Tsunagi Kamui had a plan for today. She was going to hunt monsters. It would have been a fun time for her. She had spent the morning exercising, ate a light breakfast but a heavy lunch, and prepped her clothes and weapons for blood, guts, and gore. She was going to have a good time killing helpless monsters until something good came along, and kill it too, then drag its corpse to be sold. She would use the money to get tipsy, drink a bit more in a hot spring, meditate, and then head to bed knowing the day was well spent.

However, that was not how her day was going. The morning was how she liked it, training from dawn till noon while ignoring Mami's insistent whining of boredom after the cheagle woke up much later than Kamui. But as soon as they finished lunch, Mami spotted a poster and then less-than-casually flipped out in the middle of the street. The choice for Kamui was then between agreeing to whatever Mami was screeching about (the little thing was talking so quickly and high-pitched that Kamui couldn't even understand them) or enduring further public humiliation. Kamui did not do well with public humiliation. At all.

Instead of a fun time with murder, Kamui was spending her afternoon standing in a very long line. For something. She had no idea. Mami was vibrating with excitement so hard that they couldn't speak, and Kamui was attempting to be even a tad productive by meditating as they waited, the line barely moving. The swordswoman didn't even bother to listen in on the excited whispers around her; she was so bummed about no bloodbath. All she caught was something about meeting some pop star? It niggled something in Kamui's brain, something from her past, but she dismissed it.

'Next time I will pay more attention to Mami so they do not feel the need to alleviate their boredom in such a way I am bored,' Kamui grumped in her head, just as she thought they were getting closer to the end of the line. Mami was vibrating so hard, clutching some sort of thin colorful plastic case, that Kamui was worried the cheagle would wet itself. Kamui hoped not because if the companion did that in front of the pop star, not only would Kamui be incredibly embarrassed, but Mami would also never shut up, spending at least a month randomly bursting into tears. And they would never again enter Hosenka from the very shame of it.

Kamui was still mulling over this what-if scenario when they finally reached the front of the line, and the woman made eye contact with the person they had waited so long to meet. Her usually confident steps faltered, her eyes went wide, and she almost gasped.

"Sei...?"

WC: 481

He was out and working, doing a fan meet and greet. Interacting with fans and signing whatever they wanted to be signed. There were some normal and very outlandish requests that amused him. The line was sizable which did seem intimidating and exhausting to an average person, but he was a hard worker and wouldnt let that deter him. He needed to be charming, welcoming, smiling.

His own companion was sitting beside him, a kitsune who was much bigger than an average fox. More ample description of that size would be the size of a horse. Kyukon was mostly quiet and sitting alert as a guard dog as he knew he needed to be super formal in such events. He was there to make sure nothing bad happened, but with his height even when sitting, he could see the line more. The kitsune couldnt help but wonder if Dae-seongs wrist could take all of this. This many signatures. He lost count.

Dae-seong meanwhile did these for publicity, after all, he was planning a tour across Fiore. So this was like a nice promotion to that stuff. And so this was when another fan would come. He had his pen ready to sign whatever they offered

Was it... really him?

How many years had it been?

Kamui was shocked, rapidly blinking several times to dispel the image of a 16-year-old Dae Seong from her head. She wanted to believe that this man was just a crazy hot look-alike (their relationship was always platonic, but she had eyes) with piercings and pink hair, but nope. Now that she was paying attention, there were, in fact, large banners behind the table with his face and name. Twice now she regretted paying attention to her companion and their interests. She never thought she would see the day.

Kamui was still struggling to think up what to do when their turn in the line finally arrived. Mami squealed with excitement and bounced toward the table. Kamui automatically bent down to place the cheagle on the surface so they could face the man directly. "Hiiiii!" They greeted Dae Seong. "I'm Mami! I'm a huge fan and sooooooo excited to meet you!!" Mami said in an even higher pitch than usual, holding out the CD case for the idol to sign. "You and your fox are so cool!"

While Mami was chattering at the man, Kamui stared at him as if trying to pierce his skull with her eyes. To an outsider, this might seem overly intense or even threatening. But Kamui was simply trying to figure out what to say. She had never been in this scenario yet, one where the person knew her from... before, and Kamui wanted to inform him that only the name had died, not the person. Very few people other than this man had the honor of her current identity wanting to be linked to THAT name. But how to even broach the subject?.... Did she have to? After all, their last meeting and goodbye had been rather tense. Maybe Dae Seong was like her, wanting to simply move on from that portion of their lives and not look back. If he asked her old clan what happened to her, then he might actually think she was dead. Maybe it was best not to reopen old wounds.

With that in mind, Kamui resolved to let Mami get their damn autograph and then leave.

"Dae Seong, it has been some time since our last meeting. I see you have taken being a people pleaser to a new level." Her father strikes her down now; has Kamui grown up at all? Was that really the first thing she said to the man in almost 5 years? Either way, Mami was now gaping at her, horrified.

She supposed Murasaki Katsuragi was not going to stay dead today.

WC: 443

The next fans in line to have a minute with him were a lady who looked rather joyan and her pet animal. The pet animal was actually the one that spoke and they spoke in joyan. Ok, this would become more interesting. He listened to the critter introduce themselves energetically as Mami who was a huge fan. He softly chuckled "Pleased to meet you Mami" he gently took the CD and gave the small one a signature and handed it back. Dae-seong glanced for a second at Kyukon who gave Mami a smile as he overheard Mami compliment him
"Well, you are a cute one too, you know?~ How do you feel?" he asked Mami

Thats when the lady spoke up, he looked up to see the lady as she spoke as if she knew him. Dae-seong merely raised his brow and asked "Do I know you?" he didnt remember interacting with this lady ever. Was it a one off meeting? He had to be as Kamui said a people pleaser, especially in an event like this. So no matter how everyone treated him, he had to remain polite. Although his kitsune was carefully eyeing Kamui making sure everything was fine and not dangerous

Kamui for once is infinitely grateful for a childhood packed to the brim with stoic warrior training because otherwise, she does not want to know what kind of face she would be making at this moment. But she would have to act quick, because for every emotion she does not show, Mami is, and is on the verge of tears from sheer upset at their master embarrassing them in front of their idol.

But maybe this need for quick thinking was a blessing, because it allows Kamui not not overthink her next words. "You did. Once. Many years ago did we part ways, and we had met long before that, in our homeland of Joya. How... auspicious of us to meet again now Seong." Kamui says, voice even, before going in for the kill. "I now go by Tsunagi Kamui. But you once knew me by another name and face. Tell me, old friend, did they tell you Murasaki Katsuragi was dead?"

WC: 162

He listened to the girl speak as she explained herself. So far as she spoke it really didnt ring any bells and he was drawing a blank. That is until she said the name. She could see the surprise in his eyes when she did utter that name. And he didnt know how to react as he was unsure. His cynical self would call it a bluff, that it was a stalker trying to get into his head so he would have more time with them. But he didnt know. It didnt help that he was on a timer basically as he only had 1 minute per person on this meet and greet and there was a line

"They did. Although if you want to talk about it in greater detail, perhaps my companion could escort you there in the back, as I have a bit of a line to go through" he said as he motioned with his had behind Katsu or Kamui to see that there was a line behind.
"Give me a bit of time and we will talk, ok?" he spoke, and soon his kitsune would approach the two and ask them to follow him, if they wanted to. Otherwise their time was up

Kamui stared hard into Dae Seong's eyes, trying to read the man's thoughts through his face. It did not work. Even as a boy the man was hard to read, though after years Kamui had managed to learn a bit. But now? After years of separation and growth? Seong had once again managed to perfect the art of making it so people only see what they want to see. So Kamui didn't even know if the uncertainty and tensness in his eyes was real or not. The surprise from earlier she at least knew was real, but it was an obvious reaction.

Half frustrated with him, half with herself, Kamui suddenly looked away, grabbed Mami and left without so much of a nod. But unlike what her aloof reaction might suggest, Kamui did end up following the kitsune, a squeaking and protesting Mami in her arms. 

The kitsune led her to what she assumed was the idol's dressing room. There, she sat down with her companion who wailed at her a bit for the upsetting development, then demanded answers. Mami knew only a limited amount of Joyan, and thus only got tidbits of the conversation. Seeing as they knew almost nothing of their master's past, they were intensely curious. Kamui on the other hand wanted Mami to leave before Dae Seong got back. This resulted in a back-to-forth argument with lots of crying and complaining on Mami's side, and firm stubbornness on Kamui's. It took Kamui promising to tell Mami the whole story on a later date, a huge meal, and more Dae Seong merchandise before the cheagle finally skulkingly left to grab drinks and snacks. 

Now alone with the kitsune, Kamui gave the yokai a short respectful and apologetic bow. She was not sure if the being was annoyed or amused by their bickering, but since they didn't seem like the talkative type, Kamui was left with her thoughts. So, Dae Seong had later asked about the state or location of his childhood friend. And the Murasaki Clan told him they were dead, just like she thought they would. And they technically were not wrong. That man was dead. But she was unsure if he had connected the dots between them yet. Maybe if she introduced herself by her new full name? She had grown up with him as Tsunagi Katsuragi and was now going as Tsunagi Kamui. It wasn't a huge leap, and she wanted to avoid saying everything out loud. She was terrible at explanations, and she had never had to explain it to someone who knew both names before. But she would probably have to. 

Kamui didn't know how long she had been contemplating this matter, but before she knew it, the man himself walked through the door. Kamui got up from her chair, head held proud as they looked at each other. Dammit, he did end up being taller than her in the end. But in the end, that mattered not. It was time. "This one realizes she has not properly re-introduced herself. I am Tsunagi Kamui, ronin of Joya. What did the Murasaki Clan tell you of Katsuragi's fate? That he was simply dead, or only dead to them?" Kamui asks cooly, though there is a trace of poison in her tone when speaking of her old clan. The swordswoman then paused as if remembering her manners. "Also, it is good to see you are well." She finishes awkwardly.

She gave him a respectful and apologetic bow, but the kitsune smiled and assured her that it was ok "Do not worry. Its all fine. Though I am curious about your past. Heads up, I doubt he believes you to be who you claim to be." Kyukon warned her as he knew that Dae-seong had some trust issues since he knows people arent above stalking and lying just to get what they want.

Meanwhile
Dae-seong continued for a while with the meet and greet to get all the people done with the line. Once he was though, he would make his way to Kamui, Kyu and Kamui's little companion... Mimi was it? He has heard so many names now that he got them all jumbled up.

Upon his arrival Kamui got up from her chair, the two finally look at eachother eye to eye, uninterrupted from all other noise and people. They both have changed, some more than others. Question was who changed more. Her or him?

Nevertheless she spoke to him and re-introduced herself. He was still a bit taken aback by this "Pleased to meet you. Though excuse me, you mentioned Katsuragi, are you two related? I dont remember him mentioning that he has a sister?" yes even though Kamui had a question for him, he asked one in return as he was still putting the pieces together. Katsu though? It was a name he hadnt heard for a while. What was he told? It was part of his life he tried to block out, but now he needed to remember

Kyu meanwhile Mami, so they can leave the two humans to talk their matters, hopefully Kamui's companion will feel better

Well, that was just splendid. In the end, she found herself compelled to say it outright. He had every reason to be confused; while she did have half-siblings on her father's side, none of them would have taken her mother's maiden name. Kamui almost allowed herself to make a noise of frustration, though it probably showed on her face. At the very least, it was directed inward. Why was this so difficult? Typically, it was easy for Kamui to be blunt and straightforward about things that would make most people balk. Usually, she wouldn't even think twice.

Ah, that's what she needed to do. Not think, just act. It was starting to go against her warrior nature to continue hesitating anyway. With a visible steeling of herself, Kamui looked Dae Seong in the eyes and said, "I am Katsuragi. Well, I was, at the very least. I found the form of a man unfitting for my true nature, thus the change in body and name was necessary. I was also... disowned by the Murasaki clan, so I reclaimed my mother's surname." Kamui spoke in a wooden tone, feeling incredibly awkward admitting this, but she tried to maintain her dignity. "I was visiting town with my companion when I saw you, and I thought it would be good to greet you, after all this time."

In the silence that followed, it occurred to Kamui, based on Dae Seong's nature and fame, that he might think she was some impostor attempting to trick him. Though, if so, this would have been an extremely convoluted and absurd plan. Still, she rushed to recall the first memory they shared that came to mind. "Ah, Seong, remember when we were young, and you tried to climb a peach tree to grab some fruit after I failed to do so myself? You fell, but caught yourself on a branch. Part of your pants tore during the fall, and as you hung there, they fell off, revealing that you were wearing boxers with a fox pattern. You made me swear not to tell anyone about the event, a promise which I have still kept." Kamui finished, pleased that she still remembered the amusing event. Not at the time, of course; young Katsuragi was actually quite upset over the whole thing. But that should prove her identity quite nicely.

So apparently that was his former friend, but now in the body of a female. He didnt know what to think of that Katsu or Kamui now, knew that the story might be unbelievable, so she went to recall a tale from their youth to convince him that she was who she said she was. And Kamui proceeded to tell such a story that he blocked from his mind and pretended that never happened

"Of all the stupid things to remember" he sighs "Fine, I believe you. Im just disguisted by the tale" he spoke, still sounding rather formal in his voice, but perhaps this was his normal way of speaking now, being overly polite sounding
"So, you came here to say hi." he didnt know what to say really "Its kind of odd seeing you like that, after all this time. Im not really sure what to say or do"

At the very least, this encounter was worth it just to elicit something of a genuine reaction from Seong again. That was rare in the past and probably even rarer now. However, Kamui did notice that Dae Seong spoke much more formally than he did in their childhood. Kamui's manner of speaking, like a "mix of an old person and a noble brat," was ingrained in her, though now she spoke with much more confidence. Not that she was feeling very confident in this situation.

She could barely bring herself to shrug casually at his words. "We were children, Seong. And I have and will keep my promise of not telling another," she said seriously.

Then there was just a deeply awkward silence as Kamui struggled to find her words. She was never all that good at talking and preferred the blade over words any day. Maybe she should challenge him to a duel? She considered it a good way to get to know someone. But no, while Dae Seong may be a mage, he was never much of a fighter growing up. He was the one good with words. But now it seemed it was up to her to speak. "In short, yes. I was unaware until recently of your... profession and presence here. It occurred to me that you remained unaware of the true nature of what happened after we parted ways, and I decided to take the opportunity to rectify that," Kamui said, getting stiffer with each word, her mind drawing upsetting conclusions from Seong's demeanor and the atmosphere.

"But I see now that my appearance again in your life is... unbecoming and unexpected. If my presence is unwelcome, then I shall leave you to your peace." Kamui said quickly, giving Dae Seong a formal Joyan bow before turning to leave. She knew this was a bad idea. She could have cut complete ties with her old life. After all, no one would accept her as she is now if they knew whom she was then. She had no idea what she had been expecting of this encounter anyways. A warm reunion? How naive. "Good day, Dae Seong" she snapped at him, heading to the door.

Kamui spoke that they were just kids, of course stupid shit happens. But he'd much rather repress anything that wasnt dignifying and showed perfection and godliness. "Good, yes. Keep the promise" he said it a bit awkwardly finding the words to say to her reply.

Both at the moment didnt know what to say to one another or how to react. Kamui spoke how she was unaware of his profession and presence here as well as she realised he was unaware what really happened to her when they parted ways. He noticed she was getting stiff with each word, but he wasnt sure why exactly. He wondered if Kamui now had a thing for him now that she was a girl. Granted that was his inner narcism that thought of that.

Before he got to speak Kamui did speak first and jumped to conclusions which made him facepalm lightly "Leaving so soon? My, you really did become a woman. Jumping to conclusions and making a melodramatic exit? I did not think your new form affected your mind. Come now, are we not friends? Where's the rush? Beside, your companion over there is having fun" he already forgot Kamui's companion name.