESS IS HAPPENING HERE.

Okay but no really, Amagiri is embarrassed. His surprise even shows on his face for a moment, as he blinks at Kazutake and his fond reminiscing.

("But grandpaaaaa, i'm a full grown demon nowwwww, don't talk like that...!!")

Okay no maybe not quite like that, but it is embarrassing. A moment later, though, a resigned (and amused) sigh escapes him, and his shoulders slump.]

Ah... [It's true enough. He's learned a lot of what he's capable of from his grandpappy]

It has served me in good stead during these difficult times. [Because grandpa is still a badass honestly.] Though...

...perhaps it is a little embarrassing to recall those days so easily. [GRANDPA YOU'RE EMBARRASSING WITH YOUR DOTING.]

[ AT LEAST HE'S SORT OF AWARE OF IT THIS TIME.. it's just that he doesn't care.. as long as the other demons are around this much should be fine, okay, he's just thinking of the good times with he was still a cute little tiny Amagiri!!

(Maybe it's to make up for the fact that Kazutake was practically already in the kitchen making riceballs for everyone ever when he was a little kid.. the Amagiri kid life, you never have much of those cute moments to reminisce about..) ]

Are you embarrassed of those times, Kyuuju? [ He's smiling, but it's not really like he's teasing him or anything. It's more just that he can't help but think that's adorable.. wow, he never thought he'd ever be in the doting position, but look at him now. Who let this embarrassing daddy reproduce.. ]

You were such a good child too. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, I assure you.

[ UNLIKE CERTAIN OTHER PEOPLE... ]

[So much doting.... he was clearly meant to be an embarrassing daddy and grandpa though, this was inevitable. The universe would not have been right if he had not reproduced.

So Amagiri just relaxes a little more, because even if the doting is super embarrassing, it's...also kind of nice? This is definitely...what it's like to have a home. Having a family means having a home. So long as there is this warm feeling to return to, what more could he possibly need?]

... [grandpa might be biased (no amagiri was definitely a well-behaved child)] I cannot say it isn't...entirely not embarrassing to reminisce in this fashion.

But...nor is it bad in any way.

[This warm feeling certainly can't be, anyway.]

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

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