|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 10:47 pm
 
This is a private roleplay between Jianyu [Kuro-Mizuki] and Cais [Never Crazy].
Setting :
The Quiet Roads.
While making his way home, Jianyu runs into a slight problem - and an old enemy.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 2:23 pm
Jianyu had never liked the Quiet Roads. Located in the Eastern Quarter of Lunaria, they housed most of Lunaria's residents in small, simple houses. Jianyu found that the silence surrounding it was nearly suffocating, as well as the intricate web of streets and side roads that made it nearly impossible to navigate unless one lived there themselves. Jianyu had once grown up in a house on the edge of the Quiet Roads, but he and his family had moved to more central Lunaria, just off of Main Street, when his father had left his position as a Captain and chosen a life of peace as a tattoo artist instead. Jianyu had not been to the Quiet Roads since he had been five years old, and he did not remember much about it.
Walking along one of the streets, Jianyu held a bag of supplies for his father in one hand while his other rested automatically at the crossbow strapped to his waist. It had become a force of habit after so many ambushes and unexpected attacks, and Jianyu did not take lightly his safety anymore. He was traveling home after spending a few days in a near off town, gathering materials for his father to use in his business; a few of the rarer dyes used to make ink, as well as a selection of new needles. His journey had been pleasant enough and simple, easy to get there.
But he had been forced to take the Quiet Roads on his way back, Main Street blocked by a platoon of Noble fisherman, and Jianyu had not had the desire to face them. So he had cut through the Quiet Roads and was rapidly regretting his decision. He had long since forgotten just how intricate they were in terms of design, and he was lost, making his way through the silent streets with a growing frustration. He debated on whether or not to knock on a resident's door and ask for directions, but it was nearing dusk and Jianyu did not want to take the chance of a Noble opening his door to him. It was far too risky, so instead he kept walking, glancing here and there in the hopes of making it out of this damned maze before it was too dark.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:46 pm
The day had been rewarding. Cais was unusually energetic as he walked down the Quiet Roads, humming to himself lightly. It had been a good day of self reflection and now in the twilight hour he was closing the day with a quick exploration of the roads, winding through them on his way back to his house. It was exciting to be in a part of Lunaria which he normally avoided, but he was growing nervous at the sight of the sinking sun.
He was out without a weapon, a dangerous move to make when walking out and about during the evening. Cais had very little training with anything. Outside of his fists and the small cutting tools used in etching into the freshly blown glass at his ship, he had nothing to protect himself with should the need arise for such a thing. He cursed under his breath, gazing at the darkening roads. I need to hurry. He thought, quickening his pace.
Dark thoughts filled his head of another night not too long before that had ended in a terrible beating. He shook his head and crossed his arms. "It's not like that will ever happen again..." he muttered softly, kicking a small pebble in the road. A low growl escaped his throat. He hated thinking of that loss, it made him feel the searing pain of that defeat and his face reflected the embarrassment.
It was no good, his mood was quickly souring as he reflected. He let out a sigh and continued. In the distance he could hear footsteps, though it did little to attract his attention outside of causing him to quicken his pace further into a power walk. He wanted to enjoy this walk, regardless of the quickened pace, and wanted to make sure that no one interrupted that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 10:51 pm
He heard the footsteps; they were near, too near, and Jianyu's eyebrow twitched slightly as he glanced towards his left, then his right. They were quick, light, most likely not the footsteps of an armed guard. But, then again, there were those assassins that were always nimble on their feet, and it would do him no good to lower his guard. Jianyu twisted the bag of supplies around his hand, reaching down with his other to untie the crossbow at his waist. He slipped it easily into his hand, sliding a bolt into the notch on top and quickly and quietly pulled the string back, locking it in place.
The footsteps were drawing nearer now. Jianyu pressed his back to hte wall of the nearest house, melting into the shadows left by the rapidly setting sun. It was getting darker, the darkness elongating, and Jianyu was feeling more on edge. His index finger resting on the trigger of his crossbow, he sidestepped silently, moving slowly and cautiously.
Tap tap tap...
Closer, Jianyu thought, grip tightening the slightest bit. Just a little closer...
Tap tap tap.
With a quick twist of his body, Jianyu spun out of his hiding place, crossbow whipping up to point directly at the face of the newcomer - whom he recognized instantly. At first surprise flitted across his face, but it quickly dissolved into an expression of disgust.
"Cais," Jianyu snarled. "Never thought I'd see your annoying face around here. What do you want?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 4:20 am
As he walked he suddenly felt on edge. Keeping his face forward he attempted to continue on his way, feeling a new shadow looming over him...
It was an abrupt motion as the figure hiding in the shadows appeared before him, fierce eyes blazing with a crossbow aimed at his face. Cais froze, his body rigid as he warily gazed at the arrow pointed in his face. His heart raced and then he heard his name. Wary suddenly melting to anger he looked beyond the arrow and into the face of a familiar Lunarian. A familiar hated Lunarian.
Cais ignored the comment and rolled his eyes, taking a step back from the sharp edge of his crossbow. "Well if it isn't Captain Jianyu." He scoffed, glaring at him with an intensity in his eyes. "And what do you mean, what do I want? I'm not the skulking around brandishing a crossbow." Cais glanced back to the drawn weapon, his hands clenching. It was a mixture of feelings as he felt both the anger against Jianyu swell and the fear of his crossbow shake deep into him.
He looked back to Jianyu, taking him in. It had been a while since their first encounter and so far Cais had been lucky enough not to run across him. He seemed different, and not just in the fact he was now missing an eye. In a normal situation he'd be inclined to mention it, but in the current predicament he felt his stare would be enough to convey his feelings.
"So then, maybe I should be asking what do YOU want?" He was indignant, but he had long ago lost his patience for the brute. His eyes were sharp as they darted back and fourth between the Captain and the crossbow. A nagging pain in the back of his head warned him to be wary while the storm of anger in his chest would not allow him to back down.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 2:26 pm
Jianyu let out a derisive snort as he raised his crossbow, resting it against his own shoulder as he put one hand on his hip, staring down at the young man in front of him. He had met Cais a few months back, when the brat had decided to steal from him. The incident had led into an argument, which had let into a fight, which had led into being cornered by a rabid, angry dog. Jianyu had shot the dog, and would have shot Cais too had the youth said anything further. But he had left Cais there and walked away.
Jianyu was somewhat regretting that decision as he looked at him now. There had obviously been no significant change in the pale haired younger boy; that look of anger and defiance was still strong, still filled with loathing towards him. Not that his own gaze was not disgusted and immensely irritated that the one person he had run into was Cais, of all people.
He would have rather run into a drunken Bataar.
" I was not 'skulking,' as you so put it," Jianyu said, keeping his finger on the trigger of the weapon. The bow was still locked and loaded, and if needed, he could simply swing it back down and pull the trigger, taking the boy out with one shot. But he wouldn't do that; after all, Cais was several years younger than he was, not to mention unarmed, and to kill someone like that would be considered cowardly and dishonorable. So he would refrain.
At least for now. Jianyu's scowl deepened as the look of hatred on Cais' face grew more prominent. "What do you mean, what do I want? I was simply trying to get back to my home. Don't cross me, brat. I am not in the mood for any of your games tonight."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 12:25 am
"What do you mean by "games"?" Cais shot back, looking at the captain with even greater disgust. "And what else would you call hiding in the shadows, jumping out on people with a crossbow in tow other than skulking?" His eyes were sharp as he looked on the older Lunarian's scowl, which seemed to share a similar detest as did his. He was getting nowhere with him. Like the saying "Stuck between a rock and a hard place", here he was as the rock facing the hard place, neither power able to bend to the other.
The searing heat formed from the deep hatred he shared for the captain filled Cais's body. He wasn't keen on a repeat of their last encounter or a repeat of another night he had attempted to get home during the evening. He cast a glance upwards towards the sky and swore under his breath as he stared back to his adversary. "So then, Captain, do you intend to shoot an arrow into to me, or what?" He moved his eyes to the loaded crossbow. Cais had figured that Jianyu had faced similar issues as himself while traversing the streets at night, though failed to share any empathy surrounding it. As he spoke he took a step to move around him.
The second his foot moved he felt Jianyu's gaze follow him and this he stopped, staring back at him again. The situation was precarious, one false move and a scuffle could break one. If that were to happen Cais was sure he'd be on the losing side. Regardless of his speed, the strength of his fists and the various cutting tools stuffed into a pocket, Cais knew better than to think he could achieve a true victory. Not with Jianyu's obvious skill with his crossbow and experience. It would far outweigh anything Cais knew, of that he was certain. In a one on one fight there was no hope of winning. These thoughts, however, did not stop his mouth from running.
Looking back to Jianyu, Cais suddenly had a curious look about him as he stared at the eye patch. The comment finally slipped out. "So is that the reason why you walk around in shadows with crossbow drawn?" He said, nodding to him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 09, 2010 5:14 pm
Running his finger along the metal trigger, Jianyu said, lifting an eyebrow "Games meaning your little fantasy about believing that you are better than I am. Games such as the one you're playing right now, trying to act all innocent and victimized. Tell me, does anyone actually fall for that act, or are you really just that pathetic?"
He was goading him, whether purposely or not, and it was mostly likely not the best idea. But Jianyu could not help the anger and irritation from flowing into his veins each time he saw the pale haired youth. Just Cais' voice alone grated on his very nerves, making his annoyance and disdain for the Nobles spark even hotter.
"It's a tempting thought," Jianyu answered, lowering the crossbow to hold it in sideways in his hands, fingers slidin down the smooth wood of the eagle's head at the front. "And believe me, it is not as if I do not want the pleasure of seeing you dead. I have a feeling it would make me feel quite a lot better. But," Jianyu added, giving a soft, mock sigh of resignation. "Considering that you have no weapon of your own - obviously - I would be looked down on from my superiors, which is not something that I desi..."
He stopped abruptly. The reason..? A searing anger twisted his insides, and without realizing exactly what he was doing, Jianyu's hand shot out, fingers latching onto the collar of Cais' shirt, slamming him up against the nearest wall. His body was shaking with rage, with every little reminder of that horrific night, of the incident that he never spoke of but was constantly aware of.
"Don't you ever...speak of that again, or I swear I will hunt you down and kill you in your sleep."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:24 am
Cais felt a surge of blood rush into his face at the word Pathetic. Pathetic? Him? It spurred a thought, a hated thought deep inside of him. Memories of past battles all lost. His mouth went dry as he listened to him drone onward about something involving his death. The first words still echoed back to him, stinging deep inside. I'll show him pathetic. He thought, but it was cut off by a force on his shirt.
He let out a light cry as his back hit the wall and glanced back to Jianyu. A similar event had taken place when he had first met the Legionnaire, something Cais had prepared for... but not like this. The eyes of his enemy were on fire as the grip tightened. It was not just Cais's words that had bothered him, there was something there in his eyes, a memory perhaps? Unlike his previous words, the Captain's next were made with a ferocity Cais hadn't seen before. Those are not the words of a man who would bluff.
"U-understood." Cais squeaked, rather meekly as compared to normal, but under the circumstances he could barely manage above it. He felt the need to continue talking to move the conversation away from that dangerous point. He went back to the point from before. "If I had more training, I could be good enough to beat you. Maybe not now, I suppose that would be a valid point, but later..." He trailed off, still feeling the hard texture of the wall scraping up against his back.
Oh how Cais hated him. This was not the first, but second time he was able to lift him up against his will. He despised the fact that the Captain had managed to break through any facade he had put up, the fact he always seemed to have the upper hand and now above all the fact that Cais had been forced into a near submissive state. For now there was nothing to be done for it, not in such a predicament. He glanced to the ground and back to the Captain, his eyes narrow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 1:58 am
The almost overwhelming rage that rushed through him at the mention of his blinded eye nearly made him shove an arrow through Cais' stomach right then and there. It took every ounce of self-control to not kill the obnoxious brat, and Jianyu's fingers were clenching and unclenching subconsciously on his crossbow, itching to pull the trigger.
"You will never have enough training to beat me," he hissed, and released his fingers, roughly shoving the younger man away from him. Jianyu stepped back, reigning in his anger and fury, concentrating only on breathing deeply, keeping his temper in check and from exploding out in what would almost certainly be a dangerous - and highly idiotic - irrational decision.
"These are dark times, brat," Jianyu said, his voice a low mutter. "The horrors of which someone like you could never even try to understand. It's a world filled with blackness and bloodshed, with betrayals and hatred and death and more blood than you can even imagine."
The crossbow in his fingers was lifted, resting back on Jianyu's shoulder as his other hand rested on his hip, eyes dark.
"Give it up. You'll never beat me, and I will never let you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2010 10:29 am
Cais regained himself once the fingers had released his collar, he coughed lightly and dusted off, glancing to him while he spoke. There was a hatred in his eyes, but he had grown silent watching him. He waited until the Captain had finished.
"But isn't that a bit presumptuous?" His voice was low and he stood away from him, watching his crossbow warily. "You don't think I know what happens? That I haven't seen it? You don't think I have the capability to understand?" His posture had slipped slightly as he appeared to have shrunken slightly beside him, though his face stood rigid. "I understand enough, and even I know that one can never just assume they'll never be beaten by someone else."
Cais fidgeted, his stare meeting the darker one of Jianyu. He wasn't sure of what to say next, but rather he was morbidly curious to his next move. He was sure that if Jianyu had wanted to kill him, he would have. But there was something there preventing him. Honor perhaps? Rules from a superior? Cais wasn't sure, but left those thoughts at fleeting. Now was not the time to think that this Lunarian, whom he detested, could possibly have a humanity of sorts.
I don't care what you say now. I'm not there yet, but someday I will be the one standing over you. He thought, taking a quick glance to road in front of him then back.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 10:53 am
Jianyu let out derisive snort, shaking his head at the young Noble. "Presumptuous?" he repeated, a thunderous flash of lightning cracking above their heads, seeming to split the sky in two. It was rapidly getting darker, getting blacker, and the air was thick with the scent of oncoming rain, of the night. "What's presumptuous, dear Cais - " He said the name mockingly, rolling it off his tongue in a sarcastic tone. " - is the very notion in believing that you can beat me. Someone like you is not a threat to someone like me."
Shadows were creeping along the edges of the houses, mirroring in tandem the shadows growing between Cais and Jianyu. He glanced up towards the sky, towards the star ridden rolling blackness and felt a breeze twist his hair, light on his arms.
There is something coming. A winter storm.
"I will let you go for now, Cais," Jianyu said, gathering up his things once more. "But just know this - the next time I see you, if you attempt to kill me or attack me, I will put an arrow through your chest."
With that being said, Jianyu turned, walking down the narrow pathway between the houses, footsteps echoing loudly as he left the Noble where he stood, within the maze of the Quiet Roads.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 4:23 pm
The loud crack of thunder made Cais flinch and shift uncomfortably in his stance. His mocking tone scratched against Cais's ears like nails against rock. It infuriated Cais but even further added to his humiliation. The sharp words cut into him. Not a threat? He shot another glance to the Legionnaire who now seemed preoccupied with the sky.
Cais clenched his fists tightly but couldn't muster any words against the Captain. What could he possibly say now? For the time being he was correct, Cais was not a threat to him; in fact, he was not a threat to anyone. Every Lunarian he had had a scuffle with he had failed miserably with. He heard the clicking of Jianyu's feet move away from him as the cold breeze moved through Cais, the echo of the Captain's threat lingering.
Cais watched him walk and stood silently for moments after he had disappeared down the road. "This isn't the end of this, Jianyu." he muttered, eyes narrow. "I am going to get stronger, I am going to train harder and someday I am going to defeat you. One way or the other." The words echoed hollowly against the open road as he turned quickly and made light steps down another twist of the Quiet Roads. "Someday."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
