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

[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...?]

( 1 / 2 )

[takasugi]

I'm the only one who can't be harmed by physical means, so pretty good, actually. But seriously, why'd you let Amagi Rinne do something so hopelessly reckless? Don't you think you should've stepped in and deterred him more while we're lacking the information?

( he breaks up slightly, static noise that amounts to little more than a lot of yapping. )

No matter how strong he may be, Shinsaku's the one known for always slipping out of tough situations. It'd be hard to count how many times I... he's had to avoid capture in life. ... Hey. You're paying attention, right? I hope you are. This won't even be the worst of it, after all. If anything, Shinsaku will be--

( 2 / 3 ) nm

[takasugi]

( will be stirring from a position that's in-between mounting and in-between standing, his weight distribution hard to maintain with how unresponsive he's been.

the heavy breathing of an animal is the first thing takasugi becomes cognizant of, in and out and vibrating loud enough in his ears to make his chest tremble. it's so terrifically close. closer than his brain thinks it ought to be as it slowly revs back to life, all the exhaustion in him like ropes tugging taut on a body that doesn't know how to move. he needs to move, though. there's an urgent reason for it that he can't quite remember just yet, a piercing throb against the inside of his skull.

which doesn't explain why his neck feels so...

.......

takasugi blinks, then blinks again. words and noises ease. as his claws rap lightly against the hide of an animal trained to endure the strike of its master, takasugi fixes his confused stare directly on the one who's trying to shove him up it. )

Shiina-kun... ?

( 3 / 3 )

[takasugi]

( then, gripping him on the shoulder rougher than he's ever been before, a nasty smirk painting across his face: )

Shiina-kun.

( squeeze. )

You've got five seconds to tell me where he is, and if you were involved in that cute little jab at my neck.

[hanabee]

[aaaaAAAAAHHH THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HE WAS WORRIED ABOUT!! He looks away with a wince.]

I'm innocent, I'm innocent! [He's so dead! Rinne is the worst for this!! He lifts an arm to shield himself. It's all instinct, really.] I had no idea what he was gonna do, I swear!

[He would never do something like that to him! ...unless Rinne asked. But he didn't do that this time!! Maybe he just won't say that part...

Niki lets out a sigh.]

He stayed back to figure out what was going on. I think he's probably planning to catch up with us with, you know... the imprint.

[Maybe. Probably. He keeps to himself the fact that Rinne was worried about him. That probably wouldn't sit well with Takasugi at all. Instead...]

For now, I think we should probably find some place for him to come back to. He said you can kill him later.

[...somehow, he thinks Takasugi's still gonna kill him!]

[takasugi]

( flinch all you want, shiina niki. it's not going to save you.

still, takasugi doesn't do much more than maintain his icy smile. he could dig his claws into niki to further punctuate his point, but there's no time for that, and most importantly, he doesn't think the pain will make a difference. his grip releases, the hand retracting back to hang uselessly in the air. )

You want to sit around until the imprint tells us something? Tell me you're joking.

( it almost hisses out his mouth, the obvious distaste. )

No doing. I'll just find him and kill him now.

( he punches out a laugh at the end, but the usual amusement is hardly there.

the beat of his heart is so agonizing quick right now, that if niki weren't here, he'd probably take a fist and start slamming it against his chest. stop it. everything's fine. it won't turn out like that, with his fingers reaching for what's left of something be can't hold on to anymore, and... )

And you're coming with me, so don't just stand there looking stupid.

( the following motion comes so quick, one might miss it if they blink.

takasugi pivots on a heel to angle himself at niki's side, hoisting him up and onto the back of the horse with a throw. there's a nervous whinny from the animal at the sudden weight, followed by an understanding snort as the former commander of the kiheitai leaps on up to sit in front. he nudges his feet into its sides, stirring it forward. )

Hold on tight, Shiina-kun!

( because takasugi leans into its neck, eager to steer it back towards the inn. )

[hanabee]

[It goes without saying that, despite being close in height and despite his condition, Takasugi is faster and stronger and Niki couldn't resist being thrown up onto the horse even if he tried. What was a struggle for Niki is something that Takasugi does with seemingly practiced ease. It's not surprising, but the difference in their ability is staggering!

Yet, even realizing that... Ack. Maybe he was worried about the wrong thing, he thinks. He mumbles, though it isn't too subtle:]

Rinne-kun's gonna kill me.

[But if HiMERU and Kohaku were here... This is probably what they would want, too. They would never leave Rinne alone, and together, the three of them would—

...but he still feels a little guilty about it. Even if no one else in the entire world believed in Rinne, Niki always would. But it's also true that he's worried. But also...

He does as Takasugi demands and wraps his arms around his waist. The horse starts to move and it's a little dizzying to him, but Niki's sure Takasugi won't fall, so he holds onto him tight. He's probably ridden a horse plenty, right? That seems like an old-time-y thing. It's always like that in the movies.]

Um... I know he kinda deserves it, but when we find him, will you go easy on him? [He feels a little silly asking. Especially when...] Or... It's kinda my fault, too. It's just so hard to argue with him when he's like that...

[But this is just the kind of person Rinne is. He's just following his heart. He doesn't think he should be punished for that.]

[takasugi]

( he won't fall. even for as off as he was feeling, the dry, scraping sensation between both lungs making him sweat, takasugi won't fall. he owes it to them both and to the firm grip in his side to hold it together.

but as niki begs for mercy, takasugi doesn't look back. his ears remain upright, poised to listen this way and that.

the country steed trots along paths put to memory with little resistance, the sound of hooves clopping in the silence just enough to give life to the nightmares in his imagination. they're so familiar that you'd think he'd get used to them, but he never does. in his mind, they're always there: confident men just waiting for something to gnaw on their rotting bones since they have nothing left. so it doesn't matter if he meets rinne's wishes in this instance or if he's as compliant as niki in letting things slide. after all, he wasn't brought back to life to listen to someone's orders.

very gradually now, though, they'll be back outside stone steps that lead up to a sliding door, the familiar stench of deadened desire laying down off the path. when takasugi makes to slide off their ride, he's careful to help niki down as well, leg over and down and feet to the ground. as the pulse of a bond they have with their third tickles the thin skin of his ears like a whisper on the wind, takasugi perks his head up towards the unknown.

whatever's truly behind this sliding door, ... they'll discover it together now. )

1/4 this got away from me

[hanikamu]

[ Whatever happens before this, Rinne would rather not say.

A monarch wasn't trained in espionage the way a soldier was. Diversion, infiltration — these were tactics he only read from books. Stratagems he never had the natural opportunity to apply himself. So, he created it. In his mind, he didn't have a choice. It was more humane to kill game swiftly, more just to smuggle knowledge he would have never learned, and even wiser to prevent the enemy from ever reaching your camp. He never liked the burden that came with responsibility, but if there's a need to have a sword in hand, he's more than willing to carry the weight behind it. All Niki and Takasugi want to do is party, right? Rinne, too. That's why...

From the darkness, a powdered hand reaches out him. A hand so elegant and delicate in appearance that, when it grabs him by the front of his shirt, he is shocked and stripped of all his defenses. No text nor tutor prepared him for this. The hand pulls him in.

Suddenly, the world is nothing but the cloying scent of camellia and warm orange lights.

"My, my! Look at him, dear," says the woman with a singsong lilt and fox-like smile. She twirls Rinne around and pushes him with a strength she shouldn't have. "What a fine specimen he is. You rarely see this kind around these parts now."

Her long-lashed friend catches him. "Oh, he's so much better than the last one! He looks like the ones from up north." She gives his muscular arm a squeeze — before tearing his shirt in two. "Those are so much meatier—"

"Patience." The bespectacled fox woman yanks him out of their grasp. Her stern gaze regards his face once. Her manicured hand regards his chest twice. ]

Hngh...!

[ The sound is enough to lift her brow. She hums. Her fangs shine in the dim light as her pink tongue licks the spot of milk off her palm. "He tastes like a vixen, but appears like a man..." She shoves him back at the powdered hands and long lashes. "Keep him alive. Dress him. I'll report this to Her Majesty."

"Understood."

"Got it!"

The bespectacled fox woman leaves the dressing room, and the two start dressing him up. Every effort to throw them off is met with a grip that could draw blood. ]

What the fuck is going on? Who the hell are you?

2/4

[hanikamu]

[ As the fox woman with the long lashes dresses Rinne in silks, the powdered hands with her singsong voice replies, "Oh? Are you not the performer we asked for? We were told there would be more, but that's alright. It's all about quality over quantity, and so long as we have a full house, well... You'll be making us and the madam the happiest women alive. You're a seasoned performer, aren't you, dear?" ]

Heh! Depends on the kind of performing I'll be doing, ma'am. And by the looks of it, this show ain't for the kiddies...

[ "What a smart boy you are!" she says, nails digging into his cheeks as her sweet praise drips with condescension. "Her Majesty will be very pleased with you." She starts tying him up. At this point, Rinne knows better than to fight it.

"Or kill you," the long-lashed fox woman offers as she pulls on the ropes until the dig into the cleavage of his broad chest. "It's not up to us. But usually, she wants us to kill you." ]

...

'Cause I'm from the north?

3/5 i can count

[hanikamu]

[ The fox women never answer. They bring the Rinne up on stage before he knows it. From where he stands, tied up witn rope, the room before him is an open hall that reeks of booze and sweat, full of rowdy, rugged men that could break his bones in two.

How is he supposed to perform like this?

"Is that... a male fox? No way... I thought they went extinct!"

"Gyahaha, bet he's tighter than a catgirl, that one!"

Rinne grips the hem of his silk sleeves. Before anything else, he's grateful for Niki and Takasugi. If he had lived the city alone, surely, he could have known a life like this. He once begged his neighbors for food, but here, he would have learned how low one could make another grovel until one kissed the ground and their own feet. It fills him with anger. As he stands there and takes their jeers, he could almost breathe fire. Back home, they would beat him black and blue, but at least they'd never dare subject a monarch to such indignity.

... At least?

No. For someone born a mistake, all roads lead to death. If that's the case, then his mission hasn't changed. As always, there's only one path for Rinne to take. ]