meteorcity | windspeaks

[There's a nagging pang in his shoulder, shooting up to his torso each time he steps through the soft soil lining the mountain side. It's not particularly painful, but it remains with him even after he stalked out out of the shrine grounds and left a bristling Soramaru behind. He's getting stronger every day- and Tenka isn't ready to admit that soon, Soramaru will be able to hold on his own.

So of course, instead of being mature and congratulating Soramaru on landing a hit on him, he dropped him like a rock and ran off with his nose in the air. These young ones needed to respect their tutors, didn't they?!

But now, judging by the scent of moisture in the air and the softness of the ground under his sandals, Tenka realizes he's gone too far east. He's at the edge of Shiga, he thinks, or at least the outer edge where there are less villages and more roads leading out of the prefecture.

It would be here where he'd encounter a spirit- which is what he thinks is in front of him. A handsome person, out here alone? That's his job.]

They say spirits enjoy walking on empty roadsides. If you're looking for one, I'm afraid it's still a bit towards your right!

[He braces his fan against his chest, smiling widely.] Or am I mistaken?

[ the first thing hanbei notices about tenka is how colorful (almost flashy) his presence is against the backdrop of the gloomy, grey atmosphere. he had also heard of how the areas surrounding a certain town were in a perpetual state of cloudiness– hanbei had prepared for this too, of course, but his umbrella is unfortunately, buried beneath the carriage.

tenka’s brief spiel only earns him a polite smile. ] I’d like to avoid someone so familiar with such a thing. [ his smile fades into something more honest. ] Unfortunately, I must ask for help.

My carriage has fallen into a trench just north of here, with people and horses still trapped. No one is injured, but I fear the rain might catch up to us soon. [ he seems pretty calm, though. ]

Do you know where I might find the nearest police force?

A trench? [Ah, Tenka has gotten too used to walking around everywhere, being able to go as he pleases on foot instead of needing the burden of a carriage. Of course, he's certain they couldn't afford one, so he wonders if he might know this stranger from somewhere. His wondering becomes visible intensity as he eyes the stranger just a bit more and steps closer, and closer

and closer

and closer

until he's right in front of him. Tenka leaves only his eyes revealed as he brings his fan to his face. His voice drops.] Are you asking me, a mysterious vagabond you just met on this cloudy hillside, for help...?

[And then his fan snaps shut.] WAHAHA!

Only kidding, really only kidding! I'm afraid you'll find the justice department around here to be rather incompetent- all they seem to know how to do is ask my family for help! Ahaha!

But I could be of service, without a doubt! [BEAM.]

[ god, he's... energetic. he's just the type hanbei wouldn't deal with unless he had to. and, he has to.

hanbei takes a curt, subtle step backward as tenka approaches him, though he isn't visibly bothered. in fact, he lets him finish, before reacting properly. really, hanbei is undeterred by the suggestion, because he feels if tenka were really a threat, he would have picked up on something off from the beginning.

he shakes his head with a sudden laugh. ] Just you? The carriage is heavy enough to have trapped our horses, you know.

[ he should add– ] And, if it’s just us, I’m confident you wouldn’t be able to prey on me so easily.

[Tenka grins, waving a dismissive hand once the person makes it quite obvious that they aren't intimidated by him. Well, you can't beat them all!] I find myself believing that pretty easily, if you're as strong as I think you are.

And I'll have you know I'm usually right about those kind of things. [He easily trots past Hanbei, already situating himself at his side as if they were already companions. Although, Tenka continues to keep his chin in the air- bad habit.]

Let me offer my services, and then you may judge if I'm a worthy enough companion who is up to the task! From one mountain spirit to another.

[ thanks for the approval, then. he’s not sure he appreciates being called a spirit, though. ] My, well if you’re sure enough of yourself that you’ll designate me to such a role...

[ whatever, tenka. he supposes he’d rather see this through than argue, anyway.

hanbei finally begins making his way back, taking the lead briefly so he can glance behind him, looking at tenka. ] Are you certain you won’t be needing a pulley, at least?

[His fan snaps back open as he glances over to Hanbei.] Equipment will only slow us down. If there are still men down there as you say, then I'm certain they'll be all too willing to help!

[Despite the fact that those very men might be too exhausted to even try, Tenka grins as if he's solved all of the world's problems.] Ah, seeing as we'll be working together, it'd probably be best if we knew each other's names, no?

[He bends his head just slightly, tilting it over to Hanbei.] What is it I should call you...?

[ hanbei matches tenka’s gaze easily. ] You’re a rather self-assured man, aren’t you? To ask for my name without offering your own... [ his smile is just a little sly. ]

I suppose that isn’t a terrible quality, though.

[ he turns back, tenka apparently already forgiven. ] My name is Hanbei. Takenaka Hanbei.

Takenaka? [He slows his pace, tapping the edge of his fan against his chin.] Takenaka, Takenaka...

AH! [Tenka exclaims, making a rather rude point with his fingers.] You're in the paper!

Rather, you've been in the paper. It's hard to recognize people when you're only seeing illustrations, you know? But there was a photograph of you once- I remember because you were standing next to a giant of a man. He barely fit in the panel as it were, he was something else!

[Tenka finally sobers, his chuckles dying down to a sigh. He looks at Hanbei from the corner of his eye.] So you're a noble.

[ and hanbei is briefly distracted by tenka's lack of manners when he brings up hideyoshi. he blinks once, then smiles. ] Yes, he is something else...

[ he gives a simple nod afterward, giving tenka his confirmation. ] That's right.

Now, for yours...?

[Luckily, Hanbei grabs Tenka's attention before he makes any more questionable comments regarding Hideyoshi's size.] Hm? Aha, of course.

[He glances up, regarding the dark clouds as if they would answer the question for him- with a familiar, fond stare.] In truth, I'm just a simple man with a family he deeply cares for. Nothing more and nothing less. But if I had to give myself a title...

It'd be the third eldest of the Kumou family, Kumou Tenka.

I see. [ hanbei refrains from glancing up at the sky as well. with a name like that, he can draw a few theories– mostly, though, it's just a curious thing. ]

Has your family been here long?

[The path before them opens up just a bit more, but to their right is still unmeasured forest- heavy with the scent of rain and clouds. Tenka takes a big whiff of it and lets out a breath.] Oh yes! Why, we're practically legend in our parts.

It's only natural that a shrine belonging to my ancestors would grab a bit of attention after a few hundred years or so, no? [Tenka hops forward on one foot.] Or maybe it's just me everyone is so dazzled with! Hahahaha!

If we ever cross paths again, you must visit us sometime! I'll treat you to a warm meal and teach you all about the unrivaled Kumou family shrine! I'm sure my brothers won't mind the company at all. [Like he needs their permission, HA.]

How kind of you. [ something like a helpless smile lifts his expression. ] I'll be sure to remember that.

I must admit, I have heard rumors of the shrine in this area... as well as the cloudy skies that surround it. [ hanbei vaguely wonders if it's some sort of curse brought on by the family. or maybe it's the other way around. ]

I'm not around such weather for long, though. [ he stops himself from pulling his haori closer together. ] Do you happen to know how close the rain is?

[Tenka stops himself from walking too far ahead- much too used to a fast-paced gait in his sandals. He looks up at the muddy clouds once again, wrinkling his nose.] The clouds won't be splitting 'til overnight, I think. I'm rarely on this mountain as it is, haha!

As for the rain...[He takes a deep breath, and lets it out through his mouth with a sigh. Completely unnecessary tbh.]

We'll have a deluge in less than two hours.

[Tenka turns and begins carefully walking backwards, sliding his arms into the folds of his sleeves.] What rumors have you heard, hm?

[ a deluge? this time he does glance up to the sky– hanbei is usually a man of savvy predictions, but rain that heavy had somehow slipped from his preparations.

of course, he never planned to spend so long here. ]

I see. That doesn’t leave me much time. [ especially if tenka, you know, fails. he says this quietly, though, and acknowledges tenka’s question with a curious look. ] Only about the Kumou family that watches over a small town not too far from here. The few others are a little baffling, and likely very outdated I would say. [ his tone is once again politely dismissive. ]

[Goodness, such air. Such propriety. Tenka imagines ones as polite as Hanbei would be easy pickings out here in these dim, damp roads- but something also tells him- if it wasn't obvious enough- that the man is more than capable of defending himself. It makes him all the more curious, and less inclined to discuss the realities of living at the Kumou Shrine.]

Outdated? I daresay they're far too obscure for my tastes. There are always truths in legends, even if the entire thing seems fabricated.

[He slows his pace, allows himself to settle next to Hanbei once again. He smiles a playful smile with teeth showing and all.] Of course, it entirely depends on your willingness to believe it. Do you believe the rumors of the Kumou Shrine?

[They're almost there.]

That's true, isn't it? After all, something must have caught the people's attention.

[ his expression shifts to something subtly sly at that question, eyes studying. hanbei gets a good look at tenka, sensing the silent understanding there. everyone has their secrets, and their depth– but hanbei typically doesn't look for such things in immediate strangers, as perceptive as he is.

he recalls the rumors he's heard, about curses and gods, they're all vague, but not much of his interest– because he doesn't think there's any truth to them. however... ]

You look as though you want to tell me that I should, Kumou-kun. [ you look like you want to confess something. ]

[There isn't a single step in his gait that betrays his reaction to those words, but he does slide his eyes over to Hanbei with less cheer than there was before.]

Really...[His smile tilts on the edge of enigmatic, perhaps a little faint as he looks back ahead towards the road.] Well, I suppose that's another thing about legends, right? They always want to be believed. Without someone to believe in them, someone to know their stories...

Ahaha, it is as I told my brother just this morning! [Before he pummeled him. Tenka reaches out, boldly- and drapes a hand over Hanbei's shoulder before briefly leaning in.]

People are beings that live and grow. If the same can be said for legends, then perhaps they're already walking among us...right?

[The sudden whinnying of a horse snaps his attention back to earth.] Ah! Those must be your men!

[ uhhhhhhhhhhhh, gross.

hanbei doesn’t hide the surprised frown on his face when tenka does that, and he only sort of half-listens to the rest of what he’s saying, having already decided that tenka won this. he has no real interest in the roundabout answer at this point, thoroughly distracted by the touch, and promptly brushes tenka’s hand off his shoulder when he hears the horse. ]

[ hmph. he supposes that’s what he gets for prying into strangers alone on a mountain, rare as it is for others to react the way tenka does. though, some part of him feels the need to rebuke him before they get to work— ] I see. And the results of those legends wander about doing good deeds in the community, hm? [ he gives a sharp smile.

snakes… gods. a cursed family, huh…

ah, but he should be nice.

he briefly steps ahead to check on the situation, seeing that his men and horses are in fact alright still. hanbei turns back to tenka soon enough, a quick sigh in his voice. ] Well, I suppose it’s time you show me what you can do, Kumou-kun.

['And the results of those legends wander about doing good deeds in the community, hm?' Hah.

From over his shoulder Tenka gives Hanbei a grin.] Just leave it to me, Takenaka-san.

[He steps into the clearing with his robe billowing behind him, fan out like a war band ready to charge.] Greetings, fellows! There's no need to fear, no need to panic! The esteemed Kumou Tenka of the Kumou Shrine is here to come to your aid! You may hold your gratitude until after we get these poor beasts from out of the muck, ahaha!

[The reaction is......mild, so to speak, but it doesn't seem to bother Tenka much. Without much reserve he jumps into the ditch, effectively startling the horses.]

Now, now, no need to fuss. You'll just wear yourself out, you know? [Yeah, he's talking to the horses, with a hand on each of their muzzles. He looks up at Hanbei from his spot.] You wouldn't happen to have a knife on you, would you?

[ this man certainly has a presence, doesn’t he? hanbei doesn’t seem concerned about his keen ability to speak, though, and follows close behind him– before tenka decides to jump in there, anyway. he’ll opt to stay up above, for now.

and when he asks that, hanbei smiles another knowing smile. whether or not it was tenka’s intention, he’s gotten hanbei to make a show of just how prepared he had been when he slips the knife from his clothing, and drops it carefully next to tenka. ] Shall I prepare up here for them? [ his smile doesn’t fade; he’s very curious about how tenka is going to go about this. ]

[When the knife is produced, Tenka beams. At this point, he really can't help it!] So Takenaka-san is an interesting person after all...

[Of course, Tenka already thought he was when they first met earlier, but now he decides to voice the thought.] If your men wouldn't mind terribly, then yes.

[The horses are reigned tight and good to the carriage- they're suppose to be, of course- so it takes a few moments for Tenka to cut all their restraints. Upon further inspection of the carriage itself, Tenka perks a brow and sees the considerable height the vehicle must have fallen from to end up here.]

Not to pry, Takenaka-san, [Whilst he continues freeing the animals,] But you must've been in this thing when it fell in, no? To have made it out in time and completely unscathed, at that...!

[Tenka cuts the last bond and looks up at Hanbei curiously.] You were perhaps a solider?

It’s only as you said. I’m a noble, and I am aptly prepared as one. [ of course, most politicians aren’t quite so keen on how to wield a knife, especially ones who have groups of men escorting them. as the scene of his escorts trapped in a sunken carriage seems to indicate, the roles are rather reversed, as opposed to the norm.

tenka’s question goes unanswered when the horses quite conveniently rush the walls of the trench as soon as they’re released, and leap up, still frantic from being trapped. ]

Whoa! [ with a raise of his hands and a lecturing shout, hanbei keeps the horses from running any further. he spends a moment assuaging them, and manages to settle them down for the most part before he takes a cut rein and leads them to the edge of the road. ] Come. [ there he ties them to a fence, and leaves them after giving them a soothing stroke to their muzzles.

with the horses no longer a danger or in the way, hanbei returns and drops down to the bottom of the trench with a slide and a hop. before helping tenka in any way, though, he address his men with a smile. ] As you’ve heard, this is Kumou Tenka-kun. He runs a shrine just north of here, and he says he can help us. [ he gives tenka a glance. ]

I’ve given him my trust, so don’t fret. [ because typically, anyone hanbei entrusts to do something follows through well, or is taken out of commission as quickly as they started.

as none of the men are injured, they have little to actually worry about until the rain starts, so they only respond with sure nods or “of course”s. ]

[Against his better judgement, Tenka whistles long and low under his breath- unabashedly impressed with the treatment of the horses and the men. It seemed Takenaka-san came aptly prepared for anything that might've crossed his path- or perhaps that's just the sort of man he was? Whether or not his unanswered question preceded this little revelation hardly mattered at the moment now. He had to uphold his promise after all, even if he hadn't quite extended one to begin with.] Haha, I'd say that's a tough act to follow!

[As if he had to prove himself, honestly. But now that he has the undivided support of the men above, Tenka can now get underway with unfastening the remaining ropes from the carriage and tossing a few of them up.] Now be sure not to let go of those! It'll all depend on your support, you know!

[With a hum, Tenka circles the carriage and waves a few of the other men down.] Why don't you four give me a hand here? I'll need each of you to push the wheels until I get a good foot on the ground.

[The entire set up only takes few minutes after that, but even in the short span of those minutes the sky darkens further and spreads farther out into the valley. Tenka decides they'll have to be quick, if they want to reach their destination before the pour. With a man on each wheel and the rest waiting above, he braces his feet against the mud with a smile.] Just wait for the word, boys!

Ready...set...[this isn't a race!] Push!!

[The litany of grunts and shouts immediately accompany the sound of the carriage groaning against the struggling. With a vehicle that big and only five men to pull it out from the muck, many would deem it an impossible endeavor. Hopeless. Useless.

But the carriage creaks and stutters again and slowly- even to the astonishment of the men pushing the wheels along- it begins to move. There's a slosh of mud and more shouting as Tenka, who has both hands at the low rail of the carriage, pushes the heavy cart further and further up the hill.

It should be impossible, for someone even with the help of several able-bodied men, to have so much strength.

But Tenka apparently has no qualms regarding it. With strain clearly evident on his face, he shoots a grin up at Hanbei and frees a hand to wave.] Hah, perhaps now might be a good time to get those ropes!

[ of course, hanbei works in tandem with tenka– easily able to pick up on his strategy and issues the order to —Pull! just a few seconds after tenka hauls the load down there.

while hanbei has faith in his men and their strength– especially combined– once the carriage starts to budge he knows immediately that it can't be their work. not the power of men all pushing and pulling together, no... but of one, strange anomaly that he had happened to stroll by on a mountain side.

what a comment, on the truth in the village rumors. if this didn't speak for the extremity of them, it at least hints at something out of the ordinary happening. there's no clear trick to it; nothing that might make him suspect sabotage and convenient rescue, or anything done underhandedly.

but still... he finds himself distracted by it just like the rest of his men. when tenka speaks up, he decides that can definitely wait until they're out of this delicate position, and snaps his men out of it. ] Harder. Come on, now. You cannot let go from here! [ and no, he's not helping. ]

[It's a funny thing that Tenka cannot see Hanbei from his current spot, or he might have teased him about his nobility showing through. Or perhaps he was simply the kind of man who lead and guided others...he briefly thinks back on the giant who stood stoic beside Takenaka-san, and thinks: what an intimidating duo, if that was really the case! Beneath his geta sandals the mud pulls and slides, making the climb up the hill seem like a trek up a slippery mountain as their weight heaves the heavy contraption along. From above, the men pull with all their strength- well aware that their superior is watching. The carriage groans again, loud and alarming.] Heh...

Nearly there now, my friends! [Tenka shouts behind the carriage, his grin wide and strained as he braces a knee forward and pushes.] Just ... a bit...!!

[There's a second of scrambling and heaving as the group struggles to get the front of the wheels over the edge, but once they do -with a loud and jolting CLACK!!– the carriage's weight eases off his shoulders and-

-nearly topples back on him. The front wheels have made it over the edge, but the last initial push seems to be more difficult than he expected...Tenka thinks he even feels a dot of sweat on his brow. How unlike me...!] ...I think one more push ought to do it, hm?

[As he prepares for a last heave, the men at the wheels hesitate when the carriage begins to lean back...] Don't lose courage now, fellows!

[ what a terrible, precarious position this man has gotten himself into. hanbei would be lying if he said his heart didn't twinge with worry when the carriage nearly fell back.

(granted, the fate of his men is what evoked that worry, and should the thing have fallen back and mortally taken them all, the passing thought on tenka would mostly amount to "how regrettable.")

still, he wouldn't like to see any of them injured in this, much less killed, so he stays tensely quiet as tenka encourages the other men. it looks like if anyone is in need of some spurring words, it's tenka himself. ]

You have exceeded the expectations you set for yourself, Kumou-kun! [ he shouts down below, with surprising sincerity, and moves to grab an empty spot of rope. ] Hold steady, you all– not one of you can ease up, understand? [ advising the men he's now pulling with. this delicate, delicate procedure has put him on edge, admittedly, but he's far from showing it. ] Ready now?

... Pull!

!! [Tenka doesn't expect a sudden bout of strength to ease the weight of the huge carriage off his shoulders– but it comes and he starts, whipping his head to the side as he hears Hanbei's voice calling out.] Takenaka-san...

[Yes, he knew exactly what he was getting himself into when he came across that calm fellow on the side of the road. He knew that he would be able to help the man, regardless of how perilous the dilemma which presented itself may seem. It was a creed that stuck with him, no matter if he were simply walking into the village, or staring down a group of convicts which had (once again) found their way across the sea.

He, after all, had little brothers to go home to.

Tenka's grin widens and huffs some as he braces his knee forward again, and after Hanbei's last resounding 'pull!', he hardly needs to do much besides push and finally get those last back wheels over the edge. The carriage finds itself back on even land with a heavy, jolting CLACK!!, and almost the instant it's been retrieved do the men shout and laugh with relief– the smile on Tenka's face already infectious.]

Hahahaha, phew! There now!

That wasn't so bad, was it? [He scrubs the back of his hand over his brow, beaming in Hanbei's direction.] Good job, Takeneka-san.

[ well, he's not much in the pure strength department– he can only offer another average hand for the collective effort, but it certainly couldn't hurt now, could it?

when the carriage finally gives and its weight hits the ground instead of straining in the form of ropes in their hands, hanbei breathes a little huff of relief himself. ] There, I knew you could do it. [ he says to his men, meeting with them first and foremost. ] Are you alright? [ after some humble chatter with them, hanbei instructs them to bring it closer to a drier, more stable patch of ground and finally meets with tenka. ]

I hardly did a thing, Kumou-kun. [ he says, satisfied smile on his face nevertheless. ]

You, on the other hand... [ he looks at him thoughtfully, heavy on the pause where they ought to both know he's reflecting on what peculiarities allowed tenka to help so much. ] You were impressive.

[ and yet he doesn't ask, yet. ] I must repay you somehow.

[As he stretches his arms out away from his person he glances over to the groups and sees their evident relief, their calm and laughter as the worst case scenario slowly becomes a thought of the past. Tenka smiles– that's what he likes to see, smiles all around.

And apparently Takenaka-san thinks so too, Tenka muses with another stretch.] Pff, repay me? I'll have you know I thrive on compliments well enough. [Because he IS impressive, right? Tenka chuckles and produces his fan from the folds of his sleeves.] After all, the esteemed head of our ancient shrine should—

[Tenka's hand drops his fan, surges to his shoulder and clamps down hard as he goes still.] Nn.

[Flickers of pain and discomfort wrinkle his brow, so subtle and brief one might think he was unaware of it. the passing of it comes and goes like a breeze, and eventually his smile returns, albeit small and humble.] ...Hah.

It seems even I know when to push my limits! But what matters now is the job is done, hm?

Edited 2016-08-29 21:16 (UTC)

[ of course, hanbei is just about to swiftly insist tenka come up with some way, but stops short when the fan clacks to the ground.

... he pushed himself, huh? did he know this would happen? if so, why would he bother helping them all on his own?

it seems only natural that such a display of physical capability would cause this. hanbei feels less sympathetic and more curious about tenka's circumstances, but he's not about to be impolite. ]

Yes, well, with your help I've managed to avoid quite literally sinking a huge investment today, Kumou-kun. [ he eyes the line of tenka's shoulder pointedly. ] ... If you've strained yourself, I can refer you to a doctor in the city. [ he stresses, clearly implying that the doctors here are probably not up to the task. and, ] Free of charge, of course.

[Ahh, Tenka almost feels the need to mourn the brief elation that had gripped him right before the pain had spiked up. At least now, he notes, the men are in more refreshed in their spirits, and are more likely to trek the journey back to where Takenaka-san resides for the time being. He thinks back to his own home, wonders what Soramaru and Chuutarou are doing...

but that word shakes Tenka from his musings, and has him pulling an even wider smile.] ...You really are interesting, Takenaka-san!

Doctors and their nagging don't come cheap these days, you know. [He would definitely know, after all. Tenka bends his knees to retrieve his fan, taking his time as he rises back and straightens.] As much as I appreciate the offer, I already have a fellow who regularly stops by the shrine. Hah, I can't imagine the bill he'd slap me with if he ever found me rendezvousing with another practitioner!

... [After a second, the young man suddenly sombers, his smile faint and perhaps a little regretful.] But do believe my word, when I say it is appreciated. Perhaps when I've thought of a way you can repay me, you can come visit my shrine to see it finally done.

Or, [And his fan snaps open, showy and flashy once again.] I could visit you, Takenaka-san. Would your fellow mind terribly, you think?

[ while he certainly is grateful to tenka, and has no intention to go back on his word to repay the favor, hanbei doesn't quite like the idea of this debt not being repaid on his own terms. his sense of proper custom and generosity only stretch as far as he can keep a close, watchful eye on it.

and as unfortunate as it is, he's not swayed by that flashy smile. ]

... My fellow? [ does he mean hideyoshi. what...

well, first: ] I'm afraid that's much too vague for me, Kumou-kun. [ he offers as gently and yet resolutely as one can manage. ] I won't be able to do anything about it if you cannot make up your mind until a month for now, for instance.

You and I are both very busy, I imagine. [ and he really doesn't like the idea of one having to drop in on the other when tenka finally does decide to cash it in. ] I'll be in the next city over for a week before I return home. Please consider taking advantage of my offer before then.

windspeaks

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1/2

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dogpiles hanbei w replies

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1/2 lol

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uhm

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