|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Mar 29, 2020 1:38 pm
 |
|
|
 |
There was something about the sight of fresh blood on snow that delighted him - perhaps because he felt as though he was looking at his reflection. Although this time, it was not only the accents of his fur and clothes that colored him crimson.
It was unlike Ashura to relish a messy kill. The blood and dirt soiling his fur would normally have elicited a scowl, but not this time. Not lately at all, in fact. Instead, he grinned with satisfaction. This was not how the walker normally behaved; however, this was the first time that he had felt like his old self in a very long time.
His life used to be simpler, back when he only had to worry about himself. He could live every day like the past several: train to kill and kill to train. All for the sake of mastering his art. Back when he had the luxury of freedom, training an apprentice seemed so easy. If Ashura's foolish master could have honed his skills and trained him to be the technical killer that he is now, surely he could have accomplished the same by training his son, Genichiro. Yet Genichiro, with all the raw talent and potential of his father, was a waste of time, effort, and genetics. The child was hedonistic, defiant, and undisciplined. It was more than purewalker nature; he was a bad seed regardless of species. He was not worthy of being the successor to his father's legacy.
He deserved to die.
Though Genichiro was able to contest Ashura on physical prowess alone, he was no match for his father, and Ashura did not flinch as he struck down his firstborn son. He did not feel a twinge of sorrow, and the only regret he felt was the regret of investment. He had spent years of his life spent instructing that impetuous child - years of life wasted.
Years of life he needed to make up with his own training.
In the past, he sought out other purewalkers like himself for duels, believing that they were the only ones against which he could measure his skills. He would return to that quest once again, but, for now, anyone would do. It did not matter who they were, how much experience they had, if they would put up a fight or simply scream. He did not care.
He tilted head back to greet the snow as it began to fall once again, before he continued forward to hunt for his next opponent. So far, he had experienced great success. He had not grown too rusty. His moves were still swift and sharp, his technique remained precise, and he did not hesitate. He defeated every opponent with ease, starting with Genichiro.
He was perfect.
► Word Count | 460 ◄ |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 12:37 pm
|
|
|
|
The scent of blood was in the air, and it had the mare on guard. Age and experience had taught her to never assume anything--she often followed the trails of the fallen, whispering prayers to the victims even as she sought out the source. There were many soquili and animals within the Kawani that killed simply out of necessity--but there were a great many more who killed for pleasure or as a way to terrorize others.
The Kawani had seen an uptick in the skinwalker population. Perhaps it was the spirits way to balance out the charms that were introduced; perhaps it was simply an uptick in darker spirits. Though she believed, above all else, that good would conquer all eventually, she was well aware to know that evil and darkness and treachery could well have their time to reign. Life was like a pendulum, constantly swinging from one extreme to the next, and Kaiya was certainly the sort of mare who encouraged it. How many souls and hearts had she redeemed over the years? How many Kawani had she tried to save from their conflicted natures? And how many had she battled with? Hearts so dark and twisted that they would never change?
That was why she was here, of course. To help bring change and light into the world; to offer those another way, and to save others from those who might harm them. It was an endless battle, but she would fight it until the very end.
So it was, the elder moved quietly forward, ears pricked, and wings taut--just in case she might need to spring to action. There was quiet about the land--the birds refused to sing, the animals seemed as frozen as ice; were they simply being cautious or were they frightened of what had come through? Well, Kaiya wasn't afraid--but she did follow where the spirits would lead. What would she discover? Only time would tell.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 20, 2020 11:13 pm
|
|
|
|
 His ears pricked at the sound of movement ahead, easily discernible given the silence around him. Snow crunched lightly under hooves - another victim? He was in the mood for another fight, even if it was not a challenge. How could a non-walker Soquili be a challenge anyway?
He looked over his shoulder at his latest kill, a frightened mare who could only run and scream. She did not even try to defend herself from him. He scoffed. The non-walkers had no fight in them, and Ashura regarded them as little more than cattle - good only for food. They only had self-preservation instincts, unlike the walkers with their innate drive to kill. It was that instinct that separated them, and that instinct that made purewalkers the only true test of Ashura's abilities.
No matter, he loved fresh meat, and he certainly would not spare a Soquili because they were not a challenge to fight.
The mare came into view, pale and... different. She seemed as confident as himself, and composed, unfazed by the face of evil unlike others of her kind. His tails swayed with mild interest. He had encountered bold Soquili before, but they still regarded him with fear. Not this one. There was something different about her. He could not put his paw on it, but, at the same time, it mattered little. She was not a walker.
He continued toward her, head high, blood fresh on his fur and blade.
► Word Count | 242 ◄ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 7:35 pm
|
|
|
|
By the time Kaiya stumbled onto the source of the quiet, she was not at all surprised. The copper scent of blood had thickened the air, and though she knew never to assume the source--perhaps someone was injured, or she might have stumbled upon someones kill--the overwhelming quiet of the world had her one edge. There were skinwalkers, kalona, mutants, and all sorts of Soquili out there with less-than-good intentions... so finding herself face-to-face with Ashura only confirmed her suspicions.
Surely, the blood-stained walker standing before her was the source of the quiet--and Kaiya immediately prepared for an attack. She did not cow away though or start in fright. No, the only change was in her stance; her muscles bunched, preparing to either leap away, or meet a sudden onslaught. Would he play a game with her, as some felines did their prey? Would he speak? Would he be forthright in his intentions? Given he was clearly shifted in a walker form, and walking around stained red--he was confident in his position and clearly, felt no way to hide.
Kaiya, of course, felt no fear, and certainly no intimidation. Her heart was saddened by the appearance of yet another walker--but also filled with hope. She knew that his fate meant no longer having to put them down, and let them face the spirits. Though she would not hesitate to defend herself, or innocents of the Kawani--she would not move to strike him down, either. With Angeni Charms out there, there was at least hope for salvation.
"Do you plan to strike me down too, stranger?" She spoke, curious. His attire was unique, as was the peculiar ornament attached to his side. She was not well aware what it was, but it appeared as if it were some enlongated talon. As if a walker needed more weapons and ways to hurt those without. Well, it didn't matter...
She wouldn't let him hurt another--not while she remained standing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2020 12:43 am
|
|
|
|
His interest was apparent on his face. He never understood the non-walker's need to fight, especially to defend others or futility attempt to wipe evil from the face of the land, both of which seemed to be this mare's intentions. It was amazing; his presence had silenced every creature in the vicinity, yet here was a challenger to protect the good from the wicked. She reminded him of his master, as sanctimonious as she was bold, and the very sight of her irritated him.
"Obviously," he stated plainly. He smiled slightly as she braced herself. Of course, she was too righteous to initiate the inevitable. "But you know that." He stopped, only a pace or two separating them. "You know what I am. You know what I do. You still came to challenge me." He was curious, too. Perhaps she could help him understand this odd behavior of non-walkers. Her scars were apparent, and the bandages on her wings stained with old, disgusting blood told him that this was not her first duel. She must have been successful enough in her battles to live as long as she had. "Why?"
► Word Count | 192 ◄
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:39 pm
|
|
|
|
Kaiya was not afraid, though she was wary. In the past, she might not have hesitated to draw the first blow, as there was no way to redeem them but through death. Only then could their spirit rest easy, or perhaps, be reincarnated and given a second chance. It was why she had worked so hard with Cuah to find a new way--a different way in dealing with them--and is why she assisted in the creation of the Angeni Charms.
But she had no charms herself at present; if push came to shove, she would not hesitate to do what one had to do to defend ones life. She was no fool. Skinwalkers, pure or otherwise, had no possibility to be redeemed or saved... and even those who were charmed did not always turn over another leaf. She was the Angeni of Redemption, and her job was to save those she could, and offer new paths to those born into evil and corruption.
It was not an easy life, and some might call her a hypocrite--but it was her cross to bear. She would not kill blindly--but sometimes a battle would not end in peace.
"Because it is my life's mission, my purpose. I was sent here to offer those with darkness in their heart another way; I was sent to save who I could, and defend others against evil. If soquili like me don't stand up to soquili like you, the world would be a sad place, indeed. Just as you were born into such darkness, I was born into the light. We are not so different in that regard."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:10 am
|
|
|
|
Irritation rapidly swelled, and a mad laugh erupted from his chest expressing his rage. She could have told him that she wished to exact revenge for the one he had killed and he would have been satisfied. Instead, she lectured him on evil, darkness, light, and redemption. It was difficult for Ashura to believe so many of these priggish fools roamed these lands, and that they were all so eager to interfere with his very existence. Before he could even open his eyes, someone else took it upon himself to rectify him. From then, he continued to encounter others with similar aims, as was the case here.
Why did they believe they needed to fashion him in a way that suited their world? This world was as much his as it was theirs, and yet they could not let him be. They were selfish, more selfish than he — and the worst part was that they were dishonest about it. He did not dictate how others should live their lives; he did not demand that others change. He abided by the laws of nature that this girl intended to defy. The weak perish, and the strong survive. That is evolution, and he was merely expediting the process while on his mission to be the greatest killer in this godforsaken world.
"Your mission is stupid." He practically snarled the sentence, fire evident in his eyes.
He moved like lighting, incredibly powerful and swift. His blade only added to that image, the cold light of the moon flashing off its length as it cut through the air, soaring at the Angeni before him.
Perhaps she was right, and they were not so different. They both walked the paths determined by their births. He could not fault her for foolhardy mission; however, he would not allow her or those like her to prevent him from becoming who he was meant to be.
► Word Count | 318 ◄ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2020 6:23 pm
|
|
|
|
And there is was.
They might have been born two sides of the same coin but she could choose a different path, just as she hoped those born to kill might choose another. Even if it was a hopeless situation. Skinwalkers, in a way, had less a choice than she; an angeni still could fall by the choices they made, like her brother Shyam; but a walker, cursed or otherwise, had no say unless charmed. Only then were they really free.
Still, the walker could as much have left her alone as he could attack, and he chose the latter. He might have been swift, but brandishing a weapon still took time--and Kaiya was prepared. Instead of jerking away--the mare leapt forward and to his side, using the weight of her lunge to kick back at the walker with full force.
His weapon was sharp, and while it did not catch her as he intended, their close proximity, and his speed, left her hindquarter with a slice. He drew first blood, but she was not concerned.
Not yet, at least.
Whether her kick landed true or not, she would need to turn back to face him or be prepared for a counter. This would not be an easy battle... No matter their respective advantages.
"You have my pity." Her words were not said lightly nor were they without sincerity. What a life it must be, for really, a walker could never truly have a say. They weren't just predators, but born of evil, just as she was born of good. But he could never choose to be free. Not until the spirits granted him another way. Without a charm, he was simply following the mindless brutality that was inherent in all walkers. It truly was a shame. While Kaiya had no expectation others be good and pure and holy, she at least could understand they were living a choice. Walkers would never have such a thing, a cruel trick of the spirits, to be sure. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2020 4:52 am
|
|
|
|
Her counter came as a surprise. Though it was clear that she would be a more capable opponent than what he expected of most non-skinwalkers, he did not expect her to rival his speed... or his strength.
He had never absorbed a full kick of a Soquili. Purewalkers did not fight this way. They were sharp, favoring rending flesh rather than injuring through blunt force. The Soquili that he had killed up until now were also nowhere near as ferocious as purewalkers, and never posed much of a challenge for Ashura. He would have to adapt this mare, and immediately. There was no time for thought in a duel, only action and reaction.
Pain was an invention of the mind, and he had learned to focus on the fight rather than the noise from his nerves. He could remain numb to injuries that did not cripple him, at least for now.
Her words succeeded the pain, and he released a short, rough laugh. He could not speak well with the hilt of his blade in his mouth, nor did he desire to do so. The duel would determine who would be pitied... no, it would not. He could not pity anyone. The slain were not meant to survive, and the world would continue to turn without them. That was reality, and it was evident that this mare needed a reminder of that cruel truth.
The power of her kick threw him off balance, but he did not withstand the blow. That would only increase the force of the attack. Instead, he flowed with her, maintaining his momentum, redirecting it as he pivoted around to face her again. The movement was smooth, and followed into a new slash to which the Angeni would need to respond.
As he retaliated, he saw the blood dripping down her side. It appears as though she knew how to numb herself to pain during combat as well. Perhaps this was a lesson for him, to not underestimate his opponents, even if they were not skinwalkers. Still, the fight had only just begun, and, just as she had revealed that she was no ordinary Soquili, he would demonstrate that he was far more formidable than the ordinary skinwalker.
► Word Count | 372 ◄ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2020 7:35 pm
|
|
|
|
Kaiya did not expect the purewalker to respond, nor did she expect him to fall so easily. Even as he whirled around to face her, she had already sprung forward -- trying to widen the distance between them. Not because she was a coward, but because she needed time to whirl around herself and face the beast and his weapon.
He looked, quite frankly, ridiculous with the sword hanging out of his jaw. If he was meant to frighten her, instead, she found him rather peculiar. She would have thought his fangs would have been more practical choice. She might yet be able to break a fang if she could kick it out of the way, or push it aside with the strength of her dual wings. It was dangerous, certainly, the pain and blood that it drew from her side was proof of that--but it looked unwieldly. Regardless, while she would have to adjust to the use of the tool, it was clear he was more than well-practiced using it.
Every muscle was taut, certain that his next attack was already on her heels.
Shi Berry No attack from her yet. I assume as soon as her kick finished, she used her hind legs to leap forward, even as he was whirling around to face her. She also wants to kind of whirl to face him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2020 4:18 am
|
|
|
|
She backed off, intending to widen the space between them. Had he been able, he would have smiled. The Angeni was not accustomed to defending herself against a sword. It was uncommon for Soquili to wield weapons, as it took an incredible amount of time to master - time that Ashura had invested in his craft. While he, too, was not as accustomed to fighting an opponent such as herself, he seemed to be adapting faster. Even after absorbing her counter, he was answering with his own. Right now, he controlled the fight, his offense crisp and controlled.
He did not need to finish his previous swing, instead pushing off his paws towards the mare. Thrust attacks were rather difficult to execute; however, he had perfected the technique. The steel whistled through the air, aimed directly at his foe.
► Word Count | 138 ◄
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2020 8:51 pm
|
|
|
|
Kaiya may not have been accustomed to the weapon, but she held an advantage most soquili did not. She was gifted as all pure angeni were, with the power of Holy Light. It was not a skinwalker specific attack--but it seemed to be most effective against their type of evil and wickedness. If physical force alone could not dissuade, than this would.
Just as he had his weapon made of steel, she had her own weapon made of pure, unadulterated goodness.
"Enough!" She commanded, eyes flashing with irritation. She was still not afraid of this skinwalker, nor was she concerned about his tricks. He might have been well-skilled for a walker, but she was long-lived, and more than qualified to defeat him. She would make sure he knew she was not doing this out of fear, nor out of desperation. She was doing this because she tired of this act, of this game. He might have been strong, but she was stronger--whether he liked that fact or not.
The force of the blow--and it was indeed a blow--would have been great against him. Though she held back, the power was enough to burn and sear. Though not a mark would fall upon him--there was no way to defend against it.
If he did not turn tail, she would not hesitate to take his life--so his soul might find a new path if the spirits were so kind. Kaiya did what she could to help those should could--but she would not play games with a skinwalker.
Shi Berry Here's what the Breed Rules say, just so you know I'm not making it up fully. LOL I sort of feel like in this case it's sort of like a barrier/burning light sort of push back? IDK. I'm 100% happy to edit if you imagine something else. I assume when he gets far enough away the pain will diminish so he can carry on his merry way. Angeni and those that descend/possess angeni traits have a power called "holy light" -- it can be used offensively to attack or defensively to protect against and sense evil in the heart of certain types of creatures (though can still be caught off guard if not actively trying to/not paying attention/are distracted). It is stronger in pures than it is in angeni with diluted or mixed blood. An elder angeni's powers become stronger and last longer -- their holy light becomes more effective, and their blessings last longer..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2020 8:59 pm
|
|
|
|
Suddenly, the world went white. The Elder summoned a blinding white light that illuminated everything in front of her, enveloping the skinwalker. Although it did not cause him external injury, it seared what he would call his soul. His insides burned, and he was in intense agony. The white walker screamed something feral, dropping his sword.
Blind and burning, he staggered backwards.
There was nothing he could do now. He had never faced an attack like this. He had never faced an opponent like this.
She was greater than any foe he had faced -- she was greater than he. All that time he trained, he fixated on killing pure skinwalkers like himself. Until now, he believed they were the best fighters in the land due to their bloodthirsty nature.
While the light continued to smolder his insides, he opened his eyes. Although his vision was still incredibly blurred, he made out the figure of the Elder Angeni before him. He understood a truth of life as he fell to the ground:
The skinwalkers he had obsessed over were only decent fighters due to practice. Their bloodlust ensured that most of them fought regularly. Similar to Ashura, skinwalkers trained to kill in their own way.
However, they were not the only beings who were adept fighters. Great fighters roamed in the land because they trained to fight as well, and this Angeni was one of them.
The kitsune's vision faded to black, his eyes rolling back into his head as he lost consciousness. If he survived this, he would wake a changed skinwalker, with a new path. No longer would he focus solely on kiling skinwalkers. In order to be greatest killer in the land, he would have to be able to kill every foe, regardless of who they were.
And he would do so...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
