nysalogs | ( closed. ) the clock keeps ticking over

[Even at the Gala, Takasugi had been looking for war. It was harder to find, in the mingling gold and silver, obscured by bleary lights from Thesa and from party-goers like Vane, their spirits high and sights set no further than the buzz of alcohol and the comfort of sleep.

But he'd seen it - in pins ripped from clothing, in a gamble gone too far that left bloody men to drown their anger at the bar.

That its boiling over is no surprise, and Takasugi finds the current festivals, steeped in hatred, just as festive.

Vane, unlike the locals who are reminded of their bitterness, and the other refugees who fret over the state of their new home, hasn't changed.

Takasugi looks at that outstretched hand the same as he did last time.

Thinking about cutting it off.

Instead he lowers his head, turns to look in the direction of the cottage.] Save your energy to carry any captives [corpses] we take.

[Pivoting, Takasugi departs from the beaten trail to head straight for the cottage obscured by trees.

They aren't far at all. Reaching the door, he steps aside, leaving Vane to go first. If he's so damn invigorated, he can deal with whatever could be lurking inside, waiting to ambush an intruder.]

[ if takasugi displays any of that inclination to sever... his hand, vane doesn't seem to notice it. instead, he takes it as brief (and if he's more generous with himself, maybe even thoughtful or considerate???) hesitation. hey, who knows... he was kind of a quiet guy??? at least... at times, and even then, vane isn't sure if quiet is the right word for it either?? still, vane chalks it off as friendly indifference.

(or maybe he's shy and he's secretly worried about him saving energy??) man, that's kind of touching. at the thought, vane involuntarily releases a small chuckle. ] Aww, haha. You don't need to worry about that, I've got lots of energy to spare!

But, leave the captives to me! [ he flexes a little, before realizing that takasugi's gone ahead. he does his best to catch up, and when he does, it looks like takasugi is letting him go first. at first, he almost knocks on the door first. but without much prompting, he seems to realize ... that probably isn't the way to go.

quickly, he clears his throat, before opening the door full on. ]

[ and there doesn't seem to be anyone??

which is strange, because this place seemed really ... lived in, somehow. ] Eh? I could have sworn...

[ well, that doesn't discount the idea that the person who lived here could still be up to something... ]

What do you think, Taka? Should we check the place out?

[Not cutting off Vane's hand is a calculated act of restraint, in the interest of making use of it in their search. Last time, the thought had been a mere whim. This time, it was a compulsion.

Maybe next time, he'll act on it.

Takasugi watches the man's hand correct itself, turn from fist to open palm pressed against the door. Hand on the hilt of his blade, he watches dust swirl in the crack between door and frame, waiting for an attack.

None comes; he straightens the moment the door sways on its hinges.

Interesting choice in nickname. He hates it. Takasugi casts Vane a sidelong glare before stepping into the building.] Aa.

Someone's been here recently. [One whiff of whatever was left boiling in the pot is enough to tell him that much. He passes it by, approaching the chest at the foot of the bed. Crouching, he pries it open - just clothes, though he'll rummage through them, to make sure.]

[ whether it's fortunate or not, vane is pretty thick-skinned when it comes to being resented for his rather liberal approach to nicknames. if anything, he was used to it, and so takasugi's glare is more or less given the same response as everything else. plus, it helps that vane is appropriately distracted...

by the stew. by the smell of it, he can tell the person has some skill with cooking. probably used to it. ... is one of the few things vane can discern. still, his stomach rumbles involuntarily and he swallows down hard before laughing nervously. ] Just so you know, I totally wasn't thinking of eating it or anything! [ but, by the sounds of it ...

takasugi already seems preoccupied. following suit, vane also decides to be more productive as he moves to one side of the bed. attempting too be thorough, he gets down on his hands and knees as he peeks beneath the main frame of the bed. mostly, it's just dust. ] But, uh yeah ... seems like they were here, but don't know if they come here a lot. That, or they hate cleaning. Granny would cry seeing this... [ he winces a little as he swipes at more dusty floorboards. nothing.

already feeling restless, he begins to try the other side... but it's here he steps on a more hollow sounding floorboard.

not that he really seems to notice... especially, as he already begins bending down for the other side... ]

[Takasugi doesn't possess the moral high ground when it comes to nicknames. He gives them freely himself - flippant at best, and disparaging more frequently, the monikers he bestows supplant the person's name in his vernacular.

Does this mean he won't still be mad about it? Absolutely not.

It doesn't annoy him when he gives them, and this does. Simple logic. ~~What a brat.~~

Watching the man survey the cabin, Takasugi wonders if he's thinking of dipping into that stew. Not that it's poisoned, there's probably nothing wrong with it. But indulging would be a waste of time, so he keeps an eye on Vane with words of admonishment on the tip of his tongue.

Then the man reveals himself.] Ah.

[Yes. You fucking were.

He stares - a moment of silence in contempt - before returning to his search. Vane's babble goes ignored, but his gait doesn't; the sound of a hollow floorboard immediately piques Takasugi's interest.]

Check the floorboards. [He stands, moving to step in the footprints Vane left in the dust until one makes a different sound.] This one. [He'll just watch Vane dig around in the floor, since he's so eager to help.

[ though nothing is explicitly stated, the gaze alone is enough to keep vane in line. while his stomach belatedly grumbles its reply from firm "no eating" stance that he takes. a noise vane easily laughs off, albeit under his breath. even now, something tells him that takasugi could easily see through his paper thin lies, but regardless...

he hopes all his efforts and diligence more than makes up for it? maybe?

so when takasugi prompts him with an order, vane is almost too ready to act. ] Okay, okay! Leave it to me! [ with that vane backtracks to where takasugi is. hunched over, he presses a hand against the said board. he begins applying some pressure on it, trying get a corner underneath his fingernails.

what he doesn't expect is that the pressure from his palm ... breaks it in completely. ah... ] Looks like the wood might be bad? [ or that he just utilized too much strength. still, vane attempts to make up for it by picking out all the pieces of wood until he reaches... paper? ]

Taka! This is it!!! It's!! [ still just paper to him. but, he hands it to takasugi, hoping he'll garner something more from it. ]

Edited 2018-03-28 09:12 (UTC)

[Vane's desire to be useful has yet to come to fruition. Which means Takasugi's grievances with the man - and there are many (annoying voice, annoying stomach, annoying attitude... annoying hand...) - are completely unforgivable.

Should the man actually manage to help, his stance may change.

Or it might not.

The wood whines and snaps loudly enough to echo between the scant walls of the cabin. Audible from outside, even, Takasugi imagines. He kicks a splintered piece of floor aside, trajectory oddly close to Vane's fingers.

He takes the paper with a blank face, turning to sit on the bed and flip through the documents. Hardly secretive, the letters seem more like idle chatter than anything of use. But Takasugi pockets them anyway - he'll turn whatever they find into Cree regardless of its apparent relevance. The man's information network far outspans his own, after all.]

Whoever was here is going to be near by. [He rises, interrupting whatever search Vane has begun to endeavor.] Cree would rather have a body than a stack of papers.

[A body. By which he means a corpse.]

Edited 2018-03-28 23:45 (UTC)

[ there's a brief hint of a single-syllabled sound as a stray piece of wood comes his way. he winces instinctively, more at the concept that takasugi seems irked than anything else. though, when he takes a peek at his face...

yeah, he can't really tell, after all.

still, he begins dusting his hands off as he joins takasugi. peeking over his shoulder as he also does his best to discern the content of the letters. oddly enough they seem to trace back to mundane things like the weather. truly puzzling stuff. vane doesn't get why they'd go through all the trouble of hiding out here to spend time writing this, but he supposes ... thinking through this stuff has never been his strong suit.

but, while he's curious enough to ask takasugi, it looks like they don't have a lot of leisure in that regard. ]

Mm! There's no doubt about it. [ the smoke, the stew .... they were all still pretty fresh tracks that led to that conclusion. its why he picks his spear he's propped on the side and he turns back to takasugi. ] Let's try chasing him out then—

But, uh—

[ he's joking about the body part, right?

vane swallows hard.... maybe some things are better left unasked. he gives an uneasy laugh as he begins to make his way to the door. if he recalls correctly there was probably somewhere else to hide around here, huh? ]

So where's the first place you'd hide?

[There are moments Vane seems to be looking for some sort of answer, eyes earnestly fixed on Takasugi's face. When he catches the man's stare, Takasugi holds it - waiting out whatever curiosity has risen until it wanes.

He's usually opaque in his mood; its an affect that falls over him naturally. But an extra shred of care is taken to ensure Vane doesn't catch anything that entices him with an answer.

And thus makes him pry more.

For all the man's obtrusiveness, Takasugi doesn't mind when Vane reads over his shoulder. ~~He's a little surprised he can read well enough to bother trying.~~

Vane is overeager for everything, though his willingness to pick up his weapon and go charging out the door at least is convenient. Even if the attack is admittedly directionless. Takasugi rises, the questioning silence ignored as he exits the cabin and looks down the path.]

There. [He points, gesture lazy and fleeting, to a swell in the jungle covered in moss and lacking the lush green hue of everything else. A cave, he assumes. If it leads somewhere, they may be too late, but it's the nearest cover.

This time, Takasugi leads, descending the hill that hosts the cabin with hast and a deft step, avoiding root and muck and making little noise.]

[ it's an interesting divide. knowing where to display some semblance of restraint (just barely), and full on intruding in on takasugi's personal space. it's likely more of the latter, but takasugi is good at pushing back in all his silence and foreboding energy. this doesn't always stop, vane, no... but, it's something vane keeps in mind.

much like how he keeps percival's threats in mind. meaning, it's there, somehow. between vane's own nervous laughter and his boundless energy. still, the overall verdict is... he likes takasugi. it's true that he can say some pretty unnerving things, but he seemed like a good guy all in all (citation needed). at least he was reliable, and he possessed a lot of knowledge on things vane didn't know, at least. plus—

he even points him to where he needs to go!! ] Mm! It's reassuring when you lead the way, after all. [ a brief comment as he looks up at takasugi's back. he does his best to mimic his motions. while splashing in the mud is more his thing, he does his best to ... at least try and tip toe around.

by the time they arrive to the outside of the cave, he whispers (thank god): ] Count of 3?

[Say nothing of Takasugi's personality, and he's a competent leader. Taking the first strides into danger, moving forward with confidence - Vane isn't the only one drawn to those qualities. Though, he's among a vast minority here.

Takasugi doesn't mind working alone. It has its perks. (No one with an annoying smile saying annoying things, being near insufferable. ~~@Vane~~) But without a militia, he has no weight to throw around but his own.

In this case, that much should be enough.

Not once does Takasugi glance behind himself to check if Vane is following. The man is employing some semblance of subtlety - dully surprising - but not without a few audible, squishy footfalls.

Approaching the cave, he slides his shoulder against the cool rock coated in moss. A hand raised to stay Vane's eagerness, Takasugi looks the mouth of the cave over. It's difficult to see, but tangled in the moss and vine is a more distinctly woven shape - rope nets tangled in piles of brush.

Nests.

They're in the right place.

He lowers his hand. Counts to three in his head - leaving Vane to do the same - before rushing in, hand on the hilt of his blade.

The man they come to face looks like he's been expecting them.

So it's about the birds, is it?

Takasugi straightens slightly, eyes fixed on the bear the man is mounted on more than the culprit himself.]

[ while quick to act, he's also equally fast at stopping his impulses halfway. if anything, he was accustomed to being grounded by orders. normally by his childhood friend, but he decides to listen to the silent reminder for prudence and a careful approach. hence, he keeps his position until, takasugi gives the signal.

he almost misses the count by a slim margin, but he reacts quickly enough once he sees takasugi's body move forward. he positions his spear to hopefully block the main exit of the cave. at the other man's words, vane's brows knit together. ] You really are our guy then. [ but, vane doesn't seem too enthusiastic.

especially, by the man's next words. powder-sniffers. balance. it looks like there really is no mistake. vane can't always comprehend the depth of the reason for why people do certain things, but he can say that this isn't something he could let pass. hence, he steels his position. the man on ... the bear?? (woah is that really a bear??? vane nearly gawks, but keeps himself settled on their objective).

still, the bear begins to move, trying to find an area to weasel between their formation. ] Sorry, but we can't let you up and leave, big guy. [ but, vane also has zero intentions of killing either the man or bear, of course. hence, with the blunter end of his spear, he attempts to push the bear back. ]

[There's a particular way of defying orders, even while following them with acuity. It's all in the attitude; a cavalier approach that's all too eager to do something inconvenient is usually a precursor to putting a personal spin on an endeavor better left as business. Takasugi's well familiar with the brand of idiot who undertakes such things.

Perhaps that's why he's hesitant to give Vane as much acknowledgement as the other gives him.

Or it could be that he's just a grouch.

At least the man takes a solid position - Takasugi hears the rustle of feet and steel behind him, and draws his blade. The bear snarls, frothy drool spraying in Vane's direction as it tries to swat away the spear.

The man on top doesn't waste his time stalling. He takes aim and fires a bolt at Takasugi. He knocks it out of the air with an arcing swing, following through not with an attack on the man but a lunge that buries his blade into the bear's shoulder.

With a roar, the creature rears, swinging the injured arm wildly, just as likely to hit Vane as Takasugi.]

[ more than a bear, it's just like the monsters back at home.

when the saliva is flung in his direction, he gives a brief wince. barely evading some from slipping down his forehead and into his eyes. looks like the first thing on the tdl tonight was a bath, he thinks. but, he barely has time to settle into his thoughts as the person riding it seems equally aggressive.

it's clear he's desperate to escape, and that feeling of being backed into a corner makes him all the more likely to take extremes. vane is relieved when he hears the arrow meet with the sound of metal. as he thought, takasugi is skilled. he gives a brief smile, before he confidently breaches the distance between the creature and them. he's used to taking blows head-on and so he angles his spear to parry the set of claws.

it scratches his shoulder (granted, it's mostly just grazed him), but vane seems to recover quickly enough. bringing up the end of his spear, he angles it to hit the beast in the eye, then the snout. it's a firm enough blow that the creature reels back. the man with the crossbow is set off-balance.

if they were going to capture him, now might have been good. ] Taka!! [ now's the time, right?

while vane didn't like the idea of needless violence, there's always something nice about fighting with someone back to back. ]

[Ripping his sword from the bear's flesh rends muscle and fur, some amalgamation of the two slapping to the floor. Takasugi is aware of Vane's movements, each acute shift in posture influencing his own orientation. He isn't poised to protect his partner's back, but to seize the first opening.

He doesn't need a (grating nickname) call out to recognize the opportunity for attack. Takasugi rushes forward, using Vane's spear to jump to the bear's back and force the man from his mount.

Their mark snarls, almost as fearsome as the creature he rides, aiming crossbow for a point blank shot to Takasugi's chest. It never fires; Takasugi shoves the man back into the harsh cave wall, sword to his gut. The man heaves, his breath knocked from him.

Pawing at its face, the bear remains distracted. It's bodily between Vane and Takasugi, but there's no blocking the intent of the blade poised to skewer the man.]

[ at first vane is mostly focused on the crossbow and its aim. only when an arrow isn't deployed does any of the tension in his body release. albeit, he realizes he doesn't have the metaphorical slack or the leisure to drop his guard. he hears the sound of the bear's rider hit the side of the cave wall. a firm thunk, and then the raised position of takasugi's blade. at first, takasugi's intentions don't register, his eyes briefly more focused on the bear itself.

only when the blade is drawn once more does he react. while instinctively, he'd wedge his axe between there, with the proximity to their hostage-to-be and takasugi's sword, well, he figures the best bet is something verbal while he tries to figure out how to close the distance between him, especially with the bear between. ] Stop! [ he starts abruptly at first. though quickly, he continues: ]

You aren't thinking of hurting him, are you? [ his expression hardens a little. he doesn't think it's takasugi's desire to go... too far (or at least not explicitly? he hopes), but he finds himself serious nonetheless. still, this negotiation couldn't happen at a worse time as the bear seems to turn its gaze back to takasugi.

hence, vane does his best to try and catch its attention.

swinging his spear in its direction. though, it's obvious he's equally distracted by watching takasugi. ]

Edited 2018-04-21 15:56 (UTC)

[Vane isn't incapable of being serious, Takasugi knows. Even if his only experiences with the man are far from anything of the sort, the hardened look in the man's eyes isn't a surprise.

Just inconvenient.

Takasugi buries his sword through the man's shoulder and into the stone behind.

It's some sort of mercy - the man is left groaning in pain and sweating as he struggles, rather than crumpled on the ground.

They can decide what to do with him later. For now, the bear's growl echoes in the cavern, its mouth frothing with drool and blood. It lurches towards Vane, uneven in step as it favors its uninjured side.

While the beast is fixated on Vane's bait, Takasugi grabs the man's crossbow and aims for the creatures neck. His shot embeds behind the ear - enough to give the bear pause, but not fell it.

And that's all the help Vane gets; Takasugi doesn't know how to reload the thing.]

[ vane doesn't flinch when he hears the sound of metal and stone. the sound of the man's screams barely masking the noise takasugi's sword makes on contact. this man was dangerous, that much is clear, and this is likely a form of defense. of insurance. it's what vane reminds himself, as he steels himself up against his own opponent.

the man's life being spared is enough, and though vane gives a relieved sigh. something he barely gets in as the bear comes barreling forward. vane thinks of taking out its legs before knocking it out, but it's here that takasugi seems to step in. it's a help vane appreciates. unsure of how to have approached this otherwise.

especially, as the beast seems undaunted even in the face of injury. ] Here goes! [ he yells, accustomed to speaking in battle. he was a knight and not an assassin after all and it's clear in the big swings he takes and in the sounds he makes as he knocks several blows into the bear. seeing as how it still can't be stopped (and even takes a swing at him at close proximity), he decides to dig his spear straight into its legs.

"sorry, big guy." something he mutters under his breath as shakes the blood off his spear.

immediately, his eyes dart up to takasugi. ] You okay? Thanks for that.

[Distance kept, there's nothing for Takasugi to do but watch the onslaught of beast versus soldier. Vane's attack is solid - no insecure fighter would stand their ground against a charging bear. An idiot, maybe...

But in this rare situation, Takasugi's impressed with the man's prowess. The spear rips the creature, muscle from tendon, fur slick with blood as it wavers in strength before its legs give out entirely.

The thing isn't dead when Vane disengages, but it will be soon. A kinder man might offer a mercy kill, but Takasugi's interest is vetted elsewhere.] Aa-

[He's fine, and now that the dust is beginning to settle, he returns to the man skewered to the wall. For the most part, he'll be keeping his compliments to himself, but for one-] You don't look too tired.

[And, really, he's only said it because that's convenient.]

Carry him. [Said as he wraps his hand around the hilt of his blade and yanks it out. The man tries to stand, but the rush of blood from his shoulders drains his strength, and his knees waver.]

[ whatever sense of grief he feels for the bear will have to temporarily be placed aside. he doesn't actually expect takasugi's words, and maybe it's precisely in moments after engaging in a small skirmish that he needs a little pick-me-up. almost as if in tune with it, takasugi speaks and vane finds himself giving him a smile. something proud as he puffs himself up momentarily. ] Course not! I wouldn't be much of a knight if this much made me tired, right?

Like I said you can rely on me— [ oh...

he watches as the blood begins to flow from the open wound made by takasugi's sword. the man groans, and while vane debates if he needs to be tied up, it seems the man is entirely devoid of any ability to walk or do anything else. the blood loss is substantial, and his consciousness seems to already be fading. regardless, it's impressive how this man offers no more words to them, still, vane runs to barely catching this man and hold him up.

that is, before the man topples over, his eyes now closed. vane... reluctantly picks him up. slinging him over his shoulder. it probably doesn't help about with the blood, but well, it'd have to do for now. ] ... didn't expect you to actually take me up on it.

[ but, no problem!! ]

[Don't look so damn proud of yourself. He'd been impressed, dully, a moment ago, but now Takasugi just feels a fringe of exhaustion far deeper than any fight could imbue him with.

Vane almost made him into an idiot, thinking the guy was capable of anything other than being annoying.

A glance over the shoulder is all Takasugi offers. He's not relying on Vane, their bleeding captive is. If Takasugi had been alone, he'd just tie the bastard up and make him walk regardless of his state.

Petty details mentally established, the fervor of the fight has soundly diminished.

A more considerate partner might offer to pay for Vane's shirt, ruined by thickening bloodstain, but Takasugi doesn't think it's the worst look the blonde could wear. His gaze lingers, before he leads the way out of the cave and back to the forest.]

We're heading straight back. [They'll need to be prompt to deliver the man before he bleeds out.]

( closed. ) the clock keeps ticking over

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1/2

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"TAKA" oh my god

takakun... takun...

'takkun' please call him that

it'll happen uwu a blessed name

there will be blood

(1/2) spicy, i'm into this

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TIME TO STOP A MURDER, VANE

he's leady!! a beast only policy on killing

humans can be beasts....???? metaphorically

takachin....

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(i love vane) // end?