Legend of the Dragon Mirrors (IC) (Private)

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Open wide the door of heaven!
On a black cloud I ride in splendour,
Bidding the whirlwind drive before me,
Causing the rainstorm to lay the dust.
- Ch'u Yuan, c. 200 BCE


Hu Chao moutains were one of the most famous places in Longzaru to travel through. Many towering pillars made of quartz sandstones climbed high into the sky, looming over the lush wet forests below. Pathways wove through the pillars, worn down by many travelers wanting to see the white pillars before moving onward through Longzaru. An occasional pond or creek broke up the undergrowth and pathways winding through the woods.

There was an uneasiness in the air, as many provinces in Longzaru were poised to go to war. There seemed to be something else that was wrong, rumours of dark powers that originated from desert lands to the east, where not a single tree could be found. But in a place like Hu Chao, one could forget their troubles for a while.

A man strode through the trees, stopping occsaionally to admire the quartz pillars or to peer into a creek. He was tall, but lean and a little on the thin side, wearing many layers of patterned robes that were bronze and cream in colour. He also wore a particularily eye-catching scarf around his head, bright blue and gold, with a large patch of his hair sticking out of the back of the makeshift turban like a horse's mane. The head wrap also came down over one eye, covering a part of his rather fox-like face. Though relaxed, there was an air of mischeif in his one visible eye, grinning open-mouthed and toothy over a chin covered in playful stubble. Less mischevious, at his side, were a pair of rather long, gently curved s-shaped swords.

[Silent Assassin]

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Omashu, a humble kingdom -- neither too powerful, nor easily bested in conquest -- was one of these provinces with higher-than-average military readiness. The people were so used to seeing soldiers patrolling their streets, the wonder of imminent conflict with the other provinces or kingdoms became a question of when rather than if. It's lovely architecture and culture granted it the favour (and currencies) of many tourists every year, and that amount nearly tripled during its Lotus Fair. Omashu had potential, but too many things held it back from becoming a great hegemony like the Imperial Dynasty of Wu -- the governing kingdom in the Northern Province.

Some blame the lax attitude toward criminals, and think the soldiers spend too much time snatching thieves instead of expanding Omashu's borders. Its theocratic conservative culture also doesn't help, and Priestess Oma will have no "heresy" within her borders during her reign. However, even the Great Priestess couldn't be everywhere at once, which meant that on this day, little Leifang would be able to slip past the border patrol easily and leave Omashu, getting up to her usual mischief. Her usual activity? Meeting with the Metal Hermit, and sharpening her skills before heading towards Hu Chao.

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It would not be a normal day for Leifang if what she saw was indeed true.

In the distance, she could see the white pillars of Hu Chao, the tiger's claws reaching toward the sky. It wouldn't be the only think in the sky today, though. It was difficult to miss the oddity. With a yell, a person-shaped blob sailed through the sky, body outstretched like a cat or a weasel. The screaming continued before the figure crashed down into the trees. If were any other day, the little fighter could just move onward and forget such a thing happened. Yet, the... thing arced high over where Metal Hermit lived.

[Silent Assassin]

Leifang stopped for a split second, confused and curious. As far as she knew, the Metal Hermit would only train her. Hell, she was probably the only one who knew he existed! But then, why was a flying...thing, hovering near where her sifu lived? Well, she would find out as her stride resumed and gained in speed. Faster, faster, until she broke out into a sprint. She hadn't fully mastered the Swiftwind Step technique nor the Footwood variant that would allow her to traverse large measures of distance using the trees, much like the legendary Tengu who are said to have warred with Omashu long ago. Hopefully, whoever it was hanging around her teacher's home wasn't a bandit, though she knew he wouldn't have too much trouble dealing with a common ruffian, despite his age.

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After hearing tree branches shatter on impact, she'd hear him hit the ground a short distance away from her sifu's home. At least it sounded like the Metal Hermit wasn't in any real danger. Before the front of her sifu's humble home, she'd see a rather rowdy-looking tramp lying face down in the dirt. He didn't look much older than she, so if need be, combat would likely be swift and in her favor.

[Silent Assassin]

Leifang arrived just in time to see the Metal hermit's home was rather unmolested, but that there was some sort of vagabond sprawled out flatly, kissing the earth. Oh! Of course! It was a trap. The hermit would leave his abode to find an unresponsive person lying on his property, and when he tried to aid the stranger -- BOOM! He'd be attacked and robbed! Now, she thought, was the time to strike!

"Hidden Art: Cuffs of Binding!" she cried, as her hands became encased with steel after she smashed them into the ground. Moments later, the steel cases would fly towards the stranger and bind his hands. Only a truly skilled artist would be able to break free, and even then, Leifang was already upon him. Rather than chime in with something cheesy like "Don't move, criminal or I'll end you!", she chose to wait silently. She crouched behind some rocks, expecting the kid to be dazed after his trap was found out.

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It seemed that the ruffian was dazed as he was detained rather easily, arms shackled at the small of his back. He was covered in leaves and dirt from his incredible fall, surrounded by a few broken branches and stones. "Ow." He drew his foal-like legs up under him, then arched his back, and wormed his way to a sitting up position. "Old man... hits like a bear... " He attempted to look around, the scarf about his head having come a little loose and fallen around both of his eyes. He shook his shaggy head in an attempt to dislodge the cloth that obscured his vision. He then raised his voice. "Oh yeah, old man?! I didn't want to enter your place anyway! It looks like a dump!"

He sat there, waiting for a reply. When didn't receive one, he rolled back on his behind.

"Alright," He called out, before letting out a winded cough. "I heard you call out, where are you? Can you undo these?" After shouting, he drew his mouth in a straight line.

[Silent Assassin]

Leifang emerged slowly from her hiding spot, her small frame inching towards the criminal. "Get that stupid look off your face!" she spat. Before ranting, her memory reminded her that this fellow said something about the Metal Hermit hitting like a bear. "And you attacked my Sifu! Then you insult his dojo!" The guy didn't look like an Omashite, or even like anyone from the Blessed Continent. Lerifang had heard stories of the Far Lands, where great nations of sand merchants lived, selling their wares and generally living in peace. But was this guy from the Far Lands? Were they even real?

"I will undo the restraints", she said flatly. With an odd hand sign, the metal cuffs melted into a liquid and seeped into the earth, where it would be absorbed by the terrain and rejoin the earth's foundation. "Where I will send you, no restraints will be needed. You'll get a ten second head start, criminal."

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He gingerly rubbed his wrists, before reaching up and re-tying his head scarf, listening to her words. After her threat, he shot up to a standing position. Though he seemed young, he was rather tall and awkward looking, with spidery limbs.

"Criminal!" He spat in a scandalized tone, one of his hands gingerly going to his chest, pressing against it. "I didn't attack anybody, I was simply asking harmless questions! I perhaps, got a little too hands-on, when your sifu punched me." His Longzarian dialect was a little shaky, tainted with a strange accent that accentuated his vowels. He didn't seem to know what sifu meant either, pronouncing it 'shee-foo'.

"I am a simple traveler looking for fortune, nothing more!" He waggled a finger in her face.

[Silent Assassin]

What was this guy's deal? All Leifang wanted to do was spend time with her sifu. She was starting to worry that he might be in danger since he'd show up by now. Two screaming youths outside of his house? That's enough to wake anyone up! So, Leifang was somewhat correct. The Far Lands could be real or fake, but this fool was definitely not from the neighbourhood! He pretty much confirmed his status as 'criminal' once he said he was a simple traveller looking for fortune. That's what bandits do! They travel from forest to forest, setting up traps, and setting upon unsuspecting travellers. If he was, in fact, a peaceful traveller, he'd know how to pronounce sifu properly, since the Martial Way was pretty well-known all over Longzaru, at least on the Blessed Continent.

This is going to be the best practice I've had in a long time! Wasting no time and ignoring the patronising finger the bandit waged in her face, Leifang's fists curled and began shaking. "Ironstrider Style: Twin Piston Punch!" Both her fists would introduce themselves to the criminal's stomach, knocking the wind out of him and sending him back a few yards, knocking over several trees before he slid to a halt on the unforgiving forest gound.

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She'd likely see his one visible eye flicker in surprise when she punched him, before followed by a sharp exhale when he was viciously winded. He skidded through the undergrowth, breaking more tree branches and coming to a stop in a clump of bushes. He groaned, then he stood up, facing away from her. He gave quick glance to each side, before realizing she was behind him. His arms were outstretched, fingers splayed.

"Don't hit me like that!" He half-shouted, half-pleaded. "I need help, okay? I'm just asking around."

[Silent Assassin]

Leifang folded her arms, a look of indifference painted on her face. "I'll hit you how and as much as I please! No criminal -- and a foreigner at that -- has any stock in giving me commands! Now", her expression loosened only slightly as she stepped towards her new punching bag, "tell me what you came to steal, and maybe I'll care enough to ask what you need 'help' with." The teen Omashite didn't give this foreigner's "help" bit much weight. Still, she was curious, and decided that she would ask whether she had to pummel him or not, though he wouldn't know this.

"I'm waiting, thief. Ten seconds, or I continue my martial training...on you."

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"Hey! Okay." He put his hands up in a bit of a surrender. "I'm looking for... the dragon mirrors. I'm not stealing a thing, unless you have them. I need to help my homeland. We're in trouble." He said in a pleading tone, his one eye going wide and shiny. "I have no direction. And I need..." He got down on his knees, hands clasped together. He scooted up to her, giving her a large puppy dog stare. "A miracle!" He raised his hands over his head a moment later.

"Don't hit me again!"

[Silent Assassin]

The...Dragon Mirrors? That rang a bell in Leifang's head, but slightly. She remembered the Metal Hermit telling her stories of powerful artefacts that men would kill for. Objects that the gods scattered across Longzaru, hiding them from its people. Or so it is said, anyway. Leifang didn't care much, since these stories didn't involve her punching anything or anyone. But today was looking up -- she was given a living, breathing punching bag! "I'll give you direction. Back from whence you came!"

"Wait!"

Leifang's fist stopped mid-throw, before turning to see who gave her a command. It was none other than her sifu, the Metal Hermit. Creator of the Bronze God Body technique! "Um...sifu!" she began, a bit surprised. "I-I was just apprehending this filth for banditry!"

The Metal Hermit sighed. He stroked his long, grey beard before slowly striding towards the two youths. "No, my child. A fool he is surely, but a bandit he is not." His eyes were closed, and he kept one hand behind his back. "You", this time addressing the thief in need of a 'miracle', "why do you speak so casually of the Dragon Mirrors? Why do you seek them?" Leifang wanted to protest, but she respected the Hermit, and would not speak out or over him when he is addressing someone else.

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When she reeled back to hit him again, his hand actually went and curled around the grip of his sword, seconds away from being drawn - when the teacher called out, he jerked his arm and sloppily slid the blade back to its housing. He got back to his feet when the old man approached, clasping his hands together and going for that 'cute' look again, widening his eye.

"I come from lands far to the east," He explained, looking over at the hermit. "There've been whispers of evil in the air. There have been rumours that a cult along Longzaru has wanted to grant an evil god from my own homeland more power. They plot to block out the sun, and destroy my people. But it's not just my homeland, it's all of Longzaru." He gesticulated around him, curling in his fingers into resemble claws, sweeping his hand through the air to create the motions of flowing air currents.

All of a sudden, his excitable, casual air was gone. He cast his gaze downward, crestfallen. His arms hung limply at his sides.

"Nobody will believe a bandit. And I only have a bandit's way of getting things done."

[Silent Assassin]

The Metal Hermit resumed stroking his beard. "You said you hail from eastern lands?" His interest was piqued now. Eastern lands with nations who lived in deserts -- on the sand's surface and even below it. Great merchants who travelled in caravans full of goods and wares to be exchanged for the right price. But as far as the Hermit knew, "The Martial Way has no grasp in the east." He finished his own thought before continuing. "And what assurance do I have that you aren't a member of this cult playing pretend with me? The Dragon Mirrors were hidden for a reason, stranger. Perhaps I was a bit excessive in my clash with you earlier. I seem to have knocked loose your sense of...well, sense. See a physician."

Before the Hermit disappeared with a silent Leifang, he looked over his shoulder at the bandit. "You say that you only have a bandit's way of getting things done. Perhaps you might find a different experience in the Martial Way. Seek a teacher, and turn over a new leaf. Then, abandon your delusions regarding the Dragon Mirrors."

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His eye wavered left and right in thought as the hermit spoke, listening intently. His quiet, sad air didn't disappear as he took in the words. He seemed to know that they were judging him - many people not from the east knew only merchants and sand from his own homeland.

"Can you teach me then?" He called out to the shack, cupping a hand around his mouth to amplify his voice through the hermit's humble walls.

[Silent Assassin]

Of course, Leifang was the first to open her mouth, taking advantage of this prime opportunity to tease the fool who dared ask to become a novice Ironstrider. She nearly phased through the walls of the Hermit's home, rushing out to yammer at the stranger so quickly. "And why would my sifu teach you? You're not only a thief, and a cur, you're also not even from Omashu or anywhere on the Blessed Continent. You know not our ways, and you're not even on the right side. You want the Dragon-thingies so you can steal from everyone without incident!" These sentences would come out in a rapid-fire fashion. It would take the stranger a little while to get his wits about him and reply. The Hermit was indeed listening, but remained in his abode, sitting in the lotus position sipping his herbal tea, while the conversation between the teens continued.

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As she spoke, the youngster was undoing his shabby coat, removing it. Calmly, he turned it inside-out, showing that the inner lining of his overcoat was rather dark. He also pulled his head-scarf down and tied it around his waist, making his long coat look more like a gi. His shaggy hair fell over both of his eyes, though, obscuring them both.

"I was asking your sifu, miss." He said in an overly-curt tone. He was undoing the sash that held his swords to his side next.

[Silent Assassin]

Leifang grit(ed) her teeth, glaring at the stranger before her master re-emerged from his home. He sat down, lotus style, and sipped his tea, his eyes half-closed. He sipped it thoughtfully, savouring the goodness before letting it slide down his throat. "Why should I teach a foreigner who is not only in an...unsavoury line of work, but also has no concept of the Martial Way?"

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"It's my resolve to save the lands." He straightened up, puffing up his chest with pride. "I may not know the Martial Way, and I'm not from around here, and I'm nobody important. But sometimes, we all have to do the right thing, right? You're right, maybe the Martial Way can help." He tried, before his posture sank, and he folded his hands humbly.

"If you won't help me, I'll just move on. I'm used to it." He said, turning to go.

[Silent Assassin]

"It's not like we're going to stop you! Go!" Leifang...AGAIN. Her sifu, however, finished his tea, and made a loud "hmm" sound before the stranger began walking away.

"Wait", he commanded. "Join me in a short match." The Hermit stood up slowly. "Leifang, you will be the overseer. Consider this today's lesson." Taking his iconic fighting stance, the Metal Hermit, for the first time in 20 years, would have a proper bout. "Come, child."

Rolling her eyes and scoffing, Leifang stepped a few feet away from the Hermit. This...this cur? "En garde. Get ready. Engage!"

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The boy turned toward them when he was adressed, and when he saw the Metal Hermit take his stance, he perked up slightly in surprise. "Thank you," He nodded, before sliding into a stance of his own. He brought his body somewhat lower, sweeping one leg in a semi-circle and fencing it behind him. While it was obvious the foriegner did not know The Way, he seemed to know something.

"Ze gahvāre tā gur dāneš bejuy," He drew one of his arms up, speaking the language of the desert, which sounded fluid, yet harsh. He jumped forward, halving the distance between him and the sifu in a single hop. With another, he ducked low and swept his leg along the hermit's ankles.

[Silent Assassin]

"Ah. Don't thank me just yet, my child. I am undecided as far as taking you on as a pupil is concerned. Now...we begin!" The Metal Hermit's upper body defined itself as it developed strong and prominent muscles. Pectorals, abdominals, biceps, triceps. He looked like a whole new man!

The old man was half-surprised when the bandit made his move. Whatever technique he used to close the distance in a single motion was called in...wherever he was from, the Metal Hermit knew it was a variation of the Swiftwind Step. Not exactly impressive, but he'll get note for effort. He didn't dare get lost in his thoughts, since the bandit was now upon him and attempted a low sweep. Ah. Typical. He let the bandit's leg connect with his own, a smirk appearing on his face after he did this. "Tsk." With the boy now within reach, the Metal Hermit delivered a swift punch to his stomach. Being aware of how hard he hit before, it would be no surprise when the bandit found himself skidding to a halt some yards away.

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It seemed after the first couple hits, the stranger was ready for this one. He took the blow head-on, but skidded on his feet, kicking up clouds of dust as he slid backward toward a tree.

At the last second, he kicked off the tree trunk and something in the air seemed to shift. He left a small crater of splintered wood in the bark of the tree where the pad of his foot connected with it.

"Māsero neshān bedeh!" He jumped forward with even more momentum than before - matching the speed the metal hermit had sent him sailing backward - this time taking a flying kick. It would connect with the sifu's torso with a great amount of force; the same amount he had used to hit the boy.

[Silent Assassin]

Not so fast, boy. The Metal Hermit was ready for him. He expected the boy to reverse the momentum and use it in his favour. But his leg would do no damage, because... "Ironstrider Style: Bronze God Body!" The point of impact for the boy's foot would turn to bronze, and then expand all over the Hermit's body. This was the famous Body of the Bronze God technique, one of three brothers who were part of the Metal Clan, a sect of artists who commanded various metals and even the element of Earth. "I was hoping to avoid using this technique so early. But alas. I wasn't going to be able to brace that kick without the Bronze Body at my age! Heh. Earth Art: Tears of the Mountains!" With a deliberate slam on the ground in front of the boy with a balled fist, the Metal Hermit would jump back some feet after a few seconds. Then, bits of rock would fall from the pillars above the two as if they were drops of rain.

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He landed on his back, arms and legs curled in slightly, like a dead insect. He crossed his arms in front of him, as if his gangly limbs would sheild him from the falling stones.

"Ahura!" He called out, shutting his eyes.
Something happened - from the boy's shoulder, a glowing, transparent shaft of light snaked out. It reached far, grabbing one of the boy's swords and with a hiss, slid it out of its housing. With a silvered flash, the sword danced through the air, slicing the rocks in half with little effort. Even the bandit seemed to be surprised at the turn of events, frozen, eyes shut, bracing himself.

[Silent Assassin]

Leifang's eyes widened, her jaw nearly introducing itself to the floor. Why hasn't he taught me that technique yet, she demanded internally. She thought the Metal Hermit had the boy on the ropes with that last attack, but the stranger from the east had a few noteworthy abilities of his own. What the--what style is that?

The incorporeal snake that saved the bandit surprised the Hermit as well, though he was more curious about this ability than in fear of it. Once the rocky rain ceased, he scratched his head in a slight stupor mixed with curiosity. Like a child seeing a strange animal for the first time. "What was that, bandit? A new art? Did you cultivate your spirit into your sword? I'll admit, I'm impressed. I didn't think you had any concept of the Way. Even Leifang hasn't reached the cultivation stage yet." That remark earned the Hermit a death glare from his female pupil. "Oh. Sorry Leifang." So, the lands to the east have something to offer. I see. It's been ages since I've had a worthy opponent!

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The sword dropped to the crowd with a light clatter, the tendrils of light disappearing as soon as they came. The boy's eyes opened when he was addressed, and he sat up quickly.

"It's not the Way," He reached to his torso, ruffling his own clothes, sounding a little distressed. He reached down and grabbed the handle of his sword. He kept his eyes on the sifu. "Uh-uhm," He nervously stumbled to to the sheath for his sword, then sheathed it - though it took the boy two tries. "Are we still sparring?"

[Silent Assassin]

The Metal Hermit arched an eyebrow, then stroked his beard for a few moments. "Then if it is not the Way, what is it? Chi? Even the greatest of cultivators and artists only had but so many Chi techniques, and I've not seen a technique like that in all my years as a student of the Arts. Perhaps an illusion from your sand-kin?"

"It's probably one of his thief techniques, sifu." Leifang spat. "Oh well, I guess that means we have to get rid of him. I'll do the honours!"

"Wait, Leifang!" Her sifu ordered, making her stop so fast there was a slight lurch in her feet. "The fight is not over. This match will continue! Metal Art: Iron Flurry!" With a deep inhale, a few seconds of holding, and a dramatic exhale, the Metal Hermit's mouth produced hundreds of tiny iron pellets, all headed for the confused sand-dweller.

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The boy drew his sword again just as he had finished putting it down. It was obvious he felt the pressure from the fight, his face was covered with a light sheen of sweat, and his birdlike chest heaved with effort. He hopped back, brandishing the blade, when like before the tendril of light sprouted from the thief's shoulder, gripping the handle. It instead of slicing the bullets, it made a circular motion, projecting a disc of light that stopped most of the pellets.

[Silent Assassin]

"Seriously! What sorcery are you using, cur!?" Leifang demanded. "And don't lie this time or I'm going to hit you. Hard."

"You heard my pupil, traveller. You aren't fluent in the Way, despite having basic and, quite impressive technique for a vagabond. Only cultivators posses such talents to manipulate the ethereal energies. Before we continue, erase the delusion of this mystery. Where do you learn this Art from?" Despite his impressed state, the Hermit was not about to let this guy get his goat. Definitely not before the match was won.

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"I'm..." He lowered his sword arm. "I'm the son of a prestigious person back in my homeland. That's how this comes through me." He explained, as the projected disc of light disappeared, dropping the stones to the ground. "I can't control it. That's why I need a better teacher!" He explained, his gaze becoming more intense as he explained. It seemed he wasn't lying, his chest heaving from restraining his emotions.

[Silent Assassin]

"And what would you have me teach you, exactly? The Way is not an easy path on which to journey, and know not if you are even compatible with the Way." That was true. The Metal Hermit's best martial years were behind him, and becoming a cultivator was a serious effort that took discipline and devotion to study to gain rank in. In all his years, he has only touched the mid-level stages of the Way. Though his ability was impressive, the hermit knew he had much more to work on, but would fall short of this in his old age.

"Wait. Tell me about your homeland and its people."

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The boy straightened up, the very tip of the blade he held lightly raking the dirt.
"I've not been home in a while." He admitted. "The way of the desert is very different than it is here. But I see where our homes are similar, too. Light and dark, heat and cold, are one and the same, and yet different, together. That The Way that I understand here. It's the same back in the sand." He spoke very different, every evently, eloquently. If he was the son of someone presigious, his diction seemed to indicate so. He had completely dropped the casual, indirect tone from earlier.

"I can't do anything on my own any more. That's why I'm here."