Scene #4954: Bushin

Owner	Pose
Setsuko Kaminagi	New Year's Day; a day of family, a day of renewals. Even in past years, with the great war raging on, it tended to be peaceful, but with that done and gone, it's even moreso. Sadly, the weather isn't being all that cooperative; some time early this morning, cloud cover rolled in, and has been rumbling faintly with distant thunder ever since. It never quite seems to threaten snow or rain, but rather simply hangs overhead. Watching, if a storm could be said to watch. But now, the sun is up. People are awake, having breakfast, watching any New Year's morning shows they care to watch, making the traditional first shrine visit of the year. It's as good a time as any. There is a knock at the door of the Shoutan residence. Knock knock.
Himei	"I'll get it, Mom!" Himei's voice is, fortunately, the one to call that out. Opening the door, however, is a little bit of a surprise. At least Himei isn't one to party through the night for New Year's, so she's actually awake and mostly alert when she opens the door, bundled very quickly in a coat for the incoming cool breeze.
Setsuko Kaminagi	It would be perfectly understandable if Himei needed a moment to recognize Setsuko. She looks... different. That signature hairstyle, long on one side, short on the other, has been evened out. It's now all of uniform, short length, thin silver spikes swept back around her head. Her sleveless black top, grey pants and combat boots have been traded for a blue military coat, with gold trim and spiked black shoulder pauldrons, over a pair of white pants and long dark boots. Even her hands are gloved now. And there's a new scar, from the middle of her forehead down over her right eye. Most importantly, Setsuko never was in the habit of wandering around with a huge, black warhorse before. "Himei," the swordswoman greets, her expression unreadable, but... not particularly severe. Almost soft, even. It's the first time Himei will have heard from her, or even /of/ her, since the reality quakes, and a lot seems to have changed.
Himei	"Setsuko," Himei replies. "You're alive... but not unchanged." Himei's grown a LOT in the years, and now she's... not surprised, but neither is she shrugging it off. The warhorse gets a long look, and she pulls on a hat to step outside, rather than try to fit that beast in her house. "Not the visit I expected. I thought you'd contact through official channels. Since you didn't... I assume you have a reason not to." The unspoken comment is that if she needs something, Himei will help as best she is able.
Setsuko Kaminagi	"Well, the official channels have changed," Setsuko replies, a hint of amusement in her expression. "But... you're also correct. This isn't really an official stop. I'm not here to ask anything of you, though," she adds. "Just to visit, for a little while." She turns her head slightly, glancing back to the warhorse; it snorts irritably, stamping one hoof - which crackles with a faint discharge of electricity where it taps the ground. "This, is Kuro-no-Tatsumaki," she introduces, turning back to Himei. "He isn't the most personable of steeds. But he's steadfast and strong."
Himei	"Good steeds aren't always personable, I hear, but I'm not much of an equestrian," Himei admits. She's still staring, silently pondering 'what's the story here,' but she doesn't prompt for it. "A social call, hm? Not your usual thing. I uh... yeah. Official channels have changed, but then again, I'm just a Chevalier right now. Nothing special. Just the way I like it. I'm guessing that official channels arent' the only things that have changed, though."
Setsuko Kaminagi	Setsuko inclines her head. "You're right, of course. I have a great deal more responsibility at home. A lot has happened in the past few weeks. And in the past twelve hours, even moreso." She rests her left hand on Zanjintou's sheath - perhaps the only thing about her that doesn't seem to have changed somehow. For a moment, her eyes almost seem radiant; somewhere in their depths, a storm simmers. Then it's gone. "I wanted to come out and pay a few visits before I have to return to my world. It's New Year's, after all."
Himei	Pay a visit before returning to her world. Himei frowns a little, but... it's not an unpleasant frown. "More responsibility at home. Well. If you ever need me to help, you know you have only to ask. You've... I've watched you since you first appeared, Setsuko. I'd like to think that we've become something of good friends. And I get the feeling I won't be seeing as much of you, will I?" Responsibilities. Yeah, she can kind of read between the lines there.
Setsuko Kaminagi	It's now that the soldier closes her eyes, giving a small shake of the head. "You won't, no." She opens them again, looking skyward. "I didn't know until a few days ago. My plan was to simply take my own vengeance, to take vengeance for Zanjintou's previous owner, and then... to see what came of things, if I was still alive. It wasn't until a few days ago that I discovered that gods in my world... you take their mantle, their godhood, for yourself, by beating them within their domain. And how do you beat a God of War within the domain of warfare?" She blows out a quiet sigh. "...This was the plan from the moment the Forgotten War God offered me his blade. I'm not sure how I never realized." The goddess turns, and reaches out to rest a hand on Himei's shoulder lightly. "'Friend' isn't quite the word I would choose. I wanted to spend New Year's with my family, one last time. So I'm making some visits this morning."
Himei	Himei just... smiles at the first part. "I'm well aware of being pushed into some odd sitations. I... well, I only hope you'll be happy as you are. And I know you've given me a look at how war can be honorable and the like, as well as horrifying. SO..." She blushes. "Family, huh? Yeah. I'd say that's... a good way of putting it. I'll try to live up to that. There are things that... well. Let's end on a high note, all right? And just say this won't be the last time we'll speak." It may well be, for all she knows, but... it's better to assume not.
Setsuko Kaminagi	"Well. I can say that for certain, at least," Setsuko replies. "If you come to my homeland, you have only to step into any shrine or temple to Kaminagi-no-Tachi Kiri-no-Musume. There aren't many for whom I would personally deign to answer, but..." She reaches into her pocket, and pulls something out. It's a simple gold pendant, inlaid with a gemstone the same color as Setsuko's blue eyes. "Anyone carrying one of these will be on that list. While it bears no powers, it has been touched by Storm and War. And if you show it within Seiryuu or the Duchy of Bran, you will be known as a friend and ally."
Himei	The pendant is stares at, then Himei holds out her hand to accept it with a sigh. "I'd prefer selfishly that you stuck around, but if there's one thing /I/ have learned since coming here... it's that sometimes this sort of thing is for the best. I can only thank you." She smiles wanly. "Well, that and wish you good luck. If I ever attain godhood, I'll invite you to the poker game, all right?" That's hopefully a joke.
Setsuko Kaminagi	"It's Shogi in Pugna, from what I'm told," Setsuko replies. Was... was that a joke? "But... as much as I'd like to stay with everyone, the Multiverse is no longer at war. It's a time for the rest of you now. Me... I need to oversee my world." Tatsumaki snorts again, and the goddess adds, "...and keep him in line." She takes a moment with closed eyes, to draw in a breath, then reaches out, and rests a hand on Himei's shoulder again. "Whatever else may happen, in my life or yours, thank you, Shoutan Himei. The time I spent with you and everyone else... it meant much, to me. A family that I don't have to bury." Finally, she turns to go, and adds, "Be well, Himei. And if you're ever in dire need... if I can't help you myself, I'll send someone who may." She slings herself up onto Kuro-no-Tatsumaki's back, and horse and rider turn around to canter out into the street - and then gallop off, starting to fade from sight as they do. Up above, the thunderstorm slowly begins to disperse as well.