saniwa!tsuru

[cranelike]

(At a certain citadel somewhere in Japan, there is a certain saniwa. For as long as he could remember, he was raised and trained to be a saniwa who would some day care for his own sword army. Cool, calm, and always composed, he held a lot of promise as someone who could help to lead an army to victory... if he didn't have such a troublesome streak!

He's never really known his True Name and only know the name he was given to protect him from being spirited away (whether by his own spirits or others). Named after the crane, he's very fond of his name-- Tsuru. The story was similar to a certain sword...)

✧ summoning
✧ repairs
✧ daily life
✧ insomnia
✧ citadel attacks
✧ ETC

Open post for an alternate universe where Tsuru is the saniwa! Leaving some details vague... does he remember being Tsurumaru? Is his face always behind a veil so his swords don't really know who he is? It's a mystery and we do what we want.

Comments

[cranelike]

(During the day, Tsuru was energetic and kept others on their toes. He's always quick to join the tantou in their games and he had a habit of trying to surprise whoever he could. Fake spiders? Bags of flour over trick doorways? Filling pillows with beans and hiding incense and candles that smell like sweets to throw off certain spirits with a sweet tooth? At least it made life at the citadel fun.

But at night, when everyone begins to wind down and retire for the night, the saniwa also settles in and usually pours over reports and old records, figuring out schedules and which team arrangements to settle on for the week. He has a little more to catch up on tonight thanks to new orders from the Time Government and he's decided to take a bit of a break before tackling that last bit...)

Are you surprised?

(To see him up so late? He smiles at Nikkari,)

Is it? (Cheating on his rest?) I thought I'd enjoy the night. And you? I didn't know you were on night watch~

[despirit]

[the grin he shoots Tsuru back is enough to say yes, a little surprised without the words. he shrugs though, holding the lantern to the side.]

Oh, I'm not on watch. I'm awake because I feel like it. Besides, summer's a good time for ghosts to show up - which means it's my time as well.

[with unbound hair and a light robe, one could almost mistake Nikkari for one of those same ghosts. but instead, his smile is more relaxed, and if not for bugs, he'd go to sleep out here in the end.

[cranelike]

Well, I won't hold you back, then.

(If it's Nikkari's time to shine then he wants him to shine as brightly as he can right now.But is this really going to be it? Just passing each other in the night without another word? That would be boring and Tsuru crosses his arms,)

I've some time before I sleep. I'll join you. It would be surprising to see a ghost.

(How could he pass the opportunity!)

[despirit]

Oh? Do you really want to see a ghost that badly, aruji? If so, I know where we should go to lure one out...if you're truly brave enough.

[there's a slight shine in his eye that has nothing to do with the lantern, and everything to do with the idea. there hasn't been a chance to make a proper introduction to Tsuru, but this could be surprising enough to cheer him, and fun enough for Nikkari to enjoy.]

[cranelike]

Of course!

(An entire citadel full of spirits is bound to attract to a few guests now and then but he's yet to see a real ghost for himself. He's suspected a few other creatures like a curious raccoon dog at night might be more than it appears but he thinks his spirits do a good job at keeping most things away with their patrols.

He wants to see one! And with a reliable guard like Nikkari, why would he be afraid? The idea that he might know where to find one though... he's already hooked. He likes that look in Nikkari's eye. It feels promising and the saniwa smiles,)

Oh~? Well, if you're with me, there's no reason to be afraid, is there! Tell me more~

[despirit]

[he beckons, then, to lead them further into the night. he still has his lantern, and the moon is high enough. if he's going to make this the right scene, then they need to be out past the buildings - maybe even a little past the fields. all worth it, though, if she keeps her promise.

so he'll start the walk, and start talking.]

This spirit is one that's hung around the citadel for a long time. Maybe even come and brushed up against your dreams. One with their own story - oh, they won't hurt you. But that doesn't mean they couldn't if they wanted to. For now, content to fight our enemies...you better make sure that doesn't ever change. And on still nights, they remember roaming, creeping into the dark corners. All the purification in the world won't do any good against them.

[cranelike]

(This certainly is quite the atmosphere, isn't it? He can't help but think about some of the warnings he'd received as a trainee... "Be careful. They're still spirits. It's important to lead because it's dangerous to follow. You might not come back." Ominous warnings grounded in old beliefs that they would be foolish to ignore given the fact that they're working with spirits to begin with.

He listens to the story and can feel his heart beat with... hm, he isn't really afraid but... anticipation? He's excited. If this were a test of courage, he would't fail. That little bit about dreams though? It might catch his attention. It's not unusual for a saniwa to have strange dreams but sometimes he wakes from them and can't seem to remember what they were... only left with a little bit of feeling and a sort of curious weight.)

Hmm... (He hums,) You certainly know how to set the mood.

(He loves it. He's already looking around, ready to be surprised.)

But I think if our friend was indeed our friend... then there's nothing to worry about.

[despirit]

What makes you so certain they're a friend? That we're not placating them with offerings and promises made?

[it's true, all the swords were spirits soaked in blood and battle - even the gentlest among them knew warfare and the sensation of being a blade cutting down a foe. it made them dangerous, needing the hand of a saniwa to guide them instead of simply being summoned and led to working for what their mission was. but, Nikkari can only laugh, and continues on.]

[cranelike]

Would you let an enemy come, Nikkari? (He hums. Of course his swords wouldn't let an enemy enter their grounds. Any spirit that came with ill intent would quickly be cut down as soon as it was known. Before Nikkari answers, he continues,) I don't think so.

I think we can be friends.

(Is that naive? Yes and he's all too aware of it. Perhaps that's why he speaks so lightly, as if anything could happen to turn those words. His spirits are weapons, his friends are murderers... perhaps he could have better company but this is all he has.)

It's more fun that way~