(Ah, there's that sound that make his skin crawl. He'd thought he was being careful enough but the cracks deepen and spread, the first few pieces begin to fall and he flinches even if it isn't him. )
Ah--
(He's almost afraid to move in case it gets worse but then Rin is calling for him. His first assumption is that Rin must be surprised by what happened. )
Rin-kun, I'm sorry...
(And he looks up at Rin apologetically. It's clear there's more going on, though, and he frowns, brows knitting close together as he tries to see what's wrong,)
[It hurts. It's like a pressure is building up in his chest, trying to burst out, and it hurts. Rin's breathing is labored and he clutches his chest like it will help at all, but there's no coming back from this.]
It hurts-
[He gasps and reaches out to grab Tsuru's arm, jostling his elbow.
(And at the moment, he's more worried about Rin than Kurikara. He's about to set it down so he can tend to Rin but his arm is grabbed instead. The motion catches him mid-movement and the sword breaks in half in his hands,
[The grunt of pain shifts to a scream as blue fire erupts from Rin. His clothes aren't burning, and neither is his skin, but the flames feel hot to Tsuru and threaten to burn him if he doesn't keep adequate space.
Rin falls into a void, screaming as he tumbles deep into the darkness.
And then the screams stop, and Rin sinks to his knees. The fire dies down around him, except for two little horn-like spurts near his forehead. His hair abruptly shifts to white with a blue ombre, and his ears and fangs both grow longer.
Rin stares blankly at his hands for a few seconds before grinning and starting to flex his fingers, testing out how well they move. The broken fingers barely hinder him.
If he sees Tsuru right now, he doesn't acknowledge the man yet.]
(Something is happening. He doesn't understand but something is happening.
He drops the pieces of Kurikara and reaches for his own sword, jumping up and away from the flames. Fire has claimed more than enough swords in his history and the last thing he wants is to meet the same sort of fate. He pulls back and tries to get a safe distance away but he's still worried about Rin.
He doesn't understand the fire or the transformation. What he does know is that he's in danger and he's immediately on edge.
Kiku also takes flight, going over the flames and staying close to Tsurumaru. For now, she's staying in her smaller, magpie form.)
Rin-kun, what's happening?
(Always composed. Always carefree. His tone shifts and he commands,)
[The blue fire is still there, but it's more controlled now. Rin is holding out a hand, grinning as he watches the blue fire make lazy circles around it. He's reveling in the power, taking in that which has been denied to him for all these years.
When he looks to Tsuru, it is with a casual glance.]
Amazing, isn't it? I could burn up this whole town in an instant if I wanted to. That'd be a good way to stretch my legs.
[It's Rin's voice, his tone is unmistakable. But something about the way he speaks- his tone, his word choice, the cruel lilt to everything he's saying- it's off. It's off and very concerning.]
I AM Rin. Unchained from that guilt complex and left to live however I want.
[He's turning to face Tsuru fully now.]
Hey, let's spar. My sword's broken, but we can see how you last against my fire. It's only for 10 minutes so you should be fine, right~? And if you can't survive for 10 minutes then you're not worthy of being my friend anyway.
[The flames are growing in intensity. This fight is not optional.]
(The fire burns. It spreads through the room and he's keenly aware that he's in a closed place with little room to really, actually move as freely as he'd like. The flames lick at him and he knows he needs to escape. He knows he needs to fight.
And yet, he can't bring himself to draw his sword.
He doesn't want to hurt Rin. It's clear he isn't in control.)
I'm surprised, Rin-kun.
(It's hot. It's so hot. But he only has to last for ten minutes? He feels like he can do this. From above, Kiku flies as far from the heat as she can.)
But it's late. Let's put you to rest.
(And in one, swift move, he's charging towards Rin, sword still sheathed for now but intent to knock him back with it. He isn't going to kill Rin. He's only trying to restrain him.)
[Rin is alert, and Rin is fast. By the time Tsuru makes his move, Rin is jumping on the table and then up and over Tsuru's head. And while he's up there floating through the air for a few seconds, He's going to grab onto whatever part of Tsuru he can grab- arms, leg, whatever- and press hideously hot hands into the skin of whatever he reaches.]
(It's faster than he expects and he needs to adjust to make up for it. Thankfully, he's a skilled swordsman and it's easy enough for him to adapt. What he doesn't expect is for Rin to just try and grab him.
Rin can probably grab onto his robe-- the sleeves are loose and flowing. As a result, it ends up pulling his arm at an awkward angle and while he had tried to bring his sword up to slam him in the jaw or something, it's enough to throw him off that he misses. )
(He can grab the sword. Even if Tsurumaru tries to reach for it back, he won't succeed and realizing what this means, he immediately pulls back his arm hard and tries to get away.
He raises his sheath in front of him defensively. He still hasn't lost his cool-- losing his composure now when every minute counts won't do. He needs to stay calm.
The flames are licking at the ends of his hakama and the floor is unbearably hot. He needs to get out and he begins to figure out an escape.)
[The words, they do appeal to something within this demon. After all, the human and the demon both make up Rin. They like the same people, have the same wants in life. So just like with the human Rin, this Rin does favor Tsuru.
But this Rin isn't quite aware of just how much his power affects others. He doesn't know how to hold back on a killing blow. He just. Doesn't. Understand. And he doesn't get why not understanding is a bad thing.]
It's fine, isn't it? We play together all the time and nobody dies. You can survive this, you're not a weakling.
[The stance he takes might look familiar to Tsuru. It's the one he's been teaching Rin.]
(This Rin is right. Tsurumaru is no weakling and surely, if he went all out, he thinks he could do more than just put this Rin in his place. But he has no desire to kill Rin, not when he's like this. Not when he clearly isn't himself.
There's something bittersweet in the way he smiles at Rin, recognizing his own influence in the stance.
Ten minutes. He just has to endure the flames and his own sword for ten minutes.
He looks at Kiku, flying above the flames in her magpie form and he tries to get a sense for Rinkou who surely must be nearby. He'll make sure Rin lives.
Usually, he would wait for Rin to make the first move but he can't stand still in this fire. He needs to move. )
You're right. (With his sheathe, he shifts into position, adjusting his hold and stance to accommodate a different type of weapon,) No matter what, you will live.
(And he charges, his first attack tight and focused-- a slash right for his arm.)
[And that gets a block in return! This Rin hasn't forgotten those lessons yet. Block, then push away, all while keeping his hands on the hilt.
Then he lashes out with his own strike, testing Tsuru, trying to bait him into going on the defensive.
Rinkou is hiding under a table, in wolverine form, making uncomfortable noises at the fire. She isn't burning, but she is clearly distressed by the flames.]
(He doesn't need bait. He catches Rin's attack with his sheath and winces. Even if he isn't connected to his sword, this still feels close to him.
He might be on the defensive now but he isn't going to stay that way. He tries to hold Rin back... and then steps on his foot, trying to push forward with all of his strength to knock him back and regain grown,)
You're slacking, Rin-kun!
(He didn't train him to fight like this. All brute force and lesser skill.)
Do I need to teach you a lesson~?
(Even when backed against a wall, he'll always laugh. He is, after all, a warrior spirit.)
[Stomping on his foot means that Tsuru is within stabbing range, so the demon grits his teeth and swings the sword back around, trying to slice through Tsuru's midsection while they're close. The move twists Rin's body a bit, but the demon seems to not be bothered by the pain as much as Rin would be. If anything, he seems to be thriving on it.]
I'm the one who has lessons for you.
[After swinging the sword, he shifts it to one hand so he can hold his other out towards Tsuru. The flames in the room are going to converge on the spot Tsuru is standing on.]
(It sure does mean he's close enough and he braces himself for what he knows is going to be a critical attack...
Only for Kiku to swoop at Rin suddenly. Her magpie form is small and fast. She flies Rin's face and swerves quickly to try and distract him. It's just enough for Tsurumaru to get away unharmed this time. Kiku, meanwhile, returns to Tsurumaru, flying around him frantically as he tries to back away from the flames. The ends of his hakama begin to smolder and burn, his sleeves catch fire.
I'm going to burn, he thinks. There's a heavy realization that if he doesn't do something to stop the fire, he will burn.)
It's still my turn, Rin-kun.
(And as the fire converges... he pushes through it. He runs through the flames and makes a break for Rinkou. Instead of trying to avoid the flames and get burned, he'll run through them and control his own situation. He completely ignores Rin for now. His plan is to attack Rinkou instead.)
[The swoop does distract the demon! He pulls back his hand to wave Kiku away, meaning Tsuru isn't completely trapped by fire and he can push through it with minimal damage. 'Minimal' is not 'none' though, and these flames burn really hot. Any exposed skin is going to start feeling painful.
Rinkou is easy to find at least. She is angry and frightened and hissing at everything and everyone. Having the demon out has affected her as well, and getting close to her will not be easy. Tsuru is liable to get bitten and clawed if he's not careful. She's under the nearby table, and she actually doesn't seem to be suffering from the fire interestingly enough. Fireproof daemon!]
(He's burning. His feet hurt. His hands hurt. It's all starting to build up and he can feel his hold on his sheath grow weak. He needs to do this now. It doesn't matter if he's bit or clawed at because if that can happen, it means he can grab her.
This also means his attention is more on Rinkou than Rin. He has no choice but to turn his back to him...
If Rin tries to attack him, Kiku will swoop once more, this time in her largest form-- that of a crane. She's going to protect her companion and try to give him time to get to Rinkou.)
[The demon absolutely does move to stab Tsuru while his back is turned. A cheap shot, but as far as he's concerned Tsuru deserves it for turning his back in the first place. This is a fight!
But then he sees just what Tsuru is trying to do, and his gaze sharpens.
As Kiku swoops down, the demon reaches out with one hand to grab the crane by the neck. He remembers the pain this touching caused Yukio, so he's expecting it to hold true here too.]
(It's hard to reach her when she's under the table like this and he's about to kick the table away when suddenly
He feels like something is grabbing him. His chest tightens and he feels all of his wind get knocked out of him. His vision tunnels, he loses all focus. All he's aware of is pain that grows with intensity the longer Rin holds onto Kiku. His hands shake and he drops the sheathe. He begins to stagger... and he falls over on his side. )
Kiku--
(She hisses and tries to fight back, wings and legs flailing at Rin.)
Let her--
(Go.
He can't even finish. His chest feels so tight, he can't even breathe. )
[Those words sound cruel. Like a child about to break something because they don't understand how fragile it is, only that this will cause the drama they're looking for.
So he turns the blade to stab Kiku instead. Partially because this is punishment for Tsuru not playing properly, and partially because he wants to see what happens.]
(The words are cruel. They're so surprisingly cruel what happens next shouldn't be one at all. Always calm and always cool, even in the most chaotic of situations, the look in his eyes is less desperation and more determination as he tries to pick himself back up. His hand, sensitive from fire, offer barely any support. He can hardly lift himself up
And Rin stabs Kiku.
Tsurumaru yells. He lets out a pained cry and crumbles to the ground in a heap. He can't even look at Rin right now. The pain is so much, his vision is completely white and everything goes silent. There's just the roar of fire around him but instead of feeling the burning heat... he just feels cold.
Kiku, meanwhile, goes completely tense and then still in Rin's hands. Once spread wings fall to her side and any fight she had drains from her. In the place where the blade had made contact, gold dust begins to tickle. Feathers fall, turning to dust. It seems painfully slow, the way she dies in his hold. As soon as he pulls the sword from her, she'll dissolve completely, leaving behind only a pile of dust.)
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2021-10-23 04:18 am (UTC)(Ah, there's that sound that make his skin crawl. He'd thought he was being careful enough but the cracks deepen and spread, the first few pieces begin to fall and he flinches even if it isn't him. )
Ah--
(He's almost afraid to move in case it gets worse but then Rin is calling for him. His first assumption is that Rin must be surprised by what happened. )
Rin-kun, I'm sorry...
(And he looks up at Rin apologetically. It's clear there's more going on, though, and he frowns, brows knitting close together as he tries to see what's wrong,)
Rin-kun?
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Date: 2021-10-23 04:25 am (UTC)It hurts-
[He gasps and reaches out to grab Tsuru's arm, jostling his elbow.
Which is enough to break the sword entirely.]
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Date: 2021-10-23 04:32 am (UTC)(And at the moment, he's more worried about Rin than Kurikara. He's about to set it down so he can tend to Rin but his arm is grabbed instead. The motion catches him mid-movement and the sword breaks in half in his hands,
His heart drops.)
Kara...! (But also--) Rin--
whoops no icons time
Date: 2021-10-23 04:58 am (UTC)Rin falls into a void, screaming as he tumbles deep into the darkness.
And then the screams stop, and Rin sinks to his knees. The fire dies down around him, except for two little horn-like spurts near his forehead. His hair abruptly shifts to white with a blue ombre, and his ears and fangs both grow longer.
Rin stares blankly at his hands for a few seconds before grinning and starting to flex his fingers, testing out how well they move. The broken fingers barely hinder him.
If he sees Tsuru right now, he doesn't acknowledge the man yet.]
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Date: 2021-10-23 05:09 am (UTC)He drops the pieces of Kurikara and reaches for his own sword, jumping up and away from the flames. Fire has claimed more than enough swords in his history and the last thing he wants is to meet the same sort of fate. He pulls back and tries to get a safe distance away but he's still worried about Rin.
He doesn't understand the fire or the transformation. What he does know is that he's in danger and he's immediately on edge.
Kiku also takes flight, going over the flames and staying close to Tsurumaru. For now, she's staying in her smaller, magpie form.)
Rin-kun, what's happening?
(Always composed. Always carefree. His tone shifts and he commands,)
Answer me!
no subject
Date: 2021-10-24 03:33 am (UTC)When he looks to Tsuru, it is with a casual glance.]
Amazing, isn't it? I could burn up this whole town in an instant if I wanted to. That'd be a good way to stretch my legs.
[It's Rin's voice, his tone is unmistakable. But something about the way he speaks- his tone, his word choice, the cruel lilt to everything he's saying- it's off. It's off and very concerning.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-24 03:41 am (UTC)And yet, it clearly still is.
When he speaks, his tone is careful-- controlled and steady,)
What did you do to Rin-kun?
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Date: 2021-10-24 03:54 am (UTC)I AM Rin. Unchained from that guilt complex and left to live however I want.
[He's turning to face Tsuru fully now.]
Hey, let's spar. My sword's broken, but we can see how you last against my fire. It's only for 10 minutes so you should be fine, right~? And if you can't survive for 10 minutes then you're not worthy of being my friend anyway.
[The flames are growing in intensity. This fight is not optional.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-24 04:18 am (UTC)And yet, he can't bring himself to draw his sword.
He doesn't want to hurt Rin. It's clear he isn't in control.)
I'm surprised, Rin-kun.
(It's hot. It's so hot. But he only has to last for ten minutes? He feels like he can do this. From above, Kiku flies as far from the heat as she can.)
But it's late. Let's put you to rest.
(And in one, swift move, he's charging towards Rin, sword still sheathed for now but intent to knock him back with it. He isn't going to kill Rin. He's only trying to restrain him.)
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Date: 2021-10-24 04:37 am (UTC)Too slow~
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Date: 2021-10-24 04:42 am (UTC)Rin can probably grab onto his robe-- the sleeves are loose and flowing. As a result, it ends up pulling his arm at an awkward angle and while he had tried to bring his sword up to slam him in the jaw or something, it's enough to throw him off that he misses. )
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Date: 2021-10-24 05:33 am (UTC)So Inner!Rin will grab onto the hilt of Tsuru's sword and try to pull it out of the scabbard, using his hand to stop the sword from hitting his jaw.]
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Date: 2021-10-24 05:46 am (UTC)He raises his sheath in front of him defensively. He still hasn't lost his cool-- losing his composure now when every minute counts won't do. He needs to stay calm.
The flames are licking at the ends of his hakama and the floor is unbearably hot. He needs to get out and he begins to figure out an escape.)
Rin-kun. (He has to try,) Listen to me.
This doesn't have to be to the death.
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Date: 2021-10-25 01:41 pm (UTC)But this Rin isn't quite aware of just how much his power affects others. He doesn't know how to hold back on a killing blow. He just. Doesn't. Understand. And he doesn't get why not understanding is a bad thing.]
It's fine, isn't it? We play together all the time and nobody dies. You can survive this, you're not a weakling.
[The stance he takes might look familiar to Tsuru. It's the one he's been teaching Rin.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-25 01:57 pm (UTC)There's something bittersweet in the way he smiles at Rin, recognizing his own influence in the stance.
Ten minutes. He just has to endure the flames and his own sword for ten minutes.
He looks at Kiku, flying above the flames in her magpie form and he tries to get a sense for Rinkou who surely must be nearby. He'll make sure Rin lives.
Usually, he would wait for Rin to make the first move but he can't stand still in this fire. He needs to move. )
You're right. (With his sheathe, he shifts into position, adjusting his hold and stance to accommodate a different type of weapon,) No matter what, you will live.
(And he charges, his first attack tight and focused-- a slash right for his arm.)
no subject
Date: 2021-10-25 11:47 pm (UTC)Then he lashes out with his own strike, testing Tsuru, trying to bait him into going on the defensive.
Rinkou is hiding under a table, in wolverine form, making uncomfortable noises at the fire. She isn't burning, but she is clearly distressed by the flames.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-26 05:32 am (UTC)He might be on the defensive now but he isn't going to stay that way. He tries to hold Rin back... and then steps on his foot, trying to push forward with all of his strength to knock him back and regain grown,)
You're slacking, Rin-kun!
(He didn't train him to fight like this. All brute force and lesser skill.)
Do I need to teach you a lesson~?
(Even when backed against a wall, he'll always laugh. He is, after all, a warrior spirit.)
no subject
Date: 2021-10-26 11:13 pm (UTC)I'm the one who has lessons for you.
[After swinging the sword, he shifts it to one hand so he can hold his other out towards Tsuru. The flames in the room are going to converge on the spot Tsuru is standing on.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-27 01:52 pm (UTC)Only for Kiku to swoop at Rin suddenly. Her magpie form is small and fast. She flies Rin's face and swerves quickly to try and distract him. It's just enough for Tsurumaru to get away unharmed this time. Kiku, meanwhile, returns to Tsurumaru, flying around him frantically as he tries to back away from the flames. The ends of his hakama begin to smolder and burn, his sleeves catch fire.
I'm going to burn, he thinks. There's a heavy realization that if he doesn't do something to stop the fire, he will burn.)
It's still my turn, Rin-kun.
(And as the fire converges... he pushes through it. He runs through the flames and makes a break for Rinkou. Instead of trying to avoid the flames and get burned, he'll run through them and control his own situation. He completely ignores Rin for now. His plan is to attack Rinkou instead.)
no subject
Date: 2021-10-27 04:36 pm (UTC)Rinkou is easy to find at least. She is angry and frightened and hissing at everything and everyone. Having the demon out has affected her as well, and getting close to her will not be easy. Tsuru is liable to get bitten and clawed if he's not careful. She's under the nearby table, and she actually doesn't seem to be suffering from the fire interestingly enough. Fireproof daemon!]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-27 05:06 pm (UTC)This also means his attention is more on Rinkou than Rin. He has no choice but to turn his back to him...
If Rin tries to attack him, Kiku will swoop once more, this time in her largest form-- that of a crane. She's going to protect her companion and try to give him time to get to Rinkou.)
no subject
Date: 2021-10-27 05:13 pm (UTC)But then he sees just what Tsuru is trying to do, and his gaze sharpens.
As Kiku swoops down, the demon reaches out with one hand to grab the crane by the neck. He remembers the pain this touching caused Yukio, so he's expecting it to hold true here too.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-27 05:26 pm (UTC)He feels like something is grabbing him. His chest tightens and he feels all of his wind get knocked out of him. His vision tunnels, he loses all focus. All he's aware of is pain that grows with intensity the longer Rin holds onto Kiku. His hands shake and he drops the sheathe. He begins to stagger... and he falls over on his side. )
Kiku--
(She hisses and tries to fight back, wings and legs flailing at Rin.)
Let her--
(Go.
He can't even finish. His chest feels so tight, he can't even breathe. )
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 12:27 am (UTC)[Those words sound cruel. Like a child about to break something because they don't understand how fragile it is, only that this will cause the drama they're looking for.
So he turns the blade to stab Kiku instead. Partially because this is punishment for Tsuru not playing properly, and partially because he wants to see what happens.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 01:55 am (UTC)And Rin stabs Kiku.
Tsurumaru yells. He lets out a pained cry and crumbles to the ground in a heap. He can't even look at Rin right now. The pain is so much, his vision is completely white and everything goes silent. There's just the roar of fire around him but instead of feeling the burning heat... he just feels cold.
Kiku, meanwhile, goes completely tense and then still in Rin's hands. Once spread wings fall to her side and any fight she had drains from her. In the place where the blade had made contact, gold dust begins to tickle. Feathers fall, turning to dust. It seems painfully slow, the way she dies in his hold. As soon as he pulls the sword from her, she'll dissolve completely, leaving behind only a pile of dust.)
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