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 Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 8:52 pm
Jianyu leaned his head against the side of the window, resting it against the smooth mahogany wood. Outside the breeze drifted gentle and quiet across his bruised and battered face, soothing his aching body, cooling the heat that rose and fell like the tides of an ocean. It smelled like grass and orange blossoms, tinged with the thick, coppery tang of the blood that was soaking the wraps that had started to unravel on his arm. Jianyu raised a hand, pressing his fingers to his forehead.
"I will live for them." he said again. "That is my reason. Them, and for those who I care for in this world. That is why I will stay here, in this mortal life."
He let out a soft laugh, ringed with bitterness and sadness. How easy it was for Tenjou to simply hand him a bow, like it was not a difficult task. How easy it would be to reach out and take whatever it was that he offered, how easy it would be to try to use such a simple instrument. Many could use a bow. Many could shoot well, without ever having formal training beforehand. Jianyu himself had picked up a bow when he was ten and had began shooting when he was eleven. His father had always been supportive, had always encouraged his son to work for the bow. Qian Liwei had been a master swordsman a long while ago, but he had long since given up the sword for the needle, preferring to keep things comfortable and at ease. The sword was left hanging dustily in his cabinet. It was a powerful weapon, but a simple one.
But the bow was different. Though many may have been able to use it, only those who could understand it could really be able to shoot it well. Jianyu did not know if he could use it again. He turned around to face the Noble man, his face twisted in pain and confusion as he stood up slowly, his legs weak and shaking slightly.
"I do not know...if I can shoot again." he whispered. "I do not know if the bow...is right for me anymore. But...I will go back with you. I will let Yoshimitsu treat me.
"And then I will train."
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:30 pm
Tenjou gave the young fighter a small smile. That was rare of Tenjou. He was generally a man of stern words and little emotion. This was the more fatherly side of the man who led the nobles and their retainers.
"Yes. Live Jianyu. Live and strike down with fury against the men who took away your comrads. Show the nobles, no, show me what a force you can be. Prove to me that the Legionnaires are not lightweights. Prove to me your desire to live on the battlefield."
Placing his hands inside the silver sleeves of his robes, Tenjou paused for a moment. This room had the best view in the whole pavilion. He had never realized that until now. With light earthy tones it had a light air around it and it was close to the court yard that many of his guards liked to use a train ground. Perhaps, there was a reason why Jianyu had come into this room of all the rooms in this house.
"Do you like this room Jianyu? If so, I can bring Yoshimitsu here. This room has a nice view and it's in close proximity to my room and the courtyard. Many of my guards spend their free time training in the courtyard. You could join them."
Tenjou paused when Jianyu whispered. What was this in the young man's voice? Was it fear? Anxiety? In any case, it was something dangerous. Something that could hinder Jianyu's self confidence.
"You are an archer. I have many brilliant men at my disposal Jianyu. If by any chance you cannot use a bow again, then I will have something else of equal caliber crafted for you. There is an inventor, Zou, who lives within these hallways. He enjoys challenges."
Tenjou let his gaze linger on Jianyu. Fate had an affinity for drawing parallels in every meeting. This was no exception. Turning his head, he chuckled when he saw the white medicine chest sitting a few feet away from him.
"Yoshimitsu is waiting for us."
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:45 pm
"There is nothing that you could say that would force me to think otherwise." Jianyu murmured, his fingers absentmindedly stroking up and down the bloody bandage wrapped around his arm. "I will do what I can to live for those who have lost their lives this day. I cannot think of any other reason to live, save it for that and for the ones that I do not want to be alone; the ones that I will support and cherish and protect with all of my strength."
He turned his gaze briefly back to the yard below the window. Tenjou's land was massive, stretching out for several leagues in all directions, and covered with lush green grass. Several orange trees lined one side, the petals of the slowly emerging blossoms scattered out across the windblown emerald strands. It was indeed, quite a beautiful place, and the breeze was soft. Comforting. It brought with it the promises of another day, and the gentle familiarity of Lunaria itself. Jianyu closed his eyes, breathing in the scents, the feelings, the raging emotions that twisted and curled inside of his stomach.
"I rather like this room." he finally replied. "And I would like to speak with that man, that inventor...Zou, was it? first thing in the morning, if that is possible. I would like to see...what he can do for me."
Jianyu did not know if it was possible to make something for a half-blind archer, didn't know if he even dared to hope that there might be some small semblance of a chance to become what he once was. He did not trust himself to believe that such a thing could be made, but he would trust in Tenjou's abilities and intelligence.
"You...may bring Yoshimitsu here, if you wish." Jianyu said, casting a small smile in Tenjou's direction.
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:15 pm
It was morning already. The sun was out and beating down harshly on the backs of men who were training in the courtyard. They were all tanned and well toned. Tenjou did not allow for his guards to go soft, and there was a general air of competitiveness amongst them. That same competitive drive among the men also brought a sense of camaraderie to the guards and so, Tenjou supported this competitive streak that existed within his ranks.
Sitting under the cool shade of a large peach tree, Tenjou turned and smiled to an old, fat Lunarian beside him. It was Zou, the legendary inventor. While his title was impressive, his appearance wasn't. He looked like he could be anyone's fat uncle. Zou had short grey hair and was in an advance stage of balding. In comparison to Tenjou who was wearing rich purple robes, Zou was dressed in something akin to a peasant's raiment. Something not silk, of wheat in color and displayed his beer belly with ease.
The two men were sitting in silence. A shogi board sitting in between them. The guards who taking a break from the strong sunlight were seeking shade under the same peach tree. Though giving the two men room, their eyes were on the shogi board. They were aware that this was an important game. Tenjou and Zou were known to have intense board games when trying to get the loser to do a favor for the over.
"Shoohai, Tenjou. I have lost again."
Rubbing his stomach, Zou stared at the leader of the nobles. Just what was this crazy man thinking? What could he possibly gain by aiding a Legionnaire? Shaking his head, he stared at the direction of Jianyu's room. What was so special about him?
"So what am I doing again?"
"I will tell you when he joins us. It can't be much longer until he comes out."
That said, Tenjou joined Zou in staring at the direction of Jianyu's room.
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:34 pm
The first thing that Jianyu noticed when he awoke was the smell. The scent of sunshine mixed with the fragrance of orange blossoms was heavy in the air, and there was no hint of rain like the night before.
The second thing he noticed was the pain, mostly the pain in his head. It felt as if someone had slammed his skull repeatedly against a hard surface, and the ache reverberated throughout his mind. Jianyu raised a bandaged hand, wincing as he pressed his fingers to his forehead. His limbs felt rusty and unused, and as he slid from the bed, he could feel the wear on his knees. Gritting his teeth, Jianyu pushed himself up, wavering a bit on unsteady and weakened legs before taking a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly. He glanced to his left, peering briefly out of the large, glass-paned window above his bed, but all he could see were the blurred forms of the figures below. He thought he could make out what looked like Tenjou, sitting on the ground. A dozen or so men milled around, all in training uniforms.
Jianyu made his way out of the room, down towards where he thought was the field. He had to ask for directions several times, as the Orange Pavilion was quite large and well-decorated, but eventually (and with a lot of pausing to rest his aching limbs), Jianyu walked out onto the grassy field of Tenjou's. He saw the older man sitting beneath a tree, talking with a well-aged man who's stomach far outreached all of the men's around him. Jianyu gave a small nod to him as he stepped up to Tenjou, inclining his head in a respectful bow.
"Good morning." he said.
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:46 pm
Tenjou nodded his head to acknowledge Jianyu's greeting. He patted the ground for Jianyu to take a seat at his left. The young men who had sought comfort in the shade of the large tree began to leave one by one to give their lord and his guests privacy.
"Good morning Jianyu. As promised, I have the inventor Zou. Zou, meet Jianyu. He is the young man you will be working with today."
The inventor grunted and eyed the battered fighter. He was lanky. Not a swordsman. An archer. Or, judging from the bandage on the young man's eye, more accurately a has been. That eye was the reason for his summon. He was to develop a weapon that would allow this young man to return to the battlefield with pride. Scratching his protruding belling, Zou nodded.
"I am Zou. And before we begin, I must say I don't understand Tenjou's motive for helping you. But, since I am in his debt today, I will not question him decision to help you."
Tenjou gave the inventor a rather severe look and received an identical one in return. Calling for one of his archers, Tenjou took the bow and arrow from him and held them out for Jianyu. They needed somewhere to start.
"Aim for the target Jianyu. We must figure out your limitations before we begin."
Zou reached into his shirt and pulled out a piece of charcoal and some scrap paper. For notes.
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 11:02 pm
Jianyu was not quite certain he liked this man they called Zou. For one thing, he looked about as strong as a lamb frolicking in a field of flowers. For another, his belly protruded so far out from his body that he could have used it as a table. Not to mention the underlying sarcasm in his words as he scrutinized him. Jianyu eyed the man warily, feeling a little lightheaded. Tenjou pushed a bow into his hands, and Jianyu stared down at it, feeling a rush of familiarity course through his veins.
The bow was long, its ends tapered, and the string that ran from peak to peak was so thin that it was barely visible to the naked eye. Hand carved from the wood of a cherry tree, its designs were intricate and detailed, the handhold just large enough for Jianyu to wrap his bruised fingers around. The arrow was simple and ordinary, its tip sharp and its feathers a bright orange color. Jianyu nodded to the men and stood back up, wincing involuntarily. The weight of the bow was soothing, though it felt somewhat strange in his fingers. It was not his bow; it was someone else's, and that very sensation was oddly unnerving.
Jianyu stood facing the target, the small white board a good thirty feet away. He swallowed hard, wondering what the outcome would be, wondering if he could possibly do what he had spent his entire life doing. Carefully, his fingers gentle, Jianyu strung the arrow into the bow, then raised his arm.
The first time he tried to pull the string back a jolt of agony ripped through his shoulder, and Jianyu cried out, dropping the arrow abruptly. Breathing heavily, frustration and anger vivid in his mind, Jianyu bent down, picking the arrow back up. He closed his eyes. Breathed deeply. Then strung the arrow again, pulling the string back. This time he did not falter, though the same agony returned. Sweat slid down his face from the effort of keeping the string taut, and his vision was slightly blurred, half gone from his blinded and clothed eye. He could see the target - it was there. Jianyu let his fingers go.
The arrow did not make its target. It clattered to the grassy floor, useless and spent. Jianyu swore loudly, gritting his teeth. He turned a pleading eye back to Tenjou, wondering, praying that something he made could help him.
Though he did not hope for it.
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Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:08 pm
Tenjou watched Jianyu carefully as the young man struggled to draw the taunt string. Stoic eyes watched as the Legionnaire let out a cry of pain and dropped the arrow. Now matter how frustrating, how embarrassing this was Jianyu, Tenjou had no intention of intervening. This was something for Jianyu only. The leader of the nobles nodded his head in approval as Jianyu picked up the arrow and made another attempt. This time, the arrow left the bow. However, it did not fly true. Falling to the ground several feet away from the intended target, it was about as successful as the first attempt.
Jianyu's eyes met with Tenjou's and the nobleman turned to look at Zou.
Zou's eyes did not meet Tenjou's. Instead, the stout Lunarian was busy sketching on the scrap of parchment he had pulled out earlier. Jianyu was not only blind in one eye but the wounds on his right arm and shoulder prevented him from drawing the bow completely. Though the wounds were fresh and there was a long time left for recovery, Zou had the feeling that those wounds would hinder the young man for a lifetime. Tenjou's fighters were not known for being merciful. The fact that Jianyu was the only one alive from a company of Legionnaires was proof of that. The injuries on his body further testifying to the assailant's vicious nature.
The young man was trained to be an archer. It would be folly to give him a sword now and train him in that art. Tenjou was aware of this. So that, was why the nobleman had request his, Zou's, services. Zou was to develop a weapon that would use the same basis as archer though one that Jianyu could master even with his new disabilities.
Rubbing his stomach, the inventor hmmm'd and haaa'd as he gave thought to what kind of invention would be aid the young man. It would have to use the same concept as the bow and arrow, a long distance weapon that could be used mainly with just one hand.
"OF COURSE!"
Throwing up his hands, Zou let out a cackle of delight as he began to sketch out a crossbow. He had heard of others talking about this invention. The only problem being that it was too sophisticated for just anyone to make it. The idea had been a topic of great discussion between Zou and the guardsmen here. He had never given it serious thought, preferring the standard bow and arrow. But, with Jianyu's given circumstances... it was perfect.
Looking up, the inventor gave Jianyu a smile.
"The goddess is showing favor."
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:22 pm
His fingers hurt. His back ached, and he had the distinct feeling that moving too much would open the wound on his stomach, as well as the one on his upper arm. But he did not stop.
Turning his back to Tenjou, Jianyu walked over to the target with slow, painful steps. He was very much aware that every eye in the field was upon him, aware of the curious stares mixed with wary apprehension and caution as he bent down, wincing, to pick the arrow up once more. He crossed back to his former place and stood facing the target once more. Paying no heed to the low, murmured whispers of the men around him, to the scratch of ink upon the parchment from Zou's quill pen, he strung the arrow to the bow once more. This time, when he raised it to his face, the pain was lessened, but not gone by far. Jianyu gritted his teeth, his vision half black as trembling fingers gripped the arrow. A bead of sweat slipped down his cheek, pooling in the hollow of his neck. Jianyu breathed deeply. Let the arrow go.
It did not reach the target, and was no closer nor farther than before. Frustrated, Jianyu turned back to Zou, his face pained.
"I do not understand!" he cried despairingly, and his face was flushed red, shame and humilation coursing throughout him.
What good was an archer who could not shoot?
"What can you do for me?" Jianyu whispered as he fell to his knees in front of Zou. "What can you do to help me? Please...I beg of you. Please.
"Help me."
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Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 8:38 pm
Zou was completely in a world of his own. He no longer saw Tenjou or Jianyu. He did not hear Jianyu's desperate pleas for help.
In his mind's eye, he was already noting down rough estimates for the different lengths of wood that would be necessary in order to construct this crossbow. And, with each definite mental note, the inventor jotted down a measurement by the sketch with his stick of charcoal. There would be many components to this device. Like the different types of wood he would need to use to construct this to make it durable yet light. And, he also needed to acquire metal that would be appropriate for the trigger and mounting in terms of durability and weight.
Standing up, Zou's large stomach nearly knocked over the table. With the scrap of paper and his stick of charcoal clutched in his pudgy hand, Zou ran off to his room. He was quite excited to start this. Not because it was to help the Legionnaire but because of the challenge this project provided him with.
Tenjou watched with a smile as Zou disappeared into the pavilion. Turning to Jianyu, Tenjou offered his hand.
"Get up, Jianyu. You must be tired now from drawing that bow three times. Why don't you go to your room and rest? Until Zou leaves his room, there is nothing else I can do for you."
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 8:52 pm
It was several days later when Jianyu was finally summoned to the room of Zou Taiga. He had spent his time out on the training fields, ignoring the blatant animosity from the other Fighters and had focused only on his attempts at shooting once more. He had still not managed to make the target, however, and his frustration was constantly increasing, his despair at never again being an archer growing inside of his heart and his mind. His legs had grown stronger, and the pain in his arm had lessened significantly, though it had not disappeared entirely. It had settled into a dull ache, and Jianyu was almost certain that perhaps it would never go away, that he would always feel the pain; a constant reminder of the bloody massacre he had managed to survive, as well as his blind eye. Yoshimitsu had confirmed what Jianyu had not wanted to hear - the damage was irreparable, and the blindness would be permanent. He would never again be the same.
But today. Today there was a small, tiny dash of hope. Jianyu stood outside the door to Zou's room, his stomach fluttering with anxiety. His fist was raised to knock, but he was not sure if he should go in. He was not certain that his heart could take much more disappointment, and should this new weapon of Zou's fail...
Gritting his teeth, Jianyu rapped his knuckles against the smooth mahogany wood, opening the door a crack.
"Master Zou," he said quietly. "You wanted to see me. Is it..." His voice cracked slightly. "Is it...ready?"
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Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 9:10 pm
"You can come in Jianyu."
The inventor sounded worn out, tired. Less jovial. Despite the words he had spoken to Jianyu, Zou flung open the door and stood there with something covered by a cloth held in his hands. It was a strange thing, the cloth falling around it in a strange shape.
"Well now, are you ready? It is what they call a cross bow. A miniature bow mounted on a wooden block with a trigger that shoots the projectile for you. For obvious reasons, this weapon weapon is both superior and inferior to a normal bow. It can shoot further and carries more power, however, it takes longer to shoot arrows in succession and it's significantly bulkier than a normal bow and arrow."
Pulling off the cloth, Zou held out the crossbow for Jianyu. It was a slender thing, made of yew and bamboo. Sturdy, yet light. Taking Jianyu's hands, Zou guided the young man on how to hold the weapon properly. He placed Jianyu's left hand at the trigger hold and placed his right hand under the block of wood the bow was mounted on.
"Go to the courtyard and try it out Jianyu. And, if you are triumphant, let out a yell of joy."
There was a genuine smile on the inventor's face. He really wanted to see Jianyu succeed with this. For the young man to have lost his path, finding a new one was not easy. Hopefully, this crossbow would make the path slightly easier to navigate.
"Oh! I forgot to give you these."
Reaching into his pocket, Zou pulled out a bundle of small arrows. They were thicker than a normal arrow yet much shorter. Perhaps half the length of what a standard arrow would be. Undying the cord that held them together, he took one of the stocky arrows and notched it onto the crossbow and pulled it back on the string to demonstrate how to load the weapon.
"Do not pull the trigger until you are outside and clear of everyone else."
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Legend of Lunaria Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 9:29 pm
Jianyu was fascinated by the small, wood and metal contraption held in the thick fingers of Zou Taiga. It was sleek, the front of the bow delving into the face of a hawk, tiny red jewels dotting the sides for eyes. Different from anything Jianyu had ever seen before, he reached out with slightly trembling hands to take it from Zou, holding it carefully. The metal was cool to his skin, the wood smooth, and it was an unfamiliar weight. Yet somehow, it did not feel awkward, and Jianyu let the smallest sliver of hope creep back into his heart. His eyes followed each and every little detail that Zou showed him.
"I will yell loudly if I am victorious." Jianyu promised, and for the first time in days the faint ghost of a smile could be seen on his lips. He turned and left the room, heading down to the practice field once more.
The sun was high overhead, but the day was cool, a light breeze drifting across the tops of the orange trees that lined the field. Jianyu stood facing the target, the crossbow held tightly in his hand. He slid an arrow into the notch and raised it, pointing straight towards the target. His finger found the trigger easily, sliding along the metal and wood until rested precisely where it should.
And then he pulled.
The arrow left the bow like gossamer. It slipped so easily from the notch that for a moment Jianyu was startled as it whipped through the air. He had missed the target again, but he was preoccupied with the bow. The sheer speed of the arrow was stunning, and it was smooth and silent. Jianyu ran his fingers over the cool metal.
Perhaps...perhaps I can do this.
Perhaps I am not lost anymore.
This time, when he raised the bow, his face grew serious, his gaze determined as he aimed. Jianyu could feel his heart beating rapidly against his chest, could feel the air as it seemed to still around him.
He pulled the trigger. The arrow whistled across the grass. There was a soft thud as it landed; five inches away from the edge of the target. Nowhere near the center. But it had hit.
Jianyu was silent for a moment. Then, slowly, so slowly it seemed to take a lifetime, a smile crossed his bruised and blinded face.
And then he shouted.
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