[text]

[giveuponyourself]

It seems we're all stuck here together like one big happy family, aren't we? Since that's the case... how about we play a little game to get to know each other?

What is most important to you in your entire life? What would you be willing to do anything for? And I do mean anything~

And please, nothing like 'friendship' or 'world peace.' Really dig down deep; we should all be honest with each other, don't you think? ❤

[feel free to answer the question or not, Joshua seems to just be very bored. what a chatty nerd!]

Comments

[downsizes]

I thought "getting to know each other" was meant to begin with an introduction, not... this type of question.

[giveuponyourself]

Anyone can give you a name and an age, or even a hometown and a dating preference. As juicy as that might be, I'm not interested in a relationship.

People are so much more than easy little lists to fill out, don't you think?

[downsizes]

[when did relationships factor into this, what is this guy even talking about...]

Still, does it not seem a little strange to have that sort of conversation without knowing who you're speaking to?

[giveuponyourself]

[gosh, don't you know the early internet concept of a/s/l you silly historical sword spirit!!]

Would telling you my name tell you everything you need to know about me in order to have a deeper conversation? Would it tell you if I were a serial killer, or a volunteer firefighter?

Would you telling me your name tell me everything there is to know about you as a person? Your hopes? Your dreams? Your fears?

A name is probably the most uninteresting thing you could know about a person.

But it's Joshua, if you simply must know.

[downsizes]

Of course names are important! Each of mine has had a meaning behind it. I understand it's different for humans, but if nothing else... it will make it easier to recognize each other if we meet in person, won't it?

I am Hizamaru, a treasure of the Genji clan; I was named for cutting through a man's knees when tested on him. I hope we can get along.

[...yeah sorry about that intro.]

[giveuponyourself]

Oh?

If I'm not mistaken, that's another name for the historical Minamimoto Clan. The way you speak sounds like you're not human... are you perhaps some sort of tsukumogami?

[downsizes]

That's correct, yes. I see I don't have to explain much.

[which he's both relieved at, and pleased by the recognition. good, at least someone knows history.]

My master-- former master now, I suppose-- was able to give us human bodies to fight with, but before that I was a blade.

[giveuponyourself]

Before coming here, I happened to be in charge of a rather important area of modern Japan. The Minamoto clan has a deep place in Japanese history, and a variety of connections with the Emperor's family. Three of their members founded the Kamakura Shogunate of the 13th century. To think their abilities extended to such fantastic lengths!

A pleasure to meet you, Hizamaru. You can call me Joshua.

[downsizes]

They were men of many talents, but I believe I was unclear-- I was called upon more recently by a new master with that sort of ability. My apologies, I'm not used to being around others who aren't familiar with the situation yet.

... now that we've been introduced, though, I'm not sure I have a very good answer to your question after all. The change in circumstances makes it more difficult.

[giveuponyourself]

Ah, so it's the power of a more recent era. I suppose I can believe that a bit more easily.

[Could he.........use his composer powers..........to bring a sword to life....???? No he probably shouldn't try that,]

You seem to be of a unique perspective that many people don't seem to have. I suppose giving up everything for something doesn't mean much when you remember what it was like before you became who you are, does it?

[downsizes]

I believe it's something like that. I haven't spent much time thinking about it.

[He's used to being wielded, not so used to having his own feelings and desires.]

Since being given this body I've had my duty to fulfill and my brother to support, though it seems he's been left behind... I have no particular orders here yet, either.

[giveuponyourself]

Then this would be your first experience reaching out on your own. Seeking out your own path and your own desires.

I imagine it must be quite unsettling for you, but it can be exciting as well.

I look forward to seeing what you decide as you forge your own path. I wouldn't want to influence your choices~

[He....... actually does mean that as genuinely well-intentioned, but it's Joshua, so it doesn't really come off that way.]

[downsizes]

I've passed through plenty of hands and learned to adapt. This is just more of the same, if... somewhat different in concept...

[It's fine, he's taking it as encouragement anyway, tbh.]

Still, I can't do anything that would reflect badly on my brother if he arrives here later, so I'll do my best to adjust quickly.

[giveuponyourself]

Don't you worry about that. You're learning how to be yourself in a new way, after all-- and learning to be human is quite a task, if I do say so myself.

I wouldn't want you to hold yourself back just because of what someone else might think of you. If they'd hold it against your, their opinion's probably not very valuable anyway.

[downsizes]

I would call it less worrying about what anyone might think, and more upholding our honor as treasured swords.

[it's absolutely both.]

But do you mean you have experience with that? Learning to be human, that is.

[He's not positive he needs to be more human himself-- he's still a weapon in spirit, isn't he?-- but that phrasing has him curious.]

[giveuponyourself]

Hm, maybe it's more like... the reverse?

I was born a human, but I've spent most of my life in a different sort of position, watching other humans come and go. Observing the way their nature develops. The human condition is quite a conundrum, even for people who've been watching for years.

Although I suppose now I'm stuck to being human again.

[downsizes]

Your experience isn't completely different from ours, then, though you at least knew what it was like before...

Perhaps that gives you something of an advantage in understanding, and in adjusting to the situation- though humans have always been adaptable.

[giveuponyourself]

I do, but I have to say my experience being human wasn't exactly... exciting?

An advantage sure, but it also makes it quite tedious. I'm much more interested in seeing how someone like you deals with this new potential.