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tampered2007-04-26 02:48 pm
for-destiny.livejournal.com) wrote in tampered2007-04-26 02:48 pm
[log] [complete]
When; April 26, after this ♥
Rating; PG-13
Characters; Jowy [![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
for_destiny] & Tyr McDohl [of_toran]
Summary; All that time, the Black Sword and Bright Shield bearers had had a spectator.
Log;
It had been too close, much too close, Jowy thought to himself as he reached for his staff and used it to support himself upwards. He took a few moments, body convulsing slightly from the strain of the still-burning rune on his right hand. Something warm was bubbling up his throat but Jowy ignored that in favor of checking Riou's condition. He took slow and measured steps towards Riou, concentrating on keeping himself upright and making himself believe he was well. If he was to die, then he'd have died earlier... right?
Pushing back strands of messy and damp blond hair behind his ears - sometime during the duel, his hair had come undone - he came to a halt before Riou. He dared not bend down, dared not touch the unconscious and bleeding brunet.
"Riou--" Guilt flashed through his heart instantly. He should have listened, been more alert, paid attention to numerous warning signs that day. He was careless and eager to believe in idealistic lies once more -- a failure. That was what he was and Riou--
"Hold on, Riou... I'll... I'll get help for you--" A sharp pain from his right hand and he firmly pushed it back down. I'm not hurting Riou , he told it firmly, not anymore. He was stronger, dammit. Stronger than this. He'd prove to them. If Riou could not hold back destiny anymore, he too would help, if only it would keep Riou alive.
He hated the thought of Riou dying here when he had so much to live for.
If you're so intent on not killing the Bright Shield bearer, you should have just chosen to lie down quietly to die as he'd suggested. As you'd previously wished.
No- it wasn't like that anymore, Jowy told himself. He knew now! He understood, none of them... they should strive for a better ending to their fates. He may not have so much to live for now, he may not deserve to return to their world and find happiness but... Kamui was here, and Lyra - a new family. They would be hurt if he were to die and he didn't want Riou to die.
He turned sharply around and began heading back as fast as he could. Riou would have to wait, somehow, and be safe. Jowy could try and bring him back but if he did, Jowy feared he wouldn't last--
Or was it just a fear--?
He turned back again and gritted his teeth.
"Dammit, what would Leon say if he saw me like this...?"
Tyr was almost- almost, but not quite- surprised. A small smile curled around the edges of his lips, bringing them up in a faint mimicry of an expression of pleasure; something not quite a smirk and not quite a grin. "Really, Bright Shield," he remarked, too softy for the teen to hear him, "And to think I thought better of you. To let this opportunity go past so easily..."
He could feel, partly through Soul Eater, the presence of both Bright Shield and Black Sword. Amusing, in a way. That and- ah, he'd always wanted to know what had happened, that day. Somehow this didn't quite seem like it, but still.
The woods made a fine place to rest in, though, and perhaps to fight in as well. He himself had watched the final moments of the fight, the actions of both the runes and their bearers as well as keeping an eye out for anyone who might have interfered. This was one fight that didn't deserve to end so quickly, he felt. Ah, but of course it'd come to an end someday- just not quite yet.
Keeping silent where he stood, Tyr watched passively as Jowy made a few strides towards his direction. What would Leon do if he saw you now?
"Encourage you to take the offensive while your enemy is incapacitated, I would think," he remarked, stepping out from behind the tree he'd been standing by. "But then, I never really knew the man. Perhaps he'd say something different." One hand resting casually on the staff he'd brought with him, Tyr nodded a greeting at Jowy, the same smile still on his face. "And then I was never really the strategist of my Gathering."
The defensive stance came almost instantly with a simple shifting of weight. Jowy stared at Tyr with widened eyes. After what had happened with Riou, Jowy was inclined to assume Tyr was possibly not quite himself. "He would," Jowy affirmed anyway, eyes never leaving the Toran Republic Hero's form. "But he didn't advice on personal matters, or rather, he refrained from it... and this doesn't concern anyone else but us now." He gripped his staff tightly. Had Tyr just suggested he kill Riou in his unawares? He feared the answer he would receive if he asked.
Tyr's own stance was comfortable even as Jowy confronted him- almost casual, at that. He made no further move towards or away from the teenager, instead remaining where he was. "Few strategists I know- knew- did such things. After all, it's easier to do such jobs when you keep wars impersonal." He looked off for a moment, remembering how it had been. How much faster would the war have ended, had he called upon the power of his rune earlier? How many lives-
"But we both know that's not what wars are, don't we." A slight change in tone, and Tyr shrugged. "Have you ever considered, Jowy, how many more lives would have been saved if you had just killed Riou when you had the chance to?" He turned to look directly at Jowy, easily meeting the other rune bearer's eyes. "For all you know, you could be fated to die at his hands. Why not change that fate?"
Jowy had thought of that, many times in fact, acknowledged that the war would have ended much sooner had he been strong enough to cut his ties and kill his friend. How could he not? He remembered the peace conference and it had been such a turning point. They could have ended the war then and there. At the same time, however, Leon had respected his decision though foolhardy.
There was a way... a way to atone, to make things right. The end justified the means. In the end, Riou's world was far more feasible, wasn't it?
"I can't change the past," Jowy began in a steady tone void of hesitation. He made sure it was firm. Though, it was still his way of acknowledging his terrible failure. "If I don't die, he'll die - that's the other possibility, isn't it? We'll hold on, keep down this path until we've exhausted all options. Riou wanted that." Perhaps not entirely the Riou who was lying not a feet away from him right now, but the Riou he knew, the Squirrel Boy, the one who adamantly refused to let him die for the fulfillment of their runes wills.
The one who had allowed him to live and see that he could find happiness to.
He told himself, this was very much Riou's will too.
"True enough," Tyr conceded, absently touching the backof his right hand. "You can't change the past, Jowy. But the future...ah, it's still undecided for both of you, isn't it?" Indicating Riouwith a nod of his head in the direction of the fallen tenkai, Tyrwalked a few steps forwards, standing not in front of Jowy but by hisside, facing the opposite direction, his expression unreadable.
"I think Riou would have wanted that, Jowy- wanted you to takecharge of the future." He turned slightly to glance over at theteenager out of the corners of his eyes. "Or will you not? You can'tjust keep following what you <i>think</i> he wants." Apause, and Tyr smiled. "I could kill him," he remarked, coolly. "Endanother war- and Riou is no king, for certain."
Jowy had seen that look in Tyr's eyes. He couldn't stop himself. His eyes had widened very, very briefly, and then he had his right hand pressed against the Tenkai's chest to keep him from going further. "Riou would have wanted to change the future... but not like this--!" He added in a less-restrained voice. "The war ended months ago and if Riou dies here, it would only force Dunan to crumble."
The blond kept his eyes on Tyr during all that and knowing this man before him was greater than him in so many ways brought fear in his heart but he refused, refused to stand alone and merely talk when Riou's life was so obviously threatened.
Glancing down Jowy's hand on his chest, Tyr raised his own right hand, gently pushing Jowy's arm down. "You're very sure of yourself," he said. "So sure that what you're doing is right. Although as long as it gets your part over and done with, I really couldn't care less." His voice was calm, steady- a contrast to Jowy's own. "But what if I decide that it would be better for him- or you- to die?"
Reaching over to his left hand, Tyr pulled off the glove he was wearing. "I won't use Soul Eater yet," he said, stepping back and turning to look Jowy fully in the face. "It wouldn't be fair on you- and besides, it wouldn't be any contest." Holding out his hand, he started calling upon the powers of the Rage Rune he bore.
"Dancing Flames."
Dammit--
Instinctively, Jowy rolled away - away from Riou in hopes the fires would not reach him - and unleashed his rune to weaken the flames, to fan perhaps and for the rune to grant him its protection.
Black Sword-- he thought desperately. He knew he was taxing himself very badly, the rune was already eating double of his energy whenever he utilized it, but he couldn't let Riou die or die like this. -I know I'm not the best bearers, but-- this isn't right. Lend me the strength, please . To restore order, at least. For now...
And as if the rune heeded his desperate plea, the burn on his right hand eased considerably, though Jowy knew it was only temporarily. Just for this. The fire burned and was hot, but Jowy kept himself from crying out.
"I won't let you interfere with our business," Jowy grounded out as the spell disappeared around him. Faintly, he wondered if it was the smell of burning hair and flesh in his nose.
He told himself, he couldn't let Riou feel guilt over his death like this. If Riou wanted to kill him, he'd have to want it normally.
"And you'll do this by not attacking me?" Tyr lowered his hand, watching as Jowy called upon his own rune to combat the flames. "I think Leon would have something to say about that as well," the tenkai murmured, watching Jowy stand. "If you attacked me- if you managed to- then you'd be able to walk out of this place alive. And if that's what Riou wants, that should be what you want too. Isn't that right?"
Pausing a moment, Tyr studied Jowy. He looked frankly as if he were about to faint from exhaustion. Of course he could hardly be blamed for that, nor could Tyr be credited for attacking him directly after one battle, but still. He'd expected something more. The bearer of the Black Sword rune should not be one to give up, to back down, and Tyr suspected he'd find himself disappointed if that were to be the case.
"Firestorm," he commanded again. "And this time- show me your power, Black Sword."
Jowy was breathing harder, but he refused to let that stop him. He refused to show weakness. Riou was worst off than he was! He had no right to step down - he had to fight this for both their sakes. He knew, and he was sure of it, that Riou would not want for either of them to die, at least not like this. All options had not been exhausted yet. He fought the Beast Rune, he held it back. It was true he needed the Bright Shield to fully overcome the True Rune but Tyr was not asking for his defeat. A successful attack.
Black Sword, grant me your power, your strength-- Take my life if you will--
"If I managed, huh?" he hissed in between breaths and then extended his right hand out, praying the Black Sword would answer him. This was surreal and unlike anything he'd done - all this time, whenever he used the Black Sword, even with his recent duel with Riou, he kept it reserved, knowing full well the toll it would take, especially with its now double drain, on his body. But now -- he resigned to fate. If the Black Sword would take his life for this, then so be it--
He didn't want Riou to die and that was that.
I'm sorry, Kamui.
"Hungry Fiend," he spat under his breath. The flames could burn all they want, Tyr was his goal. A nick, a pierce; all he wanted was to succeed in this. And the Black Sword obeyed, calling upon a multitude of swords above its bearer. Jowy poured all his will, his hope, and his determination in that attack.
Watching almost dispassionately as Jowy desperately called upon the power of his rune, the swords gathering around him- finally- the edges of Tyr's mouth curled upwards in a slight smile. "So this is your best attack?" he asked, quietly. "Now- Soul Eater, lend me your power."
Jowy could not have hoped to harm him, for all that his attack may have appeared impressive- Soul Eater was a True Rune, the Black Sword was merely a half of one; powerful though it was it was still no match for the one that Tyr had borne for so many years. The Rune of Beginning- that was another thing, altogether, but this- this was still no true challenge. But even so...
The swords rushed towards Tyr as he raised his right hand, feeling Soul Eater's power gather around him, turning, twisting away Black Sword's attack. For all Jowy's will, though-
-Tyr looked down sharply at his arm, his sleeve sliced through and a faint line of blood showing through. Soul Eater- what is this? That shouldn't have been-
A successful attack. A worthless one, considering the state that Jowy had placed himself in and Tyr's current strength, but a successful attack nonetheless. And he'd managed to see the Black Sword's powers- perhaps that had not been completely wasted, then. "I'll say that I'm a little impressed," he remarked, softly. "You made me call upon Soul Eater's powers, that in itself... An achievement."
It was difficult to breathe, to move. Sometime during the spell, his knees had collapsed underneath him. He stared at the ground, unable to find the energy to lift his head just yet, but he knew-- the Black Sword told him -- that he had succeeded. It was difficult to concentrate though, difficult think of breathing, of moving, but he knew there was still Riou to think about, and his life--
He was still alive. That was a surprise, but this was a good.
"You'll leave us alone?" Jowy muttered, sure the Soul Eater bearer would hear. "Now...?"
He didn't care for achievements, for standing up against a complete True Rune, that wasn't anything to be proud of. He didn't think he could, but he had tried and he was glad it had succeeded but even then. He sniffed and took deeper breaths.
Dear god, all he wanted was for Tyr to leave them alone and to let Riou and him live. They'd figure this thing out on their own .
Finally, he found enough strength to shakily force himself upwards. The King of Highland must never show weakness. He repeated that in his mind and found strength in them, a reason to continue.
He dared to meet Tyr's eyes with his.
Tyr stepped forwards, walking towards Jowy- almost confrontational in his approach, and yet still with a hint of a smile on his face. "And if I said I wouldn't..." he started, leaving it hanging. "You're weak, Jowy. Don't try to be someone you aren't, it never works out in the end." He glanced over to the side, where Riou's body still lay. Bright Shield's signature still registered in his mind, as did Black Sword's. So close to each other, this way. It was almost ironic to see the bearers of both runes in such a state, now.
"And even so-" Tyr reached over, grabbing Jowy by his collar and wrist before stepping to the side and kicking the teen's legs out from under him in a sudden, quick movement. "-if I wanted to, Jowy, I could kill you now. And Riou, as well." Stepping aside, he moved back, looking at where Jowy now lay. Perhaps he should kill him, at that- perhaps...
Ah, but he'd still keep his word. And besides, he doubted that the teen would be of any more use alive or dead- still as noisy, if not more so, most likely.
A second passed as Tyr viewed the two rune bearers on the grassy floor before he turned away. "Not today," he said, dispassionately. "But if you remain as weak as you are now- you'll die a painful death and it might not even be because of me."
Jowy accepted Tyr's words but felt disgusted of his own weakness. He couldn't move and could only be sure Tyr was leaving by his footfalls.
Tyr was right, Jowy was weak.
Before he even realized it, tears had escaped from his eyes. Weak. He craned his head slightly to the direction he knew Riou was and was relieved to see the other boy was just as he had been before. If he didn't do anything, it was likely nobody would find them here until it was too late and Jowy did not want that. He was still alive, wasn't he?
This was the runes' saying they did not want it to end like this and Riou needed him. For once, Jowy told himself, he would not be a coward, he would not leave Riou behind with excuses. If nobody could be trusted today - he thought as he run through the list of healers he knew in his mind. If Tyr was affected then who's to say-- then Jowy would just have to make himself trusted. To be competent, for once.
Strength. Enough of it. It had to be enough
He rose up and nearly staggered towards where Riou lay. By all rights, he should not be able to support Riou's weight, especially while the Bright Shield bearer was unconscious, but he refused to accept logic. He would drag themselves out of here. Somehow.
Using his staff for support, he dragged Riou slowly back to the direction of the city.
Riou could blame him later for being dragged so unpleasantly across the forest ground but for now, he had no say in this.
Rating; PG-13
Characters; Jowy [
for_destiny] & Tyr McDohl [of_toran]Summary; All that time, the Black Sword and Bright Shield bearers had had a spectator.
Log;
It had been too close, much too close, Jowy thought to himself as he reached for his staff and used it to support himself upwards. He took a few moments, body convulsing slightly from the strain of the still-burning rune on his right hand. Something warm was bubbling up his throat but Jowy ignored that in favor of checking Riou's condition. He took slow and measured steps towards Riou, concentrating on keeping himself upright and making himself believe he was well. If he was to die, then he'd have died earlier... right?
Pushing back strands of messy and damp blond hair behind his ears - sometime during the duel, his hair had come undone - he came to a halt before Riou. He dared not bend down, dared not touch the unconscious and bleeding brunet.
"Riou--" Guilt flashed through his heart instantly. He should have listened, been more alert, paid attention to numerous warning signs that day. He was careless and eager to believe in idealistic lies once more -- a failure. That was what he was and Riou--
"Hold on, Riou... I'll... I'll get help for you--" A sharp pain from his right hand and he firmly pushed it back down. I'm not hurting Riou , he told it firmly, not anymore. He was stronger, dammit. Stronger than this. He'd prove to them. If Riou could not hold back destiny anymore, he too would help, if only it would keep Riou alive.
He hated the thought of Riou dying here when he had so much to live for.
If you're so intent on not killing the Bright Shield bearer, you should have just chosen to lie down quietly to die as he'd suggested. As you'd previously wished.
No- it wasn't like that anymore, Jowy told himself. He knew now! He understood, none of them... they should strive for a better ending to their fates. He may not have so much to live for now, he may not deserve to return to their world and find happiness but... Kamui was here, and Lyra - a new family. They would be hurt if he were to die and he didn't want Riou to die.
He turned sharply around and began heading back as fast as he could. Riou would have to wait, somehow, and be safe. Jowy could try and bring him back but if he did, Jowy feared he wouldn't last--
Or was it just a fear--?
He turned back again and gritted his teeth.
"Dammit, what would Leon say if he saw me like this...?"
Tyr was almost- almost, but not quite- surprised. A small smile curled around the edges of his lips, bringing them up in a faint mimicry of an expression of pleasure; something not quite a smirk and not quite a grin. "Really, Bright Shield," he remarked, too softy for the teen to hear him, "And to think I thought better of you. To let this opportunity go past so easily..."
He could feel, partly through Soul Eater, the presence of both Bright Shield and Black Sword. Amusing, in a way. That and- ah, he'd always wanted to know what had happened, that day. Somehow this didn't quite seem like it, but still.
The woods made a fine place to rest in, though, and perhaps to fight in as well. He himself had watched the final moments of the fight, the actions of both the runes and their bearers as well as keeping an eye out for anyone who might have interfered. This was one fight that didn't deserve to end so quickly, he felt. Ah, but of course it'd come to an end someday- just not quite yet.
Keeping silent where he stood, Tyr watched passively as Jowy made a few strides towards his direction. What would Leon do if he saw you now?
"Encourage you to take the offensive while your enemy is incapacitated, I would think," he remarked, stepping out from behind the tree he'd been standing by. "But then, I never really knew the man. Perhaps he'd say something different." One hand resting casually on the staff he'd brought with him, Tyr nodded a greeting at Jowy, the same smile still on his face. "And then I was never really the strategist of my Gathering."
The defensive stance came almost instantly with a simple shifting of weight. Jowy stared at Tyr with widened eyes. After what had happened with Riou, Jowy was inclined to assume Tyr was possibly not quite himself. "He would," Jowy affirmed anyway, eyes never leaving the Toran Republic Hero's form. "But he didn't advice on personal matters, or rather, he refrained from it... and this doesn't concern anyone else but us now." He gripped his staff tightly. Had Tyr just suggested he kill Riou in his unawares? He feared the answer he would receive if he asked.
Tyr's own stance was comfortable even as Jowy confronted him- almost casual, at that. He made no further move towards or away from the teenager, instead remaining where he was. "Few strategists I know- knew- did such things. After all, it's easier to do such jobs when you keep wars impersonal." He looked off for a moment, remembering how it had been. How much faster would the war have ended, had he called upon the power of his rune earlier? How many lives-
"But we both know that's not what wars are, don't we." A slight change in tone, and Tyr shrugged. "Have you ever considered, Jowy, how many more lives would have been saved if you had just killed Riou when you had the chance to?" He turned to look directly at Jowy, easily meeting the other rune bearer's eyes. "For all you know, you could be fated to die at his hands. Why not change that fate?"
Jowy had thought of that, many times in fact, acknowledged that the war would have ended much sooner had he been strong enough to cut his ties and kill his friend. How could he not? He remembered the peace conference and it had been such a turning point. They could have ended the war then and there. At the same time, however, Leon had respected his decision though foolhardy.
There was a way... a way to atone, to make things right. The end justified the means. In the end, Riou's world was far more feasible, wasn't it?
"I can't change the past," Jowy began in a steady tone void of hesitation. He made sure it was firm. Though, it was still his way of acknowledging his terrible failure. "If I don't die, he'll die - that's the other possibility, isn't it? We'll hold on, keep down this path until we've exhausted all options. Riou wanted that." Perhaps not entirely the Riou who was lying not a feet away from him right now, but the Riou he knew, the Squirrel Boy, the one who adamantly refused to let him die for the fulfillment of their runes wills.
The one who had allowed him to live and see that he could find happiness to.
He told himself, this was very much Riou's will too.
"True enough," Tyr conceded, absently touching the backof his right hand. "You can't change the past, Jowy. But the future...ah, it's still undecided for both of you, isn't it?" Indicating Riouwith a nod of his head in the direction of the fallen tenkai, Tyrwalked a few steps forwards, standing not in front of Jowy but by hisside, facing the opposite direction, his expression unreadable.
"I think Riou would have wanted that, Jowy- wanted you to takecharge of the future." He turned slightly to glance over at theteenager out of the corners of his eyes. "Or will you not? You can'tjust keep following what you <i>think</i> he wants." Apause, and Tyr smiled. "I could kill him," he remarked, coolly. "Endanother war- and Riou is no king, for certain."
Jowy had seen that look in Tyr's eyes. He couldn't stop himself. His eyes had widened very, very briefly, and then he had his right hand pressed against the Tenkai's chest to keep him from going further. "Riou would have wanted to change the future... but not like this--!" He added in a less-restrained voice. "The war ended months ago and if Riou dies here, it would only force Dunan to crumble."
The blond kept his eyes on Tyr during all that and knowing this man before him was greater than him in so many ways brought fear in his heart but he refused, refused to stand alone and merely talk when Riou's life was so obviously threatened.
Glancing down Jowy's hand on his chest, Tyr raised his own right hand, gently pushing Jowy's arm down. "You're very sure of yourself," he said. "So sure that what you're doing is right. Although as long as it gets your part over and done with, I really couldn't care less." His voice was calm, steady- a contrast to Jowy's own. "But what if I decide that it would be better for him- or you- to die?"
Reaching over to his left hand, Tyr pulled off the glove he was wearing. "I won't use Soul Eater yet," he said, stepping back and turning to look Jowy fully in the face. "It wouldn't be fair on you- and besides, it wouldn't be any contest." Holding out his hand, he started calling upon the powers of the Rage Rune he bore.
"Dancing Flames."
Dammit--
Instinctively, Jowy rolled away - away from Riou in hopes the fires would not reach him - and unleashed his rune to weaken the flames, to fan perhaps and for the rune to grant him its protection.
Black Sword-- he thought desperately. He knew he was taxing himself very badly, the rune was already eating double of his energy whenever he utilized it, but he couldn't let Riou die or die like this. -I know I'm not the best bearers, but-- this isn't right. Lend me the strength, please . To restore order, at least. For now...
And as if the rune heeded his desperate plea, the burn on his right hand eased considerably, though Jowy knew it was only temporarily. Just for this. The fire burned and was hot, but Jowy kept himself from crying out.
"I won't let you interfere with our business," Jowy grounded out as the spell disappeared around him. Faintly, he wondered if it was the smell of burning hair and flesh in his nose.
He told himself, he couldn't let Riou feel guilt over his death like this. If Riou wanted to kill him, he'd have to want it normally.
"And you'll do this by not attacking me?" Tyr lowered his hand, watching as Jowy called upon his own rune to combat the flames. "I think Leon would have something to say about that as well," the tenkai murmured, watching Jowy stand. "If you attacked me- if you managed to- then you'd be able to walk out of this place alive. And if that's what Riou wants, that should be what you want too. Isn't that right?"
Pausing a moment, Tyr studied Jowy. He looked frankly as if he were about to faint from exhaustion. Of course he could hardly be blamed for that, nor could Tyr be credited for attacking him directly after one battle, but still. He'd expected something more. The bearer of the Black Sword rune should not be one to give up, to back down, and Tyr suspected he'd find himself disappointed if that were to be the case.
"Firestorm," he commanded again. "And this time- show me your power, Black Sword."
Jowy was breathing harder, but he refused to let that stop him. He refused to show weakness. Riou was worst off than he was! He had no right to step down - he had to fight this for both their sakes. He knew, and he was sure of it, that Riou would not want for either of them to die, at least not like this. All options had not been exhausted yet. He fought the Beast Rune, he held it back. It was true he needed the Bright Shield to fully overcome the True Rune but Tyr was not asking for his defeat. A successful attack.
Black Sword, grant me your power, your strength-- Take my life if you will--
"If I managed, huh?" he hissed in between breaths and then extended his right hand out, praying the Black Sword would answer him. This was surreal and unlike anything he'd done - all this time, whenever he used the Black Sword, even with his recent duel with Riou, he kept it reserved, knowing full well the toll it would take, especially with its now double drain, on his body. But now -- he resigned to fate. If the Black Sword would take his life for this, then so be it--
He didn't want Riou to die and that was that.
I'm sorry, Kamui.
"Hungry Fiend," he spat under his breath. The flames could burn all they want, Tyr was his goal. A nick, a pierce; all he wanted was to succeed in this. And the Black Sword obeyed, calling upon a multitude of swords above its bearer. Jowy poured all his will, his hope, and his determination in that attack.
Watching almost dispassionately as Jowy desperately called upon the power of his rune, the swords gathering around him- finally- the edges of Tyr's mouth curled upwards in a slight smile. "So this is your best attack?" he asked, quietly. "Now- Soul Eater, lend me your power."
Jowy could not have hoped to harm him, for all that his attack may have appeared impressive- Soul Eater was a True Rune, the Black Sword was merely a half of one; powerful though it was it was still no match for the one that Tyr had borne for so many years. The Rune of Beginning- that was another thing, altogether, but this- this was still no true challenge. But even so...
The swords rushed towards Tyr as he raised his right hand, feeling Soul Eater's power gather around him, turning, twisting away Black Sword's attack. For all Jowy's will, though-
-Tyr looked down sharply at his arm, his sleeve sliced through and a faint line of blood showing through. Soul Eater- what is this? That shouldn't have been-
A successful attack. A worthless one, considering the state that Jowy had placed himself in and Tyr's current strength, but a successful attack nonetheless. And he'd managed to see the Black Sword's powers- perhaps that had not been completely wasted, then. "I'll say that I'm a little impressed," he remarked, softly. "You made me call upon Soul Eater's powers, that in itself... An achievement."
It was difficult to breathe, to move. Sometime during the spell, his knees had collapsed underneath him. He stared at the ground, unable to find the energy to lift his head just yet, but he knew-- the Black Sword told him -- that he had succeeded. It was difficult to concentrate though, difficult think of breathing, of moving, but he knew there was still Riou to think about, and his life--
He was still alive. That was a surprise, but this was a good.
"You'll leave us alone?" Jowy muttered, sure the Soul Eater bearer would hear. "Now...?"
He didn't care for achievements, for standing up against a complete True Rune, that wasn't anything to be proud of. He didn't think he could, but he had tried and he was glad it had succeeded but even then. He sniffed and took deeper breaths.
Dear god, all he wanted was for Tyr to leave them alone and to let Riou and him live. They'd figure this thing out on their own .
Finally, he found enough strength to shakily force himself upwards. The King of Highland must never show weakness. He repeated that in his mind and found strength in them, a reason to continue.
He dared to meet Tyr's eyes with his.
Tyr stepped forwards, walking towards Jowy- almost confrontational in his approach, and yet still with a hint of a smile on his face. "And if I said I wouldn't..." he started, leaving it hanging. "You're weak, Jowy. Don't try to be someone you aren't, it never works out in the end." He glanced over to the side, where Riou's body still lay. Bright Shield's signature still registered in his mind, as did Black Sword's. So close to each other, this way. It was almost ironic to see the bearers of both runes in such a state, now.
"And even so-" Tyr reached over, grabbing Jowy by his collar and wrist before stepping to the side and kicking the teen's legs out from under him in a sudden, quick movement. "-if I wanted to, Jowy, I could kill you now. And Riou, as well." Stepping aside, he moved back, looking at where Jowy now lay. Perhaps he should kill him, at that- perhaps...
Ah, but he'd still keep his word. And besides, he doubted that the teen would be of any more use alive or dead- still as noisy, if not more so, most likely.
A second passed as Tyr viewed the two rune bearers on the grassy floor before he turned away. "Not today," he said, dispassionately. "But if you remain as weak as you are now- you'll die a painful death and it might not even be because of me."
Jowy accepted Tyr's words but felt disgusted of his own weakness. He couldn't move and could only be sure Tyr was leaving by his footfalls.
Tyr was right, Jowy was weak.
Before he even realized it, tears had escaped from his eyes. Weak. He craned his head slightly to the direction he knew Riou was and was relieved to see the other boy was just as he had been before. If he didn't do anything, it was likely nobody would find them here until it was too late and Jowy did not want that. He was still alive, wasn't he?
This was the runes' saying they did not want it to end like this and Riou needed him. For once, Jowy told himself, he would not be a coward, he would not leave Riou behind with excuses. If nobody could be trusted today - he thought as he run through the list of healers he knew in his mind. If Tyr was affected then who's to say-- then Jowy would just have to make himself trusted. To be competent, for once.
Strength. Enough of it. It had to be enough
He rose up and nearly staggered towards where Riou lay. By all rights, he should not be able to support Riou's weight, especially while the Bright Shield bearer was unconscious, but he refused to accept logic. He would drag themselves out of here. Somehow.
Using his staff for support, he dragged Riou slowly back to the direction of the city.
Riou could blame him later for being dragged so unpleasantly across the forest ground but for now, he had no say in this.