digestif | week one, saturday

-I am fine. There are others I'm more concerned with than myself, at the moment.

[julius, for example. he breathes out a short sigh, with a shake of his head.]

I did hope it wouldn't come to this, but... I suppose in the end, all we can do now is pray, as Piety suggested.

[ yeah, they know exactly who he means. Mizuki frowns, but does nothing more than that. ]

Mm. That's all we can do. [ it'd be cruel to pretend they think Julius has good chances of getting out of this. Maybe someone will come through with their power - but it would be at the very last minute, if anyone even has a power they can get to work in such a manner. ] You're a good man. You did what you could.

I appreciate that, but I am afraid it doesn't feel like we've succeeded in doing much at all.

[maybe they manage to get him some form of second chance, or maybe a beauty follower can come through, although there's really no telling if any of them even have that power... but it's all uncertain.]

Nor can I say that I expected to see two, potentially three of us gone within a week.

[ he's right - it doesn't. They feel a general sense of satisfaction at having been right, but the actual results are nothing to brag about. Still, they're perhaps not as bothered by them as some of the others. Ishikirimaru's altruism is somewhat admirable. ]

We survived, and we got rid of at least one person who was ready to hurt others. We might be saving other lives through that.

[ a pause. ]

... Of course, that doesn't change the facts. You're not wrong. [ that's what they wanted to tell him, really. ] I think it's important that we have people like you here with us.

That's kind of you to say, Mizuki-san-- although having people like yourself is equally important.

[he manages a small smile, there, and inclines his head.]

Your willingness to pursue such lines of discussion was something we needed, I think. Otherwise we all would have made much less progress.

Haha. Well, I'm sure I'll be losing favor with some people for it if this keeps up.

[ but that's all right. They can live with being hated for taking their hard stance, if they must. ]

Hey, Ishikirimaru-san. Did you know your statue says you're 1200 years old?

Possibly, yes, but- you at least seem like the sort to do it with good intentions.

[that's the impression he gets so far, anyway. there are definitely others he would be harsher with, but they'd seemed to honestly be trying to help.

but at that question, he blinks, then laughs quietly.]

It is not wrong, if that's what you mean to say. I've existed for a long time.

[ they smile at that. It's certainly a vote of confidence in their character, coming from him.

However, they're also from a completely average no-magic society, and they want to get to the bottom of this weird business. ]

So that is why you're dressed like that. How is it possible for you to live so long?

I suppose my age makes it obvious enough that I am not exactly human.

[though after saying that, he pauses, considering for several moments.]

Or that I have not always been, I suppose I should say?

... And what are you, if not a human? You can't be an android.

[ they just didn't exist 1200 years ago. So what? An alien? Mizuki doesn't believe in that kind of thing - not seriously, at least. ]

[First of all I'm sorry Mizuki has to deal with Grandpa McVague but like. At least he isn't Mikazuki.

Ishi hums thoughtfully while he considers his answer, before:]

You have read what they wrote about each of us, haven't you?

[You're smart, Mizuki, he believes in your ability to figure it out. There's a slight quirk of his mouth, there, the beginning of an amused little smile.]

I believe you have most of what you need, though I can help a bit more if necessary.

[ listen ishikirimaru your profile literally just says that you're big and old with bad hair and somehow you have yourself in your inventory mizuki's doing their best here!! ]

Do I? Don't tell me that you're some sort of immortal shinto priest...?

[ he does have the kanmuri... ]

[the inventory is the important part ok, it's there!!]

Ah, well... I did spend quite a long time enshrined, so that isn't terribly far off. Still, not quite.

[He'll tell them, probably, he's just seeing how far they get here.]

Enshrined...?

[ perhaps it seems obvious that he's referring to a holy sword which also shares his name... however, it is a massive leap of logic for a regular-ass human being like Mizuki to assume that a talking human figure is actually a bladed piece of metal, and they aren't making it. ]

Sorry, I'm beat.

[it sure is, but that's been working out pretty well for him so far in that he doesn't have to be concerned about people knowing what he is on their own... and there's also the part where this is a little more unfair considering spirits like him generally do not have human bodies. so.

he sets a hand on the hilt of his sword, there.]

Are you familiar with tsukumogami, or shall I start with that?

... I've heard of them. Some kind of youkai, wasn't it?

[ folklore isn't really their area of expertise. But, in other words, Ishikirimaru is claiming to be some sort of ancient spirit... ]

Artifact spirits, to put it simply.

[he gestures to the sword, there.]

I'm sure the fact that we share a name didn't escape you. This is the original Ishikirimaru; I was only given a human body relatively recently.

So... You're a sword.

[ uh huh. The skepticism is clear on Mizuki's face; they laugh a little awkwardly. ]

That's a pretty tall tale, even after the guy who said he was Nakahara Chuuya...

I can understand how it must sound to you, but... all I can do is ask you to take my word for it, I suppose.

[He's not connected to his swordself here, it's not as if he can give them any real proof.]

I am what I am.

Well... I guess there's not much I can do but accept it. You seem too mature for that sort of make-believe. In the end, it doesn't really matter - in this moment, we're just two people.

[ ... ]

Sorry, I have to ask. If I touch your sword, will you feel it?

Ah, how direct-

[he can't help but laugh at that, though he also shakes his head.]

Not here, no. Normally that would be the case, and damaging it would also harm my body in much the same way... but it seems that connection has been broken somehow.

[ they acted silly to keep it from being awkward, but it was actually a legitimate question; Mizuki nods. ]

Really? That's troubling...

[ wouldn't that be the equivalent of losing a body part for him? Provided this is true at all - but, for the moment, they'll give him the benefit of the doubt. ]

Have you been all right without it?

I've been perfectly fine.

[it's been strange, honestly, definitely the equivalent of losing a sense-- but he won't say as much.]

It may be a bit troubling, but I suppose it makes sense, if they want this to be a contest. I can live without it for now. [and after a pause, he adds-] And technically, it removes a potential disadvantage as well.

[if he's not connected to his sword, damaging it won't hurt him, and he shouldn't die if it breaks. possibly. that core part of their tie may still be there, he isn't in a hurry to find out.]

Oh, that's true. You'd really be in danger if someone managed to separate you from your sword. [ a beat. ] ... Your body?

[ they're not sure what the proper terminology should be here... ]

For now, it's only my sword.

[So that works perfectly fine-- besides, he'd rather have it just referred to as a regular sword in general, here.]

It is as you said-- in this moment, we're just two people.

Mmm... I guess I should amend that. We may be two people, but one of us is a wise old youkai. Right?

[ they offer a little smile. ]

I don't suppose you've got any insights on this situation, youkai-san?

[he returns that smile, at least for a moment; it fades slightly as he considers their question.]

I suppose that depends on exactly which part of the situation. For right now... I would like to say that I think this is an isolated incident, but I do not. These acts become cycles; even those who will kill have people who will mourn their deaths, and who will seek retribution in turn. Outside of that, there are those who will be emboldened by it happening at all.

...and the fact that we are forced to condemn at least one individual when it occurs ensures that there will always be a reason for some part of that cycle to continue.

[ hey, what do you know: that actually was pretty wise. Mizuki's expression doesn't falter, although it does become more somber. ]

Hah... Our thoughts are pretty similar. We have to be careful not to get swept up in our emotions if we want to stop this from happening again.

[ something about their tone sounds slightly distant when they say that, but it's gone as soon as it appears. ]

But I also think we have to be careful not to let ourselves be isolated. They've been trying to turn us on each other from the start, with all of these teams. After seeing the trial today, I realized that. [ they glance up at him, more seriously. ] Among the people here, I think you're one of the most reliable, Ishikirimaru-san.

You've proven yourself to have a reasonable outlook on things, as well.

[The trial proved it further, but their lines of thinking prior to that showed the same thing, in his opinion.]

Avoiding isolation and controlling our emotions will only become harder for people here, though. The closer the bonds we all form, the more likely we'll feel betrayed by not being on the same side, and the more likely we'll react strongly if the worst happens to those we're nearest to.

...it is only something to keep in mind, though. I don't think you are wrong, Mizuki-san.

[ he's right - completely right, and Mizuki's thought about that, too - but they laugh, anyway. Maybe they're being too subtle. ]

Is that a no to working together, then?

Not at all. Just something to bear in mind; I did say I believe you're right.

[there just might be some personal experience there, maybe, probably.

but he gives them a nod, there, his usual slight smile returning.]

If you would like to, then I accept.

Thank goodness. My feelings would have been hurt if you turned me down.

[ a cheeky smile. ]

In that case, as a token of my trust, I'll tell you something in confidence: I'm with Beauty.

I suppose I could see that... and I have heard good things about them, although we haven't yet spoken.

[that might not have been his very first guess, but this just adds another reason to go speak with them, really.

and, with a smile of his own that seems a little more amused:]

Piety, in my case, though judging from the amount of people who have tried to subtly ask how religious a man I am... I assume you had already guessed.

Well, it was mostly a guess based on the outfit. [ adds another correct guess to their pile... ] What is Piety-san like? I haven't met them. Beauty-kun is a very sweet young man - he doesn't want to hurt anyone if he can help it.

Another with good intentions in all this, then? I am somewhat relieved that there seem to be at least a few.

[But he hums thoughtfully before continuing on.]

As for Piety-- young, but responsible. He wants peace and compromise among the gods, and seems to have a good sense of duty toward the people they'll all be looking after... very pleasant to speak with, as well.

[he's very fond, honestly.]

I see...

[ they can tell Ishikirimaru likes him - or they think they can, anyway. He has that kind of mild gentleness about him almost all the time, so it's hard to tell, really... ]

... It's a relief there are so many nice ones, but to be honest, I'm a little troubled by it. For one thing, it means there isn't one "right" god for us to choose - in other words, it'll be difficult to convince people to switch, and therefore, it'll be that much harder to win this numbers game without violence.

-unfortunately, yes. I have yet to fully disagree with the goals of any I've spoken to, so in the end, it comes down to which would be best at actually making such a thing reality and what might best suit the world. For others, I can imagine that if a god's vision resonated with them in particular, it would be difficult to sway them.

[ishi sighs softly, there, shaking his head.]

One of the gods I've spoken with believes that roughly half of them entered into this with good intent, which is at once fewer than I would like and more than enough to complicate things considerably. Assuming they are correct, of course.

[ they sigh, too, shoulders drooping just slightly. ]

That's a problem... Short of everyone announcing their side and collectively choosing one to move to, I don't know how we're going to convince everyone here when the rewards are relatively similar for every god. And we definitely won't be able to do that with this many people.

[ they're quiet for a few moments, thinking. Then, they shake their head, pushing some hair out of their face. ]

-- Aah, it's been a long day. I'm tired. We can worry about solving this starting next week. [ they've done enough problem-solving for one day. ] Do you drink, mighty youkai-san?

It's best not to overtax oneself too early. We do not have to find all the answers at the beginning, after all.

[he nods, slow but decisive. and as for that last question-- they get another smile that's more a half-quirk of his mouth.]

While I cannot say I drink often, I would certainly accept it as an offering, if it were given...

[but he also adds, after just enough of a pause for it to sound like he might have left it at that:]

Though I would be just as content to share one or two with you, instead.

[ they snort at that, putting a hand on their hip. ]

Sorry, but I've already got enough people I'm supposed to be making an offering to. You'll just have to settle for my company.

[ then they beckon him to come with them, turning to head towards the parlor. ]

Well, I suppose I can live with that.

[this isn't his shrine or anything. he follows easily enough, matching their pace.]

Though I don't know that I would call it 'settling', either. I find your company agreeable enough.

Well, I sure hope you do, considering you just told me what god you're with. [ but they continue lightly: ] Thanks. I try my best.

It is certainly possible to work with people one doesn't personally like... but fortunately for us both, that's far from the case.

[mizuki you have not met some of the people he's been on missions with.

but as he glances ahead to the parlor, he considers, and then-]

Bartending was listed as a skill of yours, yes? In that case, I will be in your care; I'm afraid I have tried very little of it before.

[ THEY SURE HAVEN'T........... ishi is probably the best first impression they could have of the swords, honestly. ]

Mm, that's right! It's just a hobby, but I'd say I'm pretty good at it. So there's no need to worry about getting something nasty to drink.

[ they push the door open; the parlor is, at least, fairly clean. There's a small blanket nest in one of the booths where Mizuki's been sleeping, but aside from that, they've been keeping it in order. ]

Do swords have hobbies?

week one, saturday

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