Learning the Art of Jobs

[damn_juicebox]

WHO: Rukia Kuchiki, Angeal Hewley, Yuffie Kisaragi, OPEN
WHAT: Not wanting to remain unskilled in the use of her new jobs, Rukia heads to the training school to begin instruction. She meets Angeal. She might also meet others, in separate threads.
WHEN: September 16, 2015 - Afternoon
WHERE: Aqures Ixen - Training School
NOTES: Rukia's going to be training in both Ninja and Red Mage. Anyone willing to lend her a hand is welcome. ...Or you can just point and laugh at her, that's cool too.


Rukia examined her crystal thoroughly, carefully. She was cautious in handling it, unsure of what might happen were the crystal to break due to unexpected carelessness. It seemed sturdy, however.

"So the job I am equipped with now is that of the Ninja," she murmured, resting a knuckle thoughtfully on her chin. "And the other is a Red Mage. Interesting." She turned the crystal in her slender fingers, searching for some sort of lever or switch, something to activate the device, but could find nothing. "So if I want to become a Red Mage, will it affect my clothing? How does it work?"

It was a mystery, and one she could not easily unravel. So, she placed the crystal back in the folds of her black robes with a quiet sigh of frustration. She would learn later. For now, she needed to see how much of her shinigami training she still retained. Drawing forth the katana, she examined the blade shrewdly. It was not Sode no Shirayuki; she knew her own zanpakutou like the back of her hand. The connection between them was deep, almost sacred, and she did not like being without her weapon.

Nonetheless, this would do. It was scaled to suit her smaller stature, and well-balanced. She slid into her initial stance, grasping the hilt with both hands to level the point at an invisible foe before her. A breath. A shift of her weight. A twist of her sandal, and she darted forward swift and silent. She swung the katana and pivoted, her movements careful and graceful.

After a few moments, she relaxed her posture, satisfied. She could still move as she once had, although she was aware that her physical strength had diminished. It would be easier to gauge her true capabilities against a more experienced partner, however, and she lifted her head to look around. Perhaps there was someone on the grounds who would be willing to assist.

Comments

That's not Ninja... I'll show you Ninja

[thegreatninja]

A soft snicker could be heard from a nearby. The girl was sitting perfectly balanced on the fence post. She appeared to be dressed as a ninja as well but not the garb that comes with the job. No, this was the clothing that she was accustom to from her home world. She just happened to be a ninja there as well.

"You really aren't going to get better that way."

That wasn't real ninja training.

Rukia could go through techniques and moves but she wasn't going to get any better that way. Of course Yuffie's father had an odd sense of training for the young princess. Which was the reason that she was now a talented thief as well.

[damn_juicebox]

Rukia tensed, her attention drawn toward the young girl. Her pride was stung, but she refrained from lashing out just yet. One didn't make an observation like that to be rude, but perhaps to offer instruction. So long as there wasn't any true insult, she would rein in her temper.

Like it or not, relying solely on her shinigami training and expecting it to be enough would hamper her learning, not strengthen it.

"Truly," she replied, somewhat stiffly. "Then what would you suggest?"

[thegreatninja]

There was definitely an insult in there but Yuffie wasn't opposed to lending a hand either. She wanted people to learn and considering her and Rukia were close to the same height she might actually be able to help out.

"Being a ninja is about a few main things. One is speed: the best way to train that is with reactions. Second is stealth: the best way to train that is by having something you want."

Her grin spreads wide into a toothy smile.

"So~ Which do you want to train first?" Yuffie's training can be a little intense at times but it at least has results.

[damn_juicebox]

Perhaps an ordinary person would have a sinking feeling about this, and suspect that some sort of trickery was afoot.

Rukia was not an ordinary person.

She held her chin, pensive. She was already quite fast. Though she did not possess the capabilities of the flash step any longer, she felt that she was as quick as her body would already allow. Stealth, however, was not something she had practiced before. Caution, perhaps. But not stealth. That was the 2nd Division's specialty.

"If I must choose, then I choose stealth," Rukia answered confidently.

[thegreatninja]

"Okay then. Do you have anything on you that you would do anything to get back?" A few of the heroes wake up with things from their home. In order for this to work Rukia will need something like that. Of course Yuffie can always do what her father did to her though that seems a bit extreme.

"It's just easier if you do but it has to be something you really want. Gotta have motivation." Which was different than determination.

Yuffie swung her legs around the post and then hops down. Rukia will notice that Yuffie doesn't make a sound. If she knew the jobs available it might give her insight into Yuffie's skills. If not, Yuffie just seems like an amazing ninja though the lack of sound might be unsettling.

[damn_juicebox]

"I do not," Rukia confessed. She placed little value on material goods, having grown up with so little. Then she suddenly had everything she could possibly wish for, but never truly desired. "However, a shinigami is not driven by such things. If you wish to drive me to pursue you, you have but to ask." She smiled confidently. "In my previous form, I was quite swift."

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie hummed softly, that would certainly make this difficult. "Then it will have to be something you need, like food." That's how Yuffie learned and it makes you learn quickly.

"The idea is that you can't eat until you are able to sneak past me." Her father always thought that the best way to learn was in a harsh environment which gave Yuffie her current thoughts on training. "Other than that, we fight and I try and kill you." Her tone was even as if this was an every day offer.

"I imagine you'll want to learn from others too but it's better not to learn from someone slow. Your styles will be different and because we are small we need to use what strength's we have. Bigger fighters can understand the theory but not the practice." Or at least that's what she's seen, not to brag but yuffie's awesome.

[damn_juicebox]

Stealing Rukia's food? Was that what this was going to amount to? If so, Rukia could only hope that her Rukongai instincts wouldn't kick in. She was certain Yuffie would prefer not to have her head get stomped and trampled, even if Rukia was a lightweight.

"I would prefer to skip the object lessons," she said, raising a slim hand. "Though I appreciate the offer, I am old enough that such instructions would hinder rather than help. However..."

She let her hand rest on the handle of her sword, and she smiled. "If you would be kind enough to instruct me on the technique, I should be glad to practice it. And if it is a spar you wish, that can be provided as well."

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie was a little disappointed at Rukia's refusal. Truthfully it worked and a lot faster than other means but she wasn't going to press the matter. She assumed that Rukia was like Sephiroth, someone with powers who was suddenly downgraded. It was a little different when you were normal all the time and relied on crystals or materia for magic.

Her head tilted to the side while a light sigh left her lips. "Alright. I'm good with either. What's your weapon of choice? I'm most practiced with throwing blades, throwing stars, my large shuriken, katana and things like that." It's obvious that she came from a ninja village considering the rang of weapons.

"Bow's and arrows too but not as much." She didn't really pay attention during those lessons.

Curious Observation

[sacredancestor]

[Exploring the area have way to more knowledge about the city. It was extensive and, for the most part, no one tried to stop the vampire from walking wherever he pleased. Not that he planned on taking advantage of this strange hospitality. It was just rather disconcerting that no one tried to chase him out yet.

Movement caught his eye just then, dragging his interest toward a place where he saw two women fighting... Not fighting, teaching. They could be Heroes too. Curious about what was going on, D settled near a tree to shade him from harsh sunlight and to have a clear view of their practice.]

Re: Curious Observation

[damn_juicebox]

[OOC: Do you want Rukia to come talk to him after her training with Yuffie is over? If so, I can start up a thread! Wasn't sure if you just wanted to note he was there or if you wanted to interact. Let me know!]

Re: Curious Observation

[sacredancestor]

[OOC: He is there for interaction though he isn't the type to initiate interaction. So definitely come up and talk to him.]

[damn_juicebox]

After finishing her 'ninja training' with Yuffie, Rukia's mood was likely...not chipper. It was clear she had much to learn, and the experience was humbling to say the least.

But she was not unaware of being observed either.

Once Yuffie had departed, Rukia turned her attention to the pale man sitting in the shade, who had watched patiently and silently. For what purpose was he there? Did he wish to train to, or did he have business with her? If he'd wanted to talk to Yuffie, he would have left when the girl had. But he remained.

"What is it?" Rukia asked, turning to face him. "Do you wish to speak with me?"

[sacredancestor]

[D watched the woman's style of fighting, committing what he could to memory. It was apparent that many Heroes trained in different combat styles from his recent observations and the Moogle's explanation about Jobs. She was good, rusty in some areas but the vampire could tell that it wasn't due to lack of skill, maybe just next to the other girl. Afterward, the two girls parted ways and the first approached him. Asking him that question caused his eyebrow to raise. He knew naught what answer to give her. Honestly he was just...]

I was passing through.

[At hearing both the girl and his Hero, Lefty raised his head from where he slept on D's shoulder. His eyes lit up as he, not bothering to hide it, looked the girl up and down appraisingly.]

Quite a looker! You sure do know how to find the hot ones D [The Moogle whistled, his hat bobbing up and down with a waggle of his brows.

Before D could say or do anything, the Moogle hopped down from the shoulder paldron he was using as a perch then flew up forward to look the girl in the eye.]

Apologies, Madame, my Hero lacks manners. Call me Left Hand or Lefty and he is D

[There was a slight, almost inaudible warning growl from the vampire and a curl of his lips as he snatched the Moogle up with a fast hand and held him.]

My apologies on his behalf. I was passing through and took note of your training. I do not mean disturbing you.

[damn_juicebox]

[Dear Gods, Kon was remade into a Moogle. Her brow twitches slightly, but she otherwise doesn't react to Lefty's bold compliments. Besides, D has already managed to rein in his partner, no need for Rukia to get indignant.]

Kuchiki Rukia.

[Since they'd given their names, it was only fair to give hers in return.]

It's not a problem. I apologize, however, if I am not in my best form.

[She gives a small, frustrated sigh, but complaining isn't going to help her. She'll have to train diligently to get used to her new body, as well as her equipped jobs.]

What of yourself? You have no wish to train?

[sacredancestor]

[D touched the black handle of his sword buckled to his back, glancing at it briefly before returning his dark gaze on Rukia.]

I am presently not on a mission.

[damn_juicebox]

Hm?

[She can't tell if that means he has free time to train, or if he doesn't train unless he's on a mission. The former seems to make the most sense, but she'd rather not assume too blindly. Maybe he's just shy about asking for a partner.]

We may spar if you wish. The more experience we can gather, the better our chances of surviving this world.

[heavenlyhonour]

Angeal had to acquire a new sword since he'd given his to Zack but he'd had time to practice with it too. So he stood there, still feeling unsettled, but he knew somehow he'd eventually find his way. Half of him kept telling himself that he shouldn't be here and should be in the Lifestream but that wasn't going to happen now or anytime soon so he would just have to wait. And if there was one thing Angeal was, it was patient.

He stood off to the side a little, and watching Rukia move made him think back to the first time he'd met Zack. He banished the smile that threatened to show but nodded to her to both acknowledge her presence and to let her know that he was there because of her.

[damn_juicebox]

Rukia stood across the field, head turned over her shoulder when she first spotted Angeal. Her gaze was arrested. Surely he would make an excellent training partner, and one she ought to call out to. However, she was suddenly finding herself completely unsure what to say. That this man was a warrior, she had no doubts. Even if he were wearing casual garments, with no weapon at hand, it would have been obvious in his posture, the strength of his countenance. Was she completely off the mark? Perhaps. But he had the look of someone with vast experience in the art of combat.

It felt as if she were in the academy all over again, clumsily trying to keep her sword in front of her to ward off her more aggressive classmates. Did he think her movements awkward, or that of a novice?

Sliding the sword into its sheath, Rukia turned toward him, and bowed her head. He was one who seemed to quietly command respect, and she gave it freely.

[heavenlyhonour]

He wasn't sure as to why she was bowing her head at him but he nodded with his eyes closed briefly before looking back at her. She definitely had a power about her but was unfamiliar with what it was. And he had the feeling that she would probably end up being a formidable opponent so he would have to keep his guard up.

Moving towards the woman, the First Class stood in front of her for a moment before holding out his hand. "Angeal Hewley."

It was a friendly gesture and it was his way of breaking the ice though he'd already wondered if there was something else that he should do. But with as formidable warrior as the First Class was, he had a very gentle side. After all, not everyone would find out that he found two turtles earlier in the day and had spent almost the entire day trying to make a little pond for them.

[damn_juicebox]

Rukia blinked, eyes widening momentarily with recognition. So this was the person she had been corresponding with? An unexpected coincidence. By now she was accustomed to shaking people's hands, and she was able to do so with confidence. "Kuchiki Rukia."

Master and student? Perhaps; that was how it seemed to her. But she wouldn't know until they'd tested their blades against one another.

Her grip was firm, and she was regaining her confidence by the moment as he revealed the warmth of his character. "So you are a warrior as well as a cook. Impressive."

[heavenlyhonour]

For a moment he couldn't figure out her reaction but then as she said her name, a smile crossed his face. "It's nice to meet you face to face."

Chuckling slightly at her, Angeal let her hand go after noting her firm handshake. "I've found that it never hurts to be able to do more than one thing." And a fond thought of cooking for Genesis and Sephiroth entered his mind for a moment.

"But there's no hurry to get started." It was his way of letting Rukia know that if she wanted to talk more first or get started right off, the choice was hers.

[damn_juicebox]

Rukia nodded, understanding. She hadn't even had to ask, and he'd known what it was she wanted. It was appreciated. And since he was allowing her a moment's respite before they began...

"In that case..."

She lowered her chin, rifling through her robes until she withdrew the shining crystal, which she held up to Angeal.

"How do I use this?"

There had to be some way to change from Ninja to Red Mage, and she figured he was the sort of person well versed in such things.

[heavenlyhonour]

Whatever it was that he said seemed to work. And when sparring with anyone, Angeal didn't like to get right down to business.

Seeing the crystal, he looked at it when Rukia took hers out. Taking his own out, Angeal held his in his hand.]

I was told that we can't lose them, that we're somehow connected to them and they to us. Our job..changing skills are contained within as well.

[damn_juicebox]

She paused to look at his crystal, surprised to find that the shape was different. The color, however, was exactly the same. Were she more knowledgeable, that would have tipped her off that Angeal had been here exactly as long as she had. But in her eyes, he looked like a veteran, so she assumed that's exactly what he was.

Rukia nodded. "Yes. I was told that my other job is a Red Mage. But I'm uncertain how I access it." Or if she even could. Maybe she was stuck as a Ninja for an indeterminate amount of time.

"What about you? What jobs do you possess?"