Raging Fenrir

Rurouni Kenshin - Stand of the Shinsengumi

Haruka furrowed her brow at the disgusting samurai's suggestive comment. It was something she had to deal with a lot as a female swordsman so it didn't get under her skin, but she pitied the women who didn't have the skill to chop a man like him to bits. However, she noticed a second man coming at her from the side and braced herself for defense. She took a deep breath and focused. Even for her, being outnumbered was nothing to take lightly. She grabbed her scabbard with her left hand and used it to block the sai thrust, then brought her blade up to block the second man's attack. She grit her teeth, the force of the blows making her arms shutter. She wouldn't be able to hold them both off for long.

She stepped in towards the swordsman, hooked her leg around his, and pushed with everything she had. She tripped him and caused him to fall backwards, which would give her enough time to deal with the sigh wielder. A slash would be a mistake; sais were made specifically to parry such attacks. So, she responded to he lunge with a thrust of her own, aimed directly at his chest. Even if he moved to parry, her blade would still slip through the prongs of the sai, dealing at least a glancing blow. She would then take a step back to reassess the situation.

Rurouni Kenshin - Stand of the Shinsengumi

Haruka's hand reflexively went to the hilt of her blade when she heard the commotion. This rowdy group of samurai did nothing to keep their allegiance secret. That was their first mistake. Their second was drawing their blades against Haruka. "Well, it looks like we'll get to spill some Imperial blood after all," she said as she drew her blade in a smooth, practiced motion. The scrape of metal against the sheath was barely audible. "You call us dogs, yet you're the ones yapping." She didn't seem concerned that she was outnumbered. She had one ally with her, so if he could hold his own, she was certain they could take out a few reckless swordsman.

However, when the officer offered his assistance, her eyes darted towards him and she frowned nervously. He was a completely unknown entity. She didn't doubt his loyalty, but she had no idea how he would act, and was not bound to her chain of command as was Ryuga. On the other hand, he was a brave fighter risking his life for their cause. It would be disgraceful for both of them if she denied his help. So, she gave him a small nod. "Prioritize civilians," she said. "If any get too close, order them inside. The enemy may use them against us." If nothing else, it would be good to have a set of eyes protecting the innocents. But now, she needed to focus on her enemy.

Her eyes scanned her opponents. One stepped forward first to attack. She saw how he gripped the blade, the angle of his wrists, the twitching of his shoulders. It was such a predictable attack, and she stepped out of the way of the blade before it even began to fall. Her response was swift and lethal. A diagonal slash down from his neck to his abdomen. The blade slashed a notch through his collar bone and left a deep crimson gash. There was no flourish, no exotic techniques. But the man fell back and died soon after.

Rurouni Kenshin - Stand of the Shinsengumi

I'll have a post up tonight or tomorrow.

Rurouni Kenshin - Stand of the Shinsengumi

Haruka's eyes narrowed slightly when Ryuga spoke to her, but otherwise her expression remained stoic. "I would, indeed, enjoy spilling the blood of a few Western Dogs, and perhaps if any slip past Fujimaru we'll be able to indulge. However..." She took a breath and her expression softened. "Emotions must be tempered by judgement. Ensuring that none of the dogs escape is an important job. You may not find it glorious, but glory is irrelevant. We are Shinsengumi, and we will stop the Imperials at every turn. To further that end, I will lend my talents to this task with you." She stood by her reasoning that experienced eyes would be useful on the outside as well. She knew there would be more chances to directly fight the imperials. For now, she was content to do her job. And if Nagatoki is deemed better suited to this position, then so be it. I did not join the Shinsengumi for lofty titles.

@Shiyonichi

Rurouni Kenshin - Stand of the Shinsengumi

gonna try to get a reply up either today or tomorrow.

Rurouni Kenshin - Stand of the Shinsengumi

Haruka marched in perfect time with the Shinsengumi, her posture erect, her hands folded in the sleeves of her robes. Even as the police and merchants bowed to the group, she kept her gaze fixed straight ahead. It was not for pride or a sense of condescension, but merely the Samurai tradition. She respected and cared for these people, and so she would be the Samurai they deserved protecting them. That meant she would not meet their gaze as she marched. The group came to a halt and she stood beside the Captain as he asked for volunteers to keep watch for any escaping targets.

Her stern expression faltered when Ryuga volunteered. What little she had seen of his swordsmanship was less than impressive, and though she didn't doubt his loyalty, his discipline was certainly lacking. However, his willingness to take initiative was admirable, so she felt it would do no harm to give him a chance to prove himself. She looked at Ryuga and gave him a nod. "Captain, I think we should let him take watch, she said to Fujimaru. "I will remain with him and supervise. This way, we can have experienced eyes both inside and outside the building." With that she began to walk towards Ryuga, but then stopped dead in her tracks when the next member spoke.

Haruka did not think highly of Toki, but kept most of her complaints about the man to herself more to protect the dignity of the Shinsengumi than out of any form of courtesy for the man. She struggled to maintain her stoic expression when he volunteered, but ultimately pursed her lips uncomfortably. She gave Fujimaru an uneasy look, but again, held her tongue. She would not speak ill of comrade out in the open like this, but it would be easy to see that she didn't like the idea of a ruffian like him being in charge of anything. "If you do carry out this task, Yamato-san," she began in a stern, but politely formal voice, "Then you must not forget the colors you are wearing. The people will see the same colors when they look at any of us." Hopefully her words were clear enough for a ruffian like him to understand.

Supernatural Arranged Marriage

Looks cool. Hopefully we'll get some more bites.

getting into casual stuff- closed

@VampiretwilightDefinitely casual. One-liners are no fun.

getting into casual stuff- closed

@Vampiretwilight Could be fun as a group. Adds more drama that way. Maybe even combine it with the party setting if the group is big enough.

getting into casual stuff- closed

I like the supernatural arranged marriage idea. I'd like to join in that one.