zenitsu.

[axilium]

something might go here later

Comments

w0, sunday.

[axilium]

[belph is not really the jock sort, but might as well check out everything here, right? which is how he finds himself at the sport court, idly tossing a ball up and down, before he throws it back over his shoulder without looking back.

watch out, zenitsu.]

[swordflash]

[the ball hits him on the back of the head and he drops to the floor with a shrill scream.]

No! I don't taste good! Leave me alone!

[axilium]

[UHHHHHHH

well belph turns around because he was not expecting that.]

... You okay, dude?

[swordflash]

[the screaming dies abruptly. he looks over his shoulder at a very, very tall man.]

Something hit the back of my head . . .

[axilium]

Oh. Maybe it was a bug.

[swordflash]

Do I look stupid to you? There's no way a bug could hit that hard!

[axilium]

How do you know what kinds of bugs exist in a different world?

[swordflash]

I'm telling you, it wasn't a bug!

[axilium]

Then, what was it?

[swordflash]

I don't know! You've been there this whole time, haven't you? You didn't see anything?

[axilium]

Nope. Nothing at all, man.

[swordflash]

I don't believe you!

[axilium]

Wow. What have I done for you to already doubt me, a complete stranger?

w2, monday.

[axilium]

[yo.

it's not a surprise to run into anyone here, given that they could all probably use more clothes.]

Looking for a change, Zen?

[swordflash]

[it's this unfortunate guy again. zenitsu glances at belph before turning back to the row of clothes in front of him.]

I'm just looking. There's not a lot of variety here.

[axilium]

You can't say they're not consistent, at least.

[swordflash]

Does this logo have to be on all of them?

[ he reaches for an article of clothing to inspect the camp logo when a memory overtakes the next moment:

"Zenitsu," says your master in the imposing tone he employs during training. "Do you know what people mean by a good swordsman?"

"Um," you start, "it's someone who's amazingly skilled like you, of course."

Just like that time you professed your familial love for him, your master's face reddens from embarrassment before he clears his throat to ask, "Then what characteristic do you think an amazing swordsman must have?"

"Um," you start again, "we-well . . . "

"It's compassion. Compassion is what makes a person's heart limitlessly durable. A sword that swings for the sake of others bears immense power. That's the kind of person you must become."

Despite the frequent fury of the master who's been saddled with a good-for-nothing disciple, the gaze he dons now to watch you is remarkably gentle.

"No matter what," he continues, "you must think of the weak and step up to protect them. This is something that only you, who understands what it means to be weak, can do."

Seeing your master's soft gaze, as well as hearing the comforting encouragement in his sound, the back of your throat and corners of your eyes grow hot. Sorrow floods you, rising to well in your nasal cavity.

"As long as you don't lose that compassion, you will definitely become a good swordsman."

You don't truly consider yourself a compassionate person. Even so, your master's faith in you when others have had none moves you to tears. The dam breaks and you sob uncontrollably while your master pats your head.

as far as zenitsu's mind is concerned, that was the current reality. thrust back into the present, he brings a hand up to his face with the realization that he's crying now, too. ]

A-again?

[axilium]

[...

hm.]

Well, this is going to get tiring fast.

[swordflash]

You're telling me. How many times do we have to go through this? I just want a peaceful week!

[axilium]

You probably do deserve a break after last week. Look on the bright side—it wasn't an embarrassing memory?

[swordflash]

[ he makes a face at the mention of last week. ]

Just forget that you saw it, all right?

[axilium]

Nope, it's been burned into my mind now.

[swordflash]

Why!

[axilium]

Because it was interesting.

[swordflash]

It was embarrassing!