dreamcrystals | [Dream Recording]

Sender: Norimune
To: Everyone
Subject: Passive Dream Recording
Warnings: N/A

["... did you hear?"
"... oh! Oh! Is it..."
"... Not true!"

When the dream begin, there's faint whisperings. Norimune is there, sitting down with his eyes closed and surrounded by shadowy figures talking amongst themselves. But over time, they grew louder and louder. Until only the voices talking about the story drowns out the dissenting voices. If one listens carefully, they may pick up on some words being used a lot. "Okita Souji", "sword"... Norimune opens his mouth, but any words he speak get completely drowned out by the voices.

"You know that's impossible—"
"Okita Souji owned one!"

A moment later, Norimune's clothes shimmer and fades out... as another set replaces it. He opens his eyes and look down at himself, before he laughs out loud. It's clear he's laughing, and he looks quite conflicted. But no sound comes from his mouth.

The only thing that can be heard are the shadowy figures talking loudly around him.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He always feels like such a terrible eavesdropper when he watches dreams. This time, it feels a little more personal because, you know... ]

I wanted to let you know that your dream was broadcast, so maybe it won't come as a shock later when you wake up.

But I didn't think that it bothered you. Was I wrong?

[For better or worse, Norimune already watched a dream before. It prepared him for his turn, and how far it can potentially dig for.

When he woke up, it took him a moment to process everything and facts finally piercing through his awakening mind. And that's when he saw Kiyomitsu's message.]

I'm aware. It's only a matter of time before it's my turn, no?

[A pause, as he tap his quill against the journal's pages. Because he's not holding his fan at the moment.]

Well, Kashuu Kiyomitsu. When you get as old as I am, you find yourself thinking a lot of things. More so when the stories continue to spread over the years.

[ Reading that is kind of ominous. He's only been here since September, and he'd watched several dreams broadcast to everyone. He wondered if it would happen to him, too, but it happened to Yasusada instead, and now it's happened to Norimune. ]

I don't think that's how it works.

[ It probably does, but he's really hoping his private thoughts won't just be strewn out like laundry for everyone to see. ]

If gossip like that bothers you, you could set the record straight yourself, you know. But I guess the gossip probably annoys you more than anything, doesn't it?

[ Or maybe not. Norimune seems relatively laid back, but mostly he's just really hard to read, especially when he talks and acts like one of the Sanjou swords. ]

You might be right, uhahaha.

[There's a lot to figure out, if they can. He wonders if they would learn anything worthwhile./]

I could tell people. But do you believe they would listen?

[No matter how many dissenting voices and possible evidence get brought up, the people are simply captivated by the story.]

If I have to say, I wish to ask them "why".

[And more, but Norimune still wonders how much he wants to write down on these journals.]

I'd like to believe they'd listen, but you're probably right. Some would, but most wouldn't, and it'd probably get exhausting trying to correct everyone.

If you did ask them why, what do you think they'd say?

Some may believe me, some probably wouldn't no matter who I am.

I thought about it for a long time, kid. They most likely will say it's because of Okita Souji. That genius swordsman's impact is still felt to this day.

And what about you? Do you feel indebted to that man?

[There's a pause, as he think this over. Consider what to write down. Writing about this is different from talking to Kiyomitsu in person.]

I'm still pondering about that, kid. I haven't find my answer, yet.

[He don't know what he's feeling.]

I can't say I blame you. After all, it's a difficult thing to think about. I thought I found my own answer a long time ago, but sometimes I start to feel doubtful.

I suppose it was a little too forward of me to ask that question, though. Sorry.

It's fine, Kashuu Kiyomitsu. I think it's a wonderful thing to do, to be able to ask questions.

[You know, considering what they are.]

I must say, it's quite surprising how much our hearts make us feel.

I agree, but it I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm grateful to be alive and in this form so I can experience the world fully.

And I hope, after we eventually defeat the HRA, that we'll all still get to stick around.

[Will they stay around after the war? That is the question. And one he can't give a definite answer for.]

It would be nice to stick around afterwards. I grew quite fond of this life, you know?

I bet when we win, the ever benevolent government may look kindly on us all.

You're not the only one, you know. It's only been about 3 years for me, but it would be hard for me if things went back to the way they were.

[ For a lot of reasons, really, although if his body disappeared and he went back to being just a sword with no human body, he figures he'd lose the strong human emotions that go with it. So maybe he wouldn't be able to care anymore, or at least not as strongly. ]

When you describe it as a "benevolent government," that sounds kind of ominous.

I haven't mention it to you kids yet. I came from our dear, benevolent government.

[Unlike most of the Touken Danshi, he was summoned at the government. When he writes again, his choice of words are very deliberate.]

They look kindly on the Citadels who performed well and without any issues. Although, I doubt they can watch us here.

[... The government sword wrote.]

Yeah, not gonna lie, that still sounds kind of ominous.

[ It leaves him wondering if Norimune was somehow sent here rather than pulled in like everyone else. ]

You can't just say "I'm from the government" and follow it up with "they probably can't watch us here." You're part of the same organization....

Uhahaha! It's good to have questions and thinking about them, kid.

I only know what I know. Which is "nothing" before I arrived here.

Then I guess I'll have to take you for your word.

[ He doesn't really have a choice, he supposes. There's no evidence to suggest otherwise. Still, he's going to make sure he's more thoughtful and careful around Norimune, just in case. ]

I guess that means you don't know if anyone else from your Citadel will show up?

That's right. As far as I can tell, it's just me from my Citadel. Normally, I'd say I'll be a lonely old man.

Fortunately, both you and young Yasusada are here. Even if you're not the ones I know.

[Dream Recording]

Sender: Kashuu Kiyomitsu

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