jikan_rpg | Beyond what lies before me [OPEN]

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Beyond what lies before me [OPEN]

⌛ Who: Xiao & you
⌛ What: After getting back from the Hot Springs 'Vacation'? He needs a distraction.
⌛ When: Sometime after everyone came back from their little hot springs trip.
⌛ Where: A quiet, uninhabited part of Nihonbashi.
⌛ Warnings: Just fighting/sparring things

[ Humans and interacting with them were things he'd never done much of, due to keeping himself isolated and away from the lot of them. He had his job to do, and felt it was unnecessary to involve humans who could get affected by his karma.

The ones who ran this place had seen it fit to bring him here, leaving Liyue and it's people undefended. Then he'd ended up having an experience at the Hot Springs. One of which was where he'd lowered his guard and other things at play had resulted in something he really didn't want to think about. So to try and find some level of normalcy here, he'd went searching around for a somewhat open area where he could move around relatively freely and didn't have many people.

It was late in the afternoon and anyone who passes by this particular spot can see Xiao, a beautiful, glowing spear in one hand as he repeatedly jabs and swipes at the air as if fighting an enemy. His movements are graceful but deadly, speaking of MANY years of skill, making some of the motions almost hard to see.

The only telltale thing different than his usual routine of practicing was that his expression was set a little firmer in determination and focused ahead of him as he moved, the occasional growl escaping his lips. Anyone who watches from a distance may even be able to feel what feels like gusts of wind itself that comes from his direction, lightly tinged with a faint glowing, pale teal hue from time to time. He also hasn't really noticed anyone close to him, either. ]

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[Practicing in the afternoon until the sun sets, Xiao? Very industrious of you. It's unfortunate(?) that Eater didn't happen upon him earlier in the day, as she would have been content to watch and drool over his form.

Instead, he greets Xiao with a casual wave, his harp hoisted over one shoulder.]

Yo.

[ To be fair it'd been late afternoon, and he hadn't been paying attention to the time.

Landing on the ground with a flourish, Xiao straightened up and looked over at Eater. Something seemed different about her but he couldn't quite figure it out. Maybe it was the less than formal way he's been greeted, though he did nod in acknowledgment and in greeting. ]

...Something seems different about you today.

Split personality, I turn into a guy at night, don't worry about it.

[That seems like something to worry about, Eater?]

Wanna spar?

[ That got a bit of a mildly curious look initially, but that did explain the shift in the way Eater spoke normally compared to now. It wasn't even factoring in the odd feel to them or the mannerisms, either. ]

Quite bold of you to ask such a thing of me.

[ While he isn't the type to smirk or anything, the energy he's giving off says he does like this turn of events. ]

If you think a fallen angel can keep up with someone like me... [ Xiao shifted his spear, already getting into an offensive position with ease. ] Come at me then.

Underestimate me and you'll regret it.

[One might expect Eater to pull out a real weapon, but instead he hefts his harp and charges, aiming to smash it into Xiao's chest. His strength is considerable, much more than one would expect given his size, and it's enough to turn even a harp into a painful weapon.]

[ A harp as a weapon? How unexpected.

His reflexes are quick though, and he's able to step back while bringing up his spear, the impact of the harp notable as it collided with it. There's even a spark in his eyes as he pulls back quickly, aims his spear forwards and it's nearly a blur edged with a sort of almost glowing teal wind with how fast he thrusted it outward.

Nothing about him was holding back, intending to see how strong Eater really was if the other could say such a thing. ]

[Eater's combat style is aggressive, leaving holes in his own defense in exchange for more damage. In this case, the spear connects, and Eater grunts - but he's able to smash his harp towards Xiao's side while he can't parry it with his spear.]

[ Since he had no intent to actually kill Eater, but just harm, he'd thankfully not aimed the sharpest part of the spear directly at him so when it'd connected? It shouldn't cause too much damage.

It was kind of impressive, how the other was able to move in so fast and that harp very nearly connected until he seemed to completely phase away from it. As in, completely disappearing in a flash of bright teal before re-appearing behind Eater and lashing out with a kick. ]

You're too slow!

[ Nobody had said natural powers or abilities couldn't be used here, and he'd say as much if it was brought up. One may just assume he'd moved too quickly otherwise. ]

You fight dirty-

[Eater doesn't sound mad, more excited. He manages to sidestep Xiao's kick, hoping that it'll take Xiao off balance.

Fighting teleporting opponents is a pain in the ass, but oh so worth it when you finally get to smack them around.]

[ Even with the element of surprise that came from using his powers, it was actually impressive how Eater was able to avoid his kick. He was very light on his feet, and as such it would take a lot of effort to make him off balance.

Infact, he took everything into account and landed lightly on the other foot while swiping his spear out in a sweeping arc. All while still remaining graceful without holding back his strength even a little. ]

If you didn't want me to use my powers, you should have said so before we started.

[ Okay so he's enjoying this as well, if he's completely honest. ]

And have you go easy on me? Hell no-

[Rather than dodge the spear entirely, it's easier to grab a hold of it. The metal digs into Eater's skin and he grunts a little as he attempts to wrench the thing away from Xiao.

He will not apologize if any spears get broken today.]

[ Oh this one's definitely fun.

The impact is definitely felt as the other caught his spear, grip tightening instinctively in an attempt to keep ahold of it. His eyes shift upwards briefly before he slid his one hand up on the spear's shaft until it was closer to where Eater's was, latching his other hand a fair bit lower before using his strength to pull it up and towards him. ]

Doesn't matter who it is I'm facing against. I will NEVER take it easy against anyone.

[ He's banking on that this should force the other to be thrown over his shoulder and using that opposing grip against Eater himself. ]

[He definitely can lift Eater up - he's strong, but fairly light - but on the way over Xiao's shoulder, he lashes out with a kick to the head.]

[ Now THAT he wasn't expecting, wincing just a little as he wasn't able to really move to avoid it and the kick connected. Eater had strength so it was enough to disorient him a little, so he wasn't immediately going to strike out with the next hit right away. ]

[That's for the best, as it gives Eater a chance to right himself a little after being tossed over Xiao's shoulder - he can't follow up on that right away either.]

[ That hit did smart pretty good. Humans probably would have been knocked out by a kick like that, but he was more durable due to his inhumanity. ]

Hn. You're not bad. I'll give you that much.

Same to you. You and I are going to be great friends.

[Eater's requirements for friendship are 1. strong and 2. not an asshole.]

Friends, huh?

[ Part of him just wants to brush it off as he normally did, but then he remembered what Eater's other personality had told him. Bonds. It was important to have those here. ]

I suppose that's fine. You're durable and I can fight against you without holding back so anytime you want to... let me know.

You betcha.

Good luck dealing with the other me. She's not bad or anything, but sheesh, that thirst.

I've already met her.

[ A pause and he quirked an eyebrow at Eater. ]

Thirst?

She's horny.

[blunt as fuck over here.]

[ Not much phases him, but... this? He's quick to look away and pretend as if his cheeks were not the softest shade of pink. ]

I see. She should fit in well here, then.

She's probably gonna try to seduce you, y'know.

[Not making that embarrassment any better.]

...going to what?

[ He may have been around a couple thousand years but he doesn't engage with humans often enough to know what certain things actually mean. ]

She thinks you're attractive and wants to have sex with you.

[Is this clear enough, he can start making hand gestures if that will help-]

[Kashuu noticed someone's training while walking around. Who knew scouting the area can lead him to another warrior? As he take a few steps closer, he get a better look at the other person. A spear user, and his height seems comparable to his own.

Which intrigued him, as Kashuu's used to spear warriors being really, really tall. This guy's fighting style is swift and fluid, but powerful. It excites the sword warrior in him.

If Xiao stop, he might notice (if not already) a seemingly human young man watching him from a respectable distance.]

Oh, don't mind me! Unless me watching you bugs you?

[ As it stood? Xiao was more invested in practicing with his spear that he hadn't been paying attention to much of anything else. He wielded his weapon with one hand and his strikes outwards varied from wide, sweeping ones to straight forwards in firm thrusts with little pause inbetween.

It's as he made stop and take a break that he caught sight of the figure nearby. He seemed to even consider everything, though soon let off a soft exhale and looked away as his spear glimmered gold and seemingly disappeared for now. Had this been in Teyvat he likely would have never entertained talking to humans, but he remembered what someone had told him after his arrival.

Bonds were important here if he wanted to get back home. ]

Not particularly. If I was bothered by someone watching me, I would have chosen a different location.

[ At least he's blunt and straight forwards here? Though his tone's not inherently flippant for what it's worth. ]

[His curiosity only grew at watching the weapon disappear. And he looks over the other person again, noting how his appearance seem to match that spear he manage to see. Maybe? Maybe not? Warriors sometimes matches their appearance to their weapons.

But this is the first time he saw someone made their weapon literally disappear. So spiritual powers?]

Okay. So I have a question just now... [Like, literally just now.] ... How did you make your weapon disappear?

[Can he learn it? It would be convenient if he knows how...]

[ Such a peculiar question, to be sure.

Xiao hesitated, giving it some real thought for the time being. It seemed so natural of a thing for him to be able to do, after all. ]

I've always been able to do that. [ A pause. ] Most weapon users where I come from are capable of doing so.

[ He sighed, his spear reappearing in one hand with a similar flash of gold light. Before coming here, it didn't seem so unusual so why now? ]

Ohh... is it something you can teach to others?

[Unlike this spear user, Kashuu's sheathed sword can be clearly seen at his hip. Anyone who would look at his (very stylish, very cute looking) figure could easily see him as a swordsman. Kashuu watches the movement curiously. It doesn't seem like there's any specific trick he can see.

Something internal, like spiritual powers? Maybe?]

Unless you can't... then that's fine.

[He "live" this long so far. Beside growing stronger, he could keep going as he always do.

... The weapon trick still look cool to him, though. Imagine if the master see him doing it?]

Not as far as I'm aware.

[ It wasn't hard to miss with one glance at the one here with him. The way they held themselves, their frame and the VERY telling sword was definitely enough to tell him that the other was a swordsman but the skill was left to be seen at this point. ]

Perhaps if an archon... [ He stopped himself. People didn't call them that here. ] a god from my home were here they may have the power to show someone how to do it.

A god, huh...

[It makes sense. Someone more powerful than himself, which he's alright with. Plus, those kinds are likely to know he's not human at all.]

So if a god from your home ever comes here, I can always ask them.

[If they ever appear. As far as he sees it, Kashuu haven't spot any rhyme or reason behind which refugees come here... And he misses his comrades.]

[He isn't meant to be in social situations for long. It's just not his thing and hasn't been for a long time. Keith stalks off with his massive shaggy blue space wolf padding at his side and runs into the last thing he expected to see.

For a moment he stands and silently takes in the speed and precision of the spear cutting through the air. Kosmo tips his head to the side as they both watch. It's the closest thing to things making sense here than they've ever been.

This mean is quicker than a human can go even at a glance. He has no idea if he can match it. But he wants to test himself against that speed. It's an itch like when he sends the Lion going as fast as she can go. The wind brushes against him as he walks slowly to the side, making his presence known by not bothering to hide his steps.]

Didn't mean to interrupt.

[He says as he comes to stop when their eyes can meet. His pupils slit too much, his face too sharp to be fully human. His movements are precise. He's dressed in simple pants and a shirt with the hilt of what looks to be a knife angled for a fast draw at his hip.] But you look like you need to burn off some energy and so do I. Up for a spar? You can say no if you're not interested.

[ Finding someone here who could match his level of speed and strength was hard all on it's own. Someone who could keep up and pose a legitimate challenge for him without the worry of the other party being injured if he got too rough.

Injuries on his end were not an unusual thing so he didn't mind if HE obtained them at all.

His golden-hued gaze fell upon the newcomer instantly, and he landed lightly on the ground while raising himself to his full height. While Xiao lacked height, he made up for it everywhere else that was honestly really important. Such as picking up the inhuman-like nature of the other man through his eyes when they'd met, or even the sharpness of his face. ]

If you'd been a normal human I may have declined. [ Interest flashed in Xiao's eyes, fingers tapping a little against the spear in his grasp. ] I don't mind the interruption. Sparring against an opponent is quite welcomed, so come at me when you're ready.

Edited 2021-03-18 05:27 (UTC)

[Keith immediately glances to his cosmic wolf friend. Kosmo looks between them and shakes his head as he pads away and sits down, clearly on watch. If anyone who can't handle this kind of fight come by, they will have a warning.

It's like shutting a door. The rest of the world is set aside and he bursts into motion. His knife comes out of its sheathe and a pale purple light engulfs it. The blade widens and lengthens, taking on a slight curved profile.

To Keith the world turns sharp and crystal clear. This is where he belongs. Not in crowded conference rooms, or busy streets full of people. A fight on the ground or in the air. He's faster than normal humans and when he brings his blade in a cut from right to left, it's with the precision of practice and skill. He's not even close to as skilled at it as the Adepti, but he's a dedicated swordsman who knows what he's doing and doesn't waste any movement.]

[ Those movements made it so clear. From the way he drew out his weapon and came at him without wasting time, this man was a soldier of some kind but not the average one.

Xiao brought up his spear with both hands to meet the sword's blade, blocking it without any sign of the spear giving in under the pressure. It only lasts a couple of scant milliseconds as he pulls back, spear shifting in his grasp as he thrusts it outward without missing a single beat.

It's very clear he's not holding back, gauging the other man's skills but also doing enough where he doesn't intend to actually do any serious injuries. ]

[Strong enough to hold him back he observes as he dodges to the left. He reverses his sword cutting left to right. But if blade meets spear this time he goes for pushing it away.

He has to look for the flow of the fight. Once he finds it he will sink into it. Many things will settle into place. This sparring partner is fast enough he can barely match it. He isn’t holding back either and his strength isn’t held in check.

Whether he can push the spear aside or not, he twists like the turning of a leaf in the wind. His blade hums faintly as he brings down to protect his middle and move back. Not only a soldier but one that has patience. If Xiao doesn’t pursue him, he circles in a step very like the wolf glancing back at them with yellow eyes.]

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Beyond what lies before me [OPEN]

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