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[Crouching Bacon]

The Hungry Monk

 

Wine had definitely been flowing that night.

 

Yang Qiu fought to keep his balance, since a wild hit was all it took to bring him down at this point. Instead of swinging his staff around, he began leaning on it. He chanced a look back at the private area where the women chatted peacefully and growled at the sight of Ching Bai resting happily on a maiden’s supple lap.

 

“The nerve of that little– I thought we were friends!”

 

The man easily landed a blow on the distracted monk’s jaw, sending him flying into an innocent customer quietly eating noodles. The monk lay as still as a corpse for three long seconds before forcing himself to stand. He mumbled at the customer and sobered slightly when he remembered who she… or rather he was. The discovery was not a happy one. Yang Qiu was tempted to take the young man by the neck, but making another enemy was going to be foolish at this point.

 

“Oi, pretty boy. How’d you like ‘em noodles?”

 

He took the empty noodle bowl, shook it dry, and threw it at the aggressor’s head. Miraculously, it was a direct hit. Yang Qiu nearly collapsed at the effort and leaned against his potential ally, whispering a little bit too close to his ear.

 

“You know… if you help me out, I’ll make sure you’ll be reincarnated into the most beautiful girl in the world.”

 

He sighed when the man lunged for him yet again, intent on continuing the fight.

 

“But today is a bad day to die. What do you say, friend?”

 

Yang Qiu smiled, his lower lip swollen from the hit he took earlier.

[Orcraniil]

[Xuan Wu -- 'Heart']

Put 'em in a body bag!

 

Xuan Wu hopped in the arena with his opponent, trying to ignore the growing amounts of gold and trinkets being bet for him to lose. It was quite disconcerting to be honest. Was his opponent that strong of a fighter, or did Xuan look that weak? Either way, Xuan stepped forward with the full intent to prove them wrong. Xuan Wu bounced on the balls of his feet lightly, strafing around his larger opponent. In an attempt to get a feel of his opponent's defenses, Wu dashed forward and struck the man's left ankle with a light jab from his right heel, and then backed off while keeping his eyes on the man's upper body to keep an eye on his hands. If the man's size was any indicator, this guy was more than likely a grappler, and that meant trouble for Wu. If he managed to get a hand on him, it would more than likely be over. The light kick did no visible damage and only caused to increase his opponent's confidence that this fight was going to be easy. The man looked at Wu, then looked to the winnings and then laughed with such confidence one could've mistaken it for a victory chuckle.

 

His opponent turned back towards him and threw a hard right punch at Wu, probably thinking that he would be able to end the fight with just that move. His overconfidence soon disappeared when Xuan easily dodged to the left and caught the larger man's forearm underneath his own right arm. Capitalizing on his opponent's surprise, Xuan raised and then hammered his left elbow onto the side of his opponent's own elbow while pulling the arm tight. Xuan then released the man's arm and shot out a left kick to the man's lower torso before backing away. The blow to the elbow must've done some sort of injury because the man had suddenly become much more serious about the fight. Xuan was so focused that he couldn't hear or see anything other than his opponent, the crowd the farthest thing from his mind at the time. Xuan decided to wait it out for a bit to see how his opponent would go about the offensive.

 

The larger man took up a wide stance with both his fists held in front of him to the left and right of his face, but not covering it. Xuan could tell at a glance that it was obviously a fake opening, and going for it would land him in a world of hurt. The bandit dragged his foot across the dirt until it was in front of him. Then he made his move. The man lunged forward and launched a swift kick that Xuan was unable to dodge entirely, having completely been distracted by the right foot's movements. The kick struck Xuan's right shoulder, and would've dislocated it had it been a direct hit. Xuan rolled with the strike, and came to his feet and took up a position with his hands loosely placed in front of him, his right foot front, and left foot behind him. The Bandit did the same thing with his left foot that he had done with his right, dragging it across the ground. However, after it came to a standstill, Xuan decided not to let him launch another attack, and stepped forward. Xuan kicked his foot around a spot just above the left calf of his opponent, but as the kick made contact, Xuan hooked his foot and around the Bandit's leg and pulled towards himself and up. The bandit was not expecting Xuan to lift his foot off the ground, and fell to his right knee, leaving his left leg sprawled out in a sort of split position, wide open.

 

Xuan stomped just above the Bandit's left ankle, and the crowd was silenced as the shattering of bone signaled the end of the fight. He was asked if he wanted another fight, but turned down the offer. He only wanted a spar, but Xuan knew that fight could've ended much worse. If he had made the wrong move right there at the end, it would've cost him the fight and potentially a few bones. Xuan collected his winnings and then gave them to Xu Ren. Xuan had little need for such an amount for money, and it was Xu Ren's in the first place anyways. Except for that cheeky Yun Qi's winnings. Xuan went off to take a seat and watch the next few fights and nurse his shoulder. Of course, he made sure to shoot Yun Qi a smirk before directing his attention elsehwere. 

Edited by Orcraniil, 18 December 2013 - 09:01 AM.

[ShiroOuji]

Yan Xin

 

“Ooh!” Xin felt a bump from behind which made his noodle soup almost spill. Looking back, he found that it was the drunkard monk he saw a while ago. The monk smiled to him and said,

 

“Sorry ‘bout that! Here, have a drink on me.” And he left a few coins on the table.

 

Xin looked at the coins with a dumbfounded look, and thought, why? He didn’t quite understand the monk ways that much so this action could be a monk’s way of apologizing. Maybe this monk is a generous person? Or maybe he is just too drunk and wasting his money away? He had no idea. Since the monk left him with no time to respond, he just took the coins and put them in his pouch. He had to travel all of Xue so he needed to save anything he could, including finance.

 

But he also felt a bit guilty to accept as it was so he made up his mind that he would go and say thanks to the monk after he finished his noodle soup. He grabbed a pair of chopstick, blew on the noodle soup to cool down a bit and started eating a mouthful of delicious noodle. He ordered another bowl while doing so.

 

Because he was so focused on finishing the noodle, he didn’t quite notice the tense situation inside the inn. As he finished his first bowl and moved to eat second one, he noticed that one angry-looking farmer was bringing a guard and lead him to one of the private drinking areas. As he knew something was going on, he hurried his noodle-eating and planned to leave the inn. He didn’t like pointless fights after all.

 

The said guard dragged the drunkard monk form inside the private area and started a fight. The monk tried to fight back but too much of alcohol intake held him back and he was missing all his blows. Xin was so fixated on finishing his noodle and leaving the inn that he failed to notice that the monk was just behind him when he took one “unlucky” punch from the guard. The second bump from the monk was much violent than the first and made all the noodle spilled on Xin’s face and clothes. Under normal circumstances, he would just retreat with a smile to avoid being dragged into a fight. But it was different this time. First, the victim was a monk. His father taught him to treat monks with respects which he intended to do so. Second, the monk was drunk. Although it was his fault for drinking that much so early in the morning, not to mention being a disciple of Buddha, the guard and the farmer were picking a fight with someone who can’t fight back properly. In his opinion, it was something a coward would do. Lastly, the monk just gave him a few coins a while ago. The amount was not much but still, he was indebted to him. He would become an ungrateful person if he couldn’t help someone who helped him before was in need of his help.

 

In addition, the monk said “You know… if you help me out, I’ll make sure you’ll be reincarnated into the most beautiful girl in the world” while leaning on him.

 

“But today is a bad day to die. What do you say, friend?” the monk continued.

 

Xin stood up from the table, rubbed the noodle off his face and turned to face two men.

 

“It is a cowardly act to pick on someone who can’t fight back properly, isn’t it?” He said, while releasing a small amount of inner Ki and balancing his center of gravity.

[El Phantom]

Wei Rembrandt Xiang

 

"Hm. A damn shame, she was quite a looker too", he commented. Though he said this, there was not a shred of remorse or care, she may have been potentially useful, but with a past like her's it would be difficult to ensure she was loyal. Having a possible murderer of officials around isn't the wisest idea after all. Wei almost clapped when Sun Zhao began the execution, mostly because of how impressive his presence became at that immediate moment. After the moment, he joined Xin Fai and Shen Fang to the side, as they discussed what their next actions will be. Wei put away his flintlock as he walked over to join them, the dinner was no longer being 'enjoyed', more like now it was being consumed out of necessity. It seems many of the generals lost their appetite, save for a good number of them. Xin Fai was now in the command of some 20,000 troops, and he got news from the lady earlier that he was to be under his command. Though Xin Fai had not been told that yet.

 

"If I may General, I am Wei Xiang, the lady has placed me under your command. An agent sent out of good will from Arda, in hopes to support the Sun Dynasty and create a lasting relationship. I hope we can get along", he introduced himself, doing a bow as he did so.

 

"I do agree with Shen Fang... Although based on what he's said, it shouldn't be difficult to scout out enemy encampments if we both work together. Once found, coordinating an assault would be simple. I am no simple soldier, espionage and assassination is what I too excel in", so they had two in this little crew who could scout? This could be useful... Though Xin Fai was strong, having one or two more on field warrior officers would be useful, especially if they were to enter direct combat. With Xin Fai as general, he saw that happening in the future, and to be quite key to some skirmishes and battles.

[The Illuminati]

Hwangbo Eun-Kyung

The Last Morning

"I want you." Eun-Kyung tingles as she speaks the shy words aloud for the first time. Too long had they gone unsaid. It feels good to return his desire.

Now every breath, every cell of her body, they all hum with the excitement of her confession -- and the awareness of her beloved. Of his cotton sheets beneath her. Of his warm, strong body pressed firmly against hers, trapping her under him...

"You have me." His words purr hotly against her neck, at the precise spot where her pulse skips.

His whisper makes her pulse jump even more, and her mind struggles to remember what it's like to think, instead of feel, but as quickly as they surge, the memories and speculations recede. They are overwhelmed by sensation. His hands heat her, rouse her, pull her closer still until her breasts are more his than hers. The chill of winter still lingers in his uniform, but his exposed skin is so very warm by contrast. She never thought to be here. Skin to skin. In his bed.

"Dear gods..!"

"Eun." Another breath against her neck, this one followed by the barest flick of his tongue along that same pulse line. She nearly screams with satisfaction. Though he hasn't touched her in a truly provocative manner yet, it is still so much more than her virginal body is used to.

She strokes the nape of his neck urgently beneath the large collar of his uniform, while he licks her throat. The day's stubble on his chin scratches just a little along her collarbone. A small discomfort, a tiny drop of pain, compared to the typhoon of sensations gathering beneath her skin. The tingling, the heat, a thousand tiny quiverings, all trickle down into her toes to curl them.

Never before had her belly fluttered like it does when she looks into his eyes. He fills her with a shaky, hard to stand up sort of feeling. And it was potent, often making her forget good sense, as her mother liked to put it.

In the diffused light of a setting sun, his eyes sparkle beautifully, and his gaze on her burns like his touch. Momentarily satisfied with her neck, his eyes search for something new to play with and tease. Her lips ache when his gaze falls on them and she tilts her mouth toward him, almost begging for his kiss. She sees his smile, and then his head dips closer, blocking out of the light.

He has the perfect mouth for kissing. Eun-Kyung can't resist it, she doubts many women could. When their lips finally meet, she feels as if she were newly alive. Her fingers are more sensitive to the texture of his shirt and to the muscles beneath. She smells the soap he used in his shower that morning. She hears a low sound, a moan, and belatedly realizes it is her own.

"Eun..." Her name is a caress, and he plays his lips over hers, teasing, before deepening the kiss once again. The hand now at her chin traces her jaw to her earlobe, then cupped her head, holding her in place, possessive.

'I want you!'

She's too eager, her mouth too open. He chuckles deep in his chest and eases his mouth over hers. The tightness beneath her sternum begins to relax. His kiss unbinds her. She doesn't recognize the knots -- uncertainty, restraint -- until they loosen within her. She feels his body moving against hers. So hard, all of him is so hard. She loves the feel of him. His hand trails shivers down her sides, cups around her thigh, and brings her leg up to rest atop his hip.

She wants to let go, perhaps more than she's ever wanted to in the past. She isn't concerned with showing him a playful girl or an in-charge woman. She isn't worried about where they could go or what they might become. In this moment, she wants only the next moment, and the one after that. This. Here. Now. Chastity before marriage be damned. And that was the danger. And the excitement. Those wicked thoughts made her tremble, and squeeze her thighs together and gasp for breath.

This is too much. They've gone too far, even for engaged couples, but she can't stop herself. Their wedding is still a year away. Too long a time to wait to know what a man feels like. She drags the nails of her free hand up his arm to his shoulder, scratching patterns as abstract as her thoughts.

'Please... I want you... Make me yours...'

And then he's there, pressing against her, coaxing her open for him. She moans against his mouth and squeezes him as he slides closer.

"Yes!" This time his voice is a growl.

Beneath her fingers, his muscles tighten. She hooks her other leg around his thin waist and locks her ankles behind his back, pulling him deeper, seeking. Seeking. Seeking. She needs something she can't identify. He's here, filling her mind as well as her body. All her moments with him, all the laughter and the danger, all the joys and the sorrows, condense into this now that she never expected to have or find. It's everything, and yet she needs more.

"Do you want me?" She doesn't recognize her own voice -- low, throaty and demanding.

"What man wouldn't." His murmur teases at the corner of her mouth. "I want you, Hwangbo Eun-Kyung. I've wanted you since we first met." Had he? Satisfaction swells within her, and her hands tighten on him with a desire she suddenly can't contain.

"Show me."

His eyes search hers for any signs doubt or hesitation, before reaching between their bodies to undo the sash around his waist. As he fumbles with the fabric, she pulls him harder against her. He feels so good, but she wants more. Needs more. She needs his weight against her. His body crushing hers into the bed beneath them. Impatiently she uncrosses her feet and flips him over unto his back by tugging his arm as she moves. They will have to put in an order for a new uniform later, right now though, their clothes are a hindrance that must be destroyed.

He lands with an awkwardness she's not accustomed to from him, and his pleasured moan breaks off into a strangled sound. His body is shaking now, not trembling with pleasure. She can feel the sweat rising on his skin where their flesh still touch. Her mind is fogged, but begins to slowly clear.

"Beloved? What..?"

"Shoulder." It seemed to be an effort for him to get the word out, and it took more effort for her to focus not on the word, but on what it might mean. And then on the actual body part in question. Her eyes widen. The odd angle of his shoulder stood out, a darker silhouette in the shadows of the poorly lit bedroom.

"Oh gods!" What had she done? "I'm so sorry."

"Just. Dislocated." Even now, he tried to sound casual. "It's happened before."

"I know what to I do, I'll fix it!" She was surprised at the swiftness with which she calmed herself, but then realized she shouldn't be. How many times had she looked danger in the eye, and stared unblinking? How often had she tended to the wounded and sick? She had lost count, but it was often enough that she could see the humour in their current situation.

"Stand up straight, I'm going to rotate your arm. First out, then up, and then behind your head. Very slowly," she added for comfort. His face was tight with pain now, not passion, but she saw the complete trust and faith he had in her.

"I have to bend the elbow..."

She touched him carefully, clinically, now that desire had fled in the face of mortification and embarrassment. A tremor rippled through his arm as she adjusted his injured appendage and pushed it sideways, gently. Very gently. She didn't want to hurt him more. Soon she heard the soft pop, but more importantly, she saw his body relax. Gingerly, she lowered his arm. Then he grinned at her.

"I think next time, you should let me lead."

"Next time? Are you out of your mind." If he was, so was she, because longing stirred deep inside her when she looked at him. "To be quite honest, I don't think you have what it takes to occupy the left side of my bed!"

"The left side..?!" he began playfully but she never heard the rest of it, too caught up in her own thoughts.

She'd meant to barely tug his arm, and had ripped the joint loose. What if she truly lost herself? What if she let her nails dig into his skin as she sometimes fantasized about doing? What if she shredded him as she occasionally had her sheets?

"It's not that bad, Eun." He gave a half-chuckle as his mostly useless arm flopped around in the evening breeze.

"I have dolls... HAD dolls sturdier than you," she corrected herself when he raised his eyebrows at her.

Then came the laughter. Her at him, him at her, them at their situation. It was all just to funny for words.

______________________________________________________________________

As Eun-Kyung's eyes fluttered open lazily, only the deep darkness of the early morning was there to greet her. She was all alone in the large bed, with only her pillow for companionship. The left side of her bed was made, and the rest was silent. It had all been a dream, just a memory of a time not too long ago. Today would be her first of many days as an imperial guardsmen for the new emperor, Sun Zhao. Not the late afternoon when she had desperately wanted to loose her virginity, but instead, ended up hurting her fiancé instead.

A single candle once sat on the table in the far corner of her room, but it had burned out in the night as she slept. While her eyes slowly adjusted to the inky blackness of the apartment, she realized there was still a ghost of a smile on her soft lips. It pulled gently at the corners of her mouth, and left laugh-lines she could still touch with her fingers.

The dream had been a good one, better by far than the nightmares that had plagued her after The Sun Dynasty wiped out the The Xu Dynasty. The uncertain fate of her beloved kept her up most nights for weeks on end. After his death was pronounced, the nightmares came to haunt her dreams. Now it seemed her time of mourning had passed. She assumed that was what it meant when you no longer awoke with tears in your eyes, but with a fire in below your belly.

Inhaling and exhaling deeply, she was a bit surprised to find herself feeling the best she'd had in a very long time. She even felt fit enough for a morning run, something she hadn't done since before her husband-to-be had died. After the run, would be breakfast with the elderly innkeeper, a shower, and then work. Hopefully, it wouldn't be anything too exciting.

[Faye]

Shu Fei Long

In Search of A High Ground

 

Before she left to keep a safe distance in case of a fight breaking out, Fei managed to steal a glimpse on the supposed 'assassin'. He seemed to be a very relaxed person. There was no killing intent in his presence. It was the mark of.. a very well-versed warrior. Only beginners would do the mistake of not hiding his killing intent in front of his prey. The really strong people, they would appear as if they were harmless. Which is why this person is very dangerous. Fei, Chen, and Ban would probably lose in a straight fight against him, if Fei's assessment were accurate.

 

With that said, the only way for Fei to protect her sworn siblings would be to gain a high ground and prepare for an ambush should a fight break out. So, once Fei walked far enough from the man to not pique his interest, she knocked on a civilian's door and asked the lady who seemed to be the owner of the house to allow her to use her attic. Well, it was not her attic that she wanted to use. It was the access to the rooftop Fei was looking for. The houses in the area were all of similar heights, so traversing from one roof to another would be quite easy once she managed to get onto one.

 

"Excuse me maam. Would you mind allowing me to borrow your toilet?" Fei asked the housewife politely, hoping that there was nothing wrong with her mannerism that Chen Yu has taught her over these past few months. "It is quite urgent," she continued while looking into the lady's eyes intently, her own eyes glaring with sense of urgency.

 

Hopefully, the house owner would be kind enough to let Fei into her house. Then again, the best scenario would be to avoid fighting with the assassin in the first place. Fei could do nothing but pray that Chen Yu's negotiation skill would be enough to prevent the fight; and for the lady to be merciful enough to grant her plea in case a fight really broke out.

[Kirisaki]

To Become A God

 

 

Prologue

 

Blood Ties

February 17th, 494 AU

 

"This country was built upon the blood of my ancestors. I will take it back until my final breath escapes my lips."

- Xu Ren

 

Xu Ren watched the battle between Xuan Wu and the overconfident bandit play out. It ended far quicker than was expected. The fight's victor also turned out to be different from what the general consensus believed it would be. A symphony of boos and curses were thrown at the defeated warrior. This was just what happened when most of the crowd had bet large amounts of money on the losing horse. Xu Ren slapped Yun Qi on the back and smiled at her, "I told you that he would win! Anyways, are you going to bet against me as well?" Xu Ren's eyes were filled with excitement and a hint of mischief as he continued to walk past his victorious companion. Xu Ren shot Xuan Wu a quick glance before he stepped into the ring himself.

 

"Ladies and Gentlemen," Xu Ren said as he wandered into the center of the ring, "I'd like to introduce myself as the owner of all the valuables that were bet against my friend over there," The prince took a pose and held a hand out to where Xuan Wu sat, "but I have a problem! There is no way that I could spend all of this by myself!" The crows once again burst out into an incredibly loud boo.

 

A brave bandit even gained the courage to yell back, "Give me a reason why I shouldn't gut you like a fish!" 

 

Xu Ren's shoulders slumped and his expression changed. It clearly showed just how much Xu Ren was looking down on the man's intelligence, "You see, I'm in a particularly good mood tonight! I'm just looking for a sparring partner or two," Xu Ren paused, "or three," another pause, "or four? As many as you feel it'll take to beat up a sheltered prince?" 

 

The group around him did not seem amused. More boos rose throughout the makeshift ring. Even though the bandits were riled up now, they weren't angry. Something about the scene seemed almost surreal. Xu Ren had gained the favor of these bandits in the strangest way possible, "I've decided I might just make a very generous donation to your little organization if you guys can entertain me," Xu Ren's provocation had worked and it wasn't long until several of his audience decided to give it a go with the young prince.

 

What started with boos and angry shouts ended with cheers and applause. Every opponent Xu Ren had faced was left on the ground with minor injuries. More and more fighters entered the ring to face off against the champion. Xu Ren's blood was boiling and his body was filled with power. His endurance, speed, skill and strength all seemed to have doubled. In the center of the ring Xu Ren spun, twisted and fought like a man possessed. Only a few could even keep up with his movements, but everyone could see his expression was filled with joy and laughter. 

 

The bandits that had been defeated seemed to also be effected by this euphoria. Their wounds weren't enough to keep them down for the night and instead they would join the audience. Xu Ren did make the donation, but he made it much sooner than expected. The wealth was shared with all the bandit camp. The rest of the group was left in the dark, but Xu Ren and Shou Gong had planned to donate to the group since the idea to find shelter with this group was conceived. So when the broker received the money that Xu Ren had bet, he also received a note to bring all the winnings to Suo Li as a gift.

 

Xu Ren continued to be the center of attention in the ring. The surge of power he had earlier had run out rather quickly, but it still had an effect. Stories would be told about this night all throughout Xue. Xu Ren, the prince who defeated over one hundred bandits. The story would be embellished and stretched, but it was a symbol of hope for the people and another reason for Sun Zhao to hate his rival.

 

Although Xu Ren's battle was the main event, important events were happening in other places within the camp. Stephen Gustav's battle of wits with the young boy was a back and forth battle. The boy would have the upper hand for much of the time, but Stephen Gustav would take it back with a unique maneuver. The game was left unfinished because one man's drunken stupor had him fall directly onto their game. Although it was a "tie", to Stephen Gustav it did not feel like one. The boy was brilliant and matched the much older man at each turn.

 

The child looked down on the drunken man and sighed, "Well that's enough for now," He stood up and looked at Stephen Gustav, "My name is Suo Kang. We'll be seeing a lot of each other from now on," Suo Kang bowed and turned to face Alexei. After a moment of looking the Ardan youth's features, Suo Kang smiled, "You'll do nicely," The Suo Dynasty heir took his leave with that last comment and headed for the pit where Xu Ren was fighting.

 

As Suo Kang walked towards the pit, the bandits parted as if a strange force had forced them to move. The young boy's presence was so vast that even the fighting had stopped within the pit. Suo Kang continued to walk until he reached only a meter before Xu Ren. Suo Kang's expression became incredibly serious, but signs of relief showed on his face. He bowed deeply, "Xu Ren, the rightful Emperor of Xue," the entire crowd was hushed, "I pledge myself, as your loyal servant, to help you reclaim your throne."

 

The silence was unbearable for a moment, but it was broken by Xu Ren himself, "I'm not very good with these formal situations," Xu Ren looked at the younger boy and smiled before he pulled him to stand straight up, "Just call me Xu Ren, okay?"

 

The bandits burst out into cheer and laughter while Suo Kang simply stood there awestruck. From birth Suo Kang was trained to serve Xu Ren. Seeing the Emperor treat him like an equal and be such a fun person let a wave of happiness spread throughout Suo Kang, "Of course, Xu Ren."

 

The rebellion against Sun Zhao had officially begun.

______________________________________________

[Maia]

Locked until further notice.

 

~The Resident Neko