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Who: Takumi and Sakura, then there's Leo. There are also mentions of Corrin or is Corrin coming I don't remember.
When: THIS MONTH (SEPTEMBER)? The job will be today, the makeshift grave later.
Where: Gammon and Caissa respectively
What: I didn't want to spam the comm so I put Hoshidan babies making a grave for their dead parents and two idiots mining together in the same post.
Rating: G for General Scum, PG-13 because I am a potty mouth.

PHANTOM MINEACE

[ Takumi has been a good sport lately, working his butt off in order to redeem himself for what happened at the plateau. He even decides to enroll in Pigeonsbloos, suiting himself in Prehnite uniform. Magic isn't his strongpoint, but with his new rank he thinks he can at least afford to study. For education, he's willing to go long lengths to provide other students the opportunity to learn whether or not he's enrolled.

Even if it means having to do a job with a detestable Nohrian prince. There's a horrible aftertaste in his mouth as he holds a lantern. He isn't unarmed either; his new katana floats behind him while his bow rests over his shoulder. While Takumi seems... Unsettled by their foggy surroundings, his puppy carrier seems to be having a good time. ]

Of all people the professors had to pair me with...

[ He unfortunately has a habit of talking out loud. While he can very well ignore Niles, Leo gives off his suffocating and chilling atmosphere. ]

STAY STRONG FOR MOTHER

[ They've been planning this for some time. While he personally hasn't told Corrin, he hasn't stopped Sakura from inviting the other man. Either way, their plans are to be implemented today. Takumi has picked up his sister, Sakura, from her room with a couple of materials in his arms--cut stone, a small porcelain pot, and what seems like a rolled up parchment. However, they still need to scout the cemetery or a nice site.

It might seem like a trivial, if not nonsensical thing to do, but honoring their parents feels natural... Especially to Takumi. They're on their way out of the bustling part of the capital, heading to the cemetery. For most of the trip, he has been wistfully quiet. It's not that he's purposely recalling the past, but it does come to mind like a broken record. Everyone seems far ahead in the timeline, yet he's here stuck with the vivid imagery of innocent people screaming, dead, injured... his mother dying in the arms of his so-called brother.

Sometimes, he wishes he could let go and move on from this. Mourning too long is for the weak. ]

Hey, Sakura. Do you know a vendor that sells frames?

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[ it seemed like a large world. it felt as if there were enough people here and enough places to go about that leo would have an easy time avoiding takumi if it were not for corrin's meddling. but, as he is quickly learning, it's really not that easy and somehow he and takumi keep crossing the same paths. ]

That's my line.

[ grumps leo spitefully, looking at anything but takumi and right now, that would be ahead into the dark mines they're supposed to explore. he has a torch in hand, only because it's much more efficient than lighting the cave using his mana (and he doesn't need takumi to comment further on the way he uses it, thanks.)

it's not an ideal partnership. it's probably not even a partnership at all. but leo recalls what he himself has said about cooperating, and has to begrudgingly follow through with it. ]

Let's quickly get this over with.

[ he'll go first, striding past the mine entrance to walk inside. it really is dark down here. ]

[ At least Leo seems to have learned his lesson on expending his mana. Takumi doesn't make any comments as he follows the other man towards the entrance of the mine. He rolls his eyes when Leo notes that they should get this done. Fast.

The mist makes it hard for Takumi to scout the area efficiently, but at least the otherm an is useful in this kind of environment. He would never admit to it, but he's a little relieved despite slighted by this coupling. He's quiet since he doesn't want to make this group assignment worse than it already is--

Except he feels a chill against the side of his neck, slithering through the strands of hair that are loosely tied to a low ponytail. He nearly JERKS FORWARD, ahead of Leo, and quickly peeks over his shoulder while rubbing his neck nervously. ]

I hate this place already.

[ He's. so. unsettled. ]

[ in some ways, this ironically makes leo feel like he's in familiar territory. it reminds him a little of the woods of the forlorn, misty and dark, eerie in the way he's perfectly accustomed to.

so it's no surprise that the hoshidan prince seems more than a little perturbed. leo doesn't bat an eye at takumi's skittish reaction, walking on until they're level again. that same chill moves against the back of leo's neck, but it's nothing he's never experienced. child's play, if nothing else. ]

Is the second prince of Hoshido afraid of the dark? I should have guessed.

[ he lifts the torch a little higher so it illuminates more of the path ahead. there's still little they can see, but they've barely made their way inside. it's too early to be scared, takumi. ]

No--[ He almost yelped that out, but stifles it as fast as he can. While clearing his throat and looking away, he tries to regain his composure. ]

I was sure there was a whisper.

[ That was it. Supernatural isn't a laughing matter, Leo. He realizes that the faint words came from the fog outside of the mine, making him take the lead instead. It's better to be in the front. Leo can handle spooky ghosts by himself--

Except there's a low, territorial growl? ]

... There was a reason why these mines were abandoned, wasn't there?

[ who does takumi think he's talking to? leo is far too used to the supernatural that it's almost comforting. he can tell it's the opposite for takumi, and while it's a little humorous simply when he's feeling spiteful, he does feel a little pity.

and he would keep takumi company if the other didn't try to pretend he was brave and going off by himself. ]

I imagine it's probably infested.

[ with what? ghosts? monsters? who knows. but it's probably infested. the sound of growling gets a little louder; there's a crunch of footsteps on the ground, more whispering in the distance.

he finds an abandoned half burned torch on the wall, and lights it as well to illuminate the area. immediately an animal springs at them, snarling and poised to sink claws into takumi who is ahead. it hits the ice barrier that forms immediately between them, and bounces backwards with a shriek.

you're welcome. ]

... Is that a mole?

Edited 2016-09-25 21:51 (UTC)

[ It actually startles him a great mile to the point he almost backs up into Leo. His reflexes are at least fast after he hears the clang of claws meeting ice. He grabs onto the katana that floats beside them, instantly charging in to land a clean fatal blow. The mole stands for a millisecond before it falls, blood seeping into the dirt below them.

Takumi looks behind him, casting the katana back into the air where it floats aimlessly. ]

It looks like it... A rather oversized one, too--[ There's something embedded between its teeth. It glimmers faintly against the light from the torch. Upon closer inspection, they're bits and pieces of precious gems. ] Great. No we're also pest control.

[ He leaves it, turning back to the darkness that clouds the depths of the mines. ]

... Thanks for earlier.

[ He told Corrin he would behave. He told Corrin he would tolerate. Leo ultimately saved his leg from being slashed, so it doesn't mean he likes the man one bit. As a Prince, he gives credit where it's due. After that stern talk to himself, he'll... lead the way?

No.

He waits there until Leo steps closer so they can walk together. He has learned his lesson. ]

[ leo, however, lingers on the mole corpse and inspects the bits of gems between its claws. they must be rather sharp, to be able to scratch off precious minerals. he also wonders if these are diseased? rabid? or are they just naturally aggressive.

there will be more. he straightens up and finally walks up to takumi's side, keeping a level pace with him. ]

It's natural to do at least that much for your partner. No need to thank me.

[ the word 'partner' feels unnatural when he thinks that it refers to the both of them. it doesn't necessarily imply they're friends, so leo swallows that down and doesn't correct himself. takumi is his partner, for now. for the duration of this job. they've already agreed to cooperate...

as they walk, leo reaches out a hand to graze the walls of the mine, feeling the grime and stone beneath his fingertips. would they have to go much deeper? how many more beasts do they have to fend off? the objective is to collect as many pieces of gems as they can, so there's no real end foreseeable. they reach a fork soon enough, and there's more growling coming from the left path.

leo stands back, crosses an arm behind his back and frowns. ]

I think we should go towards the noise.

[ The way Leo says partner is stilted. Even if Takumi understands they have to get along somewhat, it's almost like an edge put on his throat. He doesn't dare speak up, doesn't bark about about how Leo shouldn't speak for causally with him.

BREATHE IN. ]

We might as well since they're going to eat them all before we even get to inspect the gems.

[ WAIT... He remembers that he was given an ability with his new rank. He turns to the direction of the growling with his eyebrows furrowed and a tight frown. It would be so much easier to use his bow's ability, just shoot at the dark and let the spray of arrows destroy everything, but it might damage the jewels as well.

He must look dumb, agreeing with Leo yet not moving a muscle. He doesn't even turn to the other prince, but does shift his attention to the other man. ]

I have an idea. It would make this excavation a lot easier, so hear me out.

[ He should be confident, but he can feel his shoulders wanting to shake in anxiety. What if Leo thinks it's a stupid idea--actually, he shouldn't care what Leo thinks. The man is a total prick! So anything, no matter how genius, would sound dumb to him if it comes from Takumi's mouth.

... Please accept his idea. ]

[ they have to start somewhere. he can practically taste the tension in the air and he's aware that takumi isn't happy about his word of choice, but so far there's no verbal complaint. it's something. it's progress, as small as it is.

and so leo bites back his reservations about hearing takumi's suggestion. it's easier than he thought - then again, even if he doesn't like takumi, it's not like the man isn't smart. they're supposed to be working together as a team. and this is as basic as it goes. ]

... Alright. Let's hear it.

[ he will be objective. part of him almost wishes takumi's idea would be stupid so he could reject it, but he does genuinely want an easier time completing this job. he'll just stand here and look at takumi expectantly. don't disappoint him. ]

My rank comes with a Tamer ability... And, there's a possibility, if we can tame one of the moles, we can walk in and take what we need.

[ It's still... a bit of a sore spot for him. It's a type of manipulation--it's deceitful, but it gets the job done. No one gets hurt. They also won't be disturbing the natural balance. From the sounds of it, there aren't an infestation of moles, so it would be horrible to eliminate them for some gems.

He only has to accept different methods to accomplish their mission. ]

We only need to distract one long enough. It shouldn't be too hard.

[ He hopes. ]

And you think taming one mole would somehow endear us to the rest?

[ sounds fake but ok. he's skeptical. he doesn't even believe that would work. not that leo doubts takumi has the ability to tame one mole, but one mole isn't the same as the entire colony.

still, it's a possibility. there's no way to disprove it without putting the idea into actual practice. leo swallows his objections and exhales. ]

That's fine. We'll attempt your idea.

[ the scratching grows louder as if on cue. leo looks on to the darkened patch, spotting a pair of gleaming eyes in the dark. what are the chances? ]

Here comes one now. What would you like me to do while you make friends with it?

I don't know... Pet it? Something useful.

[ Almost on cue, the mole launches at them. Takumi is able to step to the side and smack the mole with his bow that is in his hands already. That isn't enough to stop the mole from pressing forward, going after Leo. While Takumi may be the one that attacked it, moles aren't known for good eyesight.

It's only know that he realizes that he sucks at enclosed spaces when the mission is to excavate or protect. If he were to use his sword's ability, he might bind Leo instead. They can't slay the mole, either. ]

[ look. leo isn't great in enclosed spaces, either. a mage's survivability depends on distance - the mole smacks right back into the shield he forms, flung backward by its own strength before getting on its feet, growling. ]

If I want to keep all my fingers, petting isn't going to be the way to go about it.

[ look at those teeth. sharp claws. the drool that slides down its chin as it hisses at leo. his shield is still up, and he looks at takumi meaningfully while racking his brain for a way to deter this thing. ]

Brynhildr would be useful right now. [ he could summon vines and such, to restrain the animal... as he is right now, that's impossible. ] You need to do something.

[ Takumi tries to calculate how much mana he would need to expend to use his katana, wondering how large the winds would be and if at this angle and distance it'll hit Leo. You know what? They all need to take risks! Even if it's unethical to put his teammate in danger, Nohrians of all people should understand you won't learn anything unless you take risks. ]

Keep your shield up.

[ Grabbing onto the hilt of his sword, he channels mana in. A small gust wraps around the mole's legs--along with Leo's. Sorry. Quickly, Takumi sets in the tamer's spell--are those hearts in the mole's eyes? ]

[ leo isn't expecting takumi to take care of his safety anyway! his shield is still up, but the wind still slides past over and underneath, and leo feels himself being lifted into the air for a moment. it's a disorienting moment, but he does his best to keep himself up right and is glad that it doesn't take long before it ends.

it's too dark to make out much, but he is observing the mole with rapt attention. its movements have halted, and the spell seems to be successful? hesitantly, he waves the shield away and approaches takumi with caution. ]

Is it tamed?

[ or did you fuck up royally ]

[ Leo is safe, so he doesn't worry more. The mole itself seems to have calmed, lifting its nose up into the air as it smells around. It is almost blind, but it moves towards them in a friendlier motion.

Takumi hesitantly takes one step back. ]

I... think so?

[ The mole sniffs Leo first. ]

[ why is the mole sniffing leo first when takumi is the one that tamed it. leo just glares down at the thing, making no move in case sudden movement breaks the spell somehow. ]

It seems friendlier [ to him ] at least.

[ luckily the mole moves on, scrawling blindly along the ground to nudge against takumi's foot. ]

So, what's next, mole whisperer?

[ When they first decided to honor their parents in this way, Sakura knew that she had to invite Corrin to come as well, for all that she knew Takumi wouldn't like it. Mother and Father... they were Corrin's parents too, even if he was taken away from them as a child.

Besides, they're a family. Ryoma, Hinoka, and Azura aren't here, but that makes their bond even more important. She likes to think that Mother especially would be happy to see them all together, even if it was for an occasion like this. Mother... her children were most important to her above everything else. And Sakura... she misses her so much that it physically aches sometimes. ]

Frames? [ She looks a little caught off guard by the question, but her expression is quickly overtaken by a thoughtful one. ] Maybe an art store might have those.

[ For her part, Sakura is carrying incense and flowers for the graves, once they set them down. ]

[ He doesn't mind if she did... In the end, Takumi would have told Corrin himself. Eventually. Once they've found the nice spot, he sets the parchment and pot aside, then starts chiseling the cut stone with the names of their parents. While he could have misused his katana for this, he bought proper tools for today. His handwriting is pristine unlike his mouth.

Once he's done with that and sets it up, making sure it's securely lodged into the ground, he places both hands on his hips. ]

All right. We'll pick one up on our way back.

[ It's time the set up the incense though!! ]

[ If there's one thing he knows he can't ever refuse, it's an opportunity to spend time with his family. Which is why, when Sakura told him about what Takumi and him were doing, he was quick to ask about what they'd need- even quicker to rush out to try and find something to assist them with. Even though it was Sakura's invitation- he could guess quite well that Takumi would be involved and had likely been the reason for it. And it made him happy, because even if he's only known him a short while, he knows all too well how important and valuable family is to him.

It's why he's come here with Sakura without question or doubt— even if he knows Takumi might not be too happy about it (but honestly, when is he ever?) which is why he doesn't give it a second thought. This isn't about them- it's about mother, and Corrin had so much to make up to her...

It's his fault they have to consider a grave in the first place. That guilt may never leave, but he hopes to at least give her memory and spirit some peace. It's why he has candles, holders and some rose water too. He hasn't spoken much, since there's been a lot on his mind these last few days, and he doesn't want to interrupt the siblings as they set things up, though when Takumi speaks to Sakura, he listens attentively, a small smile appearing on his lips. ]

You mean like frames for a picture? I got one, actually– I wasn't thinking on it, and figured a portrait could into it, but... then I remembered where we were...

[ It's not something to get excited over but he still wanted to be useful. He feels silly admitting it though. He holds up the bag with the spare frame he has to pull it out and show them... it's enough for a small half body portrait, one to keep on top of a shelf... ]

Something like this?

[ After Takumi sets up the stones, Sakura crouches down the arrange the incense and flowers—Mother and then Father in turn, her movements quiet and subdued. They're nothing ornate, just simple dishes for the incense and small, plain vases for the flowers, which she arranges carefully into little bouquets. But she figures it's better this way—for all the entitlement that went along with being the royal family, her mother never struck her as the type who cared about lavish things for their own sake.

She glances up and over her shoulder when Corrin holds up the frame, her expression softening. ]

That should be perfect, Big Brother.

[ Then she glances hopefully over to Takumi as if to say: Wouldn't it? And maybe even a little: See? He's trying. ]

[ Takumi looks over to Corrin, then down to the frame. While he doesn't look happy that the other man is here, he doesn't seem averse to his presence either. He gives nothing more than a glance before examining the frame. It should fit, he thinks. Takumi picks up the parchment and unrolls the parchment to show a sketch of their parents together. It's a little bigger than the frame, but they can easily fold it. ]

I guess it'll fit.

[ Quietly, he offers the piece to Corrin while rubbing his neck nervously. He's quiet, seemingly compliant for the most part. This is a rather large step since this photo is probably important to him and Sakura. ]

Don't bend the edges or crumple it, all right?

[ Relieved, Corrin is occupied with looking at the frame and doesn't pay attention to his siblings' unspoken conversation when Takumi approaches him. He does, however, notice Takumi's awkwardness, and he wishes there was something he could do to ease it. He knows things have been more than incredibly strange between them, due to the different points in time that they've arrived from, and truthfully, Corrin has found it a bit strange to have to rebuild that trust that he'd already gained with Takumi back home.

But he's nothing if not patient, and even with the strange things happening in this world, he has no intention of not continuing to try and rebuild what he knows they can have. He takes the parchment, his eyes widening in surprise as he looks it over— and a soft laugh escapes him as he sets his things down so he can carefully work on getting the image into the frame. Enough, that, perhaps, he doesn't have time to be too emotional over it, as much as the memory of Mikoto haunts him every day. ]

I won't, but this is lovely... who made this?

[ Which one of them present in this world, he means. It's unlikely they could have someone here other than that to capture them so well. ]

[ Takumi... he and Corrin might not get along as well as she would hope, but seeing this now... maybe Takumi is getting there in his own way. She knows that her brother has a kind and caring soul that he usually doesn't allow himself to express—so it makes her happy when he does. It feels closer to his true self, and that's the person she most wants to see.

It takes her a little bit of arranging (she was always more partial to sewing than she was to ikebana) before she's satisfied with the flowers as they are, but once that's done she casts two small fire spells to light the incense. But she doesn't straighten right away, surveying their handiwork a little longer as something wistful settles over her heart—it's old and subdued for Father, who she barely has any memory of, but fresher and more acute for Mother. She wonders—no, she knows that they must be watching over their children, even here.

When she does stand, she dusts the dirt from her knees and stays quiet, letting Takumi take over answering Corrin's question because he's the one who brought the picture anyway. Besides... if she draws his attention, he'll just be able to read everything she's feeling from her face anyway. She's too easily moved by these sorts of things, isn't she? ]

I sketched it.

[ While he would preen himself over a compliment like that, he's not feeling it today as obvious in how he takes the framed picture and places it neatly beside the makeshift gravestone. It's a little rough and far from what professionals could do with time in their hands, but it's still obvious that it's their father and Mikoto. He was young still, but can recall his father... Their happy family in general, even with Corrin though he can't remember everything. Pushing those thoughts and emotions aside, he has to steel himself especially in front of his family.

There's no use crying over the dead when they need to move on, but honoring them is still important. Kneeling down, he lowers his head and closes his eyes. Eyebrows knit, he vows to make them proud, protect their family, and do his best. There's only silence before he opens an eye looking at his siblings.

He picks himself up, too, dusting his knees much like his sister before. ]

Did you want some time to yourself, Corrin? We can wait at a distance.

[ He steals a look to Sakura, expecting her to understand him through sibling telepathy (but Corrin is a brother too). While they have been affected heavily, Takumi has accepted that Corrin was and is just as hurt as them.

It's to be courteous--PLUS, it shows that he's getting along well with the other man? ]

[ He never imagined Takumi would be this good at art. It's so pleasing to know that Corrin can't help but smile despite himself, and perhaps feel an ache in his chest from how bittersweet the whole arrangement is. Still, he watches at how Sakura and Takumi pay their respects, and waits until they're both done before shaking his head no, once. ]

I'd rather you both be near. So... they know we're okay here.

[ His mother, though he knew her for so short a time, would have wanted it, wouldn't she? It hurts his heart to know the evil he ended up being responsible for, and not even knowing until her very last moments, what she really was to him. It's why he kneels in a gesture of reverence and respect, letting his thoughts flow quietly.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be there for any of them then, but I promise, no matter what happens, their lives will be as dear to me as my own. You can rest assured I will never abandon them, so long as it is in my power to remain by their side."

Once he's done, he looks up at their image, so sweetly drawn, before turning to look back at Sakura and Takumi as he stands up to face them. ]

I think they'd be happy knowing we're here for each other. It's one less thing to worry about, huh?

[ He smiles at them both, his sweet siblings that he has barely known, but who have continued to support him throughout his trials. He looks back towards where they've paid their respects, and feels his chest ache again. ]

I'm just sorry... I couldn't come back in time. We could have avoided so much sadness if I'd just remembered.

[ The thought makes him tense, realizing the emotion building up there. If only, if only he'd remembered mother, Garon's evil scheme, if only he'd awakened in time... but he shakes his head, steeling himself as he looks back at them both. ]

I'm sure they'd be proud of how strong you've both been all this time. I know I am.

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