[The line connects, winds itself three times around the narrow juncture of Riku's ankle, around the clasps of his boot, and he can almost feel the way he lands- hard. His entire body. It works- not because he's managed to get him on the ground, but because Riku finally stops looking ahead. Whatever he's been chasing seems to move out of sight, become indistinct or perhaps dissolve entirely.
But catching his attention was only half the battle. He has to keep it.
Bruce carries his lantern very deliberately when he's walking into town square; this is another matter entirely. When he pulls the mask over his face he pulls one over the light as well, wrapping layer upon layer around a cage he's made, to protect the lantern's flame and stability. It allows him to be mostly invisible and Bruce wears it fastened to his hip, just behind him. This requires him to be careful about who and what he engages with. How he does it. But it leaves both hands free and also makes it difficult to reach for any outside force.
He has seconds, really, to make the decision, and it's practice that allows him to do so without haste. Bruce clips the other end of the line to a nearby tree, to keep him anchored, and he begins to approach from the side. It's the only reason that whatever Riku throws back at him misses- it follows a trajectory Bruce had adjusted and then departed from. It doesn't matter, he can't see what was thrown. A weapon? Magic? It comes so close that Bruce can feel the breeze rustle the high collar of his shirt.
His eyes widen.
Instead of freezing in place Bruce presses himself flat to another tree, looking up at the branches (too thin) and then the branches of the next tree over (maybe.)]
It's dangerous to go any further.
[One hand goes back to his belt, fingers sliding a small, oblong piece from a narrow pouch.]
no subject
But catching his attention was only half the battle. He has to keep it.
Bruce carries his lantern very deliberately when he's walking into town square; this is another matter entirely. When he pulls the mask over his face he pulls one over the light as well, wrapping layer upon layer around a cage he's made, to protect the lantern's flame and stability. It allows him to be mostly invisible and Bruce wears it fastened to his hip, just behind him. This requires him to be careful about who and what he engages with. How he does it. But it leaves both hands free and also makes it difficult to reach for any outside force.
He has seconds, really, to make the decision, and it's practice that allows him to do so without haste. Bruce clips the other end of the line to a nearby tree, to keep him anchored, and he begins to approach from the side. It's the only reason that whatever Riku throws back at him misses- it follows a trajectory Bruce had adjusted and then departed from. It doesn't matter, he can't see what was thrown. A weapon? Magic? It comes so close that Bruce can feel the breeze rustle the high collar of his shirt.
His eyes widen.
Instead of freezing in place Bruce presses himself flat to another tree, looking up at the branches (too thin) and then the branches of the next tree over (maybe.)]
It's dangerous to go any further.
[One hand goes back to his belt, fingers sliding a small, oblong piece from a narrow pouch.]
Turn back towards town.