It was far from her nature to take such words with ease. The position she held within Ylisse was honorable, the life she led in Regna Ferox always nurturing and encouraging. And Olivia– known best to respond to strife by shutting in on herself– had to find the strength now to combat his allegations. So she would. Mustering up the strength inside her with eyelids fallen shut and breath drawn deep, Olivia reproached him for accusing her of being anything but genuine. Her head raised, the gaze in her soft rose-red eyes turned hard, she combated his words with her own.

     “I’m not! That beacon of light, the one your men escorted me from, surely you must be wondering what it does! It leads to other worlds, my own included, and that is what a portal is.” The explanation might seem flimsy at best, no proof to reinforce her words short of dragging him through the light so he might see, but she would hold to. She wasn’t Robin or Chrom or Basilio, she was no leader, but she danced and sang with confidence, knew how to perform, and all she had to do here was mimic that.

     “With all due respect, sir, if I wanted to attack you or pull the cloth over your gaze, so to speak, I would not have been so direct. I can be sneaky if I want to and I don’t. My own country is under attack back home, we had to form an alliance to keep ourselves safe, so I’d rather not engage in the same politics here.” She desired nothing but peace and cooperation and she’d be sure he saw how genuine she was.

     “Please, believe me. Ylisse is our ally but my home is named Regna Ferox. I don’t expect you to know it, it’s of another world than your own, but just as you must, we have our own customs. Please, inspect my sword, you’ll see it bears the mark of the two Khans, a symbol of our people and not one that resembles one from your world. I do not know how else I might prove to you that I am true other than my word.” She worried over how he would take her pledge of innocence, her attempts to assure him that nothing of what she spoke was bullshit. It was difficult and the strain was written across her features, but she sighed and softened once more to remind him that she was no woman capable of anything beyond defending herself.

███ ◆ 独眼竜 】  

◆ █Masamune was at times, an ignorant lord. So Ignorant that many who ruled across Japan could more or less take advantage of his emotional state. He acted out on ferocity, and despite his antics of garnering support and reflection to many around him. The ruler did little in terms of self reflecting of his own accord. That is to say, he was a man of instinctual drive. If his will so much as desired it, Masamune acted on it without reproach.                ❝ ..... ❞ ◆ █The silence met the womans drive and will with ample ferocity. Single eye would flare towards her visage if momentarily. Garnering strife towards the other who laid clear her feelings with no less a lick of desire to lie. It was obvious, she shook and the fear was evident in every manner of action she took. Had she been a liar, or someone coaxing him into submission she’d lick the air of confidence. Yet she’d not, her life was on the line and she knew as much. If she so much as stumbled with her truths or went back on what she stated. It’d be over, over for her. ◆ █Instinctual drive would be precedent, nerves felt touched by the womans desire to procure a sense of understatement. Chest filled with nothing but a carnal urge for exploration, for truths, the unknown and  undiscovered. Here, the woman provided just that. Questions did not line his thoughts, but rather urges to wonder more. To see for himself, to know that the times of his lands were to change in unspeakable ways. If the woman before her spoke truths, then he was no longer to desire something so fickle as the unification of Japan... Perhaps something far more.               ❝ Your weapon.    ❞ ◆ █Masamune rises from his settled position, leaving behind him the pipe he’d been smoking with. As well as the sense of comfort that was his past. A new future would soon come to be known. He took no respect towards she. In letting her show her weapon to himself, instead he takes it on his own. Winding the battlefields instrument away from her body and into the clasp of his hands. If she were telling the truth then the markings upon her sword should contain a trademark known by black smiths on their land. Although, he’d not known all the black smiths of Japan. He knew how crafting a weapon work. ◆ █Hand cradled the weapon, eye scanning over it’s proximity giving a stiff smirk as he decides that such a weapon could do nothing and was not suited for war. It’s angle curved, and although light to hold. Could not particularly cut through at far distances unlike the Katana he wielded. Considering she wore no armor to cover her figure. This was more or less a decoration, and he’d seen as much. The cloth tied to it’s hilt dancing about with every moment he takes.  ◆ █He notes the craft of it isn’t of his Japan. There would be no use of such a weapon, especially when the age of ammunition was slowly taking over throughout each ruling state. It’s curious indeed, but even the markings upon her hilt bear no similarities to any of whom he knows. That was the selling point to this story, as eye would veer upon the insignia on the sword. He knows it’s nothing that would be akin to what was throughout Japan. 

               ❝      OK-AY.     ❞ 

     She wasn’t used to it, not yet, but Olivia was at least beginning to understand the oddities of the portals, the pillars of light that led into other worlds, areas of time and space separate from her own. While controlling it with complete precision seemed a difficult task, one Olivia certainly could not yet master, she was at least beginning to get some hang of it and exercised an understanding of the circumstances beyond what many others did. Being a member of the Ylissean royal guard helped, it allowed her to have more insight into what they discovered about these portals, the journeys people had already taken and what they had discovered. Olivia was even able to contribute a few tales and observations of her own. 

     As she became accustomed to travelling through the stars and facing other realities, learning of their people and cultures, and coming to realize that she could navigate these places and still defend herself made her more willing to travel. It seemed random, at times, the places they ended up, but no matter who ended up where, everyone seemed to carry the same curiosity for what drew all their worlds together. Olivia had heard some world of hostility but most worlds seemed to be working together to understand, coexisting with each other after meeting in the most impossible of manners. This trip was the harshest greeting she’d yet encountered. She was not harmed in any way but the instant that she left the beam of bright light, she was whisked away by soldiers who, at best, she could relate to Chon’sin’s style dress, but were clearly from another world, the new one she had entered.

     She did her best to remain calm, kept the peace that reflected the ideals of the army she served and her own personal values. She was, however, nervous and visibly so. She’d been brought before a man she assumed to be a leader of public figure of sorts, one who seemed curious and also confidently in-charge. She held her tongue until he waved away the others who listened to him and looked upon her, too shaken initially to speak, but found her voice when fewer ears, now but one set, listened.

    With a shake of she head, she began. “No, I’m no princess! I do apologize for any confusion.” Her voice was quiet, tone wavering, but she held what confidence she had built together and grew louder in her coming responses. “I, um… court you? I hadn’t considered that… I’m a dancer but I serve the royal army of Ylisse. We’ve been investigating these portals but I don’t know- I didn’t choose to end up here.” It had just happened. It could have been worse and the more she answered his inquiries, however unsettled she was, she was able to loosen up enough, tried to emulate the peaceful diplomacy of Emmeryn and the quiet force of Robin. 

███ ◆独眼竜 】    

███ ◆ 独眼竜 】            

███ ◆ 独眼竜 】            

███ ◆ 独眼竜 】            

welcome, masamune!

JAPAN has already been registered within the STARGATE. your access portal will be located within SENDAI DOMAIN (FEUDAL PERIOD).

when entering another canon you will be allowed to retain your ability of THUNDER as well as PUTTING YOUR GUNS ON. you will be allowed to keep your SIX SWORDS.

happy world hopping!

The lingering light from the sun was enough to assist her in positioning the picture to hang beside the sliding doors of the shop. Nimble fingers glided across the canvas, relishing the feel of the grainy texture that it had to offer. The small scratches were a reminder of how cheap the canvas actually was, but the imperfection of a bumpy surface somehow made the flowers come to life.

Kurumi inhaled sharply, slender digits tracing over the parts where she’d used darker paint as a shading technique. The remains of the charcoal sketch stained her fingertips lightly, almost as if they’d given her a chaste kiss of sorts. 

It’d been so long since she’d simply painted for something other then an assignment — she hadn’t lost her desire to make beautiful creations, but it felt as if her passion had melted along with the snow from the past winter.

The blonde closed her eyes, honey orbs hidden from the world as she floated back to the memories of late night paintings of fireflies, campaigning posters and the outskirts of Osaka she’d done as her final project in her last year of high school. She’d been so inspired back then, so enthused about the tiniest things.. what happened to the spark from the old days?

Old days.. The repeated phrase made Kurumi open her eyes, an almost bitter smile tugging at her lips. 

That was right — those days were old, almost ancient at this point. It’d been close to three years since she’d graduated from cliche uniforms and study halls. Almost three years since she’d breathed the fresh air of the country had to offer and since she’d come to realization that she needed to escape — from everything and everyone.

She wondered briefly, turning her attention back to the task at hand as she moved the edges of the painting, if maybe she’d chosen the wrong path. With everything that had happened.. maybe she would of been best staying with her parents. Maybe it would of been best if she’d —

  ❝KURUMiZAWA??? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?❞

The bellowing sound of another shouting at her startled her, roughly pulling her away from her thoughts and making her jump. In the blink of an eye, the canvas slipped from her hands and went tumbling to the ground. Without sparing another second, the blonde grabbed the painting from the ground and turned around to see where the source of the screaming had come from.

”..M-Masamune…”

The words came out hesitantly, lingering on the top of her tongue even after she’d said them. Much like the male before her, she was also having a hard time believing what was right in front of her. 

The voice was very much distinguishable to her — something she heard often back in those golden days. Though it had a slightly more deep tone to it.. raspy almost, as if it’d been plagued with the sound of maturity. His looks hadn’t different much either, though he looked older now — his hair a bit more messy then she remembered, a little more built then she recalled seeing him when they’d parted their ways before.

His brawny, but boyish features seemed enhanced into what Kurumi knew was the man called Masamune Date.

"W-What are you doing here..?!" she exclaimed, her voice raising an octave more then it should of as her swimming mind surfaced and reality hit her again. The sudden outburst caught the attention of a few passerby and the blonde flushed, lowering her voice. "A-And stop screaming..!! You’re going to get me in trouble!!"

It seemed impossible for him to be here, standing before her — she’d moved all the way across the country! She’d thought for sure that she’d never see anyone again — not Kazehaya, not Sawako, not Shingiro, her parents…and especially not the one-eyed dragon.

 ███ ◆独眼竜 】            

                       ◆ █Ｔhe sudden change in composure he had would                         garner some displeased grunts from his throat. Though                        he'd heed her insight on speaking so loud and abruptly.                        Causing a stir was normally his 'forte' but in this moment                         he wanted nothing more than to figure out what she was                        doing here. From the sounds of it, Kurumi had been here                        for quite a while. As for how long, from the looks of it he                        couldn't tell. Even so, his eye would look to any other things                        going on. Like the canva held tightly to her chest. Masamune                        could only think that she had gotten back into drawing                         again. █◆

                                                                             ❝So what's that?❞     

                       ◆ █Ｈe'd point to the canvas held to her chest. █◆

               ❝Does that mean you're still drawing?❞     

                       ◆ █Ｈand returned to his side with coffee in hand. Whilst                         he still fumbled about with strands of messy hair with his other.                        Rubbing the back of his head, fingers idly tapping against                        his cranium as pulled down his arm so that his hands sat                        upon his shoulders. It was a bit awkward to say the least,                        her appearance stirring up vivd memories of kissing her                        and laughing about it. Not to mention kissing a guy or two                        back in the day--what was his name? It slipped him for the                        moment along with the tanned skin and over enthusiastic                        face. Only seeing and remembering oft moments with                         Kurumi. Which were anything but vexing. Lots of yelling,                        her trying to hide her 'real' persona from everyone. Yet he                        poking and prodding out of utter annoyance to fumble her                        in every way. It was comical, and it brought an idle smirk to                        his lips. Which was something of a mixture between what                        he'd thought and the simple fact that of all people he'd                        see within his home town. It was her.█◆

                  ❝This is my home town actually. I'm visiting for now                                            ----Until some things get situated.❞     

                       ◆ █Ｔilting his head slightly, in an idle manner. Curiously                        taking in the scene around him. A flower shop? Masamune                        found himself thinking. Lips shut together in a tight laxed                        look. Masamune knew his ride was watching from afar,                        Kojuro no less keeping his eye on the scene. The dragon                        had said he'd only need 15 minutes. This was turning out                        to be longer. Not that it wouldn't matter, not with his right hand                        eyeing them from his parked place.█◆

There was a collection of blinding white lights that prodded the darkening evening sky overhead. A swarm of pedestrians knocked elbows with one another in the midst of a cool summer evening. The low buzzing of communication between little groups meshed with one another, giving a vibrant wave of words as the surrounding escapades acted as background music to the world.

It still wasn’t all that late, but with the picture of the outside as it was, it looked as if the last few rays of summer sunshine were retreating for the day. The once beautiful crested moon was hidden away, taking cover with the stars behind dingy clouds that might of looked breathtaking any other time.

Not that anyone would notice, of course. The chaos of the bustling city was all too much to handle no one had time to observe the beautiful sky in all of its glory.

As if bewitched by the changing sky and the magnificent clouds that occupied it, Kurumi found herself hesitating near the entrance of Pretty Peonies!. The small flower shop that she worked at between her classes had recently become popular for the summer months, so she’d spent the last few hours assisting customers and creating bouquets.

Normally, she’d find it a bit annoying as she usually had studying to do — but with the start of her summer holiday, she found the unusual busyness somewhat liberating. With working all the hours that she could manage and still being a full-time student, it was difficult to focus on anything in particular. 

It was a nice change of pace to be able to just enjoy the work alone.

”.. Ume-chan.. we’ll be closing up soon.. hurry along now.”

"Alright.. I’ll just be a few more minutes."

The blonde sighed gently, her shoulders slacking for nothing short of a moment before she turned her attention to the inside of the shop, smiling gentle at the older woman inside. She’d been hopping to spend a few more minutes gazing at the sky, but it looked like it’d have to wait for another time.

Kurumi moved away from the entrance, her fingers latching onto a cavas she’d brought out along with her outside.

Much to the delight of the old couple who ran the shop, she’d gone ahead and painted a collage of different colored peonies to act as their billboard. It wasn’t anything elaborate, just something she’d done between her school projects, but she was proud of it and glad that the owners wanted to hang it up out front of the store.

It was nice to know that someone appreciated her work — unlike most of her family who was still very much displeased with her current life choices. 

"No point in thinking about now," the blonde muttered to herself, moving towards the front of the store where she began to position the art piece. "You can’t change the past… right?"

 ███ ◆独眼竜 】            

                       ◆ █Ｄays were met with a slow circumstance, each day with                        out warrant for the next. It was   weird to say   the least,   how                         sluggish it could be   because  of that fact.  When days were                        of importance and yet, time   just   would  go on at a grueling                        pace.  What  was  he  to  do,  when  his  own  mind  had little                        interest to the things that he was heeded to focus to. A                        part of him missed the past. Where his life was about                         studying without consequence--less the consequence                        was of Kojuro slapping him across the head when he was                        fiddling around and not studying. Those were the days, now                        that he took the place of his own father. Things seemed just                        complicated. There was no time to relax, always on edge to                       when the next opposing forces would subject themselves to                        a war on the streets. Guns. Drugs. Sex. Shit he was trying to                        do without, still managing to keep his already shady business                        under the wraps. █◆

                  ❝Tch...❞     

                       ◆ █Ｗith a click of his tongue he diminished the thought                        his only eye hungrily looking at his coffee. The one thing                        that could get his mind off of things, he was older now                        from the thoughts he initially had. Which had been peculiar                        to sneak up on him. Very rarely did he think of his old high                        school memories. Let alone, wish for those moments. God                        he wasn't even that much older and yet he felt, old. Masamune                        would impart on a snicker, his ride waited for him patiently                        while he enjoyed his quiet moments at the choice of Cafe                        shop. Though he noted, the skies gave off an huey color.                        It was a pretty sight, one that stirred him from his settled                        position on his chair. Getting up, giving a carefree nod                        to the tenders at their positions. They said their normal verse                        'Good bye have a good night!' at the sound of the doors opening.                        To his surprise though, the sight of the clouds and sky above                        hadn't been catching his attention. It was the locks of long                        hair that caught his attention. It was a honey suckle color,                        from a girl he knew well of once before--actually from his                        high school years.█◆

                  ❝Hah, damn I'm seeing things.❞     

                       ◆ █Ｓtill, pushing the fact that hair reminded him of someone                        once before. He crossed the street, sipping at his coffee and                        watching her talk to herself. Crazy, he thought to himself                        continuing to sip at his drink. Until with each forward step                        he noted the curve of her nose, the way her cheeks were                        rounded, a small chin, plumped lips with an obvious gleam                         of make up to them--at this point his face was contorted and                        he was nearly stumbling forward. Until he could confirm                        it and the last sentence she uttered only felt that more                        ironic to him.█◆