new fears. 

heavensvigil:

image

Within a flash, cool metal made contact with his exposed throat. It was with a slow exhale and the sink of his shoulders that he seemed to relent–the relaxation of his body suggesting ceasefire. He did so much as release the weighty weapon, allowing the wolf tooth mace to slide from his grip and fall to the ground with a heavy thud; as if the countering demand to lay down his arms meant something. As if the request had been respected.

But he would not back down. Not so easily, not so willingly. Not simply because someone asked him to, let alone that of a criminal. To surrender was to show weakness in spirit and in faith. And he was neither.

With a slow and steady lift of his hands, Xiahou Chong exposed his palms and drew his limbs into the air. As they neared the level his attacker’s arms were at, he paused for but a moment, then reeled backward abruptly to put the slightest amount of space between his neck and the knife. Quick were his actions thenceforth with his arms sweeping upward to increase the distance between the sharp edge and to protect his neck against it; offering up the flesh, bone and sinew of his forearms instead.

“These people are criminals,” he hissed between his teeth, pushing the leather and bronze of his bracers into the blade. “And you are one of them! What do you know of Cao Wei?” Snarling, he forced the weapon away, forcing it upward with an exposed palm and wrist to protect more vital parts of his body. Once he was clear, he leaned forward and spun on the toe of his boot to face the other. 

“Do not tell me of Wei’s purpose and–” his gaze settled upon the other’s form. Familiar in its stature and unmistakable features. He wavered, shaking the onset of lethargy that came with haunting memories. No, what he thought was impossible, regardless of this man’s likeness. But despite knowing of the past, of his young lord’s demise and his own inability to protect him as he should have–despite knowing the truth, he felt the weight of gravity tugging his knees towards the ground as if the cosmos themselves had willed him to bow.

A strangled sound of confusion erupted from his throat as his knees hit the ground, lips parting as two simple syllables were spoken within an exhale–chest deflating, defensive arms dropping. The cold, steely gaze was replaced with something almost compassionate and hopeful despite his hesitation, and with logic defeated, something of a plea finally escaped him:

        “…My lord?”

     He had not expected it to be so easy, and it certainly was not. No matter his speed and dexterity, in such close quarters raw strength would force him to step back. As he was forced away, he raised both blades once again, preparing for any move that might be made against him. What he was met with instead was the face of an old friend as he had whipped around, only to stop right in his tracks – him.

     For a brief moment there was distress and hurt on Cao Ang’s face. He looked a little different from what he remembered, but it was still Xiahou Chong. Someone he hoped he would never see again. Not out of spite, nor any kind of ill feelings, but because Cao Ang was meant to remain dead at Wan Castle. There was no hiding behind Li Ang when his face was so clearly recognized.

image

     Was this some cruel fate? Such a large world they lived in, yet of all people he would come to meet again, it was one of his former closest friends. He felt the urge to leave as quickly as he had arrived, but he could not shirk from the promise that he made to the villagers. Not only this, however; it occurred to him that he had just murdered his father’s own men. He had acted before trying to speak; but would they have listened? He would never know.

     Zixiu’s gaze calmed – there was no worth dwelling on it now. Everything had already occurred. He lowered to one knee and put his blades down, looking at Xiahou Chong straight in the eyes. “…You do not understand. I have protected these people,” he raised a hand to gesture to them as they retrieved the dead man to withdraw. “They are villagers. With such little access to help, arming themselves is what they must resort to. They are not the criminals you are looking for… as far as they can see it, you are the bandits who are intruding on their home.”

     He picked up his blades and sheathed them together as he stood back up, noting that he would have to give them a thorough cleaning later. But now that he was exposed… he wondered if he would have to leave this place. They were not safe yet; but what if word spread? He must be gone before then. He can’t stay. He can’t stay. No, they still need him. Amber eyes looked away from his old friend, as though searching for an exit. “Chong… I’m not any kind of lord anymore, I am but a vagrant. You and I were not supposed to meet again.”

 

曹昂

CAO ANG.

you are meant for more than this.

Independent roleplay blog for Cao Ang,
a Dynasty Warriors OC.

Please take the time to read the rules, thank you in advance.

子脩