pillar of fortitude

[animepopheart]

★ 【Taro】 「 Ayato 」 ☆ ✔ republished w/permission ⊳ ⊳ follow me on twitter

[guardiancypress]

"Oh, no concerns about it tasting great." Amusement dances across his features. Surely he'd be able to dress it up. "I have no clue who I'll have taste test it, but certainly someone would be willing."

"Would you like some, for the sake of nostalgia? Of course, I'd be more than willing to pay for it." Curiosity was worth most prices, at least within his means here.

"Often food that tastes poorly either has great nutritional value, or is simply some sort of abomination someone, somewhere, decided was worth tasting. Sometimes its both."

@deathpacito

[guardiancypress]

"Anything here from your own world?" The words came to him casually as he looked up at the other on the Star Trail, eyebrow quirked before popping his own snack into his mouth.

There was certainly some...Strange food here, and he was particularly enticed by anything he wasn't able to eat at home. Or, hopefully, strange enough he could have Thoma try it when he returned.

"Please do share which, if so, particularly if it's strange and edible." So he can make a note of it, of course. For no particular reason at all...

@deathpacito

[occultacarne]

@guardiancypress

Sun looks over the other's shoulder curiously. An eyebrow arches and then he's moving so that now he's standing in front of the other, "Do you need help with that? It can be a little confusing at first."

[guardiancypress]

"Oh?" He looks over to the other, holding his phone up. What to do - while he did know some rudimentary functions of the phone, he certainly didn't know all of it, as it certainly wasn't commonplace in Inazuma.

...But it would be fun to mess with this guy a little bit - his face looked like he'd be fun to tease.

"Yes, of course. It can be pretty confusing. Where I'm from, these things can be quite dangerous..." His tone was purposefully ominous, and he even puts a hand to his mouth - as though he cannot bear to speak of such things...

"If you could help, that would be wonderful, truly."

[yaboieggyolk]

his water sword was very fun to paint hoho (still gave me much suffering though)

[guardiancypress]

;; i kind of dropped off the face of the planet this month, but here’s a starter call, capped at 3, with castmates exempt!

[eiternal-deactivated20241227]

guardiancypress​:

Her response is difficult to measure, but he knew his reply struck the balance of honesty required without speaking out of line. While she would appreciate his candor, there was a time and place to reveal his personality, and now certainly wasn’t it. At her thanks, he places a hand on his chest and bows lightly.

“I do not believe most expect recompense in any capacity, and the whisper I hear of those who do are those who I expect were ousted from their positions after the war ended. Even still, there are many who seek to use their political positions to their advantage at the cost of the people.” Of course, he knows of a few such individuals, some he has taken care of and reported accordingly, and others that he was waiting for the opportune time to take out.

“But it is the duty of those who serve you to walk that path, at times. Regardless of what people think of their leader, all parties must do their respective jobs. The Kamisato Clan - the Yashiro Commission - is no different, even in times of political upheaval.” And he had done everything in his power to ensure the Kamisato Clan did not lose any of the standing he had gained it. “Naturally, as I said, there are those who seek to take advantage of it, but there are many who are simply happy that Inazuma is at a state of relative peace.”

“That does, however, bring my own question, if I may.” He omits her title, at her behest.

“You ‘will not allow any harm to come to our lands’ - does that include from our own people?”

🗲 Ei knew the sort of people to which Ayato was referring. After the Vision Hunt Decree was abolished, there was a power vacuum within the Tenryou Commission when it came to the position of commissioner. She had no doubts that the head of the Kamisato clan would have heard about this incident, which she had intervened in as one of her first acts once returning to the mortal realm. 

She accepted his words, but her own doubts lingered. Did she deserve even the chance that some of her people were willing to give her? She was both the ruler and god of Inazuma, so surely there were those that felt like they could not speak out against her as well. There was nary a soul in her nation that was strong enough to remove her by force. It was a quandary that she knew she inherently in the wrong with, but such was Inazuma’s tradition.

Such was Makoto’s desire for her to rule in her place.

“Should it not include our own people, for some reason? If our people are threatened by themselves, then certainly it still makes sense to punish the aggressors.” The implications of her words did not escape her, but in her mind it was still the correct response. With the Vision Hunt Decree she had inadvertently started a civil war with her own governing body as the aggressor. 

She only hoped the Kamisato boy understood the nuance of what she was saying, rather than fixating on past mistakes. “Are you concerned about how I might make a judgment on which side is considered the “harmful” one were such an incident were to arise? Perhaps you could consult me now on what you believe the best way to handle such a situation might be.”

[guardiancypress]

Of course, she had intervened - but it was close to home, close to the Shogunate itself. Naturally, even the most selfish of figureheads would have dealt with such matters. He had seen that, as well. It would be seen as a move that was for the people of their area, but heads of lands and families would typically only rid their lands of troublemakers if it was a threat to their own rule.

Thus, when the Raiden Shogun began to pay more attention, dealing with the treachery of the Tenryou Commission would be a natural first step. It would both force others in similar powerful positions to behave, it would show the people that the Shogunate was dealing with internal treachery that threatens our country.

But that does not mean that such shows of power did not have their own ends.

So he wished to know.

"I am honored to be offered a consulting position - here or back in Inazuma. While I do have my own opinions and methods, I must point out that I am in a position in which my own decisions must needs be arbitrated by you, as there are few else even equal or higher than myself."

"At the very least, I am comforted that you intend to protect Inazuma from internal threats, going forward." And it was not simply a clean-up effort.

"I imagine the leadership at Watasumi Island would feel similarly comforted by that fact, or even are, given that we've begun moving forward with reconnecting our disparate factions."

[guardiancypress]

There was little in his past that he held as of the utmost secrecy, or something that may entirely damn him. At least, not in regards to his family and his childhood. Perhaps were there some to see the bloodshed at his hands, then there may be questions.

The answer could, perhaps even would, be one shore in steel.

His story, in fact, due to his position, was relatively well-known. It played out before his eyes now - two young siblings, orphaned at a young age, a house in disarray. Himself, still with the rounded face of childhood, sitting at the head of the table, meeting with advisors whose serpentine smiles were exaggerated in this memory - the memory of a child - more akin to masks than faces.

A scene of him - young, an early combat brought about by a foiled assassination attempt that he had been too naive and inexperienced to foil, covered in blood and holding his family blade too tightly and looking shocked.

He sensed the other’s approach even before he heard him.

At least, he supposed, it was better that it was Tequila. Someone who knew more of him than he would normally let anyone know - and once again that fact was out of his control.

But, how else?

“I assure you,”

“That I am far more confident with a blade than the child in the mist.” In part for Tequila - a way to maintain the egotism that existed between them - and in part for the other footsteps in the mist. Shambling, too far from them to know who it was, or what it was, but hopefully they would stay away.

@esotericbladework​

[guardiancypress]

Another fox to deal with. His own fox-like features don’t leave his face, the smile that is permanently plastered on his features as he regards the other. He was on the Star Trail, illuminated for the chilled winter evening and slowly moving back to its normal operating procedure now that the festivities are winding down.

He sip at his bubble tea as he regards the fox man who pulled up next to him, gesturing to the...Odd menu.

“The Star Trail really is the place to come try new and odd food, hm?”

“Although the fox I know is certainly a mischievous one - I imagine tricking people into eating unique foods isn’t the only rascality you get up to.” The person whom he had recommended the Savory Flower Tea to looked back with some measure of shock as they await their order, seemingly unaware that the recommendation had been a lark.

@moonmemor​

[guardiancypress]

eiternal​:

🗲 Ei certainly had some measure of it. How her people felt, even if she could not relate to their feelings. That was the wall that existed between the divine that had been removed from mortals and those who lived fleeting lives. Once upon a time she might have dismissed the needs of her people as “trivial” and “unnecessary”, because in her mind as a god she naturally knew better. But that had been misguided. And while she had learned better since, and was trying to learn even more, the cost of life for her to come upon that realization had become far too great.

The people Inazuma could not truly have faith in a god like that, she knew it. But the role of Archon was not something she could abandon either. Even if she followed in Morax’s footsteps… this was the role Makoto had intended for her. She would not disrespect her final intentions.

Words from the Kamisato clan’s head did not sting her. She listened earnestly as he confirmed things that she had suspicions of. This young man did not have the context of others. That Inazuma had been governed by a puppet for 500 years, that the original Archon was dead, and that the twin sister who had been left behind had only recently returned to the position. But that did not need to be said, and she knew that it would only be an excuse. 

“…I see. Thank you for your candid answer.” It would have been easy for him to butter her up because of her post, and there were certainly those that had tried in the wake of the Vision Hunt Decree’s end in order to score cheap political points. But Ei was not foolish enough to not see through them. “I do not think the way you feel is incorrect, nor is the way any Inazuman feels about me is incorrect considering all that I’ve done.”

She paused a moment, but eventually turned her back to him. The Shogun was merely mulling over what to say, since words at times like these did not come as naturally as they had to her sister. “I cannot return what has been taken, and I cannot simply right my wrongs. But I am going to do what I can for Inazuma’s people moving forward as it’s Archon. I will not allow any harm to come to our lands… Regardless of how the people feel of me.”

Her response is difficult to measure, but he knew his reply struck the balance of honesty required without speaking out of line. While she would appreciate his candor, there was a time and place to reveal his personality, and now certainly wasn’t it. At her thanks, he places a hand on his chest and bows lightly.

“I do not believe most expect recompense in any capacity, and the whisper I hear of those who do are those who I expect were ousted from their positions after the war ended. Even still, there are many who seek to use their political positions to their advantage at the cost of the people.” Of course, he knows of a few such individuals, some he has taken care of and reported accordingly, and others that he was waiting for the opportune time to take out.

“But it is the duty of those who serve you to walk that path, at times. Regardless of what people think of their leader, all parties must do their respective jobs. The Kamisato Clan - the Yashiro Commission - is no different, even in times of political upheaval.” And he had done everything in his power to ensure the Kamisato Clan did not lose any of the standing he had gained it. “Naturally, as I said, there are those who seek to take advantage of it, but there are many who are simply happy that Inazuma is at a state of relative peace.”

“That does, however, bring my own question, if I may.” He omits her title, at her behest.

“You ‘will not allow any harm to come to our lands’ - does that include from our own people?”

[guardiancypress]

esotericbladework​:

SO HE’D USED THEM ALREADY, coming from an answer as that. not that he’s hardly surprised on the matter, given the mischievous nature that follows him, accented with that hint of mystery. and just as he did, it would seem he waited to note the effects before indulging in those habits. smart, or better yet, one with a pinch of common sense to it. ❝ You wouldn’t happen to be thinking of pranking me where I stand, too, would you? ❞ his question was an innocent one, guised in a form of carefree impulse than the underlying curiosity of if this man would do so. no, tequila knows best of all that he likely wouldn’t be exempt from schemes, nor would he expect to be. though their other selves may be involved, that had no bearing on who they may ever be in the future so long as he saw to it.

so he lets his casual smile remain, never betraying much beyond it, not unless you were one of the few who could see right through him to his very core

❝ That’s not a problem. It isn’t as if I was hiding it from people that I didn’t put much thought into it on this occasion. ❞ he may as well be forward with it, given his look is more normal than some others who have gone all out, ayato included. ❝ The costume, itself, is nothing special. I chose to be a card dealer mostly because I take an interest to poker. It was a fun game, and getting your opponent to fold was the real win beyond the poker chips, ❞ he explains, a relatively normal conclusion as he allows ayato to keep leading toward the floor.

at the word scandalous, however, he can’t help but give an almost laugh. ❝ Nothing like that. Well, I guess it could be, put in the right place. Surely many things back in Dossoles were labeled as scandals. ❞ and considering he was one to hide cards up his sleeve, perhaps ayato was hitting a little too close to his core, much to his hidden discomfort. ❝ Haha, I could have chosen far more scandalous things were that the point. But we didn’t come here to play or talk cards. If you would like me to lead, I’d be willing to oblige. Whether it’s a guide, dance partner, or anything in my capability, you can rest easy with me taking care of it. ❞

“Is this not a ‘prank’ now? Unless...” He trails off suggestively, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. Of course, it was simple, casual. There would be no intention of romance nor a date of any kind. It was a simple exchange between two people who, while not walking in similar social circles, had a connection in a place as strange as this. As removed as this. Connected before they had even met, really, and those memories held under lock and key would be the closest thing to, well, closeness that would blossom from this.

Because, in truth, they likely knew each other best on this island. So it would behoove them both to keep the other close. A hand taken toward the dance floor, and swept into the organized turmoil of the ballroom, with a remark on the matter (”Do lead, I’ve little experience beyond what the other knew regarding dance.”). Another lyrical laugh leaves his lips as they reach the dance floor, however. “A card dealer - I have an interest in card games myself. Truthfully, I enjoy anything that involves competition. It allows me to...Use my professional skills in a different setting.”

“But I have never played poker. You should teach me. That is, if you’re willing to fold, yourself.” The threat was playful, if honest. He was truthful about his interest in competitive games, and he knew his counterpart had been a ranked player on the island of quite a variety of card games.

But scandals - “In Inazuma, simply dancing together in this way would be a bit of a scandal, given my political position.” A smirk, “A few cards hidden here or there, or a strategically placed count of the deck would pale in comparison. Either way, it’s the person who is caught in their scandal who bears the weakness. Blades must be sharp, but minds must ever be sharper.”

[guardiancypress]

eiternal​:

🗲 A quick wave of her hand dismissed his bow. “The formality is unnecessary. The Raiden Shogun without her domain nor her power is little more than a common individual in this place.” In the first place she still didn’t believe she was worthy of the title even back home, but in the end it was what Makoto had wanted for her. These days she lamented how many issues her inexperience and grief had caused.

Even so, she listened attentively to the man’s words. While the times had changed, the importance of the Kamisato clan was still relevant, as was his post amidst the Commission. 

“I see… I understand your point of view and am glad to have your loyalty, even here.” But she dared not ask the question she wanted to. Why? Why, after all she had done, did the people still follow her? There were certainly those that rightfully questioned her motives and competence, and people who had aligned themselves as her enemy during the Vision Hunt Decree. Perhaps, in the end, it would be better to just ask. “Excuse me for being frank, but… For what reason do you still show me this dedication even after my missteps?”

Perhaps formality may be unnecessary for her, but for him, that formality was a shield that separates the two of them by political lines and the landscape he had lived in for his entire life. It was what allowed him to continue acting as the Commissioner even while aiding a rebellion. It was what allowed him to ensure his friend escaped Inazuma safely even while being hunted by the Shogunate.

It was what allowed him to keep his composure, and not technically lie, but not tell the full truth.

Because that was the question, wasn’t it? Why show her any loyalty at all?

It was the uncertainty of it. It was not knowing what or whom would be remembered when they returned to Inazuma. It was the lack of trust - the lack of trust that the Kamisato Family would still be held in the esteem that he and Ayaka had built the clan into. The position of power that kept them safe.

That selfsame show of loyalty, deference, and the safe distance that allowed him to foresee attacks.

“That is a complicated question, of course.” And of course he does not call her by name, even if she would prefer to not be called by title. “The simplest answer would be that I am both the head of the Kamisato Clan and the Yashiro Commissioner. My position within the Shogunate, while not serving directly under it, and in Inazuma as a whole has granted my sister and I a far more comfortable life than my parents had. And, currently in Inazuma, peace rests on the precarious balance afforded to us by those of us who have offered their shoulders. That includes you, at this moment in time.”

It was not his place to forgive, but he would not confess to his own machinations behind the scenes. That wily fox likely was aware of enough for the three of them.

“I suppose the more complicated answer is that my dedication is not to you as an individual, but to Inazuma.” Not the full, complex, answer, but one that could dance along the lines of honesty enough to hopefully provide some measure of satisfaction.

[guardiancypress]

;; It's been a second since my last starter call, so here's a starter call capped at 4 with castmates exempt. Will likely be Winterfes related because why not cause shenanigans

[heavensvoid]

    “ I’ve heard of fancy flower dresses but this is getting to be a bit much.”

 that’s, what, the second bunch of flowers that have sprouted along her bare shoulder? woven around soft skin with thorn-free vines, they’re more perplexing (and slightly annoying) than harmful. Servants don’t get allergies but every time she turns, they tickle her nose and no amount of plucking them off helps. and she really doesn’t feel like taking another shower to be pollen free for about ten minutes.

  nose wrinkling, the Saber huffs loudly. “ I’m getting leaves in places leaves shouldn’t go.”

[guardiancypress]

For himself, his own lies have only been half-sprout at best, leaving only a somewhat stylish array of flowers along the back of his ear. Were it not for the quite public knowledge about such a series of happenings, it may have been mistaken for a fashion accessory.

"It feels more akin to a public shaming than a fashion statement, don't you think?" He puts a hand up to his ear, chuckling. "Although, some of us can have sprouts in more convenient or fashionable places than, well, others." Somehow, he doubted that the woman had any intention to cover her shoulders prior to this.

"Such a series of events does make one wonder what the intention behind them is. Shower us with faires and festivals, only to sprout us with truth-revealing flowers. Unless..."

His gloved hand goes up to his hand in mock surprise. A habit more than anything as a flower sprouts on his palm. Damn these scientists, and yet the 'lie' comes from his lips. "You didn't know?" Even if she knew, he was under the impression of her ignorance, and so feigning his own ignorance of his perception of her ignorance was.

An internal grimace (Technically a lie.)

[eiternal-deactivated20241227]

🗲 “You are the head of the Kamisato clan, are you not?” Having caught sight of him from behind, Ei would have been remiss if she hadn’t at least spoken to him.

“Do not worry, I require nothing of you in a world that is not my own domain. I simply wished to extend a greeting as a fellow hostage.” She probably could have phrased that a little less grimly.

@guardiancypress​

[guardiancypress]

"I am, Your Excellency." His hand goes to his chest as he takes a short bow. Despite her statement of not requiring anything - on the off chance that she remembers this exchange, it would be best to stay in her best possible graces.

And truly, if he was good at anything, it was at least appearing to be doing his job entirely above-board.

"If I may be so bold - while we are hostages in a literal sense, I do not find this situation to be so displaced as much as it is distemperal. After all, there have been many from Inazuma, those of which who maintain their loyalties even in this situation. Naturally," a smile, peaceful, neutral. "The Kamisato Clan, and by extension the Yashiro Commission, do as well. That being said, I do appreciate knowing what your expectations of those politically involved in Inazuma are here."

His features inscrutable, holds his posture appropriately, as one should when addressing their country's leader.

[feistyvampire]

…

He seems pretty gloomy today, compared to his usual demeanor.

[guardiancypress]

Well, never fear, one could suppose, for he has not concept of your usual demeanor. Although one who was adept at reading people may know when something was, well, off.

"From what I understand, this season in general is supposed to be evoking great joy from all involved by default."

A small chuckle. "Although, I do doubt a simple change in decorations should evoke joy in all, don't you? Why, you must agree, with that dour look on your face speaking for you." Not that he was much happier, at the moment.

[guardiancypress]

esotericbladework​:

HALLOWEEN WAS A FOREIGN FESTIVAL, he’s come to understand. one certainly that belongs to here and other realms, far removed from terra itself. that hardly stops the vague curiosity in him about the overall situation. rather, the perro feels more inclined to participate, especially when he’s come to understand the candy itself is relatively safe after standing idly by and seeing others eat it first to witness the effects. and when he finally did partake before heading to the masquerade, the costume he chose wasn’t all that grandeur — merely the guise of a card dealer, casting aside his usual summer attire.

unlike some others, especially the man who had made his presence known to him with a flourished bow. maybe he should have come to expect it, with how bold a personality the yashiro commissioner has come to be seen as. not in pure action, but of wit and more intellectual games than not. so, he smiles, ears perking a little as he does. it was an impressive display, even when his own expression doesn’t reflect much of his inner thoughts on the matter.

❝ Really? I thought you’d end up using it for your own pranks. ❞ while he had never been prey to ayato’s love of questionable cuisine, he’d taken note of it all the same from the few times he’s caught on. ❝ It is convenient, I’ll admit. Having something like this would make it easier to change in the moment, ❞ he’ll acquiesce afterward, the smile never once leaving his face nor shifting even the slightest.

and when the other asks for a dance, he pauses. it’s a convenient excuse, he knows well enough. so far he hasn’t seen a single sighting of a pixie, nor was the castle itself placed within the ward they preside. but it wasn’t as if he has a reason to refuse, either, especially when he’d come to a place where dancing was all the more common than remaining to the wayside. ❝ I suppose it wouldn’t do to not take up the shown hospitality. And it definitely beats standing around and being asked about my ‘costume,’ ❞ he comments, stepping forward thereafter. ❝ Then I’ll be following your lead. ❞

“Oh, I have certainly used it for my own pranks - but one should certainly see the effect such tricks may have before consuming it oneself.” He chuckles, knowing precisely what Tequila is referring to. He had never made the other subject to his own tricks, as it were, as they were calling them for this moment, but that was simply because any games he may play with the other were of a more elevated type. Such as this dance.

Evoking a previous encounter would evoke an image of their previous situation in which they had both been tricked into pretending to date. Acquiescing to the request to dance would provide a duel purpose - it would confirm whether or not Tequila had an enjoyable experience to repeat whilst not under the pixies’ watchful eye, but it would also confirm that the suggestion had power over them both. Useful information for the future. Additionally, it would either imply that the relationship status of their doubles was either something to not be overly concerned about, or had some measure of positive influence over certain decisions. Any negative or awkward influences would be confirmed as cast aside.

While was useful to Ayato, when considering a business partner.

And so he took the other’s hand in his and led him to the dance floor, observing his costume. “I will admit, I’ve not a clue what you costume is supposed to be. However, I would prefer not to be one of those asking about your ‘costume’, by which I do assume you mean your natural ears.”

“Which I do find charming, even if your outfit implies your costumed ‘job’ is likely something much more scandalous.” Although he was unsure what, exactly, it was supposed to represent.