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[Good morning, Lunatia. The video starts with a view of hooves, a too close view of a face... and then finally... a centaur? Who keeps looking off screen while she talks and never seems to actually focus on the lens correctly.]

Hello? Can everyone see me? Connor, am I doing this right? Okay? ... Okay.

[She clears her throat and dips into a bow, the camera bobbing along with her.]

Hello! This is Konoha... some of you maybe think my name is Shizu, but- It's Konoha! I'm from Echigo province, in Japan, if you know it... and I'll be in your care.

If you don't know me, which, I figure is most of you, this city must be even bigger than the capital I'm the... well in my world we say jinba but I'm the "centaur". I haven't seen anyone else like me so I think I can say "the"...

Anyway... what I wanted to ask was... if anyone had an recommendations for... shops? I've never really shopped before, and I haven't seen any locals quite like me, so if you know somewhere that does... I don't know, tailoring? Or a restaurant with really big seats or tall tables? Anything like that!

I'd appreciate it, so... thank you very much!

[Another bow, another bob of the camera... and a blurry flash of android helping her turn the dang thing off. Thanks, Connor.]

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[Definitely just for chroma. It's not like she enjoys affection of this sort or anything, or how warm and comforting it felt. As much as she enjoyed meeting new people, as many friends as she'd managed to make... There were still times she needed a little reminder not to get lonely or homesick for her own world- for the man she'd loved that she hadn't managed to admit her feelings to, for her parents, for her boss...

Absently, her thumb moves softly back and forth along the side of his palm.]

No other problems. Not with people anyway.

[It's almost... weird, in a way, not to be discriminated against at least in some ways... But she doesn't quite know how to express that. She does, however, know a dodge when she sees one.]

Are you mostly keeping to yourself?

[ Then, it is only difficulties with clothing and the like. He believes these will be easy fixes for her. If they can be acquired, she won't be troubled. Why does it feel like this is a hollow answer, though?

Sesshomaru only keeps his hands where they are at first. His eyes close before he lifts his fingers to lightly pat the top of her hand. Once, twice. ]

I am. [ Interacting with people has never been something that he does. (Only when he becomes plot-relevant!) It may be even more obvious due to how he is not very sociable, or seemingly friendly. He thinks briefly about Kagura -- but he does not want to get in her way of freedom and living. She should find her own way without feeling as though he's holding her back from whatever that may be. ]

There is no reason for me to get too close to anyone here. [ He would say that even if he was back home. ]

[Konoha finds it very ironic that he can say that right now, sitting next to her and patting her hand like he is, the bolt of silk fabric carefully stored behind her so as not to get ruined by any of the food that arrives. But she doesn't say that, instead just nodding along.

So he is...]

Was it the same in your world? I guess you were really busy with your duties...

[Since his father had passed, she just assumed that made him Lord of the West, which sounded like it would make him needed all over the place...]

That's right.

[ He can, at least, answer the first question that he did not attempt to get close to too many people back in his own world. Just Jaken, A-Un, Rin, Kohaku... he frowns just a little before deciding to clear a matter up. ]

Duties? [ Sesshomaru can guess what she means but starts out with a question, at first. ] My father did not name me to be his successor. [ A beat. It doesn't hurt as much because he believes his father wanted him to surpass him instead. ] He had grander wishes for me, yet the person that is to inherit everything is ... not yet capable to handle anything.

[Grander duties than Lord of the West? Would that mean like... Lord of the entire country, perhaps? Uniting the country like the humans had fought so many wars over, only with demons?

When it came to nobility, she certainly imagined that men had many wives and concubines, so the idea that his father would have other sons is not surprising... She just nods along at first, humming over the idea. He’d said there was a half-brother, maybe him?]

Does that mean you’re ruling in his stead until he can?

[Was that how it worked? She’s never really considered the finer points of feudal rule... or how those that above her in social class dictated inheritance and lordship.]

[ He clicks his tongue. ]

I do not rule in his stead. That would go against our father's wishes.

[ His eyes close for a second as he steadies his thoughts. While it is fine in the sense that his father thought well of him, it has become an annoyance once again to Sesshomaru. Because Inuyasha is from the past and does not know anything. Furthermore, his half-brother is denouncing their father who had high hopes for Inuyasha to bequeath so much to him.

It's an insult, especially given that Sesshomaru had recognized Inuyasha as their father's successor. Now he remembers why he couldn't accept his father's decisions. He is remembering why he felt so slighted. His lips curl briefly into a snarl before he opens his eyes. He evens out his expression to a calmer one. ]

Instead, I clean up after his messes and handle matters he cannot because of his incompetence.

[Oops, wrong guess.

Konoha holds off on her answer at first to accept the tea that comes before the food, thanking the waiter and gently untangling her hand from his to take the hot teapot gingerly before she realizes, oh, there's a cloth, wrapping that around the handle to serve. (The good thing about having multiple limbs... In place of her hand, she sort of just extends a foreleg to replace moonlacing contact with her brown-coated hock.)

There's no finesse or ladylike training to make it an elegant gesture like the nice restaurant might require, but it still results in two steaming cups of tea, one of which she sets in front of him.]

That sounds really stressful.

[But it does speak to his dedication to family, she thinks... Which is a good trait? Like most everything he says, though, the way he says it is questionable... but the actual words imply something... not so bad?]

I always wanted a sibling when I was young, but I guess there's no guarantee you'd get along just because you're family...

[ He, at least, sits back a little when the waiter returns with the teapot and tea. Breathing in deep, he tips his head the barest amount possible as a means to silently thank him for doing what his job is. His eyes close for a second and when he opens them, a cup of tea is already being poured for him.

His shoulders drop a little, as tension fades from them. It lasts only a moment but allows him to gift the briefest smile to her. Even if the training is not ladylike or proper, it is nice to share tea -- he pauses to lift it up so that he could take a small sip, not minding the heat.

Looking over the cup, he replies: ]

It is what it is. Father wanted me to support Inuyasha.

[ Sesshomaru is interpreting that however he chooses. Ah, in his annoyance about the situation, he actually names his half-brother. He realizes this is the first time that he has said his name to Konoha. ]

I do not recognize him as my brother and so there is nothing to get along with in terms of family. At the moment, I cannot recognize him as my brother. [ Because in part relations, as Inuyasha remembers them, are poor. Because, watching how Inuyasha is, it is enough to snarl and deny their connection. Still, the latter is... purely out of spite and the desire to see him improve. ]

[... Oh. He smiled. She's pretty sure he just smiled. It was small, sure, brief, but. It makes her happy enough that she almost misses when she reaches for her own tea, blinking in surprise and correcting herself, pulling the cup up to her lips with both hands, blowing on it softly to cool it.

Konoha's idea of siblings is nothing at all like Sesshomaru's experience. That much is pretty clear... Still. She learned his name was "Inuyasha"... which was another amazing name if it means what she thinks it does. ... Hadn't she heard that name somewhere before? Hmmm...]

You said he was half-demon, right?

[That part interests her, she can't deny it, coming from a world with only humans and jinba, and... certainly no children born between those few rare couples who crossed the physical boundaries between their species. But even though he was a demon... he looked exactly like a human... er. From the waist down. And as much as Sesshomaru has shared with her his opinion of humanity... she supposes she can guess one reason he doesn't approve.]

That's correct.

[ He dips his chin down slightly as his fingers tighten a little around the teacup. Sesshomaru pauses in how he clenches his fingers least he end up shattering what is in his hand. The injury would be minimal -- to him -- but it would upset their meal even further. So, he takes another drink, finding the heat of the tea matches his own heated insides, before setting it down. ]

I will tell you now that half-breeds are not looked upon fondly where I come from. They are an affront to both youkai and human alike. There is no place for them in either world.

[ His eyes narrow as he continues. ] However... Father would not have wanted such a fate for him. And, if he had lived, he would have ensured Inuyasha had a place in the world. Since he did not, Inuyasha has to make that place for himself.

[ Sesshomaru sits back slightly, crossing his arms. ] Father certainly left enough for him to be capable of doing that... if Inuyasha weren't so foolish and didn't constantly squander everything that was given to him.

[Konoha doesn't miss the tightening of knuckles around the teacup, a single second away from reaching over to try and pluck it from his hands to save it before he relaxes and she sits back, her hock curling a bit beneath his other hand.

Her first thought... Is that that seems quite unfair of his world, to let half-breeds exist and yet then deny them. Her second thought... That she was still very unsure of whether this meant Sesshomaru acknowledged this person as his brother or not. It definitely spoke to how much respect he had for his father, but... Third thought, that maybe continuing to talk about Inuyasha wasn't the best idea.

But in the end, she trusts her gut- for better or for worse. First thought, best thought.]

... Jinba and humans... we can't have children. Why does your world let them be born if they have no place in it?

Edited 2019-07-23 17:18 (UTC)

Why does it let them be born?

[ A few years ago, he would have a snide comment about how "there is no reason for their birth." However, he pauses to think of an answer for Konoha.

He wonders exactly what his father was thinking, but then he already said as much. His father believed -- no, knew -- that he could create a place in the world for Inuyasha. ]

I cannot guess the reason for every half-breeds' birth. But this Sesshomaru assumes that it is because of the weakness known as love. [ Hn. ] Even if the world does not love them, those that helped create the life did. They love a person that they have not yet met, and will allow themselves to be ostracized with their child.

[ His gaze drops to fix on the table, watching the steam as it rises from the tea. ] Even if there is no place in the world for them, there are people that will care for them. If half-breeds are displeased with that... they need to fight for their reason to live and exist... and carve a place for themselves that no one can take.

[ His head lifts as he notices the waiter returning with food. He fills his mouth with air as he turns his head to let out a "peh." ]

[At first, Konoha just hums noncommittally, unable to agree with him. Well, there were already a few things they'd established that they didn't agree on, but. The weakness known as love...

At first she just deals with the food, thanking the waiter and opening up the small bamboo baskets he brings, revealing a variety of bite-sized morsels. Dumplings, steamed buns, braised meats, cooked vegetables, turnip cakes... (She loved how it smelled here!!)]

Love is a strength, too.

[She might be naive in some ways, but she doesn't completely deny it could be a weakness. Certainly it wasn't always totally good for a person's health or even life, but... ]

I can understand how their mothers feel. I'd do anything for my children- I already know that.

[She knows it. Deep in her bones. In her heart. But that probably isn't enough, and though she feels like she's going to have to apologize to this girl if she ever does arrive here, for using her as an example to try and get through to Sesshomaru despite never having met her...]

But... what about Rin? If she chooses the demon world... Won't her husband be a demon? And then her child would be a half-breed, wouldn't it?

[THAT'S YOUR GRANDCHILD, SESSHOMARU.]

[ His gaze fixes on the food, lifting his chin each time a new dish is revealed. He makes a small thoughtful, appreciative noise. Opening up his hand, he gestures for Konoha to serve herself first this time around.

And, Sesshomaru keeps himself from clicking his tongue about hearing that love is a strength. He feels warmer for it; he knows that he would never wish to sacrifice the life of Rin to accomplish anything. To some degree, the same could be said about Jaken and Kohaku. And no matter what he says, he will protect Inuyasha. But these things feel like ... weaknesses, at times. Because people can take what he cares about in an attempt to control him.

It is only at the last part does he find himself pausing. ]

Rin?

[ He repeats his daughter's name carefully. His eyes widen slightly at the idea that she would get married and have a child of her own -- that did not occur to him. ]

He will be. He will most likely be another greater demon. [ Like he would allow her to marry any low-bred demon. However, he pauses as he realizes that if Rin truly fell in love with one of those ... would he be able to tell her 'no?' He frowns considerably. ]

The child would be a half-breed, but being related to me... I would carve a place for that child to exist. Even if I have to kill every other demon or human... I will protect that child. [ That is what Konoha is getting at, yes? ]

[Filling the silence, Konoha take the cue and takes a pair of chopsticks, beginning to take a little portion from every one of the small bamboo baskets spread out over the table, piling them up on her plate and leaving him half.

To her, it just seemed a simple connection to make. To question how he could be so disdainful of the idea of half breeds while at the same time waiting for a human daughter to choose his world... which would mean that all her future prospects would be demons. Right?

Konoha pauses, hands halfway to clasped in gratitude before she starts eating, watching the thoughts run through his mind, the frown on his face.

He's... close. Sort of. Kind of. She almost asks how he could phrase it that way when he was also related to his brother, but instead...]

That child wouldn't be an affront, would it?

[ Sesshomaru pauses to think on that question. Not to me. Not to Rin. Not to whomever she marries. Not to Jaken. Not to Kohaku. There will be many that child will be loved and adored by, but -- ]

To some, yes, they will be an affront.

[ There is little reason to deny it. Even Father with his glory and majesty could not prevent Inuyasha from being hated. ]

Even with my power and strength, there will be fools that will hate them. I will kill them until the only ones left that have hate in their hearts... will fear it.

[ That is all that he can do. That child will be safe because the price of doing anything to them will be death. He wonders if Rin will approve of his methods. If she loves her child, she might approve of it? Perhaps? He lets out a single hum as he finally begins to place some food on his plate -- it isn't as much as what Konoha has, of course. He only has the one stomach.

It's less than half of the half left to him. ]

The most we can do in the times we live in is to let those that we love not face hardships. If it means we must kill for it, that is what it means, is that not right?

[Konoha would like to think that their worlds must be very different, that he could always go straight to such an answer- that killing would be the way to his goals, even if those goals might be kind. But a part of her knows... that's not why. Sometimes talking with Sesshomaru made her head hurt with the effort she had to put into thinking... but in the meantime, she just keeps shoveling dim sum into her mouth, chewing steadily.

Maybe it would be impossible after all to get him to change his mind... But he'd been so generous with her. Even protective. And if that was real-

This time it's Konoha's gaze that casts down, brows furrowed as she considers the question turned back on her. If her parents, if her child required it...]

I guess... I would try, if I had to. To defend them.

[But the admission... doesn't make her feel very good.]

[ Sesshomaru flinches inwardly at seeing her expression fall, at hearing her voice lose some of its brightness. Something that he is saying is upsetting to her. He keeps his face steady as he pauses to eat one dumpling. It gives him a second to think on why she seems so sad.

Because she would like to believe in a better world... a world that does not need to kill in order to allow for other lives to exist? He cannot create such a kind world without violently and absolutely stomping out the old. His father would probably consider such an action to be tyrannical and evil. His father would want to believe in humans and youkai to be able to live in peace with each other one day. ]

There's no reason for you to do anything. [ He finally says. ] The world that you are wanting ... a kinder one... may be possible. [ If she were Rin, Sesshomaru may have told her to simply not think or talk about topics that make her sad. It would be an order and Rin being young would listen. It would be his way of saying that he would handle all things, and she need not concern herself with anything that troubles her mind.

Konoha, however, is older and so requires some more discussion. He breathes in deep before popping dim sum into his mouth and grumbling inwardly. His gaze shifts to look around -- there are few patrons and they are far enough away that he can speak a little kinder, a little softer.

And also, it isn't just about the world, hm? But about Inuyasha and this Sesshomaru. ]

I cannot create a kind world for Inuyasha. I can only protect him the way that I know how. He needs to find his own place and find what he truly wants for himself first. [ He almost clicks his tongue but resists. ]

He is someone that my father chose, and he is someone that my father believed in. That is why this Sesshomaru believes he is capable. [ Huff. ] At the moment, however, he is foolish and stubborn and short-sighted. He cannot find anything for himself and does not even know what might make him feel like he has a right to exist.

[ His head shakes. ] And I cannot tell him what they are. He has to seek his own and want it enough to keep it. [ A beat. ] And the same would be true for my grandchild. I can only do what I can and cannot tell them anything more.

[ He can only tell them that they are loved and protected; he can only tell them that he will kill those that will wish to harm them. He can only make a place in the world that is at his side, but they have to find their own, too.

Reaching out, he picks up his cup of tea to drink deep. He is not someone that talks overtly much and so suddenly saying so much -- it makes him thirsty. ]

[She's thinking of how Gonta had saved her, that time in the mountains when the wolves had been seconds from ripping her apart far worse than the single bite scar visible on her forearm. How he'd been ready to kill, beast or human, if that meant protecting the people in his care... Thought about her own parents, and wondered, for a moment, if they would have killed to protect her... instead of died.

Wished, even though it was naive, even though she knew it was... that there might come a time when no one had to kill anyone at all. That a kinder world may be possible.

When the words register as Sesshomaru's, not her own internal thoughts, Konoha raises her head from staring a bit wet-eyed at her plate, looking over at him expectantly in the silence that follows, waiting for the rest with baited breath.

... So he loved him after all. In a weird way she doesn't quite understand, couldn't, and the way he talked about his daughter, and her future...

She knows he wouldn't appreciate if she gave in to her current urges, so she stretches out her chocolate brown forelegs, bumping her fetlocks against his hand in a subtle bid for attention and well as a push of affection as her own clutch her dim sum plate to prevent herself from trying to hug him.]

... Thank you.

[For saying so. For speaking so honestly of his world, of his situation and the people he knows. For speaking from the heart. Sincere as she was herself... she liked to think she could see the same in others. If strong people like him thought a better world was possible, even secretly, even bregudgingly... Maybe it would eventually be true.

And maybe she wouldn't weep a little into her meal.]

[ Being nudged by her fetlock, he pauses -- the cup of tea resting lightly on his bottom lip as he finishes taking his drink. The cup is set down gently, carefully, before his other hand turns to lightly hold her pastern. He lets his free hand rest on top as he lightly pats as he did her hand.

Sesshomaru does not tell her that she's welcome. Of course, he wouldn't. His head only dips just slightly when he sees that she's crying -- inwardly, it makes him upset. The tears, he understands, are happy ones but it is not something that he likes to see. Why are you crying if you're happy? Stop it. He closes those words up in his throat and doesn't say them.

Instead, he moves on. ]

Inuyasha comes from another time than me. In the time that I am in, our differences aren't so ... vast. [ A nice way of putting it. ] That is why I cannot go easy on him. If he is coddled too much, he will not be able to acquire the strength he needs.

[ That is how he thinks. He spoils and overly protects that which is his, but Inuyasha is different. He is to be their father's heir and cannot lean on him too much. If he does, what is the point of their father in naming him as his successor?! ]

Do not bring this matter up to him. [ Because Konoha is probably going to see the two brothers going after each other like they're going to the races. His eyes close for a second; Shen Qingqiu said he should not be doing as he is, but he does not completely agree. The future is at stake and too many divergents could cause massive complications.

He has to remain as he was in the past. However, he is starting to grow actually resentful toward Inuyasha in hearing him constantly dismissing their father's legacy and favor towards him. Hmph. Opening his eyes, he beings to eat with one hand.

And hearing all this will probably get her to stop crying... ]

[Other times is a concept she'd been introduced to fairly early on in her journey to other worlds beyond her own that she'd never asked to go on. It was still hard to fully comprehend, only hearing about it from others without experiencing it herself, but... She can nod, stuffing a dumpling in her mouth to try and stop her emotional reaction with delicious food. (At least she knows her own propensity for such reactions well.)

Thankfully, this means her mouth is full and she can't ask why they can't just talk things out. Or explain the time difference to him. Or any of the other reasons she can innocently come up with that don't involve "not coddling" which, from him, sounds a bit too much like "violence"?

More dumplings.]

... Okay.

[Thankfully for Sesshomaru, Konoha has grown used to keeping secrets in this place. Secrets from Connor, secrets from Arenvald... trying to interact with both of them and not sweat with the effort to keep from spilling the beans... At least she's never met this Inuyasha person. It makes it easier to agree not to tell him something.

Made even easier by the gentle pat of clawed hand on her forelegs.]

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