the will to sacrifice

🗲 Belief was important. Ei herself had been forced to acknowledge that in the end, when the wishes of her people had turned against her own desires. But that was only the tip of the iceberg, for considering all she had done to them… they still chose to follow her, even in the end. Perhaps not because they forgave her, but because they believed she could still do better after everything.

“I understand your point of view. Although from my perspective, Inazuma’s people are stronger than they ever have been. Even were we completely absent, they would be able to overcome whatever struggles awaited.” Which was good, seeing as so many Inazuman individuals that held important posts were present here. Herself and Gorou aside, she also knew that Miko and Sangonomiya Kokomi were both here.

“Would you find it selfish of me to say that I have few worries because of this perspective? Perhaps my confidence is naïve, but I would like to wholly believe in my people.” It was difficult to explain why to anyone outside of the Traveler, Paimon, Miko, and herself though.

“I do not disagree - but there are still some additional concerns to address. While I do not think that the people necessary require leadership, the lack of it may cause unrest.” There was still mistrust between Watatsumi and the Shogunate, after all. A disappearance of leadership at Watatsumi during this critical time may be seen as a potential threat.

“Of course, as I said, I trust those under my command, but, still,” he shakes his head, ears moving with the gesture. “It’s almost like leaving siblings home alone.”

“In any case, selfish is the wrong word. ‘Surprising’ may be the better word, if I may be blunt.” And blunt he was, his words had a certain bite to them that he found difficult to curtail, but he was still as polite as he could be.

There was a reason he was rarely put in charge if diplomacy.

🗲 “Oh, so I’m not the only one from Inazuma who has been here for this amount of time.” If he was from Watatsumi, and Ei was fairly certain he was the general who worked under the Sangonomiya girl, then he would likely regard her with some degree of scorn. Still, he was one of her people, and she was trying to at least better her relationship with them now that she understood the will Makoto had left behind.

“As I understand it, our presence here has no bearing on what is transpiring in Teyvat. If you have faith in your allies and Sangonomiya Kokomi’s leadership, then you should have nothing to worry about.”

“Naturally I believe in them.” Recent events notwithstanding, but he won’t be bringing that up here. What had been a thoughtful gaze downward turned hard, ears alert. Not aggressive, nor meant to intimidate, but instead the gaze of a man who was prepared for most anything.

“But the absence is worrisome all the same. Watatsumi, as you know, is in its own period of adjustment. Much of the same is true of all of Inazuma. Even if our absence has no bearing, I would be a poor general not to think of them after being here for an entire year.” That was, perhaps, a bit too harsh and pointed. Taking a moment to breathe, he continues.

Kazuha watched Gorou close his eyes, wondering if it was a sign of trust or if Gorou’s hearing was simply keen enough to hear what the samurai was doing anyway. Regardless, Kazuha couldn’t help a fond smile as the other’s tail kicked up a small sandstorm - thankfully not on the cake.

“It is.” Kazuha paused to appreciate how like Gorou it was to forget his own birthday before gesturing around him to the clear blue sky, the gulls crying overhead, and the waves that curled perfectly before crashing against the shore. “It seems perhaps the whole world might have known except for you.”

Kazuha rarely made jokes by habit, but he thought the air felt lighter today for some reason. Reaching again into the cooler, he brought out a small glass bottle and two cups.

“I’ve brought a celebratory drink as well. Would you like some?”

It was...Funny.

It wasn’t that that others forgot his birthday in any capacity, but so recently, there had simply not been time to celebrate. Not that he wasn’t happy for it, but it was a reminder that this was not Watatsumi, and that sat in his stomach for a moment, without knowing himself how to feel about it. Happy to relax? Distraught that he could relax at all.

“Well, usually the whole island knew except for me.” A small smile did grace his features after the tumult of emotion passed, and a celebratory drink was more than welcome.

“You prepared more?” Not that Kazuha wasn’t a generous person when he had the means to be (and even when he did not), but he couldn’t help but tilt his head, ears cocked in surprise.

A TWITCH OF HIS EARS, accompanied with that astonished expression, is more than enough to give away it all. attempting to think much on a world where so few held the familiar traits he has himself is, well, near difficult for him. yet the other speaks with such earnestness that he finds it difficult to find any lies in such — nor any reason for him to lie about something so mundane in the first place.

❝ Well, I couldn’t say it better myself. Back home, we have perro, like us, and then of course felines, liberi, kuranta… ❞ trailing off, he lists them regardless that it may make no sense to the other, all despite wishing to give various examples. ❝ And you’re not pulling my leg or anything like it, from the looks. I wonder what the difference is that makes it that way? Hm… still, that doesn’t change you rarely get the pleasure of meeting others like you. In this case, when you think on it, it makes no difference what’s the norm and what isn’t, right? ❞

“There are some, I believe, that have long lines with ‘animal like’ features who bear family resemblances. But, honestly, even though it’s relatively rare - I hear a rumor it’s even more rare in countries other than Inazuma - I’ve never been treated too oddly for it, although between my ears and my hair I...” A shiver runs down his spine at the Miss Hina standee, which he had been checking every book store to be sure it hadn’t popped up here.

“Well, it does certainly make me distinct.” The ‘doggy general’, as it were. “But you’re right. It doesn’t really change the fact that it’s nice to meet someone like yourself. Both of us having dog-like features.” By the wagging of his tail, which he was pointedly ignoring, it was clear that it was a pleasure to meet someone with similar traits.

But he already could hear the echoes of ‘doggy general’ as his ears twitched. Approaching the other, he crossed his arms, looking up at the oni.

“Arataki - it’s surprising that it took you so long to arrive. Or, if you’ve been here for a prolonged period, that I had not heard about it before.” Not that he was in any sort of position of power here, but he still kept his ear to the ground. That was, after all, his responsibility.

“I do hope you haven’t gotten into any trouble. Although trouble seems to find all of us here.” A sigh, and his ears go flat as he remembers, well, everything that had happened in the past month.

Kazuha resisted the urge to smile at Gorou’s grumpy face. “If we can get you a coat with a hood, there will probably be more room for your ears… but for now, I’m sure you’ll live.” He gave a small huff of laughter. “I suppose it’s fair to say that neither of us are particularly subtle.”

Leaning back, shoulder to shoulder with Gorou, he gave the air an appraising sniff. “I would say that the worst of the winter is already over; there’s no need to burden yourself with an additional task.” Kazuha knew that the other man didn’t need anything else on his plate right now.

“I’ll defer to your judgement.” He nodded along with Gorou’s plan. He tended to trust the other as Gorou had a knack for strategic planning and Kazuha considered him particularly talented in choosing plans with the least amount of negative consequences.

“We’ll have to stay ahead of the cops long enough to lose them.” Already he could hear the sirens getting louder again. “I believe I know a shortcut.”

Pulling Gorou up by his arm, Kazuha ducked down a connecting alleyway that lead to a dead end. A series of metal pipes crawled up the building in front of them, providing plenty of hand and footholds.

“But we must always be prepared for every eventuality. An early Spring snow is usually an inevitability - and if we invest now while stores are turning over for Spring inventory, then...” He trails off, brow furrowed in thought, tail swishing for a moment before he shakes his head. “But now is not the moment for such things.”

Gorou peered over the nearby debris with narrowed eyes as he surveyed their surroundings. The sirens were getting louder, and while he knew they were a ways off, they were heading this way. Whether they would go by or not, he knew they couldn’t quite risk.

Thus he nods to Kazuha, poised to run or climb if need be while Kazuha ducked into the nearby alleyway. The pipes - ah, right, the pipes, they were in this alleyway - would provide a way to both move undetected and lose their tail.

“Genius. We’ll have to be careful, but this should take us to the top of the building. If we keep low, we shouldn’t be spotted up there.” Nodding, he immediately started ascending the pipe, only looking to be sure Kazuha was following him before continuing his ascent. He trusted Kazuha to be able to take care of himself, of course. They had been partners for this long.

Footsteps scuttled behind him as the kids who had been home ran into the back room they had constructed in case of emergencies, the emergency hatch sliding open nearly soundlessly - particularly to humans - as they started climbing into the shelter.

His own knife slid out of his handle as he kept low.

Kazuha...

That was the issue with this now, wasn’t it?

“You’re definitely not dressed like my Kazuha.” His voice echoed through the warehouse from his vantage point, silently perched.

“I suggest you put any weapons you have down before we have a talk. My Kazuha is likely already routing your Gorou.”

GOROU | SUBVERSION

A non-human rights activist and the leader of what was essentially a rebellious group in the lower levels of Fibonacci along with his partner and boyfriend.

Essentially fell into a leadership role among joining up with the group, and frequently engaging in art activism along with the others at the lower levels in Fibonacci.

He provided housing and food to anyone who needed it, and was looked up to as a kind and loyal friend as well as mentor and leader.

TIMESKIP

The fallout and near-death experience from the realities merging before left himself and his group quite shaken.

Since then, they have moved as a group and changed locations frequently, until settling in a large building built over time tucked away in the Mistwood.

After a promise ceremony, he and Kazuha have remained together throughout any changes to their large group, taking in anyone who needs a home and a warm meal.

Vision. That wasn’t a term he had ever heard before…but based on the context clues, it seemed like it was pretty similar to…well, exactly what the gem in his pen was for. Something to aid with magic use. Right?

Deuce holds the pen out for the other to more properly observe it, showing off the well-kept red gem embedded in it, as he turned his own attention to try and see what the “Vision” Gorou had was. Though, since it was on his back, it was a bit difficult to see.

“Oh, well…all magic users have a gem like this, where I’m from. It helps us regulate our magic usage so we don’t accumulate too much Blot. My school just gave them to us in these pens so we could use them like wands.” He paused briefly, before realizing he should add something else on.

“I don’t actually need it to cast spells, though. If that’s what you were implying with the multipurpose aspect.” 

“Huh...” He tilts his head, ears perking in curiosity. So it was similar to a Vision, but not at all like a Vision. “Interesting. So can anyone use elemental abilities in your world?” It was good to know this information, for both the potential threat of magic users that didn’t have some symbol or required catalyst, and as a potential use for his own just in case something were to transpire.

“Ah, Gorou–” He was always so thoughtful, always worrying after her. She hates to think that she’s worried him in any capacity and almost feels just a little ashamed at him having overheard her. 

“…Have you? There’s such a place that exists? Admittedly, I haven’t done much in the way of exploration. Which ward was it located in? Start with that and perhaps you’ll remember.” She hardly ever ventures out unless she has to, really. It’s little wonder that she feels that small tinge of loneliness. She notices the tail wagging and can’t help but smile. At least he’s managed to cheer her up.

“Of course, I would normally not scout by myself, but given the lack of any units, it was best to take the duty on.” He pulls out the device given to him upon his arrival, and quickly pulls up the notes on the place he had made. Shoulders squared, he makes his report.

“Ah, yes, here it is - the Star Trail.”