アキラ.

連続する感傷を伝えないでいようかって

[qtflash]

you`re to die for

[qtflash]

He was fierce, Rin could give him that. The power behind his defense was amazing, and his nerves resisted with a fierce excitement tinging the edge of his blade as steel crossed steel. They had to break apart or risk another attack from either side. He assumed wrongly that there would be a moment to recover; blue eyes didn`t catch that foot. It was foolish to think they would limit themselves to knives, but he didn`t think Akira would break out the Bl@ster skills right away.  Seeing him fighting like this brought back memories. Images on the back of his eyelids that distracted him, made him break his focus. It was just like those times he was hard pressed for training, had bothered Kazui to spar with him so he could sharpen his skills. And he would always scold him to work to not overwork himself… that face in front of him was so much like his. Enduring the hit to his side, Rin bit his lip at the pain that stung him. Thankfully, the shock brought him back to reality. Now it was definitely time to bring out the big guns. But first, he couldn`t help the smile that suddenly lit up his face in the moment he had to spare after his brain registered that something had smacked into him. Funny how you could fight against pain when your adrenaline was pumping, especially in front of someone who got his blood going for other reasons. ”Wow, you`re really something, Akira!”

And he was off again; as he gained his momentum once more, he went with the flow of the strike to gain distance. It had thrown him off his game, so he had to re-strategize in a moment`s notice. He wasn`t a former team leader for nothing: quick thinking had always made him feel so excited, especially when things didn`t go according to plan. He circled once more, attempting to deliver a strike with his knee in return. In a moment`s notice was he following up with a slash at his shoulder that skewed upward when he saw Akira suddenly kneel in response — he wasn`t supposed to do that!

[iguradog]

Akira took the lull between strikes to catch his breath and center himself. Briefly did he listen to what Rin was saying, finding it odd he wanted to comment on that now. Well, he wasn't going to boast nor bask in the appreciation at a time like this though despite that thought, he thanked Rin with a nod and relaxed features. A small sigh left his lips and Akira commented that he knew Rin was a force to be reckoned with and he didn't intend to take him lightly. Rin may be able to fool others easily but Akira knew better -- he wasn't going to underestimate anyone no matter what they looked like or how they acted. In and out of battle, the same person could be entirely different depending.

Taking another moment to collect himself, Akira took a step or two back before Rin was off again. His eyes struggled to catch up to him for a few beats but eventually caught him just in the nick of time. He reacted quickly and attempted to deflect this attack but only ducked to avoid. It was the best option, even if that meant he'd be hit. Well, it'd only be a minor scratch at best -- he'd be fine, he was sure. Yet when blue eyes darted up, he managed to catch the expression his opponent held.

"Rin? Why are you --?" 

Before he could finish, there was the damage done to his face. It wasn't anything severe but he was bleeding. Akira flinched instinctively of course, reeling back as quickly as he could and wiping the blood on his coat sleeve. He mentally kicked himself for having been caught off guard like that -- Rin's speed was really something. Akira's adrenaline definitely fell now but he was determined to pick back up. . .still, there was something about the way Rin had looked at him in that brief instant. -- He couldn't help but ask.

"Just now. . .Rin, is something wrong?"

[iguraking]

     This city was more messed up than he thought. Each sector sounded like it was a completely different town, it’s own small place. He probably would have been preferred to be place in Three, but as luck has it, he got stuck with the most confusing one.

     Maybe he could get an apartment change, or at least asking about one unless he was able to master the first sector.

"Sector One, unfortunately." And he’s already growing annoyed about the housing arrangement. ”.. What about you?” Because maybe Akira had worse luck than him.

[iguradog]

Almost -- Akira had almost told Shiki carelessly where he lived. Then he thought whether or not that would be the smartest thing to do. Shiki wasn't Il Re here and he never could be though not because he wasn't capable, Akira was sure he was, but merely because this wasn't Igura. Shiki, whether he had realized it or not yet, started on the same level as anyone else who had entered the city for the first time.

Every sense in him told him not to say anything but if he didn't then Shiki would get unbearable, he assumed. Who knew what this man was even capable of? Akira only had a glimpse from their first encounter which is what left him skeptical. Being vague maybe, would be fine but at the same time, Akira would rather not just answer what Shiki asked even with something so simple.

Was it really so bad to have his guard up even outside of Toshima? 

". . .That doesn't matter right now."

"I'll take you to where you need to go."

[iguraking]

     Shiki and talking to people didn’t work together. He furrows his brows at the thought. "And how would talking to small fries help me?" Because unless he gets an answer, he won’t be talking to anyone. Well, not unless they bugged him or something.

     But then he’d just be talking with this sword. Damn, this city was making him work and he didn’t like it at all. They stole his belongings after all she he had every right to get them back.

 ”You can help explain these sectors to me.”

     Because Akira was there and he wasn’t stupid like everyone else, or at least that’s what Shiki was thinking. It would also help him avoid needing to contact another person.

[iguradog]

Akira wasn't exactly gung ho about the whole social experiment thing either, maybe he and Shiki had that much in common.

Still, it was either that or Shiki kill and stole someone else's weapons from them. Which knowing him as the famed Il Re, that wouldn't be a problem. Maybe that was to be his preferred option. He'd explain that much to him later, for now, he kept things short and simple. 

"It's better if you see for yourself."

"Sector One moves it's structure, Two is toxic literally, Three is probably the most like Toshima, Four, Five, and Six seem the most normal. . . .Where do you live?"

[iguraking]

     "Then I’ll make a way out."

     Because if he caused enough ruckus, they’ll have to let him go back, right? Right?? He still had things to do, people to see and kill. "Tch. I’ll go with the former for now." Because he only feels comfortable using his own sword.

[iguradog]

"Then the more people you talk to, the sooner you'll get your sword back." 

Assuming that Shiki could do that without killing anyone he came into contact with. Akira was careful as he spoke with him of course, being mindful of his presence and his movements. It wasn't out of fear that he met his gaze, but out of precaution.

If Shiki were to make a move, he wouldn't miss it.

". . .Anyway, is that all you wanted to know?"

[iguraking]

     "The person who can return my sword, and tell me how to get out of this hellhole will be given a reward." What reward? You’ll have to ask him to find out.

[iguradog]

. . .Well, wasn't that a familiar voice -- he's not exactly keen to help him out by answering his questions but something drives him to do so regardless.

"There is no way out from what I've seen. As for your sword, you have to steal one or earn it back. Consider those the rules of this game."

[qtflash]

do you come here often?

[qtflash]

He surveyed the underside of the sector, taking in how similar it was to zeta. Except the latter was filled with man eating plants that threatened to nip your head off if you wandered into the wrong area. What peaceful living quarters indeed. Luckily, Rin had snatched an apartment not long after he`d been given the butterfly knife. He wasn`t sure why they gave the second knife, but honestly, he didn`t know why he had the stilettos, other than the fact he had used them to fight at home. He`d been a street fighter in some odd group he couldn`t name, and had run off after another subsequently. Was he just bored, trying to become a top fighter? He was aiming for the top of something, because that word tasted special on his tongue. There was something Rin had been after. ”Yeah, I was lonely.” He chirped immediately in response. Even though the words sound sad, his voice hardly suggests lamentation; the blonde is already smiling up at his friend`s hardly changing visage, grateful that he picked up the hint he hardly wanted to stay around somewhere so dank and eerie. The dark atmosphere didn`t bother him for some off reason, but he still preferred the sunshine. Was his old home the former or the latter? The moment Akira closed the door, Rin`s hand had covered his friend`s palm, leading him on (or essentially dragging him with how springy his steps were) so they could hurry to the surface.  ”For some odd reason, it feels like I haven`t eaten in a long time…! I don`t know why.” There wasn`t exactly real food in Toshima; even though his brain forgot, his stomach hardly did. Real food was definitely one large appeal of the city, despite all the trade offs that came with it. He wanted to decode exactly what he had traded in return, drawing blanks entirely. But Akira knew about where they had come from, since they lived in the same city. But he didn`t know Rin`s past. No one did, except for himself — at least, his old self. That is, those who were living.

“Maybe something sweet.” He mused to himself as he squeezed Akira`s hand. They were both pale, but Rin was almost ghost white in comparison. Such a tiny hand withheld such a tight, powerful grip, even though Akira could easily cover his hand with a fist. ”You don`t look like the type to enjoy sweets. Or, you really do, but you keep it a secret to preserve your cool exterior, right?” The elder was much quieter than Rin, but he could easily talk enough for the both of them, filling the air with questions as they made it back to the surface.

[iguradog]

Akira isn't exactly the most enthusiastic about heading out and painting the town red. While he's not exactly a homebody either, he's even less of a people person. Still -- with everything that's been happening as of late, declining the offer wouldn't get him anywhere. So, he took Rin up on the suggestion with a denial that he didn't particularly care what he ate mostly as long as he could eat it. With a shrug of his shoulders, Akira finished his comment with a curious statement that he didn't really have a favorite food in the first place anyway, so whatever Rin wanted to eat then the other would most likely be fine with.

Once they make way out of the Beta District, Akira mentions that Rin should lead the way given that the taller of the two doesn't know the area. He's surprised frankly that he managed to find his way to the districts though you'd think he'd question how he seemed to know to get there despite knowing he's never been in this city before. It's a strange occurrence, everything is, he thinks -- but before he can really dissect what any of it means does he notice they're heading towards the train station given that sector two to sector five would be quite the walk otherwise.

There had never really been things like this in Toshima or even outside of it from what he remembered. Wars did a lot to city's that left them mostly in ruin and disrepair. He vaguely wondered if he had ever even been on a train before and there were some ideas that maybe he had but Akira couldn't quite place it. It made him feel strange in any case even if he managed to shrug it off, picking up his pace and coming in step besides the blond, ruffling his hair for a brief moment as he passed him instead and took the steps towards the train station. Akira busied himself with looking at the train schedule, mumbling that the next train should be arriving soon.

When he glanced back to his companion, he noticed Rin had gone quiet. 

"Rin?"

"The train will be here soon so let's wait a bit."

[qtflash]

do you come here often?

Rin knew Akira, of course. That is, he only knew him as the one that he`d requested a battle from in this very same district. But this visit was not for a fight. In fact, it was quite the opposite of his previous trek to district beta. He`d pursued Akira to fight against him in order to sharpen his skills for returning to Igura (or, that was the excuse at least). This time, he`d come to him because he was the most prominent figure of memory in the city, aside from a Queen he called ‘big sis’, another vampire, and an angry girl with pigtails. He sure knew a lot of jerks, but some of them were nice, the ashen gray haired man being one of them. Akira had been kind, basically civil to him, if memory served…but then again, his memory wasn`t serving well at all. Moreover, he stood out to him more than anything else. And there must have been a reason for that! After all, they had something in common: the tag around their necks. But why did he even have this ace in his possession? He`d attempted to take it off, but something about it felt so wrong when his person was naked of the silver that weighed on his chest. Every time he ran, it would thump against his sternum like a heartbeat. It seemed like much more than a necklace, that was for certain. ”Akira, A-ki-raaa!” He waved towards him happily, an earnest smile spreading across his face as he located that unmistakable orange shirt and jacket combo.

“Hey, remember me? I felt a little lonely…since we saw each other yesterday, is it okay if I bug you?” The brightness of his voice hadn`t faded. His personality had not changed although his memories of the past were altered. The happy go lucky smiles of his true, whole self were likewise what he wanted to be…but they had become a mask for safety. Thus, it was hard to say he was lying when he really wasn`t at the same time. His contradictions were painful, but Rin could not stray what had made him the way he was. At least, when his scrambled brains were intact. Without the memories of a blood splattered past, but an emptiness where they once were, his voice seemed a little lighter.

[iguradog]

Akira hadn't thought much on everything that had happened recently.

The city was a welcome place in comparison to Toshima even despite the living conditions he was in, living in a hut beneath sector two. He couldn't complain nor would he as things were a lot better off from his point of view. Though it wasn't viable that he would get comfortable any time soon regardless, there was something nagging at the back of his head about all of this and it seemed almost too good to be true. Even if this varied from the views of most that were forced into Hive City, Akira could be painted as both happy and unhappy to be here.

Despite Hive City being a vast improvement to Toshima however, there was this sense that things weren't all rainbows and sunshine. Hardly, he thought, this place had its own dangers that weren't so prevalent on the surface. He was curious about it admittedly but wasn't going to go find trouble -- given his track record in Toshima, eventually trouble would find him. It was with that musing that there came a knock to his door and he wondered if that was a coincidence or not. He hadn't the leisure to dwell as he propped the door to the hut open and was met with the familiar face of Rin. Though he wasn't so sure that familiarity was returned exactly. 

"Lonely?"

He found that odd but Rin in whatever state he was in currently, seemed like the old one with something missing. If only his memories of Toshima had been taken then what was it that happened there before they met? He was definitely curious but didn't press upon this feeling and allowed Rin inside if he wanted. Though after he had, there was only silence that followed after -- from Akira mostly. He was always the strong, silent type after all, though he would talk when necessary. But when it came to talking with "friends" he was at a loss for the most part.

Well, for now maybe he could suggest that they go out rather than stay in. He doubted someone as outgoing as Rin would be content with this -- even if Akira himself was. He made a move to put his jacket on, zipping it up and motioning towards the door prior to pulling it open and nudging his head for Rin to pick where they wanted to go for the day. 

"Anywhere is fine."

[isacbkouus]

[iguradog]

don't hold your breath

[qtflash]

screwdrivered:

[iguradog]

Despite only just having arrived into this mysterious city, the option of returning back home came about and he set his sights on going back. But, waking up the next morning, he remembers nothing of the sort. His memories of what was home to him are obsolete, and all he can remember is growing up alone and somehow making his way to Hive City.

He figures today is just another normal day as he heads out into the streets with only the odd feeling of forgetfulness bugging him from time to time which he immediately dismisses. Though, upon being called for, Keisuke turns his head to meet the gaze of another male acting as though he knows him.

"Huh?" The boy is bewildered—he’s never seen this person before in his life, how could he know his name like that? And who is this… Rin? "Sorry… I don’t know who you or this Rin person are. You must have the wrong Keisuke."

He had been hovering around as per usual; naturally, Rin was energetic despite the strange film that rested on his brain. He tried to go home, didn`t he? But he couldn`t quite remember what ‘home’ was… When someone called his name, he perked up instantly. The tall one with ash gray hair looked a bit familiar. He`d met someone like that before in Toshima, right? It all made sense when he got a little closer. ”Oh! You`re the one I had a fight with the other day, right?” Right here in the city, of course. He`d challenged Akira to a fight for some odd reason, but it was still a little fuzzy. All memories (or lack thereof) aside, the blonde still had a habit of forgetting what a personal space bubble was. He`d gotten up close and personal with the man that had been called ‘Keisuke,’ analyzing the silver dog tag on his chest. Blue eyes darted over to Akira, back to Keisuke, and finally down to what lay on his chest. The emblem that was once the driving force of his life had become a meaningless piece of engraved silver.

“Hey, you guys have tags too!” He held the necklace in his hand, grasping the silver ace firmly before rolling it over once. What could it mean? They were cards? ”Is that something they just do in this city? That`s really weird.”

Was this some sort of joke? No, they were taking it far beyond just a simple tease if they really didn't remember Akira or even the tags in Rin's case. What did that mean? Why did Akira only remember them and not the other way around? There was something definitely wrong here and he would get to the bottom of it. For now, he started with the tags -- since he was probably the only one who actually knew about them by the looks of things. 

"The tags are from a game." 

Putting it simply, he didn't want to get into the specifics of what kind of game Igura was.

". . .Do either of you know my name?"

He gave a long sigh at the thought that this was going to be a long day depending on how they answered. Afterwards and if the two of them ever managed to get their memories back, well, suffice to say, they'd have to make it up to Akira. This was odd -- he was used to being alone, not having friends, so why did it feel so weird when Rin and Keisuke couldn't remember him?

[iguradog]

don't hold your breath

Well, when dusk seemed to set in the city, Akira had assumed the worst would come. He was bred that way by Toshima and while there was chaos -- it was hardly what he thought it would be. It was curious and he thought he should look for his companions to see how they were fairing. It wasn't hard to find them among the city's populace, blinking when Keisuke or Rin didn't go to meet him but rather seemed to not so much as give him recognition. 

"Keisuke! Rin! --" 

Were they ignoring him?

"Hey, we shouldn't seperate at a time like this."

Akira felt odd about this suddenly -- usually Keisuke and Rin were more receiving to his presence. So why were they suddenly acting as if they didn't know him at all? Something about this wasn't right at all and he wasn't convinced it was just a bad joke.

[qtflash]

you`re to die for

[qtflash]

Gazing at his enemy straight on put him under a spell, as though everything on their battlefield were going in slow motion. Looking at his limbs, sizing up what direction they could arc towards, analyzing the intensity of strikes, felt even more tantalizing than merely appreciating Akira when he was idly standing there. Body language was a beautiful thing, not only for communicating emotional feelings, but raw, carnal instinct like fight or flight. Seeing him in action, with reason, with feeling behind his bones, was a sight to behold. It had been quite awhile since something, someone made his heart pound like this. Especially with the realization that this highlighted some of his final moments in this city before he would be able to return and finish the business he had set out for long ago. He didn`t expect an outright thrust as opposed to a jab. Rin had to tuck himself away, feeling his ribs protest when he curled in a painful position in order to shy away from his attack. Akira definitely wasn`t playing around. Of course that was a given from the get go; they were playing around with knives like big kids. His breath was coming quickly now as he raced from where Akira`s energy was driven. It took more out of you to swing and miss than anything else, but that hardly guaranteed that Rin would hit in return. He wouldn`t underestimate him for a second! His stilettos were weapons made for stabbing. They suck in deep to flesh and sucked on the blood like a ravenous vampire`s fangs, pulling away seamlessly from sinews of muscle with their hewn points. But Rin hardly wished to stab any part of that pretty face or body! He stuck to horizontal strikes, as opposed to what his opponent had chosen.

He thought long and hard on what strike to take as he reeled to the side; momentum would dictate that he charge forward again rather than lose speed by continuing back. Thankfully, his height gave him blessing in the form of a lower center of gravity, where twists and turns would come a little more fluidly. In a flash, he was reaching out with a swift swipe from the left, poising his right foot to step urgently towards the opposite direction as soon as the hit struck either flesh or metal.

[iguradog]

Akira was right not to underestimate Rin.

He had initially dodged that first stroke so had the battle really begun if a hit hadn't landed yet? He hadn't the time to wonder as Rin was on the attack -- Akira was careful however and did his best to make up for the missed swing.

His momentum had shifted to a lower spectrum and he had to quickly turn to cover his back and find his fast, little opponent. When he caught sight of Rin it was almost too little, too late. Lukcily he had seen the oncoming flash of metal in the nick of time that he had raised his knife to deflect it. However the force that Rin put behind his attack and the force Akira put behind the defense clashed and his legs shook and he had to take steps back to create distance between the two.

Another attack was given so as not to waste time between bouts. Akira didn't strike with his knife this time but attempted to hit Rin with a kick from the right to the left. If he connected then he'd at least get Rin off of his feet given him more time to attack -- though Rin himself was agile, wasn't he? Even if the hit landed then maybe the smaller of the two would just end up doing a surprisingly little flip for all he knew. 

Akira had to wonder  briefly, just the kinds of fighters that Rin had already defeated and killed for their tags. It was curious, just the number and types of opponents that he had already faced. Akira was curious just how they would match up in comparison to himself too. Well, at least he wasn't going to doubt Rin's prowess.

[qtflash]

you`re to die for

[qtflash]

Of course it would sound crazy to anyone else. Every knew this was far fetched, but there were drops of both doubt as well as belief colouring everyone`s feelings on this happening. Either way, it was increasingly dangerous. What would the Rin in the future think when his two friends were suddenly gone from Igura? All his memories of here would be gone, wouldn`t they?

What a depressing thought. Despite this loss, however, there was a much more pressing matter to attend to. People had come and gone over and over again, some that he personally attended to the “gone” part, all for the sake of one thing in specific.  And that was the driving force behind his very breath. Even if it was a lie, he had to at least try. His entire life these past years had been banking on attempts and chasing, chasing with all of his strength. Even if it was hopeless, Rin decided to live in this moment that he had left before standing on the brink of that decision. As he handed off the weapon, a look of joy turned thoughtful as he was suddenly interrupted with a question. Was he being vague on purpose? What exactly was he asking about?” ”Of course I enjoy it! You know, I enjoy a lot of things.”

“Taking photographs, stars, you, fighting…” His lips curled as he idly flipped one of those short locks of hair that would obscure his vision now and again. He enjoyed the stare he was receiving, however; he returned his look unabashedly, steel blue meeting sky blue, unwavering. He teased in passing, wondering if Akira had been taken by his beauty. Grateful that he knew to take him seriously, Rin was overjoyed to be fighting on an even playing field. Both were former Bl@ster champions, going head to head with weapons this time.  His usual reaction would be playful, something like ‘ready when you are~’ in an excited voice. But his body assumed a more balanced stature, poised in such a serious manner. All except the smile on his face. His voice was still light and airy, but the even, confident tone was unmistakable. ”Ready.” He was always ready. Instantly he rose to the tips of his feet, almost like a ballerina, and right as Akira gave the signal… he was off. There was an illusion in Rin`s mind: as long as he was fast, as long as he could run as far as his legs would take him, he could avoid anything. Outrun anything. If he was one step ahead of the game in his head, then nothing could ever catch him by surprise ever again. As long as he was faster, the ghosts could not catch up with him any longer, despite how they plagued him like shadows when he was stationary and still in the night. That would explain his aversion to sleeping unless he was absolutely tired. The little dance that came before the first strike was always his favourite part. He wasn`t out to kill, or else he wouldn`t be playing around like this. This, here and now…this was nothing but fun!

[iguradog]

Akira wasn't entirely sure he was satisfied with that answer. Sometimes, there were things that Rin said or did that rubbed him the wrong way. Not because he was being touchy feely, but because there was just something off about him. Akira was hardly the type to pry however and he and Rin weren't so close that it hindered their pseudo camaraderie.   He wouldn't dwell on it however, not now and maybe not ever. Rin was going to be gone so what sense would it make to think of him if Rin himself, wouldn't even remember Akira or Keisuke were here in Hive City?

A brief sigh was taken and Akira readied himself in the seemingly elongated moments before Rin took the preemptive strike. Being as fast as the blond was certainly was a feat. Being fast however could only take you so far -- your legs could only take you so far. You couldn't always rely on one aspect of yourself to always be there. Your arms and legs could be gone before you know it, so being adept in not only your legs but your fists was the cinch. Even though he had thought this, Akira himself didn't particularly favor either -- if he had to prefer one, he relied a bit more on his fists than anything.

Before he had realized it, Rin had rounded to his backside -- which admittedly was wide open. This made the own Bl@ster champion turn sharply on his heel, hopefully being able to make up for this misstep. With quick thinking, Akira opted to taking the butterfly knife in hand and prompting the preemptive strike instead. If Rin wasn't going to take the first hit, then Akira would at least attempt to. -- It may have even forced Rin to react with his own attack if not defense.

Words by this point were no longer exchanged in favor of concentration of the battle at hand. Rin was a hard target to hit that was for sure, but if he attacked horizontally rather than with jabs or vertical strikes, then Rin would either have to duck or jump above Akira's swipes. He wondered how he would react to this first strike, Akira having taken off at his own speed to meet Rin in the middle.

[begonebygone]

Some il douche valentines for your ailing heart.

[screwdrivered]

When Akira aggressively grasps onto his arm, Keisuke turns to face him, wincing and jumping in surprise at the suddenness of the action.

"Wh.. Wha…?" His tone is quiet and words shaky, startled by the hand gripping his arm until he realizes who had done so. Immediately, he brightens up, almost like an excited dog. “A-Akira, it’s you! Ah, I’m alright if you’re alright…!”

[iguradog]

Akira breathed a sigh of relief. It looked like it really was Keisuke -- he wasn't sure how long he had been here already, or when he had arrived exactly but better late than never. He gives another soft sigh at Keisuke's reply, he really hoped he was alright. At least, he noted, they would both be safer here in Hive City as opposed to Toshima. 

"Did anything happen after we were separated?" 

It was natural to expect the worst given the way Igura was played.

"Keisuke. We'll be safe here, it's better if we stay here in the city, there's nothing to miss in Toshima. Since we're both here, it's better."

[iguradog]

Good evening. I've come to deliver you a flowergram! This red rose is for you and along with it is a message from a special someone:

"Akira,

Red is the colour of love…and also the colour of blood. But the only blood I`d want to see is a blush from you, of course! Take care.

-Rin"

He finds it bittersweet that this is both a Valentine's and a farewell present and thinks just that as he reads over the note. Akira supposes he'll do his best to take care of the roses, tied neatly together with an accompanying red bow. -- It's funny, despite Rin's little note, red reminds him of the color Rin wears instead.

". . ."

[qtflash]

you`re to die for

[qtflash]

Akira was just like the winter weather that he had experienced for the firs time. It was oddly fresh, bracing, but still so cold and unpredictable. When he folded his arms, Rin could see his honest feelings. He was probably not one that lied or faked how he really felt. Granted, Akira was bad with his feelings in an entirely different way than Rin was — it just goes to show how people grow so differently, handle the hurdles in life the way they do. Give two people the same situation, they`ll come out with different results. His thoughts were always turbulent, but more than anything, Rin tried to focus on the present. He enjoyed the feel of cool skin through his sleeve as he used his free hand to hold onto Akira`s.  ”Mhm! I just got another weapon back.” When they reached their proper location, big enough for them to have room to work with, his hands fished around in his waist pouch, searching through the many compartments for where he kept all his weapons. Slim fingers handed him the butterfly knife that was newly acquired, still shiny sharp and unstained of blood the way his stilettos were. Thinking of the mileage he`d gotten out of them here, there was one moment of reflection. He would forget every battle here, wouldn`t he? That would sort of render ‘training’ moot point, wouldn`t it? That would have been sad, if training was actually the reason he was here. Tearful goodbyes were not something he enjoyed. In fact, he never liked saying goodbye anyway, even though he never had a chance the last time around.  Things were different this time…ah, look at him, speaking as though this was some sort of warped second chance thing. Rin knew Akira was a different person entirely; he thought it was a second chance to be honest with a ‘friend,’ a companion, before it was too late. Most of his attitude around the dark haired man, believe it or not, was not fake. His warmth was not founded in malice, never to betray or gain anything from him, but a genuine want to be around someone who reminded him of when things were much happier. At least Akira would remember this. Even if he didn`t care about Rin at all, at least he would never forget him.  ”You were a champion fighter! I thought it would be a treat to fight with you at least once.”

His smile brightened when his famed track record was brought up. The blonde already knew he was strong, but was he strong enough for the man that could cut down others, sometimes with only his glance? Still, that wasn`t why he was here. He revealed his true intentions with a genuine smile. ”It`s only natural that great fighters will battle each other, right? I wanted the chance to cross blades with you. Or fists! Whatever it comes down to. A good fight is something I haven`t had in a long time.”

[iguradog]

Akira, once again, took in everything Rin said with silent recognition. It's not as if Rin would forget Akira or Keisuke -- just the short time they had spent here together. It was no skin off his back and frankly, if the Scientists were lying about everything, then they wouldn't really be that far off behind Rin or maybe the blond would be thrown right back to the city. Whatever the case would twist out to be, Akira would be there for Rin if or when he came back. They had grown to be closer comrades, he thought, so even abiding by his request hardly seemed difficult.

He didn't hesitate to take the offered weapon, though he had his own, he might as well make this a fair fight if Rin had gotten a new, unused weapon. While the taller of the two looked it over, he mused briefly on what it would be like after the 15th. Quieter maybe after a large population was gone by then, maybe more dangerous depending on how the remaining populace reacted. Without the regeneration system in place any longer, would people be more careful? -- Or see that as a window of opportunity. There was uncertainty exactly which city would be mroe dangerous, Toshima wiht it's blood sport of Igura, or Hive City after superpowered individuals could run free.

Slowly did Akira turn the knife over in his grip, a soft sigh parting lips before he met Rin's gaze after a moment.  Before they would start, he asked a curious inquiry. 

"Do you enjoy it?" 

It was an amazingly broad question. But he left the interpretation for Rin to answer -- did he enjoy fighting, Igura, Bl@ster, -- things like that could all have been answered. Or maybe Rin would come up with a surprising answer. It's not as if it wasn't possible, and this was Rin he was thinking about here. Well, either way, while he waited for an answer, he took another moment to size Rin up. Not literally since size obviously meant very little in actual combat. Rin was a force to be reckoned with, Akira wouldn't think otherwise, anyone who did had been defeated by him. The difference between them was speed most likely, his opponent to be was fast and nimble, a smaller target than most, he'd take all of this into account before they fought.

"Rin. Are you ready?"

[akatsuki-shin]

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