awashlogs | Event Fourteen.

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Event Fourteen.

Roses bloom and cease to be,
But we shall the Christ-child see.

t's very, very cold. It's cold enough that you'll see your breath fog in the air before you, that goosebumps appear on your arms and legs and a chill goes up your spine. You're inside, in a huge palace with sweeping arches and rooms, but it's no real shelter from the cold -- it's just as cold inside as out.

There's a throne room, a kitchen, various rooms and even a dungeon to be explored -- and outside, a frigid, frozen garden, a lake that's naturally frozen over, and miles, and miles of snow as far as the eye can see.

But be careful while you explore. The snowflake soldiers are naturally dangerous, but even more dangerous than that...there's that creeping sensation of numbness going up your arm, a pang through your chest, and the slow, slow freezing from the inside out.

Try not to leave any of your friends behind, okay? Even if they might look a bit too uncannily like some of the statues hanging around for decoration when they're frozen over.

Welcome to Awash's fourteenth event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to make your own logs for this event, but please keep in mind the lack of laptop function during this event when it comes to forum posts!

If there are any questions, please ask them here. Thank you!

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He’s volunteered to go fetch some firewood to stockpile in case somebody needs it urgently inside the castle later on. And while Jion had initially said he’d be fine going alone (which wasn’t a bluff, he was pretty sure that would have been fine), he also doesn’t push the matter too hard. After all, trying to fight the knights whole holding a bundle of firewood wouldn’t be fun, and the icy floors here make running kind of a hassle.

And so off they go towards the gardens. Hopefully it won’t be too hard a trip.

Jion isn’t faring too badly in the cold, but still, it’s not exactly pleasant. Keeping his chin tucked down in the collar of his jacket and sweater, he glances up towards Tonbokiri. “... you know, I thought I’d kinda gotten used to cold weather back home, but this is a whole ‘nother level, to be honest.” A weak laugh that manifests as puffs of fog around him. “Are you really okay just wearing that?”

Tonbokiri's eyebrows raise in interest at the question, and he unconsciously tugs at the collar of his dark yukata. The natural style of it admittedly does not do a good job of keeping his neck warm.

"Yes... But to be honest, although I do not seem to feel it as keenly as humans, it is quite cold. Yukata is truly not meant for the winter- at least, not without some other layers." And even if he (stubbornly) ignores the cold, it is still having an effect on his body. He deeply hopes they are not here for long.

"I must agree, in that a castle made of ice is a whole other level. I could have never imagined its like, for the design is unlike Japanese castles."

"... do you think it would've been easier on you if it was a Japanese design?" Jion doesn't even mean it sarcastically, musing it out loud as he looks off down the hallway. "I mean, it's mostly the cold that's so hard, but I do think the fact that it's a castle is kinda ... confusing? Disorienting?"

That wasn't quite the word he was looking for, either, and he hums in thought before continuing.

"Like ... I've done survival training in snowy areas and stuff, so I feel like if this place was just cold, like in the woods or something, I'd have a better idea what to do? But the fact that it's this whole castle feels pretty strange. Makes me feel like there's something specific we should be doing, but who knows what that is, you know?"

Jion is exceedingly honest (the thought that he would be sarcastic never crosses Tonbokiri's mind), and he listens patiently as the man sorts through his thoughts.

He nods thoughtfully at the reasoning. "I believe I can understand what you mean. A castle - Japanese or otherwise - is a place where powerful people gather and great events happen. Why were we brought here, instead of the midst of a forest, or the icy waste beyond here...? And being here, what should we be doing?" He shakes his head, having no answers. Indeed, none of them do.

"But yes, I believe I would be more at ease if this place were Japanese. At least, initially. Perhaps seeing a castle I recognize made of ice would be even more unsettling in the end."

Jion nods, giving a weak grin. "I guess that makes sense. I know I'd be way more nervous if we were in a Japanese castle made of ice. Unfamiliar architecture and all that, you know? And I mean, not like I've been in a castle like this, either, but I guess I've seen them a bit more in movies and such? If that makes a difference."

He'd like to see one, though. A real castle, that is. He mulls over the thought for a moment before continuing.

"You know, I'm kinda glad this is just a Western-style castle. I really wanna see a real Japanese castle someday, and it'd be kinda sad if this was my first impression of one -- I bet the real things are way cooler, huh?"

Movies...? Ah, that-- like what Mutsunokami was doing that one time.

"I would say that experiencing something for yourself is far better than what any image, even a moving one, can convey. And you are right- seeing the real thing would be better than an ice replica!"

He pats Jion's shoulder heavily in a friendly manner.

"If the opportunity presents itself, I hope that you can see it. I do not condone how the town pulls out things from our memories, however it can be useful for sharing what can otherwise not be seen."

The pat to the shoulder earns a little smile. Honestly, he's not sure if he'll ever get the time or chance to travel that far, but it's nice to hope!

He peers cautiously around a corner, keeping an eye out for those knights before looking back up to Tonbokiri. "I guess that's supposed to help with the, uh, bonds thing, right? Pulling things from memories? But yeah, it doesn't seem great."

The door to the garden is across the corridor, and Jion trots over, making sure Tonbokiri's following. "Especially since a lot of people here seem to have, um, stuff they had to deal with. I can't imagine it's fun having other people stumble into those memories ..."

Tonbokiri appreciates Jion-dono scouting ahead so carefully. Indeed, he seems to be doing it as if it's second nature to him. And saying he's done 'survival training'... Perhaps he is a man who has known a life of battle, as well.

"It is true, everyone carries burdens. Some more than others, and what seems like a burden to one person looks light to another. It is a very direct but challenging way to get to know another person... no matter whether they've known each other previously."

His expression becomes introspective as he thinks about the things he saw during the days memories were shared.

"Yeah, definitely ..." He contemplates it for a moment before giving Tonbokiri an optimistic grin. "Though I gotta admit I've been really liking getting to know everyone here. There's so many cool and interesting people here, and pretty much everyone's been really nice!"

And with that, he pushes open the door to the garden. A wall of chilly air immediately blows over them, and Jion shivers briefly.

"Guess we should move fast, huh?"

He's right, most people here have been very nice. So he grins back, just in time to get a face full of cold air. Brr-

"That would be for the best."

They've been here long enough that the closest and easiest firewood to pick up has already been taken, so it may take a little while.

If they can complete this run without encountering any soldiers, it would be a fine thing. However, Tonbokiri feels that it's actually only a matter of time, so he keeps a sharp eye out, freeing Jion-dono to collect the wood.

"I can help carry some wood, if you like. However if a soldier comes, I will have to drop it."

Not for the first time, he finds himself wishing he'd ended up in Chroma with his full gear. His gloves could have really come in handy, because it doesn't take more than a few moments of breaking off branches for his fingers to start going numb.

"Um, yeah, yes please." After a moment of thought, Jion piles the branches in Tonbokiri's arms. "I feel like, since it's a little risky every time we move, it might be best to get as much wood as possible at once? Even if we run into a knight, we can fetch it back up afterward?"

He wrestles with a particularly sturdy branch before managing to snap it off; Jion holds it like a baseball bat for a moment with a lame grin.

"Then again, maybe I can use the wood as a weapon, too. I only have my pistol, and I've been stressing about saving ammo. So I really need to find myself some sort of replacement weapon."

He nods- they can certainly just pick the wood back up after the solders are made snow again, so getting lots is fine.

"Guns are indeed powerful, however some situations are better met with another weapon, aren't they." Tonbokiri nods approvingly of Jion's intention.

"In the case of the snow soldiers, their ice armour is quite sturdy, yet if you made a strong strike in the right place, you could use even a piece of wood effectively against them." He tilts his head thoughtfully. "This exact situation aside though, I hope you can find a weapon that suits you. There are experts in many different disciplines here from whom you can ask advice. I am confident you will find the weapon that you can use best."

"I guess I really should, huh?" He gives a slightly sheepish laugh as he snaps the large branch over his knee and hands them to Tonbokiri. "It makes sense that a lot of people here are really good with different weapons. So I guess I should learn from them, but to be honest, I never really liked combat training."

He pauses for a moment to snap off a few branches, picking off the leaves before handing them over.

"I mean, I got passing marks during my training, and I do okay when it counts. But I sorta feel like, hmm ..." A contemplative hum as he picks out a good branch. "... I feel like I'll depend on it more if I was good at it. And I don't want to fight if I can help it." Jion gives a brief, embarrassed laugh. "Does that sound too much like I'm just making excuses?"

Tonbokiri's eyebrow lifts in admiration when Jion easily breaks that branch. He's quite strong, isn't he. (He kinda wants to arm wrestle him now, just to see...)

"Not at all, Jion-dono. If anything, it sounds like you have a good idea of what you are capable of. If you do not want to depend upon a weapon; if you do not wish to fight, then you should make that decision clearly. By doing so, you can move yourself forward confidently, and those around you will know what to expect of you.

"Coming through in a pinch is not a bad trait, however some might prefer to know from the start in what capacity we can count on you. And that need not be in a fighting capacity, either. There are many ways that one can contribute. Have no doubt that your way will be as necessary as a spear, sword, or gun."

His hands stop working while he listens to Tonbokiri, his fingers halted where they're wrapped around a tree branch. And he blinks at first, looking thoughtful, before giving a sheepish grin.

"That's a really nice way of putting it. Like, maybe too nice?" Jion laughs, though it's not meant meanly. He pulls off a few small branches; he's going to carry these since he's already given Tonbokiri quite a few. "I mean, you're not wrong. My forte's always going to be patching people up. But I guess because everyone here is so amazing, I feel like I should be a bit more well-rounded to try and keep up?"

He looks contemplatively at Tonbokiri for a long moment afterward. "... you know, for being an actual weapon, you're not really scary? Are all weapons actually really calm and patient like you?"

Although Jion-dono didn't mean that in a bad way, Tonbokiri's expression still shifts. Perhaps there is such a thing as 'too nice', but he'd just been stating what he saw...

Honestly, Tonbokiri feels that being able to help wounded people is extremely amazing on its own, and is about to say so, but he waits through Jion's contemplative look. Though what the man says next makes him blink in surprise, then smile awkwardly.

"Thank you for saying so. Perhaps it is simply because I am at rest? Fine blades are as artworks in Japan, though that is not all they are." He chuckles lightly, "As for our personalities, I would say we Touken Danshi have a range just like humans. I don't suppose you have met Mutsunokami-dono yet? Most of us strongly echo the personalities of our former masters.

"And as for you, Jion-dono, I hope you can settle on the way that feels best for you. Should you ever want to broaden your understanding of spearmanship, I would be most pleased to teach you. And... in return, I may ask for you to teach me about helping the wounded. It is a skill that would have been useful any number of times, so perhaps I shall broaden my understanding as well."

Hands still busily tugging down a higher-up branch so he can pick the leaves off, Jion nods to say yeah, he supposes there might be a difference in how weapons are seen in different cultures, and yes, he's acquainted with Mutsunokami, but it's mostly the offer to teach him how to use a spear that gets his attention.

"Really?!" He's so excited by the prospect he ends up raising his voice a little; he forgets to maintain his grip on that branch, and it goes whipping back upright. Whoops. Probably shouldn't speak so loudly when there's the chance of the it catching the knights' attention, and he casts a furtive glance at the door before continuing a little more quietly. "Um, I mean, I'd really appreciate that!"

He finds the same branch again to start breaking it off, looking a little giddy at the thought. "I mean, to be honest, I'll probably be terrible at it, but I'll do my best. Um, not just because spears look really cool! I bet it'd be really useful, too, so I'd love to learn. And I can definitely teach you some first-aid, too."

Tonbokiri also glances towards the door before nodding to Jion, but as the man turns his attention back to the branch, Tonbokiri sweeps the yard once more with his gaze, confirming that they came through the only door.

He smiles kindly at Jion’s expression- his honest, almost childlike enthusiasm is refreshing.

“So long as you try your best, that is all that is needed to start. I look forward to our exchange of skills, Jion-dono.”

Even as he is speaking, the door bursts open and three snow knights stride into the yard. Without a further word Tonbokiri puts down the wood in his arms, smoothly takes up his spear, and dashes towards the enemy, the atmosphere around him immediately bearing a focused ferocity. The only thing in his mind is to cut them down quickly, before one can break away towards Jion.

Fully on the offensive, he clashes with the snow knights in quick succession. The sound that their icy weapons make against his spear is strange, as he knocks away their attacks and presses his own.

It takes only a moment, and Tonbokiri has beheaded one and cut an arm and leg off another. But the third took its chance and managed a swipe at his back, scoring a shallow wound along the back of Tonbokiri's arm as he turns and viciously beheads the attacker. It takes only another moment, and with one more swipe, Tonbokiri is standing alone amidst three piles of snow.

He cautiously approaches the door and checks the other side, but no more soldiers are approaching.
Closing the door again, Tonbokiri strides easily back towards Jion.

"They are aggressive, aren't they. However that also means that they don't have the presence of mind to lie in wait."

Everything happens so fast.

Jion does drop everything to whip out his revolver as soon as he realizes what's going on, but he's far outpaced by Tonbokiri's movements. Between those whip-fast movements of the spear, and the risk of accidentally shooting him while aiming for the knights, Jion ends up just staring wide-eyed at the incredible display as Tonbokiri dispatches of the knights one by one.

There's a moment's silence as the knights' bodies dissolve into fine powder, starting to shift in a cold breeze, before Jion blurts out, "-- that was amazing!"

He automatically returns his gun to its holster as he trots forward to meet Tonbokiri halfway, expression bright with awe. "Oh man, I knew you'd be good, but that was incredible! That you could dispatch them so quickly! So efficiently! I gotta admit I've never actually seen a spear in action, so I didn't know exactly what to expect, but that was really something ... The long reach must be great, since it puts you less at risk, and it lets you protect people better. That's so cool!"

It's not even like he particularly enjoys combat, but Tonbokiri's skills still merit a bit of enthusiastic gushing, obviously.

Tonbokiri will probably never entirely get used to the enthusiastic gushing - his modesty conflicts with how nice it is to be complimented.

So his face reddens faintly in a pleased blush although he shakes his head slightly.

"This much was nothing. There were only three of them."

Especially considering there was only three of them, it was embarrassing that one managed to get him. He'd been a bit too hasty in his concern for Jion. But it's done.

As he speaks he returns to the dropped firewood and begins picking it up again.

"A long haft is, as you noticed, useful for both offence and defence. There was a time I was over two meters long*! Ah, but my former master was skilled indeed, to use me like that."

He smiles fondly in remembrance.

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Event Fourteen.

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