hey all! I expect this collection to come to an end by the time my school's winter break is over... until that happens though, I hope you all continue reading this collection of mine and giving me support!

this particular shot is Obi-centric, since I'm trying to balance out the pieces in this collection to 50-50 (shipping vs. Obi-centric). no worries though, you all shall have your shipping goodness soon enough! until then, enjoy this chapter! (this takes place before Obi meets Zen and Shirayuki)

Theme~ #19: Inkbottles

Defense, offense, defense. He strikes the post, ignoring the dulled aches in his limbs and watching the wood bruise in deep brown welts. Defense, offense, offense.

Fighting has become something of a necessity, one he took no enjoyment from learning. It had been hammered into him by force, from the times he'd faltered, young and weak-kneed and backed into a corner of some alley. Pain almost always accompanied those memories, dulled reminders of sensations slicing through every fiber of his being. As though someone tipped over a multitude of inkbottles and let dark pigment blot out his senses. A consuming blindness.

(never again, his crushed tissues and bones would grind against each other)

One fist near the jaw and another in front of the nose to prevent breaks or fractures. Bent knees to duck faster. Exhale while punching and inhale while dodging. Maintain a strong center of balance. He chants these to himself out of habit. Offense, offense, offense.

He practices (the best, I'll be the best) long after the faceless adversaries leave him alone for good. Until it becomes second nature. No room for weakness.

Distracted, he aims a punch that grazes the wood and skins his knuckles. Blood wells in small droplets from the scratches, and he stares. Defense, defense, defense, his veins throb. No room for weakness, for inkbottles. The blood is a deep crimson.

Gritting his teeth, he pounds the pole so that it smears into the spiraling grains and he can no longer see it.

I didn't really like this one, but would you leave behind a review, please?