=== Boucheron & Kagetsu ===
--- C ---


[Kagetsu]
You are Boucheron of Firene, are you not?
You appear quite formidable.
[Kagetsu]
That is why I, Kagetsu of Elusia, challenge you
to pit your abilities against mine!
[Boucheron]
You have an eye for skill, I see. Challenge
accepted.
[Kagetsu]
Excellent! Now, let our weapons speak for us!
[Kagetsu]
Ha! Hyah!
[Boucheron]
Hahaha, fancy! Needs more oomph, though!
[Kagetsu]
Phew! Magnificent duel! But let us be done
for today.
[Kagetsu]
I must say, that was thrilling! You did
not disappoint.
[Kagetsu]
Your physique gives you power, but you are
equally light on your feet in defense.
[Boucheron]
You weren't bad yourself. I haven't seen moves
like yours before. They're tough to block.
[Kagetsu]
Have you not? That must be because I learned
them in my homeland.
[Boucheron]
You're not from Elusia?
[Kagetsu]
Not originally. My home and its unique culture
are far away from here.
[Boucheron]
Do tell. That's very interesting.
[Kagetsu]
If you wish to know more, you must duel me
again! I do not part with secrets for nothing.
[Boucheron]
Heh, all right. Count me in.
[Kagetsu]
Good then! I look forward to our next contest.
[Boucheron]
I'll be practicing.
--- B ---


[Kagetsu]
Forgive me for making you wait. I mean no
disrespect to our close bond of friendship.
[Boucheron]
"Close bond"? We've sparred one time.
[Kagetsu]
There is no greater bond than that of shared
experience in battle!
[Boucheron]
Is that how it works where you're from?
[Kagetsu]
Of course! It is only natural. Is it different
where you are from?
[Boucheron]
Hm, somewhat.
[Kagetsu]
Then how do you express bonds of friendship
in your lands? Would you like to quiz me?
[Boucheron]
Quiz you? On what subject?
[Kagetsu]
No, no. Quiz. When two people press their
mouths together.
[Kagetsu]
Come, give me a quiz!
[Boucheron]
A "quiz" when two people press their
mouths together...
[Boucheron]
Oh! Do you mean a kiss?
[Kagetsu]
Yes, yes! That. Come, give me one of those.
[Boucheron]
I'm afraid not. Kissing is for bonds of romantic
love, not friendship.
[Kagetsu]
Is that so? Cultures of other countries are so
foreign to me.
[Kagetsu]
Well, enough jokes. Let us begin our sparring!
[Boucheron]
You were...joking?
[Kagetsu]
Certainly! Everyone knows that friends do not
quiz each other.
[Boucheron]
Don't toy with me.
[Kagetsu]
Haha, if you are angry, show it as we fight!
[Boucheron]
All right, then. If you want the full Boucheron,
then that's what I'll give you.
[Kagetsu]
Ah, there is your war face! Now, come at me!
--- A ---


[Kagetsu]
Extremely satisfying! Today's sparring was
excellent as usual.
[Boucheron]
Agreed. A few rounds with you is much better
than my normal training.
[Kagetsu]
Agreed. Yes.
[Kagetsu]
You know... I feel strong bonds of friendship
between us, whether you do as well or not.
[Kagetsu]
Even if you do not want to be friends, I am filled
with joy merely to be your sparring partner.
[Boucheron]
Oh, but that's not the case. I want to have a
strong bond with you too.
[Boucheron]
So...
[Kagetsu]
So?
[Boucheron]
When will you tell me about your homeland?
[Boucheron]
Where I'm from, people usually bond by talking
about their lives with each other.
[Kagetsu]
Hm. Then I shall do exactly that.
[Kagetsu]
My home has something we call "wa." People
are calm, wise. The fish and rice are delicious.
[Boucheron]
Ah... What's your family like?
[Kagetsu]
My royal father has great swordsmanship.
My priestess mother has mysterious powers.
[Boucheron]
Mmm... You must have inherited your skills from
your father.
[Kagetsu]
Perhaps...
[Boucheron]
Do you see your family often?
[Kagetsu]
No. I abandoned them with my homeland.
[Kagetsu]
To put it simply, I was unable to resist my
desire to see the world at large.
[Boucheron]
Do you ever miss them?
[Kagetsu]
Of course. But I cannot go back as I am. I must
return only when I have...grown.
[Kagetsu]
I must earn glory and honors here so they will
understand why I left. So they will not be angry.
[Boucheron]
...
[Kagetsu]
What is it? Why are you crying?
[Boucheron]
It struck me while we were sparring...
[Boucheron]
For someone who seems so carefree, you must
be carrying a heavy burden.
[Kagetsu]
No, stop it. You are going to make me cry
as well.
[Kagetsu]
If we cry together, you will have to quiz me!
Take responsibility and quiz me on my lips!
[Boucheron]
Huh?
[Kagetsu]
Kiss! Where I am from, when you weep together
with someone, you must kiss afterward! Hurry!
[Boucheron]
What?!
[Kagetsu]
Haha, only joking, my friend! We are playing
around like two dear old pals!
[Boucheron]
Ah, hahaha! You've got to quit messing with
me like that.
[Kagetsu]
Shall we spar some more? If you defeat me,
I will tell you more of my home and past.
[Boucheron]
Sounds good. And if I yield, I'll tell you
something about myself.
[Kagetsu]
Exciting! Let us begin!
--- S ---