the treasures of the genji clan are remarkable in their own right. they hail from the age of warriors, and were held in the palms of some of the most formidable men in history. for that reason, higekiri is not afraid of battle. it is what he was forged for, and he steps onto every battlefield with the same eagerness as one would engage in a dance. one, two, three enemies fall in just as many steps. their captain will take lead against the strongest, but higekiri can at the very least help fell the mobs.
distantly he knows that hizamaru is close by and they are able to fight in unison without so much of a speck of hesitation. they are as close as they have ever been, and in moments like this higekiri feels like their steel resonates as one just as it did so long ago.
but battle is battle, and he cannot slice what he does not expect nor see. the enemy also uses teamwork, and one intercepts higekiri's blade while another darts in close. this time it is someone else's steel that slides between his ribs, and not for the first time he thinks that these human bodies are too frail. the red that splatters out of his mouth is unseemly.
distantly, he hears that the captain has slain the lead of the revisionists—that's good. all he needs to do now is just keep the others at bay until they're mowed down. which is perhaps why he lets his own grip dig tightly into the wrist of the hra that's stabbed him, keeping him in place as a name leaves his lips:]
Hizamaru—
[finish it. is what he'd say - but the next cough of blood intervenes.
[Nothing really lights his spirit quite like being with his brother. Being together in all manner of things, but especially in fighting. There is truly no thought process behind it; each step they take, each swing of their swords, is perfectly in tandem.
Sometimes, they are together, side by side; sometimes they are apart, back to back. Other times still, they are split several meters away after a synchronized spin. This doesn't bother him--it shouldn't bother him. He has never entertained the idea ever that Higekiri could fall into any kind of disrepair. Not the shining beacon of the Genji. Not his brother.
Which is probably why it's something more than just hearing his name that startles him so badly. His eyes, wide, swing from the revisionist to Higekiri, up to Higekiri's face, down--out along the blade gleaming past the back.]
Anija!
[It comes out before he even reacts. Something dark and boiling rolls up through him. Something maybe a little scared.
He charges, sprinting. Swinging around to the front, he bisects both of the revisionist's legs at the knees, and then cuts upward. The dance keeps going, spinning him around so he can take out one or two more stragglers encroaching on them. It's not shocking how very quickly he abandons the offense when there is a lull, though. He's so quickly to leap toward Higekiri.]
Anija! [Oh no, it's even WORSE up close!!!!!] Lean on me, Anija!
hizamaru comes when his name is called, and higekiri hopes that maybe he can hold onto the memory of it a little longer this time. but all the same, he cannot help but notice that this time, hizamaru doesn't seem particularly pleased that he remembered. where is his praise? the light in his beloved brother's eyes?
perhaps it is harder to find because the world is a little more glassy, or because a spoiled treasure is no longer worthy of rewards. but once the revisionists nearby are cleared, he struggles. there is an urge to pull the blade out from where it's run through him, but he knows just as well that warriors will die from the bleeding out just as often as the impalement. so even despite how his hand twitches, he only tries to keep his footing—
until he no longer needs to. lean on his brother, is it? he'll do that now, taking the suggestion even as he tries his best to keep his footing. it would be disgraceful to fall.]
You— [a briefly annoyed furrow of his brow. words are harder to get out, but this is important. especially important in a world where he cares about very little.] You did well.
[distantly, he hears the rest of the squad yelling that they have injuries and have to get back to the citadel. yup! that's other people's problems now, higekiri's checked out.]
[NoooooOOOOOOOO him anija!!!! He very readily takes Higekiri onto his shoulder, looping an arm carefully around the brother's upper back. His face is all frowns! It'll mostly likely get stuck this way because he really isn't going to be looking like anything else for a while.
Also why are his hands full?! He's having to hold Higekiri with one and his sword with the other. He wishes he could do something about the sword, about the fragile body, but he's aware if he pulls it out, they'll have something worse on their hands.]
Anija...?!
[Of all the times to be given praise PLEASE!!! A cold bolt of electricity pierces him through the center, pulling goosebumps onto his skin. He likes it (stupid), he's appreciative (stupid), but he isn't going to have this anymore if they don't get back quickly.] Don't try to talk, Anija! I'll take you home! [He's already cautiously carting them along back to the squad, sword up.] Let's go! We'll repair!
Everyone! [They're here!!! HELP.] Anija is--! [And then suddenly, to Higekiri, very worriedly:] Anija...?
which is to say that higekiri is honestly a space case most of the time, and the blood loss is probably just going to make that a little worse. there is a sense of trust that he'll be fine, his brother will ensure it, and if he ends up not being fine, then it's okay because everyone has done all that they can. still, he can't help but feel as though it would be nice to keep this life of his for a little longer. there's still a bit more he'd like to do...
the other swords are present, assisting, already trying to get their teleportation back to the citadel in place so that they can shove higekiri into a repair room.
he lets his head loll against hizamaru's shoulder, and he tries to cover his mouth if only for the fact that he doesn't want to get any of his blood on his younger brother. higekiri's always so particular about not getting his white clothes too dirty - but worse still would be staining hizamaru.]
Mm... [he's still awake] I wonder if...
[since the time of the genji is over, so this is simply what will become of me - is his first thought. but he doesn't truly say it, because it can't be true. hizamaru is right there, and he needs to thrive long after the power of the minamoto clan]
... No. Nothing.
[it's fine. they'll probably just chalk it up to his airhead hours getting worse.]
[hizamaru: don't talk ok also hizamaru: ANIJA PLEASE ANSWER ME ARE YOU OK]
--Anija? [He honestly can't hide the bit of fright in his voice. Higekiri is usually always saying weird shit, but so rarely is Higekiri also bleeding out. He tries to speed up to meet the others without hurting Higekiri, without dragging the brother limp-legged across the ground.] It's okay. I'm here, Anija.
[He tries to both accept and brush off the concern from the others, mostly since he doesn't want to worry--who, Higekiri? Himself? Look, he doesn't want anyone to mention how bad it is right now when they are literally riding on a prayer.
Unfortunately, he has to give his sweet anija up once they are home for more skilled assistance. He won't let them push him any farther out than the engawa, and he paces fretful for who only knows how long--even when some of the others attempt to console him and get him to chill out.
He doesn't want to be left as the last vestiges of the Genji. That's a place for his brother. That's an honor for Higekiri no matter how proud he is of his masters, his heritage.
When he at last can go in (he never even left, help), he sits dutifully on his legs by Higekiri's side, quiet because he knows there's a need for rest. And also
because he has fallen asleep himself sitting up, chin on his chest.]
[hizamaru is there, so there's not much to worry about. after all, his brother is very reliable. that's why higekiri doesn't worry too much when he lets himself get dragged around by his brother and the other swords both. back to the citadel they go... though it's a little irksome that he cannot return on the strength of his own two legs. briefly, he wonders if this is the meaning of the word 'overconfidence'.
he will almost instantly forget this lesson.
especially with how repairs continue and - it's really only once he's out of hizamaru's sight that he lets himself completely give in to unconsciousness. at that point, he doesn't care enough to stay awake or assure anyone... so he simply doesn't. of course, he will never articulate this to hizamaru properly, so he'll also likely never realize the lengths that higekiri will go to try to keep him from worrying, small as they are. useless genji.
eventually he stirs, and despite the fact that he NEARLY DIED, he finds himself smiling almost immediately when he catches hiza just snoozing away at his bedside. funny. he shifts automatically, turning over on his side and reaching his hand out to boop hizamaru's nose—]
there is another pained, confused noise from higekiri because this additional weight on top of him isn't his fault this time?!]
Ahaha... it hurts...?
[HE SOUNDS SO BEWILDERED - though admittedly while he's had to go in for repairs before, they were fairly minor. sure, his wound is closed thanks to the repairs, but there's still some exhaustion and aches that linger. but it's not enough to get higekiri to stop being higekiri (is anything) and so he will just try to wiggle his arm free from underneath hizamaru.
so he can pat his head. there there....]
Good morning. [what time is it, he's not even checking] A drink sounds good.
[He didn't mean to fall onto his already hurt brother, and he sure as hell feels terrible about it afterward. He's very quick to scramble back up onto his legs--
--though he does pause to accept the head pat because he loves his brother, and also he's a sucker. Getting back up does not mean he moves away from Higekiri, however! He's still on his palms, peering worriedly at Higekiri.]
Good morning, Anija!
[He has to return this greeting.]
Okay. Water, Anija? Tea? The drink that tickles your mouth...?
Ahaha, it will be fine, won't it? I'll have to move this body again one way or another.
[no he should totally rest, but that doesn't really compute. he will just move to let himself roll back onto the futon, collecting his blankets again....]
Hmm... A tickle sounds good. Perhaps it will help me wake up.
[soda sounds like the last thing a patient should have, but hizamaru opened this door]
You should have one too. A different flavor. [why? just to share, probably]
As expected, he does not even question being return force offered a drink, or that it should be another flavor. If it is Higekiri's will, it shall be done.]
Okay, I will get us some. Stay here, Anija, [where's he going to go?!?!?!] and don't move too much.
[Already helping Higekiri with the blankets, smoothing them down before getting to his feet.] I won't be gone long. [LIKE HE THINKS HIGEKIRI WILL GET WORRIED.
He scuttles to the door and slides out of it. What's funny is Higekiri can hear the pitter-patter of his feet speeding away not at all like the polite and refined way he exited the room. He really hauls ass for niisan's soda.
After several minutes, a set of firm footsteps return... followed by the light pap-pap of a bunch of smaller feet? It's fine probably. The door opens, and Hizamaru steps in and kneels to put the tray down. Three tantous pop their head around the sliding door one, two, three in a vertical row: Gokotai, Imanotsurugi, and Houchou Toushirou. They greet Higekiri cheerfully, and then Gokotai hands something in plastic to Hizamaru. And then they wish Higekiri well as they say goodbye, and Hizamaru slides the door shut.]
[higekiri doesn't get worried, but he does experimentally try to move all of his limbs with different results. every time he manages to strain just a little bit too far, he manages a brief "ow?" followed by breathless laughter. it's fine, he was mended, so it's probably just soreness.
note to self: don't get stabbed again.
(note will be forgotten before the day is over.)
but wow, tantou. higekiri will greet them back politely, waving, and then waving goodbye... he might not have stopped waving at all. head empty, no thoughts! but he will turn to hizamaru with a smile]
Hizamaru looks a little OH N at the lapse of memory of names, but takes it in the same stride of knowing his brother really doesn't remember either of their names a lot of the time much less literally anyone else here. RIP.]
Mm. Gokotai, Imanotsurugi, and Houchou Toushirou.
[He will keep trying.
Two bottles stand on the tray. Looks like Ramune? There's also two cups which seem to have been taken as a formality even if they won't use them. The plastic feline tantou had handed over looks like a decorative pastry of some kind?]
They showed me how to-- [uh, hm. fix? work?] --make the drink. And they wanted to see if you were feeling better.
[How hard will this be for him? He's taking the wrapper off like instructed.......... He's using the lil cap to push down on the bead at the top......... He's strong, but it takes some effort? He has to push it down just right for the ball to pop into the bulb below and ding. OH FIZZ!!]
--Anija! Look!
[He presents to Higekiri.........the bubbling bottle with both hands way too respectfully for carbonated sugar water. Help, he's so stupid.]
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i kill higekiri like god intended
things happen.
the treasures of the genji clan are remarkable in their own right. they hail from the age of warriors, and were held in the palms of some of the most formidable men in history. for that reason, higekiri is not afraid of battle. it is what he was forged for, and he steps onto every battlefield with the same eagerness as one would engage in a dance. one, two, three enemies fall in just as many steps. their captain will take lead against the strongest, but higekiri can at the very least help fell the mobs.
distantly he knows that hizamaru is close by and they are able to fight in unison without so much of a speck of hesitation. they are as close as they have ever been, and in moments like this higekiri feels like their steel resonates as one just as it did so long ago.
but battle is battle, and he cannot slice what he does not expect nor see. the enemy also uses teamwork, and one intercepts higekiri's blade while another darts in close. this time it is someone else's steel that slides between his ribs, and not for the first time he thinks that these human bodies are too frail. the red that splatters out of his mouth is unseemly.
distantly, he hears that the captain has slain the lead of the revisionists—that's good. all he needs to do now is just keep the others at bay until they're mowed down. which is perhaps why he lets his own grip dig tightly into the wrist of the hra that's stabbed him, keeping him in place as a name leaves his lips:]
Hizamaru—
[finish it. is what he'd say - but the next cough of blood intervenes.
ah well, he'll understand.]
NO ANIJA
Sometimes, they are together, side by side; sometimes they are apart, back to back. Other times still, they are split several meters away after a synchronized spin. This doesn't bother him--it shouldn't bother him. He has never entertained the idea ever that Higekiri could fall into any kind of disrepair. Not the shining beacon of the Genji. Not his brother.
Which is probably why it's something more than just hearing his name that startles him so badly. His eyes, wide, swing from the revisionist to Higekiri, up to Higekiri's face, down--out along the blade gleaming past the back.]
Anija!
[It comes out before he even reacts. Something dark and boiling rolls up through him. Something maybe a little scared.
He charges, sprinting. Swinging around to the front, he bisects both of the revisionist's legs at the knees, and then cuts upward. The dance keeps going, spinning him around so he can take out one or two more stragglers encroaching on them. It's not shocking how very quickly he abandons the offense when there is a lull, though. He's so quickly to leap toward Higekiri.]
Anija! [Oh no, it's even WORSE up close!!!!!] Lean on me, Anija!
no subject
hizamaru comes when his name is called, and higekiri hopes that maybe he can hold onto the memory of it a little longer this time. but all the same, he cannot help but notice that this time, hizamaru doesn't seem particularly pleased that he remembered. where is his praise? the light in his beloved brother's eyes?
perhaps it is harder to find because the world is a little more glassy, or because a spoiled treasure is no longer worthy of rewards. but once the revisionists nearby are cleared, he struggles. there is an urge to pull the blade out from where it's run through him, but he knows just as well that warriors will die from the bleeding out just as often as the impalement. so even despite how his hand twitches, he only tries to keep his footing—
until he no longer needs to. lean on his brother, is it? he'll do that now, taking the suggestion even as he tries his best to keep his footing. it would be disgraceful to fall.]
You— [a briefly annoyed furrow of his brow. words are harder to get out, but this is important. especially important in a world where he cares about very little.] You did well.
[distantly, he hears the rest of the squad yelling that they have injuries and have to get back to the citadel. yup! that's other people's problems now, higekiri's checked out.]
no subject
Also why are his hands full?! He's having to hold Higekiri with one and his sword with the other. He wishes he could do something about the sword, about the fragile body, but he's aware if he pulls it out, they'll have something worse on their hands.]
Anija...?!
[Of all the times to be given praise PLEASE!!! A cold bolt of electricity pierces him through the center, pulling goosebumps onto his skin. He likes it (stupid), he's appreciative (stupid), but he isn't going to have this anymore if they don't get back quickly.] Don't try to talk, Anija! I'll take you home! [He's already cautiously carting them along back to the squad, sword up.] Let's go! We'll repair!
Everyone! [They're here!!! HELP.] Anija is--! [And then suddenly, to Higekiri, very worriedly:] Anija...?
[HE'S JUST MAKING SURE, OKAY. STAY AWAKE.]
no subject
which is to say that higekiri is honestly a space case most of the time, and the blood loss is probably just going to make that a little worse. there is a sense of trust that he'll be fine, his brother will ensure it, and if he ends up not being fine, then it's okay because everyone has done all that they can. still, he can't help but feel as though it would be nice to keep this life of his for a little longer. there's still a bit more he'd like to do...
the other swords are present, assisting, already trying to get their teleportation back to the citadel in place so that they can shove higekiri into a repair room.
he lets his head loll against hizamaru's shoulder, and he tries to cover his mouth if only for the fact that he doesn't want to get any of his blood on his younger brother. higekiri's always so particular about not getting his white clothes too dirty - but worse still would be staining hizamaru.]
Mm... [he's still awake] I wonder if...
[since the time of the genji is over, so this is simply what will become of me - is his first thought. but he doesn't truly say it, because it can't be true. hizamaru is right there, and he needs to thrive long after the power of the minamoto clan]
... No. Nothing.
[it's fine. they'll probably just chalk it up to his airhead hours getting worse.]
no subject
also hizamaru: ANIJA PLEASE ANSWER ME ARE YOU OK]
--Anija? [He honestly can't hide the bit of fright in his voice. Higekiri is usually always saying weird shit, but so rarely is Higekiri also bleeding out. He tries to speed up to meet the others without hurting Higekiri, without dragging the brother limp-legged across the ground.] It's okay. I'm here, Anija.
[He tries to both accept and brush off the concern from the others, mostly since he doesn't want to worry--who, Higekiri? Himself? Look, he doesn't want anyone to mention how bad it is right now when they are literally riding on a prayer.
Unfortunately, he has to give his sweet anija up once they are home for more skilled assistance. He won't let them push him any farther out than the engawa, and he paces fretful for who only knows how long--even when some of the others attempt to console him and get him to chill out.
He doesn't want to be left as the last vestiges of the Genji. That's a place for his brother. That's an honor for Higekiri no matter how proud he is of his masters, his heritage.
When he at last can go in (he never even left, help), he sits dutifully on his legs by Higekiri's side, quiet because he knows there's a need for rest. And also
because he has fallen asleep himself sitting up, chin on his chest.]
no subject
he will almost instantly forget this lesson.
especially with how repairs continue and - it's really only once he's out of hizamaru's sight that he lets himself completely give in to unconsciousness. at that point, he doesn't care enough to stay awake or assure anyone... so he simply doesn't. of course, he will never articulate this to hizamaru properly, so he'll also likely never realize the lengths that higekiri will go to try to keep him from worrying, small as they are. useless genji.
eventually he stirs, and despite the fact that he NEARLY DIED, he finds himself smiling almost immediately when he catches hiza just snoozing away at his bedside. funny. he shifts automatically, turning over on his side and reaching his hand out to boop hizamaru's nose—]
no subject
[he sounds confused and almost immediately collapses onto his side ungracefully
Local Fool Does Not Realize He Should Not Move So Soon After Being Stabbed]
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He stirs when the finger presses his nose. Both eyes flutter open, and it takes him a moment to process what he’s seeing. HIS ANIJA….!!!
Except the collapse freaks him out, almost making the edges of him frazzle.]
A-Anija!! You’re still hurt!
[Quickly, he throws himself out to try to help Higekiri back to rest. His legs are a bit numb, so he just ends up toppling a bit on Higekiri anyway.]
Aahh, Anija, sorry! Are you okay? How do you feel? Do you need some drink?
no subject
there is another pained, confused noise from higekiri because this additional weight on top of him isn't his fault this time?!]
Ahaha... it hurts...?
[HE SOUNDS SO BEWILDERED - though admittedly while he's had to go in for repairs before, they were fairly minor. sure, his wound is closed thanks to the repairs, but there's still some exhaustion and aches that linger. but it's not enough to get higekiri to stop being higekiri (is anything) and so he will just try to wiggle his arm free from underneath hizamaru.
so he can pat his head. there there....]
Good morning. [what time is it, he's not even checking] A drink sounds good.
no subject
[He didn't mean to fall onto his already hurt brother, and he sure as hell feels terrible about it afterward. He's very quick to scramble back up onto his legs--
--though he does pause to accept the head pat because he loves his brother, and also he's a sucker. Getting back up does not mean he moves away from Higekiri, however! He's still on his palms, peering worriedly at Higekiri.]
Good morning, Anija!
[He has to return this greeting.]
Okay. Water, Anija? Tea? The drink that tickles your mouth...?
[Soda. He means soda.]
no subject
[no he should totally rest, but that doesn't really compute. he will just move to let himself roll back onto the futon, collecting his blankets again....]
Hmm... A tickle sounds good. Perhaps it will help me wake up.
[soda sounds like the last thing a patient should have, but hizamaru opened this door]
You should have one too. A different flavor. [why? just to share, probably]
no subject
As expected, he does not even question being return force offered a drink, or that it should be another flavor. If it is Higekiri's will, it shall be done.]
Okay, I will get us some. Stay here, Anija, [where's he going to go?!?!?!] and don't move too much.
[Already helping Higekiri with the blankets, smoothing them down before getting to his feet.] I won't be gone long. [LIKE HE THINKS HIGEKIRI WILL GET WORRIED.
He scuttles to the door and slides out of it. What's funny is Higekiri can hear the pitter-patter of his feet speeding away not at all like the polite and refined way he exited the room. He really hauls ass for niisan's soda.
After several minutes, a set of firm footsteps return... followed by the light pap-pap of a bunch of smaller feet? It's fine probably. The door opens, and Hizamaru steps in and kneels to put the tray down. Three tantous pop their head around the sliding door one, two, three in a vertical row: Gokotai, Imanotsurugi, and Houchou Toushirou. They greet Higekiri cheerfully, and then Gokotai hands something in plastic to Hizamaru. And then they wish Higekiri well as they say goodbye, and Hizamaru slides the door shut.]
I've returned, Anija.
no subject
note to self: don't get stabbed again.
(note will be forgotten before the day is over.)
but wow, tantou. higekiri will greet them back politely, waving, and then waving goodbye... he might not have stopped waving at all. head empty, no thoughts! but he will turn to hizamaru with a smile]
Did you have fun talking to....
[ ...
. . . ]
Well, anyway.
[NO]
no subject
Hizamaru looks a little OH N at the lapse of memory of names, but takes it in the same stride of knowing his brother really doesn't remember either of their names a lot of the time much less literally anyone else here. RIP.]
Mm. Gokotai, Imanotsurugi, and Houchou Toushirou.
[He will keep trying.
Two bottles stand on the tray. Looks like Ramune? There's also two cups which seem to have been taken as a formality even if they won't use them. The plastic feline tantou had handed over looks like a decorative pastry of some kind?]
They showed me how to-- [uh, hm. fix? work?] --make the drink. And they wanted to see if you were feeling better.
[How hard will this be for him? He's taking the wrapper off like instructed.......... He's using the lil cap to push down on the bead at the top......... He's strong, but it takes some effort? He has to push it down just right for the ball to pop into the bulb below and ding. OH FIZZ!!]
--Anija! Look!
[He presents to Higekiri.........the bubbling bottle with both hands way too respectfully for carbonated sugar water. Help, he's so stupid.]