ғᴜᴄᴋɪɴɢ ᴄᴏᴡᴀʀᴅ

Let's fight in a fair, cowardly way. ♥

[dirtyrondo-blog]

sometimes i can still hear his annoying voice

[kiryustyled]

It’s not a matter of taking a joke when there’s nothing humorous being said. Iai throws a glance sidelong into the ether, anything to avoid meeting the eyes of this detestable man who insists on invading his personal space – which happens to be several meters in radius when Hikyou Banchou is involved.

He knows he shouldn’t respond to his jabs, and yet the urge is irresistible despite his self-control.

<<A shirt, really? Do you really think Kongou Banchou would care for something as mundane as that? It would be so unnecessary… Not that you would understand.>> It comes out more biting than he imagined it to sound, but truly, their leader is at the forefront of his mind now, and he can’t tolerate joking about the man, not from him.

He’s grateful when the other straightens up, putting just a bit of distance between them both – every centimeter counts, really – and returns his gaze straight ahead, stare unflinchingly fixated forward so as to avoid eye contact as they walk in silence for a few, blissful moments. Iai has almost forgotten his original question by this point, but the response he receives only reminds him that yes, he cannot stand this man.

So he stops, turns to face the other.

<<Your sense of humor is vile, and your ability to assess the gravity of a situation and perhaps think about what you say even worse. When I begin to think for even a moment I might be able to work with you, you prove otherwise.>> A breath, then: <<It must be one of Kongou Banchou’s few faults, tolerating your presence.>>

He doesn’t even bother to offer any thanks for the bit of information he has received.

Not to him.

[dirtyrondo-blog]

It’s so easy to goad him, it’s almost unbelievable. For someone so composed, he was prime teasing material, all of his mannerisms and holier-than-thou attitude coagulating into somebody who felt the need to defend his pride.

Another shrug, a slow shake of the head following the other’s dismissal of his suggestion. Excuses, excuses. Excuses for everything. Almost like him. He doesn’t miss the tone weaved into his words, and he latches onto them like a leech who finds the other’s irritation to be the perfect sustenance. 

“Oh, come on now. I’m sure he’d appreciate the gesture from somebody so dedicated.” He can imagine the distaste already radiating from the choice of words, but that’s the point. It just wouldn’t be home if he wasn’t being a pain in the other Banchou’s neck. It wasn’t really Yuu’s fault: he’s just somebody you have to learn to tolerate.

The abrupt turn and biting words earn a surprised eyebrow quirk, tilting his head only slightly at the onslaught of accusations and insults on his person. Of course, this does nothing but egg him on. If Iai thought such a thing was going to have any negative effect, he had another thing coming.

“If you think you can’t work with me, isn’t that all on you, Iai Banchou? The others seem to have no trouble whatsoever. Maybe the problem is you~.” Black-clad arms stretch behind his head, leaning back on his heels only slightly as he peers behind the mask. “I’m fully aware of the situation we’re in, I’m simply to not take it so seriously. It’d do you good to relax for a bit. Get any more rigid, and you’ll become a statue.”

[daughterofillah]

Ah. What a brat.

It was to be expected of course, he bothered to steal something, but nonetheless, a brat was a brat, which was an annoyance. She clearly did not think this entire run in through, for the desire to snap the brat’s neck then and there had crossed her mind at least 3 times after he opened his mouth.

“Yes, yes dear. But I’m sure it’s also illegal to steal from people, no? You can yell all you want, but I’m sure you’ll only attract that man you stole from and a police officer. I wonder then who would get arrested, no?”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

“I’m too young for them to arrest me.” This is said with a dull, matter-of-fact tone. Like none of her words intimidate him in the least, which they honestly don’t. There’s little he fears, and people scolding him is definitely not one of them.

“I also have no money, so they won’t punish a homeless kid. If I did take something, it’d be because I want to eat. Do you like threatening the less fortunate?”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

“Families, huh? What a way to bring down the mood.”

He already focuses on the 13 little faces he has to return to enough. Don’t remind him.

[dirtyrondo-blog]

“...Well. Would you look at that.”

He’s seen a lot of weird shit but....

[daughterofillah]

@dirtyrondo

The time in the city was a mess, and the time for others seemed to be even worse. Luckily, she hadn’t been affected (or so she thought), and hoped she wouldn’t be.

She glanced around the area; it seemed as though it was somewhat stable. Somewhat of course in comparison to the rest of the city. The sky wasn’t suddenly being dark or light, and most people seemed to be moving at a normal rate.

There was one thing off though, and that was the presence of a young child. A young child, which had just bumped into a man by “accident”. Who apologized and ran off. Who had, quite clearly to her, just stolen from that man.

She furrowed her eyebrows. Given the situation, she wouldn’t be surprised if this “child” was taking advantage of their new small body. Even if they were not affected, and they were just a simple child, she wasn’t going to let them have any “fun”.

She snuck up behind the small child and lifted them up. 

“What do you think you’re doing?”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

Ah...this is a predicament.

Yes, indeed. This is most certainly not his street, and not the city he knew so far, and questions have yielded no hint that the orphanage he lived in was around here. Somehow, he’d managed to get himself lost, and that meant he’d be late for dinner.

...Among other things, of course.

This called for desperate measures, since he had no money on his person. It hadn’t been his turn to shop for groceries. While he shouldn’t have to resort to such things, he wasn’t above them if it meant being more comfortable for the time being while he looked for a way home.

A simple bump and grab, a man who seemed a bit stunned as Yuu apologized for his clumsiness and scuttled off with his wallet in his possession. He thought he had been quick and stealthy enough to not be noticed, and but as he slid it further into the pocket of his pants, he found arms under his own lifting him off the ground.

...Damn.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Isn’t it illegal to harass kids? You might get arrested if I yell, you know.”

[kiryustyled]

It has been a struggle as to whether or not he would come to this ball, but eventually he gives in – that, and a nice older couple who owned one of the shops in the cultural district had lent him a more formal sort of kimono for the occasion – if only by the reasoning that, perhaps, it will be a better alternative than spending the entire evening alone. Still, there’s that sense of tradition and obligation and perhaps a tiny bit of pride nagging at him that this is, inevitably, going to be a waste of time.

The collar of his borrowed ensemble feels stiff and itchy, as if it had been in storage for far too long, and faintly smells of moth balls. Tugging at it is both unseemly and unhelpful, so he stops. The next thing he tries to occupy himself with is finding a drink and then perhaps sitting down to admire the starry atmosphere of this strange, oversized party, but he doesn’t get very far before being approached by –

Well. It’s the waiter from that café. He definitely remembers him, if not for the embarrassment of the experience then for the somewhat admirably decent service he managed to provide. Thinking about being in that place makes his face ready to redden, so it’s better to focus on what’s at hand instead.

<<So I guess we did end up meeting again.>>

<<…And excuse me? Did you say ‘dance’? With you?>>

[dirtyrondo-blog]

Perhaps ‘of interest’ wasn’t a strong enough word.

The fact the other Banchou had intended was a surprising enough factor-- sure, the guy was stuck up, but being surrounded by people being happy and loud and chatty? Certainly didn’t seem like his thing. And here Yuu had thought he’d be at home, trimming flower stems while everybody else had a good time! Obviously, this was more than an ample opportunity to have a little fun, and he never really passed that up.

“I did. Are you not interested?” He pulls a slightly surprised look, as if he might have said something accidentally offensive. It’s amazing how he hasn’t figured it out yet, but then again, he did pride himself on being a good actor. He wouldn’t be very good at being Hikyou Banchou if he wasn’t. A finger comes up to scratch at his cheek as his smile returns, a bit smaller and sheepish.

“You just seemed kind of lonely over here, and that doesn’t seem right when everyone’s having fun. Sorry if it might have came off as a bit weird.” One hand lightly gestures to the dancing pairs on the floor, shimmering dresses and glinting suits all under the light of the chandelier. “You aren’t planning on being alone all night, right? Did you come with a date?”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

He couldn’t not attend. For a multitude of reasons, of course; while parties weren’t really the scene he usually attended, it offered a bucket of opportunities for the Banchou to both learn and have some fun. Just who would he be if he passed up this kind of chance?

Especially when he could get away with it.

Being stripped of all weapons didn’t sit right, but he could deal with it in a place he wouldn’t really be in danger. After all, not only was his mask and hat gone, leaving only an unfamiliar (except to those who frequented a certain cafe) youthful face to the public eye, but everybody else got the same treatment. One hand adjusts the white flower pinned to his breast, a most likely stolen expensive suit covering his person as he scans the area for his first victim.

Once one of interest caught his eye, he’d look for other people in their midst before approaching with a pleasant smile and an outstretched hand.

“I don’t suppose you’d care to dance?”

[panteradestruccion]

         A certain Espada will appear, carrying a nice red motorcycle like it weighs nothing. Then, he drops it off at the curb and casually stuffs his hands in his pockets.

      “I don’t need this anymore. Any of you little shit-rats want it?”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

Well, that’s a little surprising.

Not that he’s complaining.

“You don’t look like the type for charity, if you want me to be honest. But it’d just be against my principles to turn down something like that.”

[210pm]

Visit Original Link

There ain’t no rest for the wicked

Money don’t grow on trees

I got bills to pay

I got mouths to feed

There ain’t nothin’ in this world for free

[saezuris-blog]

Impending doom

[saezuris-blog]

This was really getting too good.

This man, Hikyou banchou, was so shocked at all the information that was being spoon-fed to him. Then, not even a few seconds after the fact, he tries to play it off coolly, as if he had never been surprised in the first place? The level of damage control he was trying to pull off on himself was a fantastic sight. Kenji had never been one for emotional manipulation (it was simply too dull), but the reactions he was getting out of this little scheme were really satisfying.

Most of the satisfaction still came from the fact that he was outclassing Hikyou in his own field of expertise now though. It was the thrill of actually being ahead of someone whose advantages can get downright terrifying due to his knowledge and Intel.

Seeing his fellow banchou act this way caused him to laugh. It was a short, but distinctive laugh. Their fight was about to begin. Waiting until the moment he would pull the first punch would get too boring. It was time for Kenji himself to get ready. His chin raised high and his disgusting, twisted grin still present.

“I’ll tell you here and now I have no reason to lie about any of the things I said. Dishonesty is frowned upon. As a compulsive liar, you of all people should be most aware of that fact.”

He took out his wooden sword, keeping a tight grip on it whilst holding it up in Hikyou’s general direction.

“Would you want to test this theory of yours? I will gladly challenge you to a fight, if you won’t run away from me, that is.”

This wooden sword will be just a distraction, a lucky hit from Hikyou himself will be too. He needs one of his proper weapons, when he gets his hands on that, this little fight will be over. And Kenji had no intentions of letting this go by like a simple quarrel either.

[dirtyrondo-blog]

If there’s one thing Hikyou hates, it’s being in the dark. Being out of the loop, being the one short of knowledge. He prides himself on his information gathering skills, and he’s still being one-upped by this lunatic in a military uniform. It earns a twitch of the eyebrows, but he manages to drag his expression down into cold territory, eyes steely and lips pursed. He’s already been witnessed off his game, he doesn’t really need to make it worse, now does he?

That laugh grates like a blade curling in his ear canal, that face as pleasant as a pile of garbage would be to the eyes. Not saying the other is much better than one...he’s already fallen quite low on Hikyou’s hierarchy of acquaintances. Despite the obvious height difference between the two, the fact the other opts to look down on him with his chin high earns a somewhat unsteady little smile.

“Don’t worry, I won’t take your advice for granted. It’d be rude to throw away what you’ve handed me like a good dog.” There’s something in the other’s wording, a familiar tone that doesn’t quite sit right all things considering. “But you know, there’s just something about you that makes me a little sick. I’ll give you points for that feat.”

His stance shifts a bit at the other’s ready grip of weapon, leather-glad fingers twitching only slightly. That eager for blood, huh? Hikyou shouldn’t be surprised. That kind of twisted gaze obviously craved some kind of violence.

That being said, he holds up his hands like a man surrendering, shoulders shrugging.

“A charming idea, but it looks like we’re both quite a bit out of our element. It’d be a bit hard to slit my throat with a toothpick.” He knows there’s most likely no getting out of this, but he simply continues, a never ending smart mouth. “How about we take a rain check?”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

“Oooh, so you guys are into that kind of stuff, huh? Didn’t think most of you would be the type for PDA.”

[chamoize]

          “You’re sorely mistaken if that’s really what you think. —– I also doubt you’d be upset so easily. But either way, if you’re getting into anything similar to last time I want to be left out of it.” Never mind that she went out of her way to involve herself the first time, but it was actually important. A scrutinizing gaze observes his hands, and then his get-up again. Nel’s arms cross with her no-nonsense demeanor. “Is that what brings you here? … It’s not like you have much room to lie.” 

[dirtyrondo-blog]

“Kuhaha, you’re so mean, Nee-chan. Rushing to conclusions when I haven’t even done anything!” Hands splay in an open gesture, almost welcoming her to check and challenge if he was lying. He wasn’t, really-- not at the moment, anyway. Shockingly enough.

“You shouldn’t judge people so harshly-- it’s a bad trait to have.” He can feel that gaze running over him, and all Yuu offers in return is a smile. “I thought I could use some fresh air. It’s a nice day, isn’t it?”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

Consider this...

Put it back.

[chamoize]

@dirtyrondo

          “Oh… it’s you again.”

[dirtyrondo-blog]

“You’re going to hurt my feelings, talking like that. Here I thought we got along so well.”

[kiryustyled]

[iai voice] all you need to know about hikyou banchou.

[chamoize]

◣ &BAILE DEL DIABLO.

[chamoize]

          “—– Nelliel.” A sharp interjection born of apprehension lashed at him. Without a denial of the thievery or otherwise, it was hard to discern if his answer was incriminating. He was collected enough– cunning enough to manage to tug at her defenses. 

Either that, or Nelliel was losing her edge as of late.

          “I’m not here to oppose you since it isn’t my place. But I’m not your ally, either.” As if having to ponder upon the meaning of her own words, she paused. A shift in posture ensued; perhaps to hold up a front of irritation while her mind worked to assemble to pieces of this strange puzzle. As this exchange occurred, guards still scurried about. Such erratic behavior of the individuals that should be maintaining the peace elicited frightened expressions from the visitors frozen in place. Peculiar how they thought nothing of the most casual pair in the vicinity and passed them by. “Still… if you do have it, I think you should give it up.” Of course the odds that he would comply were low, but somewhere within Nelliel a certain desire had overridden her ability to properly reason with the might-be thief. ‘I’m ready to go home.’, she would almost say.

[dirtyrondo-blog]

That was a sharp response, voice like a knife, a far cry from the tone she had had before he opened his mouth. Looks like somebody had almost regretted their decision to walk up to him. It earned a chuckle if anything, body leaning further onto the wall it was situated to further assess the figure in front of him.

“Nelliel, then-- not a bad name.” It sounds like a compliment, but there’s a certainly quality to his voice that seems to leave it’s true intentions unclear. As most things he says, except the things he lays out without holding back. It’s a mixed bag with this man, who flips between moods like a switch. Needless to say though, the words she has to offer don’t diffuse the smile still plastered on his face. If anything, it causes it to widen. He’d already figured that from the beginning.

“Kuhahaha, I wouldn’t worry about that. I wouldn’t consider you my ally, anyway.” A bit harsh, but that was the way he operated-- with the people from here, anyway. She had stated it outright, so he might as well be honest with her. It’s only common courtesy. 

“If I did have it, I’d have to decline. It’d be a bit of a waste, don’t you think? Going through all of that trouble just to give it up...that’s a pretty heartless request.”

[kiryustyled]

{ 👹 } – He gives the mask another tug, albeit halfheartedly: nothing. He’s starting to give up on the attempts, but the panicked feeling is still there, under the surface, waiting.

He ignores it, tries to clear his throat before speaking. <<My manners aren’t our most pressing concern right now, are they?>> He’d like to add that the other has never once displayed any trace of ever having been taught manners, but it feels too childish, akin to sinking to his level.

Somehow that thought doesn’t extinguish the urge to bludgeon Hikyou Banchou over the head with this wooden fake. The impulse shocks him, and he shakes his head, tries to refocuse on the phone conversation at hand.

…Well, he’s not sure what’s going on elsewhere, but somehow the situation here looks a step above ‘not too serious.’ Glancing out the window again, he notices there are people running from the spiders – which appear to be swarming on them. If he could just find something… oh, right. 

<<There are spiders here in the fourth sector. By any chance do you have someting sharp on hand?>>

Of course, he’s already dashing out the door and down the stairs.

[dirtyrondo-blog]

There is something obviously a bit odd on the other end, be it the tone or quality of voice or simply a general feeling, but Hikyou tends to be correct about his hunches. He doesn’t let any suspicion leak, however-- that can be saved for later, for when they actually meet face to face.

He still chuckles, though.

“If that’s what you want to believe, then by all means.” That’s that, though-- Iai has a point. A bit of teasing never hurts, but there ware more important things to focus on. The situation that surrounds them both is a little more than simply concerning, after all.

If anything, his descent down the stairs hastens just the slightest bit, finding there to be no time to waste. It’s ironic how they seem to act towards each other, and yet the last thing Hikyou wants to do is dawdle. There’s almost some sort of unseen obligation there, and when you take into account Iai had phoned him first despite his claims, it’d be a bit rude to leave him to fend for himself. Especially when it comes to...spiders.

“What’s this? Got a little Arachnophobia? I never would have guessed.” The smirk is clearly heard, but he’s already checking his stores even before he’s done speaking. His pockets, the backs of his shoes, and the loose part of his sleeves that weren’t stuck to hims skin are lined with the only things easily to procure in large numbers; knives.

“I’ll say I’ve got a little more than something. Don’t worry about that.” His feet are on the ground, and there’s already the faintest sound of flapping and loud shrieks from the outside world. “Don’t go off and get eaten before I get there, alright?”