今

As usual, Imanotsurugi is the best and worst storyteller.

He’s not sure if he wants to laugh or scoff, first – so the Saniwa smiles instead, finding a happy medium as the story unfolds. The street they’re on is empty, and the tantou has licence to be just as loud as he wants. It makes it easy to focus on him; it makes his words ring all the more clear.

And it’s a good thing. Because Imanotsurugi’s enthusiasm is something valuable.

‘A tree?’ he repeats, tone light from the onset. He’s not letting him get away with this. ‘And all this time, we wondered what your weakness would be…’ He trails off, gaze ducking away – there’s plenty of things to read into that, but most of it is teasing. ‘So you made a friend.’

More than that, but not really. Whoever it is that’s been playing with the sword, she has to be young. If a little girl wants to boss Imanotsurugi around, then it’s fine.

The image alone almost makes the Saniwa laugh, again, and he brings a hand to his lips.

‘Your new master.’

‘What’s she like?’

Weakness? What? He swears the tree sprung out of the ground! Out of nowhere! Though the incident really was caused by his own carelessness -- for not looking where he had been going -- but Imanotsurugi doesn’t know that... or at least, he won’t admit it.

In any case, with how the Saniwa switches his focus, there’s no need for him to address the teasing. Having been too caught up with the new status he’d claimed, the notion that the girl was also his friend did not dawn upon him until this moment. It’s a revelation that only serves to maintain his good spirits.

   ❝Um... she wears red and her hair’s... sorta like Izumi’s. She also likes meat a lot. A whole lot!❞ There’s not much else to be said, yet Imanotsurugi racks his brain for more detail. He should know a friend more than that...

But then he stops. And he blinks. And he tilts his head to one side.

    ❝You’re still my master too,❞ Though he says this on impulse, it’s almost a bit hesitant.

              ❝We... are going to the citadel, aren’t we?❞

The other’s excitement was contagious, it seemed! The fox’s ears perked up quickly at the other’s response and he nodded. “We shall see, Imanotsurugi! I am wild, you know. Don’t think I’ll let you win so easily just because you are smaller than I am..” Folding his arms over his chest, Kogitsunemaru awaited the final decision. 

“Mochi on the Moon? That game is quite easy, isn’t it? Ah! Well, let’s play then. It will be an enjoyable game for the both of us.” 

Preparing his hands for the game then, Kogitsunemaru seemed more than content with playing games with the smaller sword for awhile. If he truly had a tail it would be wagging.. But the motions in the ears atop his head said more than enough. 

“You pound mochi first, Imanotsurugi..! I will patiently await my turn.” 

Imanotsurugi was more than happy to hear that he would be taken seriously as an opponent. After all, it only seemed to perpetuate his reputation for being as dangerous as fire when it came to playing! As readily as contentment bled into his expression did it change into one more serene before he accepted the fox’s decision.

  ❝O~kay!❞

This game was easy, especially with small hands. Though, precision and speed were the real determinants of victory, which meant that its complexity would rise with its pace, and since Imanotsurugi was to pound mochi first, the difficulty level was up to him. 

Raising his hands to be at level with Kogitsunemaru’s, the tantou clapped one palm down on the other at a moderate tempo and sung the first line of the rhyme. He wouldn’t have gone too fast... at the start of the game, at least.

           Ren took note of the other’s added bounce to their step, and laughed, though it was stifled from behind pursed lips. He wasn’t quite sure what the reason was for and he thought it arrogant to begin to think it was due to him, so he remained quiet about it. It was a good thing they were happy no matter the reason anyhow.

           His pleased expression shifted to one of blatant disappointment once they stopped at the warehouse, and it remained even once he was inside. The décor was far from tasteful, and therefore far from pleasing. There was no hiding it on his face this time, and though he didn’t want to be rude, he echoed, “This is it?”

           His hands now at his hips, he scrutinized his surroundings, taking in all the possible sparkles and pink he could before turning and addressing the other again. “It’s not very appealing. I feel like something else can be done here, but maybe it’s not my place to say… Appearance doesn’t mean it’s a bad place, after all.” Stepping forward into the room, he looked over his shoulder and smiled, immediately shrugging off his previous words. “Well, do I get anything else for visiting early?” For the most part he wasn’t serious, but he couldn’t deny that it would be nice.

Imanotsurugi had his eyes steadily trained upon the guest, ears waiting to be graced with positive commentary. Within such upbeat and colourful surroundings, there was no way one could be pessimistic!! ...Right? But the other’s words proved him wrong. Horribly wrong.

And as the stranger elaborated on his displeasure, the smaller one couldn’t help but puff out his cheeks, gaze narrowing in frustration. He was beginning to learn the truth of the saying, ‘you can’t please everyone,’ and it was definitely one of the less fun lessons he’s had to learn.

But Imanotsurugi would have to try – it was part of his job – he had to make sure everyone was having the best time they possibly could! Thankfully, the other provided him with a window of opportunity to do just that. Determined to please, he scampered off to the kitchen without a word, and returned with sample of dango only moments later.

     ❝It isn’t a bad place, I promise! Try this!❞ 

Was it a free sample, though? Probably not.

今

Of course he is.

But that’s not quite it. The envy’s there, but it’s also wariness, that dark feeling that claws at him whenever his swords meet someone human. Most people are not like their former masters, not like him – and so when the tantou starts in on “being chased,” the Saniwa can only assume the worst.

It’s Imanotsurugi being fine now that keeps him from worry.

‘If I said yes – what would you do?’ he says, voice sly. His next thought, though, is serious: ‘… but maybe not right now. I just found you; I don’t want you to go away again.’

And he wraps it all up with a smile, hands sliding over the sword’s shoulders before he releases him.

After all his wandering, going slow feels right – and now that Imanotsurugi is with him…

It’s a little ironic.

‘Actually, I’m wondering.’ Following this comes a gentle press to the other’s shoulderblades. It’s a motion that encourages him to move, to accompany the Saniwa as he starts walking. 

‘Someone else caught you? When did that happen?’ The way he says it makes it sound like he’s in joking disbelief, but some of it is real; anyone who manages to lay a hand on him has to be quick.

Are there really people like that, here?

‘It sounds like you must’ve found someone fun.’

Near instantly, hands making grabby motions are raised, fervent to grasp at a target with the potential occurrence of his favourite game. But then the Saniwa turns him down, so they fall behind his back in disappointment, accented with a sigh.

Although Imanotsurugi feels a tad led on and letdown, the Saniwa’s reasoning for his rejection makes him near bashful with happiness, and is quick enough to conceal any complaints -- words in general, truthfully -- that he might have. It really is nice to know that he’s wanted around.

And so, the tantou is quite compliant. Without missing a beat, he trails after his superior while expanding on his story.     ❝She was fun!! She played with me, and then made me a manservant!!❞

It’s a title he still doesn’t quite understand, but a title it is nonetheless, so he’s quite proud about it. See, he doesn’t know any other manservants, let alone ones that are swords as well. He’s unique!

When his prideful aura finally tones down, Imanotsurugi remembers to add a crucial detail about his encounter, ❝Ah, but, I wasn’t caught because I was too slow... There was a tree in my way.❞

exchange ☼ alice

    Alice swelled with triumph as she clutched the meat stick almost protectively in her hand–there was no way this kid was getting it back now.

   ❝Aha! I’ve got it!!❞

   Wasting almost no time, she chomped down on the stick, pulling what was left of the meat straight off it. Her cheeks puffed out with a beam of happiness as she chewed, nearly forgetting the boy was still there. After swallowing, she acknowledged his presence once again. Whipping out a finger to point at him, foot stomping on the ground to accent her confidence, she came up with a plan on the spot.

   ❝You, brat!❞ She called out, ❝I’ve decided to make you my new manservant.❞

   Ah yes, and what a good manservant he would be. He was quick and could buy her more of that delicious meat any time she wanted. What a great honor she had just bestowed upon him.

    ❝The meat--? ...Ah!!❞

What a shock! But there was another feeling that shrouded his amazement: disappointment. For the shortening of their game to be the result of a tree in the way? And just when he was about to really start playing?  The tantou couldn’t help but sulk, and gave a well-deserved look of scorn to the culpable trunk, placing his hands on his hips.

It didn’t take long for his gaze to move towards the being from which he heard gleeful chewing. And when the contagiousness of the girl’s mood worked its magic on him, any bitterness in his expression was quick to dissipate into a more inquisitive look, as he took interest in the happiness she exuded.

In fact, Imanotsurugi had been about to make a comment about how much she must like meat, but her sudden movements were quick to startle him, though momentarily. Her words, however, left more of a lasting impression. Manservant? He had heard of both ‘man’, and ‘servant’, but never put together. Arms limp at his sides, he could do little else but give the girl a blank stare.

   ❝...What’s that?❞                   An afterthought. ❝Do we get to play again?❞

–「♚」Youth comes and goes. That was a lesson Gilbert had learned the hard way. Oh, how he missed the days of his childhood- All the enemies he beat down to the ground, all the battles he won, and..Er..Of course, all the people he helped! Yes indeed, his Teutonic knight days had definitely spawned some of his best memories. Just reminiscing his days as a kid leaves nothing but a smile on his face.

–「♚」“Man, I was so cute when I was a kid! Kesese..” Gilbert chuckled to himself. Almost as if on cue, he saw a kid running by, which made Gil’s smile a little bit wider. But surprisingly, instead of himself, all he was reminded of was his little brother when he was younger. He let out a contented sigh as he saw the little rascal happily playing about. Although, after staring for a while, he figured he’d turn back and go think somewhere else- The child’s parents wouldn’t be so happy about seeing a grown man staring at their kid from a distance.

–「♚」After stealing one more glance, he was about to go on his merry way, but was interrupted when he saw the kid fall flat on the ground. His instincts urged him to run and go help the kid up. “Hey, are you alright?! Ya’ aren’t hurt are you?” Donning a worried expression on his face, he knelt beside the child, and held his hand out.

Imanotsurugi’s youth is entirely different from that of humans; it is eternal. And it was why he could be found playing by himself, for his imagination was as endless as his childhood. Arms outstretched, he pranced around the landscape and emitted odd buzzing sounds, indifferent to any strange looks he may have attracted. He was on a mission of importance: to gain an understanding of a very foreign flying object. It looked like a bird, but its wings hadn’t moved; it only pushed forward, and was noisy and really rather curious. Could such a beast rival tengu? With how powerful it had appeared, it seemed possible. It was all rather exciting -- maybe he’d get to fight one eventually!

Somehow in the midst of his ‘research’, the tantou had managed to fumble over a rock which he’d completely failed to notice. Generally, he was fairly good at navigating in his geta, but in this event, their design had been his downfall... literally.

The voice that called out for him was needlessly concerned, but even so, Imanotsurugi happily took the hand presented in conjunction, eager to interact. As he stood up, multiple scrapes made themselves evident, with even a gash on one of his legs from a twig. And though a thin stream of blood started to trickle down, it was nothing! At least, not when compared to the scars he’d received in battle countless times.

The palms of his hands, slightly roughed up, stung as he dusted them off on his pants, but grimace he wouldn’t. Instead, Imanotsurugi gave the stranger a winning smile,

    ❝I hurt a little, but I can handle it!❞

Perhaps the stranger would care more for his injuries than he did, and save him from infection.

a piercing noise | intro

“ Oho? Getting all fired up are ya? That’s good! “ 

Gunha grinned widely, he had managed to summon forth Imanotsurugi’s true guts! And in return, it fired up Gunha as well! 

“ This it! The climactic final! “ 

Believing in his dual spoon style. The soup like remains of the ice cream was shoveled down with such gusto he could feel his throat freezing into an ice block as he put his all into it. 

Finishing his bowl, he felt superior, invincible, the strongest there ever was! Slamming both his clenched hands into the table and looked victoriously at his opponent.

But the question was, would Imanotsurugi still try to finish bowl, or had he already done so by the time Gunha had finished? 

Imanotsurugi still had about a quarter of his bowl remaining when Gunha's large thud made him jump. While that definitely came as a surprise, because he was the owner of a smaller mouth, a less experienced stomach, and whatnot, his loss couldn’t be considered the same.

But, even so, he’d really wanted to win! So at first Imanotsurugi was really disappointed, and his messy lips were about to pout. Then, there was a rather loud {BUUUUURP}, and from the depths of his own stomach, no less! It was so abrupt that it completely changed his mood, and elicited little giggles from him. There was no apology, however. What were manners anyway?

Laughter fading, he acknowledged his defeat, ❝That was really fun! You’re real good at eating ice cream. Congrats!!❞ In the end, he was glad that they’d competed at all, so he wouldn’t be a sore loser. And though he’d thought the other played dirty, holding grudges involved work which Imanotsurugi was unqualified for.

Now, winners of a competition generally received some sort of reward for their achievement. Having just arrived, the sword had nothing to offer, except maybe... 

       ❝Ah! Do you want to finish mine too?❞

exchange ☼ alice

   He had slipped out of her grasp yet again–! Alice grit her teeth together. How dare he presume to take her meat away from her. Her amethyst eyes narrowed as she twisted around, trying to locate where the brat with her meat had ran off to this time. The clinks of his anklets alerted her of the direction, and off she took–darting swiftly into the trees.

   It hadn’t occurred to her just yet to take a more stealthy approach to their chase (their game). She huffed in annoyance as her hair and red coat fanned out behind her. The overwhelming scent of the meat had her stomach growling incessantly and she swelled. It only fueled her fury at being denied what she wanted. Nothing and no one had ever dared to get in the way of her and her beloved meat…not until now.

   A flash of silver and she had found him again. She wasted no time in reaching wildly, going for the stick of meat like a magnet, presence announced with a frustrated laugh.

   ❝You won’t be able to hide from me!❞  Not so long as he held her meat captive, anyway.

Everything about their game seemed to point to one destiny -- that Imanotsurugi would manage to slip away yet again, given the continual warnings of the girl’s narrowing distance, and his general capabilities. Yet by some twist of fate, or perhaps just his lack of familiarity with his surroundings, the path of destiny lay forked before them, and they would take one unexpected turn.

See, Imanotsurugi made his mistake when turning his head back, overeager to praise his chaser, for he was quite pleased that his playmate could keep up with him! No thought of the dangers which could arise while looking anywhere but ahead had flickered across his mind.

   ❝Woah! You’re not so bad!!❞

And when he whipped his head around again, about to break off in a real sprint, the trunk of a rather wide tree stared at him mere centimeters away from his face. The time it took to process the maneuvering required to get around the obstacle took a moment too long, and the meat was finally taken from his hands. Their exchange -- meat for a game -- was complete.

Night Dance

Nightfall had come almost too quickly that evening, sneaking up on Hotarumaru as he was now prancing down the streets with nimble speed. It was no longer safe to idle here any longer. As the final shrouds of light were swallowed by the swimming shadows, that’s when the monsters came out to dine. Whether or not they were human or animal, well… a meal was a meal, wasn’t it? But Hotarumaru refused to be their victim.

“Toh!” As he lashed out at the closest bounding monster that aimed at his head, he sent it flailing back with a powerful blow from his wooden sword replica, landing on his heels with practiced ease. That was one… but there was another he was sure of it– “Wahh!” Incredible… it had managed to sneak by him and now striking from over head, Hotarumaru raising his sword defensively as he prepared for impact.

There was less to be distracted by in the night -- less activity, less noise, and less people. Imanotsurugi liked those distractions, but distractions they were nonetheless. Perhaps that was why his senses heightened during these dark hours, why his abilities could manifest at their maximum potential. He was at his best under the blanket of darkness, strewed by shining stars with only a reflection of the Sun’s brawn in the Moon.

Under the Moon, however, Imanotsurugi was not alone. The owl may hoot, the cricket may chirp, the lone wolf may cry, and the Hotarumaru may ‘Toh!’ ... Wait, what? One of those things was not like the others.

And there he saw it -- the shortest oodachi fending for himself in the distance, and soon to be in close proximity with how Imanotsurugi ran to his side, clutching the hilt of his wooden replica as the monster was about to pounce upon the other. But the monster never got a chance; right in the nick of time, Imanotsurugi had jumped and--

    ❝Caught it!❞

--with all his strength, had managed to pierce the inhuman flesh, sending its owner off to search for food elsewhere rather than deal with any further like treatment without its fellow specimen.

   ❝That’s right! You leave him alone!❞ the tantou, with his hands on his hips, declared saucily before turning to address his comrade. With an imitation of his classic salute, Imanotsurugi grinned, ❝Yo, Hotarumaru! What are you doing out so late? Are you hurt?❞

今

It’s delight the Saniwa’s glad to see returned. His arms settle around the sword to complete the embrace, a thoughtless laugh leaving him. Most of them are like this, unquestionably accepting of his presence, but Imanotsurugi… he’s always loved how bright the tantou can be.

‘Of course you can,’ he agrees, but it’s belied by something else – the distant words he says next, frowning. ‘But we’re not here because I chose to be.’

It’s not by his will that they’ve been dropped into an unknown era, scattered forces across a land of electricity… but that’s a topic for another day. He doesn’t let the worry gnaw away at him, instead loosening his hold on the tiny blade.

‘You’ve been playing with the others?’ He smiles down at him, only wishing he could grin so brightly as Imanotsurugi does. ‘Or am I the first one to catch you?’

The Saniwa raises his head, briefly, to look all around them again. He’s definitely right; this place is big, and it feels against the odds that he managed to find the other at all. 

There’s so many people here.

And…

‘– don’t tell me,’ he says, voice more surprised than accusatory.

‘You’ve been chasing the locals, too?’

The fact that his presence in this world is not dictated by the Saniwa is rather jarring. After all, he’s incredibly powerful, to have taken the swords throughout time and brought them their humanly forms. Are there people stronger, then? Gods, maybe, who could whisk even the Saniwa against his will? Admittedly, the thought is scary, and Imanotsurugi pulls his arms back, opting to clutch the hem of the other’s shirt as he mimics the frown, about to make an inquiry.

Thankfully, the Saniwa seems to know exactly what to say in order to veer his mind from the topic. Maybe it’s because he’s so predictable, but Imanotsurugi is caught again, having definitely played a fair amount upon arriving. Still, only positive feelings can be associated with his favourite pastime, so the questions revive his initial cheer, and eyes twinkle with the evocation of such fond memories.

   He laughs, ❝Only sooome of them. But I was the one being chased last time, so you know! I got caught too... I was really surprised!❞

But a question of his own springs up -- why ask something so obvious? Of course he’d play given the chance! Anyone who knew him was well acquainted with that fact, so there was no reason to ask unless...

Imanotsurugi’s petite hands hike up to cover his mouth in accompaniment with a gasp.

   ❝Are you jealous? Do you wanna be chased?❞

今

The swords he’s found here, they all seem to be faring well – as they should be. They’re strong and they’re resolute, and even when he worries about them, he doesn’t, really. So it’s not the uchigatana or the tachi that linger on his mind; it’s… it’s a lot of things, but of everything he thinks on, his mind keeps coming back to one thing: the tantou.

It’s a bit like a game of hide-and-seek, trying to hear the swords’ voices in the city. Every whispered word and quiet hum is fleeting, and for all he searches, he comes up with nothing. It’s by pure accident that the Saniwa ends up finding him at all: it’s right in the middle of the street, the sky overcast, a field of green to the east. Seeing Imanotsurugi like this, it’s… it’s a lot of things.

But as he creeps up behind the small tantou, hands coming to rest on his shoulders, there’s a thought. Maybe he doesn’t have to worry about them, either.

He leans down and murmurs his greeting, voice a playful tease.

‘I caught you.’

tenguken

Unexpected. The hands on his shoulders make the little one visibly tense. The message too -- how strange! He doesn't remember playing tag.  But most unexpected of all is the voice relaying that message to him. It couldn't be... could it?

Almost anxiously, he turns to see who his mysterious playmate is, and when his eyes trail upwards to meet their face, he forgets how to speak, barely managing to breathe out his next word.

    ❝Master..?❞

That’s right -- they are playing hide and seek, aren’t they? Iwatooshi led him to that conclusion not long ago, and Iwatooshi was never wrong about these things! His heart fills with such pure elation that it begins to swell. And the sword can’t help but throw himself at the Saniwa, fling his arms around his waist, and squeeze him as tightly has he can.

    ❝You’re really here!❞ he exclaims while beaming up at the other, his hold lingering. Flushed cheeks ache from how hard he’s smiling, but Imanotsurugi can’t care, and continues to grin and bear it. ❝And you found me! Amazing -- this place is so big! Do I get to seek you next time you take us new places?❞

               “Hm. Well, when you put it that way, I suppose I shouldn’t judge so harshly, even with the name. It does take some love for people to be willing to give them something essential for living.” He tilted his head to the side, spinning the piercing in his ear. The other facing away was appreciated for the moment, the scowl to his lips not needing to be seen by them. Perhaps he had been inconsiderate, not only to the workers at the nightclub, but anyone who had ever served him.

               Pocketing his hands, Ren forced a smile. “I don’t think you meant to, but you taught me a great lesson today, sir. Thank you.”

‘Sir!’ What a grown up way to be referred to as! And to have taught someone something as well? Imanotsurugi felt quite proud of himself, and showed it through the additional skip in his steps. 

   ❝It was nothing!❞  Imanotsurugi smiled back at the other. And after another block or so, the pair came across a rather unobtrusive warehouse building. It was ironic, considering how much of a contrast the innards of the building held to its exterior. Using both hands, Imanotsurugi slid the door open and ran inside the monstrously pink and sparkly atmosphere, twirling around with his arms in the air.

  ❝Tadah! This is it!❞ He stopped his twirling as he remembered to add an important tidbit of information,  ❝Oh, but, it’s early, so the staff is still setting up. Still, you can see it now... I think.❞

two’s company ( imano + iwatooshi )

{薙} — “… no Master?”

The very notion of their days within the city being without conduct was something Iwatooshi had yet to contemplate. Surely nothing but the likes of a greater power could even begin the summoning ritual with which to bring him into this form of human flesh, to be able to contain all his ability at once. It was nigh unthinkable for the old weapon that anything but the best could’ve even attempted at a chance at wielding him. The impression of his original Master on him was just far too strong for him to expect anything less.

Then, according to his very well-pieced together logic, there was no next to no reason for his long-time friend and companion Imanotsurugi to even suspect that they had no Master here. For surely he was needed in the same way by someone – seen as a valuable asset to whatever Still, there was one single thing that bothered him since he had arrived that resonated with Imanotsurugi’s tone instead of his words…

Where was this Master of theirs, then? Why had they not shown themselves and greeted their weapons with eager arms?

But he cast any semblance of worry out of his voice and made an attempt to reach around and flip the small sword into his lap. To anyone walking past, the two would have looked at a glance similar to a fierce mother bear and her gentle cub in the way he was latched around the smaller sword protectively, glimpsing up once more at the giant tree serving as their pink shade and their solace. 

“Worry not, Imanotsurugi. Whether a Master steps forward or not, we’ll forge our own path towards our intended purpose. There’s no reason to fret. All will turn out well.” 

Indeed, there had been something caught in his throat -- a feeling which words alone couldn’t convey the weight of -- the feeling of abandonment. Of all things in this humanly experience, abandonment was the one which Imanotsurugi hated most. It was absolutely wretched. Even as a spirit, the feeling only brought distress, and unlike anger or general discontent, it served no motivation for change, only brought a sense of one’s uselessness. With physical, living embodiments, it manifested in much uglier and despicable ways; throats would ache, chests would crank, lips would quiver, and eyes would sting. Certainly, he was grateful that Yoshitsune had not forsaken him in this form.

Imanotsurugi’s very fear of abandonment was what ensnared his voice when questioning the very existence of a Master, and prior played his basis for doing the same with the other’s time at this city. It wasn’t that he lacked trust in Iwatooshi’s loyalty -- no, that was incontestable -- it was the staggering intensity of this fear which loomed over all else, even the well of faith he had in their bond. This fear, however, was subconscious, and thus easily eclipsed by the surprise of being thrown.

Ungracefully splayed across Iwatooshi’s lap, the tantou blinked up once, then twice, taking in the sudden new perspective his position brought. By sight, his eyes met hope within blooming skies, and by sound, the words spoken to him were of such heartening timbre; it was all very reassuring and surely brought back his initial smile, but the most contributory of all was the implication that came with being cradled by whom he’d been clinging to moments before; that he, too, was cherished.

    ❝Hnn... so it’s like playing hide and seek!❞ Imanotsurugi concluded matter-of-factly. In all truth, he didn’t quite know what Iwatooshi meant, but if they were summoned to serve, to forge a path to that would set a master as their end-goal. Whether they were to find their master or if their master was to find them, they’d discover along the way.

As he nestled closer, a giggle escaped his upturned lips, ❝That sounds fun!❞

a piercing noise | intro

At the coughing, Gunha looked up at his opponent. First from curiosity but his expression changed into a more determined one quickly as he noticed his opponent slipping back.

“ What’da matter, Imano-kun? Losing guts are ya? “ 

Granted, Gunha traded in precision for speed, his mouth and chin was covered in the green goo was he grabbed a spoon from the table next to them, spinning it between his fingers before taking on a firm grasp. 

“ Lemme show ya what one can achieve when they posses a great amount of Guts! “ 

Confident as he was, he used both the spoons to spoon his mouth in an endless cycle. While he lost some advantage in his bravados, Gunha was now working at twice the speed from before!  Gunha’s longer experience with ice cream had been a benefit for him on this showdown. But was the recklessness of the hot-headed boy enough to win this battle? 

With how nice Gunha had been to him thus far, what he did came as an utter shock. It was scandalous-- good people don’t cheat!

Imanotsurugi’s eyes flared an angry crimson as his lips pressed together in disapproval, energy within him building up the longer he went without saying a thing. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he let the other know just what he thought of his tactic with his fists all balled up.

   ❝Heeeey! That’s not fair!!❞ the boy shouted, too worked up to realize that he was losing precious eating time by doing so. Whether he did have guts or not, this was an issue Imanotsurugi would have to tackle. Abruptly did he place his hands, firm, on the table as he leaned forward from his chair.

    ❝If-- if you’re going to cheat... then I will too!!❞ 

And in no time, Imanotsurugi put himself face-first into the ice cream. Having dropped his spoon, sticky hands kept the bowl lifted to his mouth as he wolf down its now quasi-solid form regardless of the consequences, be them sickness or a green beard. This was the only way he could level the playing field, after all!

exchange ☼ alice

  Catch him, huh? This guy had a death wish. Oh yes, she would catch him, and when she did she would pry her meat from his dead hands–

  She darted towards the trees where he disappeared, looking for a flash of his clothes, something. She could smell the delicious meat he grasped, and very quickly made her way towards where it was the strongest, weaving in and out between the trees. With the intensity in her concentration, it wasn’t too long before she spotted him again.

  Alice’s violet eyes zoned in on the skewer clutched in the kid’s hands immediately. A manic grin spread across her lips, eyes taking an evil glint to them.

  ❝Ohoho!❞

  ❝There you are!❞

  And there she went–lunging towards him yet again. She was full of confidence, convinced she would snatch it away this time. Oh, and when she did, this kid would pay.

Even with the proximity of his chaser, Imanotsurugi wore a radiant grin from ear to ear, finding sheer joy in the rush of adrenaline. The fact alone, that he’d found someone who would cater to his playful whims, impossibly made him happier.

Of course, when the meat fanatic aimed for her reward, it was once again put out of her reach. The whole act was much too easy with her incessantly loud stomps heard long before her words let him know of her presence. His own strides, while light, were also made distinct with the clink of his golden anklets. Though, the tantou’s running to this point had just been a test of the other’s capabilities-- mere child’s play-- which in no way broke a sweat.

He was just getting started, after all.

    ❝You’ll have to be faster than that!❞ he laughed.

And with that said, Imanotsurugi picked up his pace, ashen hair serpentine and flickering behind him.