melodiesoflife | #13 | Esdham Times

[In his role as Major, not to mention the reputation that his time away since the Battle has done little to tarnish, Sephiroth spends a great deal of his time attending one briefing, or de-briefing, after another in the bustling Military HQ of Esdham. The odd discussion of tactics, with regard to continuous updates coming in from the frontier at the Oasis or sometimes even the more mundane topics such as the run-down state of the mess hall that most soldiers shared. Always and often the same; there is no significant movement at all on the Heran side of the border, whether or not Esdham should gather it's strength and push now that the Empire seems still to be reeling in the aftermath of the Battle of Aqures Ixen, did they have the resources? The competence right through all of the ranks? Is this what the Herans wanted them to do, though?

It's easy to fall back into old habits, and quite often Sephiroth leaves said meetings with an air of disappointment. Anyone less combat-raised might well find it a pleasant relief; he knows not to be lulled into that sense of security.

At least there is a more-than adequate training area present within the same building. The perfect solution to pound his frustrations, with fists, into the punching bag, or simply to keep with his fitness regime. Perhaps some swordplay some with a greener recruit. Post 10th, Sephiroth does have Paladin to begin to get to grips with; surely Warrior should be the best counterpart?]

[The training yard usually has plenty of soldiers and recruits going through drills, sparring with one another, or simply being made to jog around the compound. At night, it's a little quieter.]

[Rukia should be relaxing. She worked hard all day, moving through drills to the point of exhaustion between meals. Evenings are typically meant for down time, where soldiers can unwind or enjoy a more leisurely pursuit either in the camp or around town. Typically Rukia would be using this time to study military strategy, or foreign history between Esdham, Roalie, Aqurex Ixen, and Hera. But all of her training is making her stronger, and raising her endurance. A little more training will do her good, especially so she can work on her specialized moves.]

[As she swings her sword, sweat trickling down her temple, she stops when she spots Sephiroth's moonlit form approaching the yard. Straightening, Rukia lowers her weapon and bows at the waist. Or should she salute? She's never quite sure, but bowing is far more natural for her.]

Sir.

[The best time for having the training facilities to oneself, at all, was after dark. Sephiroth preferred it rather than having all of the wide-eyes that he might otherwise have to put up with. There were very few that pushed the limits of physical capability the way that Sephiroth did, having been raised to do so from a very young age. Mako or no Mako there is no harm in pushing a parameter and making that a goal in and of itself.

Sephiroth has his own, medium-sized katana outstretched to his left-side as he approaches the training area where Rukia appears to have been going through her own kata. He's never been much for training with a training-sword; having the deadly edges in play made for quicker learning in his opinion. He stops as Rukia halts in her movements and appraises her with the judging gaze that he'd give anyone thus engaged. If he's a little apprehensive still at the concept of females being present in the military, it's not an obvious tell.

He brings his sword up vertically in front of him and salutes with a firm nod. Sephiroth has never bowed to anyone, and it's much too late after hours for a standard salute to be appropriate.]

Private. Little late in the day, hm?

It seemed a reasonable time to train, given the shorter hours of daylight.

[It gets dark fast, and she doesn't think she's up at an hour that would be regarded as suspicious. There's at least an hour before she should return to her barracks to sleep for the night.]

[Seeing his sword in hand, she wonders if he had the same idea that she had.]

If you wish to practice, I will stay out of your way easily enough. But if you wish for a sparring partner, I would be honored to match blades with you, sir.

You aren't wrong. Most others would be already winding down for the evening.

[Around about now, is one of those brief periods during shift change-overs when the barracks would be particularly buzzing with some people coming, going or trying to get settled for the evening. The mess hall would likely be in a middle of a rush too right now.

It seems, like him, Rukia has managed to figure out how to trick the timing so that they get as less 'cross-over' with their comrades as possible. Just how he liked it, given his predilection for being something of a loner.]

Hm-

[Sephiroth raises his sword up and around in a big circle motion, loosening up his shoulder a little while he seems to be considering it. He warmed up in the locker room since it was empty in there so there isn't much of an excuse for him to refuse Rukia's request but still he's perhaps unsure if it's entirely appropriate. Not-so obviously sizing up Rukia in the process.]

-tell me of your experience.

[He certainly doesn't want to be wasting time.]

I have several decades of experience. Soul reapers generally live for many, many years. I learned under the supervision of Vice Captain Kaien Shiba, a remarkable warrior.

[She waits for him to warm up. As to how much detail he wishes, she isn't entirely sure.]

However, my training was limited to the katana. I am not well-practiced with other blades, though I understand that having the ninja job permits me an automatic, if somewhat rudimentary, grasp of their use.

[Several....decades? That certainly quirks one of his eyebrows up if only for a moment. He's known from Rukia's previous mognet messages that she's a soul reaper - at least back on her own world but even knowing that, base knowledge and technique is something that even Crystallis cannot strip away from them. Even if the replacement of their abilities with Jobs certainly put everyone on a more level playing field.

There is no denying that his interest is piqued.]

That's the way that Jobs work but I find that the experience in something familiar does reward a certain...edge. Even if the ability might not be even a scratch upon the level that one might have been before.

[There is no use hiding how bitter Sephiroth still remains about that fact.]

Well then, I should inform you that recently I've acquired Paladin as a new Job with the hope that it might complement the skill set I have as a Warrior.

I'm keen to spar, perhaps, if it might suit you.

[Holding his blade up and well away, Sephiroth squats a couple of times before drawing his katana across his body and stepping back, bringing the sword up into his signature ready stance]

It would suit me very well.

[She smiles and shifts her sandal, scraping it in an arc across the dust as she holds her katana at a perfect vertical angle just above her shoulder, clasped in both hands. It still feels strange not to be holding her zanpakutou, but little can be done about that.]

[Later, she notes to herself, she should ask what his skill levels were like before he came here. One did not rise to the rank of general through sheer popularity, after all. She'd observed his reflexes before, and noted that they were quite sharp. She would be pleased indeed to test her strength against him.]

[When it seems that he's ready, Rukia gives a faint nod to indicate that she's prepared as well.]

[Then she moves.]

[Her motions are quick, driving her across the battlefield with her sword poised.]

HAI!

[The shinigami leaps with a shout, sword raised, to bring it down with a powerful clash against Sephiroth's blade.]

[He's managed with a standard boardsword ever since swapping out Dragoon as Warrior as an only combat-Job doesn't give the necessary properties to compensate for the length of his own signature blade: Masamune. A recent acquisition of a smaller katana, though, at least has Sephiroth wielding a weapon that he's -for most of a lifetime- been familiar with. There is something about the balance and grace involved in less-chunky swords that really is second to none for him. The broadsword had just felt clumsier in general.

Katana's are not the type of blade to withstand a clash with such a downward momentum as Rukia delivers, for more than is necessary to block same and so while Sephiroth immediately both twists his own up to block and allows the force behind it to cause him to squat, spreading his stance further for balance - he knows it can't be held.

There is something lacking about the sound, when compared with how Masamune might sing with being struck in such a way.

Not a second after their blades connect, Sephiroth urges momentum up through his feet and legs to release the upwards force contained in his squat. The result is to push his own blade against hers solidly and suddenly so that she can be pushed back; it's followed instantly with a swift slash across at Rukia's shoulder height before she might think to dive back in right away.

It feels a little dangerous and quite rightly, if he had been wielding his longer nodachi-blade it would have been more difficult to dodge.]

[She brings up her sword to block the first strike, palm pressed against the flat of the blade for extra support. He's strong, she feels that with absolute certainty as the clash of his blow reverberates through her arms. Seeing the shift of his stance, Ruka throws one foot behind her to duck close to the ground. Were she still equipped with her Red Mage job, she'd counter with some Fire spells, as magic was always her best skill. This way, however, she has to rely solely on her swordplay. Being a ghostbuster will not aid her in this fight.]

[She rolls to the side, bringing up her sword once more as she switches from defense to offense. Two quick high strikes, one sweeping blow toward his legs.]

[Even in the dim illumination of moonlight, it's clear that she's enjoying herself. Her dark eyes are bright, and her smile is wide. It isn't often she gets to practice her skills, particularly with someone she's coming to regard as a friend.]

[Up, Up, Down, Back.

Sephiroth's katana meets with Rukia's on each strike as she pushes into offense; first up and then having to drop down and back quickly to step around where her low sweep would have taken his fore-leg off at the knee. Steel rings against steel, the only sound in the training hall besides the noises made in physical efforts as the spar carries on.

He doesn't ever extend his offensive flurry more than three or four strikes in and that's only if he's lucky enough for Rukia to give the opportunity. Sephiroth's keenly aware of defense as much as offense especially as he knows he doesn't have the range advantage he'd have with Masamune. Not only has he been trained for most of his life, but there is something about his movements which sings with natural talent.

Startling eyes meet brightened dark ones as the spar carries on to the point where each of them might start to work up a sweat. She's not the only one starting to enjoy this. It's been a great long time since Sephiroth has sparred with anyone.]

[Despite her years of training, Rukia is no prodigy when it comes to swordplay. It's something she had to really work at, and she was fortunate to have a teacher willing to set aside time dedicated solely to her training. That kindness and patience went far, giving her every reason to strive for more than mere competency.]

[She may not be strong, but she's fast and agile, and could hold her own against a true foe in the field of battle. But for now, she's content to practice against an opponent who can think and plan and strategize, rather than attacking out of blind rage and instinct.]

[A misstep causes her to flinch, her shoulder stung by the bite of his blade. The cut isn't deep, and she knows she can keep going.]

How...did you learn...?

[She asks between labored breaths, curious to know if he was self-taught or if he'd had a mentor like she had.]

[Quite the opposite, as far as Sephiroth's training went he'd been presented again and again with near impossible challenges to overcome. It's almost as if once he'd decided to pick up the sword as a weapon of choice he was constantly tested, graded and pushed to the next level. Really, though, he wouldn't have had it any other way. No such dedicated teacher here, though.

Rukia's question, spat out as she counters the small nick he delivered to her shoulder in turn catches Sephiroth off guard just enough to catch the edge of her blade along his forearm. If he'd had hair there, it would be just enough to shave it shorter but as it was the edge just scored along flesh. It left a heated line but not much more damage than a papercut thanks to a quick angle-change before hers might bite deeper. Sephiroth hissed though, a quick curse to knock his focus back into place.]

Tch-

[He continues, throwing forward yet another smooth sent of maneuvers for Rukia to react to. Taking a deeper breath and holding it some as the inevitable counter comes back at him.]

I'm...what do you...mean? Exactly?

[Oops. She hadn't meant to actually hit him, though that's always a possibility when two swords clash. At least both of them are skilled enough that they don't have to worry about any accidental lethal or limb-lopping blows landing.]

Who was your teacher?

[As he pauses for breath, she does the same, before launching herself once more to press the attack. One two three, a cut followed by a cross-cut finishing with a reverse before she dances nimbly back.]

What made you want to take up the sword?

[Indeed. Considering that a lot of Sephiroth's later and current training had been polished by way of virtual simulation back at ShinRa, it took a lot of self control to keep his strikes just touching that line of lethality that he was used to stepping so confidently over.

Still, if there is an element of self control that he's still got a firm handle on, it's demonstrated near flawlessly in his technique.]

I had several mentors-

[Stepped back minutely just to get his breathing in order but by the time Rukia launches again he's already more than ready. There is certainly something in using ones breath to further root oneself into a combat situation.

Sephiroth steps back and meets her blade with this own each time, having to squat under the cross-cut a little before pushing back on her reverse technique. Taking but another step forwards towards her but not pressing the attack this time.]

It's hard to answer that one. It was presented and I enjoy it.

[It's been a while since she had the pleasure of dueling with someone this talented with the blade. The last person who gave her this kind of workout was D. For people like him and Sephiroth, it's as if the blade is an extension of his own body rather than a foreign tool. Needless to say, she's impressed.]

[His answer coaxes a little grin out of her. It's a simple answer, and honest. She gives a faint nod to indicate her acknowledgment and approval, as their swords clash again. It feels as if she's come a long way from the clumsy, insecure girl she used to be. Perhaps confidence is just as vital as years of training, to perfect the art of swordplay.]

Do you instruct others, in the service?

[Impressive as it may be, natural as it might seem, it's only a matter of time before they both tire as the work out continues. The level of Sephiroth's physical fitness keeps him going for longer than most but it's nothing compared to the extra edge of superhuman parameters that he used to have. As he finishes the last exertion of elegant maneuvers Sephiroth steps back more definitely from their exchange of blades; panting considerably heavier as he lowers his sword.

There is the clear impression that the will to keep it going is somewhat disappointed by his capability; that he should be better than this. He half-bows towards Rukia and then finally answers. He'd kept the answer hanging as they'd continued.]

I did, before. Sometimes. Not here though.

[The less said about his proficiency as a teacher, the better. Getting signed on for training with Sephiroth used to be a sign that one were being considered for greater things; he wasn't the one to take responsibility, ultimately.]

[She bows in return, grateful. Not once did he condescend to her, easing up because of her size or gender. She appreciates that; she can't improve if she isn't challenged, and he definitely introduced her to some new tactics to consider.]

A shame. The soldiers here could learn a great deal under your direction.

[Perhaps he'll consider it later. For now, she puts up her sword, and brushes her wrist over her brow with a smile.]

I thank you. I learned much from this, I think I can rest well.

[Whatever part of that might be down to some inability to actually hold back more than he did already is probably better off not being discussed. All in all, he's had as good a workout as with any other -Rukia has shown skill much better than most- and that in itself is satisfying.]

I doubt that, but thank you all the same.

[He stretches out his sword and then flicks it back and under so that the back of the blade rests up the inside of his arm, his hand still firmly around the handle.]

It was certainly worth the effort. You're well practiced.

I had the best mentor I could have hoped for.

[There's a secretive warmth in her smile as she closes her hand into a fist, just in front of her heart. Maybe someday she'll tell Sephiroth about the vice captain who invested his time in her training, to help her become not only competent, but skilled.]

I suppose it doesn't hurt that I have had decades of training either, hm hm hm~

[She takes a step toward the barracks, to see if he means to return as well or if he wishes to remain out here a while longer.]

But you learned without the luxury of a shinigami lifespan. I'd say you're rather gifted.

[The gesture, her hand over her heart isn't lost on Sephiroth even if he is still physically recovering from the workout. He's managed to get his breathing evened out by now, at least.

As she steps away, he considers to do the same but pauses in following her in the wake of that final comment. Curious, he furrows his brow and narrows eyes a little at her back.]

Shinigami. I remember you mentioning that before. Just how long so such beings live for, anyway?

Centuries. Millenniums. A shinigami cannot die of old age. The soutacihou is well over 2000 years old.

[She remains where she is, turning to face him fully.]

I myself have lived many decades, whereas my captain has lived centuries in spite of his illness. But given the dangerous nature of our duties, a long lifespan is not guaranteed.

[Blink. Blink. It's unsure what he was expecting but it clearly wasn't that. Usually he's the one pining for power that he's lost in coming to Crystallis so Rukia's comment is very sobering. At least he wasn't an...immortal. Or anywhere near it...yet.]

That's really something.

[How does one comprehend such age when they themselves know they are of a race of a finite lifetime.]

It's difficult to keep in mind there are so many different worlds, with different parameters, brought here.

[It is true, she's not accustomed to being without her powers. But it's not necessarily a sore spot for her like it is with Sephiroth. At least, she doesn't seem to exhibit any signs of frustration, given that she has a fist on her hip and a smile on her face.]

True. But it's interesting. The differences are quite remarkable concerning the afterlife each world claims to have. ...Of course, few have the knowledge to comment on such, but from what I can tell, our version is unique.

[It's not like she can go around expecting a cheerful discourse on what happens to people when they die; people don't usually like to be reminded of their mortality, after all.]

What of your world? Are all of your people like you?

[Considering he quite often beats himself up for not being able to get over it as well, that it's still a sore spot just further demonstrates how important it was to him. There is something about Rukia's comment that stirs an eyebrow into being partly raised.]

I'm sure there are.

[He could go on, at length, about the great cycle of life energy on his own Planet -or at least the theories he's read- but aside from reading about his own future he doesn't know about it so personally. Sephiroth is glad for the subject change when Rukia turns it into a question; he huffs lightly and draws a light smile over his face.]

Not at all. I'm very much not like most people.

[He's not keen to share much more than that, especially within a work environment. So Sephiroth offers just one more comment, in passing as he heads for the exit to the training area.]

I was once called legendary.

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damn_juicebox - 2016-01-02 22:16 (UTC) - Expand

#13 | Esdham Times

2) Military Headquarters / Training

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