Collab between
@Dante the Unforgiven & Everlasting
Location: Nobumichi Estate > Ministry of Spiritual Affairs
Mentioned: N/A
Interactions: Kushimatsu NPC| Kumiko
@Meng
The morning had arrived for the selected lieutenant's to meet with the ministry. But while this meeting was important. Takeshi still had his monthly event he would never be willing to miss. The smell and smoke of incense burning around him while he sat in a calm meditative state in front of the makeshift shrine he had made over his return travels here. Back to his home. Where the ash still littered the ground where the grass no longer grew as long or as green as it used to. The trees around them even seemed to bend slightly as if mourning what had transpired here years ago.
He had awoken early to make it all the way to the far countryside to honor his family who he hoped dearly had now been able to find some rest. At least for his sisters and mother while he knew his father, the great warrior he always looked up to would never find such a pleasantry without the death of culprit. The yokai that laid within him, resting. Waiting and receding from this practice. This time was one of the few times and places he could get peace from Akumaki and his antagonistic remarks.
Takeshi took a breath breathing in the light but present fragrance of the incense that reminded him of better days in his home. Soon opening his eyes with a small smile at his lips.
"You know you do not have to come with me every time I make this trip. I understand completely. Afterall, you are soon to be leading me and the others." He said to his friend behind him, gazing over the small inscribed stone before him acting as the centerpiece of the altar. While Takeshi was always reserved and withdrawn from displaying his true feelings on most occasions he did enjoy Tiaga's company and appreciated him greatly along with respecting the great warrior he had the chance to befriend. In his time with Tiaga the two had learned a lot about each other and Takeshi entrusted him to be the only being that knew of his secret.
Tiaga had awoken the same as usual, in a cold sweat as memories turned to nightmares that never ceased to plague his sleep. Memories of that dreadful night when he lost everything...The image of Shino's frigid stare still burned into his mind's eyes. The rage inside him boiling just beneath the surface. It was a rage that use to consume him with ease during his younger days. But with time he learned to control it and use it to his advantage instead of his downfall. Once he caught his breath the Lieutenant rose from his bed, running a hand through his mismatched hair he sighed. 'Well at least today should be....Interesting.' He thought with both curiosity and trepidation as today was the day he would begin leading a small group of Lieutenant's working with some members of the Ministry of Spiritual Affairs.
He didnt mind the having to work with Yokai and Youjin, in fact he actually looked forward to that part of this job. It was the leading that he wasnt...As excited for. He never really considered himself a leader. He'd given orders before sure, but to have a whole group of Lieutenants look to him for guidance...It was more than a little unsettling for someone that was half hermit most the time. Shaking his head to rid himself of his doubt, Tiaga soon washed up and got ready for the day.
Today he was going to tag along with the only person he truly considered a friend, Takeshi. They were going to visit Takeshi's families gravesite, something the 2nd Lieutenant did often in order to honor his family and he suspected get some peace from his Demon...Litterally. Soon enough the two were at the charred grounds where a Yokai had ravaged Takeshi's home and changed his life forever. Tiaga stood silently as his friend meditated in front of the makeshift shrine he had built. Closing his silvery gaze Ti made a silent prayer for the Nobumichi's.
Opening them shortly after to gaze at the surrounding terrain. Despite the carnage that lad left an still obvious scar on this land. There was some life returning. A few birds fleeting from tree to tree. A Squirrel chattering at some unseen foe from its perch. Little faint patches of green desperately trying to break through the ruined soil. He was lost in thought when Takeshi spoke causing a slight smile to come to his lips in response.
"Trying to get rid of me already? Do I smell that bad?" He joked lightly. His voice as deep as the ocean but almost gruff as it had been scared from the ash and cinders that night Shino had left him to die. The husky gruffness only added to his intimidating appearance, something he always loathed about himself.
Usually Tiaga was more of the silent type, but with Takeshi he'd begun to open up little by little. This is why he felt comfortable enough to joke with him, something he didnt do often these days. The two Lieutenant's had become so close over the last few years they were all but brothers. At least in Tiaga's mind he considered the younger man a brother.
Takeshi too gave one last silent prayer. The same one he would repeat everytime he came to this place and the one that whispered in his heart. He would avenge his family and do all he could to protect innocents against a fate like this. Even if....he had to work with the yokai he struggled not to despise entirely. Tiaga had been working with him to realize not everyone of them was the same, each was unique just like any human being. But they were only words without meaning proven to Takeshi.
The man slowly stood taking one last look over the scarred land before turning and walking over to his friend and brother in all but blood.
"You could smell better....but I won't be picky with you Tiaga" He said light heartedly before he nodded onward, the common signal for that he was ready to leave and move on. Now walking alongside the other towards their new destination. The Ministry. One of the last places someone could claim he would be excited to visit.
They would walk in silence for the next mile or two before Takeshi spoke again. Looking forward as the words left his lips.
"Do you truly believe in this cause. Working along the Yokai. Have we not proved what humans can do against them?" He asked wanting to know his thoughts.
*Have I not proved how easily we can tear your brittle bodies apart dear Takeshi?* Akumaki said in a simple yet amused tone.
*I hope you have not forgotten....I would be pretty insulted.* He chuckled in his mind where Takeshi gave no reaction as the demon made quirks and little notes like that on a regular basis.
Tiaga rolled his eyes at Takeshi's quip expecting nothing less.
"Watch it or next time I come back from a long mission I'll come by just to give you one big hug." He threatened lightly as they started to head off to the Ministry. He knew Tak had doubts about working with Yokai, he couldnt blame the boy really given his past and the burden on his shoulders still. But Tiaga knew better than anyone that it didnt take a Yokai to see true evil. His own brother showed him that at the mere age of twelve.
He was just glad Takeshi seemed to be willing to at least give the Yokai and Youjin they would be working with a chance. He just hoped he would see his side of things in the end, instead of hating them even worse like he feared. Glancing up at the cloudless sky he squinted slightly at the sun already high in the sky. 'At least the weather is nice...' He thought absently as they walked.
His gaze flicked to the black haired man as he spoke a question that caused Ti to inwardly sigh.
"Yes...You know better than anyone what I've been through. That was at the hands of my own brother, a human. And it was none other than a stranger, a Yokai that saved me." He explained in a calm, understanding tone.
"I've learned that its not your race that makes you who you are. Its your choices. Yokai, Youjin, Human, Pig. I dont see a difference...Ok maybe not pig...But than again there is you...." He let his words trail off purposefully trying to light the mood with the playful barb.
Turning his gaze to stare Takeshi in the eyes, showing his serious honesty. Ti continued
"I'm not asking you to like them automatically. Just give them a chance, everyone deserves a chance." He finished in a softer tone before suddenly pulling the shorter man into a playful headlock and giving him a noogy.
"Now take back that I'm stinky."
Takeshi stiffened for a moment but remembered who was playing with him. He was always wary with anyone else when it came to physcial contact or any kind of playful fighting. But with Taiga he knew he had nothing to worry about and rolled his eyes.
"Maybe...but giving me a front seat to your pits right now do not help flatter your odor" Takeshi teased back before digging into his side enough to escape his friend's grasp.
After the playful moment between the two Takeshi thought on his words. He knew there were always outliers when it came to nearly anything. But at the core of things he still believed the demons that walked the lands as freely as humans still had selfish or sinister goals to some extent. At least most of them.
*Your friend has a point...sort of* Akumaki snickered.
*I guess the weakest of my kind have no choice but to be kind to humans, It's pathetic really...but with this beautiful opportunity with the ministry..* He said to which Takeshi halted for a moment. The man was only able to ignore his taunts for so long before it really began to push him.
"I won't let that happen"
*You won't have a choice. Enjoy the rest of your walk*
Takeshi took a breath before turning to Tiaga.
"Forgive me. I hate seeming like a loon, even around you. We should be almost there If I am not mistaken." The man said moving past the event as his green eyes surveyed the land around them that was seeming to grow even more vibrant, colorful, and filled with life as they continued on.
Tiaga chuckled, releasing the raven haired man before playfully sniffing at his pit. Of course all he smelled was soap and the fabric of his uniform. After their little tussle he proceeded to walk with Takeshi to the Ministry. Noticing the other's sudden declaration a tinge of sympathy resounded within him, knowing full well it wasnt he that Takeshi was speaking to.
"Too late, you've been a loon to me since first we met." He joked lightly then spoke seriously.
"Ignore that slime. Your stronger than he will ever be." He encouraged confidently then turned his gaze to the civilians as they passed by on the street.
It didnt take too much longer for them to arrive at the Ministry of Spiritual Affairs. It was quite a large building, but that was due to having housing as well as an official section for the business portion of the Ministry. Stepping up to the large double doors he gave a few good knocks. After a moment a kind looking Youjin woman answered the door with a friendly though shy smile.
"Welcome Lieutenant's, my name is Hana Gintoka. Please follow me." She greeted them with a bow which Tiaga returned in kind after removing his hat and placing it under his arm.
"Please to meet you Ms. Gintoka. I'm 1st Lt. Tiaga Akuname and this is-" He gestured to Takeshi next to him.
"2nd Lt. Takeshi Nobumichi." He introduced them before following the Fox Girl to a large open room where a full-blooded Fox Yokai woman was standing on a short platform and 5 very different looking Fox Girl's were lined up in a row in front of her talking amongst themselves.
Seeing they were the first to arrive of their group Tiaga took a deep breath before entering the room with a friendly expression, though given his scars he doubted they would notice that.
"Hello Lt Akuname, Lt Nobumichi. Welcome to the Ministry of Spiritual Affairs. I'm Kushimatsu, 2nd in command here. If you would please stand here and here." The Yokai woman introduced before pointing out 2 spots opposite of the Youjin girls for the men to stand. With a nod Tiaga took his post opposite of a Youjin girl with blonde hair who seemed friendly, at least at first glance.
"Once your comrades have arrived I will explain your duties further." Kushimatsu explained kindly.
