hadriel_logs | Better I'm the Last One Alive, Than A Soul Denied

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Better I'm the Last One Alive, Than A Soul Denied

Who: Yukari and you! (OTA, Will match format)
What: Yukari's adjusting to his missing eye.
Where: Around Hadriel
When: February 14th
Warnings: Mild violence; Mild descriptions of gore.

[A] Training

If Yukari had to admit to anything, it would be that living with an eye-patch has been more troublesome than he thought it would be. Losing his eye due to a poor choice of words and intentions, he's lost some of his depth perception to go with it. Relying on Curufin has been... odd, to say the least. Not that he isn't grateful for the Elf. Yukari's just so independent. Having to rely on anyone else is beyond what he ever expected for him. Or, at the very least, he expected to be old and weary before he would have to rely on someone. He aims to take care of the burden he's being as soon as possible, and take that stress off of Curufin's shoulders. Despite that he's been told he should probably rest until he's had the chance to heal properly.

He finds a wide, open area in the fields before he draws his sword. Already, everything feels off, as if the world had shifted left while he wasn't looking. He gives a light huff before he starts swinging, practicing the basic moves and working his way up. His skill feels clumsy, since he can't witness it from his right side for how wide his sweeps are, or where he's aiming just beyond that peripheral vision. It's fairly frustrating, actually. He pauses after a few more movements, trying to determine to see to his right side more easily. If only he had a mentor who knew how to direct this kind of thing, or an opponent to practice with, he'd actually appreciate it in this circumstance.

[B] The River

After all of that practice, he's settled himself before the water. His sword lays in the grass in front of him as he stares pensively into the water. He knows he won't be able to counteract the new depth perception problems overnight, but it still brings a soft sigh to escape from his lips. His skill in battle is part of who he is. To have to adjust to a new means... It's like having to start back at square on. That will teach him to piss off little girls with a weapons specialty, he supposes.

As someone approaches, he looks over his shoulder, on his right side. The eye patch being the first thing to meet them rather than his gaze. He's still got alot to get used to, and he mentally groans that he has to physically turn himself so he can properly see the person.

"Can I help you?" He asks. His voice may be level, but it hints at his frustration for his shortcomings.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The man approaching is tall and wearing armor that makes him resemble a dragon, particularly the helmet. He knows by this point what had happened with Rydia, and he's... not entirely pleased about it. He's assuming this is the right person, anyway. He'll know for sure in a few moments. At least he doesn't intend to do too much harm, more make a statement and be done with it. An even trade for what he'd done. It's only fair, in Kain's mind.

"We need to talk." He has his weapon already drawn, a long lance that he holds with ease despite how heavy it appears to be.

Yukari sees the weapon in the knight's hand. Fantastic. This guy wants a fight. He's rather unenthused about this. Still, he looks Kain over, checking his mind for any memories of this guy and comes back with absolutely nothing. Not even from the memories he gained from his Double. Why Kain is looking threatening is an unknown factor to Yukari. He doesn't even bother to glance at his sword that lies beside him. If he needs to defend himself, he can get away without using it right away. And it's not the most reliable means of defense for him with the way he is right now.

He'll just wait to see what happens next.

"Do continue," he offers. He hardly sounds interested, but go for it.

"You know what you did." Kain narrows his eyes, looking him over, wanting to be sure he has the right person. He would feel quite guilty about attacking someone undeserving. But he's very sure that this is him. This is the one who'd fought Rydia, and that kind of behavior can't be tolerated. It'd be one thing if they were back home, where it's easier to avoid people. It's more of a problem when they're confined together in a cave like this. He needs to make a statement about this.

Kain steps a little closer, adjusting his grip on his weapon. "But perhaps you're in need of a little reminder? I'm of the belief that all wrongs must be paid for... including yours."

You know what, Yukari's thinking he's going to go ahead and grab his sword after all. This guy is way too serious for him to be comfortable with in his current state. He reaches out, placing a firm grip on the sword's sheathe, crackling Green Electricity around it as he slowly pulls it closer to himself.

"So, let me get this straight: You say you want to talk, only you aren't going to tell me? Sure, that makes sense."

He uses his sword for leverage as he gets himself off the ground and takes a step back, putting space between himself and that lovely weapon Kain seems to have. Despite the Electricity, despite the smirk forming on his face, he keeps his sword sheathed.

Man, he should have stayed home today. Curufin's not going to like it if he comes home with injuries on his first day of being able to walk without crashing into things. And that was barely passable as it is. He mentally takes a breath, keeping his gaze steady on Kain before him. Maybe, just maybe, he's bluffing.

"Fine, so it's about more than talking... it's about making you pay. You really haven't figured it out why yet? Then let me remind you. You harmed someone recently... someone who I consider a friend." It's rare for Kain to even admit that, calling someone a 'friend', but... it's true. They may not have been especially close back home, but they'd traveled together quite a bit, and he'd come to trust and like her.

Kain watches the crackling electricity, eyes narrowed as he takes in what the other is likely capable of. Thunder-element can be a pain, but he'll deal with it. "This is for Rydia... this... is revenge!" With those words, he jumps, soaring up from the ground and high into the air, before descending fast with his lance aimed toward Yukari.

Yukari has to glance over Kain for a moment to remind himself that this guy isn't from his world. If he was from home, then yes, he could definitely understand. He's taken alot of life and hurt alot of people. But he's done remarkably minimal damage here without having a King to serve, and his blood lust has only come out for a select few. Yukari tries to think of who he hurt.

"You mean Tina? That brat did more damage to me than I had her. I don't know how you can call that heathen a friend. Do I look like I'm wearing this eye patch for giggles?" He's thinking that's the only person he's managed to succeed at hurting here. Perhaps this Knight is one of those overly chivalrous sorts and sees the attack of children a sin.

Watching Kain jump sky high for his attack, Yukari chuffs a laugh.

"You're making this too easy. Best you destroy yourself with your own temper, then."

Yukari erects a near-Colourless wall above him for defense, hoping that the Knight will splatter himself into it.

"If I wasn't already injured, I might have played with you more. You amuse me."

Kain falls onto the wall, growling for a moment as he does, but quickly getting into a roll to get off of it. Bad landings are all just part of standard dragoon training- you have to know what to do in the event it doesn't work out so well. So he ends up landing nearby, once he's off that wall, and swiftly carrying on with the attack. He whirls his lance just so to unleash a Cyclone, the swirling winds aimed at his opponent. While the wind is raging, he charges in to stab his weapon toward his opponent.

"There's nothing amusing about any of this." His tone is cold, and there's overall a cold, deliberate purpose to his anger, not the senseless burning rage type of anger. He's here to make a statement, after all, send a warning. "There's nothing amusing about you harming my ally... and no, you have the wrong person. Don't you even remember the one you hurt? Rydia?"

Yukari's eye widens as that Cyclone heads toward him, trying desperately to jump back from it, getting grazed across his chest from that weapon.

"How can I remember hurting someone I've never met!?" he yells. For as cold as Kain's tone is, Yukari's is equally heated. He's not usually so easily temperamental, but he'll be damned if he allows himself to be injured after surviving that ordeal with Tina, much less over someone he's never seen. Screw this, playtime's over! Yukari charges his Green Aura, digging his sword into the ground and slamming out a charge of Green Electricity in all directions, enough to make the earth quake with the pulsation.

The last time he used that attack was against Sans' Clone. But bone is a poor conductor. This Knight, on the other hand, is flesh covered in armour. Perhaps this will allow him to level the playing field.

When the wave of Electricity subsides, Yukari yanks his sword back out of the ground, wavering slightly as he heads toward the Knight. He does not look pleased.

"I'm feeling generous," Generous used so loosely right now. A glimmer of a memory crosses his mind of his Double saying that to a green-haired girl. He'll just have to figure that out later. "I will give you the opportunity to leave."

He feels his muscles trembling as they struggle to sustain him. But outwardly, he's giving an elegant pose, his sword extended like a fencer. The point is to bluff his way out of this.

While he may be safe in the air, when Kain lands on the ground, he ends up caught by the electric power of that attack. The ground shakes and he cries out as the current strikes him. Ugh... unpleasant... But he can't let it hold him back for long. Kain takes a few deep breaths, steadying himself before shaking his head. No. He'd come here to prove something, and he's going to make sure that happens.

Even if it means he ends up taking some damage at the same time as dealing it out. It'll be worth it, to him. As long as he gets this person to stop bothering Rydia...

"I'm hardly about to leave yet... I was only just warming up!" He jumps, getting airborne again, spinning downward for another aerial attack. After landing, he follows up with some more swift strikes of his weapon. He's definitely not messing around. "I won't leave... until you swear you'll leave Rydia alone!"

Yukari gives an exasperated sigh as he tries to deflect most of Kain's attacks with his sword. His balance and depth perception make this extremely difficult. If nothing else, he has to give Kain credit for attacking him at his most vulnerable. A popular battle tactic. Yukari's completely on the defensive, and his blind side causes his arm to get cut with a blow he meant to block with his sword.

He swears to God, Curufin will never let him out of his sight again at this rate. He tries to switch to the offensive, after deflecting another attack, he swings his sword out in a wide sweep.

"And will you really leave me alone if I say that to be true?" He seriously doubts it, but, y'know. If the Knight will stop trying to maim him, he'll claim nigh anything at this point. Easy enough to make the promise when it's someone he doesn't even know.

Kain takes advantage of that moment to get on the offensive, seeing that the other man seems to be at a disadvantage in some respects. He lunges yet again with that lance, not holding back or relenting. Yet again, he spins the weapon, and yet again, there's a dangerous gust of swirling winds in the form of a Cyclone.

"You have my word. If you dare bother her again... you'll answer yet again to me."

He pauses, lance poised to strike again, ready to see what his opponent will do. He's definitely appreciated the challenge for its own sake, in a way. If he weren't here for such a specific purpose, he might even enjoy the fight for its own sake.

Yukari barely manages to swing his sword out against the lance, attempting to cause a recoil. Yukari's sword is lighter, so he'll have the advantage to bounce back faster. He takes a few steps back from the Cyclone, trying to analyse the best defense at this point.

In the pause, Yukari breathes out, sword held to strike as though he's waiting for the man to attack again. When the pause prolongues, Yukari slowly, apprehensively sets his sword back down to his side, keeping his eye fixated on Kain.

"Then you have mine - I swear not to bother this Rydia-chan in exchange to stop this quarrel."

Kain is still in a defensive posture, poised and ready to strike again. He's never sure who he can trust around here, after all, and must remain wary. His eyes narrow as he watches Yukari closely. All he'd wanted was to send a message, though, to make sure he realizes who he's dealing with.

"As long as you understand that this won't happen again. If you dare go back on your word... you'll answer to me."

This is someone he'll be keeping an eye out for, no matter what happens, regardless. After all, someone who'd viciously attack Rydia is not to be fully trusted.

"Of course. Enlighten me, though: Who's Rydia-chan? It's rather difficult to avoid someone if I've not met them."

He says it sincerely, if not mildly annoyed. He sets a hand on his hip as he waits for a proper answer. He's not letting Kain go until he gets one.

Kain still has his lance out and aimed in his general direction, prepared to launch into another attack at any moment. He's still not entirely sure if his point has gotten across, but he hopes it has. He's not about to tolerate this happening again. But something really bothers him about the question.

"She comes from my world, for one thing. She has green hair and normally wears all green... she's a mage, as well... but you should know all of this. You're the one who attacked her!"

"Green hair, hmm?" He thinks back to that glimmer of a memory. Is that what happened? Time to pull on the tab and find out. "I see. May I ask you a few questions? I believe you have the wrong person. But I suspect I know who caused it."

He sheathes his sword and ties it to his hip, folding his arms.

"The person you're looking for looks like me, right? And I suppose he was rather... promiscuous," a slight expression of disgust crosses his face before returning to neutral, "to your friend as well?"

He's sounding remarkably calm about this, albeit he's uncomfortable talking about his Double and the damage they caused.

"So you do remember her." Kain narrows his eyes, suspicious as it seems like at first that he's simply trying to talk himself out of trouble somehow. He can't exactly stand someone who'll say anything it takes to shift the blame away from themselves. And yet... and yet what he's saying...

"Something like that. Why? What are you saying?" He has his suspicion now, of course, since he'd mentioned a person resembling himself. Could it be? Well, he'd rather hear the other say it for certain, rather than put the words in his mouth. He's watching him closely, too, for any signs that he's being deceptive.

"Rest assured, I've yet to meet her. But, in addition to that, you should know I would absolutely never be..." He narrows his eye at the ground as he tries to think of how to word such a repulsive thing. "So forward if you will. I have no romantic inclinations toward your friend, or much of anyone else for that matter."

Save for Curufin, but he's not saying that out loud.

"I'm afraid Clone-chan has disappeared just like the rest of them. And while we look similar, our personalities are quite different. But, surely, he's the one that met your Rydia-chan, if you're speaking of someone flirtatious. You have the wrong man, Knight-chan."

He's speaking the truth, although whether or not the Knight will believe it is beyond his care and consideration. It's a fine mess his Clone has made, squandering his name with filthy acts he would never even dream of doing. On second thought, he'd much prefer his name cleared.

"If you need further proof, I have a man who can provide such an alibi. Someone I'm sure you would find trustworthy."

Since Curufin's on the Guard, certainly his word holds something much higher than what Yukari has to offer in this moment.

Kain is tensed, still on guard, though he at least isn't making a move to go on the attack again. He's a lot of things, but hot-headed isn't one of them... but coldness, on the other hand, is something he does all too well. He's definitely being that way now. At the same time, he's not exactly one to forgive so easily, either, and letting things go is a difficult matter for him. He watches the man, unsure if he's lying.

"A fine excuse... though I'll admit those doubles caused a great deal of chaos while they were here." His own did so as well. He can't forget that, he may well be in the same position of damage control. So maybe it's the truth. Either that or he's using it as a convenient way to get out of his responsibility. "But fine. I'll accept your word for now. I'd like to speak to my fellow guardsman, though, just to be completely certain." That's a promising idea, as far as Kain is concerned. He does more or less trust... most of the others on the guard.

"Agreed. I'm pleased the beasts are gone." He gently flicks a strand of his hair over his shoulder.

"Delightful, the person I was going to refer you to was on your Guard anyway. Go meet Curufin-san, he'll be able to confirm everything for you. And, just to clarify, my name is Yukari Mishakuji. That's all you need to tell him."

He sincerely hopes Curufin won't mention that they're lovers. But, then... whatever happens. If Curufin thinks mentioning that will help clear Yukari's name, then he'll allow it to happen. He won't like it, but he trusts the Elf's judgment.

Kain nods, at least willing to see what this other Guard member has to say. He may be angry about what happened to Rydia, but he can and will get to the truth of the matter. He knows how it is to have a dark double running around doing terrible things in one's name, anyway.

"Fine, then I'll see what he has to say. Perhaps he can clear your name entirely. If not... if I find any suspicion otherwise... then it means our fight isn't over."

He's still a bit stern in his tone and mannerisms, though. He isn't exactly going to lighten up toward the other man until he's absolutely sure about him.

Yukari can't help but smirk at the promise of the fight not being over if his name isn't cleared.

"Oh, do tell me then, what do I gain if I am void of all accusations you have placed here? Do I get a heartfelt apology? Some promise you'll forget? You have caused me a rather large amount of grief in my position." He indicates toward his eyepatched right eye with a wave of his hand. "Tell you what: Why don't you tell Curufin-san that you attacked me in my current state, if you find my name cleared, and we'll call it even. Of course, it's only obligation if you find my name cleared. If you still suspect me, do give me a call."

If he understands anything of Curufin at all, he knows that such an admittance probably won't let Kain off easily. Perhaps it will be enough for the strain on Yukari's senses and the holes in his shirt.

Kain rolls his eyes. "Right, because I hurt you so terribly." He's not impaled, Kain doesn't see the problem here. "You'll get the promise that I won't attack you again, not for this matter, anyway." He'd be more inclined to an apology if it weren't for the other's attitude on the matter. In fact, he knows that's probably the right course of action, but at the moment... grrrr. He's a bit too annoyed for that.

He watches him closely, not at all trusting this idea. He's not going to confess to something in such a way. So he shakes his head. "Or why don't I tell him the full story? I'm hardly one to attack without reason, and I thought I had reason. I'll tell him the story as I see it and nothing else. The truth." He's at least not going to lie, but he's also not going to make himself out to be some villain.

"Oh, please do tell him the whole story. See, the fact of the matter is you attacked me without checking, knowing well of the matter of the Clones. At least, that's if I understand your responses correctly. A matter that could have been resolved simply by talking, if you had bothered to try."

And, well, you didn't bother to try, did you? Sorry Kain, you're still the villain, despite all of your pretending.

"And well, if I find out you didn't tell him, I suppose I shall have to." He smirks. "Given your regards for me, do you really want me to get to that story first?"

Yes, Kain, he's noticed your tension for him, regardless of what he's said. And he will use that tension against you. Better choose wisely.

"Because I thought you were the one to blame! All I knew of the matter was that some purple-haired stranger had attacked her..." Though his mistake had indeed been in thinking that it was the person here, and not considering the matter of the doubles. He'd become too wrapped up in the idea of revenge. Kain mentally curses himself, but he's not going to go through these self-loathing feelings with the other.

Yet again. Yet again, he'd been led astray somehow, but the worst part is that this time, it really was his own fault that he'd given in to his darker side. Not fully, it hadn't taken over control... but enough of it had surfaced to be a problem.

He sighs, not liking the whole thing, but what could go wrong if he explains it, as rationally as he can? "Fine. I still plan to talk to him. I won't back down on my word, you can rely on that." Hmmph. he doesn't sound too thrilled, but the sooner he deals with this situation, the better.

Better I'm the Last One Alive, Than A Soul Denied

River

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