Post by Nicholas Gray on Jul 18, 2015 20:27:16 GMT -6
It was a beautiful day in Mexico.
Words like that would send many scrambling to call the speaker a madman, screams of rule 1 and such things, but that would not deter him. He thought it was beautiful.
Though, that might be due to being stuck in a freezer for so long.
As the man walked out through the doors of the hospital, he couldn’t help but grin. To be back in the real world was exhilarating. He could smell the air, see the people, feel the beat of the sun on his skin!
He didn’t like that part. It made him warm under the collar.
He immediately began to unbutton his shirt, quickly pulling it away from his body and carelessly tossing it into the bushes for some lucky hobo to find. This didn’t really do anything about the warmth in him, but he felt better just because taking his clothes off always made him happy. From behind him he heard the door of the hospital open, and knew without looking who it was leaving now. The man, a few years younger, takes a few steps out before seeing him already stripped of his shirt, and presses a palm to his face.
Masato Kanemoto: I look away for just a few moments and there you go stripping…
Tsurugi turned and gave his brother a grin.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Do what you’re good at, petit frère!
Masato Kanemoto: ...you are very good at being a pest, yes.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Merci!
Masato rolls his eyes.
Masato Kanemoto: So what did the doctor say? Is there anything wrong with you? Besides, of course, the things wrong with you before you were in a damn freezer.
Tsurugi waves his hand dismissively.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Nothing wrong with me at all! They checked me out, and there’s no sign of any nasty cold-related things going on.
Masato nodded, perhaps out of relief, though he doesn’t show it. Tsurugi moved up to him and wrapped an arm around his brother’s shoulders, hugging him from the side, which was really the most Masato ever allowed.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: But who knows what might have been wrong for me if my heroic little brother didn’t show up to save me! Well...and Ruby too.
Masato frowned.
Masato Kanemoto: Ruby especially?
Tsurugi grinned.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Noooo, you’re equals!
While this was intended to calm Masato’s Ruby-based dislike down, it didn’t really help at all, as Masato only frowned deeper.
Masato Kanemoto: How insulting…
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Now, now, don’t get like that...just focus on how happy you are to have freed me!
Masato Kanemoto: ...Father would have been torn apart by losing someone else.
Masato wasn’t looking at Tsurugi’s face, so he missed his smile fading away.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...yeah. If something happened to me, he’d be torn apart. You would be too.
Masato Kanemoto: I’m stronger than that.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Yeah…
And then the grin is back.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: But that doesn’t matter, right? Because I was saved!
Masato Kanemoto: Mmhmm...we only found you because we could hear your ringtone for Ruby. What in the world was that, anyway?
Tsurugi released the sidehug and pulled his phone out. He tapped his way to his ringtones, and brought up the one he used for Ruby, hitting play and holding it out for his brother to hear as the phone began to play a lively pop tune, as a female singer shouted out.
Doki was a Japanese onomatopoeia referring to a beating heart. Masato found it annoyingly cutesy. So a song repeatedly shouting doki at him annoyed the shit out of him, causing him to pinch the bridge of his nose.
Masato Kanemoto: ...Of. Course.
Tsurugi thankfully made it stop playing, allowing Masato relief.
Masato Kanemoto: I know I’ll regret asking this, but what do I get in your phone? We couldn’t hear it when I tried to call you.
Tsurugi’s expression turned sheepish, as he suddenly looked away from his brother.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Well...I just have you set to vibrate.
Masato Kanemoto: ...well. I see where my importance is to you.
Tsurugi started shaking his head emphatically, adding hand waving to the mix to emphasize just how wrong that was.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Non, non! That’s not it at all! You’re just so hard to pick a song for!
Masato Kanemoto: ...just pick something, it’s not hard.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Sure it is! I could never find something I thought was perfect. Well...I did keep thinking of the Imperial March…
He winced, expecting another angry shout from his little brother, but was surprised to instead see an expression of pleased realization on his face.
Masato Kanemoto: ...I could go Hunting to that.
Tsurugi grinned, and immediately started tapping on his phone. Moments later, the deed was done.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: There! Now whenever you call me I’ll think of a sword-wielding badass stomping down a hall!
Masato nodded, hiding how pleased he was with that deep down.
Masato Kanemoto: I’ll accept that. Now then, do you need a ride?
Tsurugi shook his head.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: No, thank you! Kegare is coming to get me. It’s been so long!
Masato frowned slightly, not so much as Kegare itself, but at his brother’s continued reliance on the butler. Masato had stopped relying on him years ago, and yet Tsurugi still kept him at his beck and call. How childish.
Masato Kanemoto: Good. Then I’m going.
Tsurugi took on a look of exaggerated hurt, before darting in with a grin.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Already? You got a date or something?
Masato scowled.
Masato Kanemoto: No. I have an important Hunt I have to plan.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Ohhhh, coooool. You need any help with that?
Masato shook his head.
Masato Kanemoto: This one is mine.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Okaaaayyyyyy. Be safe then! When you bag whatever it is, I’ll treat you to dinner!
Masato Kanemoto: ...it doesn’t count as you treating me if Kegare makes it.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Sure it does! I asked him to, so it counts.
Masato just rolled his eyes, shaking his head before turning to walk away. He pauses after a step is taken.
Masato Kanemoto: Tsurugi…
Masato turned back to face his older brother, his expression different.
Masato Kanemoto: It’s...good to see you again.
Masato’s eyes look away, something he always did when he spoke from the heart. Tsurugi just smiles, reaching out and placing both hands on his brother’s shoulders.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I know. I’m so happy to get to see you again, we spent too long apart. But don’t worry...I’m never going to disappear.
Masato slowly nods, and gives him the closest thing he can manage to a smile. The two share the smile, before Masato turns and walks away. Tsurugi leaned against a wall, and began to wait. He didn’t have to wait long for him.
As ever, he barely heard him approach, only realizing he had arrived when he cleared his throat, Tsurugi turning his head to look. There stood another Japanese man, older-looking than Tsurugi, dressed in a dressed in a suit and tie. He bowed to Tsurugi.
Kegare: You look well Tsurugi, sir.
The sir is automatic, almost like a tic. Tsurugi just grins at him.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Merci, Kegare! I’ve been reunited with Ruby, so I feel incroyable!
A small smile briefly comes to the face of the servant, though it fades shortly after appearing, replaced with a serious, worried look.
Kegare: Tsurugi, sir…how are you really?
For the smallest moment the smile on Tsurugi’s face falls away...but it lights back up almost immediately.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: What a silly question!
He reaches a hand out and places it on the shoulder of his servantile friend.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I’m as fantastic as ever. Can’t you tell?
Kegare looks him in the eyes for a moment, the two men sharing a look. Kegare finally nods and smiles a bit.
Kegare: You’re you Tsurugi, sir. I’m glad.
Tsurugi nods back.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: As am I. So! What shall we get up to to celebrate our reunion, Kegare?
Kegare’s smile fades away, and after a moment so does Tsurugi’s.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...I guess my day’s already decided?
Kegare nodded.
Kegare: Your father is waiting for you.
Tsurugi sighed, one hand coming up to scratch behind his head as he tried to think of any way out of that meeting. But, he knew, it’d be pointless.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Fine. Let’s make the drive up to Cali….
Kegare: No need.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Hm?
Kegare: Anticipating this, Sir Ren traveled down to Tijuana to await your emergence.
Tsurugi sighed again, shaking his head.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: He’s too prepared...fine fine, let’s go see him…
Kegare nodded before turning and beginning to walk.
Kegare: Follow me please Tsurugi, sir.
Tsurugi sighed one last time before beginning to follow his attendant to the man he wasn’t particularly excited about seeing…
--
It was a pleasant looking cabin in the woods, or as pleasant as one can look, considering their inherent creepiness. The kind you see in the daytime and go “boy I’d love to take my girl up here for some fun” and then night comes and you’ve found a tape deck, and you’re listening to it then you’re chainsawing your hand off and having a jolly good laugh with all the suddenly animated furniture and…
His thoughts were interrupted when he ran smack into Kegare’s back. He stepped back, blinking in confusion. Kegare merely continued to stand there some feet from the porch, hands clasped behind his back.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...you coming?
Kegare shook his head.
Kegare: I should not intrude on a private conversation between father and son.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Great...thanks, Kegare. I’ll be back out eventually.
Kegare nodded, and Tsurugi walked up the porch. He gripped the doorknob, let out a sigh, and quickly threw the door open and stepped in. There was one thing very off about the inside of the cabin, that he felt immediately as he stepped over the threshold.
It was freezing.
Stepping from the warmth of summer into this was jarring, to say the least. He turned and examined the inside of the doorway, taking note of several sigils carved into the wood. He ran his hand over them, and the cold coming from them was immense. He let out a breath, and watched it frost in the air.
And he let out a long sigh of relief, because the cold felt so damned good. He stepped down the hallway to the main room of the cabin and found his father, Ren. His father sat at a desk against the far wall, playing with fire. A very tiny speck of flame, at that. He moved his index finger around, and the tiny flame would follow it around and around, letting him Guide it. It was a trick Tsurugi knew well, his father having performed it for him and, later, his brother, and it always put a smile on his face.
Ren finally pointed down, and the flame flew down onto the desk and was snuffed out.
Tsurugi frowned. He then let out a cough to signal his arrival. Ren’s head barely moved as he acknowledged it.
Ren Kanemoto: Hello, Tsurugi.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Father.
He looked Tsurugi up and down, expression as unreadable as it ever was.
Ren Kanemoto: You look well.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Thanks. I was feeling...warm before I entered. Not so much now…
Ren looked back into the hallway, at the sigils around the doorway.
Ren Kanemoto: I expected that, and tried to make things more comfortable for you.
Tsurugi bowed his head.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Thank you.
Ren nodded.
Ren Kanemoto: You’re welcome, Tsurugi. I’m sure you know why you’re here, but, first…
He turned back to the desk.
Ren Kanemoto: I want to return something to you.
He reached next to the desk and retrieved a case, long and slim, holding it out to Tsurugi. He took it and quickly flipped the latches, opening it. Inside, on a bed of velvet, laid a rapier. Long, constantly narrowing blade jutting from a cup hilt, the handguard actually part of the cup, jutting down to protect the handle. Tsurugi gripped it and hefted it up to look at it. He looked at the light reflecting off the silver blade, and grinned. His primary weapon, handed down from his mother to him.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Thank you, father. I’ve missed having this near me, I can’t stand having it away from me for so long...
Ren nodded in understanding.
Ren Kanemoto: I know. But you understand why I wasn’t comfortable with you having it with you while you were going through that, yes?
Tsurugi frowned at the implication, but nodded.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Yes...of course, father.
He placed his heirloom back into the case and latched it shut before looking back at his father.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: So…
Ren Kanemoto: How do you feel?
Tsurugi paused as he really thought about it. And he realized that even after everything, beyond still feeling a slight pain in his chest, he felt…
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...the same.
And at that, Ren finally smiled, reaching his hands out to clasp his son’s shoulders. He looked more relieved than Tsurugi had seen him in years.
Ren Kanemoto: Good! I wanted to believe you’d come out fine.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: So did I. And here I am.
Ren nodded, and stepped back, going back to the desk. He opened a drawer and reached in, talking to Tsurugi as he did.
Ren Kanemoto: Now that I’ve confirmed your status, and given you back your weapon, we need to move on to the most important thing.
He pulled from the drawer a few sheets of paper, folded up and wrapped with a silk string. Tsurugi looked at them curiously.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Giving me a Job pretty quick, I just got out of a freezer.
Ren Kanemoto: They’re important. Tell me...how are they?
Tsurugi frowned, deeply, as he immediately realized who he was referring to.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...Masato and Ruby.
Ren nodded, the smile that had been on his face long gone. All of the happiness has disappeared from Tsurugi’s face as well.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: They’re...depressing. They’re at each others throats all the time. Any talk between them that I’ve seen on Twitter has just degenerated into just...insults and what almost feels like hate. And every time I see that, I remember how things were before, and it...it hurts.
And he winces, feeling a slight twinge of pain in his chest, Ren’s eyes narrowing at that.
Ren Kanemoto: You can’t focus on that, Tsurugi. It’ll only make things harder.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I know, I know...then tell me about what the Job is.
Ren nods, and pulls the string away from the papers, unfolding them as he speaks.
Ren Kanemoto: You’re to observe Ruby and Masato, and regularly report on their activities to me.
Tsurugi’s brow furrows in confusion.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Masato? I can understand needing to keep an eye on Ruby, sure, but why him?
Ren let out a sigh.
Ren Kanemoto: Your brother’s strength is his weakness too. He’s so dedicated to destroying evil, some above me are worried he might go against orders. You’ll need to remind him of what his orders, explicitly, are.
Tsurugi reaches out to the papers and takes them, giving them a once-over. His expression changes from confusion to what almost looks like anger as he looks back at his father incredulously.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Is this a joke? Why give him this assignment?! Of course he’ll go against these orders, have you MET him!?
Ren merely frowned.
Ren Kanemoto: They are the orders that have been assigned him. He will follow them.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...fine. I accept the Job. I’ll observe and report.
Ren nodded his acknowledgement, before suddenly his expression...changed.
Ren Kanemoto: And...one last thing. An addendum to your Job. For me.
Tsurugi’s expression turned to one of confusion. A Guide was never suppose to add personal favors onto a Hunter’s Job, and even though Ren was his father he’d still never added anything.
Ren Kanemoto: Masato can never know why Ruby left the Order.
Tsurugi’s expression changed from confusion, to shock.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I…Father, I can’t…
Ren Kanemoto: Please.
He grabbed Tsurugi by the shoulders, and Tsurugi was forced to look into his father’s eyes.
Ren Kanemoto: If Masato found out, if he started asking questions...the consequences would be astronomical.
It felt like Tsurugi’s heart had stopped beating at those words. He knew what he was referring to, what would happen…Tsurugi finally nodded.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I’ll...do my best. It shouldn’t be too hard, they can barely stand to be in the same place, let alone have any kind of conversation. Masato will never find out.
Ren Kanemoto: Thank you.
Tsurugi nodded in response before turning to walk away. He thought his father might say something else, something about how happy he was to see Tsurugi safe, but no other words are said as Tsurugi departs. He winces as he steps out of the cabin, going from the amazing cold to the heat feeling almost painful. Kegare remained in the same spot he had been when Tsurugi entered the cabin, and Tsurugi seemed entirely unsurprised.
Kegare: How was your conversation with your father, Tsurugi, sir?
Tsurugi looked down at the papers in his hand, a frown coming to his face.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: The usual.
Kegare frowned slightly, and nodded in understanding.
Kegare: In that case, what would you like to do now?
Tsurugi looked at the papers in his hand again for a moment, frowning. And then, like nothing had happened, he stuffed the paper into his pocket, wrapping an arm around Kegare’s shoulder as his face lit up in a grin.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: How’s about we go see what Mexico has to offer? Ah, but my legs are so tired after all this…
A tiny laugh comes from Kegare.
Kegare: So be it. I’ll be your ride for this.
At that Tsurugi leapt onto the other man’s back with Kegare, despite the ridiculousness of it, helping shift him up into the standard piggyback position. Tsurugi pointing forward.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I’ve been locked away from the world for months, there’s so many adventures I’ve missed! Let’s go make up for the time lost! En avant!
At that command, Kegare takes off running, Tsurugi yelling with joy at the ride. It let him completely take his mind off of everything. Off of Masato and Ruby’s back-and-forth bile-spewing, off of the awful things that had happened to Ruby over the past year and a half, off of his current Job, and off of the slight, warm pain he sometimes felt in his chest.
He was happy, being reunited with his family.
How quickly that would change.
Words like that would send many scrambling to call the speaker a madman, screams of rule 1 and such things, but that would not deter him. He thought it was beautiful.
Though, that might be due to being stuck in a freezer for so long.
As the man walked out through the doors of the hospital, he couldn’t help but grin. To be back in the real world was exhilarating. He could smell the air, see the people, feel the beat of the sun on his skin!
He didn’t like that part. It made him warm under the collar.
He immediately began to unbutton his shirt, quickly pulling it away from his body and carelessly tossing it into the bushes for some lucky hobo to find. This didn’t really do anything about the warmth in him, but he felt better just because taking his clothes off always made him happy. From behind him he heard the door of the hospital open, and knew without looking who it was leaving now. The man, a few years younger, takes a few steps out before seeing him already stripped of his shirt, and presses a palm to his face.
Masato Kanemoto: I look away for just a few moments and there you go stripping…
Tsurugi turned and gave his brother a grin.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Do what you’re good at, petit frère!
Masato Kanemoto: ...you are very good at being a pest, yes.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Merci!
Masato rolls his eyes.
Masato Kanemoto: So what did the doctor say? Is there anything wrong with you? Besides, of course, the things wrong with you before you were in a damn freezer.
Tsurugi waves his hand dismissively.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Nothing wrong with me at all! They checked me out, and there’s no sign of any nasty cold-related things going on.
Masato nodded, perhaps out of relief, though he doesn’t show it. Tsurugi moved up to him and wrapped an arm around his brother’s shoulders, hugging him from the side, which was really the most Masato ever allowed.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: But who knows what might have been wrong for me if my heroic little brother didn’t show up to save me! Well...and Ruby too.
Masato frowned.
Masato Kanemoto: Ruby especially?
Tsurugi grinned.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Noooo, you’re equals!
While this was intended to calm Masato’s Ruby-based dislike down, it didn’t really help at all, as Masato only frowned deeper.
Masato Kanemoto: How insulting…
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Now, now, don’t get like that...just focus on how happy you are to have freed me!
Masato Kanemoto: ...Father would have been torn apart by losing someone else.
Masato wasn’t looking at Tsurugi’s face, so he missed his smile fading away.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...yeah. If something happened to me, he’d be torn apart. You would be too.
Masato Kanemoto: I’m stronger than that.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Yeah…
And then the grin is back.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: But that doesn’t matter, right? Because I was saved!
Masato Kanemoto: Mmhmm...we only found you because we could hear your ringtone for Ruby. What in the world was that, anyway?
Tsurugi released the sidehug and pulled his phone out. He tapped his way to his ringtones, and brought up the one he used for Ruby, hitting play and holding it out for his brother to hear as the phone began to play a lively pop tune, as a female singer shouted out.
“DOKI! DOKI! DOKI! DOKI! BABY!”
Doki was a Japanese onomatopoeia referring to a beating heart. Masato found it annoyingly cutesy. So a song repeatedly shouting doki at him annoyed the shit out of him, causing him to pinch the bridge of his nose.
Masato Kanemoto: ...Of. Course.
Tsurugi thankfully made it stop playing, allowing Masato relief.
Masato Kanemoto: I know I’ll regret asking this, but what do I get in your phone? We couldn’t hear it when I tried to call you.
Tsurugi’s expression turned sheepish, as he suddenly looked away from his brother.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Well...I just have you set to vibrate.
Masato Kanemoto: ...well. I see where my importance is to you.
Tsurugi started shaking his head emphatically, adding hand waving to the mix to emphasize just how wrong that was.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Non, non! That’s not it at all! You’re just so hard to pick a song for!
Masato Kanemoto: ...just pick something, it’s not hard.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Sure it is! I could never find something I thought was perfect. Well...I did keep thinking of the Imperial March…
He winced, expecting another angry shout from his little brother, but was surprised to instead see an expression of pleased realization on his face.
Masato Kanemoto: ...I could go Hunting to that.
Tsurugi grinned, and immediately started tapping on his phone. Moments later, the deed was done.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: There! Now whenever you call me I’ll think of a sword-wielding badass stomping down a hall!
Masato nodded, hiding how pleased he was with that deep down.
Masato Kanemoto: I’ll accept that. Now then, do you need a ride?
Tsurugi shook his head.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: No, thank you! Kegare is coming to get me. It’s been so long!
Masato frowned slightly, not so much as Kegare itself, but at his brother’s continued reliance on the butler. Masato had stopped relying on him years ago, and yet Tsurugi still kept him at his beck and call. How childish.
Masato Kanemoto: Good. Then I’m going.
Tsurugi took on a look of exaggerated hurt, before darting in with a grin.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Already? You got a date or something?
Masato scowled.
Masato Kanemoto: No. I have an important Hunt I have to plan.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Ohhhh, coooool. You need any help with that?
Masato shook his head.
Masato Kanemoto: This one is mine.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Okaaaayyyyyy. Be safe then! When you bag whatever it is, I’ll treat you to dinner!
Masato Kanemoto: ...it doesn’t count as you treating me if Kegare makes it.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Sure it does! I asked him to, so it counts.
Masato just rolled his eyes, shaking his head before turning to walk away. He pauses after a step is taken.
Masato Kanemoto: Tsurugi…
Masato turned back to face his older brother, his expression different.
Masato Kanemoto: It’s...good to see you again.
Masato’s eyes look away, something he always did when he spoke from the heart. Tsurugi just smiles, reaching out and placing both hands on his brother’s shoulders.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I know. I’m so happy to get to see you again, we spent too long apart. But don’t worry...I’m never going to disappear.
Masato slowly nods, and gives him the closest thing he can manage to a smile. The two share the smile, before Masato turns and walks away. Tsurugi leaned against a wall, and began to wait. He didn’t have to wait long for him.
As ever, he barely heard him approach, only realizing he had arrived when he cleared his throat, Tsurugi turning his head to look. There stood another Japanese man, older-looking than Tsurugi, dressed in a dressed in a suit and tie. He bowed to Tsurugi.
Kegare: You look well Tsurugi, sir.
The sir is automatic, almost like a tic. Tsurugi just grins at him.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Merci, Kegare! I’ve been reunited with Ruby, so I feel incroyable!
A small smile briefly comes to the face of the servant, though it fades shortly after appearing, replaced with a serious, worried look.
Kegare: Tsurugi, sir…how are you really?
For the smallest moment the smile on Tsurugi’s face falls away...but it lights back up almost immediately.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: What a silly question!
He reaches a hand out and places it on the shoulder of his servantile friend.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I’m as fantastic as ever. Can’t you tell?
Kegare looks him in the eyes for a moment, the two men sharing a look. Kegare finally nods and smiles a bit.
Kegare: You’re you Tsurugi, sir. I’m glad.
Tsurugi nods back.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: As am I. So! What shall we get up to to celebrate our reunion, Kegare?
Kegare’s smile fades away, and after a moment so does Tsurugi’s.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...I guess my day’s already decided?
Kegare nodded.
Kegare: Your father is waiting for you.
Tsurugi sighed, one hand coming up to scratch behind his head as he tried to think of any way out of that meeting. But, he knew, it’d be pointless.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Fine. Let’s make the drive up to Cali….
Kegare: No need.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Hm?
Kegare: Anticipating this, Sir Ren traveled down to Tijuana to await your emergence.
Tsurugi sighed again, shaking his head.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: He’s too prepared...fine fine, let’s go see him…
Kegare nodded before turning and beginning to walk.
Kegare: Follow me please Tsurugi, sir.
Tsurugi sighed one last time before beginning to follow his attendant to the man he wasn’t particularly excited about seeing…
--
It was a pleasant looking cabin in the woods, or as pleasant as one can look, considering their inherent creepiness. The kind you see in the daytime and go “boy I’d love to take my girl up here for some fun” and then night comes and you’ve found a tape deck, and you’re listening to it then you’re chainsawing your hand off and having a jolly good laugh with all the suddenly animated furniture and…
His thoughts were interrupted when he ran smack into Kegare’s back. He stepped back, blinking in confusion. Kegare merely continued to stand there some feet from the porch, hands clasped behind his back.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...you coming?
Kegare shook his head.
Kegare: I should not intrude on a private conversation between father and son.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Great...thanks, Kegare. I’ll be back out eventually.
Kegare nodded, and Tsurugi walked up the porch. He gripped the doorknob, let out a sigh, and quickly threw the door open and stepped in. There was one thing very off about the inside of the cabin, that he felt immediately as he stepped over the threshold.
It was freezing.
Stepping from the warmth of summer into this was jarring, to say the least. He turned and examined the inside of the doorway, taking note of several sigils carved into the wood. He ran his hand over them, and the cold coming from them was immense. He let out a breath, and watched it frost in the air.
And he let out a long sigh of relief, because the cold felt so damned good. He stepped down the hallway to the main room of the cabin and found his father, Ren. His father sat at a desk against the far wall, playing with fire. A very tiny speck of flame, at that. He moved his index finger around, and the tiny flame would follow it around and around, letting him Guide it. It was a trick Tsurugi knew well, his father having performed it for him and, later, his brother, and it always put a smile on his face.
Ren finally pointed down, and the flame flew down onto the desk and was snuffed out.
Tsurugi frowned. He then let out a cough to signal his arrival. Ren’s head barely moved as he acknowledged it.
Ren Kanemoto: Hello, Tsurugi.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Father.
He looked Tsurugi up and down, expression as unreadable as it ever was.
Ren Kanemoto: You look well.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Thanks. I was feeling...warm before I entered. Not so much now…
Ren looked back into the hallway, at the sigils around the doorway.
Ren Kanemoto: I expected that, and tried to make things more comfortable for you.
Tsurugi bowed his head.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Thank you.
Ren nodded.
Ren Kanemoto: You’re welcome, Tsurugi. I’m sure you know why you’re here, but, first…
He turned back to the desk.
Ren Kanemoto: I want to return something to you.
He reached next to the desk and retrieved a case, long and slim, holding it out to Tsurugi. He took it and quickly flipped the latches, opening it. Inside, on a bed of velvet, laid a rapier. Long, constantly narrowing blade jutting from a cup hilt, the handguard actually part of the cup, jutting down to protect the handle. Tsurugi gripped it and hefted it up to look at it. He looked at the light reflecting off the silver blade, and grinned. His primary weapon, handed down from his mother to him.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Thank you, father. I’ve missed having this near me, I can’t stand having it away from me for so long...
Ren nodded in understanding.
Ren Kanemoto: I know. But you understand why I wasn’t comfortable with you having it with you while you were going through that, yes?
Tsurugi frowned at the implication, but nodded.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Yes...of course, father.
He placed his heirloom back into the case and latched it shut before looking back at his father.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: So…
Ren Kanemoto: How do you feel?
Tsurugi paused as he really thought about it. And he realized that even after everything, beyond still feeling a slight pain in his chest, he felt…
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...the same.
And at that, Ren finally smiled, reaching his hands out to clasp his son’s shoulders. He looked more relieved than Tsurugi had seen him in years.
Ren Kanemoto: Good! I wanted to believe you’d come out fine.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: So did I. And here I am.
Ren nodded, and stepped back, going back to the desk. He opened a drawer and reached in, talking to Tsurugi as he did.
Ren Kanemoto: Now that I’ve confirmed your status, and given you back your weapon, we need to move on to the most important thing.
He pulled from the drawer a few sheets of paper, folded up and wrapped with a silk string. Tsurugi looked at them curiously.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Giving me a Job pretty quick, I just got out of a freezer.
Ren Kanemoto: They’re important. Tell me...how are they?
Tsurugi frowned, deeply, as he immediately realized who he was referring to.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...Masato and Ruby.
Ren nodded, the smile that had been on his face long gone. All of the happiness has disappeared from Tsurugi’s face as well.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: They’re...depressing. They’re at each others throats all the time. Any talk between them that I’ve seen on Twitter has just degenerated into just...insults and what almost feels like hate. And every time I see that, I remember how things were before, and it...it hurts.
And he winces, feeling a slight twinge of pain in his chest, Ren’s eyes narrowing at that.
Ren Kanemoto: You can’t focus on that, Tsurugi. It’ll only make things harder.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I know, I know...then tell me about what the Job is.
Ren nods, and pulls the string away from the papers, unfolding them as he speaks.
Ren Kanemoto: You’re to observe Ruby and Masato, and regularly report on their activities to me.
Tsurugi’s brow furrows in confusion.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Masato? I can understand needing to keep an eye on Ruby, sure, but why him?
Ren let out a sigh.
Ren Kanemoto: Your brother’s strength is his weakness too. He’s so dedicated to destroying evil, some above me are worried he might go against orders. You’ll need to remind him of what his orders, explicitly, are.
Tsurugi reaches out to the papers and takes them, giving them a once-over. His expression changes from confusion to what almost looks like anger as he looks back at his father incredulously.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: Is this a joke? Why give him this assignment?! Of course he’ll go against these orders, have you MET him!?
Ren merely frowned.
Ren Kanemoto: They are the orders that have been assigned him. He will follow them.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: ...fine. I accept the Job. I’ll observe and report.
Ren nodded his acknowledgement, before suddenly his expression...changed.
Ren Kanemoto: And...one last thing. An addendum to your Job. For me.
Tsurugi’s expression turned to one of confusion. A Guide was never suppose to add personal favors onto a Hunter’s Job, and even though Ren was his father he’d still never added anything.
Ren Kanemoto: Masato can never know why Ruby left the Order.
Tsurugi’s expression changed from confusion, to shock.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I…Father, I can’t…
Ren Kanemoto: Please.
He grabbed Tsurugi by the shoulders, and Tsurugi was forced to look into his father’s eyes.
Ren Kanemoto: If Masato found out, if he started asking questions...the consequences would be astronomical.
It felt like Tsurugi’s heart had stopped beating at those words. He knew what he was referring to, what would happen…Tsurugi finally nodded.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I’ll...do my best. It shouldn’t be too hard, they can barely stand to be in the same place, let alone have any kind of conversation. Masato will never find out.
Ren Kanemoto: Thank you.
Tsurugi nodded in response before turning to walk away. He thought his father might say something else, something about how happy he was to see Tsurugi safe, but no other words are said as Tsurugi departs. He winces as he steps out of the cabin, going from the amazing cold to the heat feeling almost painful. Kegare remained in the same spot he had been when Tsurugi entered the cabin, and Tsurugi seemed entirely unsurprised.
Kegare: How was your conversation with your father, Tsurugi, sir?
Tsurugi looked down at the papers in his hand, a frown coming to his face.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: The usual.
Kegare frowned slightly, and nodded in understanding.
Kegare: In that case, what would you like to do now?
Tsurugi looked at the papers in his hand again for a moment, frowning. And then, like nothing had happened, he stuffed the paper into his pocket, wrapping an arm around Kegare’s shoulder as his face lit up in a grin.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: How’s about we go see what Mexico has to offer? Ah, but my legs are so tired after all this…
A tiny laugh comes from Kegare.
Kegare: So be it. I’ll be your ride for this.
At that Tsurugi leapt onto the other man’s back with Kegare, despite the ridiculousness of it, helping shift him up into the standard piggyback position. Tsurugi pointing forward.
Tsurugi Kanemoto: I’ve been locked away from the world for months, there’s so many adventures I’ve missed! Let’s go make up for the time lost! En avant!
At that command, Kegare takes off running, Tsurugi yelling with joy at the ride. It let him completely take his mind off of everything. Off of Masato and Ruby’s back-and-forth bile-spewing, off of the awful things that had happened to Ruby over the past year and a half, off of his current Job, and off of the slight, warm pain he sometimes felt in his chest.
He was happy, being reunited with his family.
How quickly that would change.
