Shrine Grounds
The fox closes his eyes, panting as Tarou's fingers itch his scalp."Not quite. But I'm glad to see you." Sasuke's voice comes from his opposite side, "I've had a hard time tracking you down for a while now. Is everything alright?" He drapes his arm around the other man's back from the other side and starts rubbing at his side before pecking him on the cheek. Looking down at the fox, he asks, "Who's your friend?"
edited 2nd Jul '17 7:12:37 PM by GhostElm
Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Construction Site
Tarou quickly turns in the other direction as Sasuke walks over to him, He has to do a Double Take back to the fox he was petting and them Sasuke again before he shakes his head. "...I must be more distracted than I thought. I thought this was you..." he says, continuing to pet the small fox for a bit before moving his hand to scratch his fox between the ears now, or where his fox ears would be at least.
He notes a few of the workers looking in their direction briefly, but ultimately ignores it, chalking it up to them having been unaware of his preference until now. "...As for things being alright...? I...have been debating something recently and...I believe it is something I should tell you..." he answers. "But I am...er...worried..."
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.Shrine Grounds
Sasuke smirks, "I'm not really surprised you thought it was me, family resemblance and all. He's one of my nephews here on a visit." He bends down and the kit comes over and licks his face as he picks him up. "His mother should be around here somewhere too, but she's not too fond of people."Sasuke leans into the scratching on his head, and he lays the side of his head to rest against Tarou's. He moves his hand down to the other man's waist, glancing over at the workers, "Would you rather talk about this somewhere a bit more private?" he nods toward a slightly more wooded area.
Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Construction Site -> Shrine Grounds - Forest
"Ah, I see...that's nice. I can only wonder if you were as cute when you were as young..." Tarou says with a smile. He glances back towards the workers, then to the wooded clearing nearby and nods. "That would make me a little more comfortable yes. Let us go..." he concludes and starts heading off in said direction.
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
Sasuke affects a mock pout as they walk, "I'm cute too..." Once they reach the more secluded area, he sets the kit down on the grass. He starts sniffing around, wiggling his butt cutely as he wags his tail. Sasuke chuckles, and takes Tarou's hand, taking a seat beneath a towering maple tree. "What's wrong, dear?" he asks, his eyes looking slightly worried.edited 2nd Jul '17 8:25:33 PM by GhostElm
Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Forest
Tarou chuckles at the faux pouting, and wraps his arm around him in return. "Well of course. He probably inherited from you, after all." he responds, sitting close to Sasuke and holding his hand as they sit beneath the tree. He takes a moment to calm himself, taking a breath. "Well...it's...about us. When we..." he trails off, blushing suddenly. "...Er, made our bodies one..." he says, looking extremely bashful now.
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
Sasuke stifles a laugh between Tarou's comment and his particularly bashful way of phrasing things. He shifts slightly, reclining to lay his head back on Tarou's lap, looking up at his eyes while interlacing his long fingers over his chest, "I'm all ears. I thought it was rather enjoyable."Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
Tarou glances down at Sasuke as his head rests in his lap, blush seeming to worsen from his position and his gaze. "...Yes. Although...I wouldn't really know..." he says, taking his hand and gently placing it on Sasuke's chest. "...The one you were intimate that night...was not me..." he finally says with a sigh, glancing away. "...My demon had managed to...evict me from the body for a time...so nothing I did that evening was my doing...if you hate me now...I do not blame you..."
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
Sasuke sits up, and shoots a glance toward the kit to see if he'd heard anything. At first glance, it seems like he hadn't, currently enraptured with chasing butterflies.Shrugging, Sasuke looks to Tarou, and pulls him into a tight hug, keeping his voice low but gentle, "What reason would I have to hate you, Tarou? It's not your fault. I should have realized, and I'm sorry for having taken advantage of your body while you weren't in control of it, even if it seemed otherwise...I feel a bit foolish for not knowing something was strange, but I assume it's within the Murakumo's repertoire to mimic their host."
He leans back from him, holding his hands. His eyes are swimming slightly, but his voice is strong, "While I did enjoy it...and I clearly have feelings for you...I understand if you don't want to continue on with things."
edited 2nd Jul '17 9:49:17 PM by GhostElm
Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
At the possibility of not continuing on is brought up, Tarou responds by wrapping his arms around Sasuke again, hugging close. "I do not want this to end..." he says, assuredly. "My time with you has been...enjoyable. I do not desire for it to end...It is not your fault..."
Tarou shakes his head, glancing down at his hand as he continues to hold Sasuke close. "...This is all the demon's doing..." he says bitterly. "...If...If only I had not been born this way, damn it...born into a fucking monster..." His hand clutches at the back of Sasuke's shirt and he half buries his face into his shoulder, to try and mask his clear anguish.
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
"Shh...shh...it's alright..." Sasuke strokes Tarou's hair, holding him close. Meanwhile, the kit takes notice of the clearly upset man, and comes over, curling up on Tarou's lap to try and cheer him up.Sasuke smiles at his nephew's attempt to lighten Tarou's load, and gently lifts Tarou's face. Gently stroking his stubbled face with callused fingers and staring into his eyes, he continues, "You listen to me, Tarou," he says gently, "You are a good man — among the best of men." he places a hand against his chest, "Your good heart is fueled by the man and the spirit, and since that is what I love most about you it means that the spirit must also have some good, and that I love and accept both sides of you."
He pulls Tarou into a deep, lingering kiss, his hand caressing his neck. Once it's broken, he continues, "Not quite the extent as the other night, but now I've shared something with both sides of you. We'll have time for the rest later on. I promise..." He rests his forehead against Tarou's, his eyes closed tight, "Long, long ago, I hated parts of myself too. I rejected them and was lesser for that decision. It took me decades to learn this particular lesson, but I believe it will help you faster, love...
Neither yin or yang can exist without the other. By accepting your literal inner demon, in halting in your attempts to banish him, and instead learning to respect and harmonize with his power, you can harness his strength and join it with your own, using both for good. He will always be a part of you, and without you both in harmony you will tear each other apart trying to gain mastery. Without both of you in accord...neither can survive."
He bows his head now, worried that what he's said will be taken poorly.
edited 2nd Jul '17 11:51:04 PM by GhostElm
Sonome Village
Date's Hut - Forge
The door between the Forge and the Main area of the house opens as coming through, closing the door behind is the young wandering swordsman, (well a little bit more than that) Rhylu. His young teenage body looking slightly better to before, his skin fair but no longer pale or cut up and broken though much of it still has bandages on it. His green eyes with a cunning geam to them now and he's moving with quite a bit more energy after being forced to just rest for some time.Dressed in his now cleaned clothes, the tiger tooth necklace, having left his cloak and bag in Date's house. He carries both his swords with him, the repaired Katana by his side as well as at his other side the peacebound scabbard of the magical blade witnessed before. Overall he seems to be doing quite well now. Date also knowing having helped change bandages many days, the lad has healed at a remarkable speed even the most mortal of wounds he had seemingly healed up almost fully over these past few days.
Tavern - Bar
Slowly and elegently her majesty Lady Mana walks down the stairs of the tavern, in his usual and ever clean western black and white, ruffled dress. Her long golden blond hair finely curled again as she slowly walks towards the bar going to take a seat besides Yoshiki. She has been a little demanding over the past few days, perhaps getting impatient of waiting around for so long and wanting to get on the road. Most of that has been calmed however by Ren a number of times.She will peer over and watch the boy work, not saying anything for now just assessing his progress.
edited 3rd Jul '17 2:34:54 AM by darkdestinysoul
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
Tarou pets the young kit as he comes over, appreciating his attempt to cheer him up. "Thank you, young one..." He says with a slightly weary nod.
He silently listens to Sasuke as he shares his words of wisdom, looking to be thinking hard about them. "...Like yin and yang...I...Never really thought about it in such a manner..." He says, glancing down at his own person before looking back up to Sasuke.
"...You are incredibly wise, Sasuke. And...accepting." he says and he pulls Sasuke into another hug. "I can't count the number of times people have chased me away...Or even tried to kill me because of my heritage...Even during the time before I met my master..."
...
Tarou lifts his head, looking rather misty-eyed himself at this point and gives Sasuke another kiss. "...Thank you. I could say it a thousand times, and it still wouldn't feel like enough..."
Tavern
Yoshiki glances over to Lady Mana as she makes her entrance, chuckling to himself internally. He found it amusing how she walked around like she was at a grand ball instead of the worn, old tavern they were actually in. As she sits, continues working, answering with a simple, "Good morning."
Village Plaza -> Date's Hut: Forge
Minami continues on her way, until her master's home finally comes into view. As she approaches the door, reaching out to open it, she pauses as she feels that sudden feeling of being watched again. She quickly turns around, and looks around more focused this time. "...I know you are following me...!" She calls out, but once again, nothing immediately out of place jumps out at her.
Date's Hut: Forge
Date nods in response to Kokoro, looking pleased. "That's good. Only a few more pieces to work on. We should be done fairly soon."
The door dividing the forge area from his house opens and he glances over as Rhylu enters. "Ah, well look who's up and about! Good morning, how're you feeli-" he starts to greet, but pauses when he hears Minami just outside, looking towards the door.
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Forge
Kokoro bowed towards Rhylu "Ah, welcome again Rhylu." She concentrated on the sword in her hands again, trying to perfect it but still not finding just that right spot. "Say, Rhylu, what do you think abtou the repaired blade? I hope I did acceptable work."
"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Construction Site:
Meanwhile, a tall man dressed like a commoner was among one of several people actively working to restore the shine to its former glory. Whether it be fetching wood planks, leveling ground, laying tile, or even fetching buckets of water using his bowstaff and back for support, the man showed a level of dedication one would expect more from a spiritual/religious figure than what could be confused for a farm hand. To many, he was simply known as The Outlander, as one could easily tell from his stature and facial features that he was not native to the region.
After setting what must have been the hundredth tile for the day, the Outlander finally stood up and requested a moment of rest, approaching the top of a hill before removing his straw hat, taking a blade, and carefully shaving his head as he did ritually whenever he sensed enough hair growth to warrant it, which seemed to be every few days.
Living The Fever DreamSonome
Shrine Construction Site
New sheet coming soon.
Tenzo is currently helping the other workers like he has been for the past few days. Bulky even for someone of his size, he's made relatively short work of anything that required a strong back and hard labor. He didn't speak very much outside of what was necessary, but he paid attention whenever he took a break and saw someone doing a type of work he wasn't familiar with, slightly removed yet studious.
Sitting down for a snack, he wiped his forehead before carefully adjusting his straw hat, which mostly covered his telltale horns. A few of the other workers had been taking glances and whispering - though it's hard to say whether for some of them it was because he hardly ever wore anything above the waist - but compared to everywhere else he had been, it was far more welcoming. Still, he was conscious of what marks him as more than a normal person, and for many, someone to be feared. Looking at the Outlander, Sasuke and Tarou, he nodded to them curtly, making a small bashful smile at the latter two.
edited 3rd Jul '17 10:40:10 PM by AqueousBunnies
Shrine Grounds - Wooded Enclave
The fox kit snuggles close to Tarou's lap, purring as he's pet.Sasuke's hand grasps Tarou's neck as they kiss, before slipping around to sit at his side, wrapping his arm around his neck and stroking his hair, "All the thanks I'll ever need is you being here with me. I'll protect you from anyone who tries anything like that again." He smiles warmly as he nods back to their student at work in the distance, "Both of you."
There's a distant yip from the shaded woodlands and Sasuke lightly pats the kit on the butt, "Mom's calling, kiddo. Best go get lunch."
Sonome
Date's Hut - Forge
"Good morning Kokoro-san, Date-sensei." He gives a short polite bow to each of them, then a nod to Kokoro. "It feels and strikes far better. You did a good job." He smiles politely.
He looks back to Date and hears the noise from outside as well, his eyes sharply glancing to the door like they were his blades. Hand falling upon his repaired Katana as he looks to Date, taking quiet steps closer to the door ready to pounce out if allowed and asked.
Tavern - Bar
"Hmmnn, good morning Little Yoshiki." She replies looking over his work some more, a curious look towards the young lad. She also proceeded to order breakfast, having the cost of such put onto Ren and her's shared tab. Its not like they're not good for it.After a little bit of watching she will speak up again. "So Little Yoshiki, are you all prepared? Given my brother seems adamant on allowing you along, do you have everything you'd want for the road?" Her tone was friendly, though rather bored.
edited 5th Jul '17 3:15:55 AM by darkdestinysoul
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."Sonome
Shrine Grounds: Wooded Enclave
Tarou looks in the direction of Tenzo when Sasuke nods to him, noting him watching them. He offers a simple wave over to him, before leaning against Sasuke's shoulder.
"I get the feel that you'd make a good father." He says, smiling faintly as he watches him send his nephew off for lunch.
Tavern: Bar
Yoshiki glances over at her, noting her repeated addressing of him as "Little Yoshiki", figuring she was just poking some fun. "I'm 8 years old. I'm not a little brat, you know." He answers, putting down his brush and pausing for a moment. "But, yes. I don't have a whole lot to begin with." He says, motioning go his satchel, the only possession really has. And that gold cloak of his, though every time he tried to remember who gave it to him, the memory would blur. All he knew is that it was important to him.
Date's Hut: Forge
As he sees Rhylu note the noise as well, Date gives him a nod, signifying he prepare himself just in case. He approaches the door and with a motion of his arm, he casts it to the side, making the door slide open.
As the happens, Minami quickly turns to face him. "Oh! Date-san, good morning! She says, quickly bowing in greeting. "Good morning as well Kokoro-san, Rhylu-san." She says, greeting them as well.
"Good morning, Minami. Are you already? Rhylu and I heard you shout."
"Oh, that? Ah, sorry...It's nothing really. I just felt like I was being followed. Though, I have been unable to find anyone that seems to be out of place..."
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.Sonome Village, Blacksmith's Hut, Forge
Kokoro bowed back "Hello Minami~" The Chōchin Obake also wobbled in the air a bit in a greeting while chuckling before resuming to sirr around seemingly aimlessly through the forge. Kokoro all the while looked to Date "Master? Could you maybe look at this sword? I'm working on it since quite a while but I think there's still something amiss." She held out the sword she had worked on, Date would notice that it was repaired quite skillfully.
"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"Sonome
Tavern - Bar
"You're still smaller than us. Little Yoshiki." She grins a little calling him that, mild amusement at his reaction though it wasn't malicious. She had a small smile on her face despite the monotony that was staying in this village was for her.She looks at the satchel and nods slowly. "I understand you do not have much. Is there anything you need if we will be traveling however? My dear brother certainly seems to want to be sure you're comfortable." There is this odd, change in her expression saying that. Its hard to say what but her words were oddly sharp.
Date's Hut - Forge
Rhylu looked forward scanning and listening to Minami before relaxing his stance and moving his hand to just rest atop the handle of the blade instead of ready to draw. Nodding to her."Good morning to you as well Minami-san." He bows his head a little, respectfully and politely.
He peers out of the door again, a slight shimmer over his eyes as with supernatural prowess he scans outside the door both visually and at a spiritual level. He was worried it was someone, one of his own assailants following traces of his aura of Minami..
edited 5th Jul '17 5:05:24 AM by darkdestinysoul
"After time adrift among open stars, along tides of light and through shoals of dust, I will return to where I began."Sasuke blushes to a deep scarlet that reaches down his neck and he strokes Tarou's hair. After wiping his eyes for a moment, he nods, "Perhaps, or perhaps not," He then nods toward Tenzo as if to ask if he'd like to come over for a bit. "After seeing how well you handle teaching, I think you may be too."
edited 5th Jul '17 8:19:51 AM by GhostElm
Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds: Wooded Enclave
Tarou shakes his head. "I...don't know. Maybe. I don't know how good of a teacher you can call a man who never recieved a proper education. I only know the stuff I know because of Shirou-sensei." he answers plainly. "Hell, I didn't even know how sex worked until I was in my twenties..." he says, blushing slightly.
Date's Hut: Forge
" I see..." Date says and glances over to Rhylu, seeming to get the gist of what he was doing. "Do you see anything?" he asks, then looks over to Kokoro, and the sword she presented him. He grabs it and takes a moment to look it over with his fine eye for detail and gives it a test swing. "...Hmm..." He takes another swing with it. "...Yep, that's it. The hilt feels a bit to light for the blade's weight. It's slight, but still noticeable by anyone who knows their way around a sword. "Try resetting the blade with a new hilt, see how that works."
Rhylu's scan will pick up what seems to be a trail of residual energy that trailed after Minami as she made her way here, but has disappeared somewhere nearby.
Tavern: Bar
"I won't always be small..." Yoshiki answers, looking slightly defiant. "Anyway...I don't really know. I can't think of anything...I mean, maybe some more travel clothes?" he says, looking down at his rather dressy outfit.
edited 5th Jul '17 5:49:04 PM by BaronGreen
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.

Sonome Village
Shrine Grounds - Construction Site
Noting the presence of the fox, Tarou glances down as it nuzzles his leg. He allows himself to give into a faint smile and reaches down to scratch the fox between the ears. "I think about you and you come. Have you made your way inside my head without my knowledge?" he says, in a joking manner.
Old habits die hard, especially when no one else lets them die either.