Heavenfall

"I'll just hide behind the Emperor's daughters."

He grinned.

Jin chuckles, "Until Saruko asks which roles they want to play at your wedding...."

"Ah, but they will protect me as I have done them, and keep things... Fun, but not overdone."

"It is rare I see you as the optimist but we shall see."

"Well, there's the tiny matter of doing the impossible later today first. We pull that off, I'd say we've earned some optimism."

Jin chuckles, "I'm just saying I know which danger I'd rather face."

"Better an upset Monkey Princess than the Realm of Evil. Saruko can be distracted by cute children..."

"Fair, fair. Then there's the matter of closing the pit..." Another sigh as the topic turns serious again, "I trust in the nezumi and their motives but a spell that powerful is going to have costs."

"Worth it, I would say."

Sora looked toward the Pit.

"I cannot imagine not at least making the attempt."

"Definitely. It must be done. Of that there can be no doubt. I just hope we can truly manage it."

Sora simply passed him the beer at that.

Jin nods as he takes the skin and another long pull.

"Have you spoken to Koyama recently?"

"Last night, actually. He, Phi, and I stood another watch together."

This brought a frown to Sora's face.

"He's... troubled. I mean, we all are, but there's something gnawing at him."

Jin nods, "He's worried about Shinjo and Fu Leng. Think he thinks she'll leave him for her brother. I know Hantei wanted Doji but I can't say I really feel that was Shinjo's motivation in all this."

"Not at all the impression I got either, but... well. They've been married about five years, and I know Shinjo's been focused on this to the exclusion of almost everything else..."

He sighed.

"I just hope they keep it together enough to go home and keep all you Ki-Rin types wake making up."

Jin nods, "I don't think he'd interfere with what we're trying to do here. But I'm worried about what he might do to himself. This is not the place to be lost in doubt or fear."

"He's been used to being strong. Fearless. But nobody can manage that for long. I've tried to remind him that he's not alone, but..."

Sora shrugged.

"Ultimately, it's up to him to figure it out. I just hope he does."

Another, smaller, drink from the skin as Jin nods then hands it back to Sora, "Indeed."

"So. Assuming this all shakes out... you feel like, ah... officiating? For Kinyoubi and I, I mean..."

"Oh!" Jin didn't need the slight effects of the drink to look chocked, but he recovers," Uh, I mean... of course I'd be happy to."