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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2011 23:51:37 GMT -5
Rubbing his skeleton of arm, Red shook his head. He could have lied. Told her an insane story about how the assassin had melted the skin and muscles right from his arms. But what was the point in that? Red trusted Jean. He had no fear that she would out that about him to everyone. He didn't expect her to understand though. He was a freak, that much was sure. He couldn't make her understand. All he could do was hope that Jean would not judge him based on his looks.
As she walked over to study the assassin, Red answered her question. "No this is my own fault... The price I pay for wielding this weapon." He indicated the weapon on his back. It was because of this arm, that Red always wore shirts with long sleeves. Not only that but he tried to cover the arm with medical tape, just for good measure.
Strolling over to the unconscious enemy, Red bent down next to him. "We could kill him?" He said, more to himself than anyone else. Using his right hand, Red whipped his black spiky hair out of his eyes. He was so young... Then again Red was young as well. He would never admit it, but he was still just a teenager. He knew he didn't have all the answers, yet he knew alot more then others his age.
"Though I don't think killing him will solve anything. They probably just hired him to get their weapon back." It was quite obvious from what Red had just said, that there were things that he had not told Jean about. He of course knew who they were. Indeed just from mentioning the word they sparked a vision of four hooded figures.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 19, 2011 0:58:43 GMT -5
It was surprising to see Red's arm moving around as if it were normal. She had never seen such a sight. Well, save for the walking dead but Red clearly wasn't dead and he wasn't a walking skeleton even though his arm was skeletal. As she peered down at the assassin, she patiently waited for Red to answer her. It didn't come in the fashion she had expected.
Looking back over at him, she wondered what he meant about the weapon. Apparently, obtaining it had caused his arm to become like this. "I see. Sorry for bringing it up then."
Their attention was back on the assassin once more. Hearing what Red said, she nodded. "Indeed, we could eliminate him now and be done with it." It wasn't her trying to urge him, it was her merely replying to the question as to what they could do. Then again, instead of killing him, they could probably capture him and interrogate him maybe. Asking him who might've sent him.
Listening to what Red was saying, she wondered what he meant. The weapon had been stolen by Red from somebody else? She shrugged at what he was saying. "We could capture him then...interrogate him as to who sent him, if you want. Then hand him over to the local authorities." She let the choice be up to Red since this assassin had been after him all this time.
"Choice is your's with what you want to do with him. Be quick though, I don't know how long he'll be knocked out." Hopefully, Red would make the decision soon. Honestly, Jean wouldn't kill someone like this at first. She would keep them alive to figure out where they came from and why. Only then would she kill if there were reason for it.
"Hopefully this little scuffle won't go noticed by that inn keeper."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2011 2:17:54 GMT -5
Red could see the wisdom in Jean's words. Yes killing him wouldn't solve anything. It was like throwing down a cart of apples as one ran. It might stop the pursuers for a few seconds, but in the end he would still be running, and they still chasing. Better to find out any information they can.
Standing up, Red gazed around the room. He needed to do something. Use something to tie the opponent up. Or at least prevent him from escaping. As he looked around the room his eyes caught sight of some wire. That was perfect. "Your right. Killing him will get us no where."
It didn't take too long for Red to tie up the assassin's hands behind his back and legs together. Spotting the jeweled dagger, Red moved it away from the assassin with his foot. Instincts told him, that if he were to touch it with his hand, there would be trouble. Sighing Red steadied himself. He wasn't too worried about the inn keeper. If he had heard the commotion they caused, he would have been up here by now. "It might be smart to be ready to use your weapon. When your set I'm going to wake him up."
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Three floors below the incident upstairs, a fight had broken out in the lobby hall. That was the reason why no one had heard the explosion from upstairs. Chairs flew across the room as an all out brawl took place. Fists flew as man fought man. The inn keeper was clearly frustrated. He was trying his best to stop the brawl, but all that his shouting accomplished was to anger the fighters even more.
Indeed as the inn keeper moved to stop one of the drunks, a fist from another struck him across the face. Even the servers were being forced to defend themselves, as some men made to take them with them as they left. However there was one person who was not involved in the fight. One man who sat comfortably at a table, sipping a glass of water.
It was almost as if the brawl never existed. When a chair flew towards this calm man, he easily motioned out of the way while still staying in his chair. A small grin crossed his face. Standing up the man was six feet tall. Dressed in black pants and a white t-shirt, his body was oddly skinny. Curly orange hair ontop of his head, the only odd thing about him was his odd yellow eyes.
Placing his hands in his pockets, the man walked towards the brawl. His destination was the staircase on the opposite side. However if he was to climb the stairs, he would have to walk directly through the brawl. As he neared the center of the brawl, more chairs flew across the room towards him. If anyone had taken the time to watch him, they would see how oddly he dodged them.
As a chair neared him, the man's upper half of his body would move in a direction to dodge the chair. Yet at the same time his steps continued to move constantly forward. It was because of this odd dodging technique that the man reached the staircase unharmed. Still keeping the hands in his pockets, the man climbed the staircase.
When at last he came to the third and highest level, he turned down the hallway. "Let's see just how well your doing Jean..." Arnold Wong spoke aloud. Of course there was no way that Jean would recognize him as he walked past the room. After all he was in a different body then before.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 20, 2011 2:11:53 GMT -5
Jean had a funny feeling that Red would go ahead with keeping the assassin alive. At least until he got some answers from him. Killing him right off would have been unwise. Interrogation, though it might not always be fruitful, would be the wiser option than killing the assassin right then and there. 'Glad he's such a smart kid!' she thought.
If he just killed the assassin, she wouldn't doubt if the people who sent this one out would send out more after him. Interrogation would help them get to the bottom of this. Watching Red tie up the assassin, her eyes darted towards the door. She hadn't sheathed her sword yet anyway and hearing what Red said, she only sighed in response. Of course she would have her weapon still out. No telling if this assassin had any other companions they didn't know of.
"Just give me time to heal myself before you head out. My arm's been bleeding the entire time." With that, she cast Cura over herself and sighed. The pain in her arm was gone and all aches she had been feeling earlier were no longer there. Taking out her other sword, with the arm that had been wounded earlier, she gave Red a nod.
"Okay, I'm ready."
Once Red got set up, Jean headed toward the door way. Closing the door, she had no idea that the guy she spotted passing the room had been Arnold Wong. She wouldn't anyway seeing as he had been in a different body. Jean did warily watch the unknown figure pass by carefully before shutting the door. At first, she had thought the one approaching had been the innkeeper. Thinking nothing of it, though her swords were in her hands, she turned to Red and waited for him to awake the assassin.
With her guarding the only way out and in, there wasn't a likely chance that Artemis would have an easy time slipping past the two of them unscathed.
"Let the interrogating commence." Right now, the assassin was top priority. She would ask around about this mysterious guy, Arnold Wong, later. As for her previous thoughts of answering to a possible job here in Wall Market, that idea was long gone. Not until everything was settled would she return to her usual boring routine of being a sell sword. She didn't even want to think how things would go between herself and Arnold in the bout three days from now.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2011 14:04:18 GMT -5
Artemis came awake when he felt water thrown on his face. Eyes darting open his immediate reaction was to assess the situation. He was sitting on the floor with his target standing over him. He had an empty cup in his right hand, which explained where the water came from. Eyes rolling past his target, he gazed up at the female. She stood nearby wielding her weapons.
Seeing as his hands were bound behind his back and legs tied together, he figured he wouldn't be going anywhere so long as Jean had her weapon handy. Moving with restraints was a challenge, but not impossible. Having been in these kinds of situations before, Artemis knew how to move under such a predicament.
"What's your name?" Oddly enough his target spoke without hostility. Most people he tried to kill were very hostile. Usually capture involved a lot of beating and bleeding. If things were kept in a calm manner perhaps Artemis would be avoiding a beating today. However seeing as he had no plans in talking, he highly doubted things would stay calm.
Red repeated the question to him again. Artemis simply locked eyes with him, his lips not moving at all. "Alright I don't need to know your name. Why are you trying to kill me? You've been chasing me from world to world without hesitation. Why? I'm not an important person. Did they hire you? The ones in the hooded cloaks?"
In answer to Red's question, of course it was the hooded figures who hired him. Though that answer was not said aloud by Artemis. He continued to remain silent. What was the point in talking. He had no reason too. After all just because he was tied up, didn't mean that Red was not his target.
"Is it about money? I can give you money." Artemis couldn't help but smile at that one. He could care less about money. Having only been in the business for two years, Artemis had more money then he needed. If this was an issue about money, there would be no reason to chase Red across worlds. No this was about something even more important.
"Whatever their paying I'll double it. I'll triple it. Just stop trying to kill me." Artemis figured that Red at least deserved somewhat of an answer to the last statement. He shook his head, telling Red that he would not be halting the kill. That apparently made Red angry. Artemis watched his target's face grow red with anger, as a fist collided with Artemis's right cheek.
Head snapping to the right, Artemis felt a tickle of blood on the left side of his cheek. Licking the blood away with his tongue, Artemis's face remained neutral. The punch stung, but it wasn't anything too bad. Artemis sighed aloud. This was probably going to last awhile.
"Maybe we should just kill him? He doesn't plan on talking. Not only that but if he's just going to keep trying to kill me, I'd rather have him dead." Red spoke to Jean. As soon as he finished the last sentence, he whipped around and drew his weapon. He charged straight forward weapon pointed at Artemis.
Artemis did nothing but watch as death by sword point came rushing towards him. His face once again remained neutral, as Red stabbed forward. However it did not come in contact with Artemis's body, but stabbed into the wall two inches away from his head. If Artemis had been scared by such a scare tactic, it did not show on his face.
Red's face grew red with anger and frustration once again. "Your not a killer. Don't try to act like on." It was the first time Artemis actually spoke to any of his targets. The look of shock on Red's face was priceless. He hadn't expected Artemis to say anything at all. In fact Artemis, himself had no real idea why he was talking at all.
"Why? Why do you keep trying to kill me? What is so worthwhile? What is it that they are giving you, that they can't give me?" Red's face was full of desperation. Artemis watched a tear fall down his eyes.
Artemis was an assassin. He was a killer. But he was not evil. He only killed people who deserved their deaths. Perhaps that desperation reminded of Artemis of himself. Or perhaps he simply pitied Red in his situation. "My name." That was the answer. That was why he could not just give up when Red traveled to a different world.
It seemed Red could connect with what Artemis had just said, because even though his eyes focused on Artemis, he was not looking at him. He was lost in a memory somewhere.
It only lasted for a few seconds. Red whipped the tears from his eyes. He was at a lost of what to do. That much was clearly seen by the look on his face. He shared that look with Jean because he shared it with her as well. "What do we do now?"
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Post by Sprow on Mar 20, 2011 21:21:01 GMT -5
Jean watched as Red got a glass of water from the little kitchenette in the assassin's room. Her eyes trailing after him as he brought the glass of water back toward the assassin, he dunked the water over him. Surprisingly, that seemed to work as the assassin opened his eyes. Looking around in confusion at first, he didn't seem to register where he was.
Staying put, Jean just remained where she was with her weapons out in the open. Her presence might just make him reconsider trying to cause them any problems right now. Sure, he could probably get away but maybe not unscathed. She had every intention of inflicting some sort of wound if he dared to try. It would at least slow him down and make him rethink trying to attack Red again in the long run. He was one relentless little thing. Looking at him, he wasn't that much older than Red. Still, he was a kid too compared to her.
Quietly, she waited as the guy finally realized where he was and what was happening. Seeing him look in her direction, her grip on her weapons tightened slightly as her eyebrows furrowed. Her expression was rather stony as she looked back at him. It was clear that she had no intentions of letting him get away easily. He seemed to get that notion too as he put up with being bound for now and placed his attention on Red.
Thus, the interrogation began and already Jean could tell the kid wasn't going to be of much help. Who would want to give out their information so freely? Jean's eyes narrowed as the assassin remained silent throughout the questions Red had. Frustration was slowly beginning to over come Red as time passed. Surely, he was going to snap soon with the way this was progressing. Honestly, she could see that Red didn't really have it in him to be much of a threat to even bother the other kid. Standing there, she would wait before Red would ask anything of her again since it was his problem.
It wasn't long before Red had punched the assassin. It was obvious by the assassin's silence that the problem wasn't about munny. There was something else involved. Turning her gaze on Red but keeping the assassin in her peripheral vision, she heard what he was saying. "Well, if you want me to..." she trailed off. Jean, unlike Red, had killed before. She was a sell sword and had been a military general. So, of course, killing didn't bother her as much as long as the other was deserving of it or if there was some sort of believable reason behind it.
Red took it upon himself though to go for the kill. However, he ended up striking several inches away from the assassin. It was a scare tactic that was a more mellower form of getting information forced out of someone. Looking at the assassin though, it was clear he hadn't been affected by it in the least. Not visibly anyway from what she could tell.
Something unexpectedly happened. The assassin finally spoke and he was lecturing Red into stop acting like a killer when he wasn't one. Jean raised an eyebrow in response, staying in the background for the most part as she allowed Red time to converse with him. Any information that they could find would be beneficial to getting to the bottom of the situation. Her expression became skeptical at the response he gave Red next as to what had been so meaningful to track the kid endlessly.
"That's it?!" she retorted, walking over when Red asked her what they should do next. Her bright green eyes were narrow as she looked down at the assassin. Was that seriously the only reason why he was tracking Red endlessly? Just for a stupid name?!
"I'm afraid that doesn't give one enough reason to go gallivanting after a target intending to kill them. Anyone could give you a name, kid! Since when is that so important to you to want to go and kill someone just to get a name?!" she scoffed. "What are you? Some kind of amnesiac that you don't even know your name then?" she inquired. Her green eyes seemed to slightly blaze. Unlike Red, she had no qualms with killing someone if she had to or wanted to. Granted, her decisions were usually on the light side, she did have her dark side too. She had a face on her that said she wasn't to be taken lightly and it would be in Artemis's best interest to at least answer her, if only one part of it. Her face was almost dangerously close to the assassins' showing him no fear in her eyes or hesitation.
Even though they had the assassin here in their grasp, Jean couldn't help but wonder if this had been all too easy. With Red at a loss, she guessed they would just have to spend time here in the inn and rest. As for this assassin, she was already beginning to wonder what to do with him. They could kill him, keep him here all tied up only for him to get loose and kill Red or send him to the local authorities. Once that ordeal would be settled, she had some training to do and some phone calls to make. One to see if her father really wasn't home in Kalm anymore and one to check up any information on this Arnold Wong.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2011 0:23:26 GMT -5
Artemis bite his lip. To some they might see it as a sign of fighting back fear. For Artemis it was just the opposite. He was fighting back laughter. It was all just too funny. Did the girl really think that he would be afraid of her? If he really wanted too, he could get out of these restraints and out of that door. It wouldn't be easy to get past her, but it was doable.
However there was the fact that Red was an uncontrolled factor. He couldn't fend off both of them. The hand was still theirs so long as his hands remained restrained. From the tight feel around his hands, he figured it wasn't rope that was tied around them. Most likely it was wire, which was a lot harder to break when twisted together.
The girl had no problems with hurting him. He could tell by the look in her eyes. If he was to get out of here without being turned over to the authorities or killed, he would have to by some more time. "A name is very important when one has never had one miss. Not just any name, but one's actual name is priceless." Artemis spoke politely. Though it must be mentioned that there was no emotion behind the words.
"That is no reason for you to try and kill me. If you want your name so bad, why don't you assassinate the ones who have it. Is it really worth all of this? There are other ways of getting your name." Artemis could tell that Red was speaking from the heart. From what Artemis understood of the target, he had been an orphan himself.
"It won't matter. Even if I don't kill you, they will. And if I don't kill you, they'll kill me." Seeing as they were all sharing information, Artemis didn't see any reason not to tell some of the truth. After all this wasn't really about sharing information. It was buying the time to get the stupid wire undone. Artemis was continuously working at it behind his back.
A look of helplessness crossed Red's face. It was quite clear how helpless the situation was. Artemis watched as the teen fell in defeat to the floor. "He's right Jean... It won't just stop with him." A sudden look of hope crossed Red's face. He stood up and rushed over to Artemis. Unhooking the sheath on his back he pointed to his sword. "This is what they want right... If I give it back then everything will be alright. They'll stop." Red's eyes went from the sword, to Artemis, to Jean. They held a new found hope.
Artemis spoke. "It's not that simple. That sword is cursed. No one but you can wield that blade. The only way someone besides you can wield the blade and it's abilities is through your death. They made it very clear why you needed to be killed." The look of hopelessness came back to Red once again.
Red then spun into motion, he drew his cursed weapon and instead of pointing the weapon at Artemis, he turned it to his own neck. Things suddenly got interesting.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 21, 2011 1:37:42 GMT -5
Jean didn't care if she frightened the assassin or not. She didn't think she did anyway. If anything, she was making it clear to him that out of the two, she would not be phased by anything he said and would be more likely to do him harm without hesitation. That whole name excuse was rather pathetic. She had half a mind to slap him but refrained for now. They had gotten him to start talking and causing his mouth to seal shut from a fist or anything of the like might not be such a bright idea right now.
Seeing him bite his lip, she wondered if it really bothered him. Probably not, the look in his eyes seemed...not fearful. It were almost like they were hiding some sort of amusement. How she despised him. She didn't hate him because of the fact he was an assassin, it was the reason why he was trying to kill Red. All over some sort of name. How is that even worth anything?!
She listened, at the very least, to what he had to say on the matter. Well, if he put it that way, a name given would be priceless. However, murdering someone for something like that was pathetic. It still wasn't a very good excuse. Taking her face away from his a little, she sighed and shook her head as if speaking to a hopeless case. "Be as it may, like Red just said, that still isn't a good excuse to murder someone over...and there are different ways of obtaining one's name if you've never had one."
Then, the assassin went on to explain how even if he didn't kill Red, they eventually would and even he. "So, it's also cowardice that's driven you?!" she exclaimed. She glanced back over at Red when he had dropped to his knees in despair. How it wouldn't just end with the assassin. "Of course it won't..." she was at least being honest in saying that. Candy coating the situation wouldn't be wise. Red needed to know the severity of his situation but not enough where it would break him.
A sudden spark of hope seemed to cross Red's face then as he went right up to where the assassin was. Getting so close, she didn't know if she should warn Red to get back a bit. She might've gotten into his face earlier but there was no telling when he'd slip out of their grasp like a slippery snake.
Red thought if he just gave the weapon back, all would be good. Something told her if it had actually been that simple, why wouldn't the assassin not just take the sword when he had the chance? He had plenty of times to do it. Not once did he try and instead, tried to take Red's life. Listening, she heard what the assassin said next. How ironic, she could clearly see the thing he didn't. She didn't think the other kid was a fool, she just believed she picked up on something he did not. What a sick and twisted lure.
"I can't believe you don't see the hook in the lure they gave you, kid." She had said it to the assassin. At least, that was how it sounded to her with the way he had worded it. If he were to kill Red, what if the sword's abilities went onto him? The only likely conclusion she could see would be his employers killing him too. "You'll end up being killed either way."
It didn't take long before something else took place. Turning to look over at Red, the kid now had his own weapon pointed at his very own throat. Eyes widening, Jean took a few steps toward him. "What're you doing?!" she exclaimed. Why was it that she seemed to be teaching two children at once?! Not only that, one she knew was about to try and kill himself! How to deal with this new situation? She couldn't even begin to fathom how she would manage to talk him out of it now. Jean knew she had to try but she didn't know how to stop him.
"Red...put the weapon down. Killing yourself won't solve anything!" she stated, taking a slow step toward him again. Her heart hammered at the thought of the kid committing this in front of her. She had seen people do it before but not to those she had gotten to know almost like a friend. This day just kept getting crazier and crazier. Just to think all she had come here to do originally had been to just do the usual mercenary work and go home. Now, here she was trying to save Red from himself. 'This kid is going to give me gray hairs at the age of twenty six!' she thought.
"You're not alone in this. There are other ways of solving this problem." Even as she spoke, her mind returned to that moment in time where the monk had warned her about Red's fate. How he was destined for the grave and that she would do better to leave him. Did the monk's foresight mean this very moment? Somehow, she didn't think so. Even if someone was destined to die, there were things one could do. Like going out like a hero instead of taking their own life.
"Don't tell me that you're going to let his words get to you. I know you're better than that, Red! You might be young but you're made of tougher stuff than this...don't go and do it!" She was now practically begging him not to. Jean didn't want to see a good person go and do such a thing to themselves. Sure, he got himself in a tight pickle but there were ways of getting through it. After all, when one door closed, another one opened. If Jean never thought this way, she would've cracked during the time she was involved in war.
"Fight it! Fight them!" she added. "If you don't fight them...who will? Who will stop them from leaving it out for someone else to find only for them to do the same again?" If there was ever a preferable time for the assassin to escape, right now might be it. Jean was pretty preoccupied with Red and his threat to take his own life.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2011 2:29:38 GMT -5
Artemis has unhooked the wire. He had finished it the moment Red pulled out his sword. But he didn't move. Jean's words rung in his ears. "You'll end up being killed either way." Artemis was smart. Very smart. One did not live long in his sort of business without being smart. His teachers had taken the time to not only teach him physical activities. They had taught him to think, to write, read, science and logic. All of these things were needed to be on top.
How could he have been so stupid? Why hadn't he realized that as soon as he killed Red and took the blade the curse would be set on him? They had told him straight out, "Only by death can the weapon be truly attained." They were going to kill him from the very beginning! Artemis's eyes rolled in sudden anger, as he suddenly rose, legs snapping the wire that held him.
However he did not run. No he did nothing of the sort. He sprinted right in front of red and punched him right in the stomach. It was enough to have his blade drop to the floor and out of reach of his own throat. Red rolled as he clutched his stomach his eyes rearing up in shock. "Don't be an idiot. Killing yourself will only be doing them a favor."
Turning on Jean, Artemis locked eyes with her. He didn't know if she was going to attack, but he needed to be ready. Hopefully before she decided to retaliate for punching Red, Artemis spoke up. "I have never before given up on a target. But seeing as I refuse to let someone use me, I will have to do just that."
Artemis's involvement with this company was done. He was played a fool. And oh was his anger rising. He was not someone, one just played as a fool. Still... Artemis was smart enough to not get in his hire's way. "You go on your way, and I will go mine." Walking over to where his jeweled dagger lay, he picked it up and it seemed to vanish in what was left of his cowl.
At any of these times Artemis could have been attacked. But he thought he understood Jean. He believed that if he no longer wanted anything to do with Red, she would have nothing against him. Not that he really cared. He was actually thrilled at the aspect of getting to cross blades with her. One day, he planned on finding out who was actually faster. ----------------
As the assassin walked past Red, he seemingly ignored him. He sat on his knees, tears falling down his face. There was nothing he could do... Yes the intention to just end everything was gone. While he hated the assassin, the words he spoke were true. It would accomplish nothing to do such a thing.
Red felt ashamed. He felt like an idiot. A failure. He couldn't bare to look at Jean. Oh! What she must think of him now? Nothing good. "I'm sorry." It was all he could say. He couldn't even bare to look at her when he said it.
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Arnold Wang walked down the hallway the other way. As he did he locked eyes with the assassin as he walked past Red. So it had gone exactly as was assumed. Arnold Wang was doing his best to hold back a chuckle. Now that things were solved with the assassin, he would have his fun with Jean. He was glad he pointed the two in the direction of their assassin. He had been weary about it at first. But the voices had convinced him it would work for his interests.
Walking down the steps and back to the lobby he was not surprised to see that it had quieted down. The servers, inn keeper, and a few others who had arrived to stop the brawl, were busy picking up tables and cleaning up destroyed chairs. It seemed the inn keeper had gotten help before things got too out of hand. That was good, especially since he provoked the fight by lying to one of the men so that he would strike the other.
Arnold Wong walked out of the inn. In all honesty he had no idea who the assassin's hires were. He didn't really care though so long as they did not interrupt his fancies. Arnold Wong was a man of mystery. Jean was sure in for a surprise when she asked about the name Arnold Wong.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 21, 2011 19:48:11 GMT -5
Jean hadn't been calling the assassin stupid. She just believed she caught on to something he had missed. Anyone intelligent could miss something that another would see. She was just giving him a slight benefit of realizing just how his situation would turn out. Maybe then, it would only make him wiser and not follow those who were sending him to fetch their weapon. A willing prey to them would be all too easy to dispose of since it would come right into their open arms. That was exactly what she thought of the assassin. He was to be their scape goat and golden retriever. He'd fetch the weapon, coincidentally the abilities passing unto him and thus return to them only for them to eliminate him.
She didn't think her words would've gotten to the assassin. What he had heard was up to him to decide with what to do. Right now, her attention had been so fixed on Red that she didn't notice when Artemis got out of his bindings. Her eyes widened with surprise as he punched Red in the stomach. The action itself had caused Red to let go of his own weapon. The words that came out of the assassin's mouth was cause for wonder. Did she seriously hear him say that?
Where she was a tad angry he had punched Red, she could see that the action itself had prevented him from committing suicide. That alone prevented her from immediately going to attack Artemis as he locked eyes with her. Jean made no move as he spoke to her. An eyebrow was raised in response to his very words. Apparently, what had been said managed to get through to him and he saw what she had meant. Jean almost couldn't believe the situation. Did this mean they were no longer going to be bothered by him?
What he said about Red, that had been enough to get her to lower her weapons. She wouldn't be chasing the assassin out of the room. Her anger subsided at that. There no longer was a reason for her to fight or try to kill him. Sure, he was an assassin but since he had nothing to do with Red anymore then she had nothing to do with him anymore. Plain and simple.
Even if he wasn't going to aid them, the simple fact he stopped Red from harming himself was payment enough. She didn't think Red would be able to get along with him anyway. Jean knew she wouldn't if someone had tried to kill her a number of times. Watching him go to collect his things she made no move to go after him. However, just because she had her weapons lowered did not mean that she wasn't wary of him.
When he spoke, picking up his weapon, she saw they no longer had to fight. The assassin problem seemed to have been resolved in a way that she did not expect. This assassin certainly had brains. "Then we have no problems here. Go if you wish, I won't stop you." He understood her enough to know that she wouldn't attack him now. As if to prove the point to him, she sheathed a sword and motioned to the door if he wanted to go now. She even moved away from the, after opening it, as a sign that she wasn't trying to fool him.
As the assassin walked past Red, she heard him utter an apology. Sighing, more so relieved than anything, Jean went to him. She wasn't aware that Arnold Wong had seen the little incident when she opened the door. Sheathing her other sword, she bent down beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I understand that it's difficult. I'm not angry with you, just relieved you didn't take your own life like that." Even if Red had pushed her away earlier in the day, the kid just seemed like he needed someone to understand. No one probably even bothered to help the kid which had lead to his attitude.
"So, guess we just rest up here, huh? I've gotta make some phone calls and train for this upcoming fight. If I survive...mind if I help you out with this problem? I'd hate to leave it all to you to do by yourself." As she waited for Red to speak again, she gently rubbed his shoulder in a comforting way to let him know that she was still there. Admittedly, she thought of him as a friend already. They went through a lot today. How could you not end up being friends after all that? Once he would give her an answer, she would take out an ear cell phone from her pocket and place it on her ear after telling it a number code.
"Hey, is this Tom? ...Can you do me a favor? ...Yeah, I need information on one who goes by Arnold Wong." Jean went quiet as she waited for 'Tom' to look up information on him. Once he was done, she would go on to ask her other informants.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2011 20:34:13 GMT -5
"Mind if I help you out?" Those words were repeated in Red's mind. Who was he to involve someone else with his troubles. This could very well end up with her death! Yet, who was he to deny her? It was a loose, loose situation. While Red wanted to tell Jean no. He knew that his only reason for doing so would be to try and protect her.
In all honesty he was elated to hear that she wanted to help him. He wouldn't have to worry about facing these things alone. Who knew, perhaps together they could overcome the enemy... This idea though seemed improbable. The assassin, as young as he was, seemed to be an equal opponent for Jean. Even he was fearful of taking them on. The problem was, Red had no idea who the enemy really was. All he knew was what he saw the day his life in the Enchanted Domain ended.
That was where he needed to go. For as painful as it was for him to return there, that was where they needed to go after this. "Alright." He told Jean. He would tell her about where they needed to go later. She didn't need to know about it right now. Her intention should be focused on that freak... And Red had no plans of breaking that intention even for a moment.
As he watched Jean place an ear piece in her ear, he did his best to listen in on the conversation. Apparently this guy named Tom was one of her informants. He was looking up information for her. When he did answer back, Red's head peeked up.
Listening in this is what he heard. "Arnold Wong... Arnold Wong has been dead for ten years according to the system. He was a soldier, under your father it seems... He was sent out on a single party mission to Goblin Island with two other accompany soldiers. The mission is classified, so I can't tell you what exactly the mission was... But it seems that Arnold Wong was the only person to return from the island. A second party was sent out, and according to the report, they found Arnold Wong laying in the sands of the beach. He was brought back and its reported that he would say nothing. When he finally did talk all he could say was, 'there is something inside me.' He was proclaimed insane and locked up in a Psych Ward. The day after he was place inside there he was found dead the next morning. Morgue report says that his back was ripped open from the inside. Guess there was something inside him... They buried him that afternoon. That's all I got."
Red's face was full of disbelief. What the hell did that mean? If Arnold Wong was dead, then who was the guy with the nails? A question sparked in Red's mind. "Ask what his primary weapon was." He told Jean.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 21, 2011 21:28:04 GMT -5
Jean allowed Red to at least take the time to consider the situation. She had wanted to help him out if she could. He wouldn't be alone if he let her come along with him. There would be a higher chance that he could make it out of it alive. Still, thinking about it, she would have to really train herself. It seemed that the assassin had been close to her level or even an equal. If the employers disturbed him there would be good reason for her to be cautious of what she would be up against.
When Red agreed to let her come along, Jean smiled at him and playfully gave his shoulder a shake. A way of helping him come out of his little episode there. Turning to the ear phone she had, Jean patiently waited as she listened to Tom's fingers typing away at the computer. What would they find out about this Arnold Wong?
As she sat there next to Red, she began to wonder about how her father was doing. Had he really been captured? That photograph had seemed rather believable but was it a hoax? She honestly didn't know. It wouldn't be wise for her to not go with the charade Arnold had unless she found out otherwise. She was itching to call her father right now to see if he really wasn't at home. Right now though, she had to find out what information she could about their unstable foe.
Suddenly, the typing ceased for a moment. Sitting up a bit, Jean heard Tom's voice finally speak to her on the other line. Apparently, Arnold Wong had been deceased for ten years and was a soldier under her father. Quietly, Jean allowed Tom to continue to relay the information he had on the guy. The story of how Arnold had been sent on a mission for Goblin Island, it was disturbing. Goblin Island wasn't somewhere anyone would want to go to. When they found Arnold alone, the guy claimed something was inside of him and then after they sent him to the psyche ward, he died. Something had seemed to burst out of his body according to the morgue records.
Disbelief was written all over her face as well as confusion. Like Red, she was wondering who the guy they were facing earlier had been. She would've ended the call there but Red brought up a curious question. Not sure what he meant by it, Jean relayed the same question to Tom. "What was Arnold's main weapon?" she inquired. Maybe Red was trying to see if the guy they saw and Arnold Wong were the same or two different people.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2011 22:10:40 GMT -5
Red waited to hear an answer from the other line. Jean seemed to have the same line of thinking as Jean did. He hoped to find out some more information about this Arnold Wong, if that really was his name. Tom responded immediately right after.
"Weapon... Says here he is listed as a mystic warrior. His choice of weapon however was not a sword. Seems that his main choice were nails. Don't know how nails can really kill goblins and the like, but it seems it worked well for him. Says here that he was one of your father's favorite students. Says he was really beat up when he died. Interesting... But that's all I got You should probably ask your father about it."
Red was lost in thought about all of this. Perhaps they really were facing Arnold Wong... Yet something told Red that it wasn't that simple. Things never ended up being simple. Crossing his arms in thought, he tried to think of anything else that he could ask about Arnold Wong. Nothing came to him. There were just not enough information to ask the right question.
Standing up, Red wondered if they should just stay here for the night or go somewhere else. He didn't know how Jean felt about staying in the place where they had battled the assassin. This was her game now, her battle. He would do whatever he could to help her, but there wasn't much he could do.
The enemy was very particular on the fight being with just Jean. Red figured that if he did try to intervene, he would find himself facing a very dangerous person. Red was not as strong as Jean. But two on one was always better then one on one. Standing up Red took a seat on the bed. Jean had more phone calls to make. She probably wanted to check in on her father and such. Red hated to think it, but he had an odd feeling that it wasn't going to be good news.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 21, 2011 23:10:27 GMT -5
Jean waited for Tom to answer their question. Sure enough, Tom looked up what Arnold Wong used for a weapon. Instead of the usual sword, Arnold used nails as his primary weapon. Hearing that, she glanced over at Red. So, had they really seen a ghost? It didn't seem possible. Arnold had seemed pretty solid when they were in the church earlier. It made no sense that they saw the guy if he was proclaimed and even seen as dead.
"...Best student? Huh...well, thank you, Tom. I'll...I'll ask dad about it some time." With that, she clicked the ear piece off and sighed. There wasn't anything else that she could think to ask on the subject. Arnold Wong, whoever he was, was an enigma. Why he would want to kill her own father, she didn't know. What was this guy? Was he really a ghost?
Getting to her feet, she thought about it all. It didn't make much sense to her. How could Arnold Wong be here when he was dead? Maybe it was a twisted relative pretending to be him? Jean sighed before looking around. Red had plopped himself onto the bed, sitting there.
"Huh, looks like we've got ourselves quite a...mystery." She didn't know how else to say it. Arnold Wong, whom was suppose to be dead, was walking around still it seemed. She didn't know what else to call it. Now, now was time for her to call her father. Turning the ear piece back on, she turned her back to Red. Not that she was trying to hide the call from him, she just didn't want to show she was worried.
"Dial number 343-5567." With that, the ear piece dialed the number and a ring tone reached her ear. She tapped her foot lightly and crossed her arms as she waited. Abruptly, as soon as the ring tone was heard, another beep interrupted. "We're sorry, the number you tried calling has been disconnected. Please try another number." Jean's heart gave a horrible leap. The phone was disconnected?! Jean was sure she called the right number!
"Redial." Her ear piece dialed the number again and she got the same exact message back. If her father was home, the phone wouldn't be disconnected. Obviously, something had gone wrong and her father was probably most likely in Arnold Wong's grasp. Jean breathed, to calm herself as she turned the ear piece off again. Turning to face Red, she slowly shook her head.
"No use, phone's disconnected." Knowing her father was probably in some sort of trouble, assuming he was with Arnold Wong somewhere, she did her best to remain calm. If she let him know that he had affected her mind, it would make matters too easy for him. She had to keep a level head even though she slightly shook. 'Dad, where are you?' she wondered nervously.
Breathing, she looked back toward the door. She had to prepare for what was to come in three days. "I'll...I'll go train for a bit. You're welcome to come along if you want. I'll be right back anyway." With that, she set her hands on her sword handles and exited the room. Hours later, she would return and then rest. The process would repeat for the next two days until they would reach the third day.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 1:05:41 GMT -5
The three days passed pretty quickly. Red had spent the majority of his time coped up in the inn. He hardly seemed to see Jean, seeing as she was in and out of the room daily. For the most part he kept any worries about the fight ahead to himself.
Red kept conversation light. He spoke of silly things during the time that Jean returned. He did his best to keep the mood happy and light. No need to worry about the "challenge" ahead until it was time. With all of the time to himself, Red spent a lot of the time thinking about the Cursed Blade and the people he stole it from.
The more he thought about it the more questions raised in his mind. Red just couldn't get over one thing. Why was he able to use the blade? Was it not the enemies? So wouldn't that mean that Red would have to kill one of them in order to use the weapon? The assassin had been right about one thing. Red was no murderer. So why was he able to use the blade if they had carried it before?
All of these thoughts, Red kept to himself. He was not going to bother Jean with them yet. He would wait until all of these matters with Arnold Wong was finished. Still... Red was happy that for once he was not looking behind his back. There was no one after him... yet.
Before he knew it, the third day was here. Red stood outside the chapel, the chosen meeting place for the "challenge". He stared at the top of it. He didn't know if Jean was ready, but he could only hope that she would be as ready as she might ever be. Red had no clue what was going to happen next. "No matter what happens.... I won't let him kill you." It was all Red could say. Seeing no need to further the wait, Red stepped inside the church.
What greeted him was the same scene from three days ago. However there was one difference. Arnold Wong, dressed in his business suit, stood at the edge of the church. Next to him was a chair. Sitting on that chair was a man with a brown bag over his head, concealing it.
As Red walked in the church, Arnold Wong smiled. However the smile was not aimed at him, but behind him. "I knew you would come." He said with a smile. Walking behind the man in the chair, Arnold Wong gripped the edge of the bag and tore it off with a loud, "TA DA!"
Despite the fact that Jean's father was captured, there was no physical harm to him. But as Arnold Wong walked infront of him, his eyes cast away and a look of terror crossed his face. "Just as I promised. Here he is! The man of the hour!" Arnold said with bravado, whipping out his arms indicating Jean's father.
Arnold Wong burst out in laughter. After he had calmed down a little he shouted, "The challenge is simply my dear. The first person to make the other submit to defeat is the winner. We'll have time for some questions after our challenge. No interference! You try to free your father, and he will die! That little boy tries to interfere and he and your father will die! Now come at me love. Let our bodies make passionate music together!" A nail in each hand, Arnold Wong charged down the main isle.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 22, 2011 3:09:34 GMT -5
The three days went by slowly. Every day, Jean made it a must to train. If a physical fight was going to be the challenge, she needed all the training she could get. Sure, she was already at a high enough level but it was always best to be prepared for the unexpected. She didn't doubt that Arnold Wong would use whatever he had in the fight. No telling how he would be in one either. Whether he was a dirty fighter or not, she had to be ready.
During those times, she felt kind of sorry for leaving Red alone in the inn but at least he wasn't in immediate danger alone anymore. She didn't have to keep as careful an eye on him as she had to when the assassin had been after him. It made things a lot easier. It would be difficult to help protect someone and train hard at the same time. Jean just hoped for now the enemies of Red's wouldn't find another assassin just yet.
What also bothered her was whether or not this Arnold Wong could get hurt or even hit. She didn't really know if he had faked his death or if he was some kind of phantom thing wandering around. How that was possible without becoming one with the Planet first was a mystery. It was unsettling to think about what she would be dealing with. Thankfully, Red hadn't reminded her about it all. It was easier on her nerves to get somewhat of a reprieve from worrying about her father and wondering if she'll even manage during the challenge.
She knew there were things that Red must've thought about during that time he was coped in the room. He hadn't voiced any of it though. Apparently, he was keeping it to himself for now. Probably more concerned with the challenge too. When the day had finally come, Jean didn't know what to think. All she did was make her way to the church with Red. As they stood outside it, she looked over at Red when he suddenly spoke.
A slight smile spread across her face then. Depending on Arnold's skill, she hoped it wouldn't have to come to that on Red's part. "Looks like I'd better not fail!" she replied with a wink before heading in. Her nerves had been on edge but now that it was time to take the plunge, she felt as ready as she'd ever be. One could have all the time in the world to train beforehand but there was no use in wasting anymore time and holding yourself back. It was time to get this done and over with. Jean just hoped she didn't screw up.
Red had entered before her, as she walked in the scene hadn't changed all that much. If anything, there was now the addition of a figure with a bag over his head, seated upon a chair. Jean's heart beat quickened a little. Arnold seemed pleased before ripping off the bag from the other figure's head. As he presented to her, her father, Jean's eyes widened a little before she put on a determined face. Arnold might've been unstable to her and Red but he had at least kept his word.
"Sorry, dad." She had managed to apologize to him over the situation as Arnold laughed in his mirth. She was a tad relieved to see for now that her father was unharmed. It would make rescuing him a lot easier since she wouldn't need to use magic on him when she might end up exhausting it during this challenge.
Her gaze turned on Arnold Wong as he shouted out to her, informing her again of what the challenge entitled. It was the same as three days ago. They were to do battle and whomever gave in was defeated. Anyone tried to free her father, they would die as well as he. Why the standards if she were to try and rescue her father were different than Red's, she could only guess. Why didn't he threaten to kill her too like he did Red? Dismissing the thought, Jean unsheathed her swords as she prepared for the fight.
"...Understood, I won't try and pull a fast one then in trying to have myself or Red get him free during the fight." Giving her black bladed swords a twirl each to ensure her arms were just as ready and strong for the battle, Jean looked from Red to Arnold. Hearing his final sentence, beckoning her to come at him now, Jean braced herself. The moment was now upon them. It was do or die. Raising an eyebrow, she could only wonder at the way Arnold was acting. He was rather overly enthusiastic. How else to explain that last line?
"If a fight is what you want then so be it!"
As Arnold got out his nails, Jean started to charge at him. Her face becoming set in a determined expression. Her eyes were hardened and narrowed as she ran. When she finally reached a few feet before him, she seemed to disappear. This was her 'Sneak Attack' technique. Anyone with speed though would be able to notice that instead of disappearing, she had merely leapt up into the air, doing a front flip over Arnold by about three feet over and landed behind him cat like only to whirl about, striking in his direction from the rear with her right sword. Her other sword held back to guard her body while the other was used for that attempted strike.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 13:29:29 GMT -5
Red's eyes were focused on the fight alone. This was what Jean had been preparing for. He was eager to see how this fight would turn out. Red didn't know Jean or Arnold Wong enough to know their limitations. Jean seemed to rely mostly on speed. It made sense, watching her charge then seemingly disappear. When she appeared behind Arnold, Red felt a burst of hope. Perhaps the battle would be over a lot quicker then Red thought.
However Red should have known that Arnold Wong was not a fool. He knew what Jean was doing. At the same time that she leaped over him, he fell forwards and pushed himself off the ground with his hands. This dodged the forward slash that Jean swung at him with her blade. As he landed on his feet, his arm twirled sending three nails at Jean.
Red watched as Arnold Wong moved with the same speed as Jean had used beginning to circle Jean. As he did every three of four steps, he sent a nail flying towards one of Jean's limbs. All the while Red could hear his maniacal laughter. "Give in my dear! Submit! Submit!" Arnold continued to punch nail after nail towards Jean. The more he circled the faster the nails came. However it seemed that Arnold made sure to stay at least ten feet away from Jean at all times while circling her.
"Show me your skill!" He shouted, suddenly leaping straight up into the air. His leap was carrying him over Jean. As he soared through the air he stretched out his hands using one of his own techniques. "Raining Judgment." The technique was called. As Arnold rose in the air twenty nails appeared in his hands. He waited until Jean was directly under him before throwing all of them at once towards her. The nails would follow her until they struck the ground, however they could only go downward.
Red could do nothing but watch. He itched to do something. If only there was some way he could help! Red hated just sitting here and doing nothing. It made him feel useless. And that was a feeling he despised. Perhaps if they had more information on Arnold Wong they would have been able to know what to do.
"Jean!" Red's face turned towards Jean's father. It was he who had just called her name. "Dagger to the Earth! He's vulnerable now!" Red had no idea what Jean's father was saying but Red could only hope that it would help Jean.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 22, 2011 15:13:54 GMT -5
Jean didn't expect her first strike to make contact. Only a fool would be arrogant enough to assume they had someone in their grasp. Seeing Arnold evade her attack and toss three nails in her direction, Jean maneuvered just barely in time to slip through the nails. One grazed her shoulder but she was alright. It was just a flesh wound dribbling some blood as she prepared to attack Arnold Wong again.
Admittedly, she didn't expect someone to show the same speed as her. It didn't catch her off guard though. She knew some people in the world were out there with a speed almost like her's or better. It seems she had bumped into someone with an equal agility. She watched as her enemy circled her, using the same speed as she had. Every so step, she was forced to parry or dodge an incoming nail. In the process, she achieved more flesh wounds but not enough to slow her down. They sure stung like hell though. She was waiting for a perfect moment to dart at him but he was keeping his distance from her. He probably knew if he came too close that she would try and use one of her swift attacks on him. "Two can play that game!" she retorted, not showing any signs of giving up as five phantom blades appeared about her. Revolving around her, they managed to parry any other nails she missed while she was being circled. Then, all five went shooting toward Arnold in a rapid rate. They could only move straight once they were set in motion so it wasn't hard to dodge or block.
Then, suddenly, Arnold leapt high into the air, as he did so, he seemed to counter her own technique in summoning twenty nails to his aid. Tossing them down at her, she was forced to roll away as the nails shot into the ground. The nails following her progress but only moving downwards into the floor as she barely avoided them. If she remained in place, she probably would've been nailed to the floor.
'How am I going to even land a hit on this guy?!' she wondered. So far, Arnold mainly had the upperhand here. He was long range and was able to keep just out of her reach with the sword. She was forced to flee right now. That is, until a voice called out to her. Not showing indication that she had heard, Jean finally turned on the spot and pushed off the ground with all her might. Elevating herself into the air ten feet.
"Dagger to the Earth!"
Swinging her blades behind her, she set one under her feet and stood on the handle as she came shooting down at Arnold. Where if it hit him, it would be a nasty stab, but if it hit the ground five cracks would appear from the center where her sword hit the ground and light would erupt up from the five cracks. Whether or not she hit Arnold with just coming down with her sword or she managed to hit the ground instead remained to be seen.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2011 17:34:09 GMT -5
Red's eyes lit up when he watched Arnold's face go from joy to anger. Apparently he wasn't all too happy about Jean's father revealing a weak point in his attack. The weapon under Jean's foot sank into Arnold's shoulder and out the other side. Arnold somehow managed to drop on his feet, Jean's weapon continued to stay inside his shoulder.
Watching the blood flow down from the stab, Arnold Wong turned on Jean. His eyes locked on her as he spoke. "Little f***3r." He swore aloud. "Peanuts.... should stay in the PEANUT GALLERY!" The rage on his face was clear as he screamed the last two words. Eyes turning on Jade's father, the rage vanished as quickly as it had arrived.
"I suppose it is my fault. I didn't say anything about your father talking did I." Red watched Arnold grab the hilt of the weapon that was lodged in his shoulder. Red's eyes flew away as Arnold drew the blade out of the wound. "Now look at what you done. Can't even use this arm anymore."
Indeed Arnold's words hung true. His arm sat limp next to his torso. "Still the battle isn't over yet. Come Jean. Let's continue." With only his left arm able to move, Red knew that Arnold was seriously handicapped. He couldn't punch as many nails at Jean as he had before. Red knew that it was only a matter of time now, before victory was hers. She just had to play things smart.
Arnold continued to stay as far away from Jean as possible. Punching out daggers with his good arm, they came with the same speed, but they weren't sent as often as before. Arnold then prepared for another of his abilities. Coming to a halt for a second, five nails appeared in his hand. Red noticed though that these nails were different from the ones he had used before. First of all they were painted red in color and as soon as Arnold threw the five together, they were engulfed in fire.
Arnold apparently didn't want to wait to see if the attack hit. He jumped into the air, and a regular nail towards Jean as well.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 22, 2011 23:38:54 GMT -5
Jean hadn't expected her attack to hit Arnold like it did. Out of the two things that could take place, the jab could've been deadly but had to be the lesser of the two evils. The cracks would've just let light flare up into the air from them and could've been more dangerous to Arnold as well as her father and Red. Her eyes remained fixed on Arnold as he landed on the floor finally. She too had leapt off the sword in time to land on the ground. Now, she just had one sword in hand as she looked back at Arnold's wound. Her sword managed to go through the arm on both ends.
'Didn't expect that to happen but guess I'll take it. Thanks, dad!' she thought. The way Arnold looked back at her, she knew that he wasn't too pleased by what had taken place. Right now, she kept her distance from Arnold as he swore at her. The anger on his face quite apparent. He didn't at all like the fact that her father gave away a weak point.
When he looked over at her father, his anger seemed to have immediately dropped. Well, it was true, he didn't say that her father couldn't throw out hints. Maybe this guy was bipolar? Jean wasn't sure as she held her sword at the ready. No telling what Arnold was going to do here as she kept her distance for now. She gave a nod at what he had said, stating that he hadn't at all said anything about her father or anyone else keeping quiet for that matter. Wincing, she watched as he pulled the sword out of his arm.
Arnold's arm certainly looked like it weren't about to work anytime soon. Well, at least this ensured that she didn't have to worry so much about the nails. He'd have only one arm to do it, which meant less frequent tosses. Now, she had somewhat of a chance. The thing was to not blow it all in making any foolish moves. Maybe he'll give up? She doubted it though.
Sure enough, Arnold confirmed her doubt in stating that they should continue. "Alright, if you really want to continue like that!" she answered. Seeing as Arnold was handicapped, she didn't dare trying to go for her other sword that she had used to get him in the arm. Trying to get too close to him right now wouldn't be wise.
Once again, he kept his distance from her and threw his nails again. Jean had to think of what she could try next. However, though she parried or dodged, Arnold had something else in mind. Throwing five nails in her direction, Jean saw how fiery red they appeared to be. Of course, only because they were painted that color. Jean didn't like the looks of them. It appeared as if something might be in the nails. Sure enough, when he tossed them, they caught on fire! Darting to the side, Jean got hit in her free hand by one and oh boy did it hurt!
It made Jean let out a painful cry as she rolled off to the side. The normal nail he had nicked her pretty good with. Oh boy did he get her pretty good. Still, she was lucky that she wasn't dead. The burning nail was still scorching her hand as she tried to get it out. Even that attempt hurt her other hands fingers as she yanked it out. Blood couldn't be spilled from the injury itself since the fire had cauterized the blood. Gripping her sword, without her burned finger tips touching it, she focused on Arnold again.
If it hadn't been for the reflective bracelet she had on, the fire damage would've been worse. Still, even with half the damage, it hurt like hell. Breathing, she wondered how she was going to get close to him from where she was. He was deliberately keeping at a distance but maybe if she darted at him she could try? Running at top speed, Jean went right at him in a zig zagging formation to make it hard for him to get a good aim on her, her sword raised. If he didn't move, she would most likely attempt to try the 4 way Slash technique.
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