. all you have's your axe to grind . closed

[shikomizue]

Who: Takasugi Shinsuke (shikomizue) & "Friends" | Closed
What: Catch All For April-May-June
When: Over April / May / June
Where: Mostly Wyver, some Thesa and Olympia
Warning(s): alcohol + graphic violence + bang + will edit as needed

[ closed starters in the comments ]

Comments

[shikomizue]

[There's a blinding flash of light, and the fissure carved in the ground where Percival had been standing runs deep - the earth it reveals is nothing but indiscernible darkness. Particles spread like ash through the air; the shot from above had nearly evaporated everyone beneath, friend or foe. Takasugi hardly notices it for the flash of red suddenly at his side. His first step is away, but he doesn't question much needed aid. As Percy strikes high, Takasugi darts low, dipping beneath and past the man's position to cut through an orc-like creature with its ax raised. Behind, the older man has grabbed his maimed companion to drag him over the muck of the battlefield towards the forest. When they disappear from sight, it isn't into the trees, but rolling smoke. There's no confirming their escape, only buying them as much time as possible. With no line to speak of, the advancing army begins to surround the two stragglers, at least two dozen in number, and all erratically leaping towards them. Takasugi cuts down one advance after another, but they won't filter in one by one for long.] We're leaving-! [He gives the order without looking over his shoulder, outstretched arm the only indication of who he's talking to. They'll need to rush through; Takasugi turns and charges, sword raised to carve them a path. The first creature in their way goes down with a single slice. The second catches him with his spear, cutting through his coat and his upper arm, leaving mud caked and mingling with fresh blood. Takasugi swipes for the monster, but his swing is erratic - it only bats his attacker away.]

[tzaraisen]

[ The Takasugi before him certainly seems different, to say the least. Age aside, he wouldn't have pegged the other man for being someone who would put himself in danger for the sake of others. In fact, a part of him half-expects the young man to take a swing at him then and there, to cut him down despite clearly showing intent to assist him.

But he doesn't, and that leaves him even more intrigued than before. No less instinctively angry than before, but curious enough to continue moving forward.

And move forward they do— forward and through the mass of an army itself. ]

I will handle the sides! [ Meaning, that Takasugi was free to continue pummeling forward past the creatures. Percival ignites the tip of, and then the entirety of his sword with his fire, finishing the job Takasugi started with a strong and decisive arm.

The flames continue to follow them as they move, and he maneuvers them quickly from one side to the next. As he promised, their sides are clear, and they can move. ]

[shikomizue]

[There's no opportunity to be trusting or suspicious on the battlefield. If a man swings his blade to protect your retreat, he's an ally. Questions come later, after both have escaped the dangers surrounding. Takasugi doesn't so much as glance over his shoulder - he feels heat, sees the shadows of his enemies rise and warp, their grotesque features deepened by the flare. He'd thought it from the sky at first, artillery fire that couldn't possibly be theirs, an army entirely of foot-soldiers with only stolen or rudimentary explosives. But the fire carves them a path, gouging through mud and corpses alike. That it doesn't set the forest immediately ablaze when they reach it is the most amazing feat of all. Takasugi stumbles into the underbrush, dropping to slide under a felled tree, regaining his footing to run And run. And run. Until there's nothing but their broken breaths throbbing in their ears. Far enough into the forest, Takasugi leans back against a tree, looking up at a canopy covered in dark leaves.] You- [He shakes his head.] Heh. Guess we needed the help. [That's 'thank you'.]