feminitis: (yandere for okita)
kamiya "actually a bush" seizaburo ([personal profile] feminitis) wrote in [community profile] recountal2015-04-19 07:29 pm

casually descends into sword hell

[The streets of Kyoto are not safe.

These days, they're never safe - which is a large part of why the Shinsengumi does what it does. Protecting the ancient city is their task, and they patrol the streets faithfully every day. But there is only so much they can do when their orders from the Shogunate to investigate the use of a concoction called the ochimizu create greater threats to the city's peace, and even less they can do when threats come from powers much higher than their own.

But most of these things are not known to the average person, nor the rank-and-file soldier. The rasetsu and the demons are one threat; those who would rewrite history are another. It's unfortunate that they've intersected in such a way, but such is fate.]
adornmental: (Default)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-04-20 08:04 am (UTC)(link)
[The figure that Sei approaches will begin to look less and less like a run-of-the-mill warrior, or even human, as she gets nearer. Through the gritty haze of dirt and dust and smoke billowing through the air, the creature - shaped like a man - will swivel in her direction.

However, while its blade is out, it doesn't seem to have any interest in attacking her. Rather, after a few seconds of silence, it turns as though it intends to leave.

At the same time, there's a stirring in the rubble nearby...]
adornmental: (lv 100 enemies in map 2 are bullshit)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-04-23 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
[Kashuu basically consistently has the worst timing... AND IT IS INDEED KASHUU, who rolls over beneath a little mountain of broken pieces of wood and roof tiles, sticking his hands out and knocking as much away as he can.]

Ugh...

[That super intelligent noise is the only answer she gets just yet. EXCELLENT.

The creature (who had RUDELY been ignoring Sei's very reasonable order to stay put) almost immediately stops in its backwards retreat at that, at least. It's probably not a good thing... Something about Kashuu's presence in particular grabs its attention, apparently, because it's his direction that the thing gravitates toward when it starts moving again.]
adornmental: (AND I'M JAVERT)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-13 05:23 am (UTC)(link)
[She definitely doesn't seem to be having any effect on the creature whatsoever, positive or negative. That doesn't stop it from holding its blade forward again in an offensive posture, though; it's clear that its goal here is Kashuu, but considering there's an obstacle in the way, the natural second step would be to remove that, right?

Sei better be ready to block or dodge, because the creature moves forward at a startlingly fast pace for its size, clearly intent on cutting her down.

--Or that would probably be necessary if the rubble-covered nerd behind her didn't fly forward in an equally quick way to knock her to the side, anyway.]


Are you some kinda moron—?!

[A nice first greeting, "ugh" aside! Kashuu is still bleeding pretty heavily and he still feels disoriented, but this isn't the worst injury he's gotten in battle by far, so he won't stay down.]
adornmental: (I'LL FIGHT YA)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-13 06:07 am (UTC)(link)
[UGH SEI WHY DO YOU MAKE THINGS HARD!!

If the creature is surprised by the fact that a human is attacking it, the surprise doesn't show. To be fair, nothing really shows at all... It's a hard-to-read opponent, but only in terms of expression. Someone trained in the art of swordsmanship would be able to read its movements well enough; it blocks the strike, but when her blade bounces off and clips its skin, an unnatural purple flame leaks out rather than blood.

Kashuu's also going to be shoving her out of the way again because he's such a nice guy and all... He arrives in time to block the counterswing, pushing his blade forward with enough speed and dexterity to knock the creature away a little. It's not much, but it's enough for him to be able to turn and face Sei.]


Stay outta this! Humans shouldn't be involved—!
adornmental: (nyoom)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-13 06:20 am (UTC)(link)
[WHY!!! Why. Why she gotta do this man, why.

Kashuu definitely "UGH"s again, but it's not like he has the patience to shoo her away when they're kind of on the receiving end of a seriously strong member of the Retrograding Army's attacks. He shifts his blade just in time to counter a second strike and then dodges forward to slice at its abdomen, drawing forward more of the inhuman flames.

Sei's strike lands as well, but the creature seems undeterred. Kashuu apparently anticipates that, and all of his own strikes seem to be secondary to his ultimate goal: moving closer. At least the reason behind that will become very clear when he shouts over his shoulder with:]


You gotta break its blade—!

[Likewise, he'll deal about the potential shitty repercussions in space-time after they deal with the immediate threat...]
adornmental: (heya)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-13 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
[That's what she thinks. Imagine Sei's sentient blade friend...

But no, luckily she's not facing an oodachi or something. Tachis are certainly strong too, but as it swings its sword again, it's clear that the weakest points on Sei's blade haven't been struck. There's the sharp ring of metal on metal and there is overwhelming, inhuman strength present in its grip, but--]


On it!

[Kashuu is also there, clearly used to working in a team. Even though he doesn't know Sei at all, covering the backs of someone else in battle is second-nature to him and he can play the role of support flawlessly. He slides in as soon as the opportunity presents itself and, having done this time and time again, he knows exactly where to strike.

The tachi seems to know, too, and makes an effort to pull its blade back - but it's too late. Kashuu swings his own forward with perfect aim and force, sending a splintering crack through the enemy's blade that spiderwebs outward before the entire thing splinters into two pieces. The edge of his own chips a little, and the sharp pain sends him to his knees, but it's fine - the tachi is already beginning to crumble.

Within seconds, there's nothing left of it but dust, the last dying swirls of the flame, and the broken sword it had been wielding.]


Geez...

[Give him a second to catch his breath here and to also try catching his blood?! GET BACK IN HIS BODY...]
adornmental: (DON'T EVEN START)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-13 07:36 am (UTC)(link)
Gimme a sec, will you?

[UGH!! Once more, an extra ugh just to really drive home how irritated he is.

...But on the plus side, he really hadn't been faring too well against that tsukumogami beforehand. He should probably be grateful, or at the very least deliver a "thank you". ...He'll get to it eventually.

For now, after taking a few seconds to at least be able to talk without breathing heavily (and keeping his hand anchored firmly at his middle; the other wounds have already begun to close up, but this one is a reflection of his blade damage):]


I'm a tsukumogami, see? Same with that guy, but they're the enemy.
adornmental: (bleeding is in vogue)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-13 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Who d'you think it was, stupid?!

[A NICE TSUKUMOGAMI... But he's not really used to directly interacting with humans outside of the saniwa, and how off-put she seems instantly puts him in an Even Worse Mood, if at all possible.

Still, he doesn't really have a lot of time to fret over things like that right now. He makes an agitated sound and rolls over a little, pulling his hand away only long enough to place it against the ground so that he can push himself upright.]


Geez... I'm not even supposed to be seen by you guys. Why would I go around blowing stuff up?

["You guys" is left somewhat vague, though he's actually referring to people from this time period in general and not just humans. He eyes his blade critically after that, but then--]

—Oi, hey-- wait a second! [UGH HIS OTHER MORON IS MISSING. He turns on his heel so quickly that he nearly loses his balance, heading over to the pile of rubble that he had been blasted into before.] Yasusada! Hey— [And then back to Sei:] You see a guy with blue hair around here?!
adornmental: (old heat of a raging fire)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-14 01:33 am (UTC)(link)
[YOU!!! is what he would say if he wasn't so busy looking through the rubble for a tsukumogami who is most definitely not in the area...

So she's definitely getting ignored for a bit. SORRY, SEI, but gosh you're useless in this search!! He overturns pieces of the roof, splintered beams, broken cement and rock - but he can't find Yamato's body or vessel which could either be a good thing or a bad thing. Good if Yamato decided to be his usual self and continue pursuing the enemy even after Kashuu was knocked out of commission briefly, bad if he left against his will...]


Ugh, look— [Straightening up and clapping his hands free of dirt-] You're with the Shinsengumi, yeah? Then you know what to look for.

[COME ALONG SMALL HUMAN!! Kashuu turns to leave the area, clearly expecting Sei to follow since he just keeps talking as he goes.]

If blue hair's so unbelievable, then just look for someone wearing the blues and using stances and forms from Tennen Rishin Ryu.
adornmental: (if you say so)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-14 11:09 am (UTC)(link)
Don't worry about it! That guy'll definitely stand out even in an entire crowd of people using that style.

[He doesn't even say it like it's a compliment... And it isn't, really - it's just a statement of facts. Yamato is one of the best when it comes to strength, power and the way his form has been honed. Even someone without extensive training would be able to pick him out as being particularly skilled with his craft.

BUT ONWARD-- Kashuu's not stopping just yet, instead scanning the area and walking quickly as he talks. He's fairly attuned to the feel of Yamato's presence, at least; he's not too worried about potentially walking past him, even with all of the rubble and smoke.]


If you're thaaat familiar, then you should recognize the name anyway! We're not men, like I said. Yamatonokami Yasusada - he's who I'm looking for. We came back here- [A pause as he steps forward quickly to check down an alley.] -together. Get it?
adornmental: (impatience)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-14 11:28 am (UTC)(link)
[It's a successful way to slow him down, at least! Not that he's very happy about it, since he's definitely spinning on his heel and taking a step toward her as soon as she stops him.]

Look. [He also aggressively jabs a finger in her general direction like the charming gentleman he is...]

I like, don't care if you believe me or not. I shouldn't be talking to you at all! But I don't have time to stand around explaining something you're not even supposed to be involved in. We're in the middle of a mission, got it? And one of my comrades is MIA. [Jabbing her chestplate!!] You wanna talk, then we'll talk after we find Yasusada. Af-ter!
adornmental: (uno hell)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-14 12:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Whatever!

[He may or may not try to weasel his way out of that conversation when the time comes, but for now, he really is focused entirely on finding Yamato.

Of course, his mood certainly doesn't improve as more time passes and his comrade is still nowhere in sight... He makes a frustrated noise before actually speaking, because he certainly knows the dangers of someone wearing the blues without being recognized - and it would still be better than the potential alternative.]


—Yeah. Yeah-- we're not going to find him out here. I can't sense him or anything.

[And it's not like he's got a Yamato radar, but he's not even picking up on the signature of the Retrograding Army at this point.]

Let's go.
adornmental: (who wears long sleeves in summer)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-14 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[THIS DUMB DO-GOODER. Not that he can say a person's wrong for stopping to help out the less fortunate, but still. Every second wasted is a second that Yamato could be moving farther and farther away from them, and that thought doesn't sit well in the least.

He's almost relieved when they come across the main gate, even if it's a little irritating at the same time. He's only familiar with this headquarters because of the number of times he's dipped his toes into the past, not because he was there himself. BUT, before he can really delve into those depressing thoughts, Sei catches his attention by being a dang dingus again.]


Huh? [??? WHO EVEN KNOWS IF KIKUICHI NORIMUNE EXISTS IN TKRB'S VERSION OF HISTORY but it's definitely not his name either way.]

Where the hell'd you get that? Just call me Kashuu!
adornmental: (dutybound)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-15 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[That's not the way to make a good impression, Sei!! Naturally, he stiffens up a little at the mention of Ikedaya, since he absolutely understands where she was heading with that sentence.

As for the "how"-- He puffs his chest out a little, lifting his chin. He really is prideful of his saniwa, but it's slight overcompensation in this case considering he feels like he has something to prove now.]


My master picked me to summon 'cause my performance is top notch! They're super strong and really powerful, so even something like this isn't a problem for them.
adornmental: (what is this shit)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-15 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[His posture only stiffens further at that, but he's quick to cut in there, at least.]

It'd be better if that guy didn't see me. [Since he can already tell who Sei is talking about...] I should probably go by a fake name while I'm here, y'know? 'Cause I really, really shouldn't be around humans.

[He doesn't want to BREAK THE TIMELINE or something equally stupid... Either way, she luckily won't be having to deal with a spooky ghost any time soon. Kashuu shakes his head.]

Master stays back at the base during sorties and expeditions.
adornmental: (restless)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-16 10:49 am (UTC)(link)
[This is payback for Sei making things difficult earlier, honestly!!]

Huuuh... I dunno. Pick something! —But make sure it's something that sounds cute, o-kay?

[This is the most important mission Sei will have all day, okay. HE'LL BECOME INTOLERABLE IF SHE PICKS SOMETHING BAD.]
adornmental: is also actually 5 years old (surrounded by actual 5 year olds)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-17 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
[SHE'S A TRUE BRAT, UGH!! Kashuu will be extra contrary just to spite her.]

Ugh, I guess there really isn't any name that's as cute as mine already is. [His big fat ego... But Kouno is okay, since it does remind him of the rivers, even if Junichi is A SWING AND A MISS. ...Jun is a pretty cute nickname, though...]

I won't forget, either! What kinda idiot d'you think you're dealing with here, huh?

[DON'T ANSWER THAT. Anyway, they're probably close enough to the main entrance by now for Sei to have been spotted, so Kashuu will just take up his customary position slightly behind the leader. Go shine, friend...]
adornmental: (my blade isnt blunt but i sure am)

[personal profile] adornmental 2015-09-17 12:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[The end is the thing he pays the most attention to - of course he does. Even now, even after trying so badly to distance himself from his past, from Okita, the name is still one that he pays particularly close attention to.

Hearing that he's missing... That makes his heart sink for more than one reason. First, because it's natural to be worried about Okita Souji. It's as much an ingrained part of his existence as his name. Second, because there was never a point in history where the first division captain went missing after an explosion. That is dangerous in and of itself.

His answer comes without pause.]


Yeah, um— yeah. [A glance toward the men at the entrance, but his attention is focused on Sei.]

Let's go now, 'kay?
deontological: (68)

EVENING, OUTSIDE THE CITY

[personal profile] deontological 2015-04-20 03:06 am (UTC)(link)
[By now, word has reached Sen of the commotion in Kyoto. Her agents have brought her word that a trio had arrived in the city on some errand or another, and shortly thereafter had been ambushed by a much larger group that had set off explosions in order to mask their getaway. One has come into the care of the Shinsengumi; the other two are unaccounted for. Privately, the princess wonders at the intentions of this group that would cause such destruction just to take out a mere three people, and doesn't hold out much hope for the survival of anyone who has fallen into their hands.

This calls for an investigation. She has already sent Kimigiku on ahead, and her faithful bodyguard is surely in the teahouses of Kyoto now, plying her patrons with tea and sake in the hopes of loosening their tongues. Sen herself technically shouldn't be out right now - her clan, after all, wishes for her safety - but she can't bring herself to stand idly by while such things are occurring.

It is as she approaches the city that she sees it out of the corner of her eye - a shape that looks vaguely human, cradling a sword. Whether they are unconscious or asleep she doesn't know, but she makes her way to their side and kneels down nonetheless before putting out a hand to their shoulder. She's a demon. If this person tries to attack her for any reason, she has confidence in her ability to dodge.]


What has happened to you..?
retrospectful: (scarf-kun 2 electric boogaloo)

[personal profile] retrospectful 2015-04-20 07:44 am (UTC)(link)
[Considering she is a demon, she may be able to tell pretty dang quick that the "person" she's approaching doesn't have the air of a human at all.

He doesn't have the reactions of one either, considering he snaps into consciousness at almost the exact same second her hand comes to rest at his shoulder. He does draw his blade with almost inhuman accuracy and quickness, but doesn't follow through on the intended strike, either.]


You—

[...No. Just a second or two of sharp observation tells him that this is not one of their enemies. If he were more emotionally intuitive he'd likely be able to tell based on that alone, but he isn't. He can only make his determination based on how open she seems, the lack of an immediately identifiable intent to strike or harm, and the fact that she isn't imbued with the same skin-crawlingly vile feeling that those creatures they fight against are.

But he doesn't let his guard down, either. Normally polite, quiet and demure, Yamato's tone is curt almost to the point of being unpleasant now. "Demanding" isn't quite right, since he's subservient by nature, but it certainly brooks less room for argument when used against his troops or fellow swords.]


Who are you with?
deontological: (78)

[personal profile] deontological 2015-04-20 11:10 am (UTC)(link)
[That inhuman quickness of Yamato's is mirrored in Sen, who straightens up with unnatural grace and is a good distance away in the blink of an eye. Her hair and the bottom of her kimono flutter with the movement as she settles back into place, but other than that, there's no real indication that she's moved at all save for the fact that she's in a decidedly different position than where she began.

She certainly has no intention of hurting him. That much is true. As for who she's with - well, that's an interesting question.]


I am with no one but myself.

[And that does seem to be the case. Even if Yamato casts his gaze around, there won't be anyone who seems to be in the girl's company. Which is probably strange, but eh, she's a demon...]

I've come to investigate a disturbance in the city.
retrospectful: (seasons carry over)

[personal profile] retrospectful 2015-04-24 10:40 am (UTC)(link)
[He doesn't seem too surprised by the sudden burst of speed, even though it serves to put him further on his guard. She may not carry the same rottenness as their enemies, but she didn't have the same feeling as their very human master, either. Something else?

If she's come to investigate the disturbance - and he sure can guess what that is - then she can't be on the enemy side. But if she's not on the enemy side, and she's not on the Saniwa side...]


On behalf of which group?

[He pushes himself up to his feet after that - or tries to, at least. It'll quickly become apparent that he wasn't just taking a rest for energy levels. Though it hadn't been very visible with him hunched over, the front of his light-colored uniform is stained with red. Through the tears in fabric, large gashes can be seen decorating his body.]
deontological: (88)

[personal profile] deontological 2015-04-24 11:41 am (UTC)(link)
The village of Yase.

[Which may or may not tell him very much. He was Okita's sword once (not that she knows, though she can certainly tell that there is something decidedly different about this man), but who knows how much he recalls of his first existence in this time... he wasn't a tsukumogami, then.

He's clearly not hostile now, at least. So Sen doesn't have any reason to conceal where she's come from.

His wounds coming into view as he straightens up, and she isn't quite quick enough to immediately mask the shock that comes over her when she sees them. She does manage a more neutral expression after a moment, though, and she offers him her arm.]


...that being said, I believe going into the city itself can wait for the moment. Treating your wounds takes priority.

[And if she's fixing him up she can just ask him for info... two birds, one stone.]