Post by The Animal Spirit on Mar 22, 2013 15:23:27 GMT -5
I'm writing this so people have a better understanding of Udyr's character, and how to deal with him, and some reasons as to why he acts the way he does. This won't be an overly long story, almost like rough points, followed by a list of do's and do not's with him.
Boy
"Chi-Chi!"
A young boy with short, pale brown hair let out a wistful sigh, staring up at the night sky. Scratches and mud decorated his skin, the little clothing that he wore was torn to shreds by what one could assume were teeth. He ignored the panicked voice calling for him. His hand lowered and fell atop the head of a resting wolf. He scratched the ears of the canine who crooned at the sensation. All around him, a pack of wolves lounged about, completely relaxed.
"Chi-chi, it's dark outside! Come in!"
He could not help but stare upwards at the full moon. The night sky sparkled with stars, illuminating the dark blanket. The young boy's ears twitched. He could hear the woman coming closer.
"Chiaki!"
With a groan, the young boy sat up and blinked his tired eyes. He barked and yapped at the wolves who immediately got up at the sound of his voice. With a long howl, they took off running.
"There you are, Chiaki!"
A thin woman wearing thick, farmers clothing glared at him angrily, hands on her hips. "What did I tell you about staying out at night?! There are animals out here that will attack you!"
"Tch..." the young boy rolled his eyes. "We would be able to fight them. We want to sleep out here. It is more comfortable-"
"You're just a boy, Chiaki, and there's only one of you!" She stormed over, about to say more when her jaw dropped at the sight of the boy. "Your clothing!" she shrieked.
"Eh?"
"It's ruined!"
"So?"
The woman reached over and sharply wrenched his ear, making the young boy wince in pain. "You have to stop playing out here! You need to do come home, now! The fields-"
"I did them already," he interrupted. "That's why we were-"
"You finished those, so you can do other chores!"
"We did th-"
Another swat at the back of the head.
"I! I did them, not we, Chiaki!" she corrected. "And you missed dinner!"
The young boy let out a sigh and grumbled to himself, being dragged by the ear while his mother prattled on about whatever. He stopped paying attention, it was evident that no matter how much he tried explaining to her, she would never understand. Besides, he already had dinner. He went hunting with the wolves, not that she'd care to know.
It was not like his father was any better, they were both the same in their thinking. In fact, all the villagers shared their mindset. Unknown to them, he could hear their whispering. His hearing was razor sharp, able to pick up the whistle of the wind. He would be called the feral boy, the bear child. Some villagers were suggesting that Chiaki be seen by a doctor, which he had. They recommended him treatments, to help maintain his "sanity".
He was sane, but no one believed him.
Yet despite all of this, the villagers would smile and ask him for favors, because though he did all the fieldwork by hand, he was faster and more efficient than any of their so called tools. Whenever they had trouble with animals, he would be called for to help quell them.
Chiaki alone calmed their dogs, soothed their cattle, and even clucked with their poultry. He was an act more than anything, useful so long as he could be used, just like one of their tools.
The moment he deemed himself able, he would leave this wretched place behind.
Tiger
In his sixteenth year, he left the village for the North Eastern forests of Ionia.
Soon afterwards, a terrifying legend was quickly born and quickly spread. Those who tried traversing those forests knew the risks that were associated with it. A beast man lived in the woods, and one would have to pray he was in a merciful, even playful mood.
Of course, playful to him meant that you may only have a broken arm or leg once you left.
Eventually, the nearby villages decided something had to be done. Although his presence reduced banditry, he attacked even their traveling merchants, and as defenseless as they were, he would kill some of them. No one could enter or exit those woods without being molested by him.
With their minds made, their best hunters were sent to try and apprehend, or even end him.
Over thirty were sent to track the beast man of Ionia down.
They were in a fan formation, and they utilized a series of bird calls to let one another know where they were. Each hunter had his own bird to mimic, so it would be easier to identify one another.
They would whistle in four minute intervals, one after another in a specific pattern to assure they were still alive. They could take no chances. Once the pattern was broken, they'd group up at their designated meeting spot, and formulate a plan there.
When they decided the hunt to be over, they had a different pattern of calls.
Some went off to plant traps, others went with their bows and swords to hunt him first hand.
Four minutes later, the series of bird calls rang out.
Four minutes later, they rang out again.
This continued for the next six hours.
Eventually, one man decided he had enough, and started making his way to the meeting place. He let out a shrill owl shriek. There was no response.
Panicked, the man started to walk faster, fear gripping his heart. He could almost feel eyes watching him, waiting for the right moment.
A shrill bird call, a whooping crane. It was one of the other hunter's. He made his way over, only to see a hand gripping a shattered blade. It was not attached to a body, or even to an arm.
Another shrill bird call, pigeon. Then another, red-tailed hawk. Then another, sparrow.
The hunter started to shake and sweat profusely, he could barely understand what was going on. Forgoing any form of stealth, he bolted.
The crack of branches, something was tracking him.
The hunter notched an arrow and fired it into the brush where something leaped out at him. The arrow was caught by the man's palm, and instead of piercing through the flesh and continuing its trajectory into the creature's eye, it stayed firmly embedded.
The hunter tripped one of his fellow man's traps, snapping his leg in a metal vice meant for snaring bears. The man screamed in pain and fell forward, which was the only reason his was not torn to shreds that instant.
The creature landed a few feet away from the hunter, growling in annoyance. The creature was actually young man, half true to legend. He wore only the skinned pelts of deer, foxes and even wolves as clothing. His hair was long for most men, covering his face with ease. His blood caked fingers cricked, and he stared at the arrow in his palm. The young man reached over with his free hand and snapped the shaft in half. He pulled the edged end and yanked the arrow out, sending a stream of blood gushing to the floor.
The beast man glared at the hunter, an evil grin on his face. His lips became pursed as he let out another shrill bird call, the Shon-Xan hummingbird.
The hunter, despite the amount of pain he was in, notched another arrow and fired it.
The man, no, the creature evaded it with too much ease and swung his bleeding hand at the hunter's bow. It seemed to meet no resistance as his fingers tore through the shaft of the bow, and continued on to meet flesh. With a single swipe, he split an oak bow in twain, and ripped the arm off a crippled hunter who howled like a wounded animal.
The beast man went in for the kill, his mouth ajar as he surged for the hunter's neck. The crippled man could no longer scream, his jugular was torn out and spat to the side.
Thirty hunters went into the woods that day.
No hunters came back.
Turtle
A year passed, and the forests were barely visited by humans anymore. Only those that were deemed worthy were allowed to pass through, and these people became commodities in their villages.
Eventually, an old monk was making passage through the forest. The beast man had never seen him before, meaning that this monk must have traversed his woods before he came. But if it had been so long...had it been that long? Time was hard to tell when you are free to do as you want, when you want.
The young man was as free as the clouds themselves, nothing could tie him down, no one could tell him what to do without any hint of guilt.
The beast man peered from a nearby brush, to get a better look at the monk.
The monk was a man who wore long, flowing dark brown robes which hid his thin figure. A large, red bear paw was stitched on his back. The lines in his face denoted that he was an older man, his long hair flaked with strands of silver, his thick, bristly facial hair repeating the pattern. He wore a bowl shaped straw hat, which covered his eyes.
The monk walked with a staff in hand that rang with every step he took. The beast man could see the insects on the ground retreat from the monk's path with every ring that was heralded.
A grin spread across the young man's face. The monk thought himself above insects, did he? Humans were humans, no matter the form they took. Destroyers, killers, incessantly stupid, incessantly hypocritical, untrustworthy creatures.
At least the so called primitive animals had no reason to lie to others, they followed their nature. Humans? They say they deny their nature, and act on it anyways. This man was no different.
The beast man jumped out in front of him, emitting a blood curdling roar. He crouched to the ground and readied himself to pounce at the monk, his teeth bared.
The monk walked by him, ignoring the bestial man completely.
The feral man was stunned. The monk did not flinch, the monk did not pay him any heed. Did this human think he was his better?
He snarled and ran in front of the monk again, and roared once more.
The monk lifted the brim of his hat and stared into the young man's eyes. Blue. The warmest blue the feral man had ever seen. His own eyes, they were blue as well, but he saw no light, no warmth in them like this monk's eyes had.
A strange sensation churned in his stomach. Whoever this monk was, he must be powerful to be able to-
The monk smiled at the feral man, and continued to walk, his staff ringing with every step.
Whatever this feeling was, it was awful. He had never felt anything like it, and the smile made it worse.
The feral boy roared and leapt at the monk's unprotected back. His fingers were ready to rip through him, and he swung at his foe.
His fingers passed through the air, and his face kissed the dirt. The feral man looked around, confused beyond reason. Where was the monk?
The monk was still walking, his pace undisturbed.
Another roar, the beast man rolled to his feet and leaped at the monk once more.
The monk ducked and weaved under his leap, but the feral man was ready this time. He landed on his feet, propelled himself off and attempted to tackle the monk's legs.
The monk's response was to catapult himself into the air via his staff, lifting his entire body skywards. The young man kissed the ground once more, and looked up. The monk was balancing himself on the tip of his staff. He softly descended, seemingly floating through the air, and continued his walk.
Who was this man? How could he do this?
The young man clawed at the ground angrily. This was absurd, he was stronger, not this human!
He was the better!
With another roar, he attacked the monk again, and again, and again. Relentlessly he attempted to strike the monk down without landing a single blow. The monk, however, did not react to a single attack. He did not retaliate, he did not touch the feral man, he did nothing except continue his walk.
After nearly two hours of trying and failing, the feral man slumped to the ground in front of the monk, gasping and wheezing for air. He was defeated, with the monk not landing a single blow on him.
The monk continued to walk, his staff ringing with every step, leaving the feral man behind.
The young man closed his eyes, growling and roaring aloud. He had been defeated. He had been defeated so soundly that his opponent did not bother to try and touch him. How was this possible? How could a human be capable of such a feat?
The ringing stopped.
The feral man rolled over, still catching his breath, and looked up at the monk. The monk was looking at him, smiling. He knelt down to the ground, and wordlessly, beckoned him to come over.
The feral man narrowed his eyes and snarled at him in response.
The monk did not stop smiling, but he got up and started walking.
It was then he realized he was being given a choice. He could follow the monk, if he wanted to, or he could stay here, as free as the clouds, to do as he wished when he wished.
He did not think about it long, for his choice was always his, therefore he was always free.
Hours later, the gates to a large temple groaned open. Other monks wearing similar outfits had opened the gates and were waiting patiently. They bowed to the incoming monk, and in Ionian, chimed in unison, "{Welcome back, Master Toki.}"
The monk, Toki, was still smiling and bowed back to them. A man rushed up to him and was holding a basket of various fruits. "{How was your pilgrimage, master?}" he asked in a curious tone.
"{Fruitful,}" he cheekily replied. "{We have a new student, brothers.}"
The monks looked at one another, a little shocked.
Toki turned around and let out a soft, gentle laugh. "{You may come out now.}"
The bushes rustled.
"{There is nothing to be fearful of. You may show yourself, if you wish.}"
"{We fear nothing!}" a voice roared from the bushes.
The other monks looked at one another, slightly perturbed.
A young man stepped out of the bushes, covered head to toe in various animal pelts. His piercing eyes flicked from one monk to the next, growling at them. "{Who are they?}"
"{They? We,}" the master monk corrected. "{Are practitioners of the Hirana school of martial arts. This is our monastery, where we train.}"
The young man drew back, visibly shocked. "{...We?}"
"{Yes. We.}"
The feral man pointed all about his own head. "{We?}"
"{If you so wish, you may all come. Though, I wish to ask something, if I may?}"
The young man growled, studying the monk carefully.
"{Who are you?}"
What an odd question. Who is he?
"{We are we,}" the feral man replied. "{That is all we need to be.}"
"{And does we have a name they wish to be referred to as?}"
If it was said by anyone else, it would sound condescending. But from this man, Toki? It sounded honest. How strange. How...calming.
"{We have no need for a name.}"
"{They may not,}" the monk agreed. He reached over, completely unafraid, and tapped the feral man's chest. "{But you do. Who are you, young man?}"
He bit his tongue and growled aloud. "{Our...my name, given to...me, by my progenitors is...not important.}"
"{You are very well spoken, young man. It is refreshing to see. But, I did not ask what name they gave you, I asked you what name you wish to be known by.}"
The young man tilted his head, he was confused. He could choose his own name? Of course he could. It was his choice. Why had he never thought of that? He could name himself whatever he wished.
One time, speaking with the bears that lived near his farm, they called him a strange name: Udyr. It meant primal, bestial one. It was not an insult in their tongue, but a compliment they paid to the few humans who cared to listen to animals. It meant he was more than just human, he was an udyr to them.
"{I am Udyr.}"
Bear
The monk, Toki, was quietly meditating in the Hirana gardens. The birds sang, the trees were full of blossoms, spring was in the air. He rested his back on a rock, and seemed almost asleep.
A pair of eyes stared at him from the branches. Without a word, a shadow fell towards the monk.
A thundering crash, the stone rumbled from the impact that struck it, but the monk was missing. Udyr looked around, his nose twitching. He felt a tap on his back, followed by a bout of soft laughter.
"{Very good, Udyr,}" the monk assured. "{You were as quiet as a tiger.}"
The young man grunted and stood up, his right hand twisted out of place. He wore the dark robes of the Hirana monastery now, with a hakama covering his lower half. Udyr's face had tiny hairs poking out of it, the etchings of stubble starting to grow on his face while his long pale brown hair billowed behind him. The only pelts he wore were He reached over and snapped it back. "{You still avoided our strike,}" he grumbled.
"{Your aura shines brilliantly, Udyr,}" the monk replied in his soft tone. "{It is hard not to see you when you burn so bright.}"
The young man stared at the rock that he had struck. He snorted and growled aloud, "{Can flesh sunder rock, Master?}"
The monk walked over to Udyr and clapped his shoulder. He replied, "{Destruction is something that everyone lives by. Even though most of us do not eat meat, by eating vegetation, we still destroy something. Thus, to destroy, to sunder, is perhaps the easiest feat a person can accomplish. So, can flesh sunder rock? It is a matter of belief, Udyr.}"
Toki reached over, and tapped the surface of the rock. The stone crumbled apart, but instead of falling into a heap, the statue of a tiger was formed. "{Even in destruction, creation can be seen. Even in death, there is life, Udyr. So, can flesh sunder rock? Perhaps. A question you should ask, is if flesh can transcend rock, transcend flesh? That is why we train so diligently, Udyr. To see where our focus can bring us to.}"
Udyr grunted in response, and started to sulk in his thoughts. He was quickly shaken out of it by the monk, whose soft laughter made him feel at ease.
"{Would you like to have tea, Udyr?}"
The young man nodded and growled aloud, "{We shall be able to strike you next year, master.}"
"{Perhaps you will, Udyr,} Toki acknowledged. "{I cannot say you will not, so long as you believe you can. But that does not mean I will make it easy for you.}"
Udyr grinned and started to chuckle. His lips parted to show his elongated canine teeth, sharpened through trial and tribulation. "{We would have it no other way, master.}"
The monk and Udyr walked side by side in silence. Eventually, Toki thought of something to ask the young beast man. "{Udyr? Why did you not break that rock?}"
"{Hrn?}"
"{Why did you not break that rock? I have seen you split wood before, I have seen you pull ploughs meant for ox, yet you did not break that stone. Why?}"
Udyr scratched the side of his head, not sure how he can respond to that. "{Because we are not strong enough yet. Why should we attempt something that we cannot do?}"
The monk's brow furrowed, his tone lowered. Udyr felt a strange pang strike his chest. He was not sure how to describe it. Was...was the monk disappointed with him?
"{Udyr, just because you are presented hardship does not mean you should not try to overcome it. If you are presented with a challenge, you must face it head on. Analyze what must be done, and then do it. You have the strength and the spirit. That is a lesson every man and woman should carry within their hearts.}"
Udyr bowed his head, quietly thinking about what Toki said. To face challenge, and overcome it, that is something a man should carry within them.
It had been two years to this day since Udyr had been taken in by the Hirana monk, and on the anniversary of his arrival, he repeated the same actions that brought him here in the first place: He would attack Master Toki and see how far he had come in his strength, speed and skill. He could still not touch the monk, and though it angered him at first, it almost became a game. Attempt to kill Toki, the Master would dodge him and they would have tea afterwards and discuss martial arts, philosophy, anything Udyr desired to speak of and more.
The other monks were wary of him for due reasoning. It took Udyr nearly a year to learn how to spar with others without shattering bones, but with due trust from Toki and his supervision, Udyr flourished. His rage, once an inferno, was now becoming more controlled so as to not overwhelm him.
However, it was within the next few days that Udyr would meet his next greatest challenge.
A large bear burst through the gates of the Hirana monastery. Most Ionian bears were eight feet in length, a few hundred pounds, and were able to combat humans with relative ease. This bear was nearly twelve feet in height, and could easily weigh a ton. The bear's thick brown hide seemed capable of shrugging off the typical arrow. The monks looked at the invading bear, unsure as to what they should do.
Udyr stepped forward, growling and snarling at the bear who replied back to him. Toki was stirred from his meditations and asked to come outside. The master saw a bear and his student circle on another, snapping and growling at one another.
"{Udyr!}" he called out. "{What is going on?}"
"{He says this land belongs to his father, and therefore, he has come to claim it back as his,}" Udyr hollered back. "{It is his territory, and none may come in without his permission. We are trespassing and we must leave, or die.}"
Toki stroked his beard in quiet thought. A spark of realization came across his face. Before he could protest, Udyr was pinned underneath the bear whose jaws snapped down at the young man.
Udyr's hands shot upwards and grabbed the two halves of the bear's jaws. His muscles could be seen straining, and with a loud grunt of exertion, he pried the bear's jaws open so wide that it dislocated and broke the bear's mouth. With a sharp twist, he snapped the bear's neck and slayed it. With the deed done, Udyr proceeded to sit down and carefully scalp the bear, to take the pelt as a trophy. Toki's face fell, he knew what this meant.
Kuma-Oh would come and see what has transpired.
The very next day, the gates to the Hirana monastery were left ajar. These gates to the monastery were more symbolic, the gates to the heavens in Ionian culture, rather than holding any true practical purpose as the temple grounds had no fortifications. The only walls that were on the grounds were ones that the monks practiced against, striking them to strengthen their fists. The gates being opened however, meant that it marked an important occasion.
The forests rumbled. Trees seem to creak and groan from an immense force pushing them aside. Every monk of the Hirana monastery sat outside, on the temple grounds, patiently waiting.
The bear's hide brushed the sides of the gate. This behemoth of a bear walked through. His fur was marbled with black, silver and brown swirls, denoting his great age. Various scars were etched in him, his muzzle nearly all scar tissue. His paws were large enough to be able to crush a man's entire torso with ease. This was no ordinary bear to say the very least.
It was Kuma-Oh, whose paw print was the symbol of the Hirana martial arts.
Kuma-Oh took a deep breath, and let out a loud, guttural growl which reverberated throughout the forests. Toki stood up and walked towards the great bear, and bowed towards him.
"{Bear King, I am sorry for these circumstances,}" he said.
"GROARNG!" was the bear's reply, making the monk's robes flap from the turbulent winds his breath caused.
Toki was undeterred. "{Your son was on our grounds in an attempt to gain it as his territory. Before I could react, my student Udyr did. Your son is dead, Bear King.}"
The great bear stared at Toki, then emitted a low growl.
"{Udyr is not hiding. He is hunting. He will return shortly.}"
Kuma-Oh nodded his head, then onto his paws, quietly waiting.
Udyr would return soon, a bear hide adorning his head. His eyes narrowed as he attempted to discern what the large creature on the temple grounds was. It intrigued him. He had never seen a beast so large.
The young beast man quickly made his way back, and saw a almost comically over sized bear curled up, half asleep on the grounds. Toki was sitting next to the bear in quiet meditation, every other monk was following his lead.
Udyr broke the silence. "{Who is this, master?}"
Toki's eyes opened, and he nodded to Udyr. Kuma-Oh's eyes opened, and his teeth were bared. The bear stood up on his hindquarters, towering over Udyr, and emitted a primal roar that shook his very core.
"{This is the Bear King. You slayed his son, and he wished to see who the predator of his kin was.}"
Udyr experienced a new sensation. He was not sure what it was, he could not put his finger on it. This...bear, if one could call it that, could easily crush him. This was the father of the one whose pelt he wore?
The beast man looked over at Toki, his eyes shining. "{What will he do when he realizes it is we who has?}"
Kuma-Oh replied in Toki's place in a series of grunts. "<I WILL DETERMINE YOUR WORTH: WORM OR MAN.>"
With that, the great bear took off at Udyr at blinding speed. Udyr had never seen a horse move as fast, never mind a bear. Before he could react, Kuma-Oh slammed his chest with one of his paws, sending Udyr flying. The young man struck an ash tree so hard it splintered in half. Udyr rolled on the ground in horrid amounts of pain on both sides, his chest was gashed while his back felt like several of his spinal discs slipped.
Defeated in one strike? Udyr tried to move his legs, no luck. His body felt like jelly. This was primal rage personified. He could sense Kuma-Oh rumbling towards him.
"<ONE STRIKE? THAT IS IT? ONE STRIKE?!>" Kuma roared in unrelenting anger. "<MY SON'S DEATH WILL NOT BE VAIN!>"
The gentle rush of wind. Udyr could see Toki standing in front of him, stopping the advance of Kuma-Oh. "{Enough, Bear King.}"
"<TOKI...WHY DO YOU STOP ME? HE IS WEAK, HE WILL DIE."
Udyr forced himself to sit upright, blood streaming from his mouth. Toki stood in front of him, why?
"{He has the potential to become something greater. It may be natural for a sapling to die before it realizes its prime but that does not mean I will stand idly by. Bear King, let my student live or I will be moved to action. You have made your point.}"
Kuma-Oh's eyes flashed with rage. "<HOW DARE YOU? I WILL NOT PUT THE VALUE OF YOUR KIN OVER MINE! HE WILL DIE BECAUSE HE IS WEAK, HE DOES NOT DESERVE LIFE!>" The giant bear's roar conveyed his bottomless well of rage.
The young man struggled to his feet. He growled at the monk. "{Master. Move.}"
"{Just as the mountains will not move lest the earth forces them to, I will not,}" Toki replied. His knuckles popped, his fingers clenching into two fists. "{You are my student. If you are unable to fight, then you will not fight alone.}"
Kuma-Oh barreled down towards Toki, the monk now taking a stance. Udyr...had never seen anything like this before. Someone defending him? The monk was defending him? He deserved to die. It was that simple. He was weak, the bear was not. Why would the monk stand? He was not his protector. He was not a father. He was just another man, just someone else facing certain death.
This would not stand. This was his fight. The smell of smoke filled the air. Kuma-Oh roared once more and opened his jaws, threatening to swallow the monk. His teeth came down, and were held apart by Udyr.
The young beast man stood in front of Toki, holding the giant bear at bay by his jaws. His arms were already shaking from the strain.
"{Udyr! You are injured, you can not-}"
"{I will not allow this!}" Udyr yelled back. His spine had corrected its alignment on its own, the blood gushed from various cuts and dribbled from his lips. The flesh on his hands were already becoming torn apart from Kuma-Oh's teeth tearing into them. "{You will not soil your fists because of me! This is my fight! This is my opponent!}"
Udyr let out a loud yell and pulled at Kuma-Oh's jaw. The jaw dislocated, making the giant bear reel back in pain. Udyr did not relent, crimson rivers flowed from his hands but he closed the distance. He fired a uppercut that snapped the jaw back into its hinges and closed Kuma-Oh's mouth.
The bear bellowed and fell over from the impact, the other monks watching in shock. Udyr had just effectively punched the very symbol of the Hirana arts and knocked him to the ground.
Udyr did not stop. He rushed in towards the bear's soft underbelly, his fingers cricking, and started to slash at it. Sprays of sanguine fluids covered Udyr's face as he continued his assault.
Kuma-Oh made a sudden, quick swipe that struck the young beast man. Instead of sending him flying, Udyr was sent skidding backwards, his arms up in front of him as he blocked the attack. Kuma-Oh rolled up, staring at Udyr. "<WHAT IS THIS?>" he growled.
Udyr took several quick steps at Kuma-Oh, making the bear retaliate with another swipe. He had expected this and pushed himself off the ground, the smell of smoke still palpable. He soared towards the giant bear's head, his hand twitched, and he slammed a chop down at the bear's head.
Bone shattered. Udyr's hand clearly broke from the impact, but Kuma-Oh's forehead started to jettison spurts of blood, the bear falling once more. Udyr landed, shaking violently from the pain he was experiencing. "{You...You will not touch Toki. Do you hear me, bear? The first to strike Toki in combat will be me!}"
Toki placed a comforting hand on Udyr's shoulder, and drew the young man back. "{Enough, Udyr. If you push yourself any further, you will die.}"
"{Then I die only disappointing you, master,}" the young man snarled. "{I, we, will not die. Not here. Not now.}"
Kuma-Oh shuffled himself to his feet, the blood discoloring his fur. He slowly made his way over to Udyr, and started to sniff him. With a single, deep inhalation, which nearly took the young beast man off his feet, Kuma-Oh seemed to relax. "<I see. This is the man who could best my son with such ease. You, all of you, have much to learn. Who are you?>"
"{I am Udyr}"
"<All of you are Udyr?>"
"{We are I, I are we}" he replied, his body shaking from the strain of the fight. "{If you fight we, you will always fight me. And I, I am Udyr.}"
The giant bear raised one of his paws up and wetted it with his own blood. He reached over and pressed his paw onto Udyr's torn hakama. "<Very well, Udyr. Till next we meet, then.>"
Kuma-Oh slowly turned around, and rumbled away, his backside shifting back and forth with every step. Udyr could barely feel the pain, his body was in shock from the injuries, but he won. He fought a being stronger than him and won.
Despite the severity of his wound and against the advice of the monks, within two weeks, Udyr was back to training. He cricked his fingers, and struck a block of stone. His free hand was thoroughly bruised, while his other hand was bandaged and snugly secured close to his body. He took a deep breath in, and let out a short yell, that sounded almost like a bear's roar. With a single stroke, the beast man split the stone block in twain.
Toki watched from a distance. Udyr turned around and pointed at the rock, excitement lit in his eyes. "{We did it! We have achieved the next level!}"
The master monk smiled at Udyr, chuckling at the sight. He called back to the young beast man. "{Very good, Udyr. We will have tea in celebration, but I would like for you to rest some more. You are still hurt.}"
Udyr looked at his wounded arm and shrugged in response. Toki let out a light laugh and started to walk away. The beast man did not need to be invited, and quickly ran after the monk.
Phoenix
Many years later, during the early throes of the Ionian/Noxian war, it was the night before the anniversary of Udyr's induction.
Toki looked much older now, his beard long, broad, and nearly completely silver. He sat in quiet contemplation, wearing the robes of a master. They were a little different, however. These robes were much longer, much thicker than his usual attire. To his right, in a neat folded pile, were funerary robes. He sat outside, wood and timber piled high and creating a makeshift coffin. The soft sound of scraping feet was barely audible. "{Kijiro?}"
The young monk bowed and prostrated himself behind Toki. "{Master. You do not have to fight him. He will understand. You have taught him well.}"
Toki did not look behind him nor replied. The silence grew between them. He eventually let out a sigh and shook his head. "{I taught him everything I could, but even now...There is one last lesson he needs to learn.}"
"{Master, please, you do not need to do this.}"
Toki stood up and spun on his heels. He stared at the monk and shook his head once more. "{It must be done. Kijiro, do not feel sadness. It is life. All things must come to an end.}" He made several broad steps towards Kijiro, and clapped the monks shoulders with both hands. "{If Udyr does not take the position, Seito will be a fine man to look after you. Do not fret so much.}"
The monk started to tremble and quake. He bowed his head, knowing his master's decision was final. "{You were the father I never had, Master Toki. Thank you.}"
Toki gave him a slight nod and a gentle push away from him. "{Rest. You have exercises in the morning.}"
Kijiro walked away, leaving his master alone. Toki looked up at the night sky, staring at the moon. He never noticed it before, but tonight, in this autumn season, it was the time of the harvest moon. Tonight was the final night it would shine, for at least a little while.
Daybreak. Despite being clear skies, sun beaming down in its grossly incandescent glory, the sound of thunder could be heard. Each footstep the wooden sandals made, the rumble of thunder boomed from them.
From around the corner, blue eyes peeked out and scanned the scene before him. The monks were training in the yard, there was a weird rectangular pile of wood resting on the center of the grounds, but where was Toki?
The thunder continued for over an hour, when finally, it stopped before Toki's meditation chambers. A large, burly hand rapped against the oak doors, each strike chipping the wood.
"{Come in, Udyr.}"
The doors were easily shoved open, and Udyr walked in. Udyr now wore the black gi of a Hirana master, with a large bear pelt adorning his head. Various other hides rested on his shoulders. He favored this pelt over his others, which he kept hidden away in his own corner of the woods. Udyr's face was now covered with a beard, which almost mimicked Toki's. A big, red bear print was stamped on the front of his hakama, and seemed to have been sewn on to the fabric itself.
The monk was sitting on his knees, watching the door. To his left, a small table with a ceramic tea pot and two cups sat. Steam gently rose from the lips of the pot.
"{Master}" Udyr said as he bowed. "{May we spar?}"
Toki grinned at the beast man. He motioned to the table next to him. "{Would you like to have some tea first, Udyr? There is no rush, is there?}"
Udyr let out a loud laugh. He smiled at Toki, his laughter dying down to a soft chuckle. "{Master, we always have tea after we fight. It is how it has always been, has it not?}"
"{I thought that perhaps this time, it could be different.}"
Udyr took a stance, his fingers cricking in anticipation. "{Let us spar quickly, master. After you have won, then you and we can have tea. May we fight?}"
Toki stood up and brushed his robes. He nodded to Udyr and motioned to the beast man to attack him.
Udyr closed the distance with an insane burst of speed. The tiles ripped off the floor from the force of his steps. In his mind, Udyr calculated over thirty seven possible ways that Toki could dodge his initial strike, and how he would counter the blow. Udyr then calculated over twenty ways as to how he would counter the counter strike of his master, who then would react in one of forty nine ways. This would in turn-
*CRACK*
Udyr's fist connected with his master's chest, he could feel the ribcage shatter under his knuckles. Toki was sent flying through the air, and once he touched the ground, he skipped and skidded several more meters.
Udyr's eyes went wide with disbelief. His shoulders shook. He did it. He finally did it. He had managed to land a single strike on his master. "{Master!}" he called out enthusiastically. "{We did it!}"
He quickly took another stance, preparing himself for Toki to rise up from the ground, laugh it off, then proceed to fight with Udyr. Udyr would lose the fight, Toki would spare him as he always did, but Udyr had finally reached his original goal. He finally managed to land a single punch on Toki. They would have tea, and his master would congratulate him for finally reaching this landmark in his life.
One minute. Two minutes. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Toki did not move.
"{Master?}" Udyr took a few, quiet steps towards the still form of his master. "{Toki?}"
The deafening silence was too much. Udyr stormed over and reached down at Toki's shoulder. Instead of the broad muscles he was accustomed to feeling, Udyr's fingers pressed into cloth. Where was the muscle? He rolled Toki over, making the monk look up to the ceiling. A smile was on his face, his eyes glazed over, blood running from his lips.
Udyr knew this scent. He knew this scene. He had seen so many others succumb to it. Udyr himself had made them succumb to it.
"{Toki?}"
The beast man reached down at his master's face, he could feel the withered skin that barely clung to his bone. He could feel the bone. Udyr's keen eyes noticed the thick robes his master wore. He pulled the back, he could see the big, black bruise on his chest. Udyr could actually see Toki's ribcage crushed, he could count the individual bones. The muscle. Where was the muscle? Where had they gone?
Who had Udyr killed? Was this the same man that met him in the woods? The same man who trained him? The same man who took him in?
He sat there, not moving. An hour passed. Then two. Then four. He did not move from his spot, staring at the crumpled frame of what used to be a man.
Eventually, monks walked into the room. They made their way to Udyr and the corpse. He did not acknowledge their presence as they lowered themselves and grabbed the body. No blood soiled the ground. The monks carried the corpse of Toki away, leaving Udyr alone in the room.
Just him, the table, two cups, and a pot of cold tea.
Outside, the monks had prepared Toki in his funerary robes and placed him on the wood and timber pile. They murmured to one another, asking who would light his funerary pyre.
An avian screech filled the air. Fire erupted from the temple, the windows bursting from the sudden explosion. The monks could feel the acrid heat wash over them. Udyr stormed out of the temples, glaring murderously at all the monks who had gathered.
Udyr's being did not seem human. A wingspan of searing white flames stretched out from his arms, seemingly for meters on end. A manic look was lit in his eyes. The wings quickly disappeared and raced towards his right hand. Although some of the flame still shrouded his body, the majority had now become concentrated onto his open palm. On his open palm, a small tea cup rested.
"{MOVE!}"
The monks wisely followed his command.
He struck the funeral pyre with a palm strike. The intense flames quickly reduced the wood, the body, everything that was once Toki, into nothing but a pile of ash. Half of the training grounds was reduced to nothing but scorched earth. The monks who were too close to the explosion would feel on their exposed flesh second degree burns from the sheer intensity of the heat. The sandy earth closest to the pyre now had a dull sheen to it, as though it were converted to glass, while the rest of the ground was reduced to charcoal and soot.
Udyr snorted, the fire dancing about him. He turned around, flames dripping off his body with every step. No one tried to stop him as he left the monastery grounds. There was nothing left for him here.
The monks started to gather the remains of their master, when the tinkling of ceramic was heard. The cup he had brought was unharmed. It was not marked nor scorched in the slightest. Within the cup, was a few measly drops of tea, steam gently wafting upwards.
A horrific yell was heard in the distance. The smell of smoke in the air. The birds flew away, squawking loudly. Some may think it was their vain attempt to overpower the yell, while in fact, it was to join it in chorus.
Boy
"Chi-Chi!"
A young boy with short, pale brown hair let out a wistful sigh, staring up at the night sky. Scratches and mud decorated his skin, the little clothing that he wore was torn to shreds by what one could assume were teeth. He ignored the panicked voice calling for him. His hand lowered and fell atop the head of a resting wolf. He scratched the ears of the canine who crooned at the sensation. All around him, a pack of wolves lounged about, completely relaxed.
"Chi-chi, it's dark outside! Come in!"
He could not help but stare upwards at the full moon. The night sky sparkled with stars, illuminating the dark blanket. The young boy's ears twitched. He could hear the woman coming closer.
"Chiaki!"
With a groan, the young boy sat up and blinked his tired eyes. He barked and yapped at the wolves who immediately got up at the sound of his voice. With a long howl, they took off running.
"There you are, Chiaki!"
A thin woman wearing thick, farmers clothing glared at him angrily, hands on her hips. "What did I tell you about staying out at night?! There are animals out here that will attack you!"
"Tch..." the young boy rolled his eyes. "We would be able to fight them. We want to sleep out here. It is more comfortable-"
"You're just a boy, Chiaki, and there's only one of you!" She stormed over, about to say more when her jaw dropped at the sight of the boy. "Your clothing!" she shrieked.
"Eh?"
"It's ruined!"
"So?"
The woman reached over and sharply wrenched his ear, making the young boy wince in pain. "You have to stop playing out here! You need to do come home, now! The fields-"
"I did them already," he interrupted. "That's why we were-"
"You finished those, so you can do other chores!"
"We did th-"
Another swat at the back of the head.
"I! I did them, not we, Chiaki!" she corrected. "And you missed dinner!"
The young boy let out a sigh and grumbled to himself, being dragged by the ear while his mother prattled on about whatever. He stopped paying attention, it was evident that no matter how much he tried explaining to her, she would never understand. Besides, he already had dinner. He went hunting with the wolves, not that she'd care to know.
It was not like his father was any better, they were both the same in their thinking. In fact, all the villagers shared their mindset. Unknown to them, he could hear their whispering. His hearing was razor sharp, able to pick up the whistle of the wind. He would be called the feral boy, the bear child. Some villagers were suggesting that Chiaki be seen by a doctor, which he had. They recommended him treatments, to help maintain his "sanity".
He was sane, but no one believed him.
Yet despite all of this, the villagers would smile and ask him for favors, because though he did all the fieldwork by hand, he was faster and more efficient than any of their so called tools. Whenever they had trouble with animals, he would be called for to help quell them.
Chiaki alone calmed their dogs, soothed their cattle, and even clucked with their poultry. He was an act more than anything, useful so long as he could be used, just like one of their tools.
The moment he deemed himself able, he would leave this wretched place behind.
Tiger
In his sixteenth year, he left the village for the North Eastern forests of Ionia.
Soon afterwards, a terrifying legend was quickly born and quickly spread. Those who tried traversing those forests knew the risks that were associated with it. A beast man lived in the woods, and one would have to pray he was in a merciful, even playful mood.
Of course, playful to him meant that you may only have a broken arm or leg once you left.
Eventually, the nearby villages decided something had to be done. Although his presence reduced banditry, he attacked even their traveling merchants, and as defenseless as they were, he would kill some of them. No one could enter or exit those woods without being molested by him.
With their minds made, their best hunters were sent to try and apprehend, or even end him.
Over thirty were sent to track the beast man of Ionia down.
They were in a fan formation, and they utilized a series of bird calls to let one another know where they were. Each hunter had his own bird to mimic, so it would be easier to identify one another.
They would whistle in four minute intervals, one after another in a specific pattern to assure they were still alive. They could take no chances. Once the pattern was broken, they'd group up at their designated meeting spot, and formulate a plan there.
When they decided the hunt to be over, they had a different pattern of calls.
Some went off to plant traps, others went with their bows and swords to hunt him first hand.
Four minutes later, the series of bird calls rang out.
Four minutes later, they rang out again.
This continued for the next six hours.
Eventually, one man decided he had enough, and started making his way to the meeting place. He let out a shrill owl shriek. There was no response.
Panicked, the man started to walk faster, fear gripping his heart. He could almost feel eyes watching him, waiting for the right moment.
A shrill bird call, a whooping crane. It was one of the other hunter's. He made his way over, only to see a hand gripping a shattered blade. It was not attached to a body, or even to an arm.
Another shrill bird call, pigeon. Then another, red-tailed hawk. Then another, sparrow.
The hunter started to shake and sweat profusely, he could barely understand what was going on. Forgoing any form of stealth, he bolted.
The crack of branches, something was tracking him.
The hunter notched an arrow and fired it into the brush where something leaped out at him. The arrow was caught by the man's palm, and instead of piercing through the flesh and continuing its trajectory into the creature's eye, it stayed firmly embedded.
The hunter tripped one of his fellow man's traps, snapping his leg in a metal vice meant for snaring bears. The man screamed in pain and fell forward, which was the only reason his was not torn to shreds that instant.
The creature landed a few feet away from the hunter, growling in annoyance. The creature was actually young man, half true to legend. He wore only the skinned pelts of deer, foxes and even wolves as clothing. His hair was long for most men, covering his face with ease. His blood caked fingers cricked, and he stared at the arrow in his palm. The young man reached over with his free hand and snapped the shaft in half. He pulled the edged end and yanked the arrow out, sending a stream of blood gushing to the floor.
The beast man glared at the hunter, an evil grin on his face. His lips became pursed as he let out another shrill bird call, the Shon-Xan hummingbird.
The hunter, despite the amount of pain he was in, notched another arrow and fired it.
The man, no, the creature evaded it with too much ease and swung his bleeding hand at the hunter's bow. It seemed to meet no resistance as his fingers tore through the shaft of the bow, and continued on to meet flesh. With a single swipe, he split an oak bow in twain, and ripped the arm off a crippled hunter who howled like a wounded animal.
The beast man went in for the kill, his mouth ajar as he surged for the hunter's neck. The crippled man could no longer scream, his jugular was torn out and spat to the side.
Thirty hunters went into the woods that day.
No hunters came back.
Turtle
A year passed, and the forests were barely visited by humans anymore. Only those that were deemed worthy were allowed to pass through, and these people became commodities in their villages.
Eventually, an old monk was making passage through the forest. The beast man had never seen him before, meaning that this monk must have traversed his woods before he came. But if it had been so long...had it been that long? Time was hard to tell when you are free to do as you want, when you want.
The young man was as free as the clouds themselves, nothing could tie him down, no one could tell him what to do without any hint of guilt.
The beast man peered from a nearby brush, to get a better look at the monk.
The monk was a man who wore long, flowing dark brown robes which hid his thin figure. A large, red bear paw was stitched on his back. The lines in his face denoted that he was an older man, his long hair flaked with strands of silver, his thick, bristly facial hair repeating the pattern. He wore a bowl shaped straw hat, which covered his eyes.
The monk walked with a staff in hand that rang with every step he took. The beast man could see the insects on the ground retreat from the monk's path with every ring that was heralded.
A grin spread across the young man's face. The monk thought himself above insects, did he? Humans were humans, no matter the form they took. Destroyers, killers, incessantly stupid, incessantly hypocritical, untrustworthy creatures.
At least the so called primitive animals had no reason to lie to others, they followed their nature. Humans? They say they deny their nature, and act on it anyways. This man was no different.
The beast man jumped out in front of him, emitting a blood curdling roar. He crouched to the ground and readied himself to pounce at the monk, his teeth bared.
The monk walked by him, ignoring the bestial man completely.
The feral man was stunned. The monk did not flinch, the monk did not pay him any heed. Did this human think he was his better?
He snarled and ran in front of the monk again, and roared once more.
The monk lifted the brim of his hat and stared into the young man's eyes. Blue. The warmest blue the feral man had ever seen. His own eyes, they were blue as well, but he saw no light, no warmth in them like this monk's eyes had.
A strange sensation churned in his stomach. Whoever this monk was, he must be powerful to be able to-
The monk smiled at the feral man, and continued to walk, his staff ringing with every step.
Whatever this feeling was, it was awful. He had never felt anything like it, and the smile made it worse.
The feral boy roared and leapt at the monk's unprotected back. His fingers were ready to rip through him, and he swung at his foe.
His fingers passed through the air, and his face kissed the dirt. The feral man looked around, confused beyond reason. Where was the monk?
The monk was still walking, his pace undisturbed.
Another roar, the beast man rolled to his feet and leaped at the monk once more.
The monk ducked and weaved under his leap, but the feral man was ready this time. He landed on his feet, propelled himself off and attempted to tackle the monk's legs.
The monk's response was to catapult himself into the air via his staff, lifting his entire body skywards. The young man kissed the ground once more, and looked up. The monk was balancing himself on the tip of his staff. He softly descended, seemingly floating through the air, and continued his walk.
Who was this man? How could he do this?
The young man clawed at the ground angrily. This was absurd, he was stronger, not this human!
He was the better!
With another roar, he attacked the monk again, and again, and again. Relentlessly he attempted to strike the monk down without landing a single blow. The monk, however, did not react to a single attack. He did not retaliate, he did not touch the feral man, he did nothing except continue his walk.
After nearly two hours of trying and failing, the feral man slumped to the ground in front of the monk, gasping and wheezing for air. He was defeated, with the monk not landing a single blow on him.
The monk continued to walk, his staff ringing with every step, leaving the feral man behind.
The young man closed his eyes, growling and roaring aloud. He had been defeated. He had been defeated so soundly that his opponent did not bother to try and touch him. How was this possible? How could a human be capable of such a feat?
The ringing stopped.
The feral man rolled over, still catching his breath, and looked up at the monk. The monk was looking at him, smiling. He knelt down to the ground, and wordlessly, beckoned him to come over.
The feral man narrowed his eyes and snarled at him in response.
The monk did not stop smiling, but he got up and started walking.
It was then he realized he was being given a choice. He could follow the monk, if he wanted to, or he could stay here, as free as the clouds, to do as he wished when he wished.
He did not think about it long, for his choice was always his, therefore he was always free.
Hours later, the gates to a large temple groaned open. Other monks wearing similar outfits had opened the gates and were waiting patiently. They bowed to the incoming monk, and in Ionian, chimed in unison, "{Welcome back, Master Toki.}"
The monk, Toki, was still smiling and bowed back to them. A man rushed up to him and was holding a basket of various fruits. "{How was your pilgrimage, master?}" he asked in a curious tone.
"{Fruitful,}" he cheekily replied. "{We have a new student, brothers.}"
The monks looked at one another, a little shocked.
Toki turned around and let out a soft, gentle laugh. "{You may come out now.}"
The bushes rustled.
"{There is nothing to be fearful of. You may show yourself, if you wish.}"
"{We fear nothing!}" a voice roared from the bushes.
The other monks looked at one another, slightly perturbed.
A young man stepped out of the bushes, covered head to toe in various animal pelts. His piercing eyes flicked from one monk to the next, growling at them. "{Who are they?}"
"{They? We,}" the master monk corrected. "{Are practitioners of the Hirana school of martial arts. This is our monastery, where we train.}"
The young man drew back, visibly shocked. "{...We?}"
"{Yes. We.}"
The feral man pointed all about his own head. "{We?}"
"{If you so wish, you may all come. Though, I wish to ask something, if I may?}"
The young man growled, studying the monk carefully.
"{Who are you?}"
What an odd question. Who is he?
"{We are we,}" the feral man replied. "{That is all we need to be.}"
"{And does we have a name they wish to be referred to as?}"
If it was said by anyone else, it would sound condescending. But from this man, Toki? It sounded honest. How strange. How...calming.
"{We have no need for a name.}"
"{They may not,}" the monk agreed. He reached over, completely unafraid, and tapped the feral man's chest. "{But you do. Who are you, young man?}"
He bit his tongue and growled aloud. "{Our...my name, given to...me, by my progenitors is...not important.}"
"{You are very well spoken, young man. It is refreshing to see. But, I did not ask what name they gave you, I asked you what name you wish to be known by.}"
The young man tilted his head, he was confused. He could choose his own name? Of course he could. It was his choice. Why had he never thought of that? He could name himself whatever he wished.
One time, speaking with the bears that lived near his farm, they called him a strange name: Udyr. It meant primal, bestial one. It was not an insult in their tongue, but a compliment they paid to the few humans who cared to listen to animals. It meant he was more than just human, he was an udyr to them.
"{I am Udyr.}"
Bear
The monk, Toki, was quietly meditating in the Hirana gardens. The birds sang, the trees were full of blossoms, spring was in the air. He rested his back on a rock, and seemed almost asleep.
A pair of eyes stared at him from the branches. Without a word, a shadow fell towards the monk.
A thundering crash, the stone rumbled from the impact that struck it, but the monk was missing. Udyr looked around, his nose twitching. He felt a tap on his back, followed by a bout of soft laughter.
"{Very good, Udyr,}" the monk assured. "{You were as quiet as a tiger.}"
The young man grunted and stood up, his right hand twisted out of place. He wore the dark robes of the Hirana monastery now, with a hakama covering his lower half. Udyr's face had tiny hairs poking out of it, the etchings of stubble starting to grow on his face while his long pale brown hair billowed behind him. The only pelts he wore were He reached over and snapped it back. "{You still avoided our strike,}" he grumbled.
"{Your aura shines brilliantly, Udyr,}" the monk replied in his soft tone. "{It is hard not to see you when you burn so bright.}"
The young man stared at the rock that he had struck. He snorted and growled aloud, "{Can flesh sunder rock, Master?}"
The monk walked over to Udyr and clapped his shoulder. He replied, "{Destruction is something that everyone lives by. Even though most of us do not eat meat, by eating vegetation, we still destroy something. Thus, to destroy, to sunder, is perhaps the easiest feat a person can accomplish. So, can flesh sunder rock? It is a matter of belief, Udyr.}"
Toki reached over, and tapped the surface of the rock. The stone crumbled apart, but instead of falling into a heap, the statue of a tiger was formed. "{Even in destruction, creation can be seen. Even in death, there is life, Udyr. So, can flesh sunder rock? Perhaps. A question you should ask, is if flesh can transcend rock, transcend flesh? That is why we train so diligently, Udyr. To see where our focus can bring us to.}"
Udyr grunted in response, and started to sulk in his thoughts. He was quickly shaken out of it by the monk, whose soft laughter made him feel at ease.
"{Would you like to have tea, Udyr?}"
The young man nodded and growled aloud, "{We shall be able to strike you next year, master.}"
"{Perhaps you will, Udyr,} Toki acknowledged. "{I cannot say you will not, so long as you believe you can. But that does not mean I will make it easy for you.}"
Udyr grinned and started to chuckle. His lips parted to show his elongated canine teeth, sharpened through trial and tribulation. "{We would have it no other way, master.}"
The monk and Udyr walked side by side in silence. Eventually, Toki thought of something to ask the young beast man. "{Udyr? Why did you not break that rock?}"
"{Hrn?}"
"{Why did you not break that rock? I have seen you split wood before, I have seen you pull ploughs meant for ox, yet you did not break that stone. Why?}"
Udyr scratched the side of his head, not sure how he can respond to that. "{Because we are not strong enough yet. Why should we attempt something that we cannot do?}"
The monk's brow furrowed, his tone lowered. Udyr felt a strange pang strike his chest. He was not sure how to describe it. Was...was the monk disappointed with him?
"{Udyr, just because you are presented hardship does not mean you should not try to overcome it. If you are presented with a challenge, you must face it head on. Analyze what must be done, and then do it. You have the strength and the spirit. That is a lesson every man and woman should carry within their hearts.}"
Udyr bowed his head, quietly thinking about what Toki said. To face challenge, and overcome it, that is something a man should carry within them.
It had been two years to this day since Udyr had been taken in by the Hirana monk, and on the anniversary of his arrival, he repeated the same actions that brought him here in the first place: He would attack Master Toki and see how far he had come in his strength, speed and skill. He could still not touch the monk, and though it angered him at first, it almost became a game. Attempt to kill Toki, the Master would dodge him and they would have tea afterwards and discuss martial arts, philosophy, anything Udyr desired to speak of and more.
The other monks were wary of him for due reasoning. It took Udyr nearly a year to learn how to spar with others without shattering bones, but with due trust from Toki and his supervision, Udyr flourished. His rage, once an inferno, was now becoming more controlled so as to not overwhelm him.
However, it was within the next few days that Udyr would meet his next greatest challenge.
A large bear burst through the gates of the Hirana monastery. Most Ionian bears were eight feet in length, a few hundred pounds, and were able to combat humans with relative ease. This bear was nearly twelve feet in height, and could easily weigh a ton. The bear's thick brown hide seemed capable of shrugging off the typical arrow. The monks looked at the invading bear, unsure as to what they should do.
Udyr stepped forward, growling and snarling at the bear who replied back to him. Toki was stirred from his meditations and asked to come outside. The master saw a bear and his student circle on another, snapping and growling at one another.
"{Udyr!}" he called out. "{What is going on?}"
"{He says this land belongs to his father, and therefore, he has come to claim it back as his,}" Udyr hollered back. "{It is his territory, and none may come in without his permission. We are trespassing and we must leave, or die.}"
Toki stroked his beard in quiet thought. A spark of realization came across his face. Before he could protest, Udyr was pinned underneath the bear whose jaws snapped down at the young man.
Udyr's hands shot upwards and grabbed the two halves of the bear's jaws. His muscles could be seen straining, and with a loud grunt of exertion, he pried the bear's jaws open so wide that it dislocated and broke the bear's mouth. With a sharp twist, he snapped the bear's neck and slayed it. With the deed done, Udyr proceeded to sit down and carefully scalp the bear, to take the pelt as a trophy. Toki's face fell, he knew what this meant.
Kuma-Oh would come and see what has transpired.
The very next day, the gates to the Hirana monastery were left ajar. These gates to the monastery were more symbolic, the gates to the heavens in Ionian culture, rather than holding any true practical purpose as the temple grounds had no fortifications. The only walls that were on the grounds were ones that the monks practiced against, striking them to strengthen their fists. The gates being opened however, meant that it marked an important occasion.
The forests rumbled. Trees seem to creak and groan from an immense force pushing them aside. Every monk of the Hirana monastery sat outside, on the temple grounds, patiently waiting.
The bear's hide brushed the sides of the gate. This behemoth of a bear walked through. His fur was marbled with black, silver and brown swirls, denoting his great age. Various scars were etched in him, his muzzle nearly all scar tissue. His paws were large enough to be able to crush a man's entire torso with ease. This was no ordinary bear to say the very least.
It was Kuma-Oh, whose paw print was the symbol of the Hirana martial arts.
Kuma-Oh took a deep breath, and let out a loud, guttural growl which reverberated throughout the forests. Toki stood up and walked towards the great bear, and bowed towards him.
"{Bear King, I am sorry for these circumstances,}" he said.
"GROARNG!" was the bear's reply, making the monk's robes flap from the turbulent winds his breath caused.
Toki was undeterred. "{Your son was on our grounds in an attempt to gain it as his territory. Before I could react, my student Udyr did. Your son is dead, Bear King.}"
The great bear stared at Toki, then emitted a low growl.
"{Udyr is not hiding. He is hunting. He will return shortly.}"
Kuma-Oh nodded his head, then onto his paws, quietly waiting.
Udyr would return soon, a bear hide adorning his head. His eyes narrowed as he attempted to discern what the large creature on the temple grounds was. It intrigued him. He had never seen a beast so large.
The young beast man quickly made his way back, and saw a almost comically over sized bear curled up, half asleep on the grounds. Toki was sitting next to the bear in quiet meditation, every other monk was following his lead.
Udyr broke the silence. "{Who is this, master?}"
Toki's eyes opened, and he nodded to Udyr. Kuma-Oh's eyes opened, and his teeth were bared. The bear stood up on his hindquarters, towering over Udyr, and emitted a primal roar that shook his very core.
"{This is the Bear King. You slayed his son, and he wished to see who the predator of his kin was.}"
Udyr experienced a new sensation. He was not sure what it was, he could not put his finger on it. This...bear, if one could call it that, could easily crush him. This was the father of the one whose pelt he wore?
The beast man looked over at Toki, his eyes shining. "{What will he do when he realizes it is we who has?}"
Kuma-Oh replied in Toki's place in a series of grunts. "<I WILL DETERMINE YOUR WORTH: WORM OR MAN.>"
With that, the great bear took off at Udyr at blinding speed. Udyr had never seen a horse move as fast, never mind a bear. Before he could react, Kuma-Oh slammed his chest with one of his paws, sending Udyr flying. The young man struck an ash tree so hard it splintered in half. Udyr rolled on the ground in horrid amounts of pain on both sides, his chest was gashed while his back felt like several of his spinal discs slipped.
Defeated in one strike? Udyr tried to move his legs, no luck. His body felt like jelly. This was primal rage personified. He could sense Kuma-Oh rumbling towards him.
"<ONE STRIKE? THAT IS IT? ONE STRIKE?!>" Kuma roared in unrelenting anger. "<MY SON'S DEATH WILL NOT BE VAIN!>"
The gentle rush of wind. Udyr could see Toki standing in front of him, stopping the advance of Kuma-Oh. "{Enough, Bear King.}"
"<TOKI...WHY DO YOU STOP ME? HE IS WEAK, HE WILL DIE."
Udyr forced himself to sit upright, blood streaming from his mouth. Toki stood in front of him, why?
"{He has the potential to become something greater. It may be natural for a sapling to die before it realizes its prime but that does not mean I will stand idly by. Bear King, let my student live or I will be moved to action. You have made your point.}"
Kuma-Oh's eyes flashed with rage. "<HOW DARE YOU? I WILL NOT PUT THE VALUE OF YOUR KIN OVER MINE! HE WILL DIE BECAUSE HE IS WEAK, HE DOES NOT DESERVE LIFE!>" The giant bear's roar conveyed his bottomless well of rage.
The young man struggled to his feet. He growled at the monk. "{Master. Move.}"
"{Just as the mountains will not move lest the earth forces them to, I will not,}" Toki replied. His knuckles popped, his fingers clenching into two fists. "{You are my student. If you are unable to fight, then you will not fight alone.}"
Kuma-Oh barreled down towards Toki, the monk now taking a stance. Udyr...had never seen anything like this before. Someone defending him? The monk was defending him? He deserved to die. It was that simple. He was weak, the bear was not. Why would the monk stand? He was not his protector. He was not a father. He was just another man, just someone else facing certain death.
This would not stand. This was his fight. The smell of smoke filled the air. Kuma-Oh roared once more and opened his jaws, threatening to swallow the monk. His teeth came down, and were held apart by Udyr.
The young beast man stood in front of Toki, holding the giant bear at bay by his jaws. His arms were already shaking from the strain.
"{Udyr! You are injured, you can not-}"
"{I will not allow this!}" Udyr yelled back. His spine had corrected its alignment on its own, the blood gushed from various cuts and dribbled from his lips. The flesh on his hands were already becoming torn apart from Kuma-Oh's teeth tearing into them. "{You will not soil your fists because of me! This is my fight! This is my opponent!}"
Udyr let out a loud yell and pulled at Kuma-Oh's jaw. The jaw dislocated, making the giant bear reel back in pain. Udyr did not relent, crimson rivers flowed from his hands but he closed the distance. He fired a uppercut that snapped the jaw back into its hinges and closed Kuma-Oh's mouth.
The bear bellowed and fell over from the impact, the other monks watching in shock. Udyr had just effectively punched the very symbol of the Hirana arts and knocked him to the ground.
Udyr did not stop. He rushed in towards the bear's soft underbelly, his fingers cricking, and started to slash at it. Sprays of sanguine fluids covered Udyr's face as he continued his assault.
Kuma-Oh made a sudden, quick swipe that struck the young beast man. Instead of sending him flying, Udyr was sent skidding backwards, his arms up in front of him as he blocked the attack. Kuma-Oh rolled up, staring at Udyr. "<WHAT IS THIS?>" he growled.
Udyr took several quick steps at Kuma-Oh, making the bear retaliate with another swipe. He had expected this and pushed himself off the ground, the smell of smoke still palpable. He soared towards the giant bear's head, his hand twitched, and he slammed a chop down at the bear's head.
Bone shattered. Udyr's hand clearly broke from the impact, but Kuma-Oh's forehead started to jettison spurts of blood, the bear falling once more. Udyr landed, shaking violently from the pain he was experiencing. "{You...You will not touch Toki. Do you hear me, bear? The first to strike Toki in combat will be me!}"
Toki placed a comforting hand on Udyr's shoulder, and drew the young man back. "{Enough, Udyr. If you push yourself any further, you will die.}"
"{Then I die only disappointing you, master,}" the young man snarled. "{I, we, will not die. Not here. Not now.}"
Kuma-Oh shuffled himself to his feet, the blood discoloring his fur. He slowly made his way over to Udyr, and started to sniff him. With a single, deep inhalation, which nearly took the young beast man off his feet, Kuma-Oh seemed to relax. "<I see. This is the man who could best my son with such ease. You, all of you, have much to learn. Who are you?>"
"{I am Udyr}"
"<All of you are Udyr?>"
"{We are I, I are we}" he replied, his body shaking from the strain of the fight. "{If you fight we, you will always fight me. And I, I am Udyr.}"
The giant bear raised one of his paws up and wetted it with his own blood. He reached over and pressed his paw onto Udyr's torn hakama. "<Very well, Udyr. Till next we meet, then.>"
Kuma-Oh slowly turned around, and rumbled away, his backside shifting back and forth with every step. Udyr could barely feel the pain, his body was in shock from the injuries, but he won. He fought a being stronger than him and won.
Despite the severity of his wound and against the advice of the monks, within two weeks, Udyr was back to training. He cricked his fingers, and struck a block of stone. His free hand was thoroughly bruised, while his other hand was bandaged and snugly secured close to his body. He took a deep breath in, and let out a short yell, that sounded almost like a bear's roar. With a single stroke, the beast man split the stone block in twain.
Toki watched from a distance. Udyr turned around and pointed at the rock, excitement lit in his eyes. "{We did it! We have achieved the next level!}"
The master monk smiled at Udyr, chuckling at the sight. He called back to the young beast man. "{Very good, Udyr. We will have tea in celebration, but I would like for you to rest some more. You are still hurt.}"
Udyr looked at his wounded arm and shrugged in response. Toki let out a light laugh and started to walk away. The beast man did not need to be invited, and quickly ran after the monk.
Phoenix
Many years later, during the early throes of the Ionian/Noxian war, it was the night before the anniversary of Udyr's induction.
Toki looked much older now, his beard long, broad, and nearly completely silver. He sat in quiet contemplation, wearing the robes of a master. They were a little different, however. These robes were much longer, much thicker than his usual attire. To his right, in a neat folded pile, were funerary robes. He sat outside, wood and timber piled high and creating a makeshift coffin. The soft sound of scraping feet was barely audible. "{Kijiro?}"
The young monk bowed and prostrated himself behind Toki. "{Master. You do not have to fight him. He will understand. You have taught him well.}"
Toki did not look behind him nor replied. The silence grew between them. He eventually let out a sigh and shook his head. "{I taught him everything I could, but even now...There is one last lesson he needs to learn.}"
"{Master, please, you do not need to do this.}"
Toki stood up and spun on his heels. He stared at the monk and shook his head once more. "{It must be done. Kijiro, do not feel sadness. It is life. All things must come to an end.}" He made several broad steps towards Kijiro, and clapped the monks shoulders with both hands. "{If Udyr does not take the position, Seito will be a fine man to look after you. Do not fret so much.}"
The monk started to tremble and quake. He bowed his head, knowing his master's decision was final. "{You were the father I never had, Master Toki. Thank you.}"
Toki gave him a slight nod and a gentle push away from him. "{Rest. You have exercises in the morning.}"
Kijiro walked away, leaving his master alone. Toki looked up at the night sky, staring at the moon. He never noticed it before, but tonight, in this autumn season, it was the time of the harvest moon. Tonight was the final night it would shine, for at least a little while.
Daybreak. Despite being clear skies, sun beaming down in its grossly incandescent glory, the sound of thunder could be heard. Each footstep the wooden sandals made, the rumble of thunder boomed from them.
From around the corner, blue eyes peeked out and scanned the scene before him. The monks were training in the yard, there was a weird rectangular pile of wood resting on the center of the grounds, but where was Toki?
The thunder continued for over an hour, when finally, it stopped before Toki's meditation chambers. A large, burly hand rapped against the oak doors, each strike chipping the wood.
"{Come in, Udyr.}"
The doors were easily shoved open, and Udyr walked in. Udyr now wore the black gi of a Hirana master, with a large bear pelt adorning his head. Various other hides rested on his shoulders. He favored this pelt over his others, which he kept hidden away in his own corner of the woods. Udyr's face was now covered with a beard, which almost mimicked Toki's. A big, red bear print was stamped on the front of his hakama, and seemed to have been sewn on to the fabric itself.
The monk was sitting on his knees, watching the door. To his left, a small table with a ceramic tea pot and two cups sat. Steam gently rose from the lips of the pot.
"{Master}" Udyr said as he bowed. "{May we spar?}"
Toki grinned at the beast man. He motioned to the table next to him. "{Would you like to have some tea first, Udyr? There is no rush, is there?}"
Udyr let out a loud laugh. He smiled at Toki, his laughter dying down to a soft chuckle. "{Master, we always have tea after we fight. It is how it has always been, has it not?}"
"{I thought that perhaps this time, it could be different.}"
Udyr took a stance, his fingers cricking in anticipation. "{Let us spar quickly, master. After you have won, then you and we can have tea. May we fight?}"
Toki stood up and brushed his robes. He nodded to Udyr and motioned to the beast man to attack him.
Udyr closed the distance with an insane burst of speed. The tiles ripped off the floor from the force of his steps. In his mind, Udyr calculated over thirty seven possible ways that Toki could dodge his initial strike, and how he would counter the blow. Udyr then calculated over twenty ways as to how he would counter the counter strike of his master, who then would react in one of forty nine ways. This would in turn-
*CRACK*
Udyr's fist connected with his master's chest, he could feel the ribcage shatter under his knuckles. Toki was sent flying through the air, and once he touched the ground, he skipped and skidded several more meters.
Udyr's eyes went wide with disbelief. His shoulders shook. He did it. He finally did it. He had managed to land a single strike on his master. "{Master!}" he called out enthusiastically. "{We did it!}"
He quickly took another stance, preparing himself for Toki to rise up from the ground, laugh it off, then proceed to fight with Udyr. Udyr would lose the fight, Toki would spare him as he always did, but Udyr had finally reached his original goal. He finally managed to land a single punch on Toki. They would have tea, and his master would congratulate him for finally reaching this landmark in his life.
One minute. Two minutes. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Toki did not move.
"{Master?}" Udyr took a few, quiet steps towards the still form of his master. "{Toki?}"
The deafening silence was too much. Udyr stormed over and reached down at Toki's shoulder. Instead of the broad muscles he was accustomed to feeling, Udyr's fingers pressed into cloth. Where was the muscle? He rolled Toki over, making the monk look up to the ceiling. A smile was on his face, his eyes glazed over, blood running from his lips.
Udyr knew this scent. He knew this scene. He had seen so many others succumb to it. Udyr himself had made them succumb to it.
"{Toki?}"
The beast man reached down at his master's face, he could feel the withered skin that barely clung to his bone. He could feel the bone. Udyr's keen eyes noticed the thick robes his master wore. He pulled the back, he could see the big, black bruise on his chest. Udyr could actually see Toki's ribcage crushed, he could count the individual bones. The muscle. Where was the muscle? Where had they gone?
Who had Udyr killed? Was this the same man that met him in the woods? The same man who trained him? The same man who took him in?
He sat there, not moving. An hour passed. Then two. Then four. He did not move from his spot, staring at the crumpled frame of what used to be a man.
Eventually, monks walked into the room. They made their way to Udyr and the corpse. He did not acknowledge their presence as they lowered themselves and grabbed the body. No blood soiled the ground. The monks carried the corpse of Toki away, leaving Udyr alone in the room.
Just him, the table, two cups, and a pot of cold tea.
Outside, the monks had prepared Toki in his funerary robes and placed him on the wood and timber pile. They murmured to one another, asking who would light his funerary pyre.
An avian screech filled the air. Fire erupted from the temple, the windows bursting from the sudden explosion. The monks could feel the acrid heat wash over them. Udyr stormed out of the temples, glaring murderously at all the monks who had gathered.
Udyr's being did not seem human. A wingspan of searing white flames stretched out from his arms, seemingly for meters on end. A manic look was lit in his eyes. The wings quickly disappeared and raced towards his right hand. Although some of the flame still shrouded his body, the majority had now become concentrated onto his open palm. On his open palm, a small tea cup rested.
"{MOVE!}"
The monks wisely followed his command.
He struck the funeral pyre with a palm strike. The intense flames quickly reduced the wood, the body, everything that was once Toki, into nothing but a pile of ash. Half of the training grounds was reduced to nothing but scorched earth. The monks who were too close to the explosion would feel on their exposed flesh second degree burns from the sheer intensity of the heat. The sandy earth closest to the pyre now had a dull sheen to it, as though it were converted to glass, while the rest of the ground was reduced to charcoal and soot.
Udyr snorted, the fire dancing about him. He turned around, flames dripping off his body with every step. No one tried to stop him as he left the monastery grounds. There was nothing left for him here.
The monks started to gather the remains of their master, when the tinkling of ceramic was heard. The cup he had brought was unharmed. It was not marked nor scorched in the slightest. Within the cup, was a few measly drops of tea, steam gently wafting upwards.
A horrific yell was heard in the distance. The smell of smoke in the air. The birds flew away, squawking loudly. Some may think it was their vain attempt to overpower the yell, while in fact, it was to join it in chorus.
I would say this on the other account, but I am a lazy fuck. -Tweeeeetch