jyoshu | ✿ ー night one.

[Kanesada's not around, and it's not that Horikawa can't operate without him (ーthough, to a limited extent, that's also true), but it is enough to cause him mixed feelings of worry and relief, and a lot of stress regarding where he should be focusing his attention. It would be a waste to linger on those, though. Circumstances change, and unfortunately not always for the better. There's a great opportunity for Horikawa to adapt here, and he's a limited edition choice named Hijikata Toshizo. Placing the rest of his worries in the backseat for the time being, Horikawa does his best to focus on things one at a time: step one, confirm the safety of his (former) master. Plus, there are a few other things he'd like to sort out, too.

It doesn't take long for Horikawa to find him. Making sure his presence is definitely known before coming too close, he's all eagerness with a trace of concern.]

MaーHijikata-san!

[Old habits, dying hard. He's still staying hushed, though that was intended to get Hijikata's attention.]

Do you mind if we speak for a little while?

[Considering the man in front of him is supposed to already be dead, (not that Horikawa wants him to be,) he's got quite a few questions to ask that he didn't get around to earlier.]

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[ He falls silent for a bit at the question.

But first, ]

Thank you, Horikawa. Members of the Shinsengumi with your spirit are always welcomed. [ ALTHOUGH- well, he'll ask his own questions later. ]

If I remember correctly... It's been two years since the Ikedaya Incident. [ It's really hard to forget that, anyway. ] Hm... Kondo-san got injured, ah right, the imperial court has been restored. Still, Satsuma and Choshu won’t be satisfied unless the shogunate is overthrown

I remember being in South Kyoto in preparation for battle. [ Tch. Yet he's here instead. ] Agh... Geez. I was suppose to be in charge while Kondo-san recuperates! Why the hell was I on that boat anyway!? You and Yasusada, why have I never seen you? You should know this if you were there!

[ The stress is real. ]

[Oh ー that first acknowledgement has something inside of him shining. This kind of praise from Hijikata, he's justified in feeling a bit of pride, right? He nods, but makes sure to listen attentively for the explanation that follows, committing all of the details to memory and trying to make some mental lists of what is and isn't okay, should he talk about the Shinsengumi.]

I see! That makes a lot of sense. Thank you, Hijikata-san. Ah, about that... I can't tell you why you were on that boat, [He doesn't really remember anything like that either,] but I suppose it makes sense that you wouldn't recognize me like this.

[Let's see, let's see. How to explain it... He gave Hijikata his name, showed him his sword, the matching crest... What more does this old man want from him!! Looks like he'll have to spell it out.]

I'm the spirit of your sword, Horikawa Kunihiro. I'm a member of the Shinsengumi because, alongside Kaneー Izuminokami Kanesada, I served you. Yasusada-kun is the same; he's the second uchigatana of Okita-san. I apologize for not making it clearer before.

[ So what that Urashima kid (well, technically he's not a 'kid' but he looked really young) said was correct. Looks like he wouldn't have to really ask Horikawa about it since he just explained it all.

He breathes in... Out. He's honestly really upset about this whole ordeal, it's evident even when he was raising his voice earlier his tone wasn't meant to be angry exactly- he just felt... Lost, confused too. The thought of him not being there to lead the troops in Kondo-san's stead still lingers in his mind. If they die, if they all get slaughtered, if Kondo-san actually dies this time... He'd never forgive himself? It'd be all his fault!

And he'll have to deal with those guilty thoughts the entire time. ]

I see. That one... Urashima, was it? He explained the entire idea of the 'sword spirits' so I won't need much more explanation.

Ha, who would've thought. [ Here, he lightens up the tone of his voice, he's more amused than anything. Although, at the same time: proud. ] Even Kanesada, huh? It's a shame I can't speak to both of you, really.

I wonder if Souji is aware... Ahh, it was careless of me to actually think he was Heisuke. I couldn't help it so it was my fault. [ Sighs. ] I really wonder if Heisuke's doing okay.

But... My comment to Yasusada were out of line. I suppose I'll talk to him later about it. [ If everything is okay by tomorrow.

But anyway. ]

Enough about me, though. Tell me about yourself.

[Horikawa is relieved, when Hijikata seems to shift gears. His frustration really didn't seem to pick up until the latter end of his questioning, but if it's Horikawa, he wants to keep composed regardless. Apparently, it pays off as his previous master receives the answers he was looking for. For a moment, Horikawa tilts his head, finding the comments he receives to be curious. It doesn't take long, however, before he shines slightly ー more outwardly visibly now, with a sparkle in his eye, when Hijikata seems pleased with this development. First things first, though:]

Mm. You probably should. Yasusada-kun is very capable, but... he holds the memories of our time in the Shinsengumi very close, [Or rather, his memories of Okita-kun very close,] so if he'd heard something bad, I wonder if it would really be okay?

But, well, there isn't very much to tell about myself.

[Usually, under that circumstance, he'll explain about his time with Hijikata. But here... of course Hijikata himself would know how his wakizashi has been used! He'll shift to his next best topic, with a grin that spreads across his face.]

You would have really liked to meet Kane-san though. He really takes after you, MaーHijikata-san. [STILL WORKING ON IT!] Even if he's practical, he doesn't sacrifice style. He's a really reliable leader, and he's very strong!

[Trust him. Horikawa is like, his one-sword fanclub? Who would know Kanesada better than his assistant! Though after a moment he does spare a glance back into the foliage, towards the sea. It may be a relief that his partner isn't here, but... Horikawa really hopes he's okay wherever he is out there, too.]

Ahh geez... I really messed up, huh.

[ Insulting someone who probably held the Shinsengumi as close as Hijikata himself? Yeah, bad move. Still, he'll take full responsibility! Hijikata can't get through the next day, whatever is in store for them (still surprised after that... Execution), without talking to Yamato. ]

Maybe I will one day. [ He can't help but raise an eyebrow, this isn't the first time Horikawa has corrected himself when referring to Hijikata. Although, he won't question it for now. ] If only the Shinsengumi had you and Kanesada while I was in Kyoto... All that extra help would be nice.

[ He really needs to stop lingering on the subject of Kyoto. ]

Still... I'm glad. [ About how Kanesada is very strong! This means Horikawa too, of course Hijikata knows he's strong as well; they're both his swords... Apparently!

Pause, for a moment. ]

But... About earlier. Are you alright? You should worry about yourself before me. This island, well... It's dangerous, obviously.

[Well, Horikawa won't argue with that. Hijikata did mess up, but as long as he takes proper responsibility, Horikawa hopes that it can still be fine. It's not like Yamato is unreasonable, after all.]

You do have us. [And he's very matter of fact about it.] Though, I suppose it's not exactly how you would have hoped, now.

[He smiles anyway. He hopes that he can continue to help Hijikata even without this kind of form, after all. Through any means necessary, Horikawa is proud to have been a blade wielded by him. Besides, while it makes Horikawa a little bit glad to hear that his presence has value to his former master, he feels the need to dismiss any concerns for his sake.]

You don't have to worry too much about me, though, Hijikata-san. Of course we should exercise caution, but I'm a lot more durable than a human. So, if at all possible, I'd like to make sure that you're safe first and foremost!

Haha, you're right. [ Yep. Still kind of weird, getting use to all this 'sword spirit' stuff. A part of him can't wait to tell Kondo-san about all this bizarre stuff on this island.

Of course, if he lives and returns back in time. ]

Don't worry. I can protect myself too, but thank you. Don't forget to take care of yourself too, alright? [ He appreciates Horikawa's assistance definitely! He really wants to get back as soon as possible, he'd go through every single trial this island has to offer if he must. ]

Hm... If you get off this place though, where do you go? Since I never seen you at the headquarters, I presume it's not there, right?

✿ ー night one.

aw cute! :) I'll take care of u i guess. after this stress. im stressed?

here to make you proud :)!! ugh listen is there an after. will the stress ever end?

MAKE ME PROUD??? YA CUTE... well i wont be unstressed until i get out of here honestly :-(

WELL LISTEN picks you up puts u behind me... safe. we'll get you home!! no more stress!

lets go home together??? maybe you can help me out in kyoto wtf ... :( !

we will go home together points to your sword??? i do help you out :O

oh true, but u could help me do laundry and stuff if you are human tho?