Predator Becomes Prey

Subject: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:34 pm

Diachi	Diachi Tamuki was poised in a particularly strange place, a rock in the great divide, it was a rather large one, too and he could see a large section of the great divide on top of it. The rock itself was situated near the full moon bay entrance of the humongous canyon. So why was the earthbender there anyway? Well, it was the next expected position of his target. Hakota-zai, a former assassin. Hakota had many enemies, and Daichi was contacted by one of them. He was a shady man, and did not reveal much about himself, what he did reveal however, is that he was out for revenge. The assassin was garbed in all black attire, an unusual sight, he had a bow in hand and he'd nooked an arrow. A quiver holding thirty-nine arrows was on his back, and a dagger strapped to his left thigh. So there he was, poised and at the ready, bow in hand. The second he saw Zai come through the trees he'd let an arrow fly, and if all went well, hit him smack-bang in the forehead, somehow, the assassin didn't think it would be all that easy. The target emerged from the trees, and Daichi let the arrow fly. It careered towards Hakota's head and it looked like it was going to hit, but alas, Daichi's instinct proved right, and a freak gust of wind blew the arrow aside by a few inches. The assassin sighed, it was going to be a long day. Hakota would probably see him, but instead of going to confront him, Daichi deemed to simply beckon, he had a feeling the former assassin wouldn't refuse his invitation for a fight. He then placed his quiver and bow on top of the rock, and jumped down into the canyon.
Mood: Condition:	Link:Diachi's profile

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:51 pm

Hakota-Zai	It was just another journey for Zai. And like any other he walked in relative silence with the slightest air of caution about him; it never hurt to be careful. In fact, it had previously come to his attention that he still had the remnants of enemies from his less... Favorable time of life. He had several prices for his death out for his assassination. This information came from those among his few friends, and many resources. So while the vagrant wasn't terrible inconspicuous, he was aware he'd likely have some attempts on his life in the next few months. This is what lead to his trip here. He had made his way from the Fire Nation, jumping from ember Island to Crescent Island before jumping into Earth Kingdom territory. He had friends in Ba Sing Se who could likely help him, but taking the over-populated passenger ships down the channels was too risky. He had to take the journey by foot. But even here, it seemed, he was not safe. An arrow zipped through the air, missing Hakota's head by mere inches. "An assassin already," he thought to himself, swiftly shifting back into the trees. But then the assassin... Beckoned for him. It was a strange thing, and Zai glanced around, sliding off his shoe for the briefest moment to stomp the ground. His seismic sense had little merit, but it could detect major obstacles. He detected no large traps. He was hesitant to reveal himself, but he slid back from the treeline, taking an indirect route towards his assailant until he was close. Of course he didn't throw caution to the wind, he held out both of his Kiyoshi fans now as he made his approach, one defending his torso, the other at ready to defend his head. "Call me ignorant, but last I checked, Assassins don't invite a target to get close often," he said in a cold, collected voice that was little more than a whisper, but still audible over the winds. The once-assassin himself wore a dark, overly-tattered cloak over his old kiyoshi warrior garments. His clothes were dirtied and torn all about, mostly patched aside from the cloak. The greatest identifier of the man was the cloth wrapping about his head, one that covered the gruesome scar that encompassed most of the right half of his visage.
Mood:Cautious. Condition:Fit and Well.	Link:Lee Hakota-Zai

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 4:14 pm

Diachi	The target retreated into the treeline, that was to be expected. All Diachi had to do was wait, he was currently at the entrance to the great divide, he was on the ramp, with the trees facing him. The assassin heard his target speak, though he couldn't place where from. "Call me ignorant, but last I checked, Assassins don't invite a target to get close often," Daichi's expression didn't change, and he replied "It's too windy to fire arrows, and you have no choice but to fight me anyway. I stand in between you and ba sing sae. This is the only entrance to the great divide. So, let's be done with this meaningless talking and get down to business."
Mood:Unsurprised Condition:Healthy	Link:

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 5:00 pm

Hakota-Zai	Zai wasn't quite the fan of getting into life/death confrontations, but as it so happened, he'd be days and days of surplus to take a detour around the great divide. This in mind, he'd little choice in the matter. He revealed himself from his place of hiding. The weather was in his favor from arrows. The winds were strong and erratic, shifting constantly every which direction. Caution was still key, and he decided to shift from rock to rock as he walked to close the distance between him and his opponent. His fans at the ready, he stopped at a point he knew was just outside where a bowman's skill could outdo even these winds. There wasn't much need for more talk. It was blatant what was going to happen. This man was out to kill Zai, and while Zai didn't wish to take life now that his days as an assassin were over, this man would hold no such reservation. But the Vagrant Mercenary had some tricks up his own sleeve for the eminent fight ahead of them.
Mood:Cautious. Condition:Fit and Well.	Link:Lee Hakota-Zai

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 5:18 pm

Daichi	Daichi waited for his target to stop, then in one swift movement, he drew both of his hands up, lifting the rock his target was hiding behind up ever so slightly. He then immediately pushed forward. The rock moved with incredible speed and power. If Zai did nothing, then the rock would fly into him, wounding him quite severely. But Daichi released his hold on the rock as he let it fly forward. Diachi then pulled out five small rocks from the earth, and hovered them over his right hand, so that one finger was controlling one rock. He poised, ready for his target to attack.
Mood:apprehensive Condition:healthy	Link:

Diachi's profile

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 5:36 pm

Hakota-Zai	The moment Zai stopped, the assailant began to earthbend. Zai should have expected as much, and the rock he hid behind now turned against him. But he had the good sense to move when he saw to initial motions of bending. The rock missed him by a margin, his cloak sliding against it as he sidestepped. Now he had to act quickly, and he held his fans before him in defense as he dashed to get close to his opponent, ready to deflect the rocks he spotted floating about the man's hand. The ceramic Kiyoshi fans would do well enough to take hits from smaller rocks, of course. Something was ever strange about Hakota's footwork. As he dashed, he did some strange skating motion that one could assume he performed because it caused him to sway side-to-side. The odd thing was such a motion should not have been so unusually quick. And swift it was, showing the greatest strength that earned Zai his old reputation: sheer speed.
Mood:Focused. Condition:Fit and Well.	Link:Lee Hakota-Zai

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 6:02 pm

Daichi	Zai managed to dodge the rock, but only just. Daichi expected as much from a former assassin. It seemed that Zai was using Kyoshi Fans, Daichi had never fought against a Kyoshi Warrior before, and he was curious too see what the experience would be like. He didn't have much time to think however as his target soon started moving. The man seemed to be moving in a strange fashion, from side to side. Daichi thought quickly, and dropped the rocks. He brought up his hands to erect a wall in front of himself. He then flicked four of the rocks back into the air and pushed two to the right with his right hand, and two to the left with his left hand. He had timed the firing of the rocks so that Zai would most likely be moving around the wall at the time the rocks cleared it, so they would dash right into his face and stomach.
Mood:focused Condition:healthy	Link:Diachi's profile

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 6:30 pm

Hakota-Zai	A wall blocked Zai's path, and he had been so close to his opponent. He had to keep his momentum, though, and while it was common knowledge Zai was trained by Kiyoshi warriors, few knew he was an earthbender. This was due to the subtle ways in which he used it. His footwork, for example, was truly him using his feet to slide quickly along the earth's surface. And now the earth fluctuated, the action hidden from sight by the very wall that Hakota's assassin had raised, and Zai himself was flung into the air by his bending-- he was always one to go over obstacles instead of around. The rock-propelled jump vaulted him over the wall, and he appreciated the effort as he saw rocks aimed at either side of the wall. Such likely would have caught him by surprise and gave him quite the nasty wounds. He was in the air now, though, and had done what the opponent hadn't expected. But he was no airbender, and once in the air, he had to land before he could be mobile again. He had to distract his opponent so he could get on the ground again. With such in mind, he threw one of his Kiyoshi fans from midair, aiming the ceramic weapon at Daichi's chest. It wound be nothing even close to a lethal blow if it actually hit. It was merely a distraction, but if it were to hit, at worst it'd only be enough to knock the wind out of a man. Once Zai hit the ground, he would be close enough to his foe to truly fight. He was an expert at close quarters combat, not to mention getting close enough for some melee. Though he was down a fan, he still had one more and the sword hidden beneath his cloak. Asides from those, he only had his last resort technique, one that he only revealed in a more dire situation. He hoped this wouldn't come to that, as his was an art one should keep secret, even against an enemy.
Mood:Focused. Condition:Fit and Well.	Link:Lee Hakota-Zai

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 6:58 pm

Daichi	Daichi checked his sides, and when he saw no sign of his target, he checked the only other place his target could be, the air. Daichi looked upwards and was startled too see Zai launching a fan at him, the earthbender sidestepped to the left of the fan, barely avoiding it. However, an opportunity had presented itself. Zai was in the air, and unable to dodge or block projectiles. But Daichi had something bigger than a small rock in mind. He sidestepped to the left, and jumped backwards, behind the wall he placed. He then summoned up all of his strength, and using earthbending lifted the giant wall up and shoved it forward, similar to what he had done with the rock earlier. But there was a difference, he had released his earthbending hold on the rock. But he had to hold the wall slightly off the ground whilst it flew towards it's destination. Which, by the way, was where Zai appeared to be landing. The wall would catch Zai just before he hit the ground, and seriously injure him if it hit.
Mood:focused Condition:healthy	Link:Diachi's profile

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Sun Jul 01, 2012 7:23 pm

Hakota-Zai	Zai found himself in an unfortunate situation. His action had saved him one predicament and placed him in another. He was now prey to a wall of rock. He silently cursed his inability to bend large amounts of earth. While his subtle manipulations were arguably at a master level, he'd never be good nor great at real earthbending. So all he could do was trow himself against the wall of rock before it could gain momentum, hitting it hurt and would bruise him like heck, but wouldn't seriously wound him as of yet. He flung himself off the side of the moving wall. He landed into a roll, still holding tight his Kiyoshi fan. He was a short distance away from his opponent again, but he could close it rapidly, especially since it seemed he was preoccupied with the effort of moving the large wall. He took the moment to get in close. Truly close. And this time as he dashed, the earth visibly tore and lifted under his feet as he made a blinding b-line for Daichi. He reached his foe in little more time than one could blink thrice or so, and swung his fan high, aiming to hit the head or neck if the blow landed to disorientate Daichi; he turned this same motion into a sweep with a heel aimed at his opponent's ankles, in hopes to perhaps throw off his balance, or knock him flat. Two moves in one fluid motion.
Mood:Focused. Condition:Bruised, but otherwise fine.	Link:Lee Hakota-Zai

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Mon Jul 02, 2012 2:27 pm

Daichi	Daichi was irritated to see that his target had manged to to dodge his attack. And he quickly released his hold on the wall, which fell to the ground, cracked in multiple places. It was good that he did too, as his opponent was near him in a split second. Now, Zai may be known for his speed, but Daichi had twenty one years of experience behind him, and was able to any situation at incredible speed, this time, however it was just a reflex. Using his right hand, and without hesitation Daichi drew the small knife from the sheath he kept attached to his right thigh, and went to stab. If he did nothing, Zai would be stabbed in the lower right section of his chest, very narrowly missing a lung. (this next part is what happens if Zai does not dodge the knife.) However Daichi was still hit by the fan and knocked off-balance by the leg sweep, Daichi kept a good hold of the dagger and it was ripped out his target's chest. He quickly recovered from the fall and rolled over onto his stomach , whilst simultaneously pushing himself into a crouching position, from there he gathered up one of the Highly sharpened stones from his pouch, and launched it directly at Zai's stomach using earthbending. He did this whilst turning to his right, and standing up. Once he had stood back up he grabbed Zai by his throat with his free hand, hooked his left leg around Zai's right, and pushed forward. If Zai did nothing to stop this, then he'd be thrown to the ground
Mood:Very focused Condition:Slightly bruised	Link:Diachi's profile

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:35 pm

Hakota-Zai	Zai's attack once more left him vulnerable to opposition, and a dagger sunk into his leather armor just below his lungs. Fortunately for Zai, the armor did save him form a wound deep enough to damage his diaphragm. His opponent rolled from Zai's trip, and got up nearly immediately. He was at a speed comparable to Zai's own. This foe was far too skilled and lethal for the Vagrant Mercenary to stick to mere fans and kicks. And the Assassin closed in too quickly for him to draw his sword. So he did the best thing he could: he dropped his hand and pretended to be caught by surprise by the opponent's grab at his throat. Zai's forteé with offense was his martial arts. He was a fantastic grappler, and an even better Chi-blocker. And now was the time to present both. While his opponent grabbed his throat, Zai reached up to grab his wrist. Were he to avoid this, Zai would be free of the grasp. If his hand were to catch the wrist, he'd allow it to be there for now. The act was to make his foe believe he had the upper hand. And Zai let himself get hooked by the leg, but would shift his weight to catch himself on his knee instead of fall over entirely, his grip-if successful- dragging his opposition with him, hyper-extending the assassin's arm. But Zai would not attempt to break it as one would expect, instead he unleashed a series of odd taps, each a blur in speed, two aimed at the left arm, and two for the left leg. Such was the speed and surprise of Chi-blocking. Any opponent would laugh at the weak blows, but if they landed, the last laugh would be Zai's as Daichi would find his arm and leg paralyzed from the secret technique.
Mood:Focused. Condition:Bruised, Somewhat wounded.	Link:Lee Hakota-Zai

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:55 pm

Daichi	Daichi let his opponent's hand grab his, and was supposed when he was thrown to the ground. His opponent proceeded to deliver several quick strikes to his arm and leg. Daichi didn't laugh, in fact he was concerned. He didn't recognize the alien technique Zai used. His concerns were justified when his arm and leg both went numb. Daichi sighed, his father had schooled him about this technique. He had no idea how to use it, of course. But he knew of it, furthermore, he knew that he was beaten. "Chi blocking?I didn't expect that. Very well, you win, I will not pursue you any longer, and you have gained my respect. " Daichi paused for a moment, then continued."Or, you could kill me. I wouldn't blame you."
Mood:Calm Condition:Battered.	Link:Diachi's profile

Subject: Re: Predator Becomes Prey Tue Jul 03, 2012 3:10 pm

Hakota-Zai	Zai's attacks hit their mark, leaving his opponent at his mercy. But Zai was no killer-- not any more. "Why would I kill such a skilled assassin? I hope our paths do not cross again," he stated concisely, honesty on his tone. He began striding off towards the Great Divide, gathering his fans along the way. He was wounded, but he'd live. He'd have to wait to go to Ba Sing Se, however; his wounds would need tending before they were made unbearable. He left without another word, his fans collected, and the dagger that had been left in his torso clattering to the ground.
Mood:Merciful. Condition:Wounded, but alive.	Link:Lee Hakota-Zai