[059] - [Voice]

[onwhitewings]

Ah... is this... working?

[It is a younger Mitsuhide that is frowning into the SFC; he has gone back several years and is currently no older than eighteen. His mind has reverted to that time as well, meaning that his knowledge of 'modern' technology is now non-existant. It has taken a few days to get used to starfish-shaped device enough to make a post.]

It must be.

[His expression becomes a lot calmer, though there is an obvious aura of awkwardness about the young man.]

An introduction may not be necessary, but it is polite to offer regardless. I am Akechi Mitsuhide, retainer of Lord Saitou Dousan of the Mino province.

I know I have been here for quite some time; I have seen the evidence of it, though I do not remember anything of this city before now. Those I have asked about the matter say it is because of a 'curse,' and that I will remember when the end of the week comes. I truly hope that is so. There are many things I yearn to find explanations for, and I...

[He pauses, and shakes his head a little.]

Until then I will focus on the many beautiful areas contained within Vatheon... and above it as well. This island is something of a paradise; its beaches are not quite a match for those one can find in Tosa, but they are lovely nonetheless. Though I may not be the strongest of swimmers, I may have to take a swim in the ocean and see what the water is like as well.

Comments

action;

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Motochika likes it out here where the air is crisp and carries the scent of the ocean, where the faint taste of salt is carried upon the breeze.

He watches Mitsuhide use the SFC with unconcealed fascination and interest, warmed by Mitsuhide's fond regard for his home.]

May? [Motochika lifts his chin in challenge, then smiles, lively.] Hah. Come, my friend. The ocean awaits us!

action;

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Mitsuhide has removed his sandals and tabi, and is enjoying the feel of the sand beneath his toes. His hair has been tied back into a long plait, but the breeze still moves the hair of his fringe about. He laughs quietly at his friend's statement, and raises a slender eyebrow.]

It sounds like you do not wish to give me a choice, Lord Motochika.

[He sinks to the ground, stretching his legs out on the sand and closing his eyes. There is humour in his voice.]

Perhaps I have had a sudden change of heart and no longer wish to test the waters. What say you to that?

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Motochika leans over Mitsuhide from behind.]

Nothing. I shall act instead.

[He bends, curling his hands under Mitsuhide's armpits.]

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[That's not an unexpected response from Motochka; Mitsuhide smiles to himself before shifting out of his friend's grip and moving onto his knees. He tilts his head a little to look at Motochika.]

Then I shall act in turn, to defend myself.

[His eyes are warm, and fond; it's perhaps a good thing that he is unaware of just how obvious that fondness is.]

I will not simply bend to your will.

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[That obviousness is silently appreciated by Motochika, before he responds to the challenge.]

Very well, Mitsuhide. Let us see whose will is greater!

[Motochika reaches out to grab hold of his friend's arms, undeterred by the ease of Mitsuhide's previous escape.]

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[This is going to lead to a "fight," or, rather, a playfight. It is not the first one they've had (far from it in fact), and will not be the last. As men in their twenties, such playfights would inevitably be won by Motochika, who had the advantage when it came to pure physical strength. Right now, as teenagers, the end result is a lot less certain. They are far more evenly matched.]

[Motochika's fingers brush against Mitsuhide's arms but the younger man rolls to the side before he can be grabbed, and then shifts onto his feet. He takes a few steps away from Motochika.]

It is no contest at all, my friend.

[He makes a short, amused laugh.]

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Let it not be said that Motochika is opposed to a challenge -- he grins widely, a light in his eyes, before he lunges, aiming to plant a shoulder into his friend's stomach. Unless Mitsuhide dodges far enough to avoid the length of his reach, he intends to make another grab for Mitsuhide's wrist should his friend avoid him initially.]

Bold words.

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Motochika connects; Mitsuhide tries to step backwards and avoid it, but instead the momentum ensures he is sent flying to the ground. The samurai huffs when his back hits the sand, but seconds afterwards kicks out a leg and attempts to trip up Motochika as well.]

[If Mitsuhide has hit the ground, then Motochika needs to as well, as far as Mitsuhide is concerned.]

Confident words.

[He is not actually that confident, but it's just part of the game.]

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Balance not yet recovered enough to avoid or resist the leg Mitsuhide kicks out, Motochika tumbles to the ground. He laughs then, momentarily breathless from the impact, before he rolls and tries to pin Mitsuhide beneath him.]

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Current advantage: Motochika. Mitsuhide doesn't intend for that to last.]

Pinning me down... will not get me into the water, you know.

[Mitsuhide raises his hands, grabs at Motochika's shoulders, and then attempts to roll himself and his friend over. If he can get on top, then it will be much easier for him to make his great escape and win the fight!]

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Motochika smirks, and wraps his arms tightly around Mitsuhide's torso as Mitsuhide rolls them over, to prevent his friend's escape.]

No. But it's a start.

[Motochika attempts to roll them over again.]

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Motochika manages to roll them over, but Mitsuhide doesn't let them grow still this time. He immediately pushes himself inro another roll, so they remain in motion and progress over the sand.]

[Getting closer to the water, in fact, though he's not aware of that. All focus is on his friend.]

You won't progress any further.

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

We shall see.

[Motochika says. He is just as determined to win, just as focused -- and so he keeps them rolling, unwilling to let up. If the ocean sounds louder, well, he doesn't care.]

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Their rolling motion can only end in one way, considering where they are headed. Mitsuhide is laughing as they both struggle for dominance, unaware that they are getting closer and closer to the water's edge. It does not take them long to actually reach it.]

[Mitsuhide lands in the shallows of the ocean water with a splash, back meeting the wet sand.]

Good heavens! [He exclaims.] I.. ah!

[It's a bit of a shock to his system, and he struggles for a few moments. This sends more water up in the air, further soaking the pair of them.]

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Once the initial shock fades, Motochika laughs, his shoulders shaking from the power of his mirth. The cool water is invigorating; being soaked, if anything, only seems to encourage him. After a moment he manages to speak.]

Now that you have tested the waters, you might as well swim.

[With that so helpfully said, Motochika resumes laughing.]

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[After he has recovered Mitsuhide sighs, though he is smiling as he does so. It seems Motochika has grabbed an accidental victory.]

I suppose that is true.

[He had intended to swim, anyway. It was a fine day for it, after all.]

Once you have let go of me, of course. Unless you intend to plunge me deeper into the water still holding on like... like this.

[Something of an odd expression appears on his face then; Mitsuhide turns his head, as if to look at the water's surface, but his cheeks have gone a very deep shade of red. It's not like this is the first time they've ended up in this position after a fight, but Mitsuhide can feel Motochika's body shake as he laughs and it reminds him just how close they are right now. Considering the way they'd woken up earlier in the week, it makes him a lot more self-aware.]

I would not put it past you... you are ridiculous, at times.

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Motochika relinquishes his hold as his laughter ends, then pulls back a little, bracing his weight on his arms. He finally catches sight of Mitsuhide's expression a second later -- it brings back a vivid memory of the look on Mitsuhide's face when they first woke up pressed together, after their forgotten night. He swallows thickly, sliding his eyes shut for the briefest of moments.]

I am inspired.

[He corrects pointedly, shaking his head. His grin softens into a warm smile.]

But I have no intention of drowning you. Do not worry.

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Inspired doesn't stop Motochika from being ridiculous, but Mitsuhide allows that to pass without comment. Instead, he tilts his head back towards Motochika and smiles a little shyly at the drowning comment.]

I am not so sure about that...

[Instead of allowing any time for Motochika to spot his increasing embarassment, Mitsuhide shoves his friend off and to one side, scrambling to his feet afterwards.]

Perhaps I ought to stay close to the shore, just in case?

[The young man looks down at Motochika and laughs quietly, before turning away and removing his kimono. After a moment of thought, he decides it is probably for the best that he keeps the underkimono on.]

At any rate, you know I am not the strongest of swimmers.

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

[Motochika lands with a splash and then laughs some more, the waves lapping around him as he sits up.]

Stay close.

[He agrees. Motochika pulls off his boots and throws them up the beach, one at a time; he gets to his feet then throws off his obi and top, in much the same way.]

I will not let you drown, either.

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Mitsuhide pauses at that, and nods minutely. He turns around and walks back towards the ocean.]

I know.

[The young samurai wades in until the water covers half of his chest.]

[Rather than taking his time in adjusting, Mitsuhide then dives underneath the surface. The water is not cold at all, but pleasantly cool, and it feels good. For all that he is a weak swimmer, that fact does not lessen the sheer pleasure of being in the ocean water. There is something utterly natural about it.]

[He rises above the surface a few seconds later, taking a deep breath and shaking his head a little.]

The water is your natural environment, your home. I know I am safe if I brave it with you at my side.

[Moving to float on his back, Mitsuhide begins an almost lazy backstroke.]

[behisstrength.livejournal.com]

Good.

[Motochika wades into the water, eyes upon Mitsuhide. Once he is deep enough he begins to swim, the transition fluid; he is sleek in the water, a strong swimmer. After he has streched his muscles a little, he treads water, and sweeps an arm against the ocean's surface, sending a spray of water at Mitsuhide.]

[wavesoakedlegs.livejournal.com]

[Mitsuhide has fallen into a relaxed, dream-like state by that point, so Motochika's 'attack' scores a direct hit to his face. He splutters, and stops swimming, treading water for a moment while he regains his composure.]

A... sly move, Lord Motochika.

[Mitsuhide promptly dives under the water again, but this time he opens his eyes as he reaches out to grab at Motochika's leg and attempts to pull his friend fully underwater.]