Heh... I can see that Elspeth knows how to apologize (something that many people never learn) and has the intelligence to know when to (which is just as important).
Sorry, Katya currently Ron has his hands full (though as she's unawakened...) Her ship may or may not need repairs (can't remember off paw) at last count 2 brit BB's 1 french BB, 1 installation, 1 Abyssal BB (still learning to human) and 1 possible captive of DOM ass's.
Katya needs... a lot of help. Considering her hull was laid down by the Russians, uncompleted, halfway converted by the Germans using magical fuckery, still uncompleted, turned to emergency housing, and scrapped....
And now, she's not going to be involved with Ron. (Although she makes JB or Isabella/Imperio's needed fixes look like easy mode)
Your titling has reminded me of my Call of Cthulhu days. I recall you explained the origin of the black goat crest, however I must still ask, do these folk have any connection to Shub-Niggurath? Because the whole Rusalka being fertility deities + child exchanging + black goat is adding up to some major H.P. Lovecraft vibes here.
Your titling has reminded me of my Call of Cthulhu days. I recall you explained the origin of the black goat crest, however I must still ask, do these folk have any connection to Shub-Niggurath? Because the whole Rusalka being fertility deities + child exchanging + black goat is adding up to some major H.P. Lovecraft vibes here.
Shub-Niggurath doesn't exist in HatSG as/is. HP Lovecraft existed and wrote his books, but Shubby was explicitly some of the shit he made up out of whole cloth.
'She couldn't be happier with Vince,' she gave a naughty little mental giggle when she amended that thought, 'until her wedding day and then wedding night when her oath to her rusalka 'cousin' and blood-sister Vesna would be fulfilled in the moment Vince claimed her virginity... and she claimed his. After all, the rusalka were, among other things, the traditional spirits of fertility for the fields, and the marriage bed. So propriety and tradition was quite important for them, as was only right and proper.'
She had feared how he would react when she revealed her heritage, the pact that her family labored under, the secrets that he and she must keep among themselves for their family. And yet, he had not just accepted her confession without the violent outburst that she had feared -- for her zlato did have the capability to be violent in defense of her and his friends, she had no doubt of that! -- but he had in turn revealed some of his secrets to her.
She then gently caressed her Grigorivich wand, running her fingers across the swirling patterns of flowing water carved into the black-varnished chestnut. She felt the slumbering rightness of Vesna's donated tresses as the core of the wand that her family had commissioned for her schooling once more as she took it in her hand to begin her day's schooling.
. It seemed that Katrusia Pushkainichna Neschadymenko's ailment had finally tapered off, and the massive Russian girl was looking healthy for a change.
All three girls watched the byplay between Krum and the girl subtly. Finally Svetlana stubbed out her cigarette. "We should go in before it fills up. That way we can save a seat for your man, Elspeth."
"{Thank you.}" The Russian girl gave her a coolly calculating stare as they began to walk downstairs to change for dinner. "{You are being uncommonly nice. Not normal bitchy self like a female Manticore with a toothache on period. I am wondering what provoked this.}"
{loud and violent reaction to the news of your betrothal last year, especially when you saw the photograph of your man enclosed in the letter announcing it, I put fifteen hundred rubles on you killing him then. Now? Nichego}" She finished with a sigh and shrug.
Katrusia boomed a laugh and stood. "{Nyet! She and I are good friends, sisters from different parents, Elsica. Nothing more. I prefer boys myself, as does she. Was wondering.... Former Queen Bitch of Durmstrang has found Prince Charming, and wondering where mine is, Elsica. If he exists....}"
Katrusia blinked in surprise and stared at her classmate. "{I am of understanding that Hogwarts has similar enchantments to the Ship and Dorms back home that prohibit 'cuddling' between unchaperoned boy and girl, Elsica. Cannot even be in same non-public room, much less in bed together.}"
Elspeth's smirk filled with anticipation. "{Oh, I have arranged a workaround for that....}"
Don't know the exact exchange rate, but I am under the impression that the Ruble isn't to har off from the Yen compared to the US Dollar. So we're probably looking closer to about $15.
Don't know the exact exchange rate, but I am under the impression that the Ruble isn't to har off from the Yen compared to the US Dollar. So we're probably looking closer to about $15.
Could be more or less World wars have currencies either Deflate or inflate in value in comparison to others.
Considering the Middle east oil supply got crippled that'd leave Russia as the major Supplier for Europe.
So it far more likely that the Ruble to Dollar is far closer to 1 to 1 scale if not matching it considering the Yuan collapse due to Civil war.
I confess I cackled while writing it and was looking for ways to wind Lovecraft up without Del knowing what kind of a screw job she was doing to the nutbag.
True, true. Elspeth wasn't exactly impressed with his photo when she got the betrothal news a year or so ago, but she's willing to overlook his looks (and hope that the kids take after Mom more than Dad) considering the rest of the package.
Oh yes. She's anticipating getting married now. Especially since she's aware that Vince, for all that he looks like a thug, is actually very gentle and considerate with her. Which is a good thing because he almost makes two of her physically.
Yeah, in this case it would be necessary. She'd have to know why he wants them to get secretly married by a rabbi, and he needs to know about her firstborn daughter being a rusalka.
Thank you, I thought it was fitting and cooked this up for her with a wand generator:
This Grigorivich wand is dark varnished -- almost black -- chestnut with lighter reddish carvings suggestive of water droplets and waves spiraling from handle to tip. It is quite firm, 10 1/2 inches from handle to tip, with the core material of the hair of a rusalka. It has special potency with healing spells and aquatic magics,
Indeed that is Hermione talking to Viktor. Albeit Elspeth doesn't know who she is past 'teenage Gryffindor witch' as a result. Hermione boggled at Katrusia's incomplete hull.
Well yes. Basically Draco's getting Vince and Elspeth into the Slytherin Head Boy's rooms, tells them not to have too much fun or stay up too late 'getting to know each other', smirk at the looks on their faces, then run off to leave them there overnight. Since unlike the Slytherin Boys' and Girls' Dorms, the Head Boy's Room (coincidentally) lacks the enchantment that bars having opposite-sex visitors present....
Don't know the exact exchange rate, but I am under the impression that the Ruble isn't to har off from the Yen compared to the US Dollar. So we're probably looking closer to about $15.
Could be more or less World wars have currencies either Deflate or inflate in value in comparison to others.
Considering the Middle east oil supply got crippled that'd leave Russia as the major Supplier for Europe.
So it far more likely that the Ruble to Dollar is far closer to 1 to 1 scale if not matching it considering the Yuan collapse due to Civil war.
It was a fairly substantial bet, but you have to remember that 'pocket change' means different things to different people.
For example pre-Awakening Mika grew up on an economically depressed reservation to a family that was 'working poor'. So a trip to McDonald's to get burgers for her family was a 'happy birthday' style rare treat. Betting $500 bucks in a poker game would be 'gambling with the rent money' level of risk for them.
On the other extreme, the du Chastelers are feelthy rich Old Money who have multiple Monets, Reniors, Dürers, and Rembrandts decorating the rooms of their family and the castle priest, and if Colombe needed a fast eight to nine figure boost in her cash, she could auction off the wall scroll she pulled out of the attic to decorate Toku's permanent guest room. Colombe probably dropped a few hundred to thousand euros out of pocket change to buy into Lucius's little card game while they discussed strategy (in part to establish herself as Old Money) and in fact Ehren dropped $24,000 on Mutti's credit card at Herrods (which Colombe could and did afford, she had words with Ehren in part to insure that her daughter wasn't going to waste chunks of the family fortune ala Hippolyte). So to Colombe, that $500 dollar poker game really is pocket change and penny ante. Just like for Lucius Malfoy or Draco for two.
In Katrusia's case, she's literally a (Russian) Mafia Princess and is very well off (albeit not to the level of Marchioness 'I invested all my drug smuggling profits from China and diamonds from Africa very wisely a century or so back' du Chasteler) as a result. So her dropping 1000-1500 rubles in schoolgirl betting with her best buddy is well within the allowances of both girls.
Now how much money 1000-1500 rubles is in yen, US dollars, pounds sterling, euros, or whatever other currency you care to convert it to is undefined for this story save (somewhat more than it was IRL in 2014 at 45-50 rubles to the USD).
Could be more or less World wars have currencies either Deflate or inflate in value in comparison to others.
Considering the Middle east oil supply got crippled that'd leave Russia as the major Supplier for Europe.
So it far more likely that the Ruble to Dollar is far closer to 1 to 1 scale if not matching it considering the Yuan collapse due to Civil war.
Russia is an export economy and their currency is not a reserve. They would never allow it to go that far up, it would wreck their oil companies. 40 rubles per USD seems to be the normal range, it would stay in that neighborhood. Too valuable currency is just as much of a problem as too worthless.
Russia is an export economy and their currency is not a reserve. They would never allow it to go that far up, it would wreck their oil companies. 40 rubles per USD seems to be the normal range, it would stay in that neighborhood. Too valuable currency is just as much of a problem as too worthless.
A meeting at last
Both Hanyou stared as they left the train station: the giant building of what Johnathan called 'concrete' and glass. The ground beneath their feet was this stone-like substance as well, and these 'car' wagons were far more numerous as well, compared to the ones they saw in the villages.
And... so many people.
So, so many people. Japanese and Europeans hurried past each other as if it were the most common thing in the world.
There even caught sight of both 'kanmusu' as well as ayakashi.
For people like them, who had trained their spiritual senses for a long time, the overwhelming pressure made it easy to recognize one of them.
...They felt... relief.
Their kind wasn't just locked away in horrible conditions or exterminated. They still lived and, from the looks of it, many even prospered.
"Would you look at that." The sister gently pointed out, looking after a disguised kitsune, flanked by a pair of kanmusu, one in red, the other in blue.
"If this is just a major city... imagine Kyoto. Or Edo." the brother suggested.
The two looked at each other. They didn't need to speak. As one, they agreed to visit both the past and the present capital.
They moved, deeper into the city.
"Should we wait for the night and move over the roofs?" Yoshi asked under his breath.
"That would just make us seem suspect. I think it would be for the best if we would just... move among the locals. No... well, minimal disguises. Not infiltrating: else, someone might think us spies or even assassins." Hide countered.
A sigh from her brother and she couldn't help but giggle. He had always been proud of his ability to move unseen.
"...Maybe in the future, again."
Both fell into silence as they moved into the direction of the pull, always towards the once and future lord.
---
Masamune-no-Kotegiri snorted at the mountain of McDonald's that Nobu had piled up on the table. Fortunately, her duties had allowed for her to spend a day of 'personal time' this Saturday, so she had called her reincarnated First Master to inquire about the possibility of spending time with him -- now her. Nobu-chan had happily agreed, so she had changed into a set of casual clothing, and used some magic to appear as a high school student closer to Nobu-chan's age before meeting her for a day of getting to know her.
As much as she would have preferred something more... traditional, she also knew this was pretty much the full extent of her reincarnated lord's allowance. She was, after all, still a teenager, living with her parents. Kotegiri had agreed to allow for Nobu-chan to pay for this meal in exchange for the promise of her paying for the next one when they 'hung out together'.
At least, the green tea was good. While not prepared in the traditional style, the taste had a calming effect on her. And while the food was not what she normally ate, it was... adequate.
'The next time, I'll invite her to a good sushi place' the spirit of one of Japan's treasures decided. 'Perhaps that seafood place in Yokohama run by the jorogumo and her chef husband? Yes, it's the kind of restaurant that wouldn't raise an eyebrow about two teenage girls eating there, but a step up from this fast food.'
She listened to Nobu talking about her life, taking careful bites out of the burger in her hands. And... as strange as it sounded... she felt calm. Happy, even. She was content with this moment of tranquility, even if it was fast food for their first date.
'Maybe it was because she was in the presence of someone she once loved and still loved deeply and truly. A soul of greatness that she had willingly bound herself to.'
'... That was probably the reason', she decided. 'Yes, I can barely wait until Nobu-chan once more led Japan into greatness.'
She didn't doubt for a second that the seemingly foolish girl before her would one day, once again, rule Japan as the loyal strong right hand of the Emperor. And on that day, Kotegiri would serve her once more as the loyal advisor and strong right arm of Prime Minister Nobunaga.
Someone knocked at the door.
"Are you expecting someone?" the weapon spirit asked.
The reincarnated warlord shook her head in a no.
"Then I'll get it," Kotegiri said before Nobu could react. While she doubted it was someone who meant her lord harm... you never could be too careful. She had learned that lesson well in the Jidai.
After all, she had been at his side during multiple assassination attempts. Automatically she loosened her true self in her sheath as she flew from the sword stand to her avatar's hand.
Again, someone knocked.
She opened the door... and briefly boggled. The only external sight of her surprise -- which to the two in the door and her Master was as clear as her shouting it from the rooftops -- was a brief stiffening of her perfect posture and a raised eyebrow as her Masamune Resting Bitchface cracked slightly.
She recognized these two faces she never expected to see again. After all... she had last seen them over 400 years ago, before they disappeared without a trace, shortly after Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death. Automatically she tensed slightly, for while Hideyoshi had been loyal in the Jidai and afterward, who knew if he had come back and changed? And her beloved Master was at her back.
Yes, they wore modern clothing and masked both their horns and their weapons with illusions...
But... those two were without a doubt Lord Hideyoshi's mixed blood shadows: Hide and Yoshi.
"Kotegiri-dono? Is... is that truly you?" the woman with the kanabo asked as if barely believing it. Clearly, they didn't expect her presence either, much less wearing her Date Masamune T-shirt (a joke birthday gift from Fudou back in 1988) and a skirt from the back of her closet at Nobu-chan's request to 'dress casual' for their date.
"Kote-chan? Who is it?" Nobu appeared behind her and caught sight of them. The reincarnated warlord then boggled at the familiar faces. "...Hide? ... Yoshi? Is it... really you?" She then nodded sharply and her voice acquired the tone of decisive command that all of them knew so well. "Let them in Kote-chan."
"Is that you... Lord Nobunaga? You look... different..." Yoshi said, smiling at the clear recognition in the teenage girl's eyes.
'Hide and Yoshi. Lord Hideyoshi once told me and Dojigiri that he had picked his name to honor his two most loyal retainers. More than once, he said that he would never have gotten where he was without their loyal service.' Kotegiri mused while she ushered them into the presence of her Master, just like she would have during the wars to save and unify Japan.
"How? How aren't you two dead? Even oni don't live for 400 years and you two look... a bit older than the last time I saw you, before Honno-ji. And you can't have reincarnated or else you would look completely different." Nobu inquired politely after they had seated themselves and Kotegiri had cast a privacy ward out of prudence.
Two smiles, tearful but grateful ones.
"During our lord's twilight years... Hide found a spell. An old, powerful one that would allow the one enchanted to sleep until the one they swore absolute loyalty to passed through the wheel, into another life. We had a hidden tomb built: to wait until he returned." Yoshi explained.
" And it appears that both you and Tokichiro triggered the awakening effect." Hide continued.
Nobu's face lit up. "Monkey has returned?! Where?!" Kotegiri gave a small smile at the scene, remembering old times.
The twins gently shook their heads. "Unlike you... he doesn't remember. He thought we were after his life and sent us away in anger when we offered our service..."
The reincarnation's face soured. "It can't be helped... But maybe in the future, since we know some of the magics which caused me to awaken with my memories." She glanced commandingly at Kotegiri, who bowed low in response to the unstated order to see what could be done to give Tokichiro a second life to enjoy the fruits of his past labors.
Slight smiles appeared on the twin's faces as they read the unspoken statement of intent. For even death and a new reincarnation would not stop Oda Nobunaga from rewarding their loyal service with their heart's desire.
Kotegiri made a mental note. 'Tell Doji about them... and Hideyoshi's return once I can share tea with her. She would be overjoyed. Also, notify the Throne of this news so that Japan can make use of him when he matures.'
"And as much as I regret to say it... I lack the resources to take you as my vassals." the reincarnation continued. "At the current time."
The twins shrugged. "That doesn't matter. We have found an ally in a mighty Christian priest by the name of Johnathan Cross. How and where he draws his supplies from, we don't know... but he has enough for a small village."
Nobu smiled, much like a shark. " I see! Then... heed my orders, my loyal vassal's loyal vassals! Until the day Hideyoshi remembers, Seek out the EVIL that threatens my nation and my people! Strike down those who fight to the last, and do as you will to those that dare to surrender! Pave a road to the future of a prosperous, glorious Japan!" she ordered, Voice loud and proud, as she had been as Oda Nobunaga. Kotegiri's bow concealed her proud smile and blush.
The two bowed low before Nobunaga. "We will, me lord. With our lives, if need be." They chorused.
"Phew... I'm a bit out of practice with the whole 'Giving orders to my loyal retainers' thing. I'll have to work on that for the future. So... how about we eat all the food I bought before it gets cold?" Nobu-chan said with a smile and laugh. "Can't be helped!"
And Kotegiri couldn't help but snort at both the statement and the baffled faces of the hanyou before they dug in to renew their bonds of loyalty, respect, and affection.
A/N: And while all this happens, Johnathan and the oni fight against the skull mask tribe.
Anything to correct? any suggestions?
Please let me know.
Tell me what you think.
edited to SisterJeanne's suggestions
True, true. Elspeth wasn't exactly impressed with his photo when she got the betrothal news a year or so ago, but she's willing to overlook his looks (and hope that the kids take after Mom more than Dad) considering the rest of the package.
From the sound of it, puberty hit the poor boy hard enough he went from 'somewhat chubby' to 'younger Dave Bautista' or 'younger Rory McCann' style of thuggish-looking brick shithouse.
Not handsome by a long shot, but definitely a type if you like the strong and stout.
@Broken Mirror, thanks for the art dump and adding the next segment in the saga of Nobunaga's Oni retainers and their quest to reunite with their Lord.
Are you sure? Frankly, I would expect the War has actually put the Russian economy in a relatively strong position? I think it safe to say that the Middle East Oil states are all wrecked. The production fields have been devastated. terminals destroyed. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman... They're closed for business. Whereas Russia's advantages as a continental power would be showing. Russia may have lost its biggest buyer with the Chinese Civil War but Eastern Europe has to get its energy from somewhere. Sure! The US in this timeline is in an oil boom as well but for much of Europe, Russian Oil is vital.
...Never watched that. Sorry.
Some further thoughts: Since Dojikiri was Hideyoshi's sword, she was probably part of the sacking of the skull mask village.
Would it make sense for Kote here to give the twins her both her own and Doji's contact info in case they stumble over something worth their attention?
And it appears you got the wrong person.
Are you sure? Frankly, I would expect the War has actually put the Russian economy in a relatively strong position? I think it safe to say that the Middle East Oil states are all wrecked. The production fields have been devastated. terminals destroyed. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman... They're closed for business. Whereas Russia's advantages as a continental power would be showing. Russia may have lost its biggest buyer with the Chinese Civil War but Eastern Europe has to get its energy from somewhere. Sure! The US in this timeline is in an oil boom as well but for much of Europe, Russian Oil is vital.
There probably was a big surge in renewable energies following Blood Week if all middle eastern supply was cut off. And most of that Russian oil probably flows into the war effort.
There probably was a big surge in renewable energies following Blood Week if all middle eastern supply was cut off. And most of that Russian oil probably flows into the war effort.
Slight problem is the rare earths for the Batteries for electric cars and such almost all of the known deposits for such were controlled By a nation currently involved in a multi-sided Civil war.
China IRL controls 80 percent of those rare earths it wouldn't be different in this world before Blood week.
So that'll cause a serious lag for a considerable amount of time after Blood week to completely rework the transportation and power networks on a global scale.
Both Hanyou stared as they left the train station: the giant building of what Johnathan called 'concrete' and glass. The ground beneath their feet was this stone-like substance as well, and these 'car' wagons were far more numerous as well, compared to the ones they saw in the villages.
And... so many people.
So, so many people. Japanese and Europeans hurried past each other as if it were the most common thing in the world.
There even caught sight of both 'kanmusu' as well as ayakashi.
For people like them, who had trained their spiritual senses for a long time, the overwhelming pressure made it easy to recognize one of them.
...They felt... relief.
Their kind wasn't just locked away in horrible conditions or exterminated. They still lived and, from the looks of it, many even prospered.
"Would you look at that." The sister gently pointed out, looking after a disguised kitsune, flanked by a pair of kanmusu, one in red, the other in blue.
"If this is just a major city... imagine Kyoto. Or Edo." the brother suggested.
The two looked at each other. They didn't need to speak. As one, they agreed to visit both the former and the past capital.
They moved, deeper into the city.
"Should we wait for the night and move over the roofs?" Yoshi asked under his breath.
"That would just make us seem suspect. I think it would be for the best if we would just... move among the locals. No... well, minimal disguises. Not infiltrating: else, someone might think us spies or even assassins." Hide countered.
A sigh from her brother and she couldn't help but giggle. He had always been proud of his ability to move unseen.
"...Maybe in the future, again."
Both fell into silence as they moved into the direction of the pull, always towards the once and future lord.
Masamune-no-Kotegiri snorted at the mountain of McDonald's that Nobu had piled up on the table.
As much as she would have prefered something more... traditional, she also knew this was pretty much the full extent of her reincarnated lord's allowance. She was, after all, still a teenager, living with her parents.
At least, the green tea was good. While not prepared in the traditional style, the taste had a calming effect on her.
'The next time, I'll invite her to a good sushi place' the spirit of one of Japan's treasures decided.
I have to say the scene here was quite good overall. I'll be highlighting and suggesting a few tweaks that I suggest since Kote is my character to help nail down her characterization.
Masamune-no-Kotegiri snorted at the mountain of McDonald's that Nobu had piled up on the table. Fortunately, her duties had allowed for her to spend a day of 'personal time' this Saturday, so she had called her reincarnated First Master to inquire about the possibility of spending time with him -- now her. Nobu-chan had happily agreed, so she had changed into a set of casual clothing, and used some magic to appear as a high school student closer to Nobu-chan's age before meeting her for a day of getting to know her.
As much as she would have preferred something more... traditional, she also knew this was pretty much the full extent of her reincarnated lord's allowance. She was, after all, still a teenager, living with her parents. Kotegiri had agreed to allow for Nobu-chan to pay for this meal in exchange for the promise of her paying for the next one when they 'hung out together'.
At least, the green tea was good. While not prepared in the traditional style, the taste had a calming effect on her. And while the food was not what she normally ate, it was... adequate.
'The next time, I'll invite her to a good sushi place' the spirit of one of Japan's treasures decided. 'Perhaps that seafood place in Yokohama run by the jorogumo and her chef husband? Yes, it's the kind of restauraunt that wouldn't raise an eyebrow about two teenage girls eating there, but a step up from this fast food.'
She listened to Nobu talking about her life, taking careful bites out of the burger in her hands. And... as strange as it sounded... she felt calm. Happy, even.
Maybe it was because she was in the presence of someone she once loved and still loves.
... That was probably the reason, she decided.
She didn't doubt for a second that the seemingly foolish girl before her would one day, once again, rule.
Superb look into Kote here, honestly, this pegged her very well.
She listened to Nobu talking about her life, taking careful bites out of the burger in her hands. And... as strange as it sounded... she felt calm. Happy, even. She was content with this moment of tranquility, even if it was fast food for their first date.
'Maybe it was because she was in the presence of someone she once loved and still loved deeply and truly. A soul of greatness that she had willingly bound herself to.'
'... That was probably the reason', she decided. 'Yes, she could barely wait until Nobu-chan once more led Japan into greatness.'
She didn't doubt for a second that the seemingly foolish girl before her would one day, once again, rule Japan as the loyal strong right hand of the Emperor. And on that day, Kotegiri would serve her once more as the loyal advisor and strong right arm of Prime Minister Nobunaga.
"Are you expecting someone?" the weapon spirit asked. The reincarnated warlord shook her head in a no.
"Then I'll get it," Kotegiri said before Nobu could react. While she doubted it was someone who meant her lord harm... you never could be too careful.
After all, she had been at his side during multiple assassination attempts
"Are you expecting someone?" the weapon spirit asked.
The reincarnated warlord shook her head in a no.
"Then I'll get it," Kotegiri said before Nobu could react. While she doubted it was someone who meant her lord harm... you never could be too careful. She had learned that lesson well in the Jidai.
After all, she had been at his side during multiple assassination attempts. Automatically she loosened her true self in her sheath as she flew from the sword stand to her avatar's hand.
She opened the door... and stared.
She recognized two faces she never expected to see again. After all... she had last seen them over 400 years ago, before they disappeared without a trace, shortly after Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death.
Yes, they wore modern clothing and masked both their horns and their weapons with illusions...
But... those two were without a doubt Lord Hideyoshi's mixed blood shadows: Hide and Yoshi.
"Kotegiri-dono? Is... is that truly you?" the woman with the kanabo asked as if barely believing it.
She opened the door... and briefly boggled. The only external sight of her surprise -- which to the two in the door and her Master was as clear as her shouting it from the rooftops -- was a brief stiffening of her perfect posture and a raised eyebrow as her Masamune Resting Bitchface cracked slightly.
She recognized these two faces she never expected to see again. After all... she had last seen them over 400 years ago, before they disappeared without a trace, shortly after Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death. Automatically she tensed slightly, for while Hideyoshi had been loyal in the Jidai and afterward, who knew if he had come back and changed? And her beloved Master was at her back.
Yes, they wore modern clothing and masked both their horns and their weapons with illusions...
But... those two were without a doubt Lord Hideyoshi's mixed blood shadows: Hide and Yoshi.
"Kotegiri-dono? Is... is that truly you?" the woman with the kanabo asked as if barely believing it. Clearly they didn't expect her presence either, much less wearing her Date Masamune T-shirt (a joke birthday gift from Fudou back in 1988) and a skirt from the back of her closet at Nobu-chan's request to 'dress casual' for their date.
"Kote-chan? who is it?" Nobu appeared behind her and caught sight of them.
"...Hide? ... Yoshi? Is it... really you?"
"Is that you... Lord Nobunaga? You look... different..."
Good scene but expanded it a bit here for the reactions and some characterization
"Kote-chan? Who is it?" Nobu appeared behind her and caught sight of them. The reincarnated warlord then boggled at the familiar faces. "...Hide? ... Yoshi? Is it... really you?" She then nodded sharply and her voice acquired the tone of decisive command that all of them knew so well. "Let them in Kote-chan."
"Is that you... Lord Nobunaga? You look... different..." Yoshi said, smiling at the clear recognition in the teenage girl's eyes.
Hide and Yoshi. Lord Hideyoshi once told her and Dojikiri that he picked his name to honor his two most loyal retainers. Mor than once, he said that he would never have gotten where he was without their loyal service.
'Hide and Yoshi. Lord Hideyoshi once told her and Dojigiri that he had picked his name to honor his two most loyal retainers. More than once, he said that he would never have gotten where he was without their loyal service.' Kotegiri mused while she ushered them into the presence of her Master, just like she would have during the wars to save and unify Japan.
"How? How aren't you two dead? Even oni don't live for 400 years and you two look... a bit older than the last time I saw you, before honno-ji. And you can't have reincarnated or else you would look completely different." Nobu inquired politely.
Two smiles, tearful but grateful ones.
"How? How aren't you two dead? Even oni don't live for 400 years and you two look... a bit older than the last time I saw you, before Honno-ji. And you can't have reincarnated or else you would look completely different." Nobu inquired politely after they had seated themselves and Kotegiri had cast a privacy ward out of prudence.
"During our lord's twilight years... Hide found a spell. An old, powerful one that would allow the one enchanted to sleep until the one they swore absolute loyalty to passed through the wheel, into another life. We had a hidden tomb built: to wait until he returned." Yoshi explained.
" And it appears that both you and Tokichiro triggered the awakening effect." Hide continued.
Nobu's face lit up. "Monkey has returned?! Where?!"
The twins gently shook their heads. "Unlike you... he doesn't remember. He thought we were after his life and sent us away in anger when we offer our service..."
The reincarnation's face soured. "It can't be helped... But maybe in the future."
Slight smiles appeared on the twin's faces.
"During our lord's twilight years... Hide found a spell. An old, powerful one that would allow the one enchanted to sleep until the one they swore absolute loyalty to passed through the wheel, into another life. We had a hidden tomb built: to wait until he returned." Yoshi explained.
" And it appears that both you and Tokichiro triggered the awakening effect." Hide continued.
Nobu's face lit up. "Monkey has returned?! Where?!" Kotegiri gave a small smile at the scene, remembering old times.
The twins gently shook their heads. "Unlike you... he doesn't remember. He thought we were after his life and sent us away in anger when we offer our service..."
The reincarnation's face soured. "It can't be helped... But maybe in the future, since we know some of the magics which caused me to awaken with my memories." She glanced commandingly at Kotegiri, who bowed low in response to the unstated order to see what could be done to give Tokichiro a second life to enjoy the friuits of his past labors.
Slight smiles appeared on the twin's faces as they read the unspoken statement of intent. For even death and a new reincarnation would not stop Oda Nobunaga from rewarding their loyal service with their heart's desire.
Kotegiri made a mental note. 'Tell Doji about them... and Hideyoshi's return once I can share tea with her. She would be overjoyed. Also notify the Throne of this news so that Japan can make use of him when he matures.'
Nobu smiled, much like a shark. " I see! Then... heed my orders, my loyal vassal's loyal vassals! Until the day Hideyoshi remembers, Seek out the EVIL that threatens my nation and my people! Strike down those who fight to the last, and do as you will to those that dare to surrender! Pave a road to the future of a prosperous, glorious Japan!" she ordered, Voice loud and proud, as she had been as Oda Nobunaga.
The two fell to their knees. "We will, me lord. With our lives, if need be."
"Phew... I'm a bit out of practice with the whole 'Giving orders to my loyal retainers' thing. So... how about we eat all the food I bought before it gets cold?"
And Kotegiri couldn't help but snort at both the statement and the baffled faces of the hanyou.
Nobu smiled, much like a shark. " I see! Then... heed my orders, my loyal vassal's loyal vassals! Until the day Hideyoshi remembers, Seek out the EVIL that threatens my nation and my people! Strike down those who fight to the last, and do as you will to those that dare to surrender! Pave a road to the future of a prosperous, glorious Japan!" she ordered, Voice loud and proud, as she had been as Oda Nobunaga. Kotegiri's bow concealed her proud smile and blush.
The two bowed low before Nobunaga. "We will, me lord. With our lives, if need be." They chorused.
"Phew... I'm a bit out of practice with the whole 'Giving orders to my loyal retainers' thing. I'll have to work on that for the future. So... how about we eat all the food I bought before it gets cold?" Nobu-chan said with a smile and laugh. "Can't be helped!"
And Kotegiri couldn't help but snort at both the statement and the baffled faces of the hanyou before they dug in to renew their bonds of loyalty, respect, and affection.
Great stuff, honestly. I love it! I did make some suggested changes, and of course Nobu would arrange for both of them to have phones with her number and Kote's number (Kote probably runs out to the nearest store and buys them then if needed teaches them how to use them over lunch) so that they can stay in contact. Also there would be a lot of catching up, and the other Reincarnates would be brought up (Torii Mototada and Uesugi Kenshin are back knowingly and classmates of Nobu-chan, also Okita Souji and others) as allies of Nobu-chan.
From the sound of it, puberty hit the poor boy hard enough he went from 'somewhat chubby' to 'younger Dave Bautista' or 'younger Rory McCann' style of thuggish-looking brick shithouse.
Not handsome by a long shot, but definitely a type if you like the strong and stout.
Part of the reason that Elspeth reacted verbally initially was because the photo that she saw was taken with his robes on, so it wasn't clear if that was flab or muscle under them (it's not flab), therefore she assumed the worst.
Yeah. Crabbe got hit HARD by the Puberty Fairy (and has been working out) and will eventually look like Dave Bautista. (Think this minus the tattoos when he's in his 20s).
Not handsome conventionally, in fact rather a menacing thuggish-looking brick shithouse, but Elspeth doesn't mind 'menacing and looming over her' in her husbando since he's a Gentle Giant sweetheart (who can twist anyone hassling her into a pretzel).
Some further thoughts: Since Dojikiri was Hideyoshi's sword, she was probably part of the sacking of the skull mask village.
Would it make sense for Kote here to give the twins her both her own and Doji's contact info in case they stumble over something worth their attention?
Kote and Nobu both know the amazing utility and benefit of modern communications.
In fact, Kote probably is sent off to the nearest electronics store by Nobu to buy two top end cellphones for them, and the contact info for Nobu, Douji, Kote (the private unlisted number), and likely Okita, Uesugi, and Torii Mototada's numbers as knowing reincarnates and allies are shared (also likely Tokunotakai and some other Masamunes and the like as reliable allies JIC they need backup in a hurry).
Kote would also ask what resources they need for their mission that she can subtly provide (for starters, probably two bank accounts funded out of her Imperial Household Agency salary/savings for the necessities of life and their mission).
I figure that is a large part of the ensuing conversation (along with 'what the hell has happened since we saw each other last?'). Also Nobu and Kote would get Hideyoshi's (current) reincarnation's name and address from them so they can keep an eye on him (and pass it along to Douji).
As well, this would be reported in privacy to the Emperor of Japan when Kote asks permission to secretly support them.
Nice indeed... having Kote there felt quite natural. For all Nobu may be a girl, she is still the person that semi-conquered Japan (I can see her as Prime Minister) In a war situation ruthless pragmatism has it's place and the fact that she grew up a normal person (even if she's a bit of a mad scientist: blood orange bombo 40 anyone?) will only help her get elected. It's nice to see Hide and Yoshi learn that one of the two people they hid in stasis for has her full memories. They might get back to the village in time to beat some skull-masks (as they run)
Slight problem is the rare earths for the Batteries for electric cars and such almost all of the known deposits for such were controlled By a nation currently involved in a multi-sided Civil war.
China IRL controls 80 percent of those rare earths it wouldn't be different in this world before Blood week.
So that'll cause a serious lag for a considerable amount of time after Blood week to completely rework the transportation and power networks on a global scale.
80 percent of currently-economical rare earths. There are deposits in the US, for instance, it's just cheaper to exploit the ones in China. Indeed, IIRC the deposits in the US actually used to be exploited.
Not to mention that in China, civil wars surrounding a change of dynasty tend to be about control over cities more than anything, and I would expect that most of the participants deliberately don't screw with things like rare earth mining since they would rather not deal with an irritated international community if they can help it. The Taipingists might try, I'll grant you.
Also, by now there's the benefit of Iona's Beacon, which specifically included improved battery technology, from what HL has said. It's far from inconcievable that in-universe, the batteries don't use rare earth metals.
Kote and Nobu both know the amazing utility and benefit of modern communications.
In fact, Kote probably is sent off to the nearest electronics store by Nobu to buy two top end cellphones for them, and the contact info for Nobu, Douji, Kote (the private unlisted number), and likely Okita, Uesugi, and Torii Mototada's numbers as knowing reincarnates and allies are shared (also likely Tokunotakai and some other Masamunes and the like as reliable allies JIC they need backup in a hurry).
Kote would also ask what resources they need for their mission that she can subtly provide (for starters, probably two bank accounts funded out of her Imperial Household Agency salary/savings for the necessities of life and their mission).
I figure that is a large part of the ensuing conversation (along with 'what the hell has happened since we saw each other last?'). Also Nobu and Kote would get Hideyoshi's (current) reincarnation's name and address from them so they can keep an eye on him (and pass it along to Douji).
As well, this would be reported in privacy to the Emperor of Japan when Kote asks permission to secretly support them.
Not to mention that in China, civil wars surrounding a change of dynasty tend to be about control over cities more than anything, and I would expect that most of the participants deliberately don't screw with things like rare earth mining since they would rather not deal with an irritated international community if they can help it. The Taipingists might try, I'll grant you.
China doesn't really give two figs what the rest of the world thinks IRL in the middle of a multi sided civil war they'd care far less unless the outside tries to interfere with Chinese sovereignty.
