Likely on his way to exitvoid . . .

[oyakodon]

As unpleasant as this place sounds, you know I have no objections; on the contrary, I'm certain Bon needs me there more than ever at this point.

Besides, what other chance will I have to watch humanity up close? From what I've heard, I doubt I'll be the most unusual creature on this strange little island, so I'll be able to learn a great deal that I would never be capable of back home. There are quite a few benefits, aren't there?

And really, Bon's hair must be an absolute mess by now.

Comments

[oyakodon]

I've simply heard.

[ He takes his time; Bonten's hair really isn't that bad, but Utsubushi makes it seem as if it does, carefully separating it into long strips to brush each individually. It's all done more for the comfort of the display rather than the actual need. ]

Have you made friends there? I know that's not always easy for you.

[ A pause. ]

You can be rather unpersonable at times.

[ Another pause. ]

Most of the time.

[fatbirds]

I'm sorry, did you want to be castrated today? [Bonten glowers over his shoulder before turning back around and FLOPPING back on Utsubushi's pillowy lap. Try and comb his hair now, bedding!]

[oyakodon]

[ Really, dad? Utsubushi lets out a sigh of vague exasperation, though there's not much gusto behind it; he's used to this sort of behavior, after all. It's just part of Bon being Bon. He still manages to scoop his creator's hair up to comb it out, albeit at an awkward angle. ]

It certainly isn't my fault you're so abrasive...

[ He leans over them, tilting his head down at Bonten. ]

I have heard that Ginshu is there, as well.

[fatbirds]

[Bonten just huffs. It's not his fault that there are so many stupid people wandering around.]

The Princess arrived some time after I did. Tsuyukusa was there for a while too. [And also snakepapa, but we're not going to talk about that.]

[oyakodon]

I see.

[ It's good Tsuyukusa is gone, in his opinion; the boy is soft-hearted and would likely suffer far more hardship, faced with such atrocities every day. But the Ginshu matter... ]

And matters between you and the priestess... how have they been?

[ There's no mistaking the tone that always leads up to yet another lecture on how Bonten can avoid ruining his own life on a regular basis. ]

[fatbirds]

Nonexistent. [His tone is flat enough that Utsubushi might believe him. And anyway, it's none of your business??] So well enough.

[oyakodon]

Hmm.

[ He knows you too well, Bon. Sliding the hair over one shoulder, he takes up a lock and begins to braid it -- partially for his own anxiety. That's a wild card that leaves him in constant worry for his creator. ]

Just be careful. You can be very good at getting in over your head.

[fatbirds]

[He snorts softly, relaxing despite himself.]

I don't need to hear that from you.

[A beat.] You shouldn't come.

[oyakodon]

[ The great tengu laughs, shaking his head as he works. ]

Don't be silly. This place doesn't sound so frightening, and this way I can at least try to keep you out of trouble.

[ A small click of his tongue is offered as he smooths down an errand lock of hair. ]

Besides, someone needs to keep you tidy.

[fatbirds]

I am perfectly capable of keeping myself tidy. [He'd glare, but he's too busy having his eyes closed.]

Somebody has to make sure Tsuyukusa doesn't feed his heart to hungry woodland creatures.

[oyakodon]

[ Utsubushi doesn't argue; they both know that, while capable, he's really not good at it. ]

This is true; I suppose both of us will have to have to do that, as soon as we return together.

[ The braid is clipped up, and he begins on another. ]

[fatbirds]

I don't think getting out of here is that easy. Teiten's net doesn't reach, but there's still somebody behind the scenes, pulling strings and keeping us tethered. [And if you are BOTH in this weird place, who is there to look after Tsuyukusa...?]

[oyakodon]

We will get home.

[ His fingers work gently through Bonten's hair, separating it into locks before he ties in a leather strip, braiding it all together. ]

From what I understand, time won't pass without us; Tsuyukusa will be safe until we return to him. Don't worry.

[fatbirds]

Coming from you, that's pretty rich, Utsubushi.

[But do continue to do his hair. ... And then undo it before he leaves.]

[oyakodon]

[ That earns a soft chuffing of breath. ]

It's my job to worry over these matters! It's your job to do as you've always done.

[ A beat. ]

Which primarily is to make life more difficult for the rest of us.