Tattered Hero (Open)

In the distance, the soft high tones of a flute drifted in the frigid air of the tundra. To train his body and spirit for his adventure, the young Zoanthrope began by traveling across the various landscapes of Earth, even the harsher climates. His fur kept his body somewhat shielded from the harsh winds, but he wore extra layers of clothing to prevent from getting dangerously cold. Bits of frost accumulated on his fur, which he would shake off from time to time.

The man continued his pace through the landscape as he played his music. His ki sense was in tune with the area surrounding him, which allowed him to sense the wildlife nearby and their paths through the rough wilderness. Though as he walked, he would eventually pause as he felt a massive spike in energy. It was a presence he had never quite felt before, save for maybe his father's power. His ears perked up slightly. Who else was out here? Were they friend or foe? He was a little hesitant, but curiosity took hold as he began the trek to the power's location.

He paused as he saw a pack of mammoths make their own journey across the land. It was then he noticed the battered figure off in the distance. A large man with blue skin and vibrant hair rested in the snow, but he was hurt. Toki put his flute away and rushed over to offer whatever help he could "H-hey, are you alright?" He said as he knelt down next to the injured man. He took the gourd tied to his sash and offered it to him "Mineral water. It's not much but please have some if you're thirsty." He said. "Do you need treatment? I have bandages in my bag." He offered. He seemed deeply worried. What exactly could have injured him like this? That wasn't important for now. What mattered was offering what help he was able.

"My name is Toki Akiyama. I was out here training when I felt someone nearby. Please, if you need help getting back to a city or somewhere you can rest, I'll do what I can." Perhaps he was talking a mile a minute to someone who was injured...if so, he would apologize for it later. He simply tended to get caught up in a situation, especially if he didn't have time to prepare himself. Regardless, he would remain by his side until he was fit to travel.

----

WC: 414
TWC: 414

Toki respected the man's decision and put the gourd away, though not without looking a tad worried. He rested on his knees and nodded "I won't pretend to know your story or make wild assumptions." He stated as he watched the wildlife roam about. "Though, forgive me for saying such a thing but what you said seems self-destructive. To punish oneself so harshly for failure will only hinder your growth. Though...again, I apologize if what I'm saying sounds preachy." He said with a slight sigh.

"If you have time to tell your story, then I would be willing to listen." He offered. Someone to speak with or at the very least listen. This man was clearly angry and frustrated with himself in some way. He's been hurt, though feels enduring the pain is penance for getting hurt in the first place. "I can understand wanting to remember so that you don't repeat what led you to this point, though your body may fall apart before you have a chance to get stronger if you push yourself like this." He spoke from his experience as a martial artist. Train hard, eat well, rest well. A body can't sustain itself forever. At some point, without proper care, it will tragically collapse.

He brushed frost off of his ears as he listened to the man speak "My power? I'm afraid you're mistaken. I'm not as powerful as you, or many people out there in the greater world. There's still much I have to learn and test myself against. It's why I'm out here. That, and to potentially meet those who know of my heritage so that I may better understand my father, but enough about me."

Perhaps he had only made the man suffer more with his company. He hoped not, but if it came down to it he would leave him be, as much as it would pain him to do so. For now, he remained vigilant and watched for anything that may currently be a threat as he listened to whatever he may have to say.

----
PL: 8,000

WC: 346
TWC: 760

Toki stroked his chin slightly as he listened to Fukushu's story. He remained quiet and respectful until he was done speaking. At the very least, he opened up a little bit, and that was enough for Toki. Whether it relieved some stress, or just frustrated him, he did not know...he hoped it was the former. "A devil...I can't say I've heard of Kamae, though I will take your word and avoid him at all costs...at least until I am able to grow in strength. I appreciate your words on my strength, though I see myself the same as anyone else regardless. Strength is...a rather fickle, subjective thing I think. I could have the power to crush and destroy anything, but to me...it wouldn't matter if I didn't know how to use it."

He wondered what else to say, or if what he said last was mostly rhetorical. He shook his head "I don't have the answer to that I'm afraid. There are many routes to power, and many destinations. I simply hope you find one that satisfied you in the end. That's all anyone can ask for." And that's all he would say for the moment. He truly believed in what he said. Many paths, many destinations. Everyone had to make those difficult choices, regardless of where they might lead. Despite being stronger than average, he wanted to ground himself and see himself on the same level as any other person, since the second he sees himself as above others, the second he would fail himself in spirit.

---

PL: 8,000

WC: 263
TWC: 1,023

Toki remained quiet as Fukushu spoke. He understood where he was coming from, and why this sort of thing might be frustrating. All he could do was give him his full attention. Once Fukushu was done speaking, Toki looked down at his sword and thought of his father. "Hm..." He sighed as he thought about what to say. He didn't know if there was anything he could say that would be satisfactory for him.

"Can one person stem the tide of all evil in existence? Should one person shoulder all of that on their own? I don't believe so. Don't get me wrong. I find evil beings to be truly awful and the reason I'm on this journey is to gain the strength needed to protect myself and others from such threats. I do not hold that responsibility above others, however. If someone wants to live a quiet, peaceful life, that's their choice. To pull them away from their own happiness and comfort for what you perceive as inaction isn't the right answer. Find other people who are willing to fight alongside you instead."

He sighed heavily "Forgive the lecture. It's not what you need to hear and likely not helpful." He said as he rubbed the back of his head. "If you want to fight Kamae again, then take care of your body, allow it to grow stronger through both training and rest. Without rest, you'll just collapse before you reach the summit, so to speak. Evil beings who harm innocents and cause destruction must be fought. I will not argue that. I'm simply saying that there are those who will fight, and those who just want to look out for their homes. There's nothing wrong with that."

"About Kamae...you overestimate him if he's truly as wicked as you say. While physically he may be able to overpower the likes of you and me now, he's still weak in my eyes. You say at least he uses what he has...no. It does not work like that to me. He abuses his power to hurt others. That is not strength, and to consider it such is nothing short of ignorance of what what it means to be strong."

----

PL: 8,000

WC: 370
TWC: 1,393

"Exactly." Was the beginning of Toki's retort as he stood up alongside Fukushu. "Power is the same until someone decides to use it, but to use it for destruction and slaughter is weakness of the spirit. I know I'm just speaking pretty words and who knows, maybe I'm in the wrong." He said matter of factly.

He stared back at the man, expression calm but eyes fierce as he thought about what to say. "I'm not strong enough yet. Who's to say I ever will be, but I will become strong. I will protect others to the best of my ability and do what I can against the evils of the world."

He looked to his sword "My father was a warrior of a world called Konats. He suffered an injury here on Earth that forced him to retire...he and my mother encouraged me to take on the various traditions of my hometown and train in martial arts to protect people just as my father did...with this sword, and my own fists. If people want to fight alongside me, I will let them. If they want to seek shelter and safety, then that is their right."

"You said it was our duty to fight against evil beings like Kamae. I agree that those like Kamae must be stopped, especially if they're as vile as you describe. I will never say that someone like that should be allowed to roam free. On that, we agree."

He sighed as he turned away "I apologize if I've offended you in any way. I don't mean to make light of your struggles, or what it is you wish to do. I will leave if you would rather this conversation end. You have your path, I have mine, and I shall respect it."

----

PL: 8,000

WC: 300
TWC: 1,693

Toki closed his eyes and sighed heavily. He wasn't frustrated with Fukushu, more with himself that he couldn't do more. The frigid winds began to kick up slightly...it was time for both of them to go. Fukushu had made up his mind and was leaving, but not without some parting words.

Toki smiled softly. "And I won't change your mind either. That's fine. Everyone won't agree on everything, that's just a fact of life. I hope your training goes well too so that you may accomplish what it is you want to." He began to walk away. He wouldn't say this next part out loud, but he had his own thoughts on the responsibility of the strong. The strong protect and nurture those who have yet to find their own strength, whatever that may be. Strength comes in many forms, after all.

He pulled out his flute and began to play during his journey out of the frigid lands. Perhaps they'll meet again. Will they be under better, or worse circumstances? Only time would tell, but he truly did wish for the best for the man. Perhaps Earth didn't have as many heroes as he hoped. In that case, that just meant he had to get stronger. Until more heroes rose up, he would do his best to become strong enough to hold the line.

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Exit

PL: 8,000
WC: 226
TWC: 1,919