melodiesoflife | A Cut Above

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[ou] link (ss)

A Cut Above

Who: Link and possibly the few individuals who expressed interest in forming a small militia.
What: Meeting and training over plans of forming the small militia which Link had mentioned to some of the heroes previously.
When: Early Wednesday morning on the 16th
Where: On the edge of the city, closest to the woods, in a small section of cleared trees.
Why: To hopefully have a small band of heroes that can not only serve the city, but remain more vigilant when danger seems near.
Warnings: None as of now.

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I. A Letter
Delivered a day before on Tuesday the 15th

To those who had expressed their interest:

I have finally finished the last touches on a small section of sorts that had been previously unclaimed near the skirt of the city. It isn't much, but it is a modest area where one can make use of a bow or sharpen their skills with a blade. It is a small school of sorts, one that I hope to use to impart what knowledge I know of knighthood to those who might be seeking a role in what has happened and what I am sure is to come to this city.

I have spoken to a few of you before about gathering a number of us to form a militia, a regimen of heroes that stand by this city to see that she is protected at whatever costs. This recent outbreak of violence is beyond what these people should ever have to endure, and my hope with at least teaching even a handful of those who might not know how to wield a sword or swing a staff, might learn to better prepare themselves for if and when we are once more under attack.

I will be North of the city in a place that I have cleared out myself. Thankfully, much of the lumber that was needed for helping to rebuild the city has made for a spacious clearing that can be put to use. I ask that if any of you still maintain some level of interest in giving aid to this cause, that you please meet me at the location documented on this letter on the morning of the 16th. I shall be there, ready and waiting, to discuss shared ideas and plans, as well as to begin training those who wish to do more for this city.

I look forward to see you then.

Warmest regards,

Link of Skyloft

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II. A Very Wooden Performance

Despite recent news and information concerning a lab and dossiers on his fellow heroes, Link does not waste a moment in finally enacting a plan that he has been trying to set into motion for some time. Obstacles had made for some unexpected delays, and being frozen for some time in crystal stasis had set him back quite a bit more than he had intended. Nevertheless, when the Hyrulian Hero was not busy doing his part in helping the citizens rebuild, what lumber and scraps that were of no use to Aquares Ixen's natives was brought by Link to the spot where he now stands.

From twisted vines hang the remnants of furniture, damaged pieces of shelving and bed frames, recycled for the use of targets and battering rams for which a person could train and hone their agility. Pillars stand up from the ground, pushed into the soil to act as dummies for slashing blades which would hopefully soon dull their sharpened edges. The clearing has been converted from a lonely looking gap in the trees to a rather well structured camp.

With his sword out, the pointy-eared knight stands before a wide pillar of timber, the point of his sword pointed towards the ground as he readies himself with his heels off of the ground. Bringing the blade over his head, he swings the length of the weapon in a long arch as if to slash the behemoth of a log in two. The air becomes still as he comes to a stop, his blade barely touching the ground as he finishes his swipe. Hesitantly, the wooden target shifts, the newly formed pieces splitting off down the middle as the wood is sectioned into two halves, collecting on either side as the pillar no longer stands as a single piece.

Wiping his brow on his sleeve, Link lets out a satisfied sigh of relief as he looks down at the enchanted blade.

".. What's the probability of them showing up, you think? 40%? 60%? What do you think.. Fi?"

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Ramza had thought the militia was a good idea when Link had first proposed it. An organized team, rather than the chaotic, if well-meaning, response of various overeager individuals, could save many lives the next time the enemy struck. And their group would be unhindered by the orders and politics that Law Enforcement and the Army had to navigate. The militia's only concern would be for saving people. That was a goal Ramza could devote himself to.

Besides, he still had not met the Hero Link, and he wished to assess the man Zelda held in such high esteem.

Ramza came to the training ground with multiple swords hanging from his belt. None of them were the weapon he wanted, but until he retrieved his stolen blade, the basic broadswords and rapiers from his Weapons Store would have to do.

He had the Excalipoor with him as well. He was determined to put the blade to good use, and his talk with Sephiroth about the legends of Masamune had reminded him that perhaps a sword that would not cut could have a use after all. If he was facing an untrained ally honing their skills, the Excalipoor was, in fact, the ideal weapon.

Ramza waived a hand in greeting as he saw the other Hero in the clearing.

Link raised his head from over his shoulder, turning forward to see the oncoming blonde toward the clearing. His face instantly lit up with excitement, smiling wide as he extended his own hand over his head to offer a welcoming wave.

"Hey there! I was beginning to think that I'd been so late in trying to make this happen that no one would come!"

He starts into a small run, eagerly running closer to Ramza as he grows near. Closing the distance between the two of them, Link holds out a hand in greeting to take Ramza's own.

"I'm Link. A pleasure to meet you! Are you here to train? Talk about the militia? Possibly both?"

There's a bit of worry on his face as he puts the questions to the fellow swordsman, looking at the vast array of arms attached at the waist of the unfamiliar face. The knight can only assume that the other male is here to match blades, considering the small armory he's brought with him.

"If it's sparring that you're looking for, I'm more than happy to oblige!"

Ramza took the proffered hand and shook. "I am Ramza. I thought I would see about both. I usually train on my own, but I am willing to help guide others through the basics, if needed."

It sounded a bit presumptuous, but there were always at least a few among the new arrivals who came in not knowing a sword from a butter knife. It was better for everyone involved if that situation was quickly remedied.

"But since the novices have yet to report in, let us spar."

He drew one of the blades, a short sword of unremarkable design. Crossing blades was certainly one way to get to know the other man, and decide if Zelda has placed her faith wisely.

Link is a bit taken aback by how quickly the other knight drew a blade, the plain looking steel still holding a glimmer along its length from the sunlight which breached the canopy above them.

Clearing his throat, Link turned to walk a short distance away, putting enough space between them so as to give them a proper start. The blade which Link draws from his sheath hums as it is drawn out, not the sort of sound that rings when metal is dragged from cloth or wood. Its almost as if the blade was trying to find the proper pitch as it is swung slowly down to point toward the earth at the ready.

"It's been a long while since I've drawn for sport. Whenever you're ready.."

Link raises the blade straight up, holding it in front of his chest as he awaits Ramza's first attack.

Trusting that Link was a skilled enough swordsman to face him, Ramza swung his sword at Link's singing blade without bothering to hold back. He had no job enhancements, so he assumed his blade work would pose no real danger to the other warrior.

"Your militia," he spoke as he maneuvered his sword. "You mean for them to defend the people of this city. A 'band of Knight' I believe you said in your letter."

It was a noble thought, but Ramza needed to know the intention behind it. So many people spoke fine words to hide their foul deeds. Was Link as honest and earnest as his letter suggested?

"What is a 'knight' to you?"

Link raised his blade up to meet Ramza's, the vibration of conflicting steel rocking his hand for but a moment. He pushes back to resist the weight of Ramza's edge, making his own swing as he draws the blade from his right shoulder in a wide arch.

"A knight.."

It's been some time since he's conversed while matching attacks.

"..is an extension of good will and faith. Like a shield, a knight is both a protector and a symbol of hope, standing before whatever danger so that those behind it remain safe. And, like a sword; ever sharp and never dull, yet cased within a sheath but always at the ready for when their skills are needed."

It was well-spoken. Ramza gave Link an approving nod before swinging again.

"And what, pray tell, are your intentions with the Lady Zelda?" Because they both seemed like straightforward warriors, there was no reason Ramza could see to not simply ask. Doing so in the midst of a sparring round, with no prior warning, would hopefully give Link little time or mental space to deflect the question.

Link almost lost the grip of his sword as it came to clash against Ramza's own, his eyes going wide as he had not been expecting such a question.

"In.. Intentions?"

Link retreats his blade, bringing it closer to himself to the point where the flat of its face is against his chest.

"Do you mean the matter of our relationship, or the purpose of my existing?" He'd been warned by the gentleman known as Kaji that there would be other men coming to win Zelda's heart. It was no rare bit of knowledge that Zelda was as beautiful as she was kind, and even such words would never do the childhood friend he adored the justice she deserves.

"If you mean to ask the former, then know that my heart belongs to none other than she who spends the mornings trying to wake unfit heroes and guides the fate of my home through her own sacrifice. My only intention is to see that Zelda remains safe, as that was what I was born to do."

He swings with a backhand, trying to match Ramza's stance as the two continue to spar.

"May I ask the reason for your question?"

Ramza raised an eyebrow at Link's roundabout answer. It was an odd way to explain it. If Ramza served a lady such as Zelda, he thought he would speak of it more decisively. Love was not a word to fear or avoid.

But presumably, Zelda knew Link's worth better than he, and she had chosen to place her faith in him.

"It is obvious that Zelda's affection for you runs deep, Hero. I think it would hurt her if you did not return her feeling. That is why I ask."

He met Link's sword, parrying each thrust that came at him as he spoke.

Link was unsure of how to respond to Ramza's words. Had it not been obvious? Link had thought it was a very plain fact that he and Zelda were quite a pair. It was true that Link was not the best when it came to speaking of such matters, as the thought of being her "one and only" put butterflies to his stomach and made his heart lighter than air, but were those not the sort of things one felt when they were in love?

His footing isn't what it should be, his thoughts more focused on why some one might be worried about his relationship, causing him to retreat and lose his balance. His attacks become a bit more lazy, swinging while maintaining a look of confusion on his face.

"Not return her feelings?! Have I not been doing just that? Where is this coming from?! At what source have you been gathering this information?"

Ramza had to turn his head away so that Link would not see the smile that was spreading unbidden on his face. The warrior's flustered response spoke to his feelings more than his words could.

"I...only meant, I have seen Zelda often, but not in your presence, and I wanted to be sure..." his amused tone became serious once more. "I want her to be happy, above all else. I think you can understand the sentiment. I apologize for any offense."

The arms of the would-be sparring partner lowered, his eyes keeping to the earth while his body stands tense and rigid. It had been brought to his attention before that the time that he had been spending with Zelda was hardly any time at all. Such was the life of a knight, kept to the duty and to the call of protecting that which mattered most in the kingdom; its people.

Among his thoughts of doubt, the young hero cannot help but wonder why it was in this other man's interest of what was keeping Zelda happy. It was this sort of thinking that led to stupidity, but being as how Link has very little experience with things like love and jealousy, it is all too easy for him to forget reason when his eyes narrow and scowl at Ramza.

"And why are you so concerned with her happiness? Did you come here to spar or to see if I truly am worthy enough to have her hand?"

"Ah, so you do seek her hand? Say no more, sir." Because really, of anything Link could do, that seemed the most ready course to Zelda's happiness. Ramza's smile spread wider, oblivious to the threat Link perceived in him.

"Now we can spar in earnest, if you wish it." He brought his sword back up, in a defensive position.

Cloud was aware he was perhaps spreading himself a bit thin. Between Hero work, the Chocobo Ranch, helping out with the rebuilding of Aqures Ixen and his membership in Fairy Tail, Cloud simply didn't have the time to join a militia even if he thought it was a good idea.

On the other hand, the offer to help with the sharpening of skills was a good one. Having used the exp orb on his Paladin job Cloud had jumped the entire ladder without much time to practice with it. The powers of the Job offered him proficiency, but it wasn't the same as training.

He's a little late but he shows up clad in light armor with a sword, shield, rifle and short spear in tow. Chocobo Knight may not offer him the same skill and strength with a shield, but the variety of equipment it allows is a boon.

Spotting Link, he raises a hand in greeting. "Hey there." He turns to look at the course that the other Hero has set up, nodding at it, "This is impressive. Did you put this together yourself?"

It had been some time since Link had set eyes on the other swordsman. As he lifts his head up, wiping the sweat from his brow on the length of his arm, he gives a gentle smile to the other male. A small wave of his hand and he approaches Cloud, walking slowly as he catches his breath and settles the sword into the sheath over his shoulder.

"It's not much. It's all I could do in the time I had. I hadn't meant to rush things, but with how late it has taken me to finally be able to do this, I wanted to make sure I had something ready and available as soon as possible."

He looks over the clearing, taking Cloud's compliment to heart despite the numerous errors he catches in the woodwork and structure. It would do for what they needed, but Link could not help but feel as though the work could have been done with better proficiency and skill.

"Thanks, though. So-!" The Skyloftian claps his hands together, laughing as he speaks. "Here to train? Talk about the militia? Or just to see what this was all about?"

Cloud smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. "The militia sounds like a good idea but I think I've gotten myself signed up for too many things already. Still, if you ever need a hand let me know." Straightening up he looked again at the training equipment. It WAS a bit ramshackle but it was still pretty cool. And he didn't have the eye for its quality that Link had.

"Actually, I wanted to spend some time practicing fighting with a sword and shield. I got the Paladin job before the invasion and I was able to use that orb we were given on it to bolster my skills but..." He slung his shield from his back. He held its weight well and there was nothing wrong with how he was carrying it but his face showed he still wasn't comfortable with it.

Link's eyes brighten up, almost to the point where they shine like Gratitude Crystals.

"A sword AND shield? Well then! You've come to the right place! I've never been all that good with polearms or lengthier blades, but a sword and shield?"

Link approaches, looking over the way Cloud stands. It's remarkable that some one with his stature is able to hold the shield so steady and even, catching the design of the guard to be much heavier than it looks. Before doing so, Link turns to look Cloud in the eyes, flashing a bright, enthusiastic smile before he sets to his cause.

"May I?"

He doesn't wait for a response, putting his hands to Cloud's joints and shifting his stance so that his legs are shoulder width apart, bent, and his arm is tucked closer to his torso.

"A shield is much more than a guard. It should be just as much a part of your body as your eyes and ears. It's an extension, not just a tool. Your shield is also as much a weapon as your sword, so do not take it for granted or think that it is the absolute solution to remaining alive in a fight. While you should rely on it to help in keeping you safe, a shield is as much a problem as losing your sight or hearing. Without it, you've one less tool to protect yourself and more importantly, the ones you care about."

Link steps back, looking over Cloud as he puts a finger to his own chin in thought.

"Do you prefer a sword or a spear? Either is doable with a shield in hand, but something tells me that you typically fair for a two-handed weapon. You could easily have that with a spear if needed, but that's a matter of preference."

Cloud yelps a bit, caught off guard as Link steps in and starts moving him around. It takes a moment before he relaxes enough to let himself be pliable in the other Hero's hands. After the initial discomfort and confusion passes though he has to admit he's been left in a much more solid pose.

"Huh..." He nods as he listens to the lecture. It all makes sense, and he's given a similar lecture as far as his own rifle goes. He's just more used to the offense side of things than the defense side. It goes against his experience to move INTO an attack.

"I prefer a sword I think? But I wanted to try using a different weapon for a while and Chocobo Knight lets you be a little more versatile. I figured a spear and shield would be good on chocobo back." The range would give him the ability to attack without putting Zack into too much harm. "I haven't really trained with two handed weapons much though." Just because future him will favor them doesn't mean he's there yet, and he wants to learn how to do it himself than rely on destiny.

"I probably can't use a shield with a two handed sword, right?"

"No, using a shield wouldn't work, but for some reason I can't not see you eventually using such a weapon. Strange."

Link shrugs off the notion as he returns to pick up his own weapon and shield, standing a few feet away from Cloud so that they may begin.

"First, we'll start with some basics. If you know the purpose of the sword and the shield, beyond their construction and what they mean for life and for safety, then the rest is just practice. Make sure that your feet are always firm when you're guarding. The quickest way to get through any shield is to push its bearer off balance. Knees bent, like this-" Link adjusts his own stance, pointing to his own knees and directing the attention of the blonde to see the distance between his own two feet. "Shoulder width apart. Got it? For now, we'll practice some overhead defenses."

Link begins to shuffled his feet slowly towards Cloud, tightening his grip on his own sword as he continues to speak.

"For now, I just want you to block and get used to the weight behind a strike. Since you've used a sword before, there won't be any surprises, but you'll need to get used to trying your best to not flinch when it comes to blocking."

The sword he holds is raised over his head, keeping it still as he continues to step closer to his sparring partner.

"Are you ready?"

Cloud likewise put off the thought of the greatsword training for the time being and focused on the lesson at hand. Knowing how to use his gear effectively to protect others was his main goal right now.

He followed Link's instruction as he lectured on stance and planting his feet. It made sense and similar was taught to him when it came to using his company issue rifle properly. Sloppy stance would kill your aim and make you fire wildly if you didn't remain in control.

He nodded at Link's command and raised his shield, bracing himself as he waited for the other Hero's oncoming attack. "I'm ready." He said, his voice steady and clear. He was confident in himself and didn't think flinching was going to be an issue. But he wasn't going to turn down a lesson in the fundamentals. He wasn't a cadet who thought he had something to prove anymore.

Whether or not he was sure that Cloud would be able to understand the method to his attacks, Link charged forward and brought his sword down through the air as if he were trying to swing a hammer rather than a sword. It comes slicing through the air, the flat of the blade swishing downward in the hope that the other swordsman would raise his shield.

Link's intent is to instruct, despite the strength in which he uses to swing the sword. His only thought, aside from Cloud's safety, is that he must prepare his friend for the need to ignore reflexes and flinching. The crushing weight of an attack could cause any lesser knight or sword-hand to close their eyes and miss their chance. Truly, this attack would be the first step to seeing where the lessons would need to follow.

Flinching wouldn't be an issue, that's what Cloud told himself. And yet as the experienced swordsman came rushing at him he did feel a lump of fear in his throat as the attack came swinging down a lot harder and faster than he expected. The blonde let out a bit of a yelp as he raised the shield a little too high, blocking the attack but wasting some energy in the process.

Cloud's knees shook and his feet shifted as the sword slammed down on the shield, the noise making Cloud's ears ring. It took him a moment to shake off the daze and think about what he needed to do. Keeping his shield up he crouched and thrust his spear forward to counter attack. However with the shield where it was he was blocking his own view of his training partner.

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A Cut Above

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