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 Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:09 pm
  This is a private roleplay between Sakngea [lungrot] and Xiu [Honeybii].
Setting:
Behind the Academy.
The two friends meet secretly, preparing to discover the hidden mysteries of the city.
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Posted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:16 pm
It was the end of classes for the day and Xiu was brimming with energy. He’d all but rushed to the designated meeting spot and noW he was crouched down against one brick wall, his pet tiger cub, Bai Hu, nestled between his feet. The back of the school may not seem so secret, but it was in its own way. No one ever came back here so it was the perfect place to gather. Even now, the area was vacant and quiet, the din of the city muted slightly by the Academy walls
When Sakngea had confessed early about not being familiar with the city, Xiu took it upon himself to show his knew friend around. That and he figured if he followed Sakn long enough, he’d pick up on more manly tips. That was important too after all and Xiu was sure Sakn still had much to offer by way of teaching and friendship.
Xiu stroked Bai’s rust colored fur idly for a bit, making the cub purr happily. Bai was pleased to finally be let out of the temple to play. His paw was all healed up and he was ready for adventure too! And this was one adventure that he refused to be left out of.
Still antsy with anticipation, when Xiu spotted Sakngea coming around the corner, he called out happily to the redhead. “Sakn! I hope you’re ready for today!” Realizing he was being too loud, Xiu lowered his voice and added, “But we have to be secret about it. Okay?”
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Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 12:26 am
Sulking out of classes, eyes glued to the ground, Sakngea was the epitome of irritation. He absolutely hated this school, and while his mothers home school had meant that doing chores was not only a chore, but homework as well, at least it kept him away from all the snobs and snots that seem to crowd into the halls of the Academy. Yet, everyday, he went, mainly because his mother threatened him with sewing and no fishing for a week if he didn’t go.
Today had been better then most though, mainly because now when Sakn went to classes, he could see Xiu. The smaller boy was probably the closest the red head had had to a friend in a long time. Though, today had felt slightly embarrassing, what with him having to admit he didn’t know nothing about the city, and thus having to agree to Xiu showing him around. Not that hanging with Xiu and exploring wasn’t an awesome idea, but the idea of being showed around like a lost girl made Sakn feel rather unmanly.
So when the stupid kid behind him decided it was okay to push Sakngea out of the way as they exited the school, the red head was all but willing to beat the living snot out of the brat. As his fists met flesh (soft and weak, just like a rich brat should be), the country kid soon found that he was indeed excited about the adventure him and Xiu had planned, and in reality, he wasn’t being unmanly by having his friend show him around. At least Xiu was a boy, and not a girl!
Though, after the squabble was over(and Sakngea had mentally resolved his earlier worries about his masculinity), he realized that Xiu was still waiting for him behind the school. Cursing himself, the boy dusted himself off and turned heel, running toward the back of the school.
As he booked it round the corner, two things became very evident to the fisher boy. One, that Xiu was still there, and obviously not upset about having had to wait for him, and two, that there was a rather curious thing sitting near the boy. It momentarily confused Sakn, but before he could really focus on the puffy ball of fur(some how, he didn’t find it cute at all. Instead, he felt slightly afraid…) and decipher what it really was, Xiu was talking.
He slinked up to the boy, chuckling as the smaller dropped his voice, as if someone was listening in on them. He crouched down beside Xiu then, subconsciously putting space between him and the fuzz ball, eye brow raised and lips quirked into a partial grin. “Why we whisperin’?” he asked in a rather normal tone; slightly hushed just for the sake of mimicking his friend. He paused then, and tagged onto his question an even better one, “An’ why’s it gotta be so secret?,” his face fell a little then as Sakn worried to himself. He had found that many people wouldn't talk to him simply because he was from a village and not of wealth like many were.
What if Xiu's family didn't approve of him hanging with a bumpkin like Sakn?!
He kept the thought to himself, surprisingly, but settled with a worried and slightly upset look on his speckled face.
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Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 12:59 am
Well, someone could be listening in, couldn’t they? One never knew when one was being spied on after all. This didn’t worry Xiu in the least though. It was all just a game for the moment. Both he and Sakn were on school grounds and safe from the censorship of the battlefield. Even in the city it was more neutral territory.
“It has to be a secret because,” Xiu paused and then flushed, leaning in closer, “I was hoping you could teach me how to be stealthy today while I show you around. You know, like a ninja. My friend has a boyfriend who’s like that. Apparently he attacks people in the middle of the night!” The teen knew he was chattering nonsense, but it didn’t matter, he liked talking to Sakn. Xiu was dead serious as well in his earnest question. He wanted to learn new things and enjoyed his friend as a teacher. He also figured Sakn might be interested in this too. It would be yet another learning experience Xiu hoped and he looked forward to it.
At Sakn’s distressed look, Xiu’s smile faltered. Had he asked too much? “Sakn?” He asked suddenly and gently, dropping the pretense of the whispering as concern overtook him. “Don’t worry, Bai won’t hurt you. He’s just a baby.” Xiu had wrongly interpreted Sakn’s upset look as fright over Bai Hu. The cub had come sniffing about, deciding that Sakn’s feet were tasty treats and had started to lick at the redhead’s toes quite happily. He was curious after all and bare toes were something he couldn't resist.
“I can…send him home if that’ll be better?” Xiu added, wanting to accommodate Sakn. It wouldn’t be good if he was nervous during the tour of the city! He also staunchly ignored Bai’s petulant growl at the suggestion.
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 12:46 am
Bai who? The redhead blinked several times, trying to register what it was his friend was talking about, but was quickly sidetracked by the rough, wet rubbing sensation that was the fluff ball’s tongue. He stared down at the thing for a moment, utterly confused as to what it was he was looking at, before deciding it was some sort of cat.
His confused face quickly toppled into a slightly irritated one, and he scooted back from the cat-creature. He disliked cats, mainly because they tended to hang around the docks often and were notorious for stealing fish from baskets.
He completely ignored Xiu’s reassurance, but when the boy awkwardly offered to send the little beast home, Sakn shook his head. He may not like cats, but he wasn’t going to make Xiu send home his pet--Bai Hu, Sakngea corrected himself mentally with another uncertain glance at the cat-- just because the redhead found them completely evil(pure, unadulterated, fish-stealing, scratchy evil).
“Don’ worry ‘bout it, Xiu,” he added, reassuring the other boy verbally, his usual smile rolling onto his face. It was nice to see that he cared enough to offer that, and Sakn let all the worry he had felt minutes before fade away. He even reached out to pat the ca--Bai Hu (it was going to be hard for him to think of a feline as something worth naming!) gently on the head, like he would to a good dog.
And while he hand rested on the cats head, he glanced back to Xiu, green eyes laughing as he moved back to better topics. Well, maybe.
“A ninja?” he questioned, before blushing slightly, scratching his cheek. See, thing was, Sakngea had never been much of a stealthy person. But he had to do his best for Xiu, as a teacher (and a man!); he gave a certain nod and a thumbs up. “I’ll show you how to be the best!”
He stood up excitedly then, turning on his heel to walk in a direction. Issue was, as soon as he took is first step, the boy realized he didn’t know exactly where they were going yet. So, trying still to be the epitome of cool, Sakn put his hand over his eyes, gazing off as if attempting to pick which direction he should go first…while in reality, he was absolutely lost as to what to do.
Not that he’d admit to it.
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 9:28 pm
Anxiously, Xiu waited for Sakn’s response, not sure what reply he was going to get. But then, Sakngea was all smiled and confidence again and Xiu couldn’t help but just smile right back. He’d be worried for nothing and was extremely pleased that Bai Hu was allowed to come along. The little tiger shared the sentiment, purring under Sakn’s hand on his head.
“Yes, of course a ninja.” Xiu agreed with a bright laugh as he watched Sakn eagerly. “And I shall await your teachings Master Sakgnea.” He teased as he stood, pausing a moment to redo his hair tie. It had become loose and strands of milk brown hair were getting in his eyes. Deftly, he twisted the fluffy mass back and out of the way. Hair tie thusly tightened, Xiu grinned in eagerness.
The youth hadn’t predicted Sakn’s strange maneuver though. He tried not to laugh when Sakn slapped a hand over his eyes. Not sure what the boy was about, Xiu finally just burst out laughing, stifling the sound with his hand. “Oh, c’mon Sakn!” He crowed, rushing up behind the redhead to give him a playful push that upset his balance. “Let’s go.”
With that command, Xiu grabbed Sakngea’s hand and pulled his friend into a run towards the marketplace and ultimately Xiu’s favorite ramen shop. He figured ninjas needed to eat after all. Grinning, Xiu gave a shout over his shoulder for Bai and the cub was quick to lop after the two, however, he was above such antics and was unhurried as he followed his master.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 6:39 pm
The first thing that Sakngea noticed was how tiny Xiu’s hands were compared to his. Narrow-tipped, with a strong grip and nimble. Those were hands that Sakngea had never seen (felt?) before in his life. All the hands he saw were short, hairy and rough as unrefined wood. He had never seen hands that could move so fast, so easily. Even his own hands were not as limber as Xiu’s. He glanced down at the paler hand, interested momentarily.
Then he realized something far more important.
They were holding hands. And while Sakngea was also guilty of holding another mans hand, he at least could say that the last time he did so was when he was little less then a tadpole of a boy, barely able to travel the docks on his own and too short to be noticed if he had been capable of doing so. This, though, this was blasphemy.
The redhead pulled back, halting them just as they came upon the ramen shop, brows furrowed in embarrassed irritation. He then jerked his hand from Xiu’s and pointed in the boys face. “Rule number one,” he stated in his most serious voice, shaking his finger aggressively (as if this helped to make his point), “neva‘, eva‘, EVA’ hold anudder mans hand. Only wimmen hold hands; it’s jus’ not a manly thing ta do!” he then shoved the offended hand into the folded pocket of his pants and eyed the building in front of them.
“Though, I won’ get too mad today, cuz you didn’ know an’all,” he added offhandedly (oh, Sakn, most benevolent master he was!), eyes never leaving the restaurants sign, mind distacted by the hungry growls his stomach was now making.
It wasn’t very often Sakngea had the pleasure of eating something besides rice and fish.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:21 pm
Unexpectedly, Xiu was yanked backwards by Sakn’s sudden halt. Before he could find his footing, he ended up ricocheting into the redhead, back bumping into a chest much broader than his own. Momentarily confused, Xiu looked down at the hand empty of the more calloused one and then up at Sakn and the waggling finger in his face. So. Hand holding wasn’t manly? The student’s brows furrowed as he crossed his arms.
“Not even manly friends can hold hands?” Xiu asked with a tilt of his head. He was smiling before long though, understanding what Sakn meant, even though he had no intention of listening to that particular piece of manly advice. He LIKED holding hands and if Bataar, the manliest around, let him hold his hand, then he figured it should be fine with everyone else. Xiu decided to humor Sakngea though.
“Alright, alright. I got it.” He agreed, holding his hands up in capitulation. “Thank you for your generous understanding.” Xiu added in a half tease, flashing pearly whites at Sakn. “Now that we’ve got our manly issues settled,” he turned to face the restaurant, “lets go eat. I’m starving. I hope you like ramen Sakngea!”
At that, Xiu marched inside the tiny hole in the wall restaurant, ducking beneath the fabric in the doorway. The place was clean and smelled deliciously of ramen. Immediately, Xiu headed to the small bar area and took a seat. He would have grabbed Sakn’s hand again to pull the boy inside, but he hadn’t wanted to tempt fate twice.
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Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 12:09 am
He watched as Xiu disappeared behind the cloth doorway, his brows furrowed. Somehow, he thought, it seemed like Xiu was laughing at his earlier lecture. But the boy shrugged off the feeling, because hunger overpowered his need to be respected. He walked up to the door, and nearly banged his head against the low hanging as he ducked in.
Cursing the doorway and rubbing his threatened forehead, the boy entered the building. It was small, cozy and smelled wonderful. But it was still small, and Sakn’s lips twitched slightly as he tried to stand erect and nearly banged his head against one of the lower hanging lights. But once he moved to sit beside Xiu, he found that he didn’t mind the smallness. The seat he was on was comfortable, and now the smell of ramen was even stronger.
Now that he was comfortable and eager for food--and less excited about conversation (not a surprise, really), Sakn quickly called for someone to take there order. Who cared if some of the other denizens in the shop openly stared at him while he talked rudely to the young lady who came to bring them drinks and food (though he did grin sheepishly when Xiu corrected him!), though he did end up causing yet another scene as he ended up arguing with the owner over how he had spoken to the young lady before. Sakn said something about the guy not getting so worked up, (“Ain’ like she’s y’daughter or something!” “Actually. She is.” “Oh.”), they argued more, and then Xiu managed to resolve the situation. After that, Sakn straightened up and managed to eat as politely as he could(and promised to pay the bill, to make up for it!).
Food now in his stomach, which rumbled in happiness now, Sakngea glanced at his friend. “So,” he had never been a good conversationalist, “What now?” he finished lamely, scratched his chin as he turned to face the smaller boy, his elbow rudely placed on the counter as he leaned against the bar. He blinked a few times, then burped. An old couple glared at him, and he grinned stupidly (what! It meant he enjoyed the meal was all.) at Xiu.
“Hehe. Whoops.”
Old habits die hard.
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Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 1:08 am
Xiu just shook his head. There was nothing he could say or do that would change Sakn’s manners. That’s who Sakngea was and Xiu was content with the boy. Sakn would always be…Sakn. Granted Xiu thought his forehead now carried a permanent hand mark from where he slapped it so many times in exasperation.
“Now, we explore a bit.” Xiu explained, not allowing Sakn to digest further as he hurriedly ushered his friend out of the ramen shop. Who knew what would have happened next if the redhead was allowed to stay a moment longer. He wasn’t sure if he had the stomach for one more fight. Xiu was definitely going to have to write an apology letter to the owner and his daughter later.
Happily outside now, Xiu trooped back out to the main street with Sakn, taking things slow to allow Bai Hu to catch up. The tiger had been chasing rats behind the trash cans when both Lunarian’s had exited the shop. Of course the cat was quick to follow after his master.
“I don’t know how long you’ve been here Sakn,” Xiu started, voice taking on the tone of someone who was about to lecture as they walked, “but there are many great sites to be found in the city. The temples being the most well known to most of the population. I’ll take you to one of my favorites, kay?” With a smile up at Sakngea, Xiu turned down a side street, heading for the small temple located in the eastern part of town.
Suddenly, as if at random, Xiu was struck with a horrible chill, the force of which made him pause and shudder. His mouth dried out and his stomach churned, threatening to dispel the ramen from earlier. Bai Hu growled at his feet, hackles up. What in the world--
“Sakgnea! C’mon!” Xiu cried in sudden anxiousness, abruptly taking off down the road as fast as his legs would carry him. He sensed an dark aura coming from the direction of the shrine. Something evil. The sensation of the demonic energy felt like a million marching ants across his skin. If something had truly taken residence at his favorite place...well, gods have mercy.
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Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2010 12:48 am
Sakn was all more then ready to walk around the city. In fact, now that his stomach was full, he was ready to do just about anything! He nodded in interest as Xiu spoke, for sure, while Sakn had never been much into the religious life (his family only visited temples on special holidays), he had always found temples to be comforting. He often times would speak with the ghosts when he visited his local temple in the village, and Sakn found himself wondering who he might meet at this temple.
Of course, his thoughts were rudely interrupted as Xiu jerked to a halt, which caused Sakn (who had drifted behind in thought!) to nearly run into the small boy. Instead he just managed to stop before bowling the boy over; balancing on his tip toes and curved over Xiu in a comical-like position. Of course, his scowl made it less funny, but before he could tell his small friend to watch it, the boy was running away.
Sakn felt it then, now that he was aware that something was wrong. It was a dull ache in his gut, the kind of ache he got when a bad storm was coming out at sea. The kind of storms his father called ‘Devil storms’; the kind that made wives into widows and sons into orphans. It was a disgusting feeling, and while he wanted nothing more then to get away from it (like a horse runs from the wolf), he had to follow Xiu.
Sakn barely glimpsed his friend as the monk boy slipped between the great temple doors. The feeling now had intensified, and Sakn was certain something was in this place. Something that shouldn’t be in this world.
“Xiu?” Sakngea called as he stepped into the temple. “Whut’s goin’awn?”
He did not like this, this uneasy, nauseous feeling.
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Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2010 11:21 pm
The minute Xiu was inside the temple, he shrieked and then ducked with surprising speed. “It's a spirit. Sakngea!” He yelled out in sudden warning as a tomato went flying over his head and straight at his friend. The sound of a nasty splatter resounded moments later, the fruit having smashed right into Sakn’s head. Xiu wasn’t too worried though. It was just a tomato after all. That and he was also too busy dodging more items that came flying his way.
Eggs, pots, and various forms of rotting vegetables whizzed around the temple straight at both him and Sakn. Xiu yelped and flung himself behind a nearby pillar, yelling another warning to Sakn. He hoped the redhead had moved out of the way. Xiu didn’t look behind him just yet, the alter at the back of the temple holding most of his attention.
That’s where the sickening aura was coming from. Already Xiu was feeling dizzy from the dark energy, his stomach rolling more harshly. If he squinted really hard he could almost the black haze over the alter. While there was no voice to the mass, Xiu knew that it was cackling in glee at the havoc it was calling.
“Sakn we should prolly get out of here.” Xiu called over the wind that was starting to whip up in the space. Easier said then done though. Xiu was already being sucked towards the evil entity. He yelped, grabbing onto the wooden pillar as his feet were dragged out from beneath him. What had they gotten into and where in the hells was Bai Hu? Xiu needed his help if he was going to exorcise anything!
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Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:31 am
When Sakngea entered the temple he did not expect to be smacked in the face with a tomato. Saknscowled, rather freaking irritated, and barely had time to wipe the smelly old vegetable off before a pot nearly crashed into his face. The young fisherboy managed to smack it with his arm instead, sending it crashing into the ground(he ignored the screaming pain in his arm). Of course, he realized after blocking more projectiles, including a couple stalks of rotten leeks and a hard potato, that Xiu had called their tormentor a 'spirit'.
Which finally clicked. A ghost! The fisherboy groaned, dodged another violently thrown vase and quickly moved to hide behind a pillar a little ways down from Xiu. People, Sakn could deal with. Ghosts on the other hand were something he didn't understand. How do you fight something you can touch? He frowned before attempting to at least figure out where their attacker was. Sakn tried as hard as he could to see where the ghost was, but couldn't see anything. (He should have trained more instead of putting it all off!) Though every time his eyes raked over the alter her felt his stomach twist. So, going with instinct, Sakngea figured that was where the thing was.
Of course, he had no clue what to do with an evil spirit, and when the wind started howling and pulling at them, all Sakn could do was hold his ground. Of course, he looked for Xiu as well, and when he saw the boy being pulled towards that alter, Sakngea gave up his hold on his own pillar.
He had to help Xiu! Of course, when he let go, the wind whipped around him, trying to pull him in, but Sakn forced himself to stay up right, and managed to get over to where his smaller friend was, and pulled the boy to him, hand twisted into the back of Xiu's robes as he grasped onto the pillar and set his footing.
"WHUT SHUD WE DO, XIU?" Sakn called, speaking over the screams and laughter that ripped through the air as the winds increased. He had never dealt with anything like this, and while he could sense the thing before them, and easily hear the laughter now emanating from the alter; he had no clue what to do to get rid of such a thing.
And there was no way they could escape. Not with this kind of wind. It was fight or die. Sakn felt a grin break onto his face, even though he was thoroughly freaked by what was going on. He always loved a good fight.
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Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:59 am
Xiu feet slipped and skidded beneath him, the wind dragging him away from his hiding spot. He was barely holding on to the pillar, fingers scraping against the wood, moments from losing there grip. When Xiu was sure he was going to spiral into growing vortex that was the spirit, he suddenly felt himself gripped firmly. Sakn! Xiu nearly cried with relief as his body was settled more firmly on the ground and he instinctively wrapped his arms around Sakn’s waist, holding on for dear life so that his small frame wasn‘t torn away.
Sakn’s words rang in his ears, but the sound was still distant as the roar of the wind grew louder. What were they going to do? He had to think. Think, think, think! Xiu buried his face into Sakn’s chest, trying to drown out everything and just let it come to him as the salty scent of fish invaded his senses. They were dead if he didn’t come up with a plan. Bai Hu wasn’t here though. Xiu needed him as a channel. This thing was too powerful to handle alone. But wait! He had Sakn. It was a long shot and Xiu had never used a live human before, but it just might work!
“Take my hand, Sakn! And don‘t let go!” Xiu cried above the din, glancing up at Sakn's crazy smile. He shifted then, reaching for the hand that was tangled in his robes. Simultaneously he gripped the calloused palm while turning to face the alter, locking a leg behind Sakn’s to keep his precarious balance. At least the redhead seemed ready.
“Just focus on the alter. Think really hard about making it want to go away.” He practically screamed, tightening his grip on Sakn’s hand, feeling the sweat slick between them. Gods, he hoped this worked! Determined now, Xiu searched for his center, calling upon the well of his qi and that of Sakn’s. He was surprised to find that Sakn’s qi was like his, but it was something to be pondered over later. Now was the time to fight!
Xiu eyes suddenly shone like the brilliant green of emeralds as power spun through him and then Sakn like burning fire. His lips moved in a near silent chant, repeating the mantra of the exorcism over and over again. With their combined powers, they slowly but surely began to force the spirit from the living world.
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Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:07 pm
Sakngea stiffened slightly with the way Xiu clung to him (it was just so strange, to be so close to another man), but let it go because of the position they were in. The whole hand thing irked him as well, but he pushed the feelings away because right now this is what they had to do. He gripped tight onto Xiu's hand (oh gods, he was holding another mans hand!) and tried his hardest to keep his footing steady as he obeyed the monks commands.
It was hard though. He had never dealt with anything like this, never used his qi like this. He would concentrate on that vile source of power, feel it ebb as his body burned (almost painfully) with energy, and then his legs would feel weak and suddenly Sakn would lose his concentration. But each time his mind slipped, he forced himself refocus; ignoring the pain and weakness in his legs, arms, hands, everything.
At one point he was certain someone was yelling(he would later realize it was him), and the fire in his body was building up as the thing tried to fight against them. He looked down at Xiu, watched the glow in his eyes, and then there was a pulsing, like a heart dying, and he refocused himself.
One minute there was wind, screaming, laughter and an evil presence. The next there was silence. Rotten food and vases and all the things the spirit had lifted into the air came crashing down, and Sakn felt his legs wobble, but he stood tall because Xiu was still clinging to his sweaty hand, and he could feel them both shaking.
"Thangs always dis excitin' when y'ur 'round?" the redhead managed to gasp between shaky breaths. He felt weak, ill and tired. But he hadn't been the one actually fighting that thing, Xiu had. He glanced down at the boy.
"Y'okay?" he asked, slightly worried for his smaller friend.
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