[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.)
[The demon cares little for the pain Tsuru is in. He doesn't even realize what he's done yet. And even when he does, he won't care so much. Tsuru should have protected his daemon if it was that important.
Rinkou whines from her spot under the table, wanting to nudge at Tsuru but at the same time not wanting to get hurt. She stays there, huddled up in anxiety, as the demon lets go of Kiku and strides over to where Tsuru is.
He nudges Tsuru over with his foot, trying to roll him onto his back.]
I guess you're too weak after all.
[he sounds almost disappointed. Like a child who has broken its plaything.
And then he stands over Tsuru and drives the sword into his chest.]
(Kiku doesn't even touch the ground. She just dissolves into a pile of gold dust in the fire.
Tsurumaru, meanwhile, barely registers that he's been kicked. The next thing he knows, he's on his back and Rin is standing over him. He feels like he can barely breathe-- like his lungs are filling with smoke.
He looks up at Rin, eyes searching his. His mouth opens and what comes out is a quiet, raspy,)
Rin--
(And then he's stabbed. He can only look up at Rin as his sword begins to crack.)
Hmm? I didn't know this would happen. Interesting...
[One final bit of cruelty for the road is that the demon seems more interested in how Tsuru's sword is cracking then in the pain he's experiencing. But he doesn't get to watch for long before his face contorts in pain and irritation.]
[The eyes shift back to a more familiar shape, and suddenly the controlled cruelty of the demon changes to an exhausted, panting, but more familiar face.]
Tsu- Tsuru-!
[Give him a moment, Rin has to catch his breath. And his eyes are going wide with horror as he realizes just what is going on right in front of him.]
(Honestly, he can barely see Rin. The only reason he knows what's going on is that he can hear him. It sounds startling clear considering how muffled everything else is. He can only look in Rin's direction, eyes unable to focus. There's that flash of white hair still. Is it really him? It has to be.
He heard him.
Or did he imagine that?
Ah, regardless, it's nicer to think things will be fine.
[No, no this can't be happening. Rin refuses to accept it.
Rin pulls the sword and tosses it aside, paying no attention to where it falls or how it breaks. The fires die down too, leaving the room smoky but not nearly as hot as it was moments ago.
Pulling out the sword proves to be a problem though, because now there's blood and Rin starts to panic as he puts his hands over the wound, trying to stop the bleeding.]
It's- you'll be okay Tsuru, I'll take care of you! We just- need a healer-
[But the doors are locked and Tsuru is fading fast.]
(He winces as the sword is drawn from him. His sword shatters and really, if he had the strength, he would laugh. First Kiku and then his sword... it's like every piece of him is really breaking now.
He can't tell if his chest feels warm or cold. He can't really feel anymore.
So this is how it ends.
Ah, until the end, his life was filled with surprises.
He thinks about the master who summoned him. The one who gave him this body that he's failed to protect. He recalls his friends and companions--
The surprise he felt when he saw Kara, Mitsu, and Sada again. Being able to eat Mitsu's meals, fighting next to Kara, playing games with Sada. Drinking tea with Mikazuki and Uguisumaru. Pulling Kogitsunemaru's hair. He saw Ichigo with his brothers. Tch, he even saw that oni again...
He told his master he would be back. He promised he would return. In some ways, there's peace in knowing they'll be able to continue their days normally for a while longer if only because they expected him to be away for some time. Wha ta bummer, though. He really wanted to return and see their faces when he returned to them better than he is now.
This isn't where he thought he would be. He was supposed to be somewhere else. But he doesn't regret the people he's met here, either. Yes, he doesn't even regret meeting the boy on top of him right now, the one trying so desperately to save his life.
It isn't going to work. Kiku is gone. His sword is destroyed. His death is certain.
What's Rin even saying now? It sounds like he's under water. )
[Rin is babbling by now, mostly in weepy pleas to Tsuru to hold on, that he'll get help. But help won't come tonight, he knows it. This is the end.
Even as he watches Tsuru fade out of consciousness, Rin refuses to let go. He grabs onto the sides of Tsuru's face, trying to hold him right there like it will make any difference.]
I'm sorry...I'm sorry! This is all my fault! But please, don't go...don't leave...!
[There's tears falling onto Tsuru now too. A bitter rain to put out the blazing fires.]
(He can't hear but he can guess what's being said.
Rin touches his face and there's a warm feeling that catches inside him and spreads. Is this an effect of the curse for this week still? He's felt this all week... this desire to be held. He still feels it and it's just enough to make him smile with the last of his strength.)
... It wasn't... my intention to surprise you in this fashion...
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timeasmymeasure
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.)
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 03:49 am (UTC)Rinkou whines from her spot under the table, wanting to nudge at Tsuru but at the same time not wanting to get hurt. She stays there, huddled up in anxiety, as the demon lets go of Kiku and strides over to where Tsuru is.
He nudges Tsuru over with his foot, trying to roll him onto his back.]
I guess you're too weak after all.
[he sounds almost disappointed. Like a child who has broken its plaything.
And then he stands over Tsuru and drives the sword into his chest.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 05:11 am (UTC)Tsurumaru, meanwhile, barely registers that he's been kicked. The next thing he knows, he's on his back and Rin is standing over him. He feels like he can barely breathe-- like his lungs are filling with smoke.
He looks up at Rin, eyes searching his. His mouth opens and what comes out is a quiet, raspy,)
Rin--
(And then he's stabbed. He can only look up at Rin as his sword begins to crack.)
1/2
Date: 2021-10-28 12:06 pm (UTC)[One final bit of cruelty for the road is that the demon seems more interested in how Tsuru's sword is cracking then in the pain he's experiencing. But he doesn't get to watch for long before his face contorts in pain and irritation.]
2/2
Date: 2021-10-28 12:08 pm (UTC)Tsu- Tsuru-!
[Give him a moment, Rin has to catch his breath. And his eyes are going wide with horror as he realizes just what is going on right in front of him.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 01:00 pm (UTC)He heard him.
Or did he imagine that?
Ah, regardless, it's nicer to think things will be fine.
He manages a shaky smile,)
... caught you.
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 01:17 pm (UTC)Oh, how those words make his heart ache.]
No!
[No, no this can't be happening. Rin refuses to accept it.
Rin pulls the sword and tosses it aside, paying no attention to where it falls or how it breaks. The fires die down too, leaving the room smoky but not nearly as hot as it was moments ago.
Pulling out the sword proves to be a problem though, because now there's blood and Rin starts to panic as he puts his hands over the wound, trying to stop the bleeding.]
It's- you'll be okay Tsuru, I'll take care of you! We just- need a healer-
[But the doors are locked and Tsuru is fading fast.]
You'll be alright-!
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 01:44 pm (UTC)He can't tell if his chest feels warm or cold. He can't really feel anymore.
So this is how it ends.
Ah, until the end, his life was filled with surprises.
He thinks about the master who summoned him. The one who gave him this body that he's failed to protect. He recalls his friends and companions--
The surprise he felt when he saw Kara, Mitsu, and Sada again. Being able to eat Mitsu's meals, fighting next to Kara, playing games with Sada. Drinking tea with Mikazuki and Uguisumaru. Pulling Kogitsunemaru's hair. He saw Ichigo with his brothers. Tch, he even saw that oni again...
He told his master he would be back. He promised he would return. In some ways, there's peace in knowing they'll be able to continue their days normally for a while longer if only because they expected him to be away for some time. Wha ta bummer, though. He really wanted to return and see their faces when he returned to them better than he is now.
This isn't where he thought he would be. He was supposed to be somewhere else. But he doesn't regret the people he's met here, either. Yes, he doesn't even regret meeting the boy on top of him right now, the one trying so desperately to save his life.
It isn't going to work. Kiku is gone. His sword is destroyed. His death is certain.
What's Rin even saying now? It sounds like he's under water. )
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 02:33 pm (UTC)Even as he watches Tsuru fade out of consciousness, Rin refuses to let go. He grabs onto the sides of Tsuru's face, trying to hold him right there like it will make any difference.]
I'm sorry...I'm sorry! This is all my fault! But please, don't go...don't leave...!
[There's tears falling onto Tsuru now too. A bitter rain to put out the blazing fires.]
no subject
Date: 2021-10-28 02:43 pm (UTC)Rin touches his face and there's a warm feeling that catches inside him and spreads. Is this an effect of the curse for this week still? He's felt this all week... this desire to be held. He still feels it and it's just enough to make him smile with the last of his strength.)
... It wasn't... my intention to surprise you in this fashion...
(And his eyes lose light and finally, they close.
Tsurumaru Kuninaga is dead.)