Battle Scars

[Deleted]

There were many times since Kia had begun training, and even after he'd started to become a good fighter, that Kia had been kept from the main battles. Forced to keep watch near the entry point of Yujleda, expected to fight only if the battle reached their door. Kia understood that his father and Nolia did not wish to put their future Emperor in great risk, but Kia had grown restless. How could he really learn to fight if he didn't really fight anyone with true hostilities toward him? He eventually plead his case to Nolia, and she must have spoken to his father, because they started sending him into combat.

His already growing skill improved even more with each fight that passed, and his confidence grew. Having to think on his feet in actual battle was a thrill as well, fighting along side people who had grown to become friends... one of them more than that, though it was far from that simple. Vero usually stayed close in combat as much as possible even before he knew Kia's true identity, but after he was told the truth, Kia did not miss that he caught flashes of Vero in battle near him even more often.

Today was no different. Kia saw a whir of blonde hair that must have been Savannah flash past his vision in the distance, and an unmistakable hulking form closer to him, moving more quickly than it made sense for a man of Vero's size to move. Kia was focused on the man coming for him, though, and lost sight of his friends. He handily blocked several swings of a blade with his spear, then thrust it through the man's throat, killing him, but another was coming. He barely ducked in time to miss a blade aimed at his neck, the whooshing of it past the top of his head rustling his hair.

He ducked and rolled behind the man, jumping to his feet and thrusting his spear through the man's back. Yanking it out, he turned again, but barely saw his next attacker before his blade pierced through Kia's ribcage deeply. He cried out in pain, collapsing to his knees, and someone tackled the man who'd stabbed him, but Kia could only focus on the sudden pain and didn't see who. The blade still lodged in him, he collapsed onto his hands, breathing hard, feeling disoriented suddenly. He had to get the sword out of him, but his eyes stung with reflexive tears and when he went to pull the blade out, his hand closed around the blade and not the hilt, cutting his fingers and palm deeply. Another moan of pain escaped him, but he was far more concerned with his sudden inability to think.

Tag: @vero, Savannah

[Deleted]

Tag: Savannah & @kiawah

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero often tried to remain as close to Kia as he could. His desire to protect him only strengthened by finding out his true identity. But at the same time, he had always felt compelled to protect him. Knowing that it stemmed from a deep affection for the younger male. But no longer one he could act upon. Kia would be emperor one day and be expected to do what was necessary for the good of the clan. Vero would assume his position; as a protector. As someone to follow him in his rule that would come one day. And until then, make sure he did everything within his power to keep him safe.

Which was why when he heard a cry of pain, he could have sworn his heart stopped beating for a moment. He spun around to see Kia, the sight of the blade inside him one that would haunt for some time to come. Vero rushed over, tackling the attacker to the ground and jabbing his sword into the man's throat. He then rushed over to Kia, falling onto his knees in front of him. "Kiawah," he said, not daring to use a formal title in such a public place. His hands fell to Kia's, slowly removing them from the blade as he felt the warm liquid of his blood on his skin. "I'm going to take this out," he told him, unsure how coherent he was. Once his hands were set aside, Vero placed one hand on Kia's shoulder to help brace him, the other on the hilt of the sword.

Taking a deep breath, and wishing he didn't have to further pain Kia, he pulled the sword out of him in one swift motion, tossing it to the side once it was out. His hand immediately went to the place of impact, ripping a piece of his cloak and bunching it, pressing it with as much pressure as he could to at least control the bleeding. His eyes looked around him for one particular person who could help. "Savannah!" He called out. The words enough to draw the attention of another attack, but Vero effortlessly took his sword and sliced the man's chest open before he got very far. This place was not safe. Vero scooped Kia up into his arms, hurriedly trying to find the other woman so that they could somewhere and properly treat the wound. "Savannah!" He called out again, eyes desperately searching the crowd.

[Savannah]

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE LIONESS
SHE HUNTS AND SHE NURTURES; SHE IS THE HEART OF THE PRIDE
TAGGED @vero & @kiawah Note: Oops!! Sorry!! Totally had this bookmarked but I forgot about it! XD Good on you Vero making a tracker!	The fighting was chaotic; something that fed Savannah's inner fire like kindle. She never stayed in one place. She never stayed in formation unless directly commanded otherwise. When she ran onto the field of blood she was not looking out for Kiawah or even Vero. They were more than capable of doing that themselves. No; her only focus were the daggers she held tightly in her hands, and their hunger for blood. She ran past Kiawah like an animal charging forward and made quick work of those who stood in her way. She ducked and dodged; slashed at everything she could, and eventually she got too far from Kiawah to hear his yelp of pain above the roar of battle.  She heard Vero's second, desperate call to her and turned to find where the call was coming from. As she did, she was punched by the opponent she fought and hit the ground hard enough to daze her. She'd seen him with Kiawah, but she didn't see the wound. Vero wasn't hurt-- from what she'd seen. "Bitch," she snarled as she stood and stabbed the warrior in the throat furiously. Doubling back wasn't as difficult as pressing forward, but she ran with purpose. "What happened!?" she called out as she approached them. She slowed as she saw where Vero was applying pressure and her face grew chilled. Depending on where the sword went, or arrow, it could have punctured his lung. Her eyes fell to his lips, scared of seeing blood. It ripped her from her feral, bloodthirsty thoughts as if awakening from a dream. No blood on his lips, yet.  "Kiawah can you breathe?" she asked as she moved to push Vero's hand aside just enough for her to check the width of the wound. The moment she did, blood poured. It was an ugly wound, but one she could close. She pressed her hand over Vero's once again, directing pressure. "Move," she murmured as she wrapped her arms under Kiawah's. They had to get him farther away from the fighting; towards the torches. She needed Vero's help, but adrenaline helped her focus.

pyxis ★

[Deleted]

Kia felt a little like he was in shock when Vero reached him, so he just let the other man remove his hand from the blade... and the blade from his ribs. That brought the pain back, and he let out an agonized noise, and then another as Vero put pressure on the wound, cursing. he knew what Vero was doing, but it hurt no less. Vero's voice sounded like an echo as he called for Sav, and he barely registered Vero fighting off another attacker before Vero lifted him and sent another wave of pain through him, though this time he barely moaned in pain, letting his head fall against Vero's shoulder as he carried him.

before he knew it, they were someplace away from battle, and Sav was looking at Kia with worried. A momentary relief rushed in as she removed the pressure from his wounds and he sighed. That felt better. He suddeny thought he could sleep. "Yes," he mumbled in answer to he question. "Hurts." To breathe. "Did... we win?" And then pressure was reapplied to the wound and ripped him from whatever state he'd been in as he cried out again, his fingers gripping Vero's shoulder hard, teeth clenched and bared. He let out a small growl next, aware they were going to move him again, and trying with all his strength to prepare himself for it, thought his strength dwindled again quickly.

Tag: @vero , Savannah