Match of the Millennium

Description: Tsinghua & The Tanuki meet up for their sparring match, yet the serene moment is halted by unfortunate truths.

[DAICHI]
As promised, a certain tanuki is rather easier to find the second time around; Tsinghua's romp through the dense, natural forests would easily pick up on his distinctive energy, leading along leylines and natural flows to what may be the very heart of this part of Japan; dense trees part way before a small ridge, where a modest river pours out a beautiful waterfall into a babbling brook. There is plenty of clearing around, and the very air feels breath and invigorating. It's like stepping back in time, to what the world must have been like before expansionist humanity began to defile and change it all for personal gain...

And Daichi himself is sitting cross-legged before a rock, almost the side of himself. Before clapping his paws together with a roar. "ENLARGE!!"

The rock suddenly triples in size! Rippling with green chi, brief coils and flicks of faint vines around it.

"...SHRINK!!" Then, it suddenly warbles, before it's almost the side of Daichi's head. It briefly stays in the air before dropping as expected. With a 'hrrrrrngh' of concentration, the tanuki then exhales, and with a flash of energy the rock returns to it's natural size. This must be some sort of training in his special technique... whatever Tsinghua might have inherited, it certainly wasn't that!

[TSINGHUA]
And Indeed, the boy would find himself back next morning, after a decent hike. He had travelled light, this time- Opting to leave his bag at the modest inn he was staying at. He would approach silently- not wanting to disturb the Tanuki's training, waiting for the enlargement to finish before making his presence known. He looks at the scene with a measure of awe. "That was amazing, mr. Daichi. I have not seen anything like it."

He smiles at the Tanuki. "And, a very good morning to you. You have chosen the most fantastic of locales." Tsinghua says, as he peers at the waterfall. "Are you doing well, mr. Daichi? Shall I brew some tea or would you prefer to get right into the.."

"Business.."

[DAICHI]
"...Oh! Hello again, human..." The tanuki does seem to be in a better mood, for whatever reason. "It's only recently I've ever put much effort into transforming things... I'm good at imitating clothing and people from--" Definitely not decades of pulling pranks, "--my duties, but there's much more to it then I ever bothered. It's a more useful talent then I gave it credit, I suppose... when you always can do it, and it doesn't make your life much more convenient, it's easy to lose track..."

He then concentrates more intently, before hitting his palm to the rock with a SMEK! "TRANSFORM!" It poofs in a mist of white clouds briefly, seeming to suddenly be smooth wood! It only lasts a few seconds before going POOF! and returning to a rock, though. "Egh... transmuting this much mass is hard... haha! Business? You that adverse to a spar, human? It's true, I don't like fighting either... but what we're going to do is more a game! There's no stakes and no risk... isn't that different?!"

[TSINGHUA]
"It is most impressive, mr. Daichi." He reaffirms, with a nod, as he sits down next to Daichi. "It sounds most useful. For all sorts of reasons- N-not that I would get up to anything uncouth or shady.. If I had such an ability." You do not seem entirely sure, Tsinghua.

"Oh! I'm sorry if it sounded that way. I am a little.. I am a bit nervous, mr. Daichi. But you are most correct. We will stop before any truly significant harm is inflicted- It's a spar.. not a fight.." Rather then speaking directly to the Tanuki, he is more trying to convince himself of the fact! "A-Alright! I think I am ready."

"Although... My walking stick is still gone. Burned into nothingness in that pit of lava.. I- I guess I'll do what I did last time." The boy concentrates, breathing in deeply as he stretches out a hand, palm upward. He concentrates, and vertically- Wood begins to grow. Slowly, the boy doing his best to mold the timber into a shape that fits his needs. Finally, he stops concentrating- Leaving the boy with a long, thin, stick in his hand. More or less the size and shape to make a moderately effective tool and weapon- around 48 inches long. It is pretty obvious that there are a lot of bumps and inperfections, it is gnarled. The boy has control, but not enough to create something that is more refined in shape.

"I- I think that will work, mr. Daichi. Thank you for the patience."

[DAICHI]
"Traditionally, us tanuki used it for tricks... we're not able to compete with a kitsune in illusions, but we're superior at the transforming and shapechanging arts!" Daichi says, giving a few affectionate pats towards the rock opposite before getting up. He adjusts the brim of his straw hat, brushing brown hakama pants, flicking out his green haori top.

"We're making our own weapons, eh...? That sounds fair!" He tosses his walking staff aside, then rummages to locate a stick that's roughly the right dimensions; also about 48 inches. He then plants it between his paws... before in a flash of energy, it becomes a sleek weapon; black wood, with golden weights twice the size of a fist at either end. In contrast, it does look rather more... professional, although unlike Tsinghua he did not make it from nothing!

"Kay, kay... don't go easy on me. Us tanuki are pretty hardy...!" He then shifts into a combative stance; holding the weapon behind him, sideways compared to himself, free hand hefted up and stance loose. A strange one, to be sure. They might have some similarities, but whoever taught him bojutsu seems to have modified it quite a lot...!

COMBATSYS: Daichi has started a fight here.

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Daichi           0/-------/-------|

COMBATSYS: Daichi takes no action.

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Daichi           0/-------/-------|

[TSINGHUA]
"W-Wow..." He marvels again, at the branch's transformation. It certainly looks a whole lot more impressive then his gnarled stick! "You could have used your usual weapon, mr. Daichi- It was merely because I am not in possession of a proper one at this time: Though I do appericiate the sentiment and demonstration. He straightens his traditonal beige hanfu robes, before entering his own stance. He perches on one leg, the second one raised high into a knee. The stick his held right above his head, pointing toward Daichi. The free hand, then- takes a more central position facing further forward, leading the way for his staff. "I would not be fast to do as such- Certainly not against one of your power."

The boy decides on taking the initiative, and actually raises his stick further above his head! Holding it almost straight horizontal. His eyes close for a moment, and he sends a burst of chi through the wood. Daichi would have seen this once before: It locks itself in mid-air, as a set of slightly transparent roots begin to grow outward from the object, before fading in the air. They do really seem to be the thing that 'locks' it in place. Nontheless, Tsinghua uses the stick as a pivot point. Holding it with both hands before jumping and -swinging- himself upward. With the swing, he kicks the ground, seperating Qi from his body to shape itself into a shaft of wood from the ground- that rapidly homes towards Daichi as it keeps to grow! In the meanwhile, Tsinghua balances himself on the kinetically frozen stick, balancing on the somewhat unsteady wood- in a position that is downright awkward to hit for most types of attacks.

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua has joined the fight here.

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Tsinghua         0/-------/-======|-------\-------\0           Daichi

COMBATSYS: Daichi blocks Tsinghua's Yajun Bang.

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Tsinghua         1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
"It's good enough for a spar..." Daichi reassures. There might be some pride or arrogance in it, of course; he's showing off that he can also create a weapon on the fly after all, even if the method might be different! Eyes drift up to observe the technique done to freeze the branch; he's many reasons to be curious of it himself, after all. When the natural assault rushes forward, Daichi drops down his staff and intercepts, a crack heard as the wood splinters and breaks upon it. "Even I can't just grow things willy-nilly like you, heh... but are these true plants, or mere temporary growths? Will they wither away in some time after you make them? That has to be the case... you can't make permanent life from nothing..."

Of course, thinking Daichi is a normal opponent might be a problem. He slips closer, twirling his staff around before extending it overhead as well. He's a couple meters away from possibly reaching from that spot, though... until green energy ripples across, and his weighted staff suddenly extends three meters more! Twisting downwards, the transformed wood flexes, before aiming to strike Tsinghua in the chest and smack him off his own temporary perch; looks like playing keepaway might not work so well against the tanuki. "You've a difficult style to read... but I've got the advantage in the book of battle tricks, I assure you!"

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua dodges Daichi's Fierce Strike.

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Tsinghua         1/-------/=======|-------\-------\0           Daichi

[TSINGHUA]
Tsinghua would like to challenge that statement, narrator: Keepaway worked just fine in this instance! As he jumps off of the stick, sideways- Daichi's attempted linear strike ending up as a near miss. Tsinghua takes the opportunity to counterattack. Spinning toward his opponent, he attempts to sink his palm into Daichi's chest at the apex of his twirl. "They will wither away when I stop channeling my energy, mr. Daichi- But as long as concentration is upheld, they are alive." He explains, while he puts together his palms- Removing the freezing effect from his stick. He concentrates again, manipulating the created wood to fly back toward him, and he catches it in his hand. Ready to defend with it once again.

"I am certain you do, mr. Daichi. Please, show me."

COMBATSYS: Daichi deflects Fierce Strike from Tsinghua with Fool's Errand.

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Tsinghua         1/-----==/=======|=------\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
Whipping the elongated staff sideways, it rapidly shrinks down back to the original size. Yet the tanuki had already begun making a hand sign, whirl of green energy sizzling in an aura about his feet as Tsinghua came in to attempt the strong palm blow. Before he thrusts out his palm, sending what seems to be a green shield of old-fashioned, curled parchment scribbled with runic signs forward. "INVERSIVE TECHNIQUE!"

Once Tsinghua passes through it, his body would suddenly arrest, hanging in mid-air. This might be something that sets them apart; as the youth had absolutely no chi to control in his own attempt, but it seems Daichi's method can work even then! Grasping his staff, both weighted ends then flare into vine-covered wisps of energy. He spins it back and forth, unleashing a brief flurry of blows upon the young errand boy, before reaching out to catch Tsinghua's still-extended wrist; flipping him over his shoulder as the freezing technique finally breaks, to slam him back-first opposite with a classic seoi nage!

"This was considered the 'Secret Art' of this technique... it doesn't seem you're familiar with it, though? Maybe I had access closer to the true arts of it, after all. This was definitely not my own spin on it... even if..." Well, he can't repeat it endlessly! Freezing the physical is a large strain for the poor tanuki, let alone in a combative fashion...

[TSINGHUA]
Unfortunately, Tsinghua's gambit was unsuccessful. With the Tanuki's earlier explanation of his fighting style, he had the hunch his attacks might be turned against him. As such, the second half of his spin and palm-strike sped up, in an attempt to throw off the Tanuki's timing. Yet, the creature's technique seems rather foolproof through Tsinghua's deceptiveness- As he gets himself caught within the shield- his arm entirely locked, with the rest of his body following "A-Ah!" The boy gets barraged with that flurry of infused staff-strikes, and finally tossed over!

"Aii-Ai." He groans, getting himself back on two feet while facing the Tanuki, branch facing forward in a sort of fencer's stance. "That- Y-yes, I cannot impose this effect on living creatures- W-well, except plants and the like." He clarifies. "Maybe I could with more practice, but it is most impressive, mr. Daichi." With that, he steps back into range with a pair of measure paces.

But then, the earth rumbles- And that so-called 'energy of the world' surges into Tsinghua yet again. Rocks and stones begin to be pulled out of the ground, and coalesce around the stick as it shapes itself into a sort of mace- A mace infused with that unnatural Chi, the cracks between the rocks glowing a soft orange. "Ya?!" Tsinghua is familiar with this phenomenon, and this time around: It's not harming the boy. In fact, it seems to distract him as the energy flows through him, reinvigorates him to a degree. But muscle memory takes over! His swing continues, as he raises his right weapon-arm over his left shoulder, before /twacking/ down the stick... mace? Mace. The rocks shatter on impact- be that with Daichi or the ground! Somehow though, the energy seems to be weak this time around- It seems to be more a hindrance then a help. And more then that, it calms and fades right after.

These effects are incredibly fickle and unpredictable. "I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

COMBATSYS: Daichi blocks Tsinghua's Crushing Strike.

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Tsinghua         1/-----==/=======|==-----\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
"I was taught everything has energy... even the rocks, the air, the dirt. The flow of all things! Needing it to manifest is not a requirement, at the apex of the Inversive Arts..." Daichi's still not sure where the pair has a link. One must exist; either someone in the human realm was taught it by Spirits, or a human went into the Spirit Realm and passed it on... a shame he can no longer get that answer on his side...

"Oh?! I did not know you could do that! ...That's some strong natural energy you've got there, human!" Indeed, the tanuki is legitimately impressed. With a grunt, the tanuki brings up his staff, spinning it once before bracing it, stance spread. The blow hits it square, flecks of stone peppering his hat and bouncing off, sinking his feetpaws a couple inches into the soft soil... but it doesn't seem beyond what he's able to handle!

"Sorry... sorry for what! I told you not to go easy... if you were hiding power like that, I'm glad you used it!" Waving his paw over his staff, he advances closer once more. before it seems to go... limp and flexible. He twists, snapping it out towards Tsinghua's legs; yet rather then hit solid, it would coil around, trying to capture him briefly so he can swing the boy overhead and then thump him back down on the ground firmly before him!

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua blocks Daichi's Quick Throw.

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Tsinghua         1/-----==/=======|==-----\-------\0           Daichi

[TSINGHUA]
The boy is breathing heavily, as the Tanuki speaks to him. Still flustered by the burst of alien energy- "N-No, you don't understand, it's-" Though first, the boy needs to defend himself against Daichi. As the staff curls around his leg, Tsinghua lets himself be lifted up. But when he risks slamming back into the ground- He bends backwards to engage in a handstand, twisting free his leg and cartwheeling backward and to safety. Still though, a certain amount of strain was put on the limb through the pushing and pulling. As he sits back, he talks- But he also observes. Observes his opponent's motions very closely. "It's- That, that earthen energy that you defended against- I have no control over it! It is something that just... shows up sometimes. I don't understand it, and sometimes- It hurts. This has been happening all around the globe, to all kinds of people- Though with differents elements of chi as well..." He attempts to explain in the short timeframe he has. "W-We can keep going though..."

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua calculates his next move.

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Tsinghua         1/-----==/=======|==-----\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
"Eh? Eh? It felt like natural energy... although it's true, I might have thought it came from someone else..." Daichi considers, surprised at how fluid and deftly Tsinghua responds to a rather unorthodox attack. "You've good instincts...! You must have some good trainers... definitely on par with anyone in my unit at home." Of course, the main reason he is victor in those conflicts has more to do with other things... he is, by far, the physically slowest!

"Hmm... a disruption across the whole planet... does it only affect humans? Don't forget, I am here to investigate some corruption leaking to the spirit realm... could this be a coincidence?" He then just shrugs, whirling his staff around. "I think you've just given me a good lead... but I'm not sure why I am only hearing of this now!!"

Before the tanuki draws his sake bottle from his side, and flicks off the stopper. He presses it to his mouth, inhaling deep. A swell of energy is felt resonating within him... before he draws it back, and seems to exhale!

A great cloud of green, beautiful chi ripples out in a billow. It is filled with lashing, ephemeral leaves, trying to overtake Tsinghua before it disperses around. Notably, it does not seem to have hurt any of the trees, flowers, or even bushes nearby, passing though them unscathed... even if the same might not be said for the human, were he to bear the brunt!

COMBATSYS: Daichi successfully hits Tsinghua with Shirodokkuri.

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Tsinghua         1/----===/=======|====---\-------\0           Daichi

[TSINGHUA]
"I- I am sorry, I never thought to mention it. As- As far as I know, it affects anyone!" He confesses, just before the Tanuki prepares his attack. It seems that the boy attempted to defend, stepping backward to let the cloud fade before putting up his defenses against what remained: Yet it moved with greater speed then he anticipated, and instead gets caught right in the middle of the thrashing plants- Biting at his skin and clothes.

"Eeeyah!"

He yelps out, before it finally fades. That seems to have hurt him a fair amount. "Hnnnn-" He stands back up though, still having the determination to keep going. He seems to stay quiet, instead focusing on the matter of proving himself in this spar. He reaches down, and takes hold of one of the rocks upwrenched from his earlier burst of energy. Tossing it in front of him, it locks in the air with that same effect- Roots growing out. Tsinghua holds out his stick, before unleashing a precise, rapid barrage of strikes against the frozen rock. A second or two later, he stops- Looks, nods, and clasps together his palms to release the effect: All the kinetic energy he had build up flies towards Daichi, the rock zipping toward him with, frankly, menacing speed and infused with Chi, attempting to impact from a downward, diagonal angle!

COMBATSYS: Daichi blocks Tsinghua's Dong Gen (Hu Qi).

[           \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////      ]
Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
Daichi continues to stand opposite, seeming to have wanted to primarily break his opponent's focus; not seeming to be cocky or arrogant, despite not being cleanly hit just yet in the spar. Although an assault like this might confuse most opponents, it's clear the tanuki knows precisely what's about to happen... he grasps either end of his staff, infusing it with a rush of energy. It seems to thicken and harden, before he twists it backwards.

As the assault flies towards him, he swings as if coming up to bat; the weighted end of his staff hits the amplified rock dead center. There's a few brief moments where force meets force, before the stone explodes! It showers Daichi with intense shards of rock, although he shields his face from most of it. "Haha... that's an interesting trick. I've never thought of doing that one..."

Slipping forward, Daichi then advances towards Tsinghua, before slamming down the end of his staff and vaulting into the air! Spiraling in a tight ball, he descends from above, striking out with an intense, overhead kick aimed to catch Tsinghua by surprise and lower the distance he's tried to establish since the onset!

COMBATSYS: Daichi successfully hits Tsinghua with Light Kick.
- Power hit! -

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Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0           Daichi

[TSINGHUA]
The boy pouts at his attack yet again being unsuccessful, but nods. "Thank you, mr. Daichi.." The boy begins to look more and more upset though, as each beat of the fight is going against him. And this unfortunate reality continues as Daichi spins into him with that kick. Tsinghua attempts to dip to the side, to leave Daichi's leg grasping only air- But the sheer speed catches the boy- The Tanuki's leg crashing into the top of his skull. The boy remains standing for a moment, before.. stumbling forward and onto his hands and knees. "*sniff* O-ow.." A little teary-eyed, he rubs his head with one hand. "Why can't I.." Nontheless, he rises: And as he rises, he lashes up with his staff, tracing up a crescent shape with his staff, aimed at bonking Daichi in the chin from below.

"I'll.. keep trying.."

COMBATSYS: Daichi fails to deflect Zhongzi Mucai from Tsinghua with Promissory Note.

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Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
For a moment, Daichi looks like he was going to refrain from continuing. "Oye, nothing to be upset ab--!!" But it appears that the emotional shift had nothing to do with his own fighting resolve! A much quicker attempt was made to desperately summon up his own locking technique, but with the proximity and his dropped guard, it's too much... Tsinghua's foot slams home at last into the tanuki's chin. Although he's... well, remarkably solid. Despite only being a couple inches taller, it might be a surprise how durable the spirit is... are they built differently from humans? Is it a result of living for a couple centuries? "O-oof... hahaha! That was my bad... for questioning your drive..." He thumbs at his lip, stepping backwards. "What're you so frustrated for...? I'm having fun... you've a lot of innovative techniques, and it's impossible to guess what you'll do next... ...might you have a bit more of a warrior's pride then you let on, human?"

[TSINGHUA]
"O-Oh?" Tsinghua seems relieved at his opponent's positivity. "I- I am sorry for catching you off guard like that, I did not mean too-" He apologizes- But it's something very stupid to apologize for! After all, he did finally get his hit. "Th-Thank you mr. Daichi, you are very kind. I- I'm not sure what's upsetting me.. like so." Quite possibly, Daichi might be right on the money. The drive to succeed in combat has grown over time: If anything, to prevent himself from getting hurt too much. But there might be more too it then that, even if Tsinghua is hesitant to admit so.

"I feel better now, thank you. Let us.. continue." Apparently, he understood the Tanuki's words as trying to cheer him up. And it worked! The messenger dips back into range with an advancing thrust of his stick, raising his knee high while his free hand points backward, palm open. He follows up by lowering his knee, raising his arm, and transitioning into a second, overhead swipe, entering a low stance as the staff drops!

COMBATSYS: Daichi dodges Tsinghua's Medium Strike.

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Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
Daichi careully observes, before suddenly shifting to the side as the end of the staff comes rushing past him! Sliding sideways, when the overhead swing comes, he... shrinks. "TANUKI NO JUTSU -- SHRINK!!" Literally. He claps his hand together, and the tanuki suddenly flashes in a POOF!, becoming only about a foot tall; so rapidly did he shrink, that he's still mid-air as a result! His clothing and weapon comes along for the ride... as a result, Tsinghua's weapon flashes past him, a couple inches to the left.

Landing on the ground, the tiny-Tanuki then dives forward, trying to roll between Tsinghua's legs... before yelling out, "ENLARGE!" In a split second, and another brief POOF! of white smoke, he resumes his normal size violently. Trying to capture Tsinghua before he can leap aside, and then with an almost playful laugh hurl him down towards the ground at his feet!

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua blocks Daichi's Aggressive Throw.

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Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0           Daichi

[TSINGHUA]
"Uwah?!" The boy exclaims in utter surprise, as the Tanuki evades his twin attacks in the most unorthodox way possible. The Tanuki's counterattack is swift, grasping him at the waist in an attempt to toss him to the ground. Tsinghua's small stature lead to agility, and agility leads to a decent ability to handle attacks such as this. When he risks to collide with the ground, he tucks into a roll and slips himself loose from the Tanuki's grip, returning to relative safety. Although there still was a certain impact with the ground, and a nasty bruise on his back. But the brunt of the throw had been avoided!

Wordlessly, he tosses the stick toward Daichi- But, the stick freezes in mid-air? Indeed, that same effect returns, making it hover a few feet between each of them. Tsinghua takes the opportunity to dash in, flip over Daichi, and from low to the ground, perform a concentrated shoulder-check on the Tanuki from behind. At the same time, the effect on the staff is released, making it fly into the Tanuki from the opposite angle as his hand-to-hand strike. A deadly, albeit it somewhat slow two-pronged attack!

COMBATSYS: Daichi just-defends Tsinghua's Yanchi Gun!

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Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0           Daichi

[DAICHI]
Crouching down, Daichi picks up a fairly large rock himself, fingers clenching as it glows green. He is aware that the boy opposite is doing another one of his tricks... and is quite intent on not falling prey to it too easily. He's got another of his own, after all. Twisting, he hurls the rock -- at Tsinghua's staff! As the boy vaults overhead, he invokes his own stasis technique, and the hunk of stone has stopped directly in front of it!

Twisting around, he focuses all of his attention instead on Tsinghua's shoulder check. He releases his staff, allowing it to freeze mid-air for a moment, and then almost gently extends his glowing paws. Tsinghua rushes forward, but the instant he makes contact, he briefly stops... all the momentum arrested. There's then a great CRACK! as his own staff hits the frozen rock, shattering it; but sending the staff spiraling over Daichi's head, missing the mark. Stepping to the side and retrieving his own weapon, he then allows Tsinghua to thrust back where he just was, although he's unable to guarantee any attack as a result...

"Hoo... good, good...! You fight like I do, boy! With your mind, and your talents... here, I'll show you another of mine!" He then draws out two red rings, each about a foot around. Striking them together, they are energized with his natural energy once more. Then, his feet grip the staff; yes, his feet! It seems they are much more nimble then a human's. Using his staff, he then vaults high, briefly passing over Tsinghua's head. "CATCH!!"

He then hurls down both of the rings; but they suddenly expand -- to over a meter wide each! Abruptly, they are capable of fitting around Tsinghua like great hula-hoops... only then, Daichi would clench his paws. The enchantment to enlarge them would vanish, and they would try to return to normal size; with the possible end result of violently compressing the young human about the arms, until the great pressure eventually causes them to shatter in a burst of natural chi!

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua auto-guards Daichi's Snipe Hunt.

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Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|=======\-------\0           Daichi

[TSINGHUA]
"Eeeyah?!" And indeed, with Tsinghua frozen at the last minute, his attack is rendered ineffective. Frustrating, but not crippling. He retrieves his own staff by catching it out of the air, but has nought time to speak more as Daichi is already above him to toss the rings over his body. The boy thinks quick, and before they had a chance to contract again, Tsinghua brushed his hand over the surface to infuse the rings with his own chi! They freeze in place, stuck by Tsinghua's barrier. They do attempt to shrink, but that attempt only causes the ceramic to push against Tsinghua's chi with such force that they simply break and shatter into many, many pieces- the chi infusing them being absorbed by Tsinghua's own. The boy releases the effect when this happens, the earthware clattering to the floor. "That was close.."

The boy though, does not let it deter him. Jumping toward Daichi and spinning around the staff in a circular motion mid-air, in an attempt to catch the Tanuki! For this one, he admittedly overextended a little- It is a very aggressive manuever!

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua successfully hits Daichi with Power Strike.

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Tsinghua         0/-------/----===|=======\=------\1           Daichi

[DAICHI]
"Oooh...?! Most people wouldn't be able to respond to that one well... it's one of the tricks I'm most proud of..." Daichi grouses. He lands on the ground nearby, drawing back up his staff and flicking it up and across his shoulders in preparation. Yet he underestimated the range of the youth! He's struck in the side of the ribs, making him clearly wince; it seemed he was trying to step forward and ignore it, however. What on earth is this tanuki made of?! It doesn't seem he used any sort of technique or power to be so durable!

"Hnnn..." He then draws out a small teapot; an intricate, porcelain one. He presses his lips on the spout, and then inhales greatly. His chest expands to an unnatural level, before he blows into it; a huge surge of power flashes, causing the pot to grow to almost a meter across! It seems to be similar to the technique he did earlier, where he could disgorge an aggressive amount of energy...

"READY?!" he asks, before slotting the handhold part of the teapot into one end of his weighted staff. The other he slams into the ground, bracing it with his foot... yanking it backwards, it bends unnaturally like a catapault prepared to fire -- before he lets go. TWANG!! The teapot, streaming green smoke behind, suddenly flies towards Tsinghua with incredible speed!

Yet at the moment of potential impact, Daichi slams his palms together... and it reverts to normal size. All of the chi within it condenses violently, before it explodes in a great, ground-shaking BOOM! of green, heated miss, flashing out for a few meters around, shards of ceramic raining in the general vicinity... before Daichi moves to inhale, drawing the green mist back into himself, swirling about like a vortex -- and potentially Tsinghua along with it -- before a deep, heavy *BURP*, seeming to be somewhat rejuvenated by the attempt...!

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua fails to reflect Bunbuku Chagama from Daichi with Guding Gen (Xiru).

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Daichi           0/-------/------=|

COMBATSYS: Tsinghua can no longer fight.

[            \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Daichi           0/-------/------=|

[TSINGHUA]
"You- You're very tough, mr. Daichi!" Tsinghua exclaims, the second time making contact with him giving the same impression. The boy sees the Tanuki build up chi, and take out the teapot. In a last ditch attempt, Tao puts together is palms- Putting up a thin spherical barrier of chi around him. Transparent roots surrounding and growing out of the sphere

In a successful scenario, this would prevent attacks from reaching him, while he freezes and absorbs any projectile or chi that would enter the borders. That energy would be sent back then, but in this scenario..

"I- I don't think I am!!"

And indeed, the colossal teapot crashes through Tsinghua's barrier, he did not have enough time to reinforce it- It quite literally shatters. The teapot shatters too! By blowing up. In his face. It hurts. Ceramic shards and burning mist bruises and burns him respectively. "Aaaaii!!" The boy yells, as he falls limply toward the ground. Somewhat comedically, Daichi's inhale makes the boy roll over a few times, before ending up close to the Tanuki. "Ooow... Oooow.."

But then, that energy re-emerges. Stronger, but with no outlet. The ground beneath them shakes, even cracks a little- While it comes from the boy, it is too strong to control- It hurts. It shakes him to his core, shakes his bruised body and organs from the inside out. "G-Gah!!" More pain, even after he was defeated. And it doesn't stop! two, three, four seconds. Yelping, Tsinghua curls up, grasping his chest.

"Hrnngg--" The clock reaches 5, but it does not yet subside. Tears roll out of his eyes, but no control is found- Even as he tries to regulate the flow.

[DAICHI]
"Ehh... being built solid is my main attribute..." Daichi murmurs; sufficiently so he never took any spars with people back in his homeland very seriously -- after all, it doesn't matter if you get hit if it doesn't hurt! But he knew how hopeless it was against an opponent capable of injuring him fine with his master, and still...

Still, the attempt is innovative and impressive to the tanuki! If his teapot hadn't been actual ceramic and capable of disrupting the barrier, things might have ended up very different... but it does mean Tsinghua explodes with rather more vigor then he intended for a friendly spar! "Oof... s-sorry... I'm proud of that trick, although it's got a good bit of setup..."

Only to find that something untoward seems to be happening to the human boy...! "Oye, what's wrong with your... oye!!" Realizing this is amiss, even if he was only given some vague information about it's source, he plants his paws together and intently concentrates. Before flicking out his fingers; that odd, written script that seems to represent the apex of his technique flashes out, to roll across Tsinghua. The chi boiling and raging within him should freeze, or at the very least slow, greatly.

"Concentrate...! This is... what is this?" he murmurs, rubbing his palms together until both paws glow green before aiming to clasp them on either side of Tsinghua's head. Focusing, trying to help stem the tide within the boy... when his technique breaks off, he should have had plenty of time to mentally compose and prepare himself, and with any luck Daichi's own external efforts should make the rest of it pass with hopefully no incident...!

[TSINGHUA]
"Hfff- Huff-" The boy does his best, as Daichi halts his energy- then subsequently continues his assistance. The simple fact of having someone to help him, feeling that contact- calms him down. It helps. And the shaking subsides slowly, the cracks stop growing. The Tanuki's attempts to dampen the rage proves to be successful- The messenger laying onto the ground, now safely, with the pain that was inflicted only lingering, rather then growing. Covered in sweat, breathing heavily, and with wet eyes- But safe.

"Thank- thank you, thank you..." He mutters, still marginally panicked. "You saved- I don't know what I would have- *cough*." His speech is obviously a little disjointed- He is actually looking rather ill, all of a sudden. His already fair complexion paler then usual, with his body temperature being a few degrees above the usual. "This.. is why I apologized earlier.." He explains, tears welling in his eyes again. "I have no control.. never any control.." A statement that, knowingly or not, extends to the rest of his life.

[DAICHI]
"I've no clue what is up with that... your chi certainly felt strange both times it happened..." the tanuki mumbles. It sounds as much concerned as curious, perhaps; thoughtfully adjusting the brim of his straw hat, as he brushes away some stray shards of wood shrapnel here and there. He heads over to a moss-covered fallen log, plopping down atop it to exhale and gather his own focus a bit better. The timing between what Tsinghua speaks of, and his own arrival in Earthrealm... might it just be a coincidence? Or... "I'm not the best person to give advice on things like that... I've a good natural sense for some things, but... nothing that might help your situation..."

[TSINGHUA]
"But- But you did help me... That- That's enough. Thank you.." Still breathing heavily, he drags himself to be able to lean against a large rock. "Maybe Queen Lyraelle Darkheart knows more about it too.. I was planning on asking her as well, If I got the opportunity. Because- because it scares me- It really does, when it h-happens."

"And I probably won't get to ask her, because I need to fight again soon..." The boy comments. "My master signed me into something called 'SNF' again... it's- It's like a series of organized fights... And I need to fight there, I don't have a choice.."

"And It's going to happen again there! I- I just know it!" Tsinghua seems downright panicked, afraid of that what is too come.

[DAICHI]
"Hmm..." Daichi continues, seeming unsure. The tanuki spends some time considering how he feels about this human; he's no particular issues with them, despite a healthy amount of bias. It would certainly be a shame if something happened to them... he's not particularly sure about things otherwise! Still, it won't do to just observe someone in distress. It's not as if he views humanity on the same level as ants or vermin, *exactly.*

CLAP!! A very sharp, sudden impact of Daichi's paws come together, right in front of Tsinghua's face, to distract him. That inhuman muzzle turned into a frown, brows knitted. "Don't speak nonsense!" he accuses. "The only one in control of your life is you. Do you know about fate, and destiny? People think it just falls in front of you... it's a lie! I have spoken at length with many seers and prophets. It is nobody's purpose to serve and be controlled... that is merely the result of someone giving up on themselves! Do what you want to do. Trust me... there is nothing worse in any life then regret. ...of course, that's a general rule. But you seem the listless sort, who'd easily fall into the flow of another... just, y'know. Decide for yourself!"

[TSINGHUA]
"Ah?" He yelps out, his attention diverted away from his feverish mind and back to Daichi- listening intently, wet eyes wide-open. "Nonsense.. but..?" He interjects, but the Tanuki's passionate words talk over him. It does resonate, it does stir- Somewhere, very deeply. But at this moment, he has little realization over is. "But how can I do that... when I..."

"Never had any control in the first place..?" He pleads, before up his knees and burying his head into them, arms wrapped around his legs. "I don't think I can do that- And.. I shouldn't! I shouldn't doubt them. I- I owe them that much- I owe the masters that much. It's only right that I should Serve.." Tsinghua is in denial, why should he belief these words when they go against what he's known? "It- It is what I want, mr. Daichi- I'm- I'm sure!"

He mumbles out. He is not technically, or actively lying- But there is a good sense that the boy has serious doubts. Doubts started by Velvet Blue, and now reinforced by Daichi. Both people he has come to really like.

But change is hard. Especially when it's behavior so deeply engrained within Tsinghua's structure of thought.

[DAICHI]
"Eheheh... never had control in the first place...? You sound like someone who happily accepted his shackles, then. It's not my place to judge whatever connections you have, or were born with, or were debted to... just." The tanuki leans forward, closer. "Do not speak as if you've no choice, human. You can do anything in this world. Both good, and terrible. Laws are as much chains as debts and family, you would find. Criminals are so common because freedom is truly a grand thing, you know. It is why my society is so very free in general, hahaha! And those who cause trouble are punished justly... but most conflict is very much personal..." He then scratches at his chin, giving a careless little shrug of his shoulders. "Still. You are like an unhappy bird in a cage, that does not realize it was never locked. Do you feel you are indebted? Or do you feel you are SUPPOSED to feel indebted? That is the answer to your riddle... if you are being used, then anything you owe someone is null. That is not payment, it is extortion!"

[TSINGHUA]
"But what if the cage -is- locked!?"

Almost instantly as he yelled that, a hand shoots over his mouth. "N-No- No, I mean. That- That's not true! I don't know where that- that came from, mr. Daichi. It's.. the decison is all mine.." He actually seems /scared/ of something, talking about this. "I'm- I'm safe were I am. They keep me safe, they have always kept me safe. From the day I was born." Tsinghua is noticably trembling. "Of course I'm supposed to be indebted.." Eventually, he looks back up toward Daichi- Obviously frightened and frustrated.

"P-Please. Can we please stop talking about this, mr. Daichi? What If I say more then I..."

[DAICHI]
"...?" Daichi might be a lazy sort at times, but he's still a rather ancient being who's quite adept at the nuances of subtext. His main question is the source of Tsinghua's consternation here... it could be that he's merely that much of a broken spirited puppet. Only when that last line is said, the implication of a punishment more literal than proverbial, that the tanuki tilts his head and adjusts the tilt of his hat. "Oye, oye... I didn't mean to cast aspertions..."

He extends his paw, tip of his finger glowing green. "If they do treat you well, then that's all that matters, isn't it?" It's clear what he's doing, in short order. 'Painting' the air, spelling something out. His natural chi lingers plenty long enough to read each word he makes. Not intending to be verbose, so it should be able to cover a ground, but Tsinghua would likely have no difficulty reading out Daichi's message...

'Do they know what you say?'

COMBATSYS: Daichi has ended the fight here.


[TSINGHUA]
"A-Ah? Y-yes, quite. Thank you, mr. Daichi."

Is how he responds to the spoken words, looking up at the text, before mimicing the method that Daichi used, using his own Qi- 'Maybe. I can't know for sure, but I am afraid.' He stops there, for the moment. He's glad to talk, now that there is no fear. 'Ms. Sybil Katherine does, I know. She forced me to.. but she's nice now!' That last part, he hastily adds- A distant smile on his face. But more then that, Daichi would finally know that Sybil and this boy know eachother.

'But I stand by what I said before! This is just a precaution!' Nontheless, he does seem adamant about defending and justifying the estate. There might be more 'puppet' in Tsinghua then this secrecy would have one believe. 'I just don't want to have to be disciplined again.'r
If there's one take away, it's how uncertain and conflicted the boy himself is. Speaking out loud again, the messenger says.

"Your techniques were most impressive, mr. Daichi."

[DAICHI]
Sybil... Sybil Katherine...?! That is the name the tanuki knows! He almost says something, and there's clearly recognition in his voice, but he clamps it shut. But then, there's a surprised widening of his eyes. "Hrrm? Yes... you pick up a few things when you've lived a century or two..."

There's a glare from the tanuki then, before he writes in the air with a bit more haste. It's a lot to take in, so hopefully the human can get it...

'That woman. She met me once. Knew things. Things only possible if she heard OUR first meeting, or was a seer. Are you saying she heard every word, and you knew?'

[TSINGHUA]
The boy flinches back, at his recognition as he quickly reads over the text- And more then that, he looks away in shame and regret, swallowing before picking up the (figurative) pen again. 'Yes, I did. I did, but she hears everything. Always. I can't stop it, it's the amulet.' The golden amulet around his neck, one would presume. 'I've learnt to live with it, to stay silent about it. After a while, you begin to forget she's listening.. She forced me to wear this, she had sensitive information about the Estate.'

*Gulp*

'I'm very sorry, I did not have a choice- But.. I think she is nice now! She protected me..' More denial, as he quickly writes out his own lengthy message. Before his head falls down to face the ground, afraid of the Tanuki's reaction.

[DAICHI]
Amulet...? He has one of those, too! Has the supposed seer benefactor also planted some method of surveillance on him?! He's not surprised, really. He didn't trust her at the onset, after all. And if anything, he's angry at himself... just because she had some strange foresight, being able to divine information he only told the human... is she the reason he was there?! That forest should have been empty of people!

The glare that he levels is certainly oppressive. Arms firmly crossed. Whatever the cause, whatever justification Tsinghua has for himself, he knowingly let leak sensitive information from the spirit. 'I should have expected as much from a human. They always look only after themselves.' the tanuki writes, slower and more methodical. He would not have minded, perhaps... if he only knew this, his own personal danger, by chance. And only since he was worried! Pshaw, that will teach Daichi, he supposes.

"Well... I think our sparring and such is finished." the tanuki grouses, pushing up to his feet and brushing at his thighs. "I'll let you know how the Ancient's meeting goes..."

[TSINGHUA]
'No! That's not true!' He attempts to retort, feeling his stomach utterly sink at Daichi's dismissal. 'Am I supposed to not to talk to anyone because -she- will hear? Do I need to shut myself in? When we met, I didn't think.. I didn't want to think about the amulet.' Trembling, he clutches his other arm, looking very, very small. 'I'm sorry. I truly am, But I just wanted to enjoy our time together.'

"It was a nice distraction." Tsinghua responds, attempting to sound 'normal'. His words served both as a response to the Tanuki's words, as well as an embellishment to his own written explanation. "Thank you, mr. Daichi.." He repeats, sadness creeping it's way into his tone.

"It truly was a pleasure."

[DAICHI]
He squints towards the words written by Tsinghua, the tanuki seemingly not convinced too much! He responds by tracing out one last message into the air. 'After all we just spoke about choice... if this is the path you are proud to walk on, so be it.' Perhaps more ambiguous then the human might care. It's clear he feels betrayed to some extent; after all, he did just say that as a result of them speaking once, Sybil sought him out herself. And tried to manipulate him...! Well, if she's truly useful, he doesn't care too much. It merely confirms an assumption, and unlike some people, he hadn't thought better of them!

"I'll see about tracking you down when I get back..." Daichi says, gathering up his things and making sure they are all settled. He'll need some time to process things. He's not entirely sure why he even cares to this degree! Plucking up the CD player, he then leaps off his log, barely a rasp heard in the woods as he rapidly vanishes into the underbrush of nature!

[TSINGHUA]
"Good... bye." He utters, as he sees Daichi skitter off. The boy doesn't move, leaning into the rock. And, well, when he thought the Tanuki would not return.. He pressed his face into his sleeve, as the fabric began to darken with his tears. "Darn it- darn it- Darn it!" He curses softly, dissapointment and regret setting in. "I'm sorry..." Tsinghua repeats, to no one in particular. It took a while for the messenger to calm down, almost a quarter hour. Having cried enough to quell the sadness, he stands up. Wiping his face as he now looks again like his common, composed self. Apart from the reddish hue around his eyes.

He breathes out, before gathering his belongings. Walking off back to the village, and the long route back home from there. All the way back to China.

And all the way into another organized bout of combat, much to the boy's dismay.

Log created on 18:37:44 06/27/2021 by Tsinghua, and last modified on 16:49:54 07/04/2021.