logs | [closed] no cat puns allowed

[ This is where Tartaglia feels the most like himself — in the midst of battle, against a powerful opponent. The thrill that comes with not knowing what Leaks is capable of is addicting, one that he wants more and more of as they began to dodge each other's attacks. Not once does he slow down on his assault with the arrows, aiming to leave no room for Leaks to go anywhere.

—that is, until he notices the icicles melt mid-way. He moves out of its trajectory regardless just in case it's a trick, but he can't help but taunt the Ribika for it. ]

What's this? Are you going easy on me?

[ It would be offensive if they didn't have their earlier conversation regarding the fluctuation in Leaks' abilities. He wonders if that has something to do with that.

Oh, well. Maybe a little encouragement will inspire the other to try again. ]

[ he will not admit that he's practically handicapping himself in order to give this man an advantage that he might not completely understand. or perhaps he does, and he's having fun regardless? the words do nothing; it's leaks' own pride that simmers, and he purses his lips in response. ]

Easy? [ well. if he wants a challenge, leaks can provide one. shame he'll probably need to tend to those wounds afterward--- the life of a magician who can certainly throw his weight around when he needs to--- but hey. at least he'll know how to fix childe up once they're done with each other. ]

Are you afraid of shadows, Two Canes? Does the darkness hold any significance to you? If not... you may want to reconsider.

[ once he has a chance to, he waves his hand in front of himself. a murkiness spreads out from him. slowly but surely. not unlike fog. ]

Tread carefully, lest you find it hard to breathe.

[ can't believe i'm gonna get h&c after this fight.

Tartaglia isn't aware that Leaks is holding back on him purposefully just yet, and when he finds out, he might be just a tiny bit offended. He knows what he's getting himself into for fighting without powers— what are a few wounds to a seasoned warrior? They're nothing he can't handle.

When asked if the darkness holds any significance to him, he doesn't say anything in return. The Abyss has certainly had its influence on him, and while he always likes to claim that he isn't the same boy who fell into the void so many years ago, it's hard to be completely free of the trauma.

Still, he holds his position, ready to take aim at Leaks once more despite the shadows obscuring his vision. He just has to listen closely and trust his other senses, adjusting his grip as he goes.

He takes the first shot. ]

[ more like h&h. guess what the second h is.

will leaks ever reveal to childe the extent of his power? probably not. he's wanted to live a life of solitude, of being left alone and ignored. he's failing at that already but that doesn't mean he won't keep trying to have his own personal space not get touched by others--- unless he allows it.

leaks is the worst.

the arrow is surprisingly on target. whether it's luck or not, it doesn't matter. he can feel it pierce the fog, but he has no idea how fast it is until it whistles by his body, grazing his shoulder as he tries to sidestep it. a grimace follows. ]

Ah...

[ in retaliation, he waves a hand out in front of him. a wave of energy, of pure force, radiates outward. ]

[ what is the h... more hurt???

There isn't a whole lot of time to be proud of himself for hitting the mark, because Leaks retaliates soon enough, a wave of pure energy crashing into him almost immediately. It was hard to predict where it was coming from given the fog, but that's also partly his fault getting too cocky.

Despite the pain, he can't stop himself from smiling. ]

Not bad.

[ Well, now. Time to catch Leaks by surprise— rather than nocking another arrow, he charges straight into the fog, using the wave's origin as a way to pinpoint where he'll find Leaks. If he comes face-to-face with the Ribika, he'll say a quick hello before grabbing one of the magic arrows and...

Chucks it right at Leaks' face. :) ]

[ it's a secret!

but he's confident that he'll keep childe at bay. that's the point of the fog in the first place; why give him the benefit of being lucky the first time? if he somehow fires another shot and lands another, then maybe leaks will have to change up how he deals with him. as playful and as cute as he thinks he might be, there's no way that this man will somehow locate him without some kind of...

help.

the arrow blows up, the force of it causing his head to snap back. he reels backward, raising a hand up to his nose as he feels the warmth of blood begin to seep out from one of his nostrils.

if they were real arrows... there's no way he would be alive. but why would he provide childe things that might actually kill him outright? ]

Damn.

[ this will be the last time he underestimates childe. in an instant, he reaches back behind himself, summoning a whip of lightning in his hand and lashes out with it. ]

Oh? I didn't know we were at this point in the relationship.

[ Is he teasing because he sees that whip? Absolutely. Not that it's going to stop it from landing a hit on his chest, that electrifying feeling both familiar and painful all at once. He's coming away from it with blood and a nasty gash, but that doesn't slow him down.

He backs away to create more distance between them, putting himself out of the whip's reach. It's only then that he fires more arrows at Leaks. The Ribika might notice that he's paying close attention to where his hands are since he's aiming for him to let go of the whip. ]

[ what kind of question is that? relationship?? them??? that's a laugh. if anything, it serves to rile up leaks further--- a cat that could at one time keep his emotions from wavering, but here... he has no way to suppress them.

he wants to shut childe up. temporarily. but before he can crack the whip again, the arrows force him to change his plans. he slams his weapon down to the ground, an explosion of light and sound following, before he lunges in the direction of the arrows--- claws outstretched, ready to take the man down to the ground. ]

[ Tartaglia remains unaware of the internal battle that Leaks seem to be having with himself. As dense as he is, all that he can focus on is the fight itself and nothing else. The adrenaline is helping him keep up with the attacks but—

Nothing could have prepared him for how quickly Leaks tackles him down, pinning him to the ground. He laughs, breathlessly amused (and fond) underneath the Ribika. ]

Wow. Alright, alright— you got me.

[ there it is. ]

Have I?

[ despite the cool fury that runs through his veins, his tone remains pliable. warm, heated through. whether it's from physical exertion or some curiosities and guesses that have been percolating in between those furry ears of his...

the man has had too much fun. ]

Would you rather it be the other way around?

[ When Leaks peers down at him, Tartaglia can only flash that dazzling smile of his. The loss doesn't appear to have dampened his spirits at all. If anything, he looks really happy. ]

Of course. No one likes to lose, but since I lost to someone as strong as you, I don't mind it so much.

[ Then, his expression takes on something that has an edge. ]

I'll just have to make sure I win next time.

[ at least he recognizes leaks' strength? he's smiling too much. the cat grits his teeth, purses his lips, then rolls off to the side before getting back onto his feet.

heels make everything a little more difficult, but he can manage. ]

Then you will need to find your own weapon next time.

[ a huff as he tries to not pout over a win. ]

Foolish human...

[closed] no cat puns allowed

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