thenearshore | 011 | Black Parade

Entry tags:

011 | Black Parade

Who: Everyone!
What: Parade of the dead
When: All day May 26
Where: Shinjuku
Summary: The Near Shore needs a little protecting from the dead

The last few days have been filled with festival food, high energy, and lots and lots of parades. Near Shore residents really know how to enjoy their holidays, stopping up traffic for hours on end as floats and palanquins go by and filling the streets and courtyards in the area with food stands and festival treats. Many Far Shore residents may have found themselves drawn to this particular festival, as it is being held in honor of a shrine.

When an unexpected parade starts up, the people gather round to watch the impromptu spectacle. It's a little strange, yes, but nothing too terribly off-putting. That is until the parade reaches the shrine itself, at which point all hell breaks loose as the members of the parade start attacking anything and anyone in their way.

The Heavens will then call upon all the gods and shinki who are available to help, because these attackers are not normal at all - they are, in fact, the undead.

Let the Festivities Continue

The festival is a large, booming one. There are dozens upon dozens of food stalls set up all over the place with so many different kinds of foods that it could make your eyes go buggy, most of them fried in some way. On top of that, there is live entertainment walking around, stalls with souvenirs, and lots of excellent company nearby. Surely you'll be able to enjoy the festival to its fullest.

The Walking Dead

It is not immediately evident that the parade is being manned by corpses, but keen observers would be able to pick out the noticeable rotting elements of the dead. Anyone with a soul-sensing ability might even realize that they're not soulless, just lifeless. When the parade reaches the shrine, every god and shinki will be needed in order to protect the Near Shore from this menace. Corpses must either be exorcised or completely mutilated to the point where they can no longer move in order to release the soul.

Not Rootbeer Floats

On top of the mass of dead bodies being possessed by stray souls, some of the floats on wheels in the parade seem to have been taken over as well. They are moving slowly and with purpose towards anyone that crosses their path. At first, it may seem like the float is just veering a little off course, but it will soon become evident that it's headed towards you. They may be slow, but they're very large as well, meaning there's a lot more than needs to be destroyed to release the soul.

Souls, Souls, and More Souls

In Summary:

Enjoy the festival
Help save Near Shore residents
Take down the dead bodies
Try not to cry
Cry lots
Have fun~

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Why were they in this situation? His god’s in pain. Rin’s father’s in pain. He’s frustrated over his inability to help either of them. Sousuke isn’t one of those running around the battlefield that can absolve the spirits of their existence here. But right now, he wishes that he was. At least then he could offer Rin some sort of answer. The barriers blocking out the battle on either side of them aren’t going to last long. Sousuke can already feel the pressure of the atmosphere and the spirits around them pressing against his stamina and, by proxy, his walls.

So he moves, glancing back every now and then to make sure Rin and his father are following him. Something else crashes against the wall and Sousuke grits his teeth as a bead of sweat wanders down his temple. He has to focus as much as possible to keep the barriers up and quickens his pace at the same time. Any original idea he’s had of casting a third barrier behind them flies out the window now. It’ll take everything to keep both of these up alone. His wavering, guilt-and-frustratoin-laden conscious isn’t helping his power either.

If you can get through to him, tell me what to do. He doesn’t know if Rin’s father can hear him, one spirit talking in his mind, but he can hear the man’s spirit behind him, talking to Rin. Telling him to listen once they arrive. Hopefully something will come of it. Hopefully they can find something to prevent this trauma from happening. Hearing his god’s concern earns another flash of the barriers as they’re struck and he forces them to hold.]

I’m fine. Keep moving.

[This isn't good and it isn't safe or fair for Sousuke, and halfway through their walk he finds himself wanting to call out to him to put the defenses down. Helping his dad is one thing, but... he wants him to look out for himself too. In a dangerous place like this, the two of them need to be strong and at their very best. Once something slams against the barrier, Rin twitches, because he swears he can feel it striking himself too... He can only imagine what it feels to Sousuke.

If Rin's father can hear him, he isn't giving any hints to show he can. Instead, he continues staring forward, unaffected by the noise and the atmosphere, which worries Rin more than he'd like to admit. He's hurting him, of course he knows that, but... He can't think of anything else to do.

That combined with the stress from Sousuke takes a toll on Rin, until it becomes too much and he has to call out to make it stop.]

Sousuke, stop!

[What are they doing? What is he doing? He's only putting them in more danger...]

You're not fine!

[No it’s not good. But there’s no other choice. Except for the one that none of them want to make. There isn’t another god or shinki running over to help them with such a decision. There is no pillar of light shining down ready to offer them salvation from their dilemma. There is only a row of light and a war on either side and steps in front of them. It hurts, his entire body is starting to throb, but he refuses to let the pressure break him. Sousuke focuses on the shrine in front of them. Another slam, another impact, and he feels his right shoulder throb intensely enough that he winces and clasps one hand to the joint. Over the name Rin had given him. His name. Yumeki.

This is nothing. This is nothing compared to what Rin’s feeling right now. The pressure of such a decision, the pain of it and the consequences delaying it brings out. Sousuke steps forward again, only to pause when he hears his name called out. His front foot is right on the shrine’s lowest step and he turns to look over his shoulder, eyes narrowed in focus.]

I said, “I’m fine.” [And turns back towards the shrine.] Come on, Rin. Just a few more steps. You can do it.

[Pay attention to yourself, Rin. Focus on ‘you.’ We have to help you; that’s what’s important here. So follow me, let me be your strength. Let me support you. You need this more. He holds his hand out behind him, turning it palm up and offering his grip to Rin. He’ll haul him up these steps himself if he refuses to move. They’re going to get to where it’s safe, dammit!]

[It's not a welcome sight, Sousuke suddenly reaching up to grip at his shoulder like that, and for a moment it's all Rin can think to focus on. How he missed all the signs for so long, how he never told him and carried that burden for so many years all on his own... The memory makes his heart tremble and seeing Sousuke make a similar sacrifice now doesn't help to calm him down.

He has the power to tell him no. He can order him, command him and force him to stop. But in the end he can't bring himself to do it, never will, and after taking a few moments to stare at the outstretched hand offered to him he swallows thickly then glances off to the side in resignation. It's difficult to focus on just himself. He's responsible for more than that right now, much more than he ever thought he would be.

But he does reach out, he does curl his fingers around his best friend's fingers and hold on... and after looking over to extend an arm out for his dad, there's a sudden flash of light as Rin spares enough focus to transport the three of them up the remaining flight of steps and into the dark safety of the shrine's entrance. It's not a pretty landing--he stumbles forward and nearly loses his footing once they arrive--but Rin gathers himself up soon enough and peers over at his companions to make sure they're safe, and most importantly, in one piece.

His father, he notices, could be better--so pale and unresponsive compared to when he first saw him--but he's here, he's safe, and they can hopefully wait this out for a few minutes longer.]

[It hurts. The pain in his shoulder is sharp and burning all at once. He doesn’t know why; it’s never hurt there before. But then again, he’s never completely exhausted himself to the point of struggling to stay awake and still demanding that his body give him all the energy needed to keep up two towering borderlines. But Sousuke refuses to let them waver. Doing so would hurt Rin and Rin’s father and that is something he’ll never allow so long as he breathes.

Snapping at Rin like that doesn’t sit well with him, but at the moment, Sousuke is hard pressed to care. He needs to get the two to the shrine and out of the fight and that’s what he’s going to do. The back of his mind tries to remind him that Rin holds the power here; if his god tells him to stop and really means it, he’ll have to. A command to him remains absolute. Rin’s never used such a thing before on him, but… Ultimately, it comes to naught and he’s left holding his hand out, waiting for Rin to take it.

Which he does. Fingers curl and he gives a pull, drawing Rin forward and further onto the steps. But before he can move, there’s a flash and his entire world disorients for a moment. He blinks several times, eyesight popping from the light. And then it dies down, leaving them within the embrace of the shrine’s shadowed entrance. The battle’s behind them, the noise is lessened here, and everything feels… more peaceful, calmer. His fatigue doesn’t seem so heavy, though it’s a lie to say it’s even remotely gone. But he’s not so stunned that he doesn’t notice Rin’s stumble and quickly snaps his arm out.

With a solid thud, Sousuke catches Rin’s chest against his arm, holding him upright.] It’s all right. We’re here. [They’re here because of Rin. They’re safe. That’s what matters. But… Rin’s father… Sousuke frowns at the image before him, then sighs and looks at Rin.]

We have to let him go, Rin…

[Rin's not sure how long they'll be able to wait out the fight in here, if at all. It might seem peaceful for now, but there's a chance they'll still be found. However long this lasts though, Rin's willing to take it, and after landing against Sousuke he stays motionless for a few silent seconds, hoping to use the opportunity to catch his breath. They haven't been running around or expending too much energy, but he still feels emotionally exhausted.

Seeing his father as he is doesn't help. Carrying Sousuke's fatigue and pain doesn't help. But what's he supposed to do? Those things won't go away unless--

We have to let him go, Rin...

Unconsciously, Rin squeezes Sousuke's hand before suddenly ripping his free as he turns to face the ghostly figure behind them. The one that looks like him, talks as if it knows him, taunts him. Everything spills out before he can stop it.]

Why did you have to come here!?

[he exclaims to which the spirit glances down at the ground.]

Why did you have to find me!? Did you honestly think I'd be the one to kill you again!?

Rin, I'm already gone.

SHUT UP! [The only reason you're like that... the only reason you never accomplished your dreams, the only reason you died... It's all because of me. Gripping his hair, Rin turns away again to stomp past Sousuke and find a place within the shrine to think. Some place to sit, to stand and be alone for a while. He can't do this.]

Edited 2017-01-19 07:39 (UTC)

[Sousuke’s tired. His body’s exhausted. He feels like he’ll drop to sleep on his feet if he gives himself half a moment. But he refuses to let his weariness distract him. They’re not done with this yet and he can’t let Rin down no matter what. So he settles in to wait, glancing over his shoulder towards the battle outside. Even with the mist and souls, the staggering bodies, the mess, there’s not a lot of people rushing out from the battle. It looks like the majority of the innocents have long gone and even the spirits are starting to disappear, having worn out their time here. Or whatever’s brought them here is now finally starting to draw them back.

He regrets what he says to Rin, knowing it’s not easy to take in and just as frustrating and emotionally infuriating as well. He doesn’t want to go for such an action if they can help it either. But… what else can they do but wait? Sousuke looks to Rin’s father again, noticing just how lethargic and unresponsive he’s become. It’s… painful to see him like this. To see someone so close to Rin, someone so familiar-looking to himself—

Sousuke tenses up in surprise when Rin abruptly tears away from him and rounds on the spirit. And almost gapes in shock at the explosion that bursts from his god’s mouth. He stares at him, hardly believing the person yelling is the same god who’s tried everything possible to protect the spirit of his father. --to kill you again. Sousuke shakes his head quickly for a second, visibly starting at such a thing.]

Wha--?

[He doesn’t know Rin, doesn’t know his past, but the sheer idea that Rin killed his own father is like someone telling him the sky used to be red. It’s ridiculously impossible to even believe and Sousuke wonders if his god’s actually been possessed by a spirit himself. It’d explain the uncharacteristic outburst (topic wise). But he has no time or chance to say anything, because Rin storms away from them without another word. He knows he wants to be alone so Sousuke doesn’t follow him, but…

A soft sigh slips out of his mouth and he looks away from Rin and moves to the spirit. For a few moments, he quiet, but then looks to him.]

Possess me. [It’s a strange thing to say but he continues on.] You’ll be safer inside and it won’t hurt as much as being out here. Eventually all of this will end and you can go back to where you came from.

… it’ll make things easier for Rin too.

[He knows he's acting irrationally, might even be scaring Sousuke with how quickly his emotions continue to change, but it's difficult for Rin to do anything else to try and cope with this mess. The most he can do is sit and wait this out. If he clears his head, maybe he'll be able to come to a decision. If he clears his head, maybe they can all move again and figure out how to end this peacefully. He's not sure how or if that's even remotely possible... but he has to try.

So with chest aching and head spinning, he walks further into the shrine, later finding a quiet corner to sit with his head down and pressed to his knees. It's going to be hard to tune out Sousuke's emotions along with his own and he releases a shaky sigh just thinking about it.

... He didn't kill his father with his own hands. He knows that. Of course he knows that. But he also knows his father gave up a lifelong dream for the sake of his family, a thought which used to haunt him every day for several years, now exacerbated by seeing his father's face once more. He never witnessed him die, and now he's expected to just like that? It isn't fair. He doesn't need anything else springing up in his nightmares and making it impossible to fall asleep.

In the meantime, now left alone with Sousuke, Rin's father stays where he is in complete silence. When he was alive, he was a very animated person, someone who always did what he wanted, when he wanted... Everyone said he passed all that on to his son before he left, but now here he is and here all three of them are, tired, frustrated, in pain... After a short while, he lets out a laugh, as if he's able to read Sousuke's mind.]

He didn't kill me. [he explains, his gaze turning towards the back of the shrine where his son sits in the shadows.] He was young. Probably too young to even remember my face.

[He pauses and turns back to Sousuke as he speaks though and with eyes wide he listens to what he has to say. It seems... stupid. Actually, it's incredibly stupid. They don't know each other and they don't know what could happen once Rin finds out. But after a moment his eyes shut and he smiles, understanding.]

You're Rin's friend. Sousuke, was it? I can tell you're someone important to him. [His son always did make friends quickly. ... He wishes he could have seen all of them.] Listen... I won't ask you to destroy me. And it was wrong of me to ask that of Rin too, knowing how sensitive he is.

But... if I do this, what will you tell him?

Edited 2017-01-23 03:42 (UTC)

[The silence, relatively speaking, is ominous. With the fading battle raging around the front of the shrine and the heavy weight of their decisions resting within the shrine, coupling with the sheer exhaustion he’s already dealing with from his defense of the wall and fighting the zombies earlier, Sousuke feels ready to drop on his feet and sleep. But he has to stay awake, has to see his through to the end. For Rin’s sake. The outburst from before only powers that resolve and keeps him up.

There’s no way Rin could have killed his own father; Sousuke doesn’t believe it any more than he could throw his god across the room. But he knows Rin’s speaking out of emotion, the things he says probably shouldn’t be taken seriously, but there’s something behind that strange explosion that’s rung true. Rin wouldn’t have said something like that if there’d been nothing there at all.

But Rn’s not here right now. He’s faded into the shine’s darkness and Sousuke’s left with the only other person that could possibly explain what just happened. The same person he’s quietly pitched one of the idiotic ideas to just now. But before they deal with that…]

I see.

[He doesn’t. Not really? Though he’s relieved to know that Rin didn’t kill his father, there’s no explanation as to why Rin’d even say such a thing. The gentle laugh from the man’s spirit eases his worries. At least it’s not a literal sense. Not like what’s being asked of Rin now. Sousuke silently guesses it was either an accident or some kind of sacrifice during Rin’s youth. Enough to make his god feel guilty in the weight of this event. Though he has no recollection of his own youth, he’s able to put some of the vague pieces together.

And then back to his ridiculous request. Sousuke frowns just slightly at the man’s smile, unsure if he’s calling him out on the absurdity of the request or simply… Oh. A brow arches and he purses his lips for a moment. Glancing back to the shrine’s darkness, he hesitates. Rin’s friend. He’s his shinki, obviously, but his friend? Though Sousuke has thought about it before, especially after the blighting and his subsequent work in the pool… Does he really consider himself Rin’s friend yet?

After all… what is a friend? He turns back to the spirit, quietly accepting that he is important to Rin. That much is clear. Somehow, though, hearing Rin’s father address him as Rin’s friend… makes it clearer what Sousuke feels. What he wants.]

Aa. I’m his friend.

[He shakes his head slowly.] I can’t destroy you, no matter how much I want to take the burden from Rin. I’m only a shinki. Rin can’t either. [This man is Rin’s father; he should know that as well as Sousuke does. The question earns a focusing from the young man and teal eyes harden just a little in his resolve once more.]

I’ll tell him the truth. That you’re resting without pain and we can wait this out until it’s time for you to return to the afterlife. [He silent for a few moments before looking into the spirit’s eyes, holding them.] Let me do this. … I cannot allow Rin to kill you either. [His duty as a shinki is to protect his god. Even if that means from Rin’s own self. There is no way Rin could do such an action and not be scarred by it forever.

Sousuke won’t let him make that sacrifice now. Not after seeing how much this has affected him already.]

[Maybe there's some hesitance there in what Sousuke tells him. Is he really his son's friend or is he jut agreeing to make matters easier? No. These two seem to genuinely care about each other, and that's telling enough.

It means a lot to him then, to hear Sousuke's response. His son wouldn't take well to a lie and there aren't many lies they can come up with to cover this situation up safely. Still, it's a difficult decision to make, and with his body rapidly succumbing to this world's energy, he doesn't have a lot of time to make it. Really, he'd rather be gone. But Rin--

With Sousuke's eyes on him, Rin's father becomes silent... but after a few beats he sighs in resignation. It wasn't meant to be this way. Maybe if he found someone else this would have been over quick. But he isn't the regretful type, no matter how sorry he feels, and with a smile he even manages a brief laugh. Odd and out of place... but it felt necessary.]

Rin always was stubborn. Things had to go his way or no way at all.

[This time would be no different. After all, Rin was his son.]

Thanks. For thinking about him. And taking care of him all this time.

[A brief pause where his smile softened as did the look in his eyes. Then, with a nod,] All right. I'll do it. [As far as he knew, it wouldn't hurt. Might feel weird at first, but it wouldn't hurt.] ... You mind telling me something first though?

Does he still swim?

[Sadly, even Sousuke isn’t sure he believes himself. He admits that Rin’s important to him, that he’s ready to protect him at a moment’s notice, that his feelings go far past what’s simply “duty bound” for a shinki. But… friends. Does Rin even see him as a friend? Of course he does. Of course he says he does… Sousuke wants to believe that Rin wears his emotions on his sleeve so openly he knows what he thinks.

But he doesn’t. After all, Sousuke’s not exactly been the friendliest of people to Rin at first. Though it’s improved, are they really “friends” right now? Partners on good terms? Ugh, he doesn’t know. Maybe he is just saying this to make matters easier. Right now, it’s not about Sousuke, it’s about Rin. Ignoring the friend issue at least, the rest is genuine and truthful, leaving no doubt in his own mind what he wants. This will help Rin; he knows that much. There won’t have to be lies, tragedy, sacrifice, killing, anything. It’ll… be a matter of patience and acceptance.

Sousuke feels the other man’s presence starting to waver, but he’s not sure if it’s because he’s fading into the afterlife or if it’s something more corruptive and painful. He frowns slightly, eyes taking a quiet, concerned look to them. He honestly wishes Rin’s father to move on… He shouldn’t be put through this. But he has to at least have the time and chance to say farewell. That sigh tells him the decision’s been made. It’s regretful, but it’s the better option right now.

There’s a lot of maybe’s… but none of them happened. There’s only now. It’s an odd smile, an odd laugh, but it’s moving forward.]

Aa. He is stubborn. Sometimes it’s infuriating.

[But Sousuke’s stubborn too. Enough to come to a flat standstill against his god if he wants to. The gratitude, however, earns a slight look of surprise, touched the man would thank him for something like that. After all, it’s Rin who’s been taking care of Sousuke, not the other way around.]

It’s something I want to do. He saved me… so I want to do what I can for him.

[This is only one of those things. Over and over, doing something for the other to help. It’ll be a never-ending cycle, but not something Sousuke wants to stop. Because he really does enjoy being around Rin. He nods at the question and then reaches his arm out for the spirit, not to grab him, but merely to offer… maybe even welcome. The question earns a soft expression and a gentle smile, his eyes deeper with a complex emotion inside.]

Aa. He does. And it’s beautiful to watch. I’ve never seen anything like it.

[Even if Sousuke isn't sure about their relationship, Rin is and always will be. He knows they work well together even if they argue and fight. He's seen first hand the kind of teamwork they create if they focus and listen to each other as they should. Would they be able to accomplish all that if they weren't friends?

Maybe Rin's father seems to understand that. After all, looking at Sousuke now seems telling enough. Hearing him only sets his assumptions in stone. Did he save him? He wants to ask... but his time's still running short. So many things he wants to do... Hm. Well, he never expected this to be easy or fair, now did he?

Who knows? Maybe in doing this, he'll still have enough time after all. Another laugh,]

You're a good guy, Sousuke.

[And with Sousuke's arm outstretched towards him, he pauses before shutting his eyes in understanding. So this is it. It won't hurt anymore, it won't be so loud or so cold... What will Rin do when he finds out? He supposes they'll see soon enough. These two equally stubborn friends-- He can see they're good for each other. A little rocky and rough around the edges, but overall a good team. That's what matters most in all of this.]

He really does take after me then. He told me that was his dream, after all. To be on the international stage...

[Rin might have been a child when he said it, but he believed it, and he'll continue to believe it no matter what. Opening his eyes again, he reaches out in return and with a firm grip takes hold of Sousuke's forearm. It won't be immediate, but Sousuke might start to notice a slight tingle beneath the surface of his skin in time, followed shortly by a faint glow as Rin's father begins to fade. Will they share their memories, their sight, their feelings? Well... whatever will happen will happen, and with one more glance up at Sousuke's face he finally seems at peace.]

... Hang onto your dreams, ok? Both of you. It's all uphill from here.

[And with that, he's gone.]

[Not the whole friendship and depth part of it, but the importance and loyalty of it, Sousuke’s sure about. He’s Rin’s partner and he intends to keep it that way no matter what trials it brings him. He’s seen how well they work together and he’s seen how those arguments and fights only end up bringing them a little closer together, making them a little stronger, trusting Rin a little bit more each time.

None of that would happen if they were enemies or even begrudging each other’s company like a reluctant pair forced to be shackled together. It’s not like that at all. They help each other in ways that neither of them probably see entirely. This is just one of them and Sousuke’s not sure how Rin is going to react, if he’ll be upset with him or relieved or something else… He sighs a little at that compliment and can only offer a tiny roll of his shoulders.]

I’m not that good.

[So he says as he reaches out for Rin’s father’s spirit, hoping he’ll take his hand and enable himself to cease the burden of existence he’s fading under right now. This is all Sousuke can think to do right now for the best of all three of them. He doesn’t know what it’ll do to himself, what it’ll do to Rin’s father, or even Rin himself. But if the man needs someone to reside in to stay because it hurts to remain out here… then Sousuke’s willing to offer himself for that. Hopefully it won’t hurt the other spirit, hopefully he can rest where it’s warm and quiet, and hopefully… hopefully Rin won’t freak out that Sousuke let his father possess him for a while.

That might make for a strange argument between them. Stubborn as they are.]

The international stage…

[That’s Rin’s dream? The stage of what? He knows the other boy’s not a performer or anything. But international. What’s international and has a stage that would be Rin’s dre—Oh… The Olympic stage. An international swimmer. That’s it. Sousuke curls his hand as the spirit grips onto his forearm, feeling a clash of cold and warm meld between them. No, it’s not immediate, but it happens all the same. A tingling sensation beneath his skin, a quiet glow that begins to fade into being around his arm and further upward towards his body. Sousuke doesn’t let go, not with his hand, not with his eyes, not with his resolve. He keeps his eyes with the other man’s, wanting him to know that he’ll see this through to the end.]

Rest well, Matsuoka-san.

[To see his face for that last moment, resting and at peace… it’s not something he’ll ever forget. The final message lingers in his mind and Sousuke lowers his arm as the man’s spirit finally vanishes. His spirit alongside Sousuke’s own. Perhaps he’ll be able to see his memories (not that there are a lot there to begin with). Perhaps he’ll feel what Sousuke feels. Or maybe it’ll go both ways. But for now… the spirit can rest in a place that has no pain, no weariness, no cold. It’s the opposite, a quiet, warm spirit with the strength of the waves eternal flow.]

[Neither of them are sure what's going to happen after this. After today, after Rin finds out about their decision, after all the spirits have finally settled and gone back to where they're supposed to be... What's in store for the future, for all of them? It's understandable to be afraid and unsure, but more than anything, Rin's father wants to be hopeful. It's the end of the line for him. It has been for a long, long time. But these two kids have a lot of growing up to do as far as he's concerned, and as he settles in and warms himself beside Sousuke's soul he finds comfort in that thought alone.

That's more than enough to help him rest.

Meanwhile, still hidden towards the back of the shrine, Rin remains seated in a corner with his head down and arms folded over his knees, and though his surroundings are quiet, he's hardly able to rest just yet. He wants to move. He wants to take them back to the castle if he can. But all this hopping around and negative energy can't be doing any of them any good.

At least that's what he assumes until several minutes later when he feels something warm surging deep within his chest like a beacon. Sousuke...?

With his shinki in mind, Rin slowly stands from his spot on the floor and gazes off towards where he last left those two alone. What's going on over there?]

[Sousuke doesn’t make this choice lightly. He can only think of a few things that might be at risk from going down this route. What Rin’s reactions may be. But for all those reactions, it doesn’t matter in the end. Because Sousuke can’t continue to sit here and watch someone so close to Rin suffer when there’s something he can do about it. So he’s reached out and taken that hand, welcomed the man inside his body to rest and recover while they all three of them wait for the end to finally come. Whenever it would. What the future holds is something he’ll deal with when it arrives.

As a strange sense of being filled and being warmed pervades through him, Sousuke moves a little further into the shrine, taking them both away from the war outside. He finds a comfortable stop and leans against one of the shrine pillars, far enough inside that no one can get to him without him knowing and yet close enough he can keep an eye on the fight outside. He wants to know, at least, if the tides are slowing down and the fight’s ending.

But he hopes for the best. And probably some of that warm hope comes from the man’s spirit residing within him for the time being. His soul, a warm, brilliant soul so very much like his son whom Sousuke has grown closer to over the days and weeks. Because Rin’s there too, inside Sousuke’s soul, a strong part of him that keeps him going forward.

Content to know the man’s safe now, Sousuke settles in for a quiet wait. Either for the battle to end and the souls to begin returning. Or for Rin to come back.]

[It takes a while before Rin decides to move again, because he can't be sure if he's yet in his right mind to approach those two just yet. But in the end the warmth spreading through his chest piques his curiosity and after another half hour or so he pushes away from his hiding spot in the shadows to quietly follow the walls back to the shrine entrance. It's dark and the wandering spirits outside don't provide much in the way of light, but he's managing.]

... Dad?

[He calls out into the darkness while he searches around pillars and walls. This is where he left them, isn't it? Then where--?

Rin turns towards where he can still sense Sousuke's presence deeper inside the shrine.]

Sousuke?

[Sousuke hears the sound of Rin’s voice before he reaches him. It brings a soft tension to his body. This is the moment of truth when he has to face his god—his partner with what’s happened. The reactions he might get from Rin are varied. From happiness to understanding to sadness to anger to betrayal. But whatever the reaction is, Sousuke’s prepared to take it and weather the potential outfall from Rin. What he did, Sousuke knows is the best answer for all three of them. It may be selfish and he knows he acted alone without Rin’s will… but so be it.

He trusts his and Rin’s relationship to stand through this painful time.

Pushing away from the pillar, Sousuke steps out into the hallway, listening to Rin’s voice as he gets closer. There’s still the war going on outside, but it’s noticeably calmer than before. The mist of spirits isn’t as dense and there are other spirits already returning as the sun begins to dip in the sky. Maybe it’ll take till night, possibly even later, but eventually it will be over. And there need not be any sacrifice between them.]

Over here, Rin. I’m—We’re over here.

[Oh, so he was right about where he was then. That's good. Now he doesn't have to worry about running back out there to look. There is of course this awkward feeling to deal with though. They didn't exactly part ways on good terms.

But that's Rin's fault anyway, so he has to accept that and face it for what it is.]

A-aa.

[He follows the voice until it leads him towards the same hallway, but once he spots Sousuke standing at the other end he stops and glances around on either side of him. He's not seeing anything wrong, is he?]

Where's my dad?

[Yes. He’s right here. Sousuke listens for Rin’s voice again and the sound of his footsteps until his god is in front of him again. He falls silent, watching the other boy. The temptation to be nervous, anxious, tries to crawl up his spine, but it fails. He’s done what’s best for the three of them and now he simply has to let Rin know the truth. Exactly as he told Matsuoka-san he’d do.

Though they had parted on less than positive terms, Sousuke’s glad to see his god again. They both know Sousuke’s done very much the same thing other times. And there’s the question. He knows it’s coming the moment he sees Rin glancing from side to side. Searching for what is here but isn’t here.]

He’s still here, Rin. You can't see him, but he’s resting. [A moment of silence and Sousuke slides his hands into his pockets.] Safely.

[Sousuke's silence is unnerving, to say the least, and for a moment he considers asking his question again just in case he couldn't hear him. But... no, that's not right. He knows he heard him, knows he's looking right at him and searching for something to say, which doesn't exactly bode well. Did something happen while he was gone? No, that can't be right either. He would have heard something, wouldn't he?

Then... what was that feeling in his chest earlier?

Eventually, Sousuke does respond, though it doesn't give him much of an answer. Instead, it raises more questions, and he ends up glancing side to side one more time.]

What're you talking about?

[He looks back to Sousuke, his eyes slightly wide.]

Did you--?

[Resting safely? If that's the case, then he can't be gone, can he? He would have heard if he attacked him or anything like that... wouldn't he?]

[Well even if he’d told Rin’s father he’d tell Rin the truth, the idea of actually saying those words and then being confronted to where he was supposed to say them is a bit of a staller. The truth is simple, yeah, but it’s pretty weird too. His silence, he knows, strikes a strange cord in Rin and Sousuke sighs internally. Should’ve just outted with it so Rin didn’t have a quiet panic attack. He doesn’t want his god to feel any worse than he already does.

Sousuke rests his hand over the center of his chest, fingers splayed, and meets Rin’s eyes with a calm expression.]

He’s inside me, Rin. I asked him to possess me and rest there until the spirits finally move on.

[There. It’s out and done… And ewugh that does feel weird to hear himself say. But the answer at least tells Rin that Sousuke hasn’t exorcised or killed his father’s spirit.]

He’s not in pain this way. [Sousuke doesn’t break contact with Rin’s gaze as he speaks.] I couldn’t let you make that decision. Not after seeing how hurt you already are.

[He's not sure how he would have reacted if Sousuke told him he hurt his father. It's... not that he thought he would in the first place, but, then again, it's not as if he hadn't tried before. Just to get it over with, to see all of this finally come to an end... He could have. Easily.

But he didn't.

What he did instead, however, certainly raises many questions. Possess him? What does he mean by that? Is he controlling him, telling him what to say and do? No, it doesn't look like it. But if not that, then--

He doesn't say anything, not at first, and for several long seconds he's torn between pacing and finding another place to sit down and sort through his thoughts. What a day. And to think they still have a while to go before it ends. ... Sousuke means well. He knows he does. But to do something so rash without knowing knowing what would happen... Stop doing this. Stop sacrificing yourself.

Looking down towards the floor, Rin tries searching for his words, but in the end nothing comes out save for a frustrated sigh as he clenches his hands into fists at his sides. Eventually though, he can't stop himself.]

He wasn't supposed to see me like this! [He lifts his head again to face Sousuke directly. For a moment it looks like he's about to burst into tears, but somehow he's managing to force them back.] You weren't supposed to see me like this...

[He's supposed to be strong. Be a fighter and a leader with endless success. But he couldn't even be the one to save his dad from his pain and he couldn't be the one to prove to Sousuke he could make a decision and move on. Now look. His father will be gone soon with only this to remember and Sousuke-- All he can see is how fragile his own god is to the point where he feels he has to do something as extreme as this. Rin lifts a hand to slowly rake through his hair as if that will calm him down, but soon after he grips at the roots when that all but fails. He shouldn't have done this. He shouldn't have let this get so out of hand.]

This wasn't supposed to happen. I-- [I let you down.] I'm sorry.

[Sousuke still isn’t sure if he could have gone through with that threat. Ultimately though, if it came down to the choice between Rin killing his own father’s spirit or Sousuke doing the deed… uncomfortable as it would be, the shinki feels that he’d have probably done it. To save Rin from having to deal with that burden. And to give him some tangible place, some person, to be angry at and blame later when the guilt finally caught up with him. Rin, at least, wouldn’t have his father’s blood on his hands.

But now, neither of them has to deal with that trauma. It’s a strange result and Sousuke’s kind of in silent disbelief it’s even come to this. But there’s no going back and he doesn’t regret his choice. Rin’s silence isn’t unexpected and Sousuke holds his tongue as well, waiting for his god to figure out whatever he can figure out about the present situation. It’s a tense, strange moment and he wonders if Rin will even accept it. He can deny and reject as easily as he can nod and breathe.

It had been a rash decision, but not one Sousuke’d made without considering the options and at least thinking about the possible risks. In the end though, it’s the one that would leave the least mark on Rin (and fortunately, Sousuke himself as well). So that’s the route he took. He hears the frustration in Rin’s sigh and watches his fingers curl into fists. He knows Rin’s going to break; it’s impossible for someone like him to keep his feelings inside. Especially now.]

But he saw you regardless. [Sousuke’s tone is quiet and he gazes into Rin’s eyes without wavering.] He saw you defending people. He saw you protect him and figure out a way to help. [It feels like he can hear Rin’s words in his head. The frustration over appearing so weak and frightened in front of his father after so long. Indecisive and emotional, ultimately having to rely on his shinki making some drastic decision without asking to try and make the best of things. As Rin grips at his hair, Sousuke frowns and steps forward.

With a quick, gentle motion, he takes Rin’s wrist in his hand and grips it, trying to make him let go of his own hair so he doesn’t rip it out.] Rin. It’s okay. [Telling him not to apologize is stupid. But…] You did nothing wrong. This isn’t your fault.

[Sousuke gently tugs his hand, his other hand coming up to rest on his god’s shoulder.] Your father’s proud of you. For not killing him. He’s sorry he asked you to do something like that. He cares about you a lot. So keep being strong.

Before he went in, he asked me something. [Sousuke makes sure Rin’s looking at him before he continues.] “Does he still swim?” He knows you take after him in the best ways. And told you… us… to hold onto our dreams.

So Rin… Tell him. Tell him how you still swim. He’s still here in a sense. He can see you and hear you. Tell him how you live for him.

[He never thought Sousuke would result to doing something like this. It seems so extreme, even more extreme than simply destroying his father's spirit while he had the chance, because... it's possession. Does that mean his dad will take over his best friend's body? Is he going to start talking and moving just like him at any given second? And to do something like that for Rin-- He's not sure what he's supposed to feel.

But he knows his dad's safe, as safe as he can be (and certainly safer from the outside world), and for that... he is thankful, no matter how awkward or weak he feels as he hears Sousuke try to reason with him, even reach out and gently try to guide his hand away from his hair. Is it ok? Is it really ok? Is he proud, is he happy, comfortable, content? Or is he just saying that to finally bring this all to an end?

His father shouldn't have had to apologize for anything. He sacrificed everything for him. His dreams, his accomplishments and wishes-- It doesn't feel fair. For Rin to carry on while he...

He does look at Sousuke, if only briefly with his hand finally lowered from his head, but the moment doesn't last long and soon he lowers his head again, this time far enough for his forehead to lightly bump against Sousuke's chest. You look like him. Right now I swear you even sound like him... Eyes shut, Rin sighs and tries to center himself once more. What could he possibly tell him? Is he even ready to tell him anything at all?]

... Let him rest.

[It's what he deserves and needs right now anyway. Quieter,]

... You didn't have to do this.

[Sousuke never thought it’d come down to this either. From meeting the spirit on the battlefield to sheltering them within the barriers as they made that slow drive towards the shrine, how could he have thought he’d offer such a thing to Rin’s father? But then again, his actions are a direct result from all three of their actions. Rin’s father’s pain and requests for his son to end his life, Rin’s struggles with the idea of hurting his father, and Sousuke’s struggle between his own willingness to do the deed in Rin’s stead. This seemed like the best alternative to all of their troubles with the least amount of sacrifice on all their parts.

Though… it was a pretty rash decision. After all, how does Sousuke know Matsuoka-san will sit quietly in his body until he moves on? How does he know his actions right now are his own and not being influenced by the spirit he asked to possess him? It’s a “possession,” not a “storage” aspect… He thought it had been the least dangerous option, but as he watches Rin try to process and come to grip with everything, he’s starting to wonder.

Not regret. Only wonder.

Sousuke’ll never regret removing such a painful burden from Rin’s shoulders. He’d not been lying when he said he couldn’t allow Rin to make such a decision. So he goes silent and watches his god struggle with his emotions. Until their gaze breaks and Sousuke feels his forehead bump against his chest. His heart’s still there, beating strong and regular, chest filling with his silent breath in rhythm. Maybe it’d been wrong to push him to say such things. Rin should be allowed to encounter this at his own pace.

He reaches up and hesitates. But finally rests his hand on Rin’s opposite shoulder, arm protectively wrapped around Rin’s upper back. What Rin’s going through right now, he can only imagine. So all he can do is be here for when he needs him. Because his god is strong. Never once has he stopped believing in Sousuke’s strength. So Sousuke’s not going to stop believing in him now either.]

I know. It was my choice.

[Because I couldn’t bear the thought of you suffering under such a burden.]

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