63rd Journey [Accidental Voice//Action Post for those in the Square]

[reginagloriae]

[After the enthroning ceremony was over, Youko, Imperial name Sekishi, went to hang the Kei regalia in her studio. Her guests Rakushun, En Taiho and En Ou would be waiting to be greeted, however she couldn't help but take a partying glimpse into the edge of her weapon.

Show me... my home.The steel began to glow with a phosphoresce blue light,

Comments

[Voice] 1/?

[revengeisalie]

[Action]

[revengeisalie]

[Again, Rin was running. For the third time in such few days, she was hastily striving toward that one destination, the center of the City: Misery Square, and its fountain.

Thoughts and feelings crossed her mind as fast as her feet were hitting the ground. During the last thirty-something hours, she'd worried and fretted and felt the heavy brunt of sadness, of losing a close friend, and now it was all over with a gust of wind - Youko back in the City, obviously changed, but healthy.

It was all a little silly in retrospect, and it was a good bit selfish to want Youko here, but Rin didn't care as the fountain came in sight, and with it, the unusually majestic figure of Youko, clad in a myriad of layers and jewelry.

Rin stood for a moment, looking at Youko, her chest heaving wildly in time with the beat of her heart.

Then, she fell forward and her arm wrapped around Youko.]

[Action]

[reginagloriae]

[She didn't know if Rin would catch the difference in her semblance in spite of putting a smiling face, there was a more serious expression and a burdened look in her eyes.

She had lost and gained so much. She had lost her innocence and slain fellow human beings to take up her throne, she had lost her family and her life in Japan, but she gained the Heaven's mandate and her friends in En, Kou and Kei.]

R-Rin!

[She returns the unexpected embrace, awkwardly, the sword in her hand and the sleeves of her robes were impractical in her movility, but she didn't care either. She was glad she had someone to cling to when everyone else bowed or knelt at her feet.]

I'm back.

[Action]

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[For a while, she just held on, trying to keep herself from pressing too hard. It hadn't been long, no, and she'd been quite alright, truly - still, seeing Youko again flooded her with happiness.]

I'm glad you are.

[And then, finally, she let go, becoming aware of the rather impractical situation. So she took a step back and regarded Youko, really looked at her, taking in all the changes. Indeed, she took notice of the look her eyes portrayed, and silently wondered just what had happened during the seemingly short time she'd been away.

But that was a question for later. As for now, Rin suddenly felt quite awkward, trying to find a good way to start up conversation.]

Uhm... so. Are you --

[She directed another open, sincere look at Youko.]

Are you... alright?

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I...

[She let go of Rin, slowly loosening the grip between them. God, she missed Raksuhun, she had wanted to see him so badly because he wouldn't care about her rank. His voice through their correspondence soothed her but didn't decrease her longing.]

I am...

[She closes her eyes then open it with renewed determination. The dignity of a ruler, they all advice her to try to grasp it, but she felt her explanations choked in her throat.]

I think I need to change. Keiki's going to give me an earful if I ruin these clothes when I go back to Kei.

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[revengeisalie]

[Rin let out a breath she'd been holding, somewhere, and nodded at Youko in understanding, or what she hoped was understanding. A lot seemed to have happened to her in the meantime.]

Then let's go home.

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I was just gone for two days? Two days?

[Youko switched the topic. Keeping her conversation about the City affairs.]

Did I miss anything?

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[At this, Rin rubbed her head a little awkwardly.]

Ahahah - yes. I guess I made a bit of a fuss for that.

[She was glad at the change of topic and now put a finger to her lips, thinking.]

I thiiink... oh! Riou-san led an attempt at the barriers yesterday.

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Huh? Two days and look what I missed!

[She smiles.]

It was months for me.

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[Rin can't help the startled look appearing on her face.]

Months?

[Which quickly changed to thoughtful.]

I see... another one of the City's workings.

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[reginagloriae]

I look the same, huh?

[She smiles back, wistfully. Obviously that Rin would be surprised because of the difference of time and because, heavy prestigious costume aside, Youko doesn't look any older.]

But those were months.

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Well, uh... mostly. You are dressed quite differently.

[Rin speaks, unsure of whether she should address the change she has noticed in Youko's expression.]

So, uhm... I guess you were pretty busy?

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This wasn't my idea.

[Youko remarks quickly, making a face.]

I feel constricted inside this thing. Yeah, I was very busy.

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So whose idea was it?

[Rin is smiling widely, doing her best to be very cheerful indeed.]

I... can't really blame you.

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[reginagloriae]

Well, um it's the common protocol in Kei. Keiki and a bunch of people got in my case to parade me this way.

[She sighs.]

I hope you didn't throw or sell my clothes.

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Oh, wow.

[Youko's suggestion leaves her near aghast.]

What? No way I'd do that!