Raging rapids (open)

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Yen Wang danced along side of the river, practicing the odd forms that appeared in his head. These forms played through his mind, one after another. He took it upon himself to practice these moves. Each one of the poses lead to another, that one opened up to more possibilities. Yen Wang would pause after each form and extended movement. Slowly examined the feel of sinew and bone and muscle. Awhile has passed since he had awoken renewed.

He leapt forward planted his hands on the ground. Straightening his arms and bending his knees. Yen Wang’s joints moaned and creaked as he moved; it has been ages since his body had been through such vigorous movements and exercise. He lowered one arm carefully, while his other arm extended outward. The motion was unsettling yet he began to grow accustom to the awkward.

Satisfied that he had completed. Yen Wang tumbled and rolled forward on to his feet. He looked over his shoulder and admired the city of Zi Tong. “This will be my first stepping stone.” Yen Wang planned on conquering this city in the future. Then he would take down the neighboring cities one by one. “Soon I shall reign supreme! I will pass down my judgment on China..Those who are found guilty will be punished..severely..”

[shinsayaken]

Rasa swung his chain blade around him forming multiple signs of infinity before changing the swing to make two circles, one on either side of himself. Suddenly he threw his left arm forward, letting go to watch the blade sail into the distance, then snap backward as his right hand yanked at the chain. He leisurely watched it swing around his body and caught it in his left hand once again before letting go with his right and watching that end swing out in front of him. "Oh no!" He cried as his left and lost it's grip on the weapon and spun through the air before wrapping around a tree. He let out a sigh. "You still need practice kid. Keep it simple. A chain is a lot harder to control then a staff, it bends where you don't expect it to." Shaking his head in disgust Rasa started to walk over to extricate his weapon.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

An odd sound rang into Yen Wang’s ears. It came from nearby, “Who dared to disrupt My leisure?” He took a step back with his right foot. He stepped back he dug his heel into the ground and pivoted. He slid his left foot across the grass. Yen Wang brought forth his tri staff and placed it around his neck. His curiosity was piqued, by the noise. Perhaps there was a brawl? He needed warriors that had strength. A smiled formed on his face. “Perhaps I can find someone with talent.”

Yen Wang brought forth his tri staff and placed it around his neck. "If there is a brawl, and I see those as unfit for my purpose. I will pass my judgment..” He placed his left palm on his face, and slowly gilded it upward to his bangs; his fingers ran through his hair. He began to walk toward the direction where he heard the noise. Yen Wang walked alongside the river; eventually a figure appeared in the distance walking toward a tree. Once he was in a close proximity he shouted, “Oy are you the one responsible for disturbing my leisure?”

[shinsayaken]

He jumped at the sound of a voice. Someone else here and I failed to notice? This day just gets better and better doesn't it. Whirling around to face the speaker Rasa calmly worked his way around behind the tree so as to acquire his weapon once more. And it never hurt to put a tree between yourself and a potential enemy. He plastered a smile on his face. People like smiling people more. Work quickly kid, you're in a bad spot if that's an enemy staring at you. You lack focus when it's most needed, you've got to improve on that.

The first thing he looked for was the stranger's weapon. He found it resting almost leisurely around the man's neck. Interesting choice of weaponry. It doesn't seem too different from my own, so that should make it fairly predictable. But the reverse holds true as well if he gets a good enough look at mine. A fight could prove... interesting.

A thought occurred to Rasa. "I didn't realize anyone else was around here. Sorry for any trouble I caused." This man looked dangerous. A fighter then. Different from those chumps he usually faced. He quickly began analyzing the distance between them. How long would it take him to get here? The answer was intimidating. Not long enough. Rasa could get most of the chain untangled in time, but not all. It'd be hard to fight when tied to a tree. I have to keep him talking long enough to get my weapon. Besides, maybe he isn't looking for a fight. That thought shocked Rasa. Am I... afraid? No. No, that can't be. I've faced guys like him before. It's not easy, but I've always won. That's how I've survived until now. If he attacks, I'll cut him down. His tongue played across his lips slowly. Simple as that. Anyways, keep him talking. That's the key here.

"I was just fooling around." Keep up the smile kid. Never show weakness. Besides, he thought, this could be fun. You've been bored out of your mind anyways. Green eyes locked to this new foe's. Suddenly the smile was genuine, if not exactly caused by happiness. Lowering his body slightly so as to better react to any movement, he spoke. "Is there something specific you needed? Or were you perhaps looking for someone to play with?"

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

“What a troublesome fool." Yen Wang eye twitched suddenly as the man causally looked into his direction. He slowly took a few more steps forward. The man grew silent, like a trapped beast with nowhere else to go. The silence was accompanied by a gentle breeze. He flicked his bang once more. As he saw the fool turn his back on him and headed to the tree. “Turning Your back on me? When I ask a question? Who would dare mock me?” Yen Wang slowly grabbed the end of his staff and pulled it down.

The rest of his weapon hit the ground abruptly. “Fooling around? Tch, I don’t have time for children games.” Yen Wang sneered at the fool as he crouched. “I came to see if there was someone with potential.” With his visible eye, he glared at the, man. “I have met cretin, after cretin. They’re either too weak or lack my vision. My guidance and judgment will cleanse this land of all its impurities. Tell me are you worthy to be my subject, or are you just another impurity that needs to be cleanse?” He grabbed another section of his staff with his free. Began to step side to side; he would sway his torso with each step.

[shinsayaken]

Rasa wound his chain around his left hand, keeping the scythe folded as he went. One strike. If he attacks now that's all this man will have a chance at before I'm free. I can do this. Laughing, Rasa spoke. "Mock you? Given that you look like a tiger staring at it's prey that would be foolish." A wicked grin spread over Rasa's face as his emerald eyes reflected the sparkling water nearby. "Though often have I been called a fool, few are willing to call me that twice. Even less are capable of it. You ask am I worthy to be your subject? Perhaps you are the one mocking me. You act all high and mighty, speaking of cleansing the impurities of the land, but what have you actually done? Cleansing the land is easy. Just kill everyone and there will be no impurities left. That is a truly childish game if I've ever seen one. At the end of it all you'd have too much to do and no one to help with it. Destruction is only useful when it allows for something better to take it's place." Rasa shook his head, letting his raggedy auburn hair fly around wildly before settling back down in worse shape then it had been before. "If your sight blinds you into seeing a common peasant with dirt on his face, then be gone from mine. If you believe I'm another impurity to be cleansed, then strike! I'm right here! Or perhaps.... just maybe you realize that I'm more then I seem. Show yourself worthy of being a leader. A man with vision. But know that if I find you have no worthy vision, then you will follow me instead."

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

The fool spoke more nonsense as he coiled the chain around his left hand. “A tiger is a wise and proud beast, perhaps its worthy of being compared to me.” Yen Wang took a few steps forward; each step was disguised with his dancing. “A tiger will always be recognized as a tiger, yet a monkey will always be recognized as a fool.” Yen Wang began to create an odd rhythm with his hands, as he waved his hands about. The staff began to move along with his movements.

“Your words are hollow, empty much like the life you lead, until this eventual moment. There is some truth in what you claim.” He jerked his body forward and then swayed back. “A mass genocide is rather dull would only give birth to more trash.” Yen Wang stopped dancing for a moment, his tone became serious. “A dirty peasant has the potential to be greater, than a man who rules over an entire nation. I don’t have to prove anything to you. You’re the one that must prove yourself worthy.”

Yen Wang laughed at his wager, as he laughed he began to dance again. “Why would I accept such terms? My freedom is more valuable than your life.” Yen Wang’s opinion of this man began to decline. “I would have no use for a fool who doesn’t know his place.”

[shinsayaken]

Rasa listened to the tiger as he finally pulled his weapon free, only to find himself doubled over on the ground rolling in laughter. "Oh! Oh! Oh you are good Sir Tiger. To think you had a sense of humor too! Absolutely perfect description, bravo. Indeed a tiger shall always be a tiger, and you shall always be yourself. But I, as you so aptly labeled am a monkey, and as I'm sure you know even a monkey has the power to rival the gods. In fact I do believe it was but a monkey that bested all but the Buddha himself. Ever devious, tricking all to better themselves until nothing may challenge them, that is what monkeys can do. So roar great tiger. Roar and make all flee from your appearance. After all a tiger hunts alone, and that is how you shall be in the end, while I, shall obtain power and immortality as the monkey king did before me. So the one and only question you need to concern yourself with is this: Can your vision be as great as the Buddha's? If not, then my victory is assured."

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Yen Wang watched the fool as he rolled around. “Hmph! It is wise to know when to humble yourself,” he said as the fool referred to his as ‘sir tiger.’ He listened to his little tale; he was right about one thing. Thee fool did have a lot in common with a monkey. Just like most monkeys’give them something they want and they’ll behave.

“The world should fear and respect me, if they cower in front of my might. I don’t mind being alone, isolation serves its purpose. I need pawns, servants willing to fight for my cause.” Yen Wang stared at the fool once more. “My vision will exceed all those who came before me. As for you monkey, you can have your eternal life. Causing mischief till the ends of time. While you will tell the tale of the tiger, who surpassed the gods; Buddha and the great monkey king himself." Yen Wang smirked, “Tell me, are you worthy?”

[shinsayaken]

Rasa whistled. "Surpass the gods, Buddha, and the monkey king you say. Now that sounds like something to see. I suppose I could help out for a while if you can really do as you claim." Sitting up he performed a seated bow to this fighter before him. "If you'll have me as your man, I will serve. Tell me what needs to be done and it shall. I'll help you towards your goals with everything I have as long as you can uphold your end of the bargain. My name is Rasa, do you have a name or shall I simply call you Lord Tiger?" Thoughts started to strike Rasa's mind like lightning. Countless thoughts merged into ideas, which began to form plans. Yes. Yes, it might just be possible.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

It seemed as if the man finally came to his senses and bowed. As he should, that what the proper greeting. Yen Wang smirked and nodded. “Such confidence in your abilities. I will expect nothing less than perfect. No time for flaws, or careless mistakes.” Yen Wang stopped dancing and began to fold his staff. It bothered him, that he would pledge his allegiance to him so quickly. Yet he needed the man power, and time would tell if he was strong enough. But, as it was he didn’t lack intelligence. A man with great intellect would aid him nicely.

“I am Yen Wang, if you want to refer to me as Lord Tiger. Be my guest, but in return I would want you to silence anyone who mocks that name or tarnishes it.” If this man was as capable, as he claimed he would be a valuable asset. One that Yen Wang wouldn't dare lose. “Rasa, I must inform you of my will. Let’s relocate, I would rather sit in talk with a beautiful woman and view and a cup full of sake. Accompany to the inn.”

Yen Wang turned away from Rasa and began to walk toward the city. This itself was an act of faith. Would rasa take this moment and attack him while his back was turned? Yen Wang needed to confirm this; there was no better way to do it. But, to risk his own life? Some would say that was foolish, but those are the same weak minded fools. Who would never grasp their dreams.

[shinsayaken]

Yen Wang was it? I'll have to learn the name of my new lord. His lord. Memories of betrayal caressed his mind. Once again he had broken his oath never to swear service to another! And the man turned his back to him! Anger welled and in one shocking instant Rasa hurled his weapon at Tiger's back. For one moment he wanted it to pierce the man's heart.

The blade never made it more then a foot away from his hand. The coiled chain restricted it. Rasa knew it would. Killing him would be meaningless. He had sworn to follow the man, so follow him he would. There was no way he would break another oath in the same day. Besides, he wanted to follow this man. He promised great things. And foremost among them? Entertainment.

"Drinks and women eh?" Happiness flowed back into Rasa for the first time in he couldn't remember how long. He welcomed it's bittersweet flavor, knowing it to be fleeting, but not caring. Carefully checking to make sure he had all of his belongs secured he took off at a sprint towards the inn. "Race you there!" He called as he flew past his lord.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Yen Wang could hear the sudden joy fill Rasa’s voice. He let out a sigh, and smirked. Suddenly Rasa said something about a race, as he sprinted off toward the inn. Yen Wang swiftly moved his hands to his hair; making sure everything was still in place. “He has his youth…just like a monkey..” He brought his left hand to his face. And, laughed hysterically he found that to be rather humorous. “I will have my hands full keeping him pleased, but luckily for me, we are in such chaotic times. It shouldn’t be too hard to keep him content.”

Yen Wang casually walked to the end, his eyes trailed after Rasa until he was out of his sight. “If anything he will keep my wits sharp.” He sped up his pace and headed to the Inn. As Yen Wang arrived, he took a moment to examine the cities surroundings, checking out the guards patrol and people in it. Everything seemed to be light. This city didn’t have too many guards, in time it should be easy to topple. Yen Wang had the resources; he just needs to employ more people for his army.

“Rasa, I want you to remember this city. Get comfortable, this will be the first city to fail to my judgment. First we have things to discuss! Please, go inside and pick a table that isn’t too crowded. I’ll order the sake and talk to the inn keeper. Get some information about the city.”

[shinsayaken]

Rasa walked leisurely between the rows of tables, already heading for the area he expected his calculations to pick as the most suitable. Noting the position of the door, the windows, stairs, bar, and back hallway possibly leading to the kitchens and just maybe a back door, he moved towards the back corner of the room. You could watch everything from that table.

No. It wouldn't do at all. No escape if you suddenly needed it, no people near it. Anyone who sat there might as well put up a flag saying kill me. Rasa skipped one row to the side and grabbed a table there next to a lovely elderly couple. Rasa checked out all the windows. And realized his blunder. He could see all the way down the street for quite a ways. Easy to see a foe come in, easy to be shot with an arrow from any number of nearly invisible hiding spots.He glanced around the room trying to find a better spot and realized there wasn't one.

A lightning glance at Yen Wang's back, and Rasa shifted the chairs. He put the one in the worst condition in an almost blind spot. It would be hard to see any potential enemy there, but hard to be hit with a stray arrow too. The best chair he placed in the easiest spot for an archer to hit, flopped down like an exhausted carpenter, and struck up a conversation with the couple next him. All while using his peripheral vision to check the windows he could see and the reflection of the ones he couldn't on the slightly opened scythe blade he kept hidden from the old couple in his hand.

[Yen Wang (Burai)]

Yen Wang watched Rasa scurry off to find a table. During this time Yen Wang walked over to the inn keeper. “Oy tell me about Zi Tong?” the inn keeper looked oddly at him and nodded. “Ya, must be new. This is a quiet city, not much happens here. It’s very calm and peaceful, you and your friend are first new faces we seen in months.” Yen Wang flipped his bangs in response. “I hope you will show us some hospitality.” The inn Keeper nodded, “Your first round of sake will be free.”

Yen Wang nodded at the man. “How kind.” He said, as he turned away from the man and made his way to Rasa. As he approached the table, he noticed the chairs were oddly positioned. He shrugged; not giving it too much thought and sat down aimlessly. Not caring about which chair he was in. He noticed that Rasa was in a conversation with the couple that was close to him. Rasa was doing something odd; Yen Wang couldn’t make out what he was doing. Maybe he injured himself?

After a moment a waitress came, with two sake bottles and two cups. She quietly laid them all on the table and filled the cups with sake. She stared at Rasa and then at Yen Wang. “Isn’t he a little young to be drinking?” The waitress asked, Yen Wang took one cup and brought it to his lips. “Hmph, I think he is worthy of a little sake.” He smiled sweetly at the waitress. She gave him an impish grin in return, before she left the two.

Yen Wang gizzled what was in the cup quickly. Letting out a sigh as he finished. “Rasa, I must tell you the golden rule. You will follow them along as I live. Adopt and embrace them…Strength is the ultimate law, whether it comes from mind, body, or spirit. We only accept those who are worthy.

Never bow down to those that are worthless. The atmosphere of my army will attract only stalwart men and women who live for themselves. My army shall go unmatched in combat, both on the battlefield and in politics.” Yen Wang paused to pour himself more sake. “Those that can't wield their strength properly will serve my purpose. Those that misuse it or don’t have it. Shall be swept aside by my judgment.”