When will they give up? [Trigger:Blood] [ Closed]

[Leiken Chu]

[Trigger Warning: Gratuitous blood within this thread. Please be advised before reading]

It had been only a short time since he'd got rid of the last trainer, yet the school seemed far more determined than he was as of late. Lei was beginning to think that it was impossible for him to be anywhere near normal; anywhere near being less of a monster. It had grown colder and with the cold came more strain to his abilities. He pushed himself harder in the cold, to stay warm, to speed his own blood. He wanted to be able to control it, to master it, yet he found that it was a task easier said than done.

Leiken stepped upon the training grounds, staring about the space as if it were an alien world, or a dream. Perhaps something he'd seen and experienced many times for years, but still very foreign to him. The way a dream faded from the mind a short time after waking when the meaning behind it became lost. He'd chased off another trainer, disappointing, but expected for him. He was almost proud of the fact and it was much like a game for him. After all, if they couldn't even deal with his personality how would they ever be able to help him? At least that was his way of putting reason to his behaviors.

Leiken stood, waiting, not really sure for who as he'd never met his new trainer. Though he held onto a pre-determined belief that this trainer would be no different from the others. He stood relaxed, slouched even, looking rather lazy in both his stance and presentation. His hair was messy, little effort put into dolling it up, strands going here and there as if he'd done nothing more than run a brush through it.

His clothing was as simple as his hair was that day. A long-sleeved black shirt, that seemed to large for his frame, that draped over a pair of blue jeans. His usual converse sneakers dirtied with mud, blood, and whatever else he happened to kick up in his journeys.

Leiken exhaled, growing impatient, anxious mostly. His eyes lazily staring about, having little motivation, yet there was still the desire to be proven wrong. Perhaps that was the main reason that he even managed to bring himself out to each scheduled session. He silently wondered who they'd send after him next. Though he snorted aloud a bit, laughing to himself, "probably another weakling." His voice was soft, but masculine. Holding a tone of laziness about it that was much a characteristic of his being.

[Vincent Meian]

The air was crisp and cool that afternoon, like the afternoon before it though without the slushy rain that has persisted through much of the day yesterday. It was enough to fog the breath but not enough to ail the lungs, and with a bit of movement the chill would evaporate from warm skin easily.


Vincent was dressed as he always was; a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbows, black jeans that gave him a surprising range of motion, and black running shoes. His hair was tied up in a ponytail at the nape of his neck, and his sunglasses rested on his nose to ward off the cloud reflections and bright sunshine. The only difference in his appearance was the addition of a white scarf wrapped around his neck; a gift from his wife on his Hallow's Eve birthday. The weather was cool enough for him to wear it, so he did, and she certainly seemed pleased with it.


He hoped today's lesson wouldn't damage it.


The Asian man was too tall for his nationality; six and a half feet at best approximation, and mostly legs. Everything about him was lean and assured, like a jungle cat with its prey in sight. His right hand, scarred and tattooed with black ink, carried a bucket that sloshed as he walked, though not enough to spill over the side. It was a simple two gallon plastic bucket used for mixing paint primer (Ari had one left over from painting his loft), and in the low light its contents could not be discerned.


He shifted his left hand slightly, just as scarred as its partner though carrying a book instead of a bucket. He thumbed the pages absently but did not remove it from its place under his arm; the time would come for that later. Right now, he needed to find his student.


Speak of the Devil, there he was, standing in the field with his back to the approaching trainer without a care in the world. (Quite odd idioms, those - he would have to ask about the etymology of them later.) Vincent caught a murmur, something about "another weakling". A smirk played lightly over the edges of his mouth; the boy much be thinking about the trainers he'd had in the past or guessing about his new one.


He was in for a rude surprise.


"Who is weak, Chu-kun?" the Japanese man asked, his voice airy and knowing as he stood still five feet behind the student, well out of range for a normal physical attack made in surprise. As he was fairly certain the student had no weapons and the bucket was filled with effectively a protective solution, he wasn't too worried about being hurt. Instead, he stood and watched every move the kid made.

[Leiken Chu]

Stretched somewhat where he stood, his arms above his head, causing bones within his body to crackle with minor pops. He lowered those arms, rolling his shoulders a bit, working out the stiffness that tended to develop from long periods of inactivity. He'd been so lazy after chasing off his last trainer that he had almost hoped to disappear into the furniture, though that plan had faded from mind the moment he was given yet another trainer, would they ever give up?

He was starting to question that himself though at that particular moment it was far from his mind. Leiken slid his hands over his arms, rubbing them, to warm himself a faint bit without the use of his own ability.Though realizing how weak it made him look in doing so he immediately dropped one hand. The other raising to brush through his hair in a 'i'm cool' sort of way. Trying to display a sense of confidence that wavered only occasionally.

The sunshine wasn't something Leiken was fond of, but he welcomed it just the same as the night. Though not the brightness that stung his eyes, especially as he tried to seek out an image of this so-called trainer, which proved to be too much for his eyes. A hand rose to create a barrier for some of those rays. Resting upon his brow as though he were a sailor looking off to the horizon for signs of land to conquer, but not a single "land ho!" to shout just yet.

Leiken stood taller than his father's side of the family. Averaging a height of five-foot ten-inches tall at his last check-up. He wasn't anything to fear in appearance with his lanky figure, but looks could be deceiving these days. Times had changed and one could no longer judge physical strength upon appearance alone. Not that such was applicable in his case.

The sudden voice behind him snapped him out of his thoughtful daze. The light dancing upon his skin was suddenly shifted to a new plane of his features as he turned sharply, as sharp as the inhale of air that hinted of his surprise, despite the disappearance of the expression upon his features shortly after the presence was caught by his eyes. his lungs stung with the sudden intake of such a breath, but his features did not display the slight pain of it as it passed as quickly as it had come.

However, the beat of his heart pounded in his chest, making the beat echo to his mind as the change in his blood's pace sloshed within his perception. "Christ on a stick." he sputtered out for a moment. Though again that right hand rose to brush through his hair in a 'cool and collected' sort of way. Dismissing the momentary break of composure as if it had never happened.

"Nevermind that and please call me Lei or something. Chu-kun sounds so...unmanly." he noted with a slight irritation to his voice. His stance was one of confidence despite having been obviously caught off guard. "Judging by the fact you know my name I would imagine that you're not the janitor," He would state identifying the bucket the man carried as a possible tool for such a position "Are you the one they've sent for me now?" His soft voice lazily questioned. He leaned forward, shoving his hands into his pockets in the process, as if leaning forward would help his gaze penetrate the man or intimidate him.

[Vincent Meian]

Despite his protest to the contrary, Vincent thought that the address had been most fitting. What with the obvious need to show nonchalance and boredom at every given turn (even when startled) in conjunction with the sudden air of being a pirate a few short moments ago (land-ho indeed), he obviously needed to prove himself a man while having the imagination of a boy.


This would certainly be entertaining.


With a gracious bow that spread his arms to the side, Vincent straightened again, that minor smirk back on his face. "My apologies, Lei - I will try not embarrass you in such a way again." Though, embarrassment in other ways was not out of the question; trainers taught all sorts of things, not just how to temper one's powers.


At the jibe about the janitor, the trainer's head tilted slightly to the side with a bemused smile. "With how highly you think of yourself, I would imagine that everyone knows your name," he answered, his voice full of dry humor. "And if that were the case, I could be anyone, could I not?"


The attempt at intimidation was noted and discarded. Being that the older man literally towered over the student and had seen more blood than the hemokinetic ever had at this point, there was little chance of a simple careless sneer frightening (or even really concerning) him. A simple and slow nod was all that was needed to answer the question, and the Japanese male place the bucket down on the ground as he clarified.


"I am your trainer now, yes. My name is Vincent Meian, though 'teacher' or 'sensei' will work just as well if you prefer." His right hand now free, he straightened and removed the sunglasses from his face, his golden-brown eyes suddenly hard and impassive. "I trust I do not need to stress the importance of respect in my culture."


Though his tone had not changed from its amiable lilt, there was a sudden frigidity to his words that rang in the air. He would not tolerate further disrespect, though he would be willing to let the child test his boundaries. It was his right, but also his peril if he stepped too far.

[Leiken Chu]

Leiken watched the man like a predator to it's prey. Observing every movement, waiting for a weak point to show, so that he could strike upon it. Seeking out a weakness that would prove to him this man was nothing more than just another weak-minded trainer that could not handle him or his abilities. That is what he had come to expect. Why would it change now? Whether it was true or not it was Leiken's biased opinion to the situation of trainer and student.

The bow amused him, to say the least, which caused a faint smirk to play upon the edge of his lips. "Apology accepted, just make sure it doesn't happen again, -trainer-. " He put extra emphasis on the word trainer. He did this in effort to display both that he did not know the man's name at that point, but as well in effort to belittle the man's position and purpose. Sometimes that was enough alone to send the weak-minded ones packing, but not often.

A laugh escaped Leiken to the man's suggestion over his self-determined worth. "While I do think of myself highly. I'm not a fool to believe that everyone would know my name." He mused. "That is how I came to the conclusion you must be the trainer. After all, your attire alone doesn't set you apart from a Janitor very well on it's own." he stabbed back at the man.

Leiken breathed out a long, slow, sigh. As his attempt to intimidate the man merely by his stare failed. 'It's only the beginning, don't get cock, trainer' he thought to himself as he glared at the man. Leiken imagined the man with a mop to go along with that bucket. Swabbing the deck of his pirate ship. Kissing his boots as he once again conquered the will-power of another. Though as the man spoke his own little daydream faded in the wind.

"Well, Vincent, I wish you good luck then. Though I doubt you'll be around for long so forgive me if I don't remember your name later." he stated with a small-lazy yawn. "I know nothing of your culture. I know nothing of you. For all I am aware you could be the offspring of a sack of potatoes. Do explain." He stated with smirk. He was going to make the man work hard.

This was going to be fun.

Though Leiken was as well Asian he made no assumptions on where the man's ancestry lay. After all, there were many Asian in appearance who were born and raised in the most American of ways.

[Vincent Meian]

This dance around the point was certainly amusing and something Vincent had not engaged in much since he had left Japan. The fact that he had never particularly enjoyed such frivolities when in his native country was beside the point; everything was about appearances once again, and he would make sure his point was heard. Mere rudeness would never make him leave; make him angry, perhaps - but never leave.


A nod of acquiescence showed his understanding of the title and acceptance of it. Much like the title of "teacher", it was a word the described his position in the school. He could accept its usage as a title with no qualms. The boy's manners, however, needed more work. One should treat their teachers with respect and honesty, not crude attempts at wit. This would have to wait, however; there were other things to concern himself with at the moment.


"Now that is a surprise," the taller man quipped back, amusement in his tone. "I expected to find a spoiled and impudent child concerned only with his own image, but I can see that I was mistaken. At the very least of your studies, you have managed to acquire some meager observational skills. We will have to work on your wit later."


The expression of the boy changed back to a sneer and the trainer watched him carefully, almost knowing what the boy was thinking. Some petty, vengeful idea of subservience and lordship, no doubt. It wasn't that hard to tell, believe it or not.


After all, he himself had worn it over twenty years ago.


"I will forgive what I deem forgivable," the Japanese man stated softly, the frost returning to his voice. Bypassing the question of his heritage, Vincent moved into a more balanced pose - feet slightly apart with hands at his side. Though he did not come closer to Lei, the subtle shift of his stance gave a more threatening air to the way he stood. Something having to do with his days in the military, no doubt. "You will take care to listen well, as I will speak on such things once;


"I do not demand your respect today, though I promise you that I will earn it in time. This does not mean I am your servant, nor your lesser. I am here to teach you how to control a power that will destroy you if you cannot learn to use it effectively and with precision. I am not here to coddle you, nor beat you into submission. I do not issue idle threats, nor do I appreciate them. You will understand these statements as they are intended or you will pay the price for your ignorance. Do you understand?"


He had not openly threatened the boy, and he would stand by everything he'd said. Vincent despised lies and refused to tell them if at all possible. All he cared about was teaching this brat how not to kill himself or someone else when he was trying to save them.


And, perhaps, beat some manners into him along the way.

[Leiken Chu]

Leiken brushed his hand through his hair once more in that same cocky fashion, though this time it was for a reason, to remove the hair from his eyes so that he could better see this trainer that was supposed to help him. Would this man really help him? Part of him, deep within, hoped that he would be wrong. That someone would break through his iced walls of defensive behaviors and make him feel less of a monster.

It was a natural defense for Leiken to try to chase away those who tried to pry into his abilities. Be it those trying to help him understand and control them or curious people who claimed to be his friends yet respected nothing of boundaries. He'd had plenty of time to build those ice walls and he wasn't going to let them break down easily; garunteed.

"I am quite glad you see the error in your opinions." he chimed back in a mocking demeanor to the man. "Meager observation is all that is needed to observe those of equal presence." He noted with a tilt of his head. Examining the man with such amusement. Perhaps this one wouldn't be as dull as the others. That he could look forward to at least. Some amusement before he would break the man's resolve.

Interesting...Interesting.

Leiken's mind worked around how best to deal with this type of man. From what he could tell thus far this one had a bit of fiestiness within his methods. Be it because of traditional upbringing or because of strong spirit he hoped to discover just what this man's methods were so that he could better prove that there was noone who could tame the monster he was.

Lei's relaxed posture seemed to tense slightly as the man shifted his stance and the air about him seemed much more formal. Reminding him more of a ships captain than a deck swabber. 'What is this all of a sudden?' he thought to himself. Attempting to shake the waver in his nerves off as quickly as it had come upon him. Lei raised his right hand once more, the left still buried in his pocket, a finger digging into his ear as the man told him to take care to listen.

"Ehh? Are you going to give one of those long winded-speeches about discipline like the others? " He questioned though he did listen to the man's words despite looking as though he did not care to hear the man's words. However, listening to words and obeying them were two different matters.

"Good luck with that. You're not the first to say they'll earn my respect." he laughed casually. Though that laugh trailed off as he smothered his right hand into the empty pocket of his jeans. Staring at the man before him as he spoke. "Pay the price for my ignorance, yeah yeah, gotcha. " he yammered on taking a step closer to the teacher. One at a time he would step forward, as if testing how close he could get without being scolded, which was in fact what he was doing. However, there was more to it than that.

"So. How do you think that -you- can help me?" he questioned though he did not volunteer details on his own abilities enough to question specifically about getting help for those aspects. After all, it was not in his nature to inform others of what he feared about himself.

[Vincent Meian]

Good. He is learning. There is hope for him yet. Satisfied that Lei understood his nod, he watched the boy curiously as he fired back an appropriate (if cocky) response that had been expected. There was no need to answer either, as it would simply lead them further off track. The time for humoring his pupil was over.


With his change in stance came a change in attitude. Vincent did not play the part of the fool gladly and he suffered them less so.In the case of his students, he needed to tread cautiously; too little seriousness and they would not learn - too much, and they could only learn fear or contradiction. He noticed the subtle effect his bearing had on the student and made note of it. It would be useful at some point.


He said nothing as Lei mocked his words, nor as he began to step forward. He merely removed the scarf from around his neck, tossed it and the book onto the grass a few feet away, leaned down and retrieved the bucket again, holding the impeccably white container upright on one palm, using the other to steady it as the boy drew closer. When he finally spoke something that Vincent recognized as intelligent, he locked eyes with him and gave a slight smile.


"You misunderstand," he replied. "I am not here to help you. I am here to teach you how to help yourself."


Then, with Lei less than arm's reach, he dumped the crimson red contents of the container on his student.

[Leiken Chu]

Leiken smirked somewhat, finding the game amusing, to say the least. This man was rather entertaining for a trainer, at least thus far, he wondered how long that would last. Some had been amusing, at first, but such things never lasted. Perhaps it was part of the reason he never did well with social situations, because he grew bored so easily. Though that could be said about many aspects of his life. He'd caused so much for so long that the steady pace of a normal life seemed so slow and hard to endure.

Observing the man more closely as he discarded that scarf, leaving it aside for a reason Lei could not grasp, if he cared much of it that was. Lei's attention had drawn more so to the man's neck as it was exposed more so by the removal of the scarf, his eyes following it, and focusing upon the areas he knew to be vital in the passage of blood. One might have mistaken him for a vampire if such things existed in his world.

However, his gaze was broken by the movement toward the bucket, though he didn't take mind of it too much at first. His pace drawing him closer to the trainer in a steady fashion. Step after step until he was just within an arm's length away. "How to help myself? Do you know that is not possible for someone like me, right? Many have tried before you and look where they are now." he stated with a slight grin. His hand raised from his pocket, as if he were to take hold of something, or perhaps to reach toward the trainer. Though this action ceased completely as he saw the movement of that bucket far to late.

The sudden moisture that covered his body was more than a surprise to him. It was a horror. The color, the thickness, the smell. His mind immediately tied it to the blood he'd been drenched with since coming into his abilities. Lei stood in shock, at first, for only a few seconds. His body trembling as he looked to the mess that had covered him. The memories of the things he'd done in the past and the things that made him feel like a monster filling his mind.

His lips parted as if he were to shout, or speak words, but nothing came out. Just panic upon his features as he tried to force the fluid off his body, but with no results. This only made him panic more. He stepped away from the man, tugging at his own shirt, pulling it off of his body. Tossing it to the ground. His breathing became broken, shaken, intakes and exhales.

Leiken was freaking out in all sorts of ways. His own blood slid from his nose as he quickly discarded his pants leaving himself in his boxers.His skin stained with color that he couldn't control, "What did you do!? " he exclaimed at the man. His hair sticking to his face, obscuring the view of his eyes, which were filled with much more emotion than he'd shown before.

He gripped at his hair, the contents of the container may not have been as much as he felt it was, but to him not being able to control it was enough to make him believe the man had some sort of ability to null his own. He moved toward the other man then, tripping over his own sneaker-covered feet, his hands reaching out for the man in attempts to capture him "STOP IT ! Whatever you're doing stop it or i'll kick you so far into the past you'll be bowing to the beginning of your family tree!" He exclaimed to the man.

[Vincent Meian]

It wasn't real blood.


There was no hemoglobin, no plasma, and it certainly did not come from any sentient being on the planet. It was corn syrup and red dye, with copper and iron multivitamins to give it that smell and rice flour for texture. It was actually 100% vegan and environmentally friendly, stain terribly on clothes and skin but would not cause any harm to anyone if swallowed. Unless they were allergic to corn or rice.


He'd taken this idea from reports of the other trainers; ones that had been run off due to disrespect, pranks, threats, and a complete lack of trying on Lei's part. He researched extensively in medical journals and spoke with his wife at length. He researched the psychological traumas and their symptoms and knew what this would do to Lei from all of those reports.


He did it regardless.


The liquid splashed on him at close range as well, though it did not drench him as it had his student. It seeped into his black clothes, staining noticeably, and seeped into his cloth shoes. The bucket came up empty within a second and he dropped it to the ground, watching intently as all the expected expressions flickered in rapid succession over Lei's face: shock, realization, sickness, horror, and finally terror. Sheer panic overrode everything and he attempted to activate his powers.


Vincent could tell because he suddenly became light-headed for a split second as the blood rushed from his head to his feet. He hadn't even been the target, and the wild talent effected him so strongly. They had quite a lot of work to do.


As the student tore his shirt off and stared in horror at the stains on his body, breathing ragged and uncontrolled, the soldier hated what he'd done. It needed to be done, but he hated it nonetheless. The accusation, flung after stripping the jeans from his person as well, bit hard but didn't shake the older man. He answered calmly and with no empathy, "I have rendered you powerless."


He could see the child all but weeping as he staggered towards him, screaming in rage and fear. Vincent caught him as he fell, pulling the boy closer to keep both of them from collapsing onto the cold, wet ground. He felt hands tighten on his arms, could all but sense the terrified and murderous intent. Still, he remained calm and placid, merely looking down at him with sympathy.


"My powers do not dampen yours, Chu-san," he answered softly, sympathy and compassion strong in his voice if not his features. Pain only echoed there - distant pain. "My power would make you regret your life more than you already do - perhaps enough to take it - before forcing me to abandon my own existence for a time. One day, I may never return or kill someone I care for more than myself. But that day will not come so long as I maintain control."


A soft sadness entered his features then and he tightened his grip on Lei's shoulders until the boy looked at him. "I cannot help you, Leiken Do Chu. I can only teach you how to help yourself. This is your first lesson; learn to have power when you are powerless."


He paused briefly, considering his words, then spoke again, "Here is the secret that will give you power once more. That is not blood on you."

[Leiken Chu]

Leiken's mind was a mess, his heart was pounding in his head, making the sound of his own blood's movements all the more apparent within his ears. It was almost deafening, he wasn't even aware that his abilities were having any impact on the other male in the state he was in. Perhaps that was one of the reasons he'd been so dangerous to himself and others in the past, because once his mind detached it's focus he really had no control.

"Powerless?! You're killing me!" He stated as the blood ran from his own nose over his upper lip. An obvious sign that he was still trying to control it. Still trying use those abilities the other man had made him believe were lost. "Stop this! Stop it or i'll make you stop it!" he threatened with such a fire of anger burning within his very being. It heated his flesh and his blood. Burning the coals that would speed his own pulse purely from the rush of emotion itself.


Leiken's gaze quivered with his fear, his panic, yet they refused to expell the moisture that would display the already apparent terror within him. The feel of the other man pulling him closer nearly made him recoil if it weren't for the fact that he would have tripped and fallen right on his rump in the process. However, this did not stop him from shrinking into himself the best he could. Exposed to the cold, yet he could barely feel it. His fingers curled, tightening the grasp on whatever he could manage, attempting to move them to that pulse at the man's throat. Though the memories of his past, drawn to surface, the images that flooded his mind instead drew a nausea to his very being; He felt dizzy.

The man's words reached his ears, partially into his mind, but at that moment all he could think about doing was running. However, he was paralyzed as he was, fear holding him chained to his trainer as if the man had become nothing more than a stabalizing object for him to hold onto in order not to drawn in the waters of his own memories. It wasn't until the grip upon his shoulders tightened that he grasped any string of reality still existing.

Leiken's gaze locked with Vincent's in that moment, though within his own eyes hatred, anger and fear all burned brighter than anything else. Tears had threatened to swell at his eyes yet the icy wall of his inner self refused to break that barrier. He shook, visibly, his strain was apparent. Yet it all seemed to crumble with those simple words.

"That is not blood on you."

Leiken became numb, staring at the man emptily, empty of emotion or reaction. He stood like that for a long, awkward, minute.It was after that minute had passed that the blood within him rushed to those cheeks, coloring those surfaces with an unusual tint for his skin, it wasn't one that he usually had to deal with. The man had been right before, he was more embarrassed in that moment than he had been over his, and it made him at a loss for how to feel or to deal with that situation.

He stood in the grasp of his trainer, half naked, covered in a false-blood. Told that it had not been real, it had been a trick, and he fell for it as if he were one of the people he pranked. So gullible, he felt disgusted, by the situation and himself. How easily he'd been fooled, it made him feel weak, powerless. Though he did have that power, that power was still there, he hadn't lost it. If it weren't for the embarrassing situation at hand he might have lashed out at the man. Tried to hurt him for what he'd done. Even used his abilities against the man.

However, that was far from the course of action he wanted to take at that moment. His face was a deep crimson, but finally he regained enough of his own thoughts to speak. "I fucking hate you." he spat at the man. "If you tell anyone about this i swear to whatever gods there may be to slay you!" he stated aloud to the man. Pushing himself away in attempts to retrieve his clothing. his arm raising to his face to wipe the blood from his nose and upper lip. Smearing it on his arm with the stains of the home-made blood.

[Vincent Meian]

Vincent ignored the shouts, ignored the threats. He said his piece and made done with it, struggling to keep the boy from hurting himself. He couldn't stop Lei's attempts to hurt him; he felt the pressure behind his eyes and in his throat, the grey fading at the edges of his vision. The soldier had felt worse before - he knew how to stay conscious even when his own body fought against him. He stayed calm, he breathed, and he told his student that simple secret while fighting to be heard through fury.


The moment he spoke those words, everything went still. The pressure released from his throat and head suddenly, clearing his vision in time to notice the strong coloration rising in Lei's cheeks. He was more than embarrassed; he was mortified, and furious at himself for being played. Vincent didn't have to be an empath to know that. Not only were the expressions clear as day, but it was the same for every trickster that had been caught in their own trap.


He'd felt this way before. He knew what came next.


Loosening his grip on Lei's shoulders, it came as a surprise that he did not flinch at the vehemence in the boy's spiteful words. He had expected them to hurt more, however they were simply echoes of the past.


"I hate you! Do you have any idea what I've been through!? I'll kill you myself if I ever see you again!"


Perhaps not direct echoes, but then again no echo is a true repetition.


He allowed Lei to move away, confident he could stand under his own power again. He waited as the other gathered his clothes stiffly, giving him privacy by not looking directly at him. He waited until everything had been gathered and the boy stood there, shivering. Then, he spoke.


"These are hard lessons you must learn. Remember that you are, regardless of ability, always powerless to fear. Control your fear, and you control your reality." A soft laugh escaped him, making him sound tired as he wiped his hands on his jeans and gathered his belongings. "It will be better than I can do, at least."


He paused for a moment, then straightened again. The pain left his voice, and he was suddenly a teacher again, albeit a tired one. "When you are ready for another lesson, make an appointment. This was the hardest step; the rest is easy. Whether you come back or not, I will not tell anyone of what occurred here. My time with my students is... sacred. I cannot despoil that trust, even if I must break all other oaths and promises."


He waited a moment more, then waved his book in Lei's direction wearily. "You may go now, if you wish. Or you may stay. It is up to you."

[Leiken Chu]

It was true, Lei was mortified, his entire stronghold had been invaded and he did not like that feeling at all. He felt vulnerable, much as he did the first time it all had happened, the first time his abilities manifested. He couldn't shut out the memories or the laughter or the screams of his past now that his safe place had been invaded. It made him both furious and terrified at the same time. What was he to do?

"Everyone is powerless to fear. It is not something...that is unique to me nor something I have not heard a million times before." he spat out spitefully toward the other man. Though he knew that was part of the lesson he was being taught. However, it did not make him feel any better nor did it take away that shameful feeling that brought color to his features.

Leiken looked at the man, as he calmed, his body temperature began to sink. Which made the urge to use his abilities stronger, but he did not want to risk a headache. It was bad enough his nose bled out as though he were some sort of character in an anime thinking perverted about the man before him. Which he was not at that particular moment.

He stared at the teacher as he watched the man gather his things, thinking, perhaps plotting of ways to pay the man back for what he'd done. He knew it was part of the lesson but that anger within him wanted retaliation. Though whether or not he would act on that instinct was left to be determined. For now he began to dress in that ruined clothing.

He appeared a mess, covered in fake blood, looking as if he'd just murdered someone. Or perhaps crawled out of some horrifying folklore. Perhaps if he'd been in a more humorous mood he would have sputtered out atashi wa kirei? However his humor had left him in the midst of his anger and mortification. He swallowed hard at those words. The man did have honor, but could he even begin forgive the man for what he'd just done?

What a mess.


Lei swallowed hard, once more, giving a small grunt of a sound as he smoothed down the ruined fabric of his shirt. Brushing the fake-blood caked strands of his hair before he spoke, "I won't let you get away with this that easily. I'll have my revenge. Until then maybe I'll stick around, but you'll regret it. I assure you of that. " he stated in a threatening manner. Though it was more so that he believed all of his trainers ended up regretting even trying to help him.

"You owe me a new outfit." He stated pulling on shirt.

[Vincent Meian]

"That has more truth than you know," Vincent agreed, brushing the paperback book off carefully before sticking its worn pages into his back pocket. "Yet, you are also very wrong. In time, I hope to show you that."


He expected anger and hatred - par for the course, as the American saying went. However, there seemed to still be some level of trust under that blanket wariness; perhaps Lei knew the truth to his promise of discretion. It was complete honesty, after all, and nothing that the boy did not deserve regardless of further lesson prospects.


Vincent did not smile at the prospect of vengeance, though something in his features brightened again, like a cloud passing away from the sun so it may shine unobstructed through the trees. There was no hint of amusement (though he was indeed amused), nor was there a trace of challenge (despite feeling it with contemptuous ease). He just suddenly... became less dark. And that's all there was to it.


"You will have to work very hard to make me regret taking you as a student," the too-tall man stated, his voice carrying the returned light in his features easily. "I do not regret easily. However, I believe you will try your best, and that is all I can hope for.


"As for the clothes, I will gladly replace them. Come; the school physician will have spare clothing and a hot shower available away from the prying eyes of other students."

[Leiken Chu]

"I'm hardly ever wrong. Just so you are aware." he noted to the trainer. His fingers curling against his palms as he shoved them into his crusty pockets. It was a disgusting feeling. That material starting to dry on his clothing and his flesh. Yet he refused to show any further weakness to the man. It was already bad enough that things were in this state.

"You had better not tell anyone. I'm sure you're aware of the trouble i can cause." he stated. Holding his chin up in an arrogant manner. Though it was merely a defense mechanism due to the vulnerability he was feeling and the danger the other man posed to his ego if it got around that he had been so weak.

Despite the change in the air about the man leiken seemed still very on edge. On his guard, refusing to let that guard fall so easily again, he didn't want a repeat of what had just happened or anything worse. His plans for vengeance would only be hindered by such things. He didn't trust the man, yet what choice did he have for now? For now he would let the chips fall where they may. As for the future, only time would tell, but for now he would have to plan.

"I will have to work very hard to make you regret it then. I'm stubborn. You will regret it. I assure you." he stated as he looked up to, literally, to the taller man from where he stood. He didn't yet dare to approach to closely again; not yet. "You can be certain i will do my best to make you regret this." he assured.

He stared at the man at the suggestion of his clothing being replaced, "good. These were my favorite jeans. I expect something of equal quality." He stated once again holding his chin up in that arrogant manner. "It's not the eyes of the other students I am worried of Vinny." he chimed lightly.