onifukuchou | [action] | Introductions

[action] | Introductions

[One moment there's a nice empty spot on the floor of the tea house - and the the next moment it is filled with a rather tall, grumpy-looking man, with wings as black as his hair. He is also wearing just the white cloth pants of new arrivals, which affords everyone around him a good view of a rather spectacularly toned set of abs. Unfortunately, he looks like he might bite.

He glances around, rubs his eyes, glances around again to find that nothing has changed, and that this doesn't look like any teahouse in Shimabara he can remember. Which doesn't rule out that he's been here, just that it wasn't while sober. His hand goes for where his katana should be - and then he realizes that it, along with his clothing, are gone.]

...The hell is going on here?

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You don't have to, of course.

[He pulls his book from his sleeve and sets it on the edge of the stairs, opening it and pressing the play button. Instantly a random voice entry starts playing.]

But it'd be fairly silly considering.

[To his credit, he doesn't actually jump at the SUDDENLY TALKING BOOK, but he does give it a look like it might grow legs and teeth and try to eat him]

What sort of magic is that?

I don't really know, but it's strange isn't it?

[In fact... He pulls the book back and writes a note private to Ayumu:

Ayumu-san, he's returned. If you would see to airing out Hijikata-san's room, I'll be bringing him to the house soon.

That should do it. He closes the book and smiles at Hijikata.]

And it's very handy. I just sent a message to the house that you'll be coming by.

[Still looking skeptical, though he relaxes a little. Just a little]

Where you live, I assume?

Yes. Where we all live.

[He pauses, glancing up at Hijikata as he walks up the steps to finally emerge fully onto the second floor.]

....She's here. And she's doing very well.

[Hijikata knows a lot of 'she's, though he can only think of one who Souji would know too. Except that can't be possible - he saw Yamazaki Ayumu's corpse, saw what had been done to her.

He tries to hide the twist of guilt in his stomach at that thought and answers gruffly-]

'She'?

...

[Yes. She. Souji walks forward and shows Hijikata his book, open to a page where Ayumu has an entry.]

She's safe here, Hijikata-san. I know it seems impossible, but the Malnosso - our captors - can take us from anywhere and anytime; even after that.

[the book is talking at him again, but that voice - it's hers, can only be hers - Susumu could mimic his sister's appearance, but he could always tell their voices apart, at least. And this one is like a knife to the gut. He had failed her as a leader, and now he'd have to face that in person.]

[He doesn't let it play for long, closing the book soon after seeing Hijikata's face. He knew it would be hard on him. It was always hard on him and nothing would ever ease the guilt of what had happened - what was going to happen. Souji walks forward and puts a hand on Hijikata's arm.]

It wasn't your fault, Hijikata-san, and now she's very happy here. It's like it was before and as long as she's here, it always will be.

[Damn you, Souji, for being able to read him like a book. He's quiet for a moment, internally composing himself so he doesn't sound too emotional or embarrassing]

That's... good.

[He pats Hijikata's arm once, a soft smile on his lips.

Then he decides that all this heavy atmosphere is bad for both of them. He reaches up and pokes Hijikata in the cheek, laughing lightly.]

You'll need to work on your usual grumpy face, you know. I'm taking you back there and I don't think this is how she'll want to see you.