' v i c t o r y '

A breath of a laugh slips past, despite the priestess’ best efforts to retain a pouting face. Though Isanami is always somewhat of an open book, she had thought that she retained some ability to keep a straight face when she wanted, especially to try and trick people, but alas… some things never change. Perhaps she’s just fine with that too, seeing the teasing smile upon the blonde’s lips.

❛ Fineeee — ❜ The word is drawled out in protest. ❛ You’re right, I wouldn’t. Hmmpphh. I’ll hone my ignoring-Ana-skills then! If I said I was scared of you, then I wouldn’t win! ❜ She huffs, allowing the taller woman to release her smaller body. Smoothing out the wrinkles off her kimono, Isanami tilts her head in curiosity. Still, she gives no hesitation in moving. As soon as the hand is offered, the priestess slips her hand into Ana’s, lacing their fingers together and swinging it playfully.

Wherever the other wanted to go, she’d follow, of course. Still, she can’t help the retort that decides to jab at Ana once more: ❛ What reputation? Far as I know, Ana’s the fluffiest and softest person I ever know. ❜ Letting out another ‘hmph’, Isanami grins shortly after. ❛ Unless Ana wants to compete with certain people for a different reputation. Let’s see… there’s the ‘I’m-Too-Good-For-You’ reputation, and the ‘Everyone-Annoys-Me-So-I-Only-Frown’ reputation…. oh! There’s also the hard to obtain, ‘Imma-Yell-Bad-Words-Every-Other-Second reputation! ❜

A cheeky smile follows. ❛ But eh, I digress. The only Ana I know is this one, even if she tries to scare me. I like winning. It’s fun. ❜ Unspoken would be the question of where they would go, but Isanami has no complaints, therefore, she’ll expect for it to be revealed one way or another.

      “Is that truly a skill you want to hone, my dear Isa-chan?” After all – if she learned to ignore Anastasia too well, Ana would be able to sneak up on her with her ninja skills all over again. The cycle would continue forever. “Truly? I thought you’d want to hone your ability to sense me before I arrived~”

      Did she need to tease her? Absolutely. Though, once they had their hands interlocked, she could only smile. Squeezing Isanami’s hand reassuringly – and marveling to herself at how warm the simple contact was. As someone who was used to being alone a lot ( even when she was around others . . . ), little things like this could be vaguely overwhelming for her. But, she liked them all the same.

      However, as the tiny BRAVE of DARKNESS teases her, Anastasia just smiles & laughs. Fluffiest and softest person she knew? Truly? She wouldn’t argue it. Instead, she just leans against the other slightly – making sure their shoulders touched. “And whose fault would it be, if I’d gained any sort of reputation like that? I’ll have to make the culprit take responsibility for that sort of rumor, you know.” She murmurs – half whispers, in the others ear. However, listening to her describe the others – well, that made her laugh. Startling her a little, honestly. Isanami was so blunt and honest, she could literally imagine some of their faces as the other spoke. “Oh goodness… the more I think of it, the more people fall into those categories.” Even Anastasia could have been in the “frowning” one for the beginning part of returning to the B R A V E S.

      However, being around her smaller friend had cured her of that affliction. “Except… that last one. That’s Kamanosuke exclusive, I do believe.”

      However – with that, Anastasia was leading her on her little adventure. In fact, Anastasia had come to snatch the priestess into following her: She’d prepared a bit of a bento picnic lunch elsewhere, and? The more they’d come to spend time with one another, the less times Anastasia actually asked before doing anything. She would just snatch up her small DARKNESS friend whenever convenient. “Well, then~” She starts, chuckling a little. “If you like winning, you’re headed down the right path.” She explains, winking once, as she continues to lead them.

Lily disliked thinking of the distance limitation, he always had been so careful not to pass it, he didnt want the day to come when he did end up putting his eve in pain like that, more so from something like this.

“It can be a curse at times really, always drawing attention. Oh, i had almost forgotten, i have something for you. “ He reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture of Misono, a recent one he had gotten of him that he wanted the other to have. Holding it out for the other, he had kept it with him incase he would ever run into him. He figured the older Alicein would have liked to have a more recent picture.

“Let us hope that never has to happen, as funny as it would be, i would take to trouble you and my brother with something like that.” He was certain they probably would die of shock after seeing his brother in their house, he could be scary when he was unhappy, though the butterfly found it more adorable than he did scary, he didn't think he could ever be scared of him.

“I’ve enjoyed keeping an eye on him as i had you when you were about his age. You’ve grown so much since i have seen you last” That was a sound he missed, hearing one of his children, under his protection even now that he wasnt able to protect him laugh was, something beautiful that he would never take for granted. But he owed them so much more, the family had taken him and his subclass in for such a little thing in return.

He nodded in agreement, knowing it wasnt like it used to be and that he couldn’t be as careless anymore when away from someone he knew.  “I would greatly enjoy that, i’ve missed being able to see you as much as i used to”

        When the other hands him a newer picture of his younger brother, Mikuni reaches out carefully – taking the photo as though it was something delicate / precious. Everything he got from Lily concerning his brother, he treated like treasure. After all: The reason he was away from the ALICEIN Household was because he’d protected his dear brother. If there was something this young man treasured – if there was something he wanted to p r o t e c t, it was his dearest younger brother. “You’ve gotten very good at taking photo’s, Lily. Though he sure is poutin’ in this one.” A genuine smile had broken it’s way through, making it to his lips without hesitation.

      When it came to Misono, he couldn’t help it. His brother was just so cute…  and he cherished his little brother more then anything else in this world. “Thank you, Lily. I do appreciate your efforts.” I mean: Misono probably wouldn’t be too excited that Mikuni’s ever growing picture collection just kept getting bigger somehow? But, he’d never tell on his friend – his brother’s SERVAMP.

      “Well, just know that if somethin’ like that happens to ya? We’ll be ready and willin’ to come launch a full scale rescue. We can’t have somebody goin’ and trying to pin you to a board or somethin’.” Butterfly collectors have always been a worry for the Alicein household, especially given the form one of their two SERVAMPS took. If something like that were to happen to ALL-of-LOVE, both Misono and Lily would be hurt quite badly. And that wasn’t something the blond older brother would allow to happen. “And I don’t think Jeje would think it was trouble.” He adds, as an afterthought – after all, he was the EVE of ENVY.

      And he knew for a fact that the taller, older, servamp couldn’t possibly find anything as annoying as MIKUNI forcing him to work at his shop in turn for getting blood.

      However, when the other brings up how much he’d grown, Mikuni couldn’t help but laugh a little. Oh, how Lily was just a member of the FAMILY, especially when he said things like this! He sounded like an uncle or older brother himself. “Have I grown up well? I think Misono hate’s my aesthetic.” It was mostly a joke – but? To be fair, Mikuni did things sometimes intentionally to make people believe he wasn’t entirely in his right mind, so? If Misono believed it, he only had himself to blame. “You’ve always been a member of the family… I can’t even remember you ever lookin’ any different then you do now.”

      Angry? Why would she think he was angry? Kouen was a little confused – though his expression remained unchanged as he held out the gift. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding, and it should sort itself out rather quickly if he wasn’t too hasty about it. However, when she realizes what he’s holding for her, he simply nods. The EMPEROR of FLAMES wasn’t the best at gift giving – in fact? He was rather bad at these “little things” that people seemed to have as common place occurrences.

      However, he’d realized the holiday had been coming up and realized that it might mean more to those in his employ then it did to himself. So? He’d gone out of his way to make some preparations. Getting chocolates for the hard-working princess who had been helping him out during this time.

      “Yes. It is. Though, I wasn’t sure what type you enjoyed… so, it is a mixture of things.” In fact, he wasn’t someone who ate sweets a whole lot himself, so? He had barely been aware of the fact that there were so many varieties of chocolate. And that there was a percentage of cocoa that made it darker or more bitter. . .

      He was about to say as such, however, the golden-haired princess began to cry, and? In his confusion, his eyes widened a little. Had he done something ( w r o n g ) perhaps? Misunderstood the holiday? He opened his mouth for a moment to talk – but stopped when she spoke. Frowning a little, he just reaches out his hand… ruffling her hair ever-so-slightly, before shaking his head. “… of course I appreciate you.” He wouldn’t make her tears worse by joking at her expense for now. He’d apparently already left that mark – if she was now going to use his own comment about herself. “You’ve worked very hard for me since the moment you arrived. I apologize if I’ve made it seem as though your work has been unnoticed. I will be more mindful in the future.” He wasn’t good at comforting others – however? As an ELDER BROTHER, he wasn’t entirely sure how to handle tears. Was reassurance a good method? Or was the fact that he had a practically unchanging expression too much in a situation like this?

THAT CONFLICT HAD BEEN A MERE EXCUSE FOR Yuna not to step into Ueda anymore, lest she wished to act on her impulse and strangle that man. The low chuckle once that image popped into her mind was revealing how pleased she would be if she did that. However, Yuna had to be mindful of the people who worked for that man, along with his family. They did not need to be needlessly involved into a dispute which did not concern them, nor had to suffer pointlessly. It was a clash of ideals, nothing which would have incurred her wrath enough to kill him. Perhaps the desire to see him cornered was tempting, yet out of respect for the people who believed in him, she would lay low, thus the decision to avoid going into Ueda. Meeting with Anastasia or Isanami could always occur in other locations, rather than there. Yuna did not mind and it was better anyway.

❝ So, did he complain that somebody did not respect him and it was a woman, above all? ❞ No matter how kindly Isanami spoke of him, Yuna would not share that opinion, thus she propped her cheek into the palm of her hand, her tone dull and lacking interest. It was too bad he did not have a proper reaction and chose to keep that facade and only showed a bit of emotion slipping. What a boring man. Perhaps even their conflict could have been solved, would he actually be genuine to his emotions. Although it sounded.. fake coming from her, who had so much difficulty showing how she felt, at least in such situations, she did her best to convey what was important, rather than allow misunderstandings step in. ❝ My only satisfaction, well partly, is that I hit him hard enough for his cheek to be swollen, haha. That should have hurt, but that is not even an ounce of how people feel. Perhaps not now, but leadership can be a burden which weights too heavily if not handled properly. ❞

It was a weight she carried as well, all alone. No matter how many people stretched out a hand, she barely relied on them. There were things only she could do and should do, without having to take those hands and ask for help, but they were still there. It was only because she would rely and trust them. Because instead of being a leader, most of times she chose to be one of them and listen to them, rather than selfishly take decisions. For someone as him who did not show anything but that irritating smile, for how long would people be able to trust him, to put their lives into his hands? For somebody such as herself, that was nothing but a time problem, which could be decided any moment. That kind of leadership was a gamble, because in the end, no one could understand him. Was he even a bit close to the people who chose to follow him, aside the Braves? Even then, she doubted there was any kind of connection aside his self-interest for whatever purpose.

❝ My bad to contradict you, Anastasia, but I know plenty people who would be frustrated with his way of leading. ❞ No matter in what kind of good light she tried to pain him, Yuna did not see Yukimura that way. Not after their little spat and how little consideration he showed towards one of his fallen subordinates. Even if Hanzo proved to be alive at that time, it did not change the fact that he treated that death… lightly. While she could understand the importance of not showing weakness, of being a figure on whom people could rely, it did not mean they did not wish to see a glimpse of emotion from their leader. ❝ If they would have Yukimura as the one who leads them, well.. I can only imagine the worst case scenario. I am not perfect either as a leader, however I do try to show sympathy and solidarity when people need it, when the situation requires it even if moments after, I return to being myself and make the right decisions. Even if my heart breaks apart, I let my people know that they can count of me and that I understand their emotions, even if a little. Sometimes, this is more than enough for people to feel close to their leader, to gain more trust and actually feel like the person they follow does what they can in spite of how tough a situation is. ❞

Considering how much they mentioned Yukimura in that conversation, Yuna hoped he was hicupping somewhere. That thought alone made her snicker in amusement. However, if Anastasia said she was alright with him as a lord, she could let that little dispute slide. Only out of consideration for her. Rubbing her temples, as that man was giving her a headache even when not present, she could only blankly stare at the woman when she was told she would deny them their pay if she chose to do anything to Yukimura. With a defeated sigh, she rose her head towards the sky, allowing the gentle wind caress her locks. ❝ Yes, yes, whatever you say. I hope he hiccups until he dies then. If I had the chance to redo things of that day, I would do them in the same fashion anyway. ❞

     Anastasia sighs a little when her friend makes her comment. Complain? Not… quite. “Lord Sanada informed his page what happened because he had an obvious bruise on his cheek and had done some damage to his room – if he hadn’t explained what had happened, I think Rokurou would have worried that he’d been attacked by an enemy shinobi.” Not quite complaining. It was to keep the Page – the BRAVE of WATER from panicking about the safety of his Lord, especially right before a war was to break out. “… I know you dislike him, but you’re acting like he’s a complaining child.”

      It was a funny mental image, even if inaccurate. Yukimura could be a bit childish, so the fact that she could imagine him sort of whining about it was funny. And had he been in a better mood at the time, there was a good chance he might have “WHINED” about it towards his page in hopes of getting some sympathy points from his strict right-hand-man.

     However, the blond woman falls silent again as the other spoke. Sapphire eyes watching as the crimson-eyed woman spoke. It was . . . curious. As an IGA shinobi, she couldn’t entirely understand where the two of them were being so stubborn. Anastasia had always been business first, herself. And YUKIMURA was emotional most times – though a steeled leader when it came to emergencies. Yuna? She appeared to be somewhere… in between those things. ‘… it’s sort of charming.’ Honestly, she could barely keep herself from smiling – though she managed to, out of respect for the others frustration.

      It wasn’t until Yuna stopped speaking again that she waved her hand in a somewhat dismissive manner. “I know you mean no disrespect to me by saying those things.” The BRAVE of ICE reassures, laughing softly. “You’re entirely correct. I know many people who his leading style would only frustrate them. However, I’ve… come to feel right at home there. He… actually sort of reminds me of one of my old teachers, in Iga.” To be honest, the Russian kunoichi rarely spoke of IGA. Especially after everything had happened – but? Now that she was really thinking about it, she was starting to wonder if that was part of the reason she actually enjoyed working under that eccentric man. He sort of reminded her of h i m . . . the man who had gone out of his way to save her from her enslavement. “… though, I somehow feel as though you’d hate my teacher even worse then my lord, so? Perhaps I should… leave that conversation alone for now.” Her… “TEACHER” was a rather odd topic. And if Yuna disliked Yukimura, perhaps it was best she knew very little of that man. It seemed like it would just further boil the others blood…

      “… I can’t say I agree with your assessment as a leader, though. He shows plenty of sympathy to those in his employ, and he shows his compassion while at work. I’ve never seen a lord risk his own life for one of his guards before, and yet? When I betrayed the team before – he was quick to get to Rokurou’s side and make sure he recovered. If he hadn’t done that, he would be dead.” And if it wasn’t for the quick actions that happened around then – there was a chance that Anastasia would have done more then destroy his eye, and stab SASUKE through. ( a time she wasn’t proud of, but? she would bring it up all the same. ) “He personally sat by his page’s side to be sure of his recovery, taking care of him even though he’d lost the thing that had made him so valuable in the first place.” Anastasia continues, laughing at little at the absurdity of the thought. The reason the UNNO family was important was because of that e y e . . . and yet, Yukimura had kept him there even after he’d lost it. When most would have fired him… That was the world they lived in. If you lost your use, you weren’t worth keeping around anymore.

     And yet, that wasn’t how ether SANADA worked. And both employed the UNNO TWINS, despite the absurdity of “t w i n s” in this country…

      “I’m starting to wonder if a big part of your disconnect has to do with the fact that you are someone who wasn’t particularly close to him yet… I’ve truly never seen this ‘cold’ side of him, that you’ve mentioned. Once I was hired, I became part of his Braves, and no such wall was shown to me. Yes, that… irritating smile has always been a part of him. But, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced the side of him you’re talking about. Not even when he hired me once again.” When he’d welcomed her back, it was his genuine KINDNESS that had hurt her the most. Shackling her here . . . Honestly, she’d expected to be killed. And she would have been alright with that, and yet? That wasn’t what happened. “Oh maybe,” she adds, laughing softly – amusement beginning to shine in her eyes a little. “He’s heard about your connection to his brother.”

     Yukimura was an interesting one – and he had a lot of RESPECT for his elder brother. Though? They’d never been particularly close. In fact, there were times that Yukimura appeared afraid of his elder brothers “RAGE.” Nobuyuki only showed that irritated side around the younger SANADA…

     There was a good chance that YUKIMURA had made up his mind to not get to know her better, especially if he heard that Nobuyuki and Yuna had amicable relations. After all: Nobuyuki appeared to have a complex when it came to his brother – Yukimura wouldn’t have wanted to interfere if Nobuyuki was making a friend. And he certainly wouldn’t have wanted to dampen the chances of them getting along by also imputing himself.

      Hyde pouts a little outright when the other said what he did – the truth was, Hyde was an ACTOR, so his overly dramatic actions were entirely planned. He knew he was being silly by being so pushy about his actions, and he was certainly being more dramatic then he actually felt.

      With how old the SERVAMPS were, he actually had very little care left in him for whether people celebrated with him or not. However, because his brother had remembered and had come late? He had to make a big deal about it – while, alternatively, if no one had acknowledged it? He would never have brought it up himself. “I guess I can forgive you. You are a busy man taking care of a rather shut-in Eve, but… you wound me by forgetting me. Can your older brother not have a place in his youngers heart anymore? Is your life too full of love for me, your dear brother Lawless?” Another exaggerated pout, but? The Hedgehog was clearly curious about what the other had brought him…

      Presents were fun. They were the only thing he actually did care about birthdays for.

❖ ─ ━ ɩɴⅴеႽτɩնατοʀ The only small response that came from her was a small pout. Honestly, it wasn’t his fault…it was just that she was half of the time gullible and most of the time takes everything a bit too seriously-joking or not. But she WAS serious when she said that to him afterall he does mean a lot to her there. ❝I…didn’t know it was a joke….. ❞ The blonde said shyly in response. To her, it was a bit embarrassing to bring out her timid side just a bit but it’s a fair game and she only just use her sketchpad that was on her side to just quietly place over her head there. ❝Maybe just a little….or it’s just me who can’t take a joke at times that’s all….. ❞ She just added in a small voice. Still though she meant every word of what was previously stated to him there, she wasn’t the type to leave someone unless they want to first plus if the bond she has with them is a good and strong one then she’ll stick to them like glue.

      Hijirihara wasn’t the type to comfort people. In truth, he didn’t really know how – but? To see his partner begin to pout as she was, caused him to at least step forward. It was an awkward movement, his eyes looking confused.

      He hadn’t meant to embarrass or worry her. He had thought he was being funny. Cynical humor, or at least that was the plan. But it appeared his particular brand of funny had only worked to concern her more. Oops. He should… probably practice how he delivered jokes from now on.

      However, unsure of what to say, he just carefully lifts his hand – ruffling his partners hair just a little.

   "Would it be bad if I said yes?“

   Well, at least he seemed to have found some amusement in her question if nothing else. It was kind of a rude question on her part, but she had been curious. For whatever reason, she hadn’t thought to stop herself from saying anything.

   "Sorry, that was kind of a rude question anyways,” she blushed.

   Wow, he must have been around for a very, very long time. He’s speaking of trading goods for services and that sort of thing has been out of practice since long before she was even born. She was a child compared to him, not that she was that old even for her own kind. No for a Siren she was quite young.

   However, she could use to being called a rivulet, she knew what he meant by it, but for whatever reason, it didn’t bother Chisa.

   The fact that people enjoy the thought of being enchanted was something she had to agree with. Having lived all of her life outside of the sanctuaries, she had witnessed many conversations and discussions of mortals wishing they weren’t human. They wished for a lot of things they simply didn’t just understand.

   "Mortal’s have always been attracted to magic. Even if their responses are less then positive sometimes.“

   This was a known fact. With what she had heard and even what her parents had taught her she was aware of just how careful she had to be around them.

   Looking over her eyes finally caught his for once. She had looked into his eyes numerous times but had never had him actually focus on her. He was always looking somewhere else and his eyes were beautiful.

      He laughs a little at her question – no, it wasn’t rude. A warlock finding someone’s question rude? Would be rather hilarious. He’d been around for so long nowadays that if he found something as simple and standard as that rude, he would spend his entire life irritated.

      In fact, he couldn’t say he remembered the last time he was upset. He wasn’t easy to startle let alone anger. He’d lived for far too long. “You’re just fine, Rivulet.” Juuzo reassures her with a quicksilver smile, before looking at everything in front of him again. He’d already figured out where she could live, what was most convenient for the siren… he already knew the neighbors and how she would generally be perceived. So? Luckily, she should adjust just fine. “Ask as many questions as suits your fancy. I’ve a learned to be patient with the young that come to me. I wouldn’t be in this line of work otherwise.” He laughs a little then – basically offering her a free pass if she had things she wanted to talk about.

      “Though, I suppose since I have you here I should warn you – we really do have all sorts here. A werewolf is part of my police force, we have a few pureblood vampires, a young faie youth with ties back to angel-hood. It’s a sanctuary, but? We have all types around, do you believe you’ll be able to handle this sort of diversity? I know some have requested transfers to more… specified Safe Havens. However, Orsus doesn’t specialize in any type of the Folk. We do our best for everyone who comes our way.” This was coming from the man who literally used his magic to form and create this place – whenever a new challenge came his way, he made it work. Such as getting Grave-Dirt delivered for some of the vampires, or dealing with the lack of plants necessary for a forest nymph. He did everything in his power to make this place a safe haven – but that didn’t mean everyone worked well with one another. So? He had to make this disclaimer.

       He had to sigh a little though at her next comment.

       She wasn’t wrong. CHISA had hit the NAIL on the HEAD with that one – mortals were often fascinated with magic. Others tried to pass on it as miracles or F A T E. However, humans could be rather CRUEL when they came across it as well. < The W I T C H Trails > came to mind in specific.

      “They can be fascinated with the beauty of it, and other times… because they don’t understand it, they fear it. And that fear creates the need for violence. Humans… are such odd creatures for that reason.” Humans – unable to deal with the differences they find in their own kind, can barely be trusted to keep a secret let alone live alongside the FOLK. Eventually they would ether want to harness their abilities or they would try to crush them, to eliminate a threat. Either way, it wasn’t pretty.

      And neither was this… strange sensation in his chest. For a moment, he put his hand over his chest – over his “HEART,” supposedly.

     He had no confirmation of that – until now.

      Frustration appears in the older Alicein’s eyes as the other begins his rebellion. With that, however, he moves over swiftly. Putting his arms on the others shoulder to sort of encourage him to lay back down – he knew Tetsu was probably physically stronger then him, but? While the other was sick, he could probably at least enforce that the other stay there.

      “You are not goin’ anywhere, Eve of Pride. If ya start movin’ around, and insist on headin’ home? You’ll only be puttin’ yourself in further danger. Right now, just concentrate on restin’. Or you’re going to be a lot of trouble for a lot of people.”

      “As I’m not really good at lying – I’ll be entirely honest with you: It’s a little bit of both. I have some questions about how I should go about handling some of the youths in my school. And, furthermore, I was hoping you might give me a bit of your time personally. I’m… not mistaken in the fact that it is your birthday, correct? I was hoping you might be willing to spend it with me.”

      The young headmaster wasn’t a liar. He wasn’t good at it and he wasn’t willing to even try – Munakata had been through enough without trying to deal with the former Ultimate Lucky Student’s shenanigans.  The very least he deserved from Makoto Naegi was some honesty, and he was willing to give that to the older man as directly as he knew how. I mean, it embarrassed him a little to admit so upright that he’d had a bit of an ulterior motive for inviting the other here – in fact, the crimson that began to dust his cheeks a little would only further confirm his own awkwardness at things like this, but? The stubbornness behind his eyes wouldn’t waver.

      “Of course, you don’t need to.” He continues, scratching his cheek a little – awkwardly, though he does smile. “I just… I thought it might be nice to catch up with you. And I feel like it’s… just lonely to be traveling about, especially on your birthday.” It was out of concern for the other that he did this: And, sure, he wasn’t sure entirely whether the other would find that annoying or not – but he still had to give it a shot.

      Munakata was a big part of the reason he’d become the man who he’d become now. And he’d learned a little more about putting his foot down and standing up for what he believed in due to everything that had happened – now that he was Headmaster of the Reestablished Hope’s Peak Academy, he wanted more then ever to keep getting stronger. Learning more. Becoming someone who could do justice for the talented youths whom had found themselves under him now. “And regardless of your answer: I’ve prepared some coffee and even a small cake. So, at the very least, would you mind sharing those with me while we speak of the students?”

      When the young priestess agreed with his words – drunk or not, he found himself cringing a little. Why did he have to say it? Why had he sought her out to say it? Honestly, he couldn’t put two and two together.

      He was an idiot. That was true.

     He was emotional and irrational. He didn’t make his best choices based off of logic or anything – he did what he wanted to, and that’s what made him unreliable as the BRAVE of WIND. And, regardless of how hard he tried, he seemed like he couldn’t get any… better. He’d reached the peek of his skill and yet, his rivals all continued to grow. And with it, grew his own self-loathing. He enjoyed fighting. And to an extent, he was alright with losing. However, it seemed, more and more recently… all he ever did was lose. Again. And Again. And AGAIN. . .

      “… boring as fuck.” That was the only answer he had to Isanami’s comment: “What is life without some grief.”

      Kamanosuke enjoyed to lose to an extent. Pain was more then acceptable. The B r a v e of W i n d was an oddball like that. “But that doesn’t mean ya don’t regret it. Most people fuckin’ do. Why the hell… am I even here anymore?”

      Drunk Kamanosuke wasn’t very fun – in fact? He couldn’t help but obsess a little. Why was he here anymore? Was it still to beat Saizou? Because that wasn’t a dream in his reach anymore. Saizou kept getting stronger and stronger. The best outcome he could wish for at this point was Saizou killing him. But, at this point, the BRAVE of LIGHT and him barely had time to spar anymore… and Saizou kept shining brighter and brighter, while his wind remained the same. “I can’t… do what I wanted to do. I can’t even figure this shit out. I’m still mad. I can’t get revenge on him, and all I can do nowadays is pick on you… and… shit, even you’re getting stronger. What about me, though? I can’t… do shit. I haven’t done shit.”

      Surprisingly, tears were beginning to show up in the former Bandit’s eyes now.

       At this point – he recognized that he was weighing the team down a bit. Everyone was improving except him, and? As soon as a situation arose, it would only take moments for even their LORD to realize he wasn’t worth his weight in a fight anymore. Perhaps it was time for him to take his show on the road again. . . “If you someday surpass me, what the hell am I supposed to do about that? I-I –“ he hiccups then, pulling his legs to his chest once she’d jabbed at his forehead. An action that he barely acknowledged. His self-loathing was strong together. “Fuck, I should just go. I’m not… changing anymore. I’m not growing anymore. Why am I here still?”

while she knew of his heritage - or rather, the lack of one - alibaba had always read his adventures, perhaps raising sinbad to an impossible inhuman pedestal. seeing him act so human and just like a person came therefor definitely as a shock to her ( and even if she had known it to be impossible, she had been disappointed by ja’far not being a horned and fire breathing demon ) but that was more of an issue of her constantly having her nose stuck in one of his stories.

at the king’s offer to show her sindria’s nightlife, the princess could not help but just wave with her hand “it’s fine, master sharrkan showed me those houses with the wine and the pretty ladies I know my way around now.” definitely not what was meant but she didn’t realize that at all.

“sorry ! sorry ! but you know, I always read your adventures, so seeing the mighty sinbad so frustrated by a simple hole in his clothes - forgive me for saying it like that but that is quite adorable! It makes you very human… and that is reassuring, you know? It means, maybe I can at least be a little bit like you once I am stronger!”

her needle is quick at work, and sun kissed hands make sure that neither the king nor her fingers get to feel the rather painful tip of the needle. lost in her work, alibaba didn’t even notice how she continued to talk, perhaps going as far as revealing things she had never dreamed about telling him. “before I came back to Balbadd to see how bad it got, I wanted to use most of my money to help it. But I wanted to keep some and come here - I always wanted to open a shop in Sindria, be part of your dream. Of course I never dreamed about meeting you or the generals, I just wished to be a normal citizen!… I doubt I can do that now. I need to gather my strength to help Balbadd but… while it lasted, I really loved that dream.”

      When she brushed off his offer as something very … ah, different then he’d intended, Sinbad couldn’t help a hearty chuckle. Amusement in his golden eyes as he shakes his head. “Ah, I think you misunderstand me.” He comments, laughing a little still. Sinbad couldn’t help it – it was amusing for him that just about everyone always jumped to that conclusion for him first and foremost.

      And yes, while he did have a history of frequenting places like that, after all: he enjoyed the company of his people. He was the king of Sindria. And he enjoyed being amongst those who called this land their home. It was part of the dream he’d worked so hard to accomplish.

      “I meant… ah, never mind, I suppose. It’s rude to push an opinion on a lady who has already declined.” With that, he would wait to see if she asked him about it further. Why? Because he knew for a fact that when you start saying something and then retract it – it becomes a matter of interest. And honestly, he wanted to see how she responded to it. Perhaps it was cruel of him to play these little tricks on her, but he knew she was a passionate sort, and seeing her riled was fun.

      “… I can see where there would be some amount of shock. I had a lot of fun writing those stories – but I suppose I can see where they would make me seem… almost inhuman.” Seeing him riled up like an average man, after only reading his stories? He could imagine there was some amount of shock. “I should have added more of my fluster and confusion. People would have had a clearer picture then.” He adds with a soft laugh – ( after all: he knew he left those things out on purpose. Creating and crafting a “PERFECT KING” in his manuscripts. ) “Well, if it inspires you to work hard? I hope you can do just that. I look forward to seeing what sort of world you might one day craft.”

      And he hoped that she did it as his ally. However, he knew very well there was a possibility that that might not one day be the case.

      However, as she worked and spoke – the king fell respectfully silent. Listening to her humble dream had him smile a little. It reminded him of his time as a fisherman. Back then, he would have never dreamed of becoming a KING. Not until he got that letter by the army. . . not before he met that MAGI, ether. “You know, I still have a company running elsewhere, right? It would not be impossible for you to set up a shop here, despite your other goals. Our countries have always had amicable ties. I wouldn’t deny you a storefront should you want to set one up.”

❖ ─ ━ ɩɴⅴеႽτɩնατοʀ Chatting like this, getting to know him more each day-just these sort of little things always brighten her day and just his reaction to it made her smile, even more, it was cute. She knows that her partner wasn’t the social type of person, however, seeing that he starting to improve bit by bit least its progress which was impressive.

Honestly, she didn’t mind being with him in the least as just being around him gave her comfort and she doesn’t mind if he still hides in his spaces since she also too find it comfortable but that what makes him unique. Her eyes lit up as soon as he spoke though, she never actually done something like it before so it was new to you. ❝If it’s no trouble for you at all, then sure.❞ Smiling even more as she held her plushy more she gave a small nod to what he said. She was glad that he liked the name she has giving to it there, it was hard coming up with it though.

❝I’m glad you liked it then,I don’t know what your favorite sweet was so I kinda had to improvise but I’m glad it turned out well. Yeah, it’s dark chocolate I tried not to make it too rich in flavor. ❞ Giving a small nod and hum into her words there and to his ones too. Making sweets and the such is one of her strong points plus she grew up seeing her mother makes them too-in fact speaking of sweets…. ❝You’re right about that there though it wasn’t much of a problem to me making it. In fact, it was fun for me. I don’t really mind making them if you enjoy them then that matters most to me-in fact speaking of sweets, when is it your birthday Hijirihara-san?❞ He never actually told her much about himself actually so this is a start.

      “I wouldn’t mind.” Hijirihara reassures her in a moment – it was surprising for him to agree so quickly, but? Honestly, he liked his creative hobbies too. And teaching her how to make them while showing her the process of making the next one? He wouldn’t mind. It would be nice, even. Though, he would ether have to figure out if she’d let him come to where she stayed or bring all the supplies to the office. His house was… ah, unpresentable.

      Though he was starting to wonder if he should make the next one a red-ish color, so that she might name it “ R O S E “. Though he was a little too awkward to bring up that he knew the game she was referencing.

      He wasn’t much of a gamer, but he’d once had a friend who had those hobbies. So? He dabbled into those sorts of activities from time to time. “… dark chocolate was perfect. I prefer a bitter chocolate.” Hijirihara says, smiling just a little bit more. If anyone saw him right now – at his desk, acting like a normal human being, smiling? They wouldn’t believe it. But, these were the little ways he was willing to compromise with his partner to try to make her happy too. “Though, white chocolate has it’s… charms as well. In small quantities.” Cookies-n-cream flavors were particularly good.

@absortio

❖ ─ ━ ɩɴⅴеႽτɩնατοʀ Even though it wasn’t her business to ask, she was getting more concerned about his well being seeing him coming back with another injury from somewhere. She was told to stay back this time due to falling a bit behind on her reports so she had to catch up on them again. ❝Geezs, sometime along the line of how long we’ve been partners for, I’m going to lose count of how many times you walk in with injuries you know…. ❞ She sighed lightly as she walked up to him, doing a quick check if there were others.  ❝I don’t know how you manage to get these wounds this time but I’m starting to get worried more about you. Let get these cleaned up before I can dress them, I should have a spare roll of bandages somewhere on my desk. ❞

      To be entirely honest, Hijirihara couldn’t remember when exactly he decided to start relying on his partner more – even though he’d come to consider her a friend, there was a lot of risk in relying on her. He was a dangerous individual himself. He attracted danger, and? Well, to that end, he ended up like this. This was worse then some other times, but? It wasn’t life threatening.

      He hadn’t needed help. He could have managed to bandage himself up – and yet, he’d found himself dragging his feet all the way to where he knew his partner would be. “… sorry.” Though apologizes weren’t usually a part of the awkward young man’s vocabulary, he found himself trying more. After all: He did feel bad that he worried her. . . “It’s not as bad as it looks, though?” He adds, his voice more of a question.

     By comparison to how the “OTHER GUY” had looked, it wasn’t bad. Plus, some of the blood wasn’t his own…

      And the other had been left hacked to pieces in the same manner that he’d left others. The other had liked to leave his victims with little humanity left – making it near impossible to identify them when found. He had done the same. As the KILLER KILLER, that was his signature. Unfortunately, however, he hadn’t accounted that the other might have a gun. Nothing about the others previous killings had hinted about the other using any sort of firearm…