#13 | Esdham Times

[shinrasfinest]

Who: Sephiroth, OPEN; particularly military-comrades  
Where: Shuttle to/from and at the Republic of Esdham
When: Throughout November, (6th - 10th, 13th - 17th)
Summary: Between the duties he really should get back to in Esdham and those responsibilities he has back in Aqures Ixen, it does seem that the majority of this month will be spent trying to balance everything; it's a good job that military personnel can travel outside of Shoopuf but at the same time it wouldn't do to scramble a shuttle in every five minutes. I might add an additional prompt later, post-Expedition. Prompts in sub-comments for ease of posting. 
Warnings: N/A (Lets go in with none, see if I need to update later)

1) Esdham Shuttle
2) Military Headquarters / Training
3) Otherwise On duty - General OPEN Mingle
      (i)Around the City
      (ii)On Patrol toward the Oasis (aka quiet Heran Frontier)

Comments

[shinrasfinest]

[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.

[damn_juicebox]

[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?

[shinrasfinest]

[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.]

[damn_juicebox]

[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.

[shinrasfinest]

[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.

[damn_juicebox]

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.

[shinrasfinest]

[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?

[damn_juicebox]

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.

[shinrasfinest]

[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.

[damn_juicebox]

[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?

[shinrasfinest]

[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.

[damn_juicebox]

Only once?

[Ah, but he's making ready to leave, so Rukia huffs a small chuckle and shakes her head.]

Keep up your training, then. I have a feeling that's a title you'll reclaim soon enough.

[She waves her hand slightly in a far less formal means of farewell before she departs as well.]