|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Apr 8, 2018 0:37:12 GMT
He hadn’t realized at first his target had swapped levels with him. A glance to the side revealed Karyuudo was missing, only to be quickly relocated below. This was followed by a momentary curse at the effort put into scaling up to the rooftops only for his target to move down.
With the aim of cutting his target off, Kitsune forced himself to go faster, knowing that he was still very exposed with the battle being on two levels. It was this burst of speed that kept him from being cut off himself, seeing the shadow land behind him. The sound of more than one set of footsteps on the roof tiles told him he hadn’t lost his prey, but had instead temporarily lost the role of the hunter.
Karyuudo was full of surprises, it seemed. Given its power, he instinctively checked back on the bow, relieved to see it was put away. With a practiced hand, his gun was returned to its holster as he jumped over a raised part of the roof, more than happy to lead the fight away from the still panicked crowds below. Those that hadn’t hid had fled to these other areas, spreading chaos like wildfire. Karyuudo becoming the hunter in this chase was purely by chance, a mistake one might even say… but it was one Kitsune would take full advantage of.
At least, given the chance he would.
The consequence of the chaos were people torn between running and hiding, and staring up at the chase in morbid curiosity. One such onlooker did so from the middle of the street just as a large truck turned the corner, honking in surprise even as it swerved. The onlooker managed to duck away, but the driver wasn’t as lucky. The vehicle crashed loudly into one of the construction supporting beams, the rocks giving enough stress to the structure for the crash to bring down the lot.
Even Kitsune heard the crash and the resulting damage as a domino effect took hold, the dust rising as most people took shelter from the falling debris. One small child, however, was clearly frightened of the chaos and had remained steadfastly in place, right in the path of the destruction.
It didn’t even take a moment to read the situation for Kitsune to jump from the roof, staggering the descent against the falling platforms and rocks. Karyuudo, his cure… all other thoughts fled him in that instant. He caught up to the girl moments before the construction collapsed on top of her, prepared to rush her to safety - by any means necessary, as the domino effect was only speeding up…
|
|
|
Post by Kelathi on Nov 18, 2018 21:28:27 GMT
Suddenly, It was as if a film were playing out before her eyes, one that played slow enough for her to be able to work out what would happen next. Unbeknownst to her, she had spotted the immobile child in much the same instant of Kitsune, and just like he, had worked out the scene that was about to play out, and what she needed to do. The world fell away, replaced only with a vision in her mind of what she intended to do, the film now playing in her head with the real world as a back-drop to it... but even as she raced forwards, she felt the sudden hollowness in her stomach as if she had been shot.
She would not reach the child in time.
No sooner had this thought dawned on her did she notice that her opponent was racing way ahead of her, his speed unmatched and his footing precise on the debris even as it fell, his feet dancing over them with ease as if they were mere stepping stones as he made his swift descent from the roof and into the chaos.
But even as the scene played out before her, she knew it would not be enough. Whilst he may very well reach the child, the chances of them getting out of the way in time without any harm coming to either of them were incredibly slim. And despite the fact she knew she could do nothing to help, she still found herself uselessly racing towards them, hoping against hope for some kind of miracle that might spare the child's life...
|
|
|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 19, 2018 18:24:35 GMT
Almost… come on…!
Even though he was flinging himself so recklessly around the rubble, Kitsune was beginning to see the same problem as the Karyuudo. The child had only taken one step back, paralyzed by the immense wave about to wash over her. There were only seconds left…
There was no choice to make.
Kitsune seemed to vanish amongst the rubble, for he was suddenly gone. Not a second later, he was picking up the girl, and not a step later the wave crashed down. Instead of being caught under, however, the pair appeared in the air above that initial crash, vanishing only to appear yet again several yards higher. While it wasn’t clear with his helmet covering his face, Kitsune desperately sought a place to go for safety, only able to go higher to see above the crash. This second leap he caught sight of his goal, an alleyway that was just beneath the edge of the crumbling platforms, safe from all but dust.
As soon as it was located, it was filled; the child was clinging to Kitsune, the shock of the events finally breaking now that they were out of danger. Like a fish out of water, the mercenary tried to comfort the now crying child, shaking his head once to clear it. Why was he so dizzy now? Yes, teleporting took more energy than it seemed, given how quickly he could speed across the city, but this was not his usual reaction to the increase of adrenaline his ability caused. Maybe it was just his guilt that his inability to simply capture the Karyuudo, or drag the fight away from civilians, was in part responsible. He hadn’t seen how the platforms had started to fall, only that they had. But he knew he was at least half the reason the people had been panicking.
“Shh, sh- ok, it’s ok… uh…” Kitsune tried to soothe, swallowing his guilt to settle the child while making sure she hadn’t actually been hurt, kneeling as he looked for signs of blood. Which was difficult, given how his new position meant her short arms were better able to wrap around and pin him in place.
|
|
|
Post by Kelathi on Nov 22, 2018 19:57:26 GMT
As one whom had been privy to mystical events, she was perhaps not quite as floored as she might have been. But she was thankful for the mask in that instant, as she still felt her mouth drop in response. She shut it quickly when she realised he was going to get away if she didn't concentrate, and with hardly a falter in her step, she climbed up to the top of the rubble pile, the dust still settling, and leapt over to the other side. A forward roll to break her fall, and she was up again just as quick. She saw their forms flicker in and out of sight again, and sprinted that way. She couldn't lose him now, not after all that... And although he had appeared to be trying to rescue the child, she was anxious to make sure she was safe.
She skid to a stop at the mouth of the alleyway, spotting them both. A quick study revealed that the child did not appear to be hurt, but was clearly distraught by the danger she had just narrowly avoided. Her arms were wrapped around the stranger, an action which caused Karyuudo's heart to leap with momentary panic. She didn't know what this stranger was capable of, had his actions merely been a way to grab the child and use her as some kind of leverage, knowing that Karyuudo would not attack whilst the child stood before them? It would not be the first time her enemies had tried such a heinous action.
"Child." The growl was deep, frightening... Upon leaving the chamber of the mask it appeared to reverberate across the floor. "Leave us." The warning in the voice was clear, and it had the intended effect. The child pulled away, the sound cutting through her hysteria, her frightened eyes falling on the vision of the masked legend before her. The narrow street was a dead end, she could go nowhere but past the imposing figure standing at the mouth of it. But upon spotting something behind Karyuudo, her eyes lit up, momentarily staying her terror and giving her a burst of courage, so that, giving the figure a wide-berth, she ran from the alleyway, presumably to her parents whom she'd just spotted across the street. Karyuudo was ready to act should the stranger try to stop her, but he didn't.
"Well?" Karyuudo began, once she had gone, voice settling back to it's normal pitch. Her hand was still wrapped around her bow, the other holding an arrow already notched, but for now, pointing in a relaxed position at the ground rather than at him. Clearly, she was waiting for his next move.
"Shall we?"
|
|
|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 22, 2018 21:33:28 GMT
“Ok, honey? I’m seeing something on your - ok, just going to… gk- don’t choke me on my own scarf…?”
If Karyuudo had waited before speaking, he would have heard a cornered Kitsune trying to peel the little girl off him like she was some sort of delicate, precious leech. As it was, the deep growl caught both of their attentions, the little girl finally running to what looked like sobbing parents behind the Karyuudo.
Whose damn bow was out again.
Kitsune rose slowly under the legend’s watchful eyes, still unable to identify where the red came from on the girl’s pastel clothing as she ran away. He noted how the arrow was not aimed at him, but also that there was a “yet” waiting to be said in that. Continuing to look over his shoulder rather than face the Karyuudo, Kitsune weighed his options. To go for his weapon meant the other would more likely get him first, but what else was he supposed to do? Not to mention that the Karyuudo had followed him there. That could only mean one thing.
His secret was out.
“Well what?” he asked, as nonchalantly as he could manage given the panic he was pushing down. Of course the Karyuudo had seen. Of all people… Kitsune tossed his arms out in a grand gesture with a mocking tone to match, still irritated and guilty about the crash they had caused, but apparently only then realized why his head was spinning, and why he was reacting so strongly to his teleporting.
“Shall we keep on fighting in the streets like a pair of… fuck.”
The shift came from lifting up his arm, pausing as he discovered the blood there, and traced it up to his shoulder. For a moment, he forgot about the threat of the Karyuudo standing in front of him, and could only think of one thing.
Naoki’s gonna kill me…
Kitsune’s confidence visibly wavered as he took a step back, finally recognizing the tell tale signs that he should have remembered. With the inhibitor, adrenaline managed to overpower his other senses. Again. Kitsune finally looked back at the Karyuudo, who had for some reason waited and watched, no doubt for their fight to continue now that the child was safe. Which brought up a few questions in Kitsune’s mind… but that was not important right now.
“Save this for another day, shall we?” he finally quipped, still mocking but obviously prepared to run. Not that he really had to start from his cornered position in the alleyway - Karyuudo had seen, after all. And even if it was stupid to use his power when weakened like this… did he have a choice?
Instead of running away from the Karyuudo, he suddenly charged the bow, but with one leap that looked like an attack he was suddenly gone, the only sign of where he had gone being the loose tile that fell from where he landed on the rooftop above, aiming for a safe spot to recover before going home, keeping Naoki safe… and hopefully unaware that his brother had done it again.
|
|
|
Post by Kelathi on Nov 22, 2018 22:40:49 GMT
She wished she could see his face, again noting the irony in her thoughts. Both his body language and his words were nonchalant, of course, offering no explanation as to what had transpired- which was expected. But she would find out. All of a sudden, mid-sentence, he seemed to finally notice his wound, by now bleeding quite profusely. Karyuudo watched in silence, head tilted to the side slightly, clearly interested to see how things play out. Her opponent seemed to very suddenly change his mind on fighting her, evidently he had some sense of self-preservation after-all, and Karyuudo steeled herself, ready for the chase that she was sure to ensue. It would be difficult, she was aware, now knowing his little trick. But if earlier was anything to go by, it seemed he couldn't just disappear from sight, rather, he needed to know where he was going- the conclusion she had come to when he hadn't just disappeared before, but flickered from one place to another before settling.
Even know she knew it was coming, it still shocked her when he disappeared before her eyes. The falling tile was enough to set her in motion, swinging the bow over her shoulder and onto her back, docking the arrow in the inbuilt switch not present in the typical bow, and set to work on scaling the wall. It was not quick work this time, as she was scaling straight up rather than being able to use the momentum as she had when running through the streets earlier, but as she finally swung onto the roof, her feet connecting with the tiles hard and sending up a small cloud of dust, she could see his retreating form. She gave chase, but as with earlier, she could see that the head start he had been given may result in his succeeding in his escape. She continue on anyway, he was weak, and she would not simply let him slip through her fingers so easily, not now she had so many questions that needed answering.
|
|
|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 22, 2018 23:47:57 GMT
Kitsune’s only train of thought was to keep Naoki safe, and to lose the Karyuudo so he would not see where he was headed. Which proved to be more difficult than he had thought… a gut feeling made him glance behind to see the figure following him up, earning a groan as he pushed to run faster.
From experience, he knew injury destroyed his control over teleporting, particularly blood loss of the kind he was experiencing. He could already hear his brother’s voice chastising him, but to be fair the liquid dripped outside his jacket, so he wasn’t feeling it… but it was what he saw on the little girl’s clothes. At least she was safe.
On top of a lack of control, he knew his ability only quickened problems when he was hurt, but pushing himself so hard might as well have been the wrong choice, as in some ways it slowed him too much. Instead of carefully chosen steps, ensuring every landing was solid, Kitsune revealed his reckless side as he raced yet again, flinging and committing himself to every step even if it meant showering the ground below with some tiles as he would catch his balance from time to time. The blood loss was obviously affecting him, getting more and more clumsy as he went, but he was dedicated to the path he had chosen, as dangerous and precarious as it might be.
|
|
|
Post by Kelathi on Nov 22, 2018 23:57:54 GMT
He was losing control, she could see that. Gone were the carefully planned steps, the flips and the feline-like moves. He was getting sloppy, and for now, his teleporting seemed to be kept in check. She dared to hope that she might be able to catch up with him after all, and kept up the pace. Again, she cursed not being able to use the Seven to cut him off, that, she was sure, would have ended the chase rather abruptly, swinging the fates in her favour. But all she could do was try to keep him in her line of sight, and run him out. At the rate he was going, she sensed he didn't have very long left before the loss of blood finally caught up with him...
(Sorry it's short!)
|
|
|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 23, 2018 3:49:21 GMT
(No worries wanted to give you some room to reply before "the big one" XD <3)
Damnit, how fast was the Karyuudo?! Kitsune kept checking over his shoulder, continuously trying to put more effort into running even as his newly crowned pursuer closed in.
This was and had never been the plan. Kitsune was used to being the bounty hunter, the one tracking others down and delivering them to the police. Being chased in of itself wasn’t different… he knew the game changed in the middle of a play, but this time he had retreated to patch up. He hadn’t expected the Karyuudo to follow him, not so quickly. Which he was quick to admit was stupid.
A part of him was beginning to feel the need to teleport, a usually well-trained instinct beginning to resurface. He knew he was tired, wearing down quickly from this race - how he had even gotten this far he didn’t know, given that the wound had to come from an arrow, long before the crash at the building site. The bow had been put away for that chase, he had seen it himself slung over the shoulder, as it was now.
Gasping for air as he ran, audible even through his helmet, he glanced over his shoulder again, letting out a curse at seeing how close the Karyuudo had gotten. Not within grabbing range, but close. Far too close. How much of this was self-inflicted now, not taking a more stealthy approach when he first discovered the injury? If he had lost enough to be fuzzy by that point…
Another glance and the Karyuudo was suddenly farther behind, to his shock. Had he gotten faster? His near misstep and recovery told him otherwise. He was doing it, even though now it was rather pointless… instinctive teleporting, attempting to get ahead but only by short bursts.
But it WAS gaining distance.
One last time, Kitsune pushed himself, but with gritted teeth he teleported again, trying to get some real distance. He got some, bringing himself to the edge of a large street, a good distance between him and the ground. As his foot left the edge of the building, he vanished again… only to reappear midway, and like a limp rag doll fell. Beneath the mask, seeing the fall ahead, he had only one thought before blackness overtook him.
I’m sorry, Naoki… Masahiro…
|
|
|
Post by Kelathi on Nov 23, 2018 20:36:10 GMT
His form shuddered ahead of her, attempts at teleportation earning him an extra step or so ahead, but his overall speed was slowing, which meant Karyuudo was now gaining. A slight smile tweaked onto her hidden lips, sensing victory before it was delivered, but it was very quickly wiped away when he teleported once more, appearing, surprisingly, just a few feet before her.
But that last push must have used the last of his strength, because suddenly he was toppling forwards over the street, with nothing to break his fall except for a 10 foot drop and the cobblestones below...
...and, an armoured hand, which whipped out to grasp the falling figure by the arm. For a moment he was suspended, then she hoisted him up, both of them falling flat against the slope of the roof. Her hand whipped out again, this time across his chest, to keep him from falling, whilst she dug her heels in to stop herself from skidding down the roof, and a hiss of curse left her lips at the close call.
She was breathing hard, both by the adrenalin, now wearing down, as well as the effort of the chase. Carefully, making sure he wasn’t about to tumble down the roof, she found her feet, being careful not to overbalance, gravity now working in their favour as his immovable form stayed where she’d left it. But instead of removing his helmet, which might have been anybody else’s immediate reaction, or simply dispatching him... she moved and without hesitation, gathered his unrelenting form into her arms. After years of training, the strength in her arms proved true, but the ease at which she performed the action was helped by the stranger’s lithe form. Although she knew not to underestimate his strength, it was a body built for acrobatics, much like her own, and therefore very different from the unconscious guards she sometimes had to haul from the street. Mind whizzing, she thought about where she could take him... and then set off again, much slower now with her added burden.
***
Her hesitation as to where to take him had ended with her finding a tavern in the old part of town, the area mostly dominated by the poor and humble. These streets she considered as her own, more at ease there than closer to the heart of the city, where the cities' elite made their homes, as well as the Emperor. Here, the people still told stories around burning fires, remembered customs of old and spread the word of Karyuudo. Here, he was not merely a masked legend that few had seen, but a living, breathing person, and very much alive. His protective presence could be felt around every corner, and as a result guards daren’t so much as stroll down some streets, all too aware of the people’s loyalty to the legend. As such, it was easy for her to find a place to take her ‘prisoner’, the word she used in the loosest sense, knowing that once he woke up there would be little she could do to stop him escaping. Any bonds, she was sure, would be useless, as he may well just teleport out of them.
Upon turning up on the inn’s doorstep, after getting over the initial surprise, the owner had opened his door without hesitation, opening his place of business eagerly to Karyuudo, with a respectfully bowed head. She thanked him, her voice merely a rumble, and the patrons of the downstairs tavern, upon sight of her, began making themselves scarce. But it was clear that their departure was due to respect rather than fear, rising without even a question uttered as to what Karyuudo was doing or why she needed the place, but rather, with reverence and murmured blessings. Karyuudo merely nodded, distracted, taking the stranger upstairs to one of the empty rooms, placing his immobile form carefully on the bed. Soon, the shuffle of chairs and doors opening and closing waned away, and she knew that apart for the innkeeper who hovered in the doorway, they were alone in the building.
His presence spoke a silent question, was there anything Karyuudo needed? And Karyuudo responded gratefully- “Water, needle, bandages... please.” Was the answering rumble, to which the innkeeper bowed his head and hurried away to provide. She didn’t waste any time, standing besides the bed and pressing on the wound with both gloved hands, keeping pressure on so as to stop the flow of blood. The innkeeper returned swiftly, placing the things on the bedside table. Karyuudo was too distracted to notice that he had gone, leaving the keys to the place next to the roll of bandages, silently making it clear that he was happily entrusting all to her For as long as she needed it.
She had already set to work, tearing the sleeve of his jacket to get to the wound (this was no time to waste precious seconds by worrying about scissors) she began to clean it, muddying the water red. As she did so, the tattoo, no longer marred by blood, that wrapped around his arm slowly became apparent. It looked strangely familiar... But she shelved the thought for now. Whilst she often struggled to treat her own wounds because of the sometimes awkward angles she needed to be in to do so, she had had plenty of practice, so her hands flew over the wound without hesitation, stitching it up with expert hands, before binding his arm, tight. Then, and only then, head pounding, did she lean back, looking down upon her handiwork and his motionless form. He hadn’t so much as stirred during the whole ordeal, and she was suddenly starkly aware that it may be too late, he may have already lost too much blood. The thought filled her with frustration and anger. Why had he not pulled away sooner, rather than pushing on? It had not been her intention to kill him, not after seeing his skill, and certainly not now she knew his secret. She had more questions than answers, and if he died, he would take those answers with him...
He seemed stable... for now. There was nothing more she could do for him except wait. So now, she had to plan for if he did somehow miraculously make it- what then? Upon seeing her masked form he would probably make a break for it immediately- which if he was smart, that would be the clever thing to do. Thankfully, it did not take her long to come up with a solution to this problem.
***
The sound of water pouring into a clay cup and the gentle crackling of fire were all that could be heard within the room, soft, intimate, homely sounds. Drink poured, Kasumi replaced the iron kettle back in it’s place, hanging on a nail above the fire to keep the insides warm. Returning back to the desk, she cupped the her drink between her hands, bringing it to her mouth as she gently blew on it, steam curling up to the ceiling. She approached the window, leaning her hip against the ledge as she turned to regard the quiet street whilst cradling her beverage. She had changed, the Karyuudo’s armour safely stowed away in the innkeepers cellar, where she would retrieve it later. Now she wore a deep maroon-coloured kimono, imagery of white cranes along the trimming of the bottom and her long, flared sleeves, which slipped down with the angle of her arms, resting against the crook of her elbows. The trimming depicted the storks in different positions, long legs up to their ankles in water, elegant necks arched to preen their feathers, or to reach down to dip their beaks into the stream, a tranquil scene, accompanied only by reeds and long grasses sprouting amongst their feet. The clothing was tied by a cream-coloured sash around her waist, bringing the entire piece in to reveal an elegant and seemingly fragile form, certainly not a figure to be intimidated by.
|
|
|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 24, 2018 2:23:08 GMT
It was raining.
No, not just raining… pouring, absolutely swamping the garden in the back and washing away an entire morning’s effort. He was drenched to the bone, hair still glued to his skin even as he watched his master’s calm movements. It had only been a few months since Masahiro had found Ryo, living rough on the street, and insisted on taking him in. Since then he had worked hard, trying to be worthy of the old dojo master’s kindness.
It was why he was soaked; in an attempt to prepare the garden for the upcoming winter, he had stayed out in the storm, only to be dragged in by his former mentor. Masahiro too had gotten soaked in the rain, despite rushing out and back in again, but the pair were drying quickly in the warm house, each wrapped in blankets as the old man made them tea.
Every move was watched carefully, Ryo waiting for the chastisement. Masahiro had often worried that Ryo would overwork himself in trying to repay his hospitality, but as yet had said nothing other than to rest and warm up. He had been frantic to get the boy indoors, but had only warmth and kindness in his eyes as he turned, offering a cup of tea. Ryo hesitated before taking it, reverently in both hands, still not able to make eye contact. Masahiro walked around the center counter and took the seat next to him, sighing softly as he felt Ryo grow tense.
“You’re not in trouble, Ryo,” he said, his deep voice gentle. “But,” he added, having anticipated the flinch it earned, “When the weather begins to howl, it is not time to weed.” Ryo’s jade eyes chanced a look over in surprise, only sure of the teasing tone when he saw the crooked smile the old man was offering. He returned a soft laugh, looking back down at his tea, his tension remaining. Rather than pursue the topic, Masahiro put an arm around the boy’s shoulders, smiling as he felt much of the tension immediately slide away.
“Come, drink your tea. It will warm you,” he said supportively, glad to see the change in Ryo. Of course he knew what was really bothering the boy, why he had gotten particularly obsessed with earning his keep. It had only been a few days since he had teleported little Naoki out of danger, his first revelation of his secret ability to them. It was obvious he was expecting to be kicked out for it, as he had moved from foster home to foster home for reasons other than being a “problem child.” But the old master was a good man in many ways, and so let his pupil come to him for help, and to let him discover that he was not going to be abandoned again.
---
“M…hiro...”
The name was half breathed as Kitsune came to, still recovering and sounding groggy. While the smell of tea was filtered by his mask, the sounds were incredibly familiar, and for a few moments he thought he was back in the kitchen with his master, sipping on his home-made oolong tea. Instead of the kitchen, with its tiled walls and bright lights, he found himself in an unfamiliar room, lit by the flickers of a fire. Where was he? A moment later, a particular face came to mind, one that seemed to wake him fully.
Karyuudo.
With a sudden crash, Kitsune was now across the room but landing awkwardly into the corner, having instinctively teleported just as he realized he had no idea where to teleport to. A part of his mind noted the “ow” he knew had to be involved in his landing, not unlike someone voicing the sound for an inanimate object. “Ok, was not the plan…” was what he muttered instead, trying to stand and get his bearings. He already knew his helmet was still on, because he had already thunked it into part of a chair. But why? He had been out cold, his last memory falling as the world went black, Karyuudo on his heels…
Wait, why wasn’t he dead from that? Either the fall, or Karyuudo?
Finally, he made it back to his feet - screw the spinning ground in front of him - and managed to look about, realizing the room looked rather like an inn’s, complete with bed and… bedmate? “Who’re you?” he asked, defensively, using the wall for balance as he considered his teleporting options. In an unfamiliar area… not his best choice, perhaps.
|
|
|
Post by Kelathi on Nov 24, 2018 10:55:20 GMT
The sudden crash earned a quick movement from Kasumi, one hand whipping down to grab her sword which, of course, was no longer there. Thankfully, the slip-up was not noticed, the stranger had more important things to concentrate on- like the possible concussion he would have did he not have a helmet. He had scrabbled up quickly, and in contrast, Kasumi had remained motionless, apart from her free hand slowly rising again to meet the cup, merely watching him recover from his rude awakening. Her form was tense, wary... she was confident in her ability to evade him if needed, but without her sword and armour, if things should turn sour she was at a distinct disadvantage. She had thought about this, and so after tending his wounds, she had unstrapped his weapons, leaving them at the foot of the bed on the old chest that resided there. A gesture of good will, but also an attempt to level the playing field, as long as she was fast enough she could make use of them herself if needed.
She knew the moment his eyes fell on her because he seemed to pause before the words left his mouth. “Who’re you?” She waited a moment before answering, it would probably do to show some hesitation to this stranger, even if she knew there was no way he could link her name to the great Karyuudo. A civilian left in charge of a warrior, an enemy of the legend himself, would not be too confident, after all. “My name is Kasumi.” Then, without waiting for the obvious question that was sure to follow, she added- “The Karyuudo has chosen to show mercy on you. He left you in my charge.” She wished, for probably the third time now since their first encounter, that she could see his face, so that she might read his expression. Instead, she searched the visor of his helmet, but could not even see a suggestion of a face.
“Who are you?” She countered, in much the safe defensive tone he had used to ask.
|
|
|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 24, 2018 16:16:34 GMT
Kitsune was able to tell the woman was stiff, despite his own difficulties at the moment, but he remained wary of her. “The Karyuudo… showing mercy?” he repeated, slowly, clearly in disbelief. “That doesn’t make… any sense…” Another shake of the head, one hand going to it as if he could clear his mind with the touch. He glanced at his arm, seeing the sleeves of his jacket and suit cut and the injury wrapped. The Karyuudo spared him? Maybe even saved him? And his helmet… had the Karyuudo removed it and put it back when he was out, or had he actually left Kitsune his secret identity? With effort, he recovered himself from these spinning questions, taking a deep breath, clearly eyeing the woman despite being masked.
“Kitsune,” he finally answered her, a little hesitant to use the name, but deciding that it would not be a problem. Finally, the room was leveling out, and he was able to better study it. It was old, suggesting it wasn’t too close to where he and the Karyuudo had fought. This was when he also recognized the weapons sitting at the foot of the bed he had been in just a few minutes before, growing more confused. The Karyuudo had left him his weapons? Removed them, yes, but he would be damn sure to check every single one before using them. From the propaganda of the emperor, the Karyuudo was not beneath such underhanded tricks…
Which was exactly why Kitsune’s ongoing existence made no sense. If the Karyuudo was good, why did the emperor want him dead? And if the Karyuudo was bad… why would he leave an enemy, one with a power unlike any other, alive?
|
|
|
Post by Kelathi on Nov 24, 2018 16:45:59 GMT
Something about what he said had caused her eyes to flash with annoyance, but she waited for him to finish and answer her question before speaking, revealing what it was that had bothered her. “You sound surprised. Karyuudo is merciful.” the statement was accusative, as if challenging him to argue against her. Upon realising the tart tone she had adapted, she drew her eyes away, looking towards the fireplace instead. With a nod of her head, she motioned towards the empty clay cup on the hearth. “Some tea, to line your stomach. You’ve been out for a long time.” This time, her tone was smoother, having recovered from her initial annoyance. Of course, he would have to remove his helmet to have some, which she doubted he’d do, but it was worth a try. She took a sip of her own tea, biding her time as she thought about how to proceed. For, although she appeared calm, she was racking her brains. The name Kitsune and the tattoo she had glimpsed when treating him, they both seemed vaguely familiar. She felt as if she should know what they meant, and was irritated to find her memory failing her at the moment.
|
|
|
Post by Red Irish Dragon on Nov 25, 2018 3:57:50 GMT
Kitsune caught the edge in her voice about the “merciful” Karyuudo, scoffing.
“It makes no sense to show such mercy to an enemy,” he replied darkly, but obviously was referring to more than his life, and not fully to her. He couldn’t tell if his mask had been removed or not, but it seemed more and more unlikely the more his head settled. If the mask was removed, there was no point in hiding that fact. Not unless the Karyuudo was playing some twisted game… and that certainly didn’t make sense.
The offer of tea made him pause, for two obvious reasons: his mask, and the fact that he was an enemy of Karyuudo. If this woman was really trying to… what, obey the Karyuudo? If she was, might she have poisoned or even drugged the tea? But finally he moved, slowly, a little unsteadily, but growing more confident as he reached the chair by the hearth, putting a hand on the back to steady himself. He seemed to hesitate again, but took a steadying breath, beginning to reach for the cup, intending to fill it. “Your offer is… kind,” he said, his voice considerably different. Not necessarily trusting, but trying, almost as if apologizing for speaking to her so harshly before. If Karyuudo wanted him dead, there was no point in poisoning him. And he couldn’t see the hunter of legend resorting to an assassin to finish what would have been easy work.
|
|