teaism | it's a long way forward

it's a long way forward

[It's been days since he left that village behind, and he hasn't had nearly enough time to stop and rest. Every village or town he's run across has chased him off for falling out of the sky, too poor to offer any help of their own and too afraid to attempt to question his state. Desperately, he's kept his presence disguised, hiding from those other colored entities that were part of this destiny he wanted nothing to do with. He slept in trees for a couple hours at a time, moving again before too long when it no longer felt secure enough.

He was running from something he couldn't escape, but each time he tried to find somewhere to go, it wasn't right. Maybe his predecessor was right. Maybe there wasn't anyone who would take him like he is, green leg showing in the spot that his shoes don't cover. Maybe he was too much of a monster.

No. Determined, Jae-Ha urged himself forward despite that worry. No matter where he ended up, or if he had to live alone for the rest of his life, it was better than existing and waiting in that prison of a village. He wouldn't become like his predecessor. He wouldn't wait around to take it out on the next generation.

When he spots a blonde boy crouched near something in a clearing of the woods, Jae-Ha's chest tightens. This could be a chance, couldn't it? He was his age— younger, clearly, but not an adult like all of the ones that have chased him off. And better than that, he was alone. Maybe, just maybe, he could say something to reach him, to get some food other than the occasional bits of bread or fruit he's stolen from carts or nabbed from trees along the way.

His appearance comes in a flash, a green blur dropping out of the sky and right in front of Sanji. He's a mess in his dirtied robes, his face and body still badly beaten from a few days prior, his hair dirty and sticky even tied back, and heavy bags beneath his eyes from the lack of rest. When he drops down to a knee, both to temporarily hide the green of his right foot and to humble himself, it's more of a fall of pure exhaustion.

He doesn't bow his head like you should with a gesture like this, instead staring directly at Sanji with determined eyes.]

Please, let me stay with you, at least for a night. I'll do anything.

[It's about time for a desperate offer like this, isn't it?]

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[Oh, he's absolutely gonna tell her. Jae-Ha will get a surprise come morning, of that Sanji's determined to see through.

The thought helps to keep his spirits up after such a terrible evening. Grinning a little more, he bumps his shoulder back into Jae-Ha's]

S'okay. They didn't hurt me that much. [Puffing up with an odd sense of pride. His body can take a lot of punishment, y'know.] ... That apple trick was funny.

And we should train together, Jae-Ha! I bet I'd get stronger that way. [Sanji, he's monstrously strong compared to you...]

We can train together.

[He probably won't spar with him unless it's to practice holding back but still fighting, but they can do similar exercises and help each other out!! He thinks it'd be good.]

Just don't compare yourself to me. I'm a monster. No one should have a leg like this.

[Aaaand there goes that smile, replaced immediately by a glower. That word again. Sanji leans forward, sticking his face right in Jae-Ha's like he always does when he's displeased about something]

Don't call yourself that! You're not a monster! [Glaring with all the disapproval his body can contain]

Call yourself something cool - like a dragon! [That's what he calls you in his head]

[Jae-Ha isn't expecting that. He blinks in surprise, and there's even a faint bit of color on his cheeks while Sanji defends him like that.]

A dragon... Isn't it the same thing? It's like... a beautiful monster. [Ahhh, but he doesn't want Sanji angry again, so he quickly raises his hands.]

Okay, I'm a dragon.

[Beautiful... well.

He supposes if that's the word Jae-Ha wants to use. Sanji would use "handsome" himself.]

Good. [Huffing back in place, though it takes a while for the boy's irritation to lower] Dragons are cool. They can fly, and have scales, and are strong-- [He nods in agreement to himself]

Oh, and they're green! So you're a perfect dragon.

[That color in his cheeks is growing, and eventually he has to reach over and pinch at Sanji's. He won't tell him about the other dragons right now. Telling him to make sure a king doesn't steal him away was enough, he thinks...]

I'm not perfect... stop it. You need to go to sleep now, so we can start training tomorrow.

[For that pinch and those words, Sanji sticks out his tongue. Beeeeeh, Jae-Ha is perfect and Sanji is right, so the older boy can just deal with it.

He will, however, concede that sleep would be amazing. At the order, his body remembers how tired it is, and almost immediately, Sanji's eyelids begin to sink]

Okay. I know a good place we can go in the morning, too. [Still smiling and leaning against Jae-Ha's shoulders, like he might drift off right here]

Don't forget it.

[He really cares about Sanji. He hopes he can keep him safe, from now on. Maybe next time, they won't even be able to hurt him before Jae-Ha steps in. At the weight against him now, Jae-Ha shifts and scoops up Sanji's legs from over the side of the bed, moving almost like he's going to princess carry him— except he just shifts him onto the bed more properly and then flops down next to him, on his stomach.

His legs kick in the air behind him.]

Good night.

[Sanji replies through a yawn, having already curled up nearby Jae-Ha like a content cat] Night. [And then he's dead to the world for the next ten hours.

A new day, at least, seems less scary than it had the previous night. That Sanji wakes up in a good mood is impressive enough, but he's also an excited bundle throughout breakfast, rushing Jae-Ha through their morning routine and out the window (safer than taking the front door, okay?) Only once does he leave Jae-Ha's side before they head out, making the other boy swear not to follow him, but don't worry, he's back quick enough so Jae-Ha won't have too much reason to worry.

As for his "secret" training spot, it really isn't so secret - just annoying to reach unless one is diligent, a far patch of field that's nearby the orchards.
Sanji promises they won't be bothered here, except not twenty minutes into their workout regimen, someone does come walking through the bushes.

It's Reiju, dressed in her usual silks and with her hair done in a pretty ornament, expression light and seemingly uncaring. Without much comment,
she marches right up to Jae-Ha, ready or not - and then stops in front of him with her arms folded behind her back. Over his head, she exchanges a glance with her brother before directing her attention (and a thin, irritable smile) at the older boy.]

Good morning. I hope you are well. [True or not, she's groomed for manners, and lifts her chin slightly before continuing]

... It's been... brought to my attention that my behavior yesterday was uncalled for, apparently. [Yes, apparently. Someone lodged a complaint] And as I've no interest in shaming the family name over rude technicalities, or giving the wrong impression... [A pause. Yes, she's laying it on thick, but at the same time is obviously avoiding the point a certain someone wanted her to get to. It's with a sigh and a shoulder slouch that she relents]

This one time, I will apologize for any grievances I might've caused.

[Because for some reason, peasant, her brother cares for you. At least in this way, his happiness is more important than her grudge and personal agendas.]

[Oh boy. Jae-Ha had been wondering what Sanji was up to in that short moment of being separated, but now it's exceedingly clear. Watching Reiju like this, prim and proper and apologizing, is enough to have the corners of his lips quirking up, but it's the real apology that has him chuckling.

A real chuckle, like he's genuinely amused.]

Seeing you swallow your pride and apologize, even when I told Sanji you didn't have to, it's really funny. But I'll say sorry, too. You obviously care, if you've gone this far.

[It's the fact that she cares enough to do this that has him so happy. And in teasing answer, he reaches over to pat the top of her head a couple of times.] We both have the same goal, so it's okay.

[... She can have you murdered at any time, Jae-Ha B| Just remember that as you keep patting her head like she's an animal. Each hair on her head is worth fives times a commoner's life.

Surprisingly enough, Sanji doesn't look amused by this, either. Oh sure, he'd seemed delighted by the apology at first, but Reiju watches her little brother's expression sour the longer Jae-Ha's attention is diverted, until eventually the blond creeps up behind the old boy's and peeks at Reiju from underneath his bangs.]

You can go now, Reiju. You already apologized.

[-- Oh. Oh ho, did he really just--]

Are you trying to dismiss me already, Sanji? [Smiling in delight now] I outrank you, and I haven't even seen what you two are doing yet.

Who cares about rankings?

[Jae-Ha messes up her hair a little extra, more of a ruffle than a pat, before he steps away and towards Sanji with a smile. He's in a better mood, after all...]

Come on, Sanji, let's keep going.

[Jae-Ha really. Now Reiju has to straighten her hair back into place, giving the boy her age a stiff glare and hoping he feels it on his back.

And sorry, Sanji, Reiju really isn't going anywhere until her curiosity is satisfied. This is the price that must be paid for making her come out here to apologize to a ruffian. She's very quick to remind him of it, too, whenever his frown turns too sour, or he tries to imply that this is a "boys club" with no room for girls.]

How about I spar you, and whoever wins gets to stay?

[At the suggestion, Sanji looks aghast] No way!

She can spar me.

[Jae-Ha is quick to step forward, standing casually. He doesn't have a fighter's stance at all, after being locked up for twelve years, but he can feel it well enough. He knows how to use this power through his heart, and though he does have to train it, he has a very fair starting place for a twelve year old.]

If you lose, you have to leave us alone today.

[Reiju's visible eye narrows on Jae-Ha's face with some amount of interest. It's clear from her relaxed shoulders that she isn't worried about a defeat, but she takes the time to silently commend this boy for stepping up in Sanji's honor - even if that won't help her brother get stronger.]

I'll leave if you can hit me three times. [A slight amendment to the deal; she doesn't want to get these robes too dirty.] And... hmm, let's see. [A wide smile] I stay if I hit you three times. Does that sound fair?

That's fine. Start when you're ready. Sanji, you can watch and see how we move, right? It's still practicing.

[If he watches carefully enough. Jae-Ha is still very relaxed in his own position. To him, this is a test not just of dodging, which he is very confident in being able to do with his leg, but controlling the strength of the dragon. If he jumps too much, she might learn what he is, or at the very least how strong he is. And he doesn't want to reveal that all at once.

So this is a test in holding back. He's going to wait for her first move.]

[Sanji obeys immediately, scrambling into a seated position on the ground with his fists folded in his lap, and it might be the fastest he's ever moved since the first time Reiju discovered Jae-Ha in his room.

Jae-Ha and Reiju fighting... the two people his age that he respects more than anyone else, and they're going to spar. His body can barely handle the excitement.

Reiju, instead of darting forward, stands quiet for a moment, head tilted like a bird of prey. Is this a really good idea, she wonders... Mm, but there's no use overthinking a simple spar, either. If Jae-Ha loses, it means Sanji will have to take his position as this stray's caretaker seriously. Her little brother could stand to grow up some more.

With that thought in mind, she finally moves with her arms held close to her body, and she doesn't plan to let up for anything. She'll strike whatever part of Jae-Ha's body she can, favoring quick, dart-like movements meant to confuse her opponents. She lacks the overwhelming physical strength of her brothers, but that doesn't mean it won't hurt like hell if she finds her mark.]

[She'll find right away that Jae-Ha favors his legs. He keeps his arms at his sides, staying close so they don't sway out and cost him a hit. Every quick move she takes, he's quick to dodge— speed isn't something that the green dragon can lose at.

He's been watching his predecessor for years and planning how to take him down, but this is different. He has to learn new ways to fight, and he's paying attention to every move she makes. So he dodges more than he fights, but finally, he'll swing out at her legs with a kick, or jump (controlled, which he mentally applauds himself for) to the side before kicking at her with his left leg. Eventually, one of them is going to land the first hit, but they still have to get to three for it to mean anything.]

[The first hit goes to Jae-Ha.

And Reiju will take it in stride. For now. She's moving so fast that the blow glides off her shoulder, but a hit is a hit, and she focuses on using the already closed distance to retaliate with an immediate swipe of her right fist if Jae-Ha doesn't move back after his kick.]

[One for him. But then, he'd been so focused on controlling his landing with his right leg and trying not to jump too hard that she hits him immediately after with that follow up. He moves quickly afterwards, jumping back further to increase the distance. One to one...

So, he kicks off with his right leg to add a little force. Subtle, he hopes, as he comes right at her with a spin kick. He's hoping something like this will be harder to dodge, and this time he nails the landing without worry.]

[Reiju won't be fast enough to dodge the spin kick, but she's been taught the art of war since she was an infant, and easily braces up to take the blow through her waiting, raised forearms. Her feet dig into the ground, preventing her from skidding.

-- But still. A hit is a hit. That's another point for Jae-Ha. As she brings down her guard, she catches his eyes with a narrowed glance of her own. Such force from a commoner. Apparently she's been holding back too much.

It's why she'll switch evenly into offense and defense. Avoiding Jae-Ha's speed won't be possible (not that she knows why), so she falls into more complicated poses, all of them intent on striking back at Jae-Ha's legs the moment they try to steal the last point. At this rate, he'll most certainly hit her, but he only wins if he manages to land the blow before she hits him twice over for it.]

[Oh, she does have some moves. Jae-Ha isn't sure what to expect from people, but combat like this probably wasn't it. Still, he's quick at dodging, gets into it, avoids her hits—

The next jump he takes goes a little too high. Thankfully he's not soaring too high, but he clears her head when he kicks out with his left foot. If this one hits and he wins, he might get her in the jaw, even if he had meant to aim for her stomach.

He still has to get used to jumping normally off that right leg...]

[Oh he is not kicking her in the face.

The surprise at how much ground he clears is obvious in her expression, but Reiju is nothing if not a quick thinker. He would've done better to have aimed for her stomach. It's easier to duck when it's her head under fire, and Father has always taught her to keep her vitals covered. She sneaks underneath the kick, feeling the force of it brush her hair out of place, before the girl swerves on her feet and prepares to launch a counter-attack at Jae-Ha's back.

By the sidelines, Sanji has given up on keeping still and jumps to his feet, unsure who he should be rooting for.]

[She gets him in the back enough to make him stumble forward, but that and his own mistake has him tense enough that he reacts quickly. Gritting his teeth, he kicks off with more control this time, speeding to two different spots before he comes at her with a kick to her side.

This one has a little more force behind it than the others. He doesn't want to leave Sanji alone here with her.]

[When Reiju fights her brothers - any of them except Sanji - her goal is to outlast their animalistic tendencies that turn their prey into bloodstains. She waits until they're bored or Father calls off the fight, and then smiles at their insistences that they won, not her.

There's none of that in her today. After she strikes him in the back (two for two), she's already waiting for Jae-Ha to retaliate, and she desperately, desperately wants to win.

But he's too fast. She won't hit him before he hits her.

So she'll settle on a lesson. Pay attention, Jae-Ha, because you'll be learning that Reiju is much like Sanji in that she won't accept defeat unless it's on her own terms. His leg connects with her fist instead of her side, the girl having the nerve to block a kick with a punch. No matter that the added force of Jae-Ha's attack means the pain shoots all the way to her shoulder, it won't dislodge the triumphant smile that she greets him with.

And then she stands straight and proper, the fight completely disappearing from her. The girl's voice sounds bored as she places her hands behind her back]

A tie.

[She begins to walk away, calling out one more time before her shoulder]

That was fun, peasant. We should do it again sometime.

Edited 2017-03-28 04:42 (UTC)

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