Disclaimer: Birdie does not own Genbu Kaiden.
�It�s beautiful day,� Tomite said conversationally.
Hikitsu hummed in agreement, though truthfully he hadn�t been bothered to notice. The phrase however, convinced him to look up at the vast expanse of the eternal blue sky. The sight banished the gloom that had long ago settled in his heart. Even if a war with Kutou was waiting for them in the next valley, there was still comfort to be found within the beauty of their own land.
Namame found constant comfort in the soundless song of the earth; a sacred tune only he was blessed enough to hear. Uruki found his solace in the winds that helped sooth the pain of his fathers curse. Takiko found her peace of mind in Uruki. All the seishi seemed to find something to comfort the pain of their destiny. Hikitsu, however, was unsure if he would be able to face his own death with strong determination. What was there to help him confront his fears and pacify his demons?
Hikitsu spared a quick glance at Tomite. The archer was smiling with comfortable ease as he basked in the brilliant afternoon light. Winter, yes. Sunny, yes. But not warm. Still, Tomite looked pleased enough to stand in the snow, and grin silent challenges at the sky. So, Hikitsu mused, Tomite found his comfort in the warmth and light of the sun.
As if reading Hikitsu�s mind, Tomite turned a little to look at him and whispered, �I�d like to die on a sunny day. I don�t know what I�d do if there was no light to guide me to death.�
Hikitsus foreboding mood returned ten fold, but knew better than to offer the false hope of life after tomorrow. He understood what was going to happen, knew as well as any other what was waiting for them only a valley away: an army no Seishi could defeat. Tomorrow they would merely delay the troops, prevent them from reaching Takiko and the altar. Survival had long since been canceled out of their plans.
And so, unable to reply with consoling words, Hikitsu settled for admiring the endless sky in silence along with Tomite, until he found it in himself to smile.
�Would it be okay if a friend were to help you find your way? I don�t think the sun will be shining tomorrow.�
Tomite chuckled. �I�m sure a friend will be just as good.�
Hikitsu abandoned his false smile and replaced it with a sincere one. Let Kutou come. Let the stars fall from the sky, and all the Gods rampage the earth. At least Hikitsu would be able to find comfort in walking deaths road with a friend.