ANTIQUE.

[progenit]

furiage:

       {薙} — They had welcomed in an unfamiliar one – 

But a sword nonetheless, and so Iwatooshi had set out to greet him just as wholeheartedly as he’d greeted any other. Upon meeting face-to-face though, the appearance of Kogarasumaru – one he’d heard tales of, but never seen until now – wasn’t quite what he’d expected. Lavished in red from head-to-toe, one so celebrated and renowned… – he’d expected them to have been a little taller, at least. Well, no matter. Size wasn’t everything.

Still, he gladly handed over what was requested of him, cat-like eyes glancing over Kogarasumaru’s long nails with a smirk. The elder’s hands were so dainty beneath his, so fragile it seemed – yet almost similar, in a way. He wiggled his claws lightly along the lines of the tachi’s open palms, amused.

“Hmm, hmm! As always, mine are rather large when compared to another. Gahahah!” He barked, his form nearly engulfing the other. “Is there something strange about my hands? Ah, aside from their size, of course.”

delicately, he traces the lines of the offered palm, nails feather-light as they trail along calloused skin in intrigue. when his touch reaches the pointed fingertips of a hand much larger than his, he finally directs his gaze upwards, grey depths meeting red.

“i did not think to find such a distinct trait among the children,”ruby lips curve upwards in light amusement, “though i suppose it is only natural for a child to take after the father.”

gradually, gently, he lowers the other’s hand, interest now satiated. his curiosity turns then towards another target, and with a voice colored with affability, he continues, “yet it is unseemly for the father to not know his own progeny. would you give me your name, child?”

[progenit]

copyxcat:

Truth be told, Gumi was rather puzzled by this stranger’s words. The idea that they were brought there to engage in combat hadn’t really crossed her mind; yet the more she thought about it, the more concerned she felt. People did tend to have weapons here…

“I have seen a lot of people with weapons, but… Not me.” A momentary pause and a sheepish laugh. “I probably should get one or something! For self defense and all.” Yeah, as if she had any idea where to start with that.

he hums softly, thoughtful and contemplative. she acts so carefree, even when faced with the reality of her defenselessness - it is strange, but not necessarily a fault.

“caution would be wise indeed, when one is placed under such unfamiliar circumstance.” with a slight inclination of his head, he continues, lips drawing into slight smile, “if you are inexperienced with weaponry, perhaps this elder’s knowledge could assist you?”

[progenit]

yuki-no-joo:

Now a face with confusion was found on his face , his eyebrows lift up to the odd words coming from the elder sword. As far as his knowledge goes he only has two younger siblings who share the same name and crest as his.

A words of a memory reappears at his mind , it plays off with Souza telling him many centuries back ; ‘ Do you know why they call you the ‘Ice Queen’ ? They look up to you like you’re a Queen , one who is respected and despite status will comfort the King or the citizens when it’s needed in good and bad times. That title wouldn’t be bad if the ‘Ice’ part was not added. Your looked up to, due your personality you can come off as cold , stiff and lone like Ice. They aren’t sure if your happy when you show it , try to smile more Kousetsu-Niisama.’

With a small sigh that left his lips , he gave a faint nod. He understands Souza’s intentions but it is who I am. But he will make efforts to show these things for those who don’t know him.

‘’My apologies , this is a first meeting in which I and my owner Itabeoka Kousetsusai habits. We come off as you said ‘’ stiffly’’. Those where not my intentions , please see this through. ‘’

With second smaller bow to the other he straightens himself up to look at the smaller sword.

‘’Would you tell me the meaning behind the words of your sentence Kogarasumaru-dono.’’

Dropping honorifics will be hard even if sword is a part of his ‘ family ‘ , the sole 2 people that do not have the honorifics are Souza and Sayo.

“there is no need for apologies, child, for you have done no wrong.”·

he takes small, soundless steps, the heels of his feet never once touching the floor; his body is poised, elegant in every movement, never showing the weight of his age - the weight of a lineage, a legend.·

the distance between them is shortened with his approach, and inspecting the other’s features becomes an easier task. he takes in the younger sword’s appearance - his attire - his posture - the way he carries his human form.·

his gaze quickly hones in kousetsu’s true self - or rather, the unfortunate substitute of it. wooden like his own replacement, yet so different in length and weight - the arc is, however, one feature that is all too familiar.

“you are confused by my words, yet the explanation to them already lies before you.” he gestures to the weapon with a graceful sweep of his hand, gentle words carrying a mild lilt, “you need only realize it for yourself.”

“ah, but perhaps it would be cruel of me to leave you without even some guidance. tell me then, child - our blades curve for the same purpose, do they not? the kanata’s blade and its origins - that is how fate has linked us both.”

[progenit]

tomokiri:

       When he first hears whispers among their citadel, back still in a land that was not this one, whispers about a new sword, whispers that spelled the name Kogarasumaru, he couldn’t help but feel his blood turn cold & anger fill his veins faster than it had ever before.

       But the whispers continued; Kogarasumaru? Who is that? A mistake, Higekiri answers himself, in the back of his mind and to nobody to hear, as his delicate fingertips still made sure to remain as gentle as possible against the softness of Hizamaru’s hair as he rested on his lap, beautiful and innocent and safe from poisonous words. I heard he was one of the first swords to be made like us. He’s a super old sword too, even more than Mikazuki-dono!

       Ah.

       So it wasn’t that Kogarasumaru; the forgery, the replica of a treasure, of his own brother, steel of his steel, as the Genji took him away and gave him someone who was just a substitute. The reason he had been named Tomokiri. No, he had heard of a rarer Kogarasumaru among the Taira, one who had been smithed by the legendary Amakuni Yasutsuna– it was that one.

       To think they would meet in a place that was not the Saniwa’s citadel… Fate does work in strange ways. And though Higekiri is a proud work of the Genji, who always had been a rival of Taira ( oh so much blood of the taira had been drank by his blade ), though the combination of that plus the disgusting name that brought nothing but anger to his being, he greets his new comrade ( he isn’t a sword of the saniwa, no, that little boy never deserved him ) with a smile and the same soft voice he would use to keep his distance as a renowned treasure.

       ❝ The Saniwa is a curious person. Only under a sage’s power would a Genji and a Taira sword not only reunite, but be made to fight together. ❞ He finds it’s a very similar feeling to working together with the traitor’s sword, Shishiou, a man who had dared not only be friends with Taira no Kiyomori but even fight with them against blood of his own blood. The Minamoto were known to fight their own blood, yes, the many branches in the clan ended up with conflicting opinions, yet never would they join a rival to fight their own family. ❝ Kogarasumaru… is it not? So you’re the original. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. ❞ That name was nothing but venom between his lips. ❝ I’m ( tomokiri ) Higekiri, treasure of the Genji, as you already know. ❞

certainly, this power is not one to make light of: the ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible, the capability to grant life to that which lacks it - without a doubt, the saniwa are holders of potential, great and vast. with a strength that only they themselves can wield so efficiently, so skillfully, they must yet exercise caution and control - for such a power can bring about unpredictable outcomes, unthinkable results. 

to find himself now ally to a sword that had once fought from the other side of the battlefield - if they were witness to such a reality, would his ancient masters cry in outrage? would his behavior, mild and passive, be considered unsightly, treacherous? 

“it seems you already know of me -” painted lips curve gently into a smile, small and polite,“i am indeed the sword known as kogarasumaru, once in possession of the taira.” 

the taira that had matched the genji’s possessed conviction with their very own, letting it consume them with every battle - the taira that had ultimately fallen, betrayed and defeated after years of bloodshed - the taira that had lost him, chaos in a battle of tides and waves misplacing him from history for centuries -

yet his youth has long since passed him. whatever he might have felt for the genji during the war has already melted away into tranquil acceptance - though the taira’s has ended, his own destiny continues. 

his loyalty belongs to the current hand that wields him, not to the echoes of eras ended - and so when he holds this new comrade’s gaze, it is with no rancor or spite, only calm neutrality.

“the conflict of genpei is of ages past; only the sword remains to truly remember the master. it is for the best that we fight alongside each other with no ill will, would you not agree, higekiri?” 

[progenit]

ireisai:

      There was always something to be troubled over, in the expanse of the city they’d been drawn into. For Ryuubi, those things were varied, depending on the day, and what she recalled she’d had to leave half-done or in the middle of before she’d been pulled into the chaos. With those myriad issues on her mind, however, even she wasn’t so embroiled in herself that she didn’t notice the flash of bright scarlet, though the soft voice that accompanied it brightened her disposition somewhat.            Admittedly, Kogarasumaru had not been long in her ranks, but he was a valuable one nonetheless– and any blade that was one of her own was a welcome companion indeed. 

          “Kogarasumaru,” she greets, startled gaze returning within moments to its usual imitation of languor, and she makes, carefully, to stand from the bench she’d been settled upon as she resumes sipping her tea, not yet lukewarm, but no longer quite scathing enough to be considered hot. “At the very least, allow me to get you a drink before asking about my troubles,” she chides gently, though not with any real displeasure. “There’s a place nearby that makes excellent tea, if you would prefer to sit out of the chill.”           She was well aware, after all, that not everyone shared her penchant for using the cold to clear her thoughts, even if only in brief spurts. Her eyes affix herself on his face, the elegant (and moreover familiar) sweep of scarlet around his eyes, and then cuts her gaze aside to the buildings around them.           “If you have just arrived, I hope you have not had too much trouble with where you’ve been placed.” 

“ah, indeed, i am still unfamiliar with this place - but you need not worry over the accommodations of this father; i require little else aside from shelter, which it is perfectly capable of providing.”

ruby lips then settle into a placid smile at her wholly unnecessary offer; he is hers to wield after all, sole purpose being to lighten the burdens that may plague his masters with all he is capable of. a weapon, a protector, a companion - he will be any and all if that is what is required of him, regardless of whatever treatment she subjects him to.

still, he appreciates his master’s unnecessary thoughtfulness, her unneeded concern - and so it is with a gracious nod that he accepts.

“and tea sounds an excellent suggestion. a short break would do these old bones some good.” he exaggerates, no more winded than when he first set out on this trek, but there is a curiosity within him, faint and stirring - kidnapped, trapped in a cage with no exit, they find themselves prisoners of fate; and yet, they are given luxuries, comfort left within arm’s reach should they so choose to grasp for it.

he wonders how much time his master has spent imprisoned here, already knowledgeable of these comforts and where to find them.  

“if you would lead us, then. i would like to try out the excellence of this tea for myself.”

[progenit]

yuki-no-joo:

In his mind he was shocked to see the sword , a sword that was rumoured to be a legend. One much older than Mikazuki Munechika himself , a sword which nobody expected the wake up from his slumber. But his face stayed stoic and frozen like it was nothing to see the sword that may have started it all to appear once more in a humanoid form. His lips move with the name , a name he had a gut feeling was the owner of the sword before him.

‘’ Kogarasumaru-dono.’’

With a deep bow he greets the Tachi , Kogarasumaru has perhaps never been on earth after the last slumber and was new to this world. Perhaps only Mikazuki-dono would know him due their ages laid closer than his own. He can say for sure he has never met the elder…. This was the first time he felt he had to keep his head lowered to the other a presence around him made him feel less than the other.

‘’ I am Kousetsu Samonji. Itabeoka Kousetsusai was my owner , and that is why I am named as such… Allow me to welcome you to ‘Citta City ‘ and greet you from your deep slumber.’’

though the respect the other shows for him is unexpected, it is certainly not unwelcomed. he does not believe himself vain, but to be given recognition for what he is is nonetheless a pleasant greeting.

“such commendable manners you possess; i thank you for your welcome. you show respect to your elders well.” his words are laced with gentle approval, painted lips curving into a soft smile, “it is not unusual for children to harbor an acute need for rebellion, yet you seem already matured - the way in which you conduct yourself is duly appreciated.”

he raises a hand, holding up thin fingers - a small gesture to show that the other may rise from his bow of formality. a quiet laugh escapes in his next breath, silent surprise from being greeted with such a level of severity turning now into reserved amusement. 

“however, you needn’t be quite so rigid. while respect and refinement are excellent traits, how is a father to interact with his child when they behave so stiffly around him?”

[progenit]

copyxcat:

“Uh…”

“That’s right.” She watches him, being taken aback slightly but trying to keep her cool. She did not seem under threat, and as such she keeps a kind but weary smile on her face. “I don’t possess a weapon back home and stuff, so…! I guess that’s why I wasn’t given one? Why do you ask?”

she could be lying - small weapons are quite easy to conceal after all -, yet he has not walked this earth for so long only to let judgement be clouded by paranoia. if that is her claim, she has given him no reason to doubt it thus far.

“if there are others like you who are not armed, then the possibility of being brought here primarily for combat would be quite low.”

lowering both arms he returns the sword to his side, no longer needing to showcase it so openly and callously, “at least, that is what i believe to be the case.”

[progenit]

ireisai

his arrival is fresh, and the streets unfamiliar. buildings that stretch into the sky and roads that are busy with carefree residents - every corner he turns he is met with a near identical sight, making cataloging a daunting task; yet he is calm, tranquil in his pace and serene in his features. 

this is simply a part of his destiny, and one does not fight fate - only follow its already predetermined course. 

bare feet never still when he turns onto the next street, even when sudden recognition registers. though his time in the citadel had not been long, he is certain, confident - presence and poise alone attest to her identity; and so, he cannot help but muse: who, then, is left to look after the children? 

mindful of her attentions captured elsewhere, he allows her to time to notice his presence beside her before speaking. 

“you seem rather troubled, aruji. perhaps sharing your thoughts would ease whatever ails you?”

[progenit]

kuroiyodomi

in his wandering, he comes across a street performance; carefree, light music fills the atmosphere with cheer, and there’s already a considerable crowd surrounding the performers, intrigued by their act, when he nears.  

he plans to stop only briefly, a short pause to appreciate another’s art before continuing onwards, but when his focus shifts from the makeshift stage to the audience, his attention is claimed unexpectedly. 

with a stature truly belonging to that of a child’s, the boy would have easily blended into the masses if not for his clothing and sword - observant father that he is, kogarasumaru does manage to single him out amongst the other spectators. the boy is one of his own.

 skirting effortlessly around enraptured pedestrians, he comes to stand by the child, gaze gentle with a glimmer of curiosity. 

“are you fond of such revelry, little one? this father unfortunately knows little on what the youth enjoy these days.”

[progenit]

furiage

his children are vast in number, and varied in form; some he has encountered, but many are yet obscure to him - either lost to the throes of history, or simply elusive in the threads of fate. it is destiny’s will that dictates whether his and the children’s paths are ever meant to cross, or forever diverge into futures unknown.

for this particular day, it seems his fate to discover another of his scattered lineage; he is certain the other is one of his own, confident in his identification - for what father would he be, if he could not even recognize his child?

a greeting is prepared, but then his gaze is drawn to one of the other’s unexpected features. a pause, and then he disregards words meant to be spoken.

instead he asks, “your hands - would you let this father examine them?”

[progenit]

tomokiri​

“ah, you are a treasure of genji then, child.” it is a statement, not a question, made in acknowledgement of the crest the other openly bears on modernized clothing - the last he had laid eyes on such an insignia, he can no longer recall; yet it is a symbol impossible to forget - their dominance, their legacy, were all destined to be immortalized in the history of man from the very beginning. 

chaos filled with grief and greed, malice without mercy - man’s self-induced tragedy, destined to repeat. the conflict was not the first, and it certainly was not the last.  

“to now meet you here in this strange land - the will of fate continues to be one difficult to predict, it seems.”

[progenit]

hahaha-its-jiji

the air is chill upon his skin, every gust of wind nipping at exposed flesh, but kogarasumaru is not cold. he is not cold, because a sword does not yield to the whims of weather; he is not cold, because his flesh is but a false shape he is made to take on; he is not cold, because before him is one of his children - and a father must never show discomfort, no matter how slight, before his young.

he approaches his child - one of the eldest, one of the most treasured by man -, quietly falling into step with him amidst the green scenery of the sector.

“to see you enjoy a stroll through nature with such an elderly gait - i am glad to see you well, child. ah, but you have really have grown up quite quickly, haven’t you?” 

[progenit]

yuki-no-joo

“hoh? perhaps i am not so alone after all.” 

he knows not where he currently is, does not understand the purpose of such an establishment - only that it is raining outside and in here there is shelter and sanctuary - and now he knows too, that he is not the only one.

the other’s appearance is a curiosity that raises more questions kogarasumaru doubts he’ll receive answers to - but the one thing he is certain of, is that this meeting was fated to occur. 

“to think that it is the child who arrives before the father - well, it seems i’ve been neglectful in my duties.” 

[progenit]

copyxcat

“excuse this old man for his ramblings -,” he speaks up softly, suddenly, holding a hand out in hopes of drawing the girl’s attention,“but this will be brief, if you so will it.”

his other hand, grasped lightly around the sheath of the wooden sword he had been granted in replacement, extends then as well - giving her a clear view of the downgraded weapon. he keeps his movements gentle, their purpose not to threaten, but to merely display. 

“i have noticed that you, unlike me, do not possess a weapon. am i correct in such an observation?” 

[progenit]

hello naughty children it’s murder rp time! slipping in a starter call real quick in the middle of all the festivities - capped at 3 with castmates exempt for now.  

[werunwithwolves]

What is meant for you will not pass you by.

Helly (via werunwithwolves)