Terrifying doesn't even come close to describing what he's witnessing; it's unsettling, horrific, absolutely bone-chilling. Sizhui can feel the blood in his veins run cold and despite everything he's been taught, how to handle himself in this sort of situation, he wavers, takes a partial step back and swallows hard, his fingers tightening on the hilt of his sword.
It feels like he can't move, like breathing hurts, and if he weren't stunned into motionlessness, he would've reached into his robes, removed a signal flare and sent it off to warn his fellow disciples to come to his aid.
When the demon speaks, it's like a vice has seized his lungs, compressing them tight, tighter, squeezing all the air out in a slow, shaking breath. Run, run, run! His mind is screaming, warning him to get away while there's still a chance and warn everyone about what he's caught in the spirit net, yet he bravely (stupidly?) stands firm in the face of his fear.
“If—” his voice is a whisper, borderlining on inaudible, even, so he takes a couple of seconds to steel himself, to remember to breathe, and then he continues, “If you need to ask such a question, you haven't seen yourself.”
Koro eyes the young man trembling before him, finally getting a good look once the chaos has subsided and the net is still. A great conflict of emotions create chaos once more in his head. Such an adorable little human, small and slender, adorned in familiar looking robes and lovely black hair. Oh how Koro melts, wanting nothing more than to take the human into his arms.
And yet, that fear in his eyes, that look of terror that he displays before the demon crates a sharp pain in his chest as Koro's body fails to comprehend the emotion of guilt that this demon is forced to feel. An emotion that demons do not have.
WHAT DOST THOU SPEAKEST OF, HUMAN...?
[Koro looks down onto his body, and lets out a small, brief roar in surprise.]
CONFOUND IT! WOE IS THIS ACCURSED BODY! WHEN HAVE I BECOME SUCH A MONSTER? WHAT GREAT SIN HAVE I COMMITTED TO RECEIVE SUCH PUNISHMENT?
...
I JEST. I KNOW ALL TOO WELL OF WHAT I AM, AND HOW I APPEAR. TIS BY DESIGN.
WHAT BE THY INTENTION FOR THOSE CAUGHT IN THY NET?
Sizhui tries to at least maintain eye-contact despite the uncomfortable sensation, blood pounding in his ears making it all the more difficult, but he tries to tamp down the terror, to resist turning on his heel and booking it in the other direction. Fortunately, it seems as if the net will hold, no matter how large this creature is, and that's a bit of a relief while he tries to decide how to handle these circumstances.
If he weren't so scared, he might have actually laughed at the feigned surprise, and yet he doesn't waver. His shoulders do slacken the faintest amount, however, his head shaking at the demon's antics, a slow, measured breath passing his lips before he continues speaking.
By design? So, what, he would look different if given the choice? Something tells him otherwise.
It's only a few moments later that he realizes he didn't say anything, which prompts him to clear his throat, square his shoulders again and remark, “Exorcism,” comes first, followed shortly by, “Death.” And whatever that would mean for Koro, whether it'd be going back to where he came from or something else entirely.
A long, long pause and then, “But it could also depend on your intentions.” Benign creatures have been known to be let go or earn their freedom in ways before, this wouldn't be an exception.
Death is a meaningless word to him. Koro is death. He cannot be killed. Only sent back to hell where he will recover, and walk the earth once more.
Exorcism, however, hits harder. It's... humiliating. Koro has suffered countless banishments and exorcisms, each just as painful as the last. But usually he lasts at the very least a month before the humans discover his true form and send him back.
To be found and exorcised on the same day as he set foot on the Earth...truly it is humiliating. He is tired. He wants to love and hold and live so badly. To walk among humans, to learn from them, watch them grow, watch them evolve...yet to be turned away due to his destiny. To be hated and killed over and over again. He never asked for this.
Why is he forced to live this fate worse than death?
"MY INTENTIONS..." There is a defeated tone in his words. As if he believes that his he answers simply won't matter in the long run.
"I SIMPLY TRAVEL. TO ESCAPE THE HORRORS AND REPULSIVE NIGHTMARES OF HELL, AND WALK IN THE WARM EMBRACE OF EARTH. TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD. AND TO FEAST UPON THE SWEET FLESH OF BEAUTIFUL YOUNG VIRGINS SUCH AS THYSELF."
That sort of thing doesn't occur to Sizhui, regarding the difference between what death and exorcism would mean for Koro; exorcising would be driving him out of the world, sending him back to where he came from, but death... well, he would imagine it's something else for a demon like him, one he hasn't ever encountered before today.
Unfortunately for Koro, he just so happened to step into a cultivator's trap, but lucky for him as well, it's someone like Lan Sizhui who will listen rather than instantly taking action against him. Any of the other disciples would have acted and asked questions later.
If he's only here to live amongst the humans without harming them, then what's the issue? He could be given that chance, but the second he tries anything underhanded, that's when a wrath worse than the Hell he speaks of would come down upon him. Yes, demons could live peacefully alongside other beings, it's simply the fact of whether they will or if it's all a ruse.
The defeated tone does have Lan Sizhui relaxing further, his brow furrowed, the hand he's holding his sword with slowly lowering to his side. It sounds harmless at first, maybe even like he wants to be somewhere better than where he came from, except the moment he mentions feasting on his flesh, Sizhui's up in arms again, eyes wide and his unoccupied hand lowering to rest at the qiankun pouch at his side.
“You— you want to eat me? That doesn't sound harmless at all!” Sounds like the direct opposite of it, to be honest.
Okay, perhaps being stuck in a power draining net isn't so bad when you have such a cute human to keep you company, and an almost guiltily innocent one to boot.
HEH...HEH...HEH...
THY INNOCENCE WHETS MY APPETITE. BUT SET THY MIND AT EASE. I HAVE NO DESIRE TO HARM THEE. MY WORDS ARE BUT A METAPHOR.
BUT I DIGRESS. I SENSE DARKNESS APPROACHING. EVIL.
Indeed, as Koro speaks, he feels a familiar sensation slowly growing and coming closer. Like concentrated dark energy. Usual in hell, but certainly not out here.
HUMAN. THOU MUST RELEASE ME FROM THIS TRAP. WHO KNOWETH WHAT APPROACHES US?
His hand stays poised to grab the pouch and remove his guqin, preparing for whatever comes next, regardless of how Koro attempts to ease his anxiety. Sizhui knows demons, is well-aware how they often use dirty tricks and ploys and any tactics possible and necessary to free themselves from capture, but a part of him truly wants to believe what Koro's saying isn't a lie.
No desire to hurt him, sure, but what about others? What about the people who might go against him if he lets him free? Obviously, Koro would defend himself, and in his defense, he'd have every right to protect himself against an attack—
But they have more important things to worry about.
Normally, Sizhui would sense the approach of another creature, likely the one he's been looking for this whole time, but Koro's aura is so strong, it overrides any other senses he could have. He vigorously shakes his head, redirects his gaze and narrows his eyes, completely unfazed.
“Right,” he scoffs, “and then, after I've let you go, you'll run free to do as you please, yes? I don't think that's a good idea. I'm not sure I can trust you.”
"SWALLOW THY PRIDE, BOY! I HAVE NO QUARREL WITH YOU HUMANS!"
Koro grows more agitated by the second. Yeah, there was definitely something coming closer, approaching them. A strong negative energy begins to overwhelms Koro's senses. He thrashes once more, trying to rip the net apart, but it seems to have gotten a hold on his strength. Once he gives up, he looks back at the untrusting human. He doesn't blame him, of course, but Koro still feels so helpless.
The man is in danger. And that becomes very apparent when the demon notices a silhouette among the trees.
For a brief moment, Sizhui's expression softens, his wide eyes blink once, twice, then he shakes his head. No, it's clearly a trick, isn't it? Koro can scream and shout about how he doesn't mean them any harm, but he's not seen otherwise— however, he's also not seen him attack anyone, either.
What a dilemma.
At least he realizes there is something that's off when Koro begins thrashing around again; he'd been calm before, laughing and joking and actually conversing rather than attempting to warn him of whatever it is he thinks is there. His brow furrows, he squints again then pivots, turning to look where the demon said, an astonished look coming across his face as he sees it: the shadow casted across the trees. Except it's not there long before it disappears, causing Sizhui to flounder, stumble back toward the net in confusion. How did he miss it? And where did it go—?
He turns his weapon in preparation, eyes darting every which way, his other hand reaching into the pouch at his side to withdraw a talisman while he takes another step backward. “Do you see it?” Asking for help now? Why yes, that may not be too shocking, given the circumstances.
Whichever way Koro looks, he glances in the opposite direction, hoping that with their combined power, they might find it sooner rather than later, but the creature is fast. Faster than he'd originally thought and, regardless of searching, he's still caught off-guard when something grabs hold of his leg and yanks him down onto the ground.
He lands flat on his stomach with a surprised yelp, abandoning his sword to cinch his fingers in the grass, to dig them into the dirt in an attempt at keeping himself from being dragged, even though the air has been knocked from his lungs.
"JIANGSHI...THE EARTH THAT I FREQUENT...THE JIANGSHI IS BUT A STORY, A CREATION OF THE HUMAN MIND.
So in this alternate China....the jiangshi exist? Intriguing indeed. For a moment, Koro is excited, thinking about what other interesting things exist here. A short moment, alas, as it's interrupted when he hears the human fall to the ground.
Panic once again sets in.
CONFOUND IT ALL! HUMAN, STAND TO THY FEET!
Koro lets his tail hang from the net, in hopes that the young man might catch it.
Koro, please, this is no time to be getting distracted!
While he's briefly occupied with that, Sizhui's still struggling to break free, twisting and bending and reaching to try to pry the grotesque hand off his ankle, although to no avail. The creature makes a noise, something akin to a high-pitched cackle and, despite it being a blind reach, Sizhui outstretches a hand in search of his sword—
And his fingers close around Koro's tail instead. He whips his head in that direction, eyes widened, fearful, his heartbeat thrumming uncontrollably, but it isn't long before he's looking away again when the jiangshi begins climbing up his lower-half.
“No, no, let go!” He struggles harder, trying to bring his other leg up, but the only thing he can manage to do is press it against the monster's shoulder and momentarily prevent it from scaling higher.
With the hand grabbed onto his tail, Koro quickly wraps more of it around the human's slender wrist, feeling just how small it is. A shame that he's holding it with his tail and not his strang masculine hand.
Congrats, Shizui, you've learned a new fact. Koro's tail is controllable and prehensile!
Koro manages to move him back up, but that's about it. Unless the absolutely thrashes the poor man about, he won't be able to get the jiangshi to release. And he certainly wouldn't want to thrash the poor darling!
Desperate. Terrified. Worried for the human. Koro couldn't handle it anymore. Out of panic, Koro lets out a loud, and terrifying roar while he faces the animated corpse.
The jiangshi stops in his tracks, still holding onto the human he's captured, but now looking back up at Koro, confused.
In response, Sizhui tightens his hold and lifts his other hand, gripping the limb Koro's holding with his tail, using what little leverage he's gained to help move himself up too. It's an interesting sensation, one he would like to consider more, but with the jiangshi still adamant about hanging on to him, he needs to remain focused on the task at hand for now.
His sword, where is it? He needs to use it to vanquish the creature before it decides to do any more harm—
The sudden roar catches Sizhui completely off-guard, causing him to instinctively move his free hand and cover his ear on that side, his eyes squeezed shut. At this point, he's entirely unsure what to expect, but as he tentatively opens his eyes, his attention is drawn toward the other monster, eyebrows lifting in half-confusion, half-astonishment at the fact it's stopped dead in its tracks.
He glances toward Koro, clearly looking shocked, his hand trembling as he lowers it from the side of his head. “What...” It's less a question and more a startled remark, yet he's holding steady, not quite prepared to deliver a final blow, but alert enough that he'll fight back again if necessary.
Koro orders. The jiangshi growls and roars out, flailing about as if in distress, as if trying to fight something. Despite this, he slowly let's go of the young man and stumbles his way towards the tree and climbing it, growling the entire time while his body moves.
From the looks of things, Koro is commanding the jiangshi to set him free. His hand holds out from the net, long, disgusting fingers spread out as if he's controlling a marionette.
I knew it. With an uncontrolled wildness, Sizhui begins pulling at his arm, free hand moving in an attempt to get his fingers underneath Koro's tail and pry it off of him. While he's doing this, his attention upturns, watching the jiangshi clamber the tree with ease, preparing to let the demon loose from the net he's been trapped in.
His heels dig into the dirt, he braces himself and pulls, that earlier fear returning with a vengeance. This is what he gets, isn't it? He should've gone and got help, could have brought Jingyi and the rest of the disciples to help him dispatch both creatures at once, and yet he foolishly believed Koro, thinking that maybe, just maybe, this one could be trusted.
You deserve this, is what he tells himself as he squeezes his eyes shut, clenches his teeth and continues yanking on his arm.
Koro let's out a pained shriek. Damn, this boy is stronger than he thought. For a moment, Koro is impressed, infatuated a little, even, but alas, it's only the surprise that gets Koro to lower his hand. He is still much stronger than a human, and moves his arm back up. The jiangshi, who was ready to attack the human while momentarily free from Koro's control, proceeds to the net.
"FOOL! THOU BREAK MY CONCENTRATION, AND HE COMETH FOR THEE!"
Why? Why is Koro dragging it out like this? He could simply make the jiangshi attack him and get it over with, and yet here they are, fighting back and forth for whatever strange reason. Sizhui's fighting so hard, it's a wonder he doesn't yank Koro's tail right out of his spine, but after doing it for a few minutes, he stops, breathing heavily, the sound becoming harsher and slightly watery as tears begin welling up in his eyes.
“Please, just let me go...” Or kill him faster, one or the other here.
"IF THOU SHALT NOT LET ME GO, THEN I SHALL USE OTHER WAYS TO FREE MYSELF OF THIS PRISON. I REFUSE TO STAND BACK AND WATCH AS THIS FOUL CREATURE RUNS AMOK AND—
SNAP! Well. Mission accomplished?? Somehow the jiangshi cuts the rope and the net loosens and falls. Down Koro goes, and lands right on top of the teary eyed cultivator. The jiangshi is free from his control, and in a fit of rage, jumps at the two with the intent to slaughter.
Immediately Koro does his best to curl over and around the man, utilizing his tail and wings to make sure he is covered as much as possible.
He can only groan in pain as the jiangshi claws at his back.
While Koro carries on his explanation, Sizhui gives one last valiant pull on his arm in an attempt to free himself and— the rope breaks.
His gaze lifts, just long enough to watch Koro fall, then he slams his eyes shut, preparing for the worst, especially after the demon falls right on top of him. He curls into himself, readying, hoping it will be a swift, painless kill . . . and yet nothing happens. Tentatively, he cracks an eye open, glancing around, the other opening too once it dawns on him: Koro's protecting him from the jiangshi that's leaped down to attack.
He stares long and hard, trying to figure out why he's done this, but the longer he gawks, the more he realizes he doesn't understand and he probably shouldn't question it. Instead, he draws upon his qi to call his sword, hoping the weapon swooping across the jiangshi's back will be enough to stop the creature from attacking.
The creature, attacked by the sword, falls off Koro and flails. But it's only temporary, and it stands back up.
Finally. An opening. Koro jumps off the robed man and runs on all fours towards the jiangshi, going bipedal only when he grabs the monster and carries him further away from the human. Once he feels far enough they the human is safe, he holds the jiangshi up with ease, finally getting a good look at him.
And that's when it hits him. A heavy, intense feeling of sadness and dread. This monster....used to be human. Humans and demons are two very different things. That is what Koro only knew his whole life. Humans can become monsters in a metaphorical sense, but not like this. This is wrong. On so many levels. He can still feel that little bit of life in this creature. He is in pain, in agony. Inside that desire to kill and eat, is the desire to live. To survive, but it's overpowered by so much dark energy taking control of its body. Why would any kind of God allow this tortured abomination to exist? What kind of world was this?
"WHAT IN THE WORLD COULDST THOU HAVE DONE...TO DESERVE THIS FATE WORSE THAN DEATH...?" Koro's dejected words are followed by a woeful roar, dripping with an ancient melancholy.
"QUOD EX TENEBRIS, IN TENEBRIS"
Koro murmurs in an old language as the jiangshi starts to flail even more. Black smoke comes out of his mouth and soon from his entire body, and appears to drift towards the demon, absorbing into his skin. The jiangshi flails, his frantic movements slowing and slowing until...he becomes limp. Koro falls to his knees and embraces the body in his emaciated arms. He roars once more, this time quiet and brief, and almost sounds like a weep.
It's something, at least, and as Sizhui's preparing for another attack, Koro beats him to the punch.
He turns, rolls himself over onto his stomach to see better, his eyes wide with shock at the demon taking the jiangshi into his arms then fleeing. After pushing up onto his elbows, he slowly but surely draws himself further upright, covered in sweat, tears, blood and dirt, looking a little worse for wear, but otherwise mostly unharmed. (‘Mostly’ being the keyword here since his knees are scraped and he's quite shaken up.)
Whatever it is Koro's doing to the other creature, it seems undoubtedly painful, it's almost enough to make Sizhui want to look away, but he can't bring himself to do so. Rather than that, he watches, gawking the whole time, astonishment coming across his face as thick, dark smoke rises from the jiangshi and disappears into the demon, immediately raising questions that he'd like to ask, except his mouth couldn't work even if he wanted it to. The smoke clears, the jiangshi–no, the man–struggles a moment or two more then goes still, drawing a soft, surprised gasp from Sizhui that he instantly covers with both of his hands, like the noise might break the strange scene.
Though he's unsure why, more tears begin streaming down his cheeks at Koro's forlorn cry, prompting him to bury his face into his hands, desperately striving to keep his own sadness contained at such a sight.
Why does it hurt so much? He's never felt this way before during any other night-hunts, so what makes this moment different? Sizhui has no idea, and while he doesn't try fighting it, he does keep himself covered as he's wracked with sobs, waylaid by turbulent guilt.
A wave of relief washes over him when he feels barely a bit of life within the passed out man. This was it. His will to survive. Even now it still lingers in him.
Fuck. Humans are incredible.
Koro lets out a deep groan, likely a demonic sigh, and gently puts him down on the ground. Now to deal with the whimpering little pup over on the other side of the clearing and tell him the good news. Hoo boy. Koro walks at first, then he crawls on all fours, slowly, inch by inch, as if trying to approach a nervous cat.
Sizhui cries and cries, so overcome that it's difficult for him to even stay standing, yet he manages. He wipes his face with his sleeves, but no matter how much he tries, more tears replace what he clears away, which only furthers his confusion in the long run. Still, he doesn't stop, nor does he let himself get distracted, not until he hears that noise.
Finally, he yanks his head up, breathing heavy and watery, his eyes wide as he watches Koro crawl toward him, his heartbeat thrumming faster than a hummingbird's wings, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering so much, it's maddening.
For what it's worth, Sizhui's standing in place rather than turning to flee, even if he's also trembling the whole time Koro's bridging the distance between them. The exhale he lets out shakes too, conveying his raw emotion, both the apprehensiveness and his grief-stricken state.
He wants to tell him to stop, to stay away, except his voice won't work and, try as he might to ignore it, the fact still stands: Koro had protected him. It's the least he can do to see what it is he plans on doing next.
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houseofsushi2020-05-22 10:34 pm
no subject
It feels like he can't move, like breathing hurts, and if he weren't stunned into motionlessness, he would've reached into his robes, removed a signal flare and sent it off to warn his fellow disciples to come to his aid.
When the demon speaks, it's like a vice has seized his lungs, compressing them tight, tighter, squeezing all the air out in a slow, shaking breath. Run, run, run! His mind is screaming, warning him to get away while there's still a chance and warn everyone about what he's caught in the spirit net, yet he bravely (stupidly?) stands firm in the face of his fear.
“If—” his voice is a whisper, borderlining on inaudible, even, so he takes a couple of seconds to steel himself, to remember to breathe, and then he continues, “If you need to ask such a question, you haven't seen yourself.”
no subject
Koro eyes the young man trembling before him, finally getting a good look once the chaos has subsided and the net is still. A great conflict of emotions create chaos once more in his head. Such an adorable little human, small and slender, adorned in familiar looking robes and lovely black hair. Oh how Koro melts, wanting nothing more than to take the human into his arms.
And yet, that fear in his eyes, that look of terror that he displays before the demon crates a sharp pain in his chest as Koro's body fails to comprehend the emotion of guilt that this demon is forced to feel. An emotion that demons do not have.
WHAT DOST THOU SPEAKEST OF, HUMAN...?
[Koro looks down onto his body, and lets out a small, brief roar in surprise.]
CONFOUND IT! WOE IS THIS ACCURSED BODY! WHEN HAVE I BECOME SUCH A MONSTER? WHAT GREAT SIN HAVE I COMMITTED TO RECEIVE SUCH PUNISHMENT?
...
I JEST. I KNOW ALL TOO WELL OF WHAT I AM, AND HOW I APPEAR. TIS BY DESIGN.
WHAT BE THY INTENTION FOR THOSE CAUGHT IN THY NET?
no subject
Sizhui tries to at least maintain eye-contact despite the uncomfortable sensation, blood pounding in his ears making it all the more difficult, but he tries to tamp down the terror, to resist turning on his heel and booking it in the other direction. Fortunately, it seems as if the net will hold, no matter how large this creature is, and that's a bit of a relief while he tries to decide how to handle these circumstances.
If he weren't so scared, he might have actually laughed at the feigned surprise, and yet he doesn't waver. His shoulders do slacken the faintest amount, however, his head shaking at the demon's antics, a slow, measured breath passing his lips before he continues speaking.
By design? So, what, he would look different if given the choice? Something tells him otherwise.
It's only a few moments later that he realizes he didn't say anything, which prompts him to clear his throat, square his shoulders again and remark, “Exorcism,” comes first, followed shortly by, “Death.” And whatever that would mean for Koro, whether it'd be going back to where he came from or something else entirely.
A long, long pause and then, “But it could also depend on your intentions.” Benign creatures have been known to be let go or earn their freedom in ways before, this wouldn't be an exception.
no subject
Exorcism, however, hits harder. It's... humiliating. Koro has suffered countless banishments and exorcisms, each just as painful as the last. But usually he lasts at the very least a month before the humans discover his true form and send him back.
To be found and exorcised on the same day as he set foot on the Earth...truly it is humiliating. He is tired. He wants to love and hold and live so badly. To walk among humans, to learn from them, watch them grow, watch them evolve...yet to be turned away due to his destiny. To be hated and killed over and over again. He never asked for this.
Why is he forced to live this fate worse than death?
"MY INTENTIONS..." There is a defeated tone in his words. As if he believes that his he answers simply won't matter in the long run.
"I SIMPLY TRAVEL. TO ESCAPE THE HORRORS AND REPULSIVE NIGHTMARES OF HELL, AND WALK IN THE WARM EMBRACE OF EARTH. TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD. AND TO FEAST UPON THE SWEET FLESH OF BEAUTIFUL YOUNG VIRGINS SUCH AS THYSELF."
Koro probably should word his lust better.
no subject
Unfortunately for Koro, he just so happened to step into a cultivator's trap, but lucky for him as well, it's someone like Lan Sizhui who will listen rather than instantly taking action against him. Any of the other disciples would have acted and asked questions later.
If he's only here to live amongst the humans without harming them, then what's the issue? He could be given that chance, but the second he tries anything underhanded, that's when a wrath worse than the Hell he speaks of would come down upon him. Yes, demons could live peacefully alongside other beings, it's simply the fact of whether they will or if it's all a ruse.
The defeated tone does have Lan Sizhui relaxing further, his brow furrowed, the hand he's holding his sword with slowly lowering to his side. It sounds harmless at first, maybe even like he wants to be somewhere better than where he came from, except the moment he mentions feasting on his flesh, Sizhui's up in arms again, eyes wide and his unoccupied hand lowering to rest at the qiankun pouch at his side.
“You— you want to eat me? That doesn't sound harmless at all!” Sounds like the direct opposite of it, to be honest.
no subject
HEH...HEH...HEH...
THY INNOCENCE WHETS MY APPETITE. BUT SET THY MIND AT EASE. I HAVE NO DESIRE TO HARM THEE. MY WORDS ARE BUT A METAPHOR.
BUT I DIGRESS. I SENSE DARKNESS APPROACHING. EVIL.
Indeed, as Koro speaks, he feels a familiar sensation slowly growing and coming closer. Like concentrated dark energy. Usual in hell, but certainly not out here.
HUMAN. THOU MUST RELEASE ME FROM THIS TRAP. WHO KNOWETH WHAT APPROACHES US?
no subject
No desire to hurt him, sure, but what about others? What about the people who might go against him if he lets him free? Obviously, Koro would defend himself, and in his defense, he'd have every right to protect himself against an attack—
But they have more important things to worry about.
Normally, Sizhui would sense the approach of another creature, likely the one he's been looking for this whole time, but Koro's aura is so strong, it overrides any other senses he could have. He vigorously shakes his head, redirects his gaze and narrows his eyes, completely unfazed.
“Right,” he scoffs, “and then, after I've let you go, you'll run free to do as you please, yes? I don't think that's a good idea. I'm not sure I can trust you.”
no subject
Koro grows more agitated by the second. Yeah, there was definitely something coming closer, approaching them. A strong negative energy begins to overwhelms Koro's senses. He thrashes once more, trying to rip the net apart, but it seems to have gotten a hold on his strength. Once he gives up, he looks back at the untrusting human. He doesn't blame him, of course, but Koro still feels so helpless.
The man is in danger. And that becomes very apparent when the demon notices a silhouette among the trees.
"BLAST IT ALL! BEHIND THEE!"
no subject
What a dilemma.
At least he realizes there is something that's off when Koro begins thrashing around again; he'd been calm before, laughing and joking and actually conversing rather than attempting to warn him of whatever it is he thinks is there. His brow furrows, he squints again then pivots, turning to look where the demon said, an astonished look coming across his face as he sees it: the shadow casted across the trees. Except it's not there long before it disappears, causing Sizhui to flounder, stumble back toward the net in confusion. How did he miss it? And where did it go—?
He turns his weapon in preparation, eyes darting every which way, his other hand reaching into the pouch at his side to withdraw a talisman while he takes another step backward. “Do you see it?” Asking for help now? Why yes, that may not be too shocking, given the circumstances.
no subject
"TO THY RIGHT...NAY...BEHIND THAT TREE...NOW IT'S...
DAMN IT ALL, HUMAN, WHAT IS THIS CREATURE WHICH DARTS LIKE A WASP??
no subject
Whichever way Koro looks, he glances in the opposite direction, hoping that with their combined power, they might find it sooner rather than later, but the creature is fast. Faster than he'd originally thought and, regardless of searching, he's still caught off-guard when something grabs hold of his leg and yanks him down onto the ground.
He lands flat on his stomach with a surprised yelp, abandoning his sword to cinch his fingers in the grass, to dig them into the dirt in an attempt at keeping himself from being dragged, even though the air has been knocked from his lungs.
no subject
So in this alternate China....the jiangshi exist? Intriguing indeed. For a moment, Koro is excited, thinking about what other interesting things exist here. A short moment, alas, as it's interrupted when he hears the human fall to the ground.
Panic once again sets in.
CONFOUND IT ALL! HUMAN, STAND TO THY FEET!
Koro lets his tail hang from the net, in hopes that the young man might catch it.
no subject
While he's briefly occupied with that, Sizhui's still struggling to break free, twisting and bending and reaching to try to pry the grotesque hand off his ankle, although to no avail. The creature makes a noise, something akin to a high-pitched cackle and, despite it being a blind reach, Sizhui outstretches a hand in search of his sword—
And his fingers close around Koro's tail instead. He whips his head in that direction, eyes widened, fearful, his heartbeat thrumming uncontrollably, but it isn't long before he's looking away again when the jiangshi begins climbing up his lower-half.
“No, no, let go!” He struggles harder, trying to bring his other leg up, but the only thing he can manage to do is press it against the monster's shoulder and momentarily prevent it from scaling higher.
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Congrats, Shizui, you've learned a new fact. Koro's tail is controllable and prehensile!
Koro manages to move him back up, but that's about it. Unless the absolutely thrashes the poor man about, he won't be able to get the jiangshi to release. And he certainly wouldn't want to thrash the poor darling!
Desperate. Terrified. Worried for the human. Koro couldn't handle it anymore. Out of panic, Koro lets out a loud, and terrifying roar while he faces the animated corpse.
The jiangshi stops in his tracks, still holding onto the human he's captured, but now looking back up at Koro, confused.
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His sword, where is it? He needs to use it to vanquish the creature before it decides to do any more harm—
The sudden roar catches Sizhui completely off-guard, causing him to instinctively move his free hand and cover his ear on that side, his eyes squeezed shut. At this point, he's entirely unsure what to expect, but as he tentatively opens his eyes, his attention is drawn toward the other monster, eyebrows lifting in half-confusion, half-astonishment at the fact it's stopped dead in its tracks.
He glances toward Koro, clearly looking shocked, his hand trembling as he lowers it from the side of his head. “What...” It's less a question and more a startled remark, yet he's holding steady, not quite prepared to deliver a final blow, but alert enough that he'll fight back again if necessary.
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Koro orders. The jiangshi growls and roars out, flailing about as if in distress, as if trying to fight something. Despite this, he slowly let's go of the young man and stumbles his way towards the tree and climbing it, growling the entire time while his body moves.
From the looks of things, Koro is commanding the jiangshi to set him free. His hand holds out from the net, long, disgusting fingers spread out as if he's controlling a marionette.
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I knew it. With an uncontrolled wildness, Sizhui begins pulling at his arm, free hand moving in an attempt to get his fingers underneath Koro's tail and pry it off of him. While he's doing this, his attention upturns, watching the jiangshi clamber the tree with ease, preparing to let the demon loose from the net he's been trapped in.
His heels dig into the dirt, he braces himself and pulls, that earlier fear returning with a vengeance. This is what he gets, isn't it? He should've gone and got help, could have brought Jingyi and the rest of the disciples to help him dispatch both creatures at once, and yet he foolishly believed Koro, thinking that maybe, just maybe, this one could be trusted.
You deserve this, is what he tells himself as he squeezes his eyes shut, clenches his teeth and continues yanking on his arm.
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"FOOL! THOU BREAK MY CONCENTRATION, AND HE COMETH FOR THEE!"
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“Please, just let me go...” Or kill him faster, one or the other here.
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SNAP! Well. Mission accomplished?? Somehow the jiangshi cuts the rope and the net loosens and falls. Down Koro goes, and lands right on top of the teary eyed cultivator. The jiangshi is free from his control, and in a fit of rage, jumps at the two with the intent to slaughter.
Immediately Koro does his best to curl over and around the man, utilizing his tail and wings to make sure he is covered as much as possible.
He can only groan in pain as the jiangshi claws at his back.
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His gaze lifts, just long enough to watch Koro fall, then he slams his eyes shut, preparing for the worst, especially after the demon falls right on top of him. He curls into himself, readying, hoping it will be a swift, painless kill . . . and yet nothing happens. Tentatively, he cracks an eye open, glancing around, the other opening too once it dawns on him: Koro's protecting him from the jiangshi that's leaped down to attack.
He stares long and hard, trying to figure out why he's done this, but the longer he gawks, the more he realizes he doesn't understand and he probably shouldn't question it. Instead, he draws upon his qi to call his sword, hoping the weapon swooping across the jiangshi's back will be enough to stop the creature from attacking.
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Finally. An opening. Koro jumps off the robed man and runs on all fours towards the jiangshi, going bipedal only when he grabs the monster and carries him further away from the human. Once he feels far enough they the human is safe, he holds the jiangshi up with ease, finally getting a good look at him.
And that's when it hits him. A heavy, intense feeling of sadness and dread. This monster....used to be human. Humans and demons are two very different things. That is what Koro only knew his whole life. Humans can become monsters in a metaphorical sense, but not like this. This is wrong. On so many levels. He can still feel that little bit of life in this creature. He is in pain, in agony. Inside that desire to kill and eat, is the desire to live. To survive, but it's overpowered by so much dark energy taking control of its body. Why would any kind of God allow this tortured abomination to exist? What kind of world was this?
"WHAT IN THE WORLD COULDST THOU HAVE DONE...TO DESERVE THIS FATE WORSE THAN DEATH...?" Koro's dejected words are followed by a woeful roar, dripping with an ancient melancholy.
"QUOD EX TENEBRIS, IN TENEBRIS"
Koro murmurs in an old language as the jiangshi starts to flail even more. Black smoke comes out of his mouth and soon from his entire body, and appears to drift towards the demon, absorbing into his skin. The jiangshi flails, his frantic movements slowing and slowing until...he becomes limp. Koro falls to his knees and embraces the body in his emaciated arms. He roars once more, this time quiet and brief, and almost sounds like a weep.
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He turns, rolls himself over onto his stomach to see better, his eyes wide with shock at the demon taking the jiangshi into his arms then fleeing. After pushing up onto his elbows, he slowly but surely draws himself further upright, covered in sweat, tears, blood and dirt, looking a little worse for wear, but otherwise mostly unharmed. (‘Mostly’ being the keyword here since his knees are scraped and he's quite shaken up.)
Whatever it is Koro's doing to the other creature, it seems undoubtedly painful, it's almost enough to make Sizhui want to look away, but he can't bring himself to do so. Rather than that, he watches, gawking the whole time, astonishment coming across his face as thick, dark smoke rises from the jiangshi and disappears into the demon, immediately raising questions that he'd like to ask, except his mouth couldn't work even if he wanted it to. The smoke clears, the jiangshi–no, the man–struggles a moment or two more then goes still, drawing a soft, surprised gasp from Sizhui that he instantly covers with both of his hands, like the noise might break the strange scene.
Though he's unsure why, more tears begin streaming down his cheeks at Koro's forlorn cry, prompting him to bury his face into his hands, desperately striving to keep his own sadness contained at such a sight.
Why does it hurt so much? He's never felt this way before during any other night-hunts, so what makes this moment different? Sizhui has no idea, and while he doesn't try fighting it, he does keep himself covered as he's wracked with sobs, waylaid by turbulent guilt.
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A wave of relief washes over him when he feels barely a bit of life within the passed out man. This was it. His will to survive. Even now it still lingers in him.
Fuck. Humans are incredible.
Koro lets out a deep groan, likely a demonic sigh, and gently puts him down on the ground. Now to deal with the whimpering little pup over on the other side of the clearing and tell him the good news. Hoo boy. Koro walks at first, then he crawls on all fours, slowly, inch by inch, as if trying to approach a nervous cat.
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Finally, he yanks his head up, breathing heavy and watery, his eyes wide as he watches Koro crawl toward him, his heartbeat thrumming faster than a hummingbird's wings, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering so much, it's maddening.
For what it's worth, Sizhui's standing in place rather than turning to flee, even if he's also trembling the whole time Koro's bridging the distance between them. The exhale he lets out shakes too, conveying his raw emotion, both the apprehensiveness and his grief-stricken state.
He wants to tell him to stop, to stay away, except his voice won't work and, try as he might to ignore it, the fact still stands: Koro had protected him. It's the least he can do to see what it is he plans on doing next.
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