#generalsangonomiya

[immovablewill]

🎲

⁀➴ Kiss Roulette ! 7. A romantic kiss

It makes for a simple, serene scene: how the sun dips low on the horizon, painting the sky in honey-dyed hues, its warmth spilling over the vast ocean where she and Kokomi sits together in a brief moment of respite. Sara’s hadn’t even realized she needed this until now—a chance to breathe, that is. To step away from the her duties and the relentless demands of her role, until the priestess had suggested it halfway in their meeting. Kamaji had seemed eager to agree, too, urging Sara to accompany Kokomi for a walk.

And so there they were, having made their way to Amakane Island from the main city by foot, both of their tea cups untouched as Kokomi speaks near animatedly, hand gesturing with surprising enthusiasm as she delves into a detailed analysis of military strategies and tactical formations that she had read from a Mondstadtian book, and should prove to be useful, if only the Shogunate would invest the time to learn and part from their archaic traditions.

Sara doesn’t mean to stare, nor does she mean to be so distracted as she listens, but there’s something about the way Kokomi’s eyes seem to lighten up and sparkle as she continues on, a lively cadence in her usually composed and schooled tone, that’s just so utterly endearing that even Sara herself can’t help the smile that tugs at her lips. She thinks about how Kokomi had been the one to suggest this rest from their duties, only to now be the one engrossed in discussing the very same things they were supposed to be taking a break from, cheeks flushed with excitement as she explains her theories on how a few following strategies can be implemented.

It’s so her, so perfectly Kokomi that Sara feels blessed, truly, to be allowed moments like this—to sit beside Kokomi, to witness this side of her that few ever get to see.

Impulse takes over her before she even realizes it. When she next draws a shaky breath in, one that has her heart aching so sweetly and fondly for the priestess, she finds herself already but a breadth’s width away from Kokomi.

She’s beautiful, Sara thinks.

The twilight skies behind the priestess pales in comparison to her iridescent blue eyes. The gentle evening breeze that sweeps by them feels like nothing, when compared to her warm gentle breath against Sara’s skin.

Her heart pounds in her chest, hesitation nearly prompting her to move away from this discourteous proximity. But perhaps she has since long grown intoxicated from all these saccharine sweet thoughts that had filled her mind and heart: rather than fleeing, Sara closes the distance instead, lips brushing against Kokomi’s in a kiss that’s careful, almost imploring—a silent question, as she draws back just enough to gaze into her eyes once more.

And when Kokomi doesn’t object, doesn’t pull away, Sara eagerly takes it as an answer.

She kisses her again, this time with more certainty, her gloved hand cradling Kokomi’s cheek as she pours all the quiet love and adoration she’s always held in her heart. They part for breath, albeit briefly, and Sara kisses her again with a tilt of her head. And again, and again, each kiss softer than the last, but all the more ardent, hoping to convey everything she can’t yet bring herself to say aloud.

[immovablewill]

#GHSnowswept2025 ー Snow Plains

@generalsangonomiya asked:

[FIRE] The cold winds bite at every scrap of exposed skin, forcing Kokomi to huddle deeper into her coat with every second. Even through the thick clothes she's acquired for her trip to Belobog, the below-freezing temperatures still chill her to the bone. For the first time, she finds herself wishing she'd been granted a Pyro vision instead of Hydro; perhaps then she could warm herself up, keep this desperately flickering campfire going. On one level, she knows it's not truly cold enough out here to be deadly. Not anymore, and certainly not next to the fire. But her body, used to the warm humidity of a subtropical island chain, vehemently disagrees. Stretching stiff, aching joints, she shuffles a little closer to the fire, and looks across the flickering flames at her companion. "So...what kind of stories are you supposed to tell around a campfire? I fear that any ordinary spooky story would have little effect on me, to be honest..."

Embers swirl higher and higher upward in the crisp air, spreading into tiny constellations made and unmade in the space of a breath. With a sniffle, the tip of her nose a tad bit red from the cold, Sara carefully nudged a piece of kindling deeper into the fire, ensure that the hungry flames would have enough to consume. Again, and she was certain this very thought would pass her every day during her stay here in Belobog, the Tenryou general, though not wholly unaccustomed of the frost, still found the needle-prick sharpness in the air uncomfortable with each air she drew into her lungs.

So she fed just a few more dry wood into the flame, hoping it would be enough to keep herself and her companion warm.

She looked up as Kokomi spoke, firelight dancing across the priestess’ features in a way that perfectly highlighted the weary discomfort painted across her flushed cheeks. Sara offered an apologetic smile first, guilty that she could not offer her more warmth. Perhaps she should leave briefly to fetch them a hot drink—there should be stands with hot cocoa and tea somewhere. But, ah, the thought of leaving Kokomi behind, even if only for a moment, would only make her feel just as guilty…

A breath through her nose. What a silly dilemma to be left with.

“Stories…” Humming, she idly poked at the flame with a stick.

Sara considered the few tales she knew. Of ghosts found in the middle of battlefields and vengeful yokais, or even the mischievous ghosts in the forests. None of them felt adequate enough to share to the shrine maiden indeed.

“Why don’t we talk about something other than spooky stories, then?” Came her suggestion after a few more moments of pondering, her voice losing its usual stern edge and softening to match the crackle of the fire. “Any topic or story would go well as long as it’s with good company.”

A pause, her shoulders loosening as she offered Kokomi a soft smile. Rare and unguarded, reserved only, perhaps, for this quiet moment shared between them. “Let’s see... Won’t you share a story from your childhood, Lady Sangonomiya? Something from Watatsumi Island. I imagine its warmth would feel doubly precious right now.”

[immovablewill]

Kokomi only rarely visits Narukami Island, and usually only then on some form of official business - yet, she now finds herself wandering the streets of Inazuma City on decidedly unofficial business, instead.

Not that the officials at the Tenryou Commission know that, of course. They simply wave her on through after a short conversation, assuming she's on her way to discuss some important military matters with their General, and take no notice of the box in her hands.

Sara doesn't look up from the papers on her desk when Kokomi quietly steps into her office and closes the door, and a soft smile crosses her face as she tiptoes closer and sets the box - containing five of the egg rolls she knows Sara likes, freshly made by her own hand - right on top of the papers.

And then quick as a snake, Kokomi slips around the desk and leans down to pull her into a gentle hug. "Happy birthday, Sara!"

That she is working even during her birthday is… nothing short of the usual now. She had, at the very least, allowed herself the early morning to clean her collection of the Statues of Her Excellency, the Almighty Narukami Ogosho, God of Thunder, but beyond that, Sara’s day continues as it always does: with duty, discipline, and paperwork.

Which makes the sudden appearance of a box atop her documents all the more startling.

She freezes mid-signature, blinking once. Twice. Then comes another surprise; arms wrapping around her shoulders, the gentle and familiar weight pressing against her back. All at once, the tension that seized her body leaves her, replaced instead with a smile that slowly makes its way across her features.

Normally, she would scold herself for being caught so unaware—and in her office, at that—but today… just for today, she allows herself this mistake, a quiet chuckle escaping as she leans into the embrace.

“Lady Sangonomiya—” The formal address slips out automatically before she catches herself. “...Kokomi.” Her voice softens on the name. “You’re here.”

It must sound silly, that it’s the first thing she says, but she can’t help it anyway.

Her surprise still lingers. It makes the pace of her heart quicken a little, warm and fluttering. The smell of freshly made egg rolls fills the office and, yes, she won’t deny that her mouth slightly waters at the enticing aroma but… More than any gift, more than any delicacy…

Kokomi’s presence here, unexpected and bright, might just be the best birthday present she could ever ask for.

[immovablewill]

[HANG TEN] - Catch a wave, or catch someone else’s! Board rentals are at never before seen prices, and this one has your name on it. Take a friend, paddle out to sea, and give it a shot. Just try not to wipe out…

Though most of the beachgoers have taken to either surfing or enjoying the various activities on the beach, Kokomi's instead taken the opportunity to hire one of the surfboards and swim out past the breaking waves until she reaches a quieter patch of water, and then simply...drift.

Let everyone else enjoy the fun closer to shore - it's so lovely and peaceful, floating on her back under the bright sun, and with her vision close at hand, she has nothing to fear from the ocean. Nothing hurts, no one's looking for her with stacks of paperwork in hand...she could fall asleep out here, and the tides would keep her safe and warm...

At least, until a shadow falls over her face.

Slowly, she cracks open one eye, squinting up at the sunlight-haloed figure. "Sara?"

⁀➴ A PLACE IN PARADISE.

It was easy to misunderstand. A faintly familiar figure in the distance, floating idly atop her board, unmoving, uncaring of the noise of joy and elation around her. No wonder, then, that Sara rushed over—snatching a board from a nearby beachgoer with a clipped “Apologies, I'll be brief” before cutting through the waves with swift, practised strokes.

By the time she reached Kokomi, her pulse was steady again, though her heavy breaths still told of the brief panic that had settled in her chest, arms slightly sore from how fast she had been swimming over. The Divine Priestess, of course, looked perfectly at ease, sunlit and serene, as if the ocean itself cradled her.

That only makes sense, Sara supposes, letting out a sigh of relief through her nose. Lady Sangonomiya may as well be synonymous with the ocean. Of course she's just… relaxing.

“I…” She clears her throat, embarrassed, suddenly, at how she had reacted. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think—I…” The general trails off. She has no excuse, ultimately. At least none that would save her from shame. It’s obvious she’d rushed over, still fully dressed with her silly floral top and now-heavy shorts. 

She regrets none of it, however. Rather, Sara's certain she would still do the same. Rush over to Kokomi anyway, despite now knowing that she’s alright.

“… Hello.” She continues at last, apologetic still. “I hope I didn’t disturb your rest, Lady Sangonomiya.”

[immovablewill]

It takes Kokomi an embarrassingly long time to get her thoughts back in some sort of order, but once she does, she can't ignore the idea.

It's a bad idea, by any objective metric. She's so exhausted she can barely stand; she has contingencies for this and none of them involve running halfway across Inazuma without even telling anyone where she's going.

And yet, she commandeers a small fishing boat and races off to Narukami Island anyway, reaching ever deeper into her already-drained energy to propel it across the sea with a clever twist of hydro. The sun is high in the sky by the time she reaches Ritou, and she doesn't bother with asking any of the soldiers she passes in the streets where their General has gone. Instead, she starts with the local yokai, and eventually, one points her towards Chinju Forest, at the base of Mount Yougou.

She's going to pay for this. The recovery was already going to be long; now, she'll be spending over a week doing little but resting and recovering.

But she has to see her. She's afraid that what happened wasn't real. She's terrified by the possibility that it was. Neuvillette is out of reach in Fontaine, Collei likely somewhere in Sumeru, and Fugue far beyond Teyvat's skies, but Sara is close. And it's Sara, of all of them, that she wants to see.

Sara, who she feels so paradoxically safe with. Sara, who she'd trust to fight by her side in even the worst circumstances.

Sara, who watched her die. Sara, who she watched take a brutal hit that nearly severed her arm before she could heal her..

Kokomi's been running through the dimly-lit forest for some time when she sees her, not far ahead, and all of a sudden, all the terror and fear and exhaustion that had fallen away in her flight comes rushing back, and she sinks to her knees by the side of a stream, tears blurring her sight, all her energy utterly spent.

"Sara!"

She had commanded her men to rest for the day. She understands the look of confusion that briefly passes their faces before they acquiesce.

To them, it had only been mere minutes since Sara suddeny took pause without a word. To them, it had only been mere minutes before she suddenly came to with the slightest of flinches, as though broken out of her reverie. To them, the horrors she had just experienced within the Abyss had been nothing but a fleeting daydream, not that they would ever come to learn of that experience.

They leave, grateful for an early reprieve, and Sara stays.

She’s in the Chinju Forest, standing amongst trees. Unmoving. Confused. Broken. She doesn’t know yet where to begin and where to end. What to do, and what to say. So she doesn’t, for a while, and so she simply remains.

The Bake-Danukis, often mischievous, often poking their noses into other people’s businesses, seems to sense her dilemma, and for once they do not bother her and even ushers other animal away so they would not disturb her. Sara’s grateful for them. Distantly, she thinks about bringing them fruits the next time her patrol leads her to the forest. Distantly, she wonders what it is that they see when they look up at her, that they would appear so worried immediately. Distantly…

Distantly…

Everything feels so distant at the moment.

They leave, unsure what else to do to help, and Sara stays.

She thinks she imagined it at first. It seemed like such a ridiculous notion after all, that she would cross the distance to be here. That she would find her. She, who often found herself lost during that battle. She, who is lost still. She argues: why would anyone ever search for her when she is cursed to be alone forever? Why would anyone ever call her name, sound so hurt, when she does not deserve such care and concern?

Yet there she is.

A silhouette against the haze, unmistakable even in the blur of distance. The sight punches the air from Sara’s lungs. Her body moves before her mind catches up—one step, then another, then faster, legs driving hard against the ground as if the earth itself might swallow her if she hesitates.

She doesn’t care if the gravel bites into her knees as she crashes down, doesn’t care about the sting of stone splitting skin as she falls to catch Kokomi in her arms—to wrap her arms around her, tighter and tighter and even tighter still. Pulling her as closely as she is able, even when she doesn’t yet know why she so desperately wants to hold the priestess like this. Distantly, Sara reminds herself to apologise for this shameless act. Distantly, Sara wonders if she’s still dreaming.

But Kokomi is warm.

Kokomi is warm and real and here and Sara can only grit her teeth as she swallows back a sob. She shouldn’t cry. Can’t cry. She is not allowed to show weakness, but Archons, what a relief it is to see her right now. So much so that Sara wishes she could, just this once, allow herself to.

[herrschicken]

@generalsangonomiya asked:

[XINYUE KIOSK] Kokomi hadn't expected to meet Senti again, and yet here the warrior is, sitting across from her in the middle of Xinyue Kiosk. This time, though, their adversary is not a giant, near-indestructible Honkai Beast, but a sizeable array of elaborately-prepared dishes. There's plenty of new things to try; and the occasional familiar flavor too. There's even a couple of Watatsumi dishes on display, and she'd made sure to grab some of one for their table. "You should try this one - it has quite the nice flavor." She considers her own selection of food, and makes a choice, scooping up some of a Liyuean noodle dish with her chopsticks. The spice bursts across her senses like wildfire, but she perseveres, and once the initial flare of heat subsides, finds she quite enjoys it. "So how have you been, since our battle with that beast?"

lantern rite !

When Kokomi handed her the food, the look she got back from Senti was that of a beast being pulled from a daze. She had been so food-drunk (and actual-drunk) off the dual-striking, savory-sweet combos laden in every Xinyue Kiosk dish that she forgot someone sat across from her. She blinked. A huge gulp of sweet-sauce pork slid down her gullet. “Ehhh? I’ve never seen someone make me an offering before… It’s nice! You should do this more often, especially with this kind of food!” 

Like a thief, she snatched the Fullmoon Egg from its basket–though it had already belonged to her by Kokomi’s omission. “Ouughhh-” she groaned, popping it into her mouth and letting the flavor burst onto her tongue. “-is there anything that beats Yue-style cooking?” She spoke with her mouthful, and uncaringly too, as she shoved a second egg into her other cheek. “I feel like I’m being wrapped up by clouds…” 

Indeed she was, as was the intended effect of the Fullmoon Egg. Some even say that under Lantern Rite’s full-mooned glow, it had the ability to soothe one’s soul. Senti could very well have felt that phenomenon, as the scars of their shared battle faded into history. 

“Losing all my money,” she then snapped, “that damned jade guy is running a scam. I bet he doesn’t have a single piece of jade, eh–just rocks!” Her cheeks burned in admittance to her losses, the flames of a phoenix etched into the corners of her face. She finally gained the decency to swallow her food, though this also came with an elbow thudding against their table, and a hand reaching–begging–for the priestess.

“Say, you wouldn’t happen to have some heavy pockets? I feel like giving that guy another run, showing him I’m not backing down!” 

[trailblczed]

[SNAKE PETTING] - if anyone's going to get along well with snakes, it's the priestess of a serpent god.

Snakes, Kokomi thinks, are not so different from herself at times. Or rather: she is not unlike them. She, too, enjoys resting in the sun, waiting patiently for the optimal moment, and hiding in a nice warm cave to escape inclement weather.

Some cultures may have a negative view of snakes, but Watatsumi has always seen them as holy, after a fashion, and so she'd simply sat down on the sun-warmed stone with them, picking up a large, colorful Inazuman seasnake and letting it curl across her shoulders.

"Don't worry," she says, both to the small group of nervous onlookers and the grey-haired youth standing off to the side. "They're quite safe - and prettier than many will admit, aren't they?"

Lantern Rite Gifts | 2(5)/5

Caelus is no stranger to sticking his nose where he shouldn't, and having no fear when he should be more cautious. This, however, is a rare instant of Caelus actually being.. not scared.. but unsettled.

Caelus, of course, doesn't know much ( of anything ), so of course he isn't going to even know what a "snake" is. He's obviously never seen anything like the rather vibrant creature that's moving around on the ground, so of course he's going to be nervous about what to do. He doesn't know what these small worm looking things can do, or how to avoid them or react, and most of all how Caelus can't avoid accidentally hurting it if he needs to go on the defensive. The creatures don't seem aggressive after all, so he would have an extremely guilty conscience for harming one if the creature felt threatened and was simply defending itself.

Thankfully, that dilemma is resolved when a pretty lady strolls up and takes a seat right to one and let's it crawl all over her. Caelus takes a mental sigh of relief at how calm the woman is with the creature being so docile. Caelus would be worried about her safety, and the creatures, but as he has no knowledge of the small animals, he decides that it's best to just listen to someone who obviously has more knowledge than him ( which is just about everyone- ), and relax knowing neither party will be in danger.

He only moves a few steps closer, wanting to get a proper look now that the silver is aware that the poor creature won't lash out at him simply for wanting to look at it. Though he has learned the hard way, and has been scolded many a time before by his family, to not get careless.

❛ Good to know they aren't aggressive. ❜

Caelus states rather abashedly. While he wouldn't call the creature "pretty", that are certainly interesting to look at- he is a curious fellow at heart after all.

❛ You seem very comfortable around them.. Do you keep these things as pets of some sort? These um... I'm sorry, what are they called? ❜

[immovablewill]

[Lanterns]

Night falls - but for these few short weeks, a thousand sky lanterns banish the darkness, like stars detached from the sky. Tonight, one of them will be Kokomi's, carrying a wish for peace for Watatsumi, and freedom for herself.

It truly is a beautiful festival, and to see the night lit up like this is truly breathtaking

As she makes her way along the docks, lantern in hand, she spots a familiar face. Once, she and the tengu had been bitter enemies; then, after the war, Sara's commitment to ensuring the peace talks succeeded had given Kokomi the hope that perhaps they could find some common ground after all. "Sara! Happy Lantern Rite!"

⁀➴ LANTERN RITE 2025 !

Sara had briefly considered it—picking a lantern, putting it together into form, and whispering wishes before sending it up in the sky—but she had always preferred to mould everything into reality with her own hands. To rely on mere wishes, as Kujou Takayuki had always taught her, was foolish. It was an excuse for laziness. If she wanted something, she should work for it herself.

The crowd at the docks would likely disapprove of her presence as well. Her wings were too large, and the serenity of the lantern lighting would be easily disrupted if she accidentally bumped into anyone. Yes. These were perfectly sensible reasons to turn around and leave. Still, despite it all, there was a faint reluctance in her steps as she turned to take her leave.

But then she heard the familiar voice, soft yet distinct among the bustling festival atmosphere.

Sara paused, lips briefly pursed into a thin line as she felt a momentary pang of hesitation. She could very well hear the warmth in Kokomi’s greeting—kind and cheerful.

She must have enjoyed the festivities so far. Though the festival may not be one of Inazuma’s, it was still a small comfort. Despite everything that had transpired, Kokomi had remained steadfast in her pursuit of peace, and now, in this time of quiet, it seemed the priestess finally found the time to relax and enjoy herself. She deserved it. Watatsumi’s Divine Priestess and leader often bore the weight of too many responsibilities, shouldering them all for the sake of her people.

“Lady Sangonomiya, Happy Lantern Rite,” Sara greeted, offering a bow of her head. Her voice remained steady, yet there was an underlying sincerity very few might catch, hidden beneath her typically stoic demeanour. “The sky tonight is alight with the hopes and wishes of so many. I trust you’ve found a moment to send your own to the heavens as well?”

It was a question that, in some ways, contradicted the very excuses she'd just made moments ago. But if anyone had the right to make a wish for herself, it should be Kokomi.