Capturing Redwood

[03:10] "You couldn't just wait your turn, could you? So full of yourself. It's about time somebody wiped that attitude off you and showed you your place," he said.

He thrived in the heat of this battle. He showed it just now with Avery, and he was going to show it once more with this one.

Sparks continue to fly, and he cuts straight into Jianyu this time, blood trickling from his form, and his smile starting to grow more wry.

A cut that isn't deep enough to stick, but one he would attempt to follow through with.

"Get up."

Because regardless if she did or didn't? Given the way he was circling in the sky, he was on a course to swooping down below like some kind of hawk. He was coming in for his next prey.
(Redwood)
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[03:15] It's unlike any other fight they've been it. Here, they can let loose entirely. It has their blood hot, boiling. Even with struck with his blade, fabrics cut and crimson flying and dotting the grass.

It's beautiful.

And their mind is gone. Their place? Their place was here, striking him down, feeling that closeness and warmth of fighting with aims to hurt, to harm, to bleed.

To kill?

They don't waver. He'd be swat from the sky, as promised.

Jianyu drew the bowstring back, bolts with foul magics gather at their finger tips.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[03:21] His wings break the wind in the sky, and he bolts back and forth, beating through as her arrows try to pierce through him, tainted with the occult. It's just like Auliene, though not at the same time.

When he sees an opening, he lurches forward, and his sword cuts through, aiming to wallop the bow right out of her hand clean.

"I told you. You don't interest me yet," he said.

His words culminate with a brutal kick to her stomach, sending her flying back, but ultimately gravely unharmed.

He's bleeding and sweating, but victorious.
(Redwood)
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[03:26] A dragon that flew too high. A beast that decided to make its advance known, that decided to mess with others. To conquer. To take. To amass. To hurt.

Yuri was never the type to go out hunting for a fight, but this time? It was different. Redwood. A Dragonlord. One that had hurt the royal family. That had hurt children.

That had hurt Jianyu.

The lack of interest in the Shengese made this reason not only one of duty, but a personal one. War was inbound. Yuri was too young to partake in it seriously. There was no reason he should be on the battlefield, and yet, here he was.

A blade larger than himself in one hand, and will within his gaze - more will than the Drakanite had ever seen from the guy.

"You should have picked other Princesses to kiss. You should have picked other people to hurt. You should have picked another place to be 'Lord' of."

Yuri was... furious. A shroud of blue was blazing around him, crashing in his surroundings with reckless abandon, carrying the strength of the unseen - the ether.

His words were the only warning.

A swing came next.
(Yuri)
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[03:28] What lies.

Boys who lie, people who lie. It's what they despise the most, liars. Deception, words used solely for a gain. What was his gain, exactly?

Because he lied to them just now.

Bolts of arrows fly towards him, seeking to pierce and to pin but he sees an opening through them.

You don't interest me, he says. Adding a yet when his first words to them was his interest in them.

Liar. He's no better than-

A kick to the stomach sent them back, flying and landing on their back. Cut and bruised but nothing that needed the attention of a doctor. They ache, physically. A pain like this was preferred over what they felt earlier.

Lips curl quite a bit, and while down do they smile before they crack and laugh.

"Liar!" Jianyu screamed. Dark ebbs of mana slipped into the grass, stealing the color, draining lifefrom all in a small radius around the beaten Shengese youth.

In this state, they don't notice Yuri. Hel, they don't even hear them. It became a white noise.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[03:29] Another fight. Another victory. It was clear so far that Redwood was the superior on. He wasn't sure how he compared to others as a whole, but out here? He seemed to reign over the other two he fought. Back to back opponents and still claiming victory was no small feat. One annoyingly applauded by the excited Razuka.

"Yes-yes! Good fi-"

Of course, it was hard to say much when another entered the fray. This time at the defense of the one that Redwood just defeated. A person sent flying with a kick that the Razuka instinctively dived away from.

What was meant by Princess? Just who were they all?
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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[03:33] "Another one."

After his kick is delivered to Jianyu, he wastes not a moment too soon before he is already contorting to meet the enraged Yuri head-on, sword twirling in his grasp as he twists himself backwards.

"Is that so? A shame.

I didn't."

Their blades clash - one bigger than the other, though what he lacks in that kind of power, he easily makes up in his speed. Redwood is more than capable of fighting on multiple fronts, and it shows.

"You finally lost that halfwit stutter. Or maybe you're doing your best to hide it in an effort to look brave? Well, I suppose it doesn't matter to me. Yuri, was it? Come. You will be just another name in my journey to glory."

He was running low on gas, but that didn't matter to him.
(Redwood)
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[03:41] {Won Dangerous RPB against Redwood}
[03:55] Perhaps seeing this as the tale of the Drakanite that flew too high was an absurdity. Yuri's advantage in the brawl came not from his own talent besting the one before him, but rather from the injuries that had been bestowed upon him pre-emptively.

Were it not for Jianyu's efforts, Yuri would have lost.

With each clash of their blades the knight's own seemed to grow in magnitude. Each exchange... made him better. Stronger. Faster. Mana released by the both of them would be eaten up - burned and recycled by the short one's own shroud, giving his oversized weapon a certain... lightness to it.

Swifter swings, and risky plays.

The crackle of lightning is what decided it all. The chirping of a thousand birds rushing down towards Yuri brought a reaction of his own. His mana went wild. Burning at everything that surrounded it, consuming it in order to further empower the boy's own strength.

That electrifying hand came forth, ready to claim his life, pressing more and more and more against the blue shroud, piercing through it..! And that's where Yuri's right fist came crashing towards Redwood's face, carrying the strength of their encounter, their combined mana, and a rather terrifying amount of energy from those deadly lightning surges.

A knock-out punch. Clean. And simple.

It left Yuri... breathing. Catching his breath, looking down towards the Drakanite and realizing that he, somehow, stole that victory from him.

He came here for his duty. For his King. For his Princesses.
He remained a bit longer for Jianyu, uttering a few words through pained breaths, blood dripping from fist and abdomen alike.

"S.. Sounds like... I did end up finding you."

The hand that dealt the blow reached down for the young would-be Dragonlord. After what he'd done there had to be punishment. Either that, or a... an apology. A proper one to the girls he'd hurt.

.. Yuri was no murderer. Not yet. This may be war, but the both of them were far too young to go that crazy.
(Yuri)
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[04:10] The surge and beat of everything made the world around him feel like it was moving slower. This is a war of attrition - seeing who can outlast the other. It didn't matter to Redwood if he was injured or not from his previous battles, he knew he had to be strong enough to defeat Yuri; he had to be.

His hand goes forth, buzzing and pulsing with electromagnetic energy that runs rampant across the battlefield, and his eyes go wide and wry.

Valhir was seeking glory once more, and he would have it.

.. But not today, as just when he was about to claim victory over Yuri, a firm blow from him rocks his entire body and sends him flying backwards, groaning.

He remains there, grounded for a time, coughing and breathing quietly.

Words. Succinct.

".. And to think you only knew scissors."
(Redwood)
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[04:10] At some point, they compose themself, laid on the grass with a pain at their stomach and sting at various cuts and slashes but nothing serious kept them down from long.

Eventually, they rise to see swords clashing between both Knight and young Dragonlord.

They see a final blow that knocked the wind out of Redwood. Jianyu stared, gaze still rather crazed and influenced.

Quick steps draw them closer to Yuri, to the downed Redwood.

"Leave him."

It was for another reason he drew his blade. Jianyu refused to believe it was anything else. They knew. But to move him elsewhere.

Breath slowed and their hand went to their stomach, staggering back from a rather strong blow from not too long ago.

Their gaze felt like it burned on him even if he was one to find them this time. Narrow icy hues felt cold, despite the rather angry heat present.

"I attacked him. Without holding back."

It would be easy for they themself to drive a bolt through the Drakanite's skull and be done with him, forever. But it's nothing earned, nothing claimed by their own hands and it's why he draws breath still, albeit slow.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[04:14] What initially was passed off as a brawl before the war suddenly became confusing. Redwood- a figure that it knew was allied to the demons- was being accosted by these people... it glared over at the very familiar Jianyu, beady eyes narrowing.

Loupe didn't particularly understand what was happening, nor did it care to get involved in teenage angst. Yet it felt that if this sterling member of Theria was carried away beneath its very own gaze that the elder kaor's might have some harsh words to share.

"... What is happening here. Do you require assistance, friend of potion maker?" The grubby goblin wasn't exceptionally intimidating, but it was still a demon...
(Loupe)
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[04:14] Jianyu's demand was met with a shake of Yuri's head. A firm grip upon Redwood's shirt begins pulling him closer as the knight... makes his way westwards.

"I can't leave him behind." He answered, though there was more to it. If Jianyu fought that way, all out, then...

".. Come. We-"

.. need to make a decision on whether Redwood should live or die?

... A shiver ran down his spine.
(Yuri)
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[04:16] "Just leave him."

It didn't matter to them, this Therian knowing or not. It mattered if others knew and bringing him closer to it. Jianyu shook their head, moving to place their hands on Yuri's to pry them from Redwood's shirt.

"Unless you attacked him for the Princess." So, the Shengese teen took a step back, leaving it up to the young man who would rather shit himself than to choose left or right.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[04:16] There is just a rat clapping. A Razuka so far removed from the conflict and attentions of others, clapping in the background. He knew not the players, nor the game. All he knew was that each and every one of them would stomp him into the ground. A marvelous series of fights and it seemed that the 'pigeon' would be living to fight another day.

A passive bystander, Trik could do little but look around nervously. A glance at Avery who seemed to still be bleeding out amidst the combat and violence.

"Ah... Other man-thing still bleeds. Trik not sure-aware what sparks this conflict. Care to tell poor-simple Razuka nature of it? Seek-seek place in world."

There was a chitter to his words as he took a step forward before two back. No, getting too close might get him in trouble. Like he did with the more horrifying demon before, he needed to make himself seem harmless to those that might turn him into a fine red mist.

At least, for now.

"W-why the fight-fight? What is man-thing's fate? Stop many with his blade, stand tall for while. Is enemy-rival?"
(Trik Gutterrunner)
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[04:21] Completely ignored by the figures descending upon Redwood, Loupe sighed. The person coming up to it was ignored as the burly demon moved forward, doing what it hated doing most of all. Getting involved in things.

Why bother? Well- it was clear this figure was important to Theria. Redwood had already announced that they would be working together before the message was spread across the country. This meant that he had some higher-up connections. He was also related to the little potion maker that had given him so much money.

Ample enough reason to intervene.

"Whatever you humans are arguing about, it is time to stop. The drakanite must be taken home."
(Loupe)
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[04:23] Unless you attacked him for the Princess.

Those words had a double meaning to them. The hand right atop his own made it have.. a lot more meaning than there seemed to be on the surface. This was a decision that he'd have to make A harsh, difficult-

"I did."

He went out to hunt for the guy specifically for that. He just never expected to find him fighting Jianyu. Where most decisions were difficult, this one? It came from an order. From an oath. From duty. Yuri had no trouble taking a decision that wasn't his.

".. And for you, too. But that came... after the orders." He admits. His hand tightens up on Redwood's shirt, and his body shifts towards Nysea.

".. you can come." He muttered, making his way westwards.

.. Of course, it's not to say Yuri didn't hear the goblin or the rat, but he was far too busy trying to get through to Jianyu.

And then, Loupe spoke.

"I'm taking him to someone who's heart he broke. For an apology."

That was the least that would come from him being brought to Nysea. The worst? Well... death.

It was war.

Yuri was intending on leaving. Clearly.
(Yuri)
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[04:26] "Would-- be appreciated," he answers listlessly towards Loupe.

He's not in much position to complain, is he? Or fight for that matter. He's worn out from far too many battles. That much should've been obvious to the demon though.
(Redwood)
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[04:27] The exact opposite of what they wanted occurred. A demon approached, speaking of arguing. Jianyu decided it was best to not acknowledge him.

Of course that was his reasoning.

"You have no idea what trouble you'll get in... You'll be the entire city in danger- Just leave him there. Her heart will mend."

Eventually. Besides, Redwood's crimes weren't serious enough. Getting knocked in the mouth was enough.

But, orders and duty mattered far too much to Yuri. "Do you want Theria to come for you? Are you wanting a war?"

It would be delivered to their doorsteps it an instant.
(Jianyu Xi)
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[04:27] Yuri says, "T-.. There's already a war."
[04:28] Trik Gutterrunner asks, "Er... What... Trik is confused-lost. Who is at war?"
[04:28] Jianyu Xi says, "You know- Go get put in a world of trouble over her."
[04:29] Jianyu Xi says, "When Dragonlords want your head."
[04:29] Jianyu Xi says, "...Don't say I told you so..."
[04:29] Teenage passions. Something about a broken heart..? In truth it intrigued Loupe greatly. The depths that the young and stupid went in the name of love. There was a lot to be learned about it.

Unfortunately, Redwood had spoken... and the demon couldn't simply pretend to not have heard. Loupe sighed, dragging its body up until it stood tall. About the height of a regular adult, yet much wider.

"You leave me with no choice." Dark magic coalesced in its huge palms, claws stretched outwards. There was an obvious reluctance to the demon, a distaste for combat that seemed to elude the rest of its kind.

It was an obligation. The elder kaors spoke, and it would follow. It moved to intervene on Redwood's behalf and rescue the downed drakanite Dragonlord.
(Loupe)
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[04:29] Yuri whispers to Jianyu Xi: I'd do triple that for you.
[04:30] Jianyu Xi whispers to Yuri: Except listen to--
[04:31] Trik Gutterrunner says, "Oh fuck-fuck."
[04:32] Loupe says, "Agree."
[04:32] It spiraled and placed them in an awkward position. Loupe made an attempt for the downed Drakanite, to retrieve him and Jianyu made no efforts to stop it.

One reason why his action shouldn't be taken, why an apology wasn't worth this.

"An apology from his is equal to horseshit- Just leave him there, damnit! Just... listen to me..."
(Jianyu Xi)
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[04:36] "I can't. It's my duty."

The answer wasn't one that Jianyu wanted to hear. It... was harsh. A harsh reality, really. Especially when the trouble came knocking for him so, so soon after.

Upon seeing the Demon rise up to being much, much taller than himself, the young knight did what every kid who clung on their life would do:

He made an attempt to book it. With Redwood in grasp, of course.
(Yuri)
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[04:37] An absolute chore. The knight making a run for it only made Loupe's reservations run deeper... but here they were. It had no choice. It wrote as fast as it could, to spare the young knights suffering- but roleplays had to be made.

"Grrrrr.."
(Loupe)
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[04:40] {Won Restrained RPB against Loupe}
[04:43] Battling with one Redwood in hand and a giant blade in the other was difficult, but Yuri would not cast away his job so easily. He could have listened to Jianyu. He could have left Redwood alone, avoided trouble, avoided Demons, and avoided all of that.

Alas, Yuri had given his word. A promise. He was bound to bring this man to justice - even if it were for a mere apology.

And so, with overwhelming swings did he fight away the... goblin? Demon? Monster? Whatever that was, it was definitely something ugly. And too big for anyone to mess with.

Yuri was off.

He only hoped Jianyu would follow.
(Yuri)
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[04:44] It was to nobodies surprise (especially Loupe's) that he was once again defeated by a borderline child. The magics at its command could not compare to some of the warriors Esshar was brewing, and its heart wasn't really in it anyway.

Claws rose upwards, blocking the terrible strikes that lashed at it before the creature just kind of... gave up once it was on the verge of serious injury. It stopped, glaring over as the kid made its escape.

One day it would be a cool Kaor like all the others.....
(Loupe)
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[04:45] No intervention from them. Why would they? Redwood's fate was argued. It's more than unlikely that he'd be executed for his 'crimes'.

Annoying, really.

Nothing but shit and half-baked words would come from it. There was no worth to it and he'd know it as he fended off Loupe.

"You're stupid." He'd hear these insults and more the entire way back.
(Jianyu Xi)