005. those countryside roads to somewhere

[takasugi]

( weeks spent gathering non-perishables and their personal items into boxes couldn't have prepared them for what was about to happen.

it occurs in a flash, like a plant's tendril reaching out to seed a new life in something.

the sea vanishes, their epic on the high seas punctuated by a change in pressure. like when a whale breeches or dives with something inside it's mouth, it's an almost unimaginably long pause. their watery landscape transforms into an empty void, pieces of a plane that simply don't exist in the mind, and if one were to stay here, it could easily drive them mad. humans were never made to shift between realities and witness such emptiness, after all, and before takasugi can even think to figure out how shouin's soul might be contributing to this, everything tilts. the world about them flips to a new chapter filled with light, darkness, and stars, and if one blinks, it all becomes clear that everything is floating, floating without a sky to touch the pitch-black remnants of the rippling universe below, and—

a blink of the eyes next reveals that everything they've known has come to change.

the arahabaki mk. ii on the water is gone, and only rolling hills remain.

in the distance, a couple women tend to a small, cultivated field off a well-worn path, meticulously monitoring the water that'll birth life into their crop. the town is green and vulnerable under the piercing blue of the bright spring sky, with a quieter vibe compared to the larger towns that boast all the hustle and bustle of city life. a few open tea houses welcome visitors, inviting them to pause on their journey as they seek bigger opportunities in this new era of industrialization, but most importantly, as the members of 3kon might notice: some of the citizens here are sporting animal ears of various types, and no one acts like each other is worser than wear for it. )

Comments

[takasugi]

Not to worry. I'll be right there in the audience, poised to hype the both of you up if no one's paying attention. ... Well. Without the being oiled up and vulnerable bit. Without it. After all, our audience is most likely about to be in their thirties on up, maybe. I doubt the younger crowd will be hanging around a place that strange warriors frequent unless they’re looking to spread rumors or find a ride out of here.

( he glances over his shoulder, a hand waving casually as if to dismiss rinne's open one. )

I'm doing fine, ( a lie, of course. it's easier now, knowing that the one person who could detect them so flawlessly isn't here anymore, ) so have a little more faith in your reliable President, would you?

[hanikamu]

[If Rinne has a bad feeling, he keeps it to himself. Nothing is wrong. That's what Takasugi wants them to believe, so Rinne will put his trust in it. It's a leader's duty, too, to tell everyone that everything will be alright — even when the odds say otherwise.

When he takes his hand back, he curls it into a solid fist.]

You're the boss.

[His smile is tight. Rinne's so stalking him later.]

Hmm... After we play 'em a couple rounds of mahjong old tunes, maybe it won't be such a tough crowd. Don't make us miss ya too much, Prez. Juicy or not, if your ass goes poof, you're gonna make Rinne-kun and Niki-kyun cry!

[He even mimes it with a hand. Boo hoo hoo.

Seriously, please don't die.]

[hanabee]

Ohh, I get it. [Niki nods in understanding.] Prez is gonna be our Number One Fan, huh? We're actually pretty used to tough crowds, but it'll be nice to know at least one person out there likes us.

[He doesn't believe Takasugi, either, but... well, it's not like he doesn't understand it. If they're going to make it in this new world, they can't let their guards down yet, no matter what they've just been through. When they know so little about what to expect, they can't afford to show too much weakness.

So, without hesitation, Niki joins in on the encouragement.]

I'll miss having you on stage with us, though. So please try to join us next time, okay, Prez? Or else you'll make us cry~.

[He mimics Rinne's gesture with his hands, too. Boo hoo hoo!]

It's too bad, actually. I bet Prez's music would be a real hit here.

[takasugi]

( number one fan... that's right.

that's exactly why he needs to determine very quickly where the real dangers are, for the forests living inside each villager might hide more than meets the eye. they've just barely gotten their bearings after landing in a familiar landscape, and he won't let them be uprooted out of it just as quickly: amagi rinne's mischievous smile that belies a tempered gaze and shiina niki's deceivingly clueless demeanor are what help build the bridge to this dream of theirs.

and if they realize he's lying about something, he'll handle it later. it's true he's gotten closer to both of them, trusting them with his life and even more with the other, but this. this, he hates to put on anyone at any time, and so he doesn't. as niki's mention of his sound, takasugi runs the tip of his fingers along the length of the shamisen strapped to his back, picking at a string between two claws to create one single impressionable twang. )

No doubt they would. There's always time, though. It's not as if I'll ever stop when I'm so good at it. Plus, I owe you a performance, don't I? How about I play for the both of you during dinner tonight, hmm? Sound good? I still need to discuss what the room arrangements will be like after they've seen you bring the house down.

( it's an easy path down, this dirt road oft traveled on foot and horse-carriage alike. as they stroll past the fields in the late afternoon, takasugi notices a couple of the hardworking women glance over at them, intrigued at the group of outsiders wearing attire they've never seen before. he responds with a sly, quick wave, the kind he might have offered anyone before, ducking beneath the overarching branch of a pine that's primed to scuff their ears with tiny needles. )

1/2

[hanikamu]

[The women stop working to giggle in turn, chatting amongst themselves now with mirth. Takasugi's charming presence never fails to capture its audience. It fills Rinne with hope — maybe they can be idols here, and for the better. He'll talk to Takasugi about othee things later. Right now, he only wishes everyone from his village were here to see him. Maybe then, they would remember who he was, or what he set out to do...]

Kyaha, I'm looking forward to that! Whatever we get, dibs on the center futon! Niki, I bet we could ask for more rice from these ladies after we—

2/2

[hanikamu]

[They're gone.

Huh? They were here just a second ago. There's nowhere to hide in the paddy fields but the water. He can't imagine why they would.]

Niki, you smell anything funny?

1/2

[hanabee]

[Dinner and a performance, just for them... That sounds nice. Even with all their faith placed in Takasugi, the past few weeks had still been busy and a little nerve-wracking (though Niki had worked hard to hide it). He'd never been opposed to trying to escape that place, but that didn't mean it wasn't also a little scary to do so. It wasn't the same as hopping into a plane or onto a boat and going to some unfamiliar but still known destination. There was no telling where they'd end up or if they'd even end up there at all... Takasugi had even said so himself! So having an opportunity to really, truly relax, even if it's only brief, would be more than welcome. Niki thought the other two particularly needed it. Maybe the music would help to soothe the soul of the one who'd willingly given up something he admitted he couldn't live without, and maybe the food would help to ease the heart of the one who could only dream of the possibility of seeing a certain someone again.

Well, that assumes that all goes well tonight, of course. But Niki's already cheerfully humming to himself while they walk and talk, imagining dinner and fresh rice and maybe they can convince the ladies to give them some eggs, too, and...]

[hanabee]

Nii?

[But then Rinne asks that question and Niki suddenly stops. Admittedly, he wasn't paying a ton of attention to their surroundings, so he doesn't even know why he asks, but he still sniffs the air to try and figure out what he's talking about.

Sniff, sniff.

Hmm...]

Yeah, I think so, actually. Something smells a little weird. Um... [He glances around for a moment, making sure there isn't anyone nearby to offend.] And by "weird," I mean bad. It smells really bad.

[Like something rotting... Like garbage.]

( 1 / 2 )

[takasugi]

Hmm?

( but it doesn't take long to reach takasugi's nose either. it wiggles, then scrunches up for every step.

the foul scent is unmistakable, the sort that twists ones bones out of shape if they're not used to it. it seeps into the systems of the body—cardiovascular, respiratory—and makes its way down to the soak in the guts of the earth, the earth that's just down a winding off shoot towards a couple thatched homes, where takasugi can't help but push forward in a different direction.

after all, he knows what it is, even if he isn't fond of it. most who were human wouldn't be.

still, when he peeks around the corner of a building and sees bruised skin marked black and blue, the bodies stacked and barely covered by straw and woven bags— )

( 2 / 2 )

[takasugi]

( takasugi's ears perk to attention immediately.

he whips his arm back, slapping his palm against the first to follow up behind him in an attempt to keep them from looking.

to keep either of them from looking, as he digs his heels in to hold his ground. )

[hanikamu]

[ The impact of Takasugi's palm against Rinne's broad chest pushes him a step back. The man is focused, brows furrowed and ears alert. Rinne thinks back to that time at those tunnels in Kelesis, when he only had the samurai to thank for his life. ]

Urk...!

[ The familiar stench of rot fills his nostrils before he can cover his nose. He's afraid to know what it is. He thinks he already does.

He grabs Niki's wrist and gets into position. They can run back, but would that be worse? ]

Shinsaku, you saw 'em back there too, didn't you? I couldn't get closer, but they smelled just like—

[ Three foxes, familiar with each other with all their senses. Is it any wonder that his nose would pick up on this much? ]

[hanabee]

[When Rinne grabs him, Niki instinctively moves closer to him. The other two seem to have noticed something he hasn't. (But this isn't surprising. There are things the two of them know and have experiences with that Niki can only even begin to imagine, so it's just a given.) He may not know what it is, exactly, but honestly, he doesn't have to. He does know that the smell is getting worse, however, and he covers his nose with his free hand in order to not let it seep too deeply into his nostrils. He really doesn't need to get sick, too! Especially not now.]

Should we go back?

[At least there wasn't such a stench back there... But that didn't necessarily mean it was safer, he realizes. Maybe if they just go around instead... Either way, he's sure they can't stay here.]

[takasugi]

We should do more than go back, actually. We should reassess everything I bought into just moments ago, because—

( shuffling back, now. there's an edge in takasugi's tone as he scrutinizes the view of the village from here. his hands, having minds of their own at this point, continue to push them along. to pivot them around and keep them in front of him, their backs now pointed towards all that cruelty. for all his thin frame beneath broad strokes of white might remind others that he's not as bulky as he seems at first glance, for now, takasugi's posture is that of a much larger fox on alert.

his sandaled foot finds a thick pine branch nestled off the path, which he kicks from the ground only to catch it in mid-air, lightly hopping on the balls of his feet.

then he tosses it rinne's way, just expecting him to snag it without much trouble. )

Who could've guessed our own kind were lurking about here? Or maybe they're the real deal, and we're just a bunch of amateurs who've been trying to play their part all along.

( his tail bristles, though not entirely out of a need for caution.

maybe it's the thrill of the hunt, or in knowing that they might be being watched this very second. come to think, he should've scouted the place more thoroughly before agreeing to a proposal that sounded too good to be true. the other two needed to recover after such a distressing experience, though... and the thought of clapping his hands together at a bar to a small-town performance of theirs had been beyond appealing to takasugi.

keep your cool, shinsaku. a hero of choshu like himself has gone against the odds plenty of times, so he won't panic in front of them. those firm, plum blossom eyes of his flit between both rinne and niki. )

I'm not taking a closer look at what's behind us, but the way I see it, we have two choices here. Continue to play dumb and dig deeper into what's really going on tonight, or find out how they're getting around and hoof our way out of here. Literally. I didn't see a single car.

[hanikamu]

[Rinne catches the branch effortlessly and slashes the air, the whipping sound a crack in the silence.]

I ain't too keen on sticking around when no one wants a show.

[Behind the smirk, worry tugs at the back of his mind. Back in his hometown, violence was never this senseless. But in swathes of the countryside away from the capital, far from the eye of society, it was easier to succumb to one's baser desires. Foxes of legend loved when humans would do as much.]

But if it's a piece of ass they wanted, they woulda stripped it to the bone by now. Whatever we got for 'em, I'm pretty sure it ain't fried tofu.

[And Takasugi can't face that alone.]

Know anything about what these foxes eat, Niki?

[hanabee]

Um, I'm kinda afraid the answer might be us.

[He's not entirely following their conversation, but it's clear from the way Takasugi seems to be doubting his choice suddenly and the way Rinne accepts the branch with ease that he understands it's probably really not good. Still...]

But, uh... you know, it's not like we're cute, innocent little bunny rabbits or anything. We eat meat, too. [He'd never liked to rely on this part of himself, but if they have to, he will.] So... I think we'll be okay, as long as we stick together.

[Although now, he's already feeling guilty that he raised such a fuss over the sword thing earlier. He's not afraid, exactly, but he doesn't want to be alone, either, and... Well, that means he's already becoming an unnecessary added burden to the others, and the last thing he wants is to make their lives harder than he already has. They can come back to that later, however. First things first.]

I'll do whatever you guys wanna do. There's no telling how long we're gonna be stuck here, though. [Even in Karteria, Niki had never imagined that they'd be stranded there as long as they were, so that feels like something they have to consider.] So, I mean, we might have to figure out what's going on here either way, right?

[takasugi]

Meat.

( fingers tap along his hip. )

In other words, we should have a decoy. You two can get the horses while I create a distraction that can be heard for miles. Better that than us strolling in like promised while they eliminate our escape route. Unless talking is what you want to do?

( another tap of finger.

it's practically itching to reach back at a moment's notice, the pile of bodies still lingering against a building behind them. )

[hanikamu]

Nah, I'm good.

[With that, Rinne does something he hasn't had to do in a long time.

From a blind spot, he strikes at a pressure point in Takasugi's neck, knocking him out instantly.]

[hanabee]

[ASDFASDFA???

It all happens so fast. Rinne moves, and Takasugi's body goes limp, and even though Niki was here to witness it, he still can't believe what he's seeing!!]

Why would you do that? [Like. He knows Rinne and he's sure that he has a plan, but...] You know I trust you. But why would you do that? I'm pretty sure he's stronger than both of us. Is now really a good time for this?

[...wait. Wait. No, Niki has an even bigger concern now! He takes a cautious step backward.]

Please don't tell me I'm next. I won't forgive you if I'm next!

[hanikamu]

[There's no need to smile now. With an irritated frown, Rinne foists Takasugi onto Niki. Maybe that'll shut him up before the foxes find them.]

Quit yapping and start running. Get him to the horses. He's alive and kicking now, but one of these days, he'll start coughing blood again and I ain't gonna risk it.

[He takes one of the swords Takasugi bought for them — a functional katana light enough to carry anywhere. Direct combat isn't his style, and he'd like to avoid the use of weapons if he can help it, but with the circumstances they have now, they don't have much choice.

He shuts his eyes as he brings Niki's temple close to touch his own. Until they reach a more peaceful city, it's all the affection he's willing to give.]

I'll see what's going on and distract them. Don't wait for me.

[takasugi]

Mnh,

( takasugi, meanwhile, only groans lightly against niki.

he's heavier with no literal awareness, a literal bag of potatoes that furrows its brow to then go back to being completely silent. out like a light. his features lose their sharpness what with him having nothing to react to and nothing about him that seems intent on doing more than lolling his head forward as if he's asleep. )

[hanabee]

[Truthfully, when Rinne pushes Takasugi on him, Niki actually feels pretty relieved. He really thought he was going to knock him out, too! Sure, it would have been counterproductive, but for all he knew, that could have been part of Rinne's plan, too. For as deeply and sincerely as they knew each other, Niki didn't always completely understand his plans until it was too late.]

I still can't believe you did that. He's totally gonna think I was in on it, you know?

[Jeez... But Niki sighs in defeat, the touch helping to ease his anxious heart as he leans into it. He holds Takasugi up as best as he can while he places his other hand on Rinne's arm.]

Please don't do anything stupid. [He gives his arm a squeeze.] I know how you are. But if something happens to you, there's no point.

[In anything. Not in them coming here, or Takasugi's sacrifice, or anything at all.]

So, you want us to run. But where are we supposed to go? And how will you know where to find us?

[He's not trying to hold them up, but he's going to make him think about this before they go.]

[hanikamu]

[ The grip reminds him there's another warm body he has yet to comfort. He slips his fingers under the man's cherry blossom locks and touches his forehead to say a silent prayer. Despite their similar lots in life, something tells Rinne the gods have always been in Takasugi's favor.

It's with this favor that Rinne can put on a little more bravado. ]

Hah! You act like you don't know the first thing about me. Wherever there's idols, you can bet your ass I'll come running! I wouldn't miss a show of yours for the world.

Tell Shinsaku he can kill me later. I got some foxes to hunt!

[ Before Niki can get another word in, Rinne quietly ascends the stairs, winds around a corner, and peers into the building. Even spirits need their entertainment — even if it isn't in the shape they want.

It sure is dark inside... And he'd rather not look down at the stench below. ]

[hanabee]

Sorry, Prez. [Niki gently pats Takasugi on the back before he repositions himself, getting his arm over his shoulder just like he'd always do with a certain drunken companion.] I'd feel a lot better if you were awake, personally, but sometimes, all we can do is just trust him.

[Rinne puts on his usual bravado and quickly disappears. When you know Rinne as well as Niki does, it only inspires so much confidence... or, rather, it only does so much to ease his heart. Still... Niki trusts this person with his life and so much more, so he'll continue to believe in him no matter what.

And, when he thinks about it... Well, maybe what Rinne says isn't so unbelievable, anyway. If their bond still exists and isn't just a matter of being in Karteria, then they'll surely be drawn to each other eventually.

...no, even without that, it'll definitely work out. It's fate, after all.

So, Niki starts to haul Takasugi away, sniffing the air as he goes. Horses, horses... There's gotta be something like that nearby.

Eventually, he picks up their scent and makes a beeline toward them. But as he goes...]

Jeez. He does know I don't even know how to ride a horse, right?

[He's just complaining to himself. He wonders how long it will take Takasugi to wake up, though. And, actually...]

...just how exactly am I supposed to get you up here?

[Hm, hm... Well, don't mind him. He'll figure it out!]

[takasugi]

What do they teach you in idol school? Nothing?

( crackles a familiar voice from below. )

Make sure you saddle Shinsaku in front of you so he doesn't roll off and get a concussion.

[hanabee]

No, no, this definitely isn't anything an idol should ever need to know.

[Goodness! But actually, it's pretty nice to hear Shinsaku-chan's voice again. It's yet another reason that he can't lose his cool.]

Don't worry, Shinsaku-chan. I won't let anything happen to our Prez. Once I get him up there, the rest should be a piece of cake.

[...he hopes!]

How are you doing, by the way?

[Shinsaku-chan is just a little guy in a computer, technically, but Niki knows he has feelings, too.

...well, it's not like he expects honesty or anything. But a little conversation while he figures this out will do him some good, he thinks. Maybe if he uses the horse as leverage, he can push Takasugi the rest of the way onto it...?]