Zeroth

The Jade Stream

Rather than literally "the intent to murder someone" I meant it in the more "anime" sense of presence. A lot of times fighting ability/aura/etc is translated as killing intent not because the person actually intends to kill anyone, but because of their capability to kill someone. A fighter who puts "killing intent" into their attack is just being serious, rather than having the mindset of a spar.

Rather than trying to expose her secret identity, Dai Xin's legitimately just complimenting her. He can tell from the subtleties of her movements, her breathing, and other things that she knows how to handle herself in a fight--whether or not she's a famous assassin, he has no idea, he just knows that this woman has the habits of a swordsmaster. Martial artists (in real life too, oddly enough) often have a lot of little things they do that are indicators to other fighters that "this person knows how to fight." Like, for me (not saying I'm a master or anything) I started noticing after several years that I don't walk around corners the same way as other people, I do what's called Tai Sabaki (body control) to shift myself from one direction to another without picking up my feet so that I can see in that new direction as quickly as possible.

If it's still a problem I can change it, though.

In Hunting Beasts and Monsters

I can just break the ropes and kill the guy like I wanted to the last time right ? I'll just have Sinthe break his neck and make it quick

@Spriggs27

I swear I didn't steal your idea, I was already in the process of typing it out >_>

In Hunting Beasts and Monsters

The boy's glasses were slightly fogged, because the gag was making his breathing awkward and some of the air was directed upwards as he panted with panicked, near-hysterical breaths. He'd woken up about five seconds ago, and it had taken three of them to realize he was somewhere wrong and the other two to realize he couldn't get away.

Think, think, work this out fool...No windows, dirt floor, low ceiling, must be underground. Gods above, what is this place? His heart was pounding so loudly it was a wonder it hadn't woken up some of the others. The old man, if he even was a man--how could a human being live in such a hellish state?--was creeping about, scouring the room. Did he not know they were tied here? Some kind of dungeon? Other people, tied up like me. Ankles...wrists...legs...We're on the ground, not tied to anything, just tied. His joints ached and chafed as he wiggled to see how tight the ropes were. The old man spoke of meat and blood, of being full. His bestial crouch, his obvious insanity, they were more terrifying than his blindness was pitiable. The boy was growing desperate.

Kenji Nakamura liked logic, liked things to make sense even if they weren't simple. But simple wasn't always bad; indeed, within limitations humans were found to often be more creative than if they had complete freedom. Writing a story about "something" was always easier than creating a story from "nothing." This situation he found himself in could not be more simple, because despite all the variables, there were only two possible outcomes no matter what path he took.

There were multiple people tied up in this freak's dungeon, and said freak was apparently having a conniption over getting to cannibalize them. Kenji did not know the other people, or where they were within this building, or how he had gotten here. He did know that he did not want to die and did not feel enough pity for an old blind man to hold him back.

What if he just overpowers me because I'm tied? What if he has a weapon?

I'm going to murder someone, what the hell is wrong with me?

He's blind, and he's old. I can do it. It's this or die.

Kenji rocked himself back and forth on his side until he could sit up. He rocked forward and pushed up with his legs until he could stand, though awkwardly, his knees still slightly bent. No doubt he'd make noise; no doubt the old man would notice. No doubt if this didn't work he'd be killed.

Better to go quick than watch it happen to someone else, or wait helplessly for it. Better to succeed and not go at all.

With strength born of desperation, mind-numbing fear, and an intense feeling that somehow he'd seen someone just as psychotic as this old man before and had failed to stop them that last time, Kenji bent his legs and then pushed off, leaping like a frog. He came down both feet first with all his weight, hoping to land on the old man's head and break his neck. His eyes were blurring with tears even as adrenaline started to surge through his veins.

The Jade Stream

"How interesting." Dai Xin said, smiling at Torako somewhat like one might humor a small child. "I feel as if that style rings a bell, but I am not as familiar with the arts of Rikoku. Perhaps it will jog my memory later." He gave a slight nod of his head. "However, Miss Torako, have confidence in your abilities. I am sure you are stronger than you think."

When Kyang asked about money, surprisingly enough, Dai Xin reached beneath his red robe and pulled out a bag large enough to fit in both hands and full to the brim with jingling coins.

"I have money if we require it, Miss Kyang." When she followed up with the question of why he wanted to face the headmaster, he again nodded towards the bag. "Whenever I defeat a master and declare myself the new owner of their school, I require the students to pay me as if they were renewing their membership with said school. I let them continue payment to the former headmasters after that, since I cannot stay in one place, but the understood agreement is that I will collect as I please whenever I pass through again."

The Jade Stream

Just the name of the school would probably be fine--like, there's Karate and Tai Chi, but there's also Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu Karate, Chen Family Tai Chi, and so on. What Dai Xin is asking isn't really "how she fights" but what the lineage is. The Japanese art of using a sword can fall under kenjutsu, iaijutsu, and a few others, and those schools have the same kind of family or traditional branches associated with them. For example, just making up a name with google translate, "Oniyuri Ittou-ryu kenjutsu" would be "Tiger Lily One Sword Style, a school of battlefield swordsmanship." That last part being because Kenjutsu is swordsmanship as used by an actual soldier, while Kendo was a later art meant to emphasize personal growth and be used more as a sport/dueling art.

Which also brings up something interesting--the kanji used for "Tiger Lily" actually mean "demon" and then the combination characters that are used for the lily flower ("hundred synthesis," probably related to having a lot of petals or something that doesn't translate literally very well). Did you intentionally tie that into how she's a "flowery" girl with a "demonic" side, cause if so that's actually really clever.

The Jade Stream

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Torako, Miss Kyang, young master Fengxian. This one is Dai Xin, of the Fist of the Sky." He did the usual hand-clasp and bow. The corners of his mouth quirked upwards just a bit as Torako exclaimed how interesting everything was. "Indeed, the school of Mingdu is great. Five Wheel Striking Style has an amazing method of generating power, even though its methodology is defensive."

Liu declared that he knew just the place, and Dai Xin followed along with the others, though he still had questions. He talked as they walked, though he also glanced about here and there to take in the sights. Being a crossroads of the Three Kingdoms, Mingdu was primarily of Yunzhen culture, yet there were obvious signs of influence from Rikokan and Daeyang architecture and style. The clothing of the townsfolk was just as varied as the design of the buildings, and the nature of the town as a road for merchants and trade meant that many families could afford to wear brightly colored or brilliantly embroidered clothes.

"I notice that all three of you carry weaponry. I believe Five Wheel Striking is known to teach the jian and the guan dao, as do many styles, but what of you, Miss Torako? That form of sword is known in Rikoku as the katana, correct? May I ask what style you practice?"

The Jade Stream

"I do not mind if you are a swordsman." Dai Xin said with a nod to Liu. "Martial arts are martial arts, regardless of blade or fist. Though, even if you were willing to kill me..." He looked at the girl in Rikoku style dress for a moment. "You would do better to send the young lady."

He turned and walked towards the doors leading further into the temple, unworried about a mob attack or an ambush. Before he got there, however, they were pushed open, and a new crowd entered. The advanced students held the doors open and lined up, respectfully making a path for two other men. One was handsome, with well kept hair tied in a long braid--his features were such that one might use the Rikokan term "bishonen." He had a calm, collected air, and walked with impeccable posture and a polearm held in the crook of one elbow. It was a weapon known as the Nine Dragons Trident, a long staff topped with multiple blades that made it look like a weather vane, along with a trident spear-head. Out of the many weapon forms taught at the Five Wheel Striking Style, this was the most advanced and dangerous of them all.

The second man was a short, old, white haired fellow who was all smiles. He wore a simple, undecorated shirt and pants that looked more like something one might wear in the privacy of their own homes rather than at a prestigious martial arts school. The clothes were traditional and old-fashioned, and hung loosely on his withered frame.

"Master Min, I must apologize." Zhang Li said, barely managing a bow while still rubbing the spot where he'd been kicked. "This man wishes to challenge you; I could not deter him." Dai Xin bowed, as if Zhang Li were introducing him instead of making an excuse for his presence.

"Greetings, Honored Grandmaster of Five Wheels Striking School. I am--"

"Silence!" snapped the man holding the trident. He levied the weapon, the tip of its topmost blade at eye level with the intruder. "You dare presume to come here, injure our students, and expect us to listen to your ridiculous requests!? I don't know how you defeated Brother Zhang, but I for one--"

"There there, Yuen." the old man's voice was soft, but when he spoke everyone bent their ear to listen. He waved one gnarled hand at the other man, and the trident was withdrawn. Then, to Dai Xin, "Forgive our master of weapons, he's very high strung. I don't have a problem with your challenge...but it seems you've already had quite the match, eh?" He walked towards Dai Xin, and though the redhaired man perceivably tensed up, the master passed within striking range, then grabbing range, then on past towards the crowd gathered at the entrance. He looked out at them for a moment, then turned back to Dai Xin. "My, perhaps we should make this a show and charge admission." He cracked a grin that was missing a few teeth. "Tell you what, youngster. An old man like me needs time to prepare for this kind of thing anyway, and you're probably tired from coming all the way from...wherever, then having a match with Zhang. What say we do this tomorrow?"

"Thank you for your consideration, master, but I am afraid I would rather begin as soon as possible." Dai Xin turned so that he was able to look at the grandmaster, but without turning his back on the still visibly angry Yuen.

"You youngsters, always so impatient. But you know, they say it's old people who do everything early. Get up early, go to sleep early, eat early--speaking of that, it was noon not too long ago, it'll be supper soon enough!" The old man laughed cheerfully. "Mingdu has a lot of great eating places. You should go visit them, eat up hearty! After all,"

The grandmaster opened his eyes more fully, and there was an instant shift in the pressure of the air as that dull brown gaze locked onto Dai Xin's own.

"It'd be a shame if I killed you before you got to experience it."

The man closed his eyes as he smiled, and it was like a gate to hell had been slammed shut. Once again moving with a happy-go-lucky spring to his step, he turned to Liu and waved at the boy.

"Oh, little Liu, how are you my boy? Still a hit with the ladies, I see!" He waved Dai Xin over, and after he glanced back towards Yuen, the redhead walked over to join the group. "You know all the good places, since you sell 'em the meat! Show Master Dai Xin here around town, let him unwind before our match tomorrow!"

"Master Min," Yuen spoke up, "I must object to this; please, allow me to face him here, and there will be no need for you to risk your health on--

Old Min blew a raspberry and headed towards the main temple building, waving off his apprentice.

"Only thing that'll risk my health is the smell of your hair product, boy-o! C'mon, let's get the missus to make some snacks we can sell tomorrow, we'll make a killin'!"

With one last glare, Yuen followed his teacher. Zhang nervously bowed to Dai Xin, before ordering all of the students back to their training. After a moment the crowd, too, began to disperse. There were many dirty glares directed towards the outsider, but eventually Dai Xin was left alone with this "Liu" and the two women accompanying him. He was the tallest of the four, it seemed, and tilted his head as a way of greeting.

"Hello."

In Hunting Beasts and Monsters

Kenji Nakamura

Name: Kenji Nakamura

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Appearance:

Kenji

Magic: Blood

Weapon: Cross Spear, and a knife similar to the one seen in the appearance picture above.

Personality: Kenji is highly intelligent and analytical, but does nothing without a firm understanding of what the risks are, especially to himself. He's also a staunch believer in honest pay for honest work, though "pay" in many cases may be relative to what he needs at the moment. He's not entirely selfish, and is willing to help people or act altruistically, but he very much values his own life above the lives of others and it shows. He finds himself equally terrified and curious of this new world, and seeks to understand it as much as survive it. Preferably, however, he'd like to do this through study, from behind a very thick set of walls, rather than venture out into the nightmarish landscape.

To those first meeting him, Kenji often comes off as cold and aloof, perhaps even arrogant. Any of these things might be an accurate assessment, all told, but in truth Kenji doesn't have much skill in the way of social interaction. He hates small talk, claiming that it's pointless, but in actuality it's probably because he has no idea how to do it. Any time he speaks to someone it's because he has a clear goal; either ask a question and gain information, or present a statement relevant to the situation at hand. He's not opposed in the slightest, however, to working with others--indeed, he'd much rather be in a group, rather than all alone on this dangerous night.

Aside from his off putting speech patterns and lack of sociability, perhaps Kenji's biggest flaw comes from his own intelligence. He tries to consider every possible outcome of a situation and minimize risks, often to the point of freezing up and not taking any action at all out of a fear of the unknown. Combined with his quiet nature, it can make him appear slow-witted, and it's a definite danger in this world where the Hunters must put themselves at risk every night...

Bio: A late night at the school, attending to student council business...a long walk home, as a street light flickered. Running footsteps, a girl's voice. Then her face, which would have been cute if not for the twisted smile and the insanity in her eyes. A knife digging into his stomach. White walls, the smell of sterile plastic and rubber. A constant beeping sound he wished would stop, many voices over him. A blood red fog, a cloud that thickened and darkened. Another girl, though this one's face was kind. Then blackness.

Then two bright blue moons, and a world of nightmares.

Other: Surprisingly fit for such a nerdy sort.

The Jade Stream

Despite the fact Zhang Li had barely moved from his position, while Dai Xin had been far more energetic, the bald monk was the first to start sweating, his breath losing its calm, steady rhythm. Dai Xin once more came at him with a flurry, a kick followed by punches and then another kick, all of them straight attacks targeting the face or body. Each one was swept away by the graceful, spiraling movements of the instructor.

The essence of Five Wheel Striking is to let the opponent come to you, and strike them down while deflecting. Each counter is designed NOT to miss--I pull his arm and hold him in place, or I direct his momentum so that he is unbalanced. Dai Xin had already gotten away, but was coming back in just as hard and fast as he had begun the match. Yet he manages to evade, every time. He has never seen our style before, of that I am sure. He can't be predicting my movements...he's simply fast and strong enough to get away, every time.

This time, even as all his attacks missed their mark, Dai Xin had a smile on his face as he stepped back.

And he has the stamina to continue this rate of attack. In development of his body, regardless of technique, he's superior. Is he the kind of fighter who focused on fundamentals--basic punches and kicks, relying on sheer speed and power to win against more technical opponents?

Dai Xin lunged forward, but this time his attack was one that had already failed. The basic side-punch he had begun the match with. By itself, it had failed. Added into a combination, it had failed. Again, Zhang Li took a step back with his right leg, his right arm making a wide circle to sweep the blow away as he coiled his legs together and let his hips sink.

As their arms were swept together, and they reached the peak of the circle...Dai Xin's own arm began a circle in the same direction, rotating back up and around in a back-fist strike at Zhang Li's face. The instructor's eyes widened, and his own arm continued its circle, chasing after Dai Xin's...

His palm clasped Dai Xin's forearm and pushed down, away from him, before the strike could reach full extension.

Dai Xin spun, the motion drawing his legs together in the same stance as Zhang Li, right knee in front of the left, knees supporting each other and hips sinking. His left hand came around from behind, whipping out so quickly his sleeve popped.

With the same technique Zhang Li had attempted earlier, Dai Xin struck his opponent's jaw with the heel of his palm. There was a loud sound, not like flesh on flesh but heavy wooden logs clunking together. The students let out gasping cries. Zhang Li's head spun violently as he bent forward at the waist.

He wanted...to see...how our techniques worked...

Dai Xin spun again, legs uncoiling, torso torquing. His right hand whipped around, slamming the same palm heel strike into Zhang Li's chest. The stance the monk had taken allowed his hips and body to twist and spin easily, and kept him facing the opponent sidelong to reduce the number of targets his opponent could hit--but it didn't have enough root to withstand direct attacks from the front. Zhang Li was knocked backwards, hitting the ground shoulder first and reflexively rolling. He came up on his feet, still reeling. Dai Xin was already moving.

The next technique wasn't so basic. Dai Xin was still a stride's distance from his opponent, yet with precise use of his hip flexors and the sole of his foot, he slid along the ground as he raised his knee. It was almost like the act of readying that kick was pulling him forward. The speed and lack of leg movement meant less ability to read the technique, and it snapped out in a blink. The edge of his foot slammed into Zhang Li's chest again, and this time lifted him off his feet, blasting him backwards. Again he hit the ground, but this time he slid on his back, before rolling onto his side, one hand clutching his chest. He struggled to get up, pushing himself with one hand.

Dai Xin loomed over him, cast in shadow, and his fist came down. Zhang Li felt the wind from it as the man's knuckles stopped less than a fraction of an inch from his nose.

"Do you yield?"

"I...I admit defeat..."

Dai Xin grabbed him by the shoulder of his uniform and helped him to his feet, dusting him off with light slaps before stepping back and bowing once more, left hand clasped over his right fist.

"Thank you for teaching me. May I have the honor of facing the headmaster now?" he asked.

While Zhang Li stared in confusion, the students were not so quiet. They immediately began railing against the results of the fight. Some of the townsfolk watching didn't seem happy either; they had reason to be proud of Mingdu Temple, obviously.

"Hey! That's Brother Liu over there!" one of the students shouted. Immediately several of them ran to the young hunter, looking to a graduate of their school now that their instructor had fallen. "Brother Liu, Brother Liu! You're strong, right?! Help us throw this outsider out of here!"

Dai Xin straightened from his bow, and turned his head to look at the man they were addressing. His eyes narrowed slightly.

The Jade Stream

A lot of martial arts become easier to grasp once you have a good understanding of the basics, though. I've only ever done Karate and the basic concepts extend to a lot of different things. She'd probably have enough fighting experience, if nothing else, to grasp it.