Jin Kunisada's Story

Kotone placed a finger at the edge of her jaw as she contemplated the question Kohaku asked. After a second or two Kotone smiled, “I did thank you for asking.” she said with a cheerful nod. She was always happy to talk to the other Divo as she took note of his reserved demeanor. Before the young Diva was able to inquire about Kohaku’s experience with sleep, he had already knocked on the Queen’s door. They entered the study, and Kotone was immediately reminded of the first time she had stood in this very room.

She had been very confused and was a little scared, but she knew that the Queen wouldn’t put her in harm's way. Following Kohaku’s lead, Kotone bent at the waist so her upper body was parallel to the floor. It was the highest show of respect that Kotone could give the Queen. Straightening up, Kotone tucked her hair behind her ear and gave a kind smile to the elegant woman before her.

The brunette listened intently as the others spoke about their experiences here in Rapsodia. She didn’t even tune out Eamon as maybe the others did. Kotone was sure to give them each her full attention as they deserved nothing less. After Victoria gave her piece, Kotone gave them each an encouraging nod and spoke up about her experiences.

“I find the atmosphere in Rapsodia to be similar to my home town. The people are quite amiable, and I enjoy helping out where I can. I think Lady Zwei speaks for all of us in that none of us were expecting to become heroes. I certainly wasn’t” Kotone chuckled a bit before continuing. “Overall, I like to think I have settled down and can happily say that this is my home now.” she said with a soft smile. Although she wasn’t afraid to admit it, Kotone didn’t think it would be appropriate to bring up that she still missed her family dearly, especially her older brother. She wasn’t privy to the others backstories unless they told her, and she wasn’t one to pry into the business of others unless she felt she needed to. If she had to guess, Kotone was sure that each of them missed at least one thing or person from their previous life.

Putting on a bit more cheerful smile, Kotone returned to giving the Queen her full attention as she explained why they had been called there. Upon the mention of the Divos Funf and Drei, Kotone perked up a bit. I wonder what kind of stories Jin has this time! Unbeknownst to Kotone, she was maybe one of the few who genuinely loved listening to Jin speak. The thought that maybe something has kept them away for so long did worry Kotone, but she reassured herself that the two would come back to them just as they left.

The mention of Thoryvós brought Kotone back to reality. Her brows furrowed in concern. Entering the cave didn’t sound very wise, but like the Queen thought, they would manage best if all six of them were present. While Kotone was a apprehensive of what may awaiting them inside that cave, the brunette was also curious as to what they may find there. With the Queens closing statement, Kotone bowed again. “Of course. I will be sure to keep them safe.” A glint of determination flashed in her honey colored eyes. Despite how arrogant her words sounded, Kotone was by no means trying to say that she was stronger than them but it was a well known fact that she was the only Diva capable of healing. She was also the only one whose Artifact was geared mainly towards defense.

With that being said, Kotone shook her wrist and a sweet, light chime rang out. The sound carried quite a bit which was surprising considering how small the bells were. She hadn’t given much thought to the Queen’s plan but now that Eamon had brought it up, Kotone realized the danger in all of them being gone. Victoria was neutral in what the decision came to, and Kotone was the same. She had full confidence in the Queen’s army in protecting themselves however that didn’t mean she wouldn’t worry.

Kotone’s whole body stiffened at the mention of the crypt. It was quite the horrible ordeal. One that she didn’t like to think about too much. Kotone had had to set up a barrier around all of them to keep Victoria and Kohaku from obtaining more injuries, and it was difficult to protect them and heal them at the same time. At one point, right before reinforcements had arrived, Kotone came very close to going on the offensive. Out of them three of them she had the least amount of injuries simply because she wasn’t in the front lines. She had been so relieved that she had fallen to her knees when they came.

Shaking her head of such thoughts, honeycomb eyes glanced over a Kohaku and Victoria, giving them a weak smile. Upon hearing a knock at the door, Kotone looked over her shoulder. A large grin sprung on her face at the sight of her comrades unscathed thankfully. They weren’t given much time to stand and chat as they were ushered outside of the Queen’s study. Immediately Kotone approached Jin with a smile. “How were your travels?” Shortly after asking this, Kohaku offered the chance to accompany him to the market. Distracted for a brief moment, Kotone pondered the notion. She hadn’t been to the market in a while, so it would definitely be a good idea to go now before they were to leave.

The brunette gathered her dresses fabric and pulled them up enough to see her feet. Biting her lip, Kotone realized that if she were to go on this journey she would have to get a new pair of boots. The ones she wore were pretty worn out and were beginning to fall apart. With a sheepish smile, Kotone pointed her foot forwards in Kohaku’s direction to show him the state of her shoes. “I think it would be wise for me join you my dear friend. I do believe I need a new pair of boots.” she chuckled a bit. Turning her attention back to Jin, Kotone smiled apologetically. “Would you care to accompany me Jin so that I may continue listening to your travels? Unless of course you’ve reached a conclusion?” She smiled up at him hoping he would come with her. While she enjoyed his stories, she would have to prioritize getting new shoes for their trip.

The brunette was delighted that Jin was willing to accompany Kohaku and her to the market. “Oh wonderful!” She clapped her hands quickly with a large smile on her face. Kotone laced her fingers together and tilted her head to the side. “What kind of attire are you looking for Jin?” Before Kotone was able to hear a reply Jin had called forth his friend, Asato. Blinking a few times, she took a step back and let the two converse. Suddenly the pinked hair girl wrapped her arms around Kotone. She was a bit surprised by the action but soon returned the show of affection. “Oh I have been well! I hope Jin here hasn’t overworked you too much.” she giggled a bit. Kotone glanced over at Jin with an apologetic smile. “No I mustn’t keep you from doing your duties. Please aid Jin.” Asato released Kotone who took a step back to allow the two some privacy.

Kotone waited for the two to finish, and she watched Asato jump out the window. A bit concerned Kotone rushed over to the window. “I hope she landed safely.” Turning back over to Jin, the brunette grinned. “I think it’s about time we leave. We’ve kept Kohaku waiting long enough. As they headed out Kotone waved to the others.

It was always an enjoyable experience being with these two. They typically reverted to their mother tongue which was a welcome familiarity. When they approached the entrance of the palace they were greeted by another figure of importance. The Head Commander - Wilbert van Lorentz. Kotone returned the bow with a polite smile on her face. She shook her head no, in fact Kotone was always happy for more company. “The more the merrier as they say.” she said, giggling a bit. They were soon on their way to the city.

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Honeycomb eyes sparkled in awe once they landed on the city of Antavgeia. Regardless of how many times Kotone has walked into the city, she was always excited to see its beauty. Kotone looked around and skipped a bit ahead of everyone. She suddenly twirled in place and laughed. “Oh this place is just absolutely marvelous!” Kotone grinned widely.

She then noticed the citizens were making way for them, and their conversations had turned to focus on them. While she has been here for quite some time now, Kotone always found it interesting that she was the talk of the town. “Looks like we’re the talk of the town eh? I guess we should be used to it by now, but it’s still so silly” Kotone looked over at Kohaku who she was sure shared similar thoughts.

At last though they reached the market square. Kohaku was quick to leave along with the head commander. “I hope you find what you came here for Kohaku-kun.” Kotone still spoke in their mother tongue, and it would seem the citizens were baffled by this new language. Turning to Jin, she smiled up at him and laced her fingers behind her back. “Well I understand you are in need of new attire, and I am in dreadful need of new boots. Let’s say we find the clothing section?” Regardless of his answer, Kotone headed towards a sign that had a picture of fabric painted on it. She wasn’t sure if it was a fabric store or a clothing store, but she didn’t see anything wrong in checking to make sure.

Stepping inside, Kotone was delighted that it was indeed a clothing store. She immediately began browsing the store keepers items before she noticed there was a small selection of shoes in the back. A bit too excitedly Kotone rushed over there. Her long hair trailing behind her like a phantom.

She peeked out from behind a clothing rack upon hearing Jin. Giving him a brisk nod, Kotone grinned and went back to looking through the clothes. There were all sorts of items that caught her interest, so it came to no surprise that one of the clerks approached her albeit a bit nervously. “Ah Lady Diva? Would you care for some assistance?” Turning her head to look at the older girl, Kotone smiled warmly. “Oh would you be so kind? Thank you! I came in here for a new pair of boots, but I saw all these clothing items.” Kotone clasped her hands together in front of her, looking at the female clerk expectantly. The clerk looked at Kotone with some confusion before she realized Kotone was asking her to help choose something. “Oh! Of course. Well why don’t we pick a pair of boots and then select an outfit to go with it?” With a vigorous nod, Kotone let herself be led back to the shelves that held all sorts of boots. “What kind of boots are you looking for?” The brunette placed a finger to her chin as she tried to determine which kind of boots she wanted. Finally her face lit up and Kotone lifted up her skirt to show off the boots that she had on currently.

“I would very much like to have one’s like these. A pair of boots that are nice a sturdy for long travels.” The clerk smiled and took Kotone to the far side of the room, picking up a pair of brown boots that folded over just above the ankle. The sole wasn’t too thin but not thick where it got too heavy and it had a very good grip on the bottom. “Would these do? They’re lace up boots.” Kotone took the pair from the clerk and began to put them on her feet. To the clerks surprise, Kotone began to jump around and jog around the store to test out how they were. “Oh yes! These will do just nicely. I’ll take them! Now would it be alright if I wear them now? I’d like to break them in as much as possible before tomorrow.” The clerk nodded and then led her back to the clothing rack. “Now for an outfit. I see that you’re wearing a long skirt. Would you care for something like what you’re wearing?”

“Surprise me! Choose what you think would do nicely.” Again, the clerk was taken aback as she was never given so much responsibility in choosing a customer's attire. Eventually she pulled out a thigh length dark blue tunic with white trim and petal designs along the cuffs and hem of the tunic. She also had a thick pair of black riding pants that were form fitting. “I’m not sure how long you will be traveling for, but these riding pants will do the job, especially if you’re riding.” Kotone took the items from the clerk with a smile. “Thank you very much. I always wore skirts or trousers, but these riding pants will do just nicely!” Taking the items up to pay, Kotone was told that it was on the house just like they told Jin earlier.

A bit guilty for not having paid for the items she left the store and began to search for Jin. It didn’t take her long to locate him as he was the only person she knew who would do poses in front of a fountain. Approaching him, Kotone laced her fingers behind her back and giggled. “Are you practicing for a photo shoot? To see which ones are the best?’” Kotone was aware that photo shoot wasn’t the correct term as they did not have cameras like they did in Japan, but she wasn’t sure what they had. Or maybe they do portraits. Kotone wondered where the others had gone. She remembered seeing them as she left for the clothing store, but she wasn’t sure in what direction they went in. “Say Jin-san, you wouldn’t happen to know where the others had gone would you? I recall seeing them as I left . . .” she said with a sheepish smile.