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[ Shinpachi's been in the mall before - if not just because he was tugged around by Leanne there a lot of times as she went from store to store, determined to find the perfect outfit.. something like that, anyway. It was such an odd modern practice to him that he was more baffled by it than anything else.

But it makes the change even more jarring. Whereas the mall is usually extremely bright and full of people and sound, right now it's dark and eerily quiet, only the sound of the blizzard outside serving as a sad kind of background music.

The one upside to the silence is that it makes it all the more easier to notice if there is indeed something going on. And to someone like Shinpachi it would be incredibly difficult to miss the sound of swordfighting going on in the middle of the silence. So he's quick to sprint off in that direction the moment his eyes get used to the darkness enough to make sure he's not running straight into something. And when he spots the figure surrounded by.. well, Shinpachi can't tell what they are from this distance in the dark, but figures severely smaller than the figure fighting there (it's not like he knows what elves are exactly, anyway..), he knows he's found what he's looking for. Especially when the form of the figure registers in his mind enough for him to recognize the man. ]

Sousei..!

[Sousei really hadn't intended to get this caught up in things.

He'd just planned on doing a simple sweep to make sure everyone was okay--because the phones aren't functioning, and there are people who he legitimately is concerned for here, even if he won't so easily admit it. But... this is all he can do right now, really--

And then, in the mall, he got rather caught up in things indeed.

Sousei fights differently when he is fighting for real, as opposed to sparring, however. He doesn't have time to waste, or any willingness to drag out this fight, and so every movement is intended solely to slam his enemies down and keep them there. He twists his wrist, uses the flat of the blade, and slams that right into one of the creature's temples, not even bothering to watch as it crumples to the ground, only weakly twitching. Still, even if he can rather neatly dispatch them, there are still more of them than him, and so that's a very welcome voice to hear.]

...Nagakura.

[He turns, arching an eyebrow, and in the same movement flicks out his sword to allow one of the elves that was jumping at him with a toy shovel in hand to spear itself on him.]

...Well? Hurry it up, before I deal with them all myself. [wow, calm your sass, sousei]

[ At least nothing about Sousei's fighting style really seems to bring forth any questions with Shinpachi. The Shinsengumi is used to having to fight a little more down and dirthy, anyway - it's what happens when you mainly end up having to carry out operations in backalleys and crowded inns in the dark, you don't exactly get the elbow room for some proper duel half of the time.

But it also means that Shinpachi knows very well how to deal with these situations. And it's not like he had even the slightest doubts about helping out Sousei even before the other guy practically invited him to join in, so his katana is already unsheathed halfway through the other man's words. ]

You really think you're faster than me?

[ It's a little silly for the occasion, this kind of banter.. but it's always what keeps Shinpachi going no matter the situation. He does it with Heisuke or Sano or any of the Shinsengumi any day, so this isn't much different.

Even as he's already shoving his sword right through one of the crowding elves as he approaches. ]

Don't think I'm that much of an old man.

[It's honestly the best way to handle things like this--and the Yamainu has always chattered during fights. Maybe in their absence, Sousei feels the need to make up for it a little bit. Either way, he immediately makes his way to Shinpachi's side, because it only makes sense to fight back-to-back. Less of a chance for once of these disgusting little creatures to sneak up behind them.

And Shinpachi calling himself an old man does make him snort.]

The thought did not cross my mind.

[Really. Honest. Mostly. Sousei lifts his blade and eyes the encroaching crowd.]

I'll leave you half, then. [Time for them to Do This Thing.]

[ He doesn't even mind Sousei slipping to his back. He trusts Sousei plenty, both in the sense that he's a good person so he won't betray him and that he's a good swordsman so he'll be able to cover his back well enough. Sure, it might not be the same bond he has with Sano, the guy he's the most used to fighting back-to-back with-- but it's still plenty enough for this situation.

Sousei won't let him down. He's felt how honest his swordplay was, after all.

So once he knows the other man's moved into position, Shinpachi's already swinging his sword at the elves, trying to get rid of them as efficiently as possible so they won't be allowed to all crowd around them at once. It's a little overwhelming, just the sheer number of them, but like hell he's going to give up at the sight of that. Bring them on. ]

That's assuming I'll even leave you enough that you can make sure it's even!

[Likewise, Sousei has never really trusted easily...but Shinpachi is trustworthy, and believable, and he knows what he needs to know to know that it's safe to fight with Shinpachi at his back. Shinpachi won't allow anything to harm him this way. And it's different from fighting with the Yamainu, and different too from fighting with Tenka, but nonetheless...

It isn't bad.

But it does mean that he can't let Shinpachi down in turn, and so he simply lifts his sword, eyebrow arching.]

You're too cocky.

[but he doesn't actually sound bothered by that fact at all--he knows Shinpachi has the skills to back it up.]

Save your words for after the fight, and then we'll see.

[And then the elves are on them, all sorts of makeshift toy weaponry in their little freakish hands, and Sousei lifts his sword and focuses on fighting elves instead of scolding Shinsengumi captains for a bit.]

[ Too cocky is his middle name.. sure, Shinpachi's a realistic fighter through and through. He won't run into a situation he knows he just can't win if there's a way to just.. not do that instead. But even if these elves might be enough to at least pose some sort of threat, he doesn't think this is the kind of thing he'll lose to.

Especially not while there's another skilled fighter at his back. No way.

But he'll take the break from scolding as a moment to do something about some of the elves as well, trying to take care of the ones with the longest weapons the first - thankfully he's had a lot of experience in fighting against people with spear-like weapons due to all his sparring with Sano, and it means taking out the threat that could get to them the easiest.

After all, he can't let anything get past him and get to Sousei instead that isn't on his half to begin with.. it's not just a friend's back at stake here, but also his pride as a warrior.

But that only makes him fight harder to make sure that doesn't happen, taking down elf after elf. ]

[For once, they are entirely, irrevocably on the same page. Neither of them is willing to let the elves break through to harm the other, and they're both equally trying to stop the hoard here. It means that there is a few harsh, immediate minutes of fighting, in which it seems as though there is elf after elf after elf, and all Sousei can focus on is Shinpachi at his back and taking care of the wave of demonic creatures at the front--

And then, all of a sudden, there are no more.

Sousei huffs out a short breath as he stabs his sword straight through the eye of the last elf facing him, squinting into the darkness of the mall with clear suspicion. This isn't all there is, he knows--but it may be all that there is in this particular area, and others are terrorizing people they find to be better, easier targets.

He rips his sword out with a vague expression of distaste (these things are gross), and then straightens, glancing over his shoulder to see how Shinpachi fared. He's sure they're just going to go find more of these creatures, so...they have more work to do.]

[ Don't worry, Sousei, Shinpachi's more or less alright. He still has all night to get shot-- I mean, considering how many elves they were, he does seem to have made it through pretty much unscathed save for the elf blood everywhere.

Which is gross. Human blood is one thing, he's used to that (as terrible as that thought might be to anyone else, but a job is a job) but this is almost more like goo or something. It's disgusting enough that Shinpachi's at least trying to brush some of the bigger pieces of elf left on him off his clothes as he turns towards the other. ]

At least they're not too bad if you're not alone. [ Because that's what he remembered from that night Heisuke died. Heisuke's a great swordsman, just like anyone in the Shinsengumi, so for him to lose to those clowns just meant that he was vastly outnumbered.

Like this, they can fight back. And so, despite the situation, he does at least smile somewhat at the other. ]

So.. thanks. [ For having his back while he couldn't find his husband out here in the snowstorm. ] You're a real piece of work, Sousei.

[ ??? WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN, SHINPACHI.

#bromance...?? ]

Let's look around to make sure no one else's getting harrassed by these things.

[Don't make him visit you in the hospital too.

It really is disgusting though. Sousei's cleaner than Shinpachi by merit of his battle style--he's always been the sort to avoid getting dirty and deeply physically involved in the situation--but he didn't escape without his sword getting covered in the gunk, some on his sleeves as well.

He wrinkles his nose, and wipes his sword off as best he can on one of the less freakishly gnome-like elves (at least these ones are wearing clothes....)

A real piece of work, huh... He can't quite suppress the snort that escapes him at that. Really, Shinpachi..... That's how you thank him?]

That's not necessary. You don't have to thank me for doing what is only obvious. [having shinpachi's back in a fight--isn't that just a natural thing?

#bromance

And then, easily, he rolls with the topic shift.]

I imagine things are worse further into the mall. Let's go.

[ What is only obvious.. man, despite the shitty situation, he really can't help but grin at that. Sousei is just such a good guy, Shinpachi doesn't know how to deal with it.. sure, he knows plenty of good people, but there's also plenty of people who would say it's not only natural to have other people's backs in a fight.

Sousei's brave, and he's fighting for what's right - what other fighting partner could Shinpachi better ask for in a moment like this?

So he easily follows along, not sheathing his sword just yet in case something jumps out at them again. Something will, he's sure, it's just a matter of time. ]

Man, would it kill them to have candles or something around here sometime?

[ It's so dark.. this is why you don't rely purely on modern inventions like electricity!! ]

[Candles...torches, anything that could work for that. But in response, Sousei just offers up dryly--]

Yes, perhaps it would.

[He'd give a lot for Ashiya right now, he could probably light their way using some of his onmyouji techniques. However, all they have is Abe no Sousei, and they're up a creek, because he sure doesn't know how to do much of anything in that way.

He's only vaguely irritated as he narrows his eyes, trying to see through the darkness. Only vaguely, really!! That sigh was. Definitely not because he's irritated by this entire situation.]

[ Well, they could have had a rasetsu who'd be able to see in the dark here, but Shinpachi also doesn't have much on that front.. so at least they're even here in their inability to deal with the darkness. But he's not hearing gigantic roars in the distance or anything yet, so that's a good sign. Not a sign that everything is safe, but at least a sign there's not some giant waiting for them to fight. ]

"Perhaps", he says, while he's clearly pissed..

[ It's said with a very light amused tone to his voice though. Sure, this situation is shitty, but Shinpachi's always drawn strength from comraderie. Especially in the shittiest of situations, because then it's all you've got. And Sousei-- well, he's definitely a good friend, that's for sure. ]

I am not pissed. [yes you are, Sousei.

Nonetheless, it is true that it's probably a good sign that it's quiet.

Probably. All he can hear are their footsteps on the tile flooring, and--

... and scratching noises.

Wait a second--]

There are-- [more. Is what he'd like to say, but he doesn't really have the time; as soon as he notices, there are more of those elves launching themselves at the two of them from the darkness.]

[ IT'S ALRIGHT 'CAUSE HE'S SAVED BY THE ELVES.

From having to endure more of Shinpachi's friendly teasing, anyway. Since he's quick to adapt to a battle-ready stance again when the things seem to literally come flying out of nowhere (seriously, how does this place even think up these threads) and he has to slice them up left and right all over again. ]

There's gotta be an end to these somewhere!

[ Right? They can't have some infinite elf supply in this mall out of nowhere, where would they have come from out of the blue.. ]

[Saved indeed.....

Sousei flings a sword up to slash through an elf that is getting too close for comfort, and then glances over his shoulder at Shinpachi.

And, wryly--]

Is that how it worked at Zelien? [Because from his four months or so here, he really doesn't think that's how it works in Cerealia.]

Sometimes.

[ He won't just say "yeah", since he's also dealt with invasions that just seemed without end - even times where it was better to pull back rather than risk anything in a fight they wouldn't win anyway, as sour as it was.

But the thought that it wasn't always impossible is exactly what drives him now, and it's enough for him to grin at the other after impaling one of the elves. ]

We actually got stuff done over there, y'know? [ Not always, but whatever, the few times they did are enough to have teasing material over. ]

[...Hm.

He snorts under his breath at that, even as he focuses on slicing his way through the next wave of elves. At least there's nothing too surprising there, huh...

Not like there could be any worse dangers lurking ~~until someone turns on the lights~~.]

Are you suggesting that we've been slacking here?

[ ~~Please don't let modern people much better with electricity pass through, more like..~~ ]

Well.. [ His tone lingers for a moment as he moves to mow some more elves out of the way, plainly punching one away when it gets a little too close in range to properly get at it with a sword - with relative ease too, like he's used to having to do it. ]

I guess there's really nothing more we can do here, that's the difference.

[ At least with COMPASS they were given the opportunity to get at them eventually - but here? He's hardly even heard of those CERES bigwigs for a while now. ]

[~~Modern people ruin everything~~

Though honestly, Sousei has nothing but approval for Shinpachi's fighting style. Considering he's always encouraged the Yamainu to fight in whatever way made them most dangerous (and not necessarily what was "proper samurai fighting", he's hardly going to judge. Shinpachi is efficient and trustworthy in this brawl. That's more than enough for him.]

There will be. [It's said cooly and calmly, even as he steps forward to chase down a few of the remaining elves, now keeping their distance rather wisely.]

We have not grown complacent, regardless of the others here. When things change, we will be ready to take the opportunities presented.

[He's...confident, at least. And...honestly, rather hopeful and optimistic.]

[ It's not like Sousei is saying anything he doesn't know yet. He knows that there might be a chance, and if there will be, that they'll jump on it - it's why he doesn't mind Sousei's casual usage of the word "we" there, no matter whether it's them or a larger group of people. It's true, regardless.

But on the other hand, it's pretty hopeful. And since Shinpachi - however still not the most pessimistic - has grown a little more jaded thanks to a lot of events both in this place and Zelien, it's good to hear. Especially coming from someone who's usually fairly stone-faced.

It's why he grins even as they're still in the middle of fighting. ]

Your men must've liked you a lot.

[ Not that they can't have thought he was a pain in the ass with how strict he is at the same time.. hell, Hijikata is the same, and Shinpachi likes him just fine too. ]

[He doesn't falter, and there is no pause, even if inwardly, there's a definite moment of freezing. But he's too well-trained to freeze outwardly, and so he neatly dispatches the nearest elf with a blade between its ribs, and then next with a neat twist of his wrist, smacking the flat of his blade against the side of its head with enough force to snap the fragile neck.

... A statement like that, honestly...

For a moment, he doesn't know how to respond, and so he doesn't, focused on the fight for a long moment. His men...]

We share a common dream, and they have agreed to follow me.

[he'd asked once, if Ashiya was concerned about Sousei's going off and doing his own thing, basically committing treason. But Ashiya had been so clear about it.

"The only one I follow is Abe no Sousei." ...Hm.]

I trust in their loyalty if nothing else. [But he's much too awkward and tsun to consider how much they liked him, okay...!!] For anything else, you would have to get their own opinions.

[ Now that is a very Hijikata-like answer alright. It's entirely different than what Shinpachi would have said about his own men, and the difference makes him snicker even as he cuts open one of the elves before turning to face another. ]

I don't think I have to ask them to know.

[ If they have a common dream with Sousei.. well, then they all have to be upright good guys - that much is something Shinpachi firmly believes. And if they are like that, then there's not a doubt in his mind that they really must have liked Sousei.

What a good group to protect the country after them - it makes him glad, since a lot of the enemies they fought that he knows will eventually cause the Shinsengumi's downfall were just.. well, shitty. He'd rather have those around. Even if it might not be the same world, whatever, he can dream. ]

Sort of funny how a cocky guy like you just can't take certain compliments, huh? [ Teases him about it.. he can't resist, okay. ]

[... wow are you laughing at him--you're totally laughing at him!!

Sousei huffs in response to that, not lifting his eyes from the foes in front of him, but tone entirely tart.]

I don't know what you're implying, but I don't like it.

[You know, Sousei, don't lie....... you know exactly what Shinpachi is ribbing you about.]

Keep your opinions to yourself, Nagakura.

[It's amazing how he can sound so put-out even as he just casually decapitates another elf. They're a little too used to this, maybe.]

[ How is he not supposed to laugh though if Sousei is just so hilarious in all his.. Sousei-ness.. you only find a guy like that once every century, okay, Shinpachi's got to enjoy this opportunity while he can.

Especially since it's at least one way to have fun in the middle of this hellish town of blizzards and crazy elf-things.. sharing this odd sense of comraderie with Sousei is much, much better than that, even if it just looks like bickering with one half of the argument looking entirely unfazed about it. ]

You should know that's the one thing I suck the most at by now..!

[ Hey, it's true.. Shinpachi ever shutting up about anything, let alone his opinions of all things? That sure is never going to happen, but keep up the wishful thinking, Sousei..

Also casually getting rid of some of the last of these elf monsters here, okay. Totally normal battle activities, messing around with friends.. it's the Shinsengumi way. ]

action; i felt too conscious about a closed prompt on the log so here we go...

action; this is perfect I AM SO EXCITED

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