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thebastion2014-03-18 02:10 am
windgod) wrote in thebastion2014-03-18 02:10 am
Entry tags:
Day 169 - Respites and Reflections [Open]
Who: Ippo and anyone who happens to stumble across him
Open: Open
When: Day 169
Where: The Onsen
What: After all this sadness and general bad feelings, Ippo needs a relaxing break.
Format: Any
Warnings: Shirtlessness and General Onsen Shenanigans
[Ippo had taken some time to himself after Night's funeral; a little bit to cry and get his emotions out, but mostly just to reflect on the things he'd learned as he attempted to focus his mind towards the future. As it stood right now, there were so many questions and unknowns he couldn't put answers to, every day here was like living on the edge of a sheer cliff with no way of knowing what was around the next bend; no matter how hard he tried to cut things down into more manageable goals, he always ended more overwhelmed than when he'd started. Tonight was no exception as he laid on the floor of his apartment, staring idly at the ceiling as he tried to calm the swirl of thoughts in his head.]
Tch...this isn't working. I need to relax...I'm way too tense right now.
[He muttered under his breath as he finally stood up, his restlessness finally getting the better of him as he put on his hoodie and made his way outside. The sun was in the process of setting at the moment and the air was brisk enough to send a cooling wind to play across his messy hair; he might have to ask someone around if they knew anything about cutting hair...it was starting to get so long and shaggy it was beginning to obscure his vision. At the very least being outside seemed to brighten his mood somewhat as he smiled and pushed his hair back as he began to jog; he didn't really have anywhere in mind to go until he spotted the onsen in front of him...maybe a nice relaxing dip would do him good, the air was cool enough that it'd feel nice and it might just take care of the tension he'd been feeling.
At the very least it couldn't hurt, so with a small nod to himself, Ippo made his way over to the building. It didn't take him long to get changed into his towel and once he was inside the actual onsen area, he was already beginning to feel it's calming effects; it was a wonder he'd never been here before...but with all the extra training he'd been putting himself through, he'd almost forgotten it was here. With everyone off doing their own thing, he wasn't surprised to find the onsen vacant and the curtains between the sides not drawn, so he took a step forward without concern and gazed into the calm, steaming water; for the first time in a while finally getting a good look at his own reflection in the still pool.
He looked...bigger than he remembered, his muscles compact yet bulging prominently against his skin; the more he flexed, the bigger they seemed to become, he almost reminded himself of Takamura-san like this. His face had taken on a sharper shape to his cheekbones and jaw; likely a result of his change in diet and constant activity, he was definitely starting to look more and more like a man now that he thought about it. He still had a long ways left to go before he could truly call himself as such, but with the help of his friends and his own desire to get better, he had a feeling that he might just be able to reach that goal someday. He was so lost in thought and his own image that if anyone decided to drop in to the onsen, all they'd see was a very muscular boy with messy hair staring absentmindedly at the water; good thing no one else was bound to come here...right?]
Of course not, no one gets off that easy around here. XDc Feel free to drop in and embarrass the poor boy into next week.
Open: Open
When: Day 169
Where: The Onsen
What: After all this sadness and general bad feelings, Ippo needs a relaxing break.
Format: Any
Warnings: Shirtlessness and General Onsen Shenanigans
[Ippo had taken some time to himself after Night's funeral; a little bit to cry and get his emotions out, but mostly just to reflect on the things he'd learned as he attempted to focus his mind towards the future. As it stood right now, there were so many questions and unknowns he couldn't put answers to, every day here was like living on the edge of a sheer cliff with no way of knowing what was around the next bend; no matter how hard he tried to cut things down into more manageable goals, he always ended more overwhelmed than when he'd started. Tonight was no exception as he laid on the floor of his apartment, staring idly at the ceiling as he tried to calm the swirl of thoughts in his head.]
Tch...this isn't working. I need to relax...I'm way too tense right now.
[He muttered under his breath as he finally stood up, his restlessness finally getting the better of him as he put on his hoodie and made his way outside. The sun was in the process of setting at the moment and the air was brisk enough to send a cooling wind to play across his messy hair; he might have to ask someone around if they knew anything about cutting hair...it was starting to get so long and shaggy it was beginning to obscure his vision. At the very least being outside seemed to brighten his mood somewhat as he smiled and pushed his hair back as he began to jog; he didn't really have anywhere in mind to go until he spotted the onsen in front of him...maybe a nice relaxing dip would do him good, the air was cool enough that it'd feel nice and it might just take care of the tension he'd been feeling.
At the very least it couldn't hurt, so with a small nod to himself, Ippo made his way over to the building. It didn't take him long to get changed into his towel and once he was inside the actual onsen area, he was already beginning to feel it's calming effects; it was a wonder he'd never been here before...but with all the extra training he'd been putting himself through, he'd almost forgotten it was here. With everyone off doing their own thing, he wasn't surprised to find the onsen vacant and the curtains between the sides not drawn, so he took a step forward without concern and gazed into the calm, steaming water; for the first time in a while finally getting a good look at his own reflection in the still pool.
He looked...bigger than he remembered, his muscles compact yet bulging prominently against his skin; the more he flexed, the bigger they seemed to become, he almost reminded himself of Takamura-san like this. His face had taken on a sharper shape to his cheekbones and jaw; likely a result of his change in diet and constant activity, he was definitely starting to look more and more like a man now that he thought about it. He still had a long ways left to go before he could truly call himself as such, but with the help of his friends and his own desire to get better, he had a feeling that he might just be able to reach that goal someday. He was so lost in thought and his own image that if anyone decided to drop in to the onsen, all they'd see was a very muscular boy with messy hair staring absentmindedly at the water; good thing no one else was bound to come here...right?]
no subject
I know what you mean. That's the only reason I started using my power, I wanted to protect someone important to me. That's not a fight you have to take on alone, Ippo. We're all in this together. After seeing you out there, I think you're someone I would like having as a friend. We're a bit alike, I guess.
[For all the good it did him now, or at least he felt that pang of regret.]
I don't mind telling you. I would rather someone else know about the innocence of my people.
[He's quiet for a moment, letting his body sink a little deeper into the water. Beneath all the armor and height raising boots, Ryu is actually pretty small for a fighter.]
It was a war that happened years ago. Myria feared the power of the Brood and decided to wipe them out in some fearful attempt to protect mankind. If we had fought back, then the world would have been destroyed. Instead they either died, or gave up their powers and went into hiding. They spent four hundred years waiting for me to wake up, for their Prince of Dragons to come in and defeat the Goddess that had caused a great deal of bloodshed to the world.
[He shakes his head, eyes turned downward and gazing into the water.]
You know Ryu... I mean, the other Ryu, right? Elder Jono told me a story that I wouldn't have been the first from the Brood to fight her. I saw a mural of that warrior from the past, and I thought the Ryu here might have been him, but... We still don't know how the two of us are connected, if we are at all. It's a weird mystery.
[He lifts his gaze and glances over at Ippo.]
What about you? I haven't seen someone throw a punch like that since I met an old sailor named Zig.
no subject
It was the sheer horror and magnitude...the fact that Ryu had suffered so much because of things that had happened before he was even born, it was a lot to take in.]
I'm...sorry Ryu, that sounds horrible... I can understand why you'd feel the need to fight her like that. I don't know much about the other Ryu either...maybe you're like...ancestors or something?
[He'd seen stranger things here, to that at least he wouldn't be surprised. He would have continued, but Ryu's question about him caught him off guard...he hadn't expected this to turn into something about him]
Oh...me? Well...I was bullied a lot in school until I met my friend Takamura-san. I saw him handle my bullies without even beating them up...just snatched the buttons off their jackets before I could even blink! Seeing that...it made me think. About what I wanted in my life that I didn't have I mean.
[Ippo's eyes glazed over as he relived the memory, as it was still as vivid in his memory as the day he'd experienced it.]
I thought and though...and then it hit me. I wanted to be strong...or at least understand what it means to be strong, so I asked Takamura-san to take me to the Gym where he trained at so I could become a boxer! He was...hesitant at first.
[Putting it mildly.]
But I eventually convinced him by passing his tests...and once I was there, I just kind of threw my heart and soul into it. Turns out I have something called an "Iron Jaw", according to my coach, it means I can take hits that would knock normal people out...and from there, everyone at the gym helped push me to and past all my limits. It's because of all my friends that I'm where I'm at now...even if they aren't here, I'm the only one left who can carry the pride of the Kamogawa Gym.
[He laughed a little from the nostalgia of it all and scratched the back of his head sheepishly.]
It might sound silly to some, but its very important to me. I...want to make sure that I'm doing right by all of them...and all of you too. I'd really like to call you a friend as well.
no subject
[Ancestors? Maybe. A lot can happen when a race like the Brood is around as long as it is, though he doesn't remember anyone ever mentioning anything about the Endless.]
If it counts for anything, you seem plenty strong to me. There aren't many humans or otherwise I've seen that could fight as ferociously as you do.
[Ryu laughs as well, smiling at Ippo.]
That doesn't sound silly at all. I trained a man once, his name was Beyd. There was a woman by the name of Shadis he was in love with, but Zig kept getting between them. So Beyd asked me to train him so he could prove to Shadis he was stronger than Zig, and worthy of running the shipping guild.
[The memory is a fond one, even if their journey kept meeting with mishap after mishap.]
People have a lot of different reasons as to why they want to be stronger, and I'd be happy if there was something I could do to help you keep surpassing your limits.
no subject
[For everything that had been troubling him, Ippo felt a glimmer of his old smile coming back to him. He felt justified in a way, like his reasons weren't as flimsy as he'd thought and that maybe there was a chance he could become even better than he was now.]
You'd...like to help me? Well, I'd definitely appreciate it! Having a running partner would make things more interesting and I haven't had anyone to spar with since I got here...if you don't mind of course.
no subject
[He glances at Ippo with an awkward smile.]
Though I hesitate to use something like that while we're just sparring. I'd be okay with going running, though! Can you think of anyone else who might like to come with us?
no subject
[Ippo thought, but only for a moment. He knew of someone who'd probably jump at the chance to join them in a morning running session.]
Asahina-san might want to! She's very...enthusiastic about anything athletic.
[And donuts.]
no subject
no subject
[They'd had some clubs at his old school...thinking of it, that actually sounded like a really good idea!]
Huh, I that might actually work out really well, nice thinking!
no subject
[But hey, if it works.]
Wouldn't have thought of it if we didn't bounce ideas off of each other.
no subject
[Well...he didn't come from high school, but eh, details.]
Art, music, crafts, anything you could call a hobby. Colin said I should look into finding a hobby to occupy my time so...maybe this is a good start?
no subject
[As far as hobbies are concerned, aside from fishing and stuffing his face full of apples, he didn't have much that he did for regular leisure time. If nothing else, the end of the world makes for taking up a hobby or two.]
I think having more stuff to do just for fun might be good for everyone. I know I always feel better after spending a few hours fishing if I was on the road for a long time.
no subject
[He remembered the first time his dad took him out fishing...it had been peaceful that day and even though he only got one bite, his dad had to help him reel it in. All in all, it was an activity he regarded fondly and it was something he liked to do in between all of his training.]
I didn't know you liked to fish, maybe if we can find a good spot around here, we could fish together?
no subject
[He grins at the idea, it's pretty clear he digs it.]
I'm thinking of saving up my shards to add a larger body of water and more fish to the Bastion, if that's possible. Not to mention I want to rebuild my old home.
[Though he isn't sure how it'll magic up a new species of fish, he can always try!]
I've always been a drifter for as long as I can remember. I guess it just took the end of the world for me to finally settle down somewhere.
no subject
[That might be a little difficult, but Colin could probably figure it out if they asked him.]
I'd like that, I think some fishing would do everyone here some good. As for if its possible...well...we have donut trees so...
[He was going to take responsibility for that one...he hadn't expected Aoi to take his joke seriously...how the heck was that even possible.]
I think...honestly, wherever your comfortable and have people who care about you is a place you can call home. I mean...the Bastion is my home now, or at least I consider it my home. Its a place I'd protect with everything I have, and everyone in here too...I dunno if that makes sense or not but...its how I feel.
no subject
[If Colin can get past explaining all the science behind it, anyway.]
Once we crossed the ocean, I was able to catch whales with fishing poles as long as they were strong enough.
[Just a bit more evidence as to how strong Ryu could be. Now if he could only throw an actual punch.]
It certainly does. It's all any of us has left now, so it's good that everyone seems to be able to come together.
no subject
[His little shounen speech cut itself off in the middle, his jaw doing its best from hitting the bottom of the onsen as he let his gaze slowly settle on the dragon.]
y...you caught...whales? With a fishing pole...?
no subject
Yep! If it lives in the ocean and can be lured by bait, I bet I can catch any living thing in a body of water.
[If only he still had his fish book to show you, Ippo. If only.]
no subject
[Being a dragon certainly had its perks if Ryu had that kind of arm strength.]
Are you sure you were serious when you said you weren't good without your sword? If you can catch a whale, your punches must be amazing!
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[He shakes his head with a small laugh.]
When I was a child, I was so scared of fighting. I ended up flailing around and hoping I survived. It got easier over time, though. What you see me do now is just a result of applying myself to my training. If I had my choice in it, I wouldn't be fighting at all. I'd rather devote myself to my healing magic, but...
[He shrugs, there's also the matter of nobody being around to teach him such a thing, despite the various Masters in his journey.]
I never really met anyone who could teach me how to fight barehanded, though some of those skills do translate over to swordplay, like wrapping your hands to keep them from being damaged.
[Though if Ippo wanted to teach him, he certainly wouldn't be opposed.]
no subject
[Boxing...was different in Ippo's eyes. It was a sport, there were rules to follow and an overarching guideline to the proceedings. Here...there wasn't any of that, it was fight to live or die trying.]
We could really use a good healer, honestly, but if you want to learn how to punch properly, I could teach you what my friends taught me if you'd like!
no subject
[That does sound good to him.]
Yeah, I wouldn't mind learning that. Maybe I could teach you something about swordplay in exchange at least.