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Post by Juyi on Jul 4, 2020 16:44:35 GMT
Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
Objective: Showcase a time your character has to be more perceptive, or approach a situation in a more mental manner. It could be something as simple as a test at school, trying to find a missing item, or solving a life-threatening dilemma in a moment of worry. Show a semblance of growth relative to your character with a proper beginning and end. There is no minimum word count, but effort is encouraged.
Location: A place of your choosing.
Possible Reward: Up to +3 WIS.
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Post by Leon on Jul 6, 2020 3:53:46 GMT
When The Lightning Gang had first started going the trick was to ask a few questions to get a feel for the person and their ideals. What they say with their mouth and brain for sure were the reactions they always got. However, Leon's own upbringing got in the way of accepting people off just that. He required an exchange of fists to see the person as their true self. The one that stands out the most was a young man named Fontes Makua. He was an inquisitive type that Leon had not generally seen, and definitely not with the skills to back it up. He wanted to know some things about the Lightning Gang or more specifically The Lightning Dragon. For a few years this strategy of seeing everything the opponent was capable of let in inklings of their true self, weaknesses they might not even be aware of, personality traits, and obviously their strengths.
Fontes approached the resting Dragon like a scholar hoping to learn truths and the climate. As well as to find protection from the unrest in the city with one of the big dogs. Leon answered honestly, but with every question instead of being annoyed it was refreshingly different and Leon's own interest in the guy began to rise. It was then Leon asked him the first of his preliminary questions. Looking Fontes in the eyes he would say.
"Why do fighters, fight?"
A simple question that followed a philosophy of sorts. Knights, Warriors, Samurai, Soldiers. They all were forced into combat for duty or honor, or simply service to something they saw as greater than themselves. A Fighter however was a different breed. Not quite barbarian or savage, though easily mistaken for one. A Fighter is someone who does combat for themselves, it is a selfish creature. Even though a fighters goal may be to preserve bonds with friends and use their abilities to protect others and those they love, it is in the end a selfish wish and goal. To protect only those they care about so they do not suffer. As well as to experience the conflict and know it like no other. Knowing the conflict and growing from it by recognizing your own short comings and failings mirrored in your opponents success or failure. To fight yourself to become something greater.
Fontes broke it down in his mind, instead of answering in a knee jerk reaction or bombarding Leon with questions to try and understand the vague nature he was silent and reflected on it. Leon could see the cogs rotating as he looked away to instead impart his questions to himself. Once again something he rarely saw in a person when asked that question. Until finally he stated that fighters, fight for the sake of fighting to achieve growth no matter what. Leon was rather proud at this point the guy was analytical and curious, though enough to come up with answers on his own, even with a question that doesn't have a right answer, Fontes was close to reaching a one hundred percent grade on that answer.
The next question flew out in excitement for Leon as he asked him.
"Someone you love is attached to a machine on one side of the room, while ten random people are attached to the other machine. If you choose to free your loved one the ten will die, if you choose to save the ten your loved one will also live, but you will die. What choice do you make?"
This one got a bit of a glare? No a glower maybe as it took him only a single second to answer.
"I would die so that everyone else would live."
The question is always constructed differently for everyone as they have to deal with an impossible choice where they control life and death. Another philosophical construction to measure the person. If Fontes had answered honestly then he believed in the greater good, the many over the few. But that was the end of the questions. Leon spread his feet apart a little passed shoulder length and spread his arms wide apart.
"Last thing... Hit me with the strongest attack you can muster."
This one was always interesting. Some people went for a nut shot, or throat, or exposed ribs and kidneys. It was always creative in approach, but it showed what a person considered powerful. Fontes took a quick stance, spun around as he approached dropping low and tucking in to increase his speed, coming out of the spin he pushed up from the ground with both legs stepping into Leon's stance and lifting his right fist into Leon's solar plexus twisting the fist as it dug. Had Leon not been wearing weighted gear it likely would of lifted him off his feet and put him on his ass. Instead he stumbled back and dropped to a knee holding his gut as his diaphragm did it's best to stop convulsing so he could recover. Leon saw it all, the rotations to make up for a lack of power using momentum and multiple muscle groups to hit a sensitive area.
It was brutal and had considerable speed behind it. Without saying a word Leon retaliated having played off some of the damage to get himself in position to throw a punch for Fonte's face. Fontes barely saw it coming from the distance Leon covered, and tilted his head, twisting his body and only shifting one foot for the fist to sail past his face and for Fontes to throw another attack for Leon's chin. Only this time the Dragon wasn't giving out freebies and caught it under his chin with his other hand stopping in place. Leon backed up and just let out a big breath.
"Wow, you made up for a lack of speed by minimizing every movement to get just out of range. Not only that, but retaliate as well. That's a fast mind you have, being able to analyze so efficiently and effectively the things you need to do to keep up with someone so far out of your league in attributes, yet you fought back without fear, knowing yourself enough to know that you had to swing, you couldn't let anything go without an answer or else our fight would end up completely one sides. That is amazing."
Fontes scratched the back of his head embarrassed by the praise from the legendary fighter. But, that was the day Leon considered someone as sound as Fontes in both mind and body a pinnacle of power. He expanded that day on what he considered conflict. Adding conflict of the mind as a way to grow. The philosophy of conflict promotes growth, no matter the conflict was born from that one interaction and ever sense it has been something he would not go without pursuing.
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Post by Juyi on Jul 8, 2020 3:40:46 GMT
Leon receives +3 WIS! Remember to update your trackers accordingly.
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Post by Seth Adelram on Jul 17, 2020 1:06:45 GMT
Darkness surrounded him, the only light cast in the area was from the full moon high in the sky. Even then, the thick foliage of the North Eastern forest that he was currently deep inside of, helped keep the light from filtering through to ground level. Sudden shrill sounds escaped, humanoid in nature, like ravenous sounds of predators. Occasionally he would hear, loud mutters echoing throughout the trees and foliage. It seemed there were several people out tonight. However, this was Seth Adelram's night of honor. He had both the most to gain and the most to lose.
This was a party after all. What kind of party it was, remained to be seen. A younger Seth would creep through the forest at a somewhat steady pace. Keen eyes had picked up what he thought was a train through some disturbed bushes and broken branches. The art of the hunt was best pursued at a slow and steady pace, he had often read. As he moved, more clues would tell him he was on the right track. Strands of ripped cloth, most likely from the one attire of the one he sought.
Behind a simple black cloth face mask, the corner of his mouth upturned as his nostrils flared. He had caught scent of her, that much he had become familiar with after having been set to graduate from high-school with her. She was close and he wouldn't be denied this on his name day. It was important after all. He would step carefully through the bushes, a ray of moonlight would glint of a metallic object held in one of his hands.
His eyes would settle upon two large boulders, narrowing as he carefully crept around them in a wide circle. It was then he could catch sight of her. Try as she might to hide, she had tucked herself between the two rocks and was huddled, shaking in a ball while trying her best to stay quiet. He would approach his free hand raised while the one holding the object tucked behind him. "Liliana? What are you doing out here?" A look of shock and confusion crossed her face when she recognized her school mate. "S-Seth!? What the hell is going on!? I'm s-scared!"[/b]
He was having the hardest time from preventing himself from laughing at his class-mate, however he would manage and shake his head. "Shhh! I'm not sure what's going on, I have a campsite nearby with my family and I heard a bunch of people.. yelling? Please, I can help you." She would start to panic, standing and reaching for his ungloved hand. Seth would then begin to lead here back in the direction he had come as she whispered quickly, trying to explain. "Some men kidnapped me on the way home from the movies! They tied me up, blindfolded me.. felt like I was in that back of a can for hours and then they dropped me off in the middle of the woods and told me to run!" She was trying her best to remain quiet, yet he could hear her shuttering cries and as he led the way, the smirk only grew.
"I've been up here for a few days already- It must be fate, Liliana. I'll get you to safety, I promise! His whispers knowingly returned false hope. He had been victorious and soon she would see that her fate was sealed. They would come upon the edge of the treeline. What could only be assumed was the glow of fire-light broke through and soon enough he would lead her into the opening with three large canvas tents set up around a fire pit, which burned brightly, while the camp itself appeared empty.
Liliana would gaze about the camp, albeit for only a moment before she felt something heavy and hard hit her in the back of the head. The last thing she would see before she blacked out was Seth's form as he raised up a metal flare-gun and shot a small, dim flare up into the sky. The eighteen years old Seth would toss aside the flare gun and snicker, looking down at the unconcious girl. Over the course of the next few minutes, several forms would slither from the dark forest toward the campsite.
A handful of men and women, all robed in similar attire as himself. Black, grey, brown or red. Most of them wore masks, some of which bore a pair of antlers and others which only bore one. A larger male, wearing a mask akin to a stag skull with massive antlers approached Seth. "Young one no more. 'Tis the Adelram tradition and tonight you will make your transition into adulthood. You will pass through the first gate, with her blood as the key." From beneath the cloak he would pull free a small bone blade roughly five inches long and curved, extending it to Seth. "Your first bounty taken. Your first gift to give.
The masked young man would reach forward and take the knife from his father's hand, turning to face the girl he had tied up before they had arrived. Golden eyes would study his former classmate, soon to be sacrificed. His heart would begin to beat heavier with each foot step that he took until he was standing right infront of Liliana. All he could hear was his own heartbeat as his free hand reached to pull free a gord that had been tied to his waist. His golden irises would fixate upon the girl and much to his surprise she would start to stir and scream as soon as her vision cleared.
"Scream all you want." The knife lifted and cut her howls short and those golden iris' wouldn't stray from the sight of life leaving her eyes. The other hand would use the gord to catch her blood. In the process, his own hands would be covered in crimson and he would step backwards after filling the gord. A woman would approach, a single horn on her mask. Her soft, soothing voice would whisper to him. "I'm so proud of you." He however would ignore her, staring down at his hands as he passed the gord to his mother and the went to stand by one of the tents.
They would bring him a saucer, in which an unknown liquid would rest in, steam rolling gently off it. He would witness his mother pour some of the blood from the gord into it and then offer it to him with a bow. He would cup it in both hands and then take a single long gulp, tilting upward until he swallowed every last drop. At which point, he would turn and make his way inside one of the tents. "In three days time, you will be reborn a new man. Accept it. Let her blood guide you." Seth's mother's voice was the last thing he heard before the tent closed and he was swallowed by the darkness.
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Post by dawn on Jul 17, 2020 4:08:13 GMT
Graded!
Seth gets +3 Wis exp, be sure to put it in your tracker!
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Post by Loie Prim on Jul 17, 2020 19:32:13 GMT
Alfie had a hard day at school so Louella decided to cheer him up by making his favorite food: pancakes. The sun set hours ago, but Louella and Alfie always shared the sentiment that breakfast foods tasted better at night for some reason. Their parents were both away for a few days on a business trip, so that left Louella in charge even though she was only a year older than Alfie. He didn't cause much trouble, so she just did her best to be helpful by giving him emotional support.
The two sat across from each other at the dining room table, both of them with a sizable stack of flap jacks set before them. Louella preferred to top hers with strawberries and liked to dip pieces in a saucer of syrup instead of pouring over the top, which Alfie usually teased her for endlessly. He didn't say anything about it today. It was always the smallest details that told her the most about her brother's mood.
"I just want to show them not to mess with me," Alfie grumbled, pushing a piece of pancake around in his pool of syrup.
"But you don't want to end up like them, right? You're already stronger than them because you don't need to hurt people to feel strong," Louella replied.
Alfie rolled his eyes and sat back into his chair.
"You say that. But if I just sit back and take it then they'll definitely keep trying to make me miserable," he replied.
Seeing him like this made Louella's cheeks burn. Anger wasn't something she felt often and it was hard to describe. But it felt like an itch that wouldn't go away unless she broke something. The feeling scared her to no end, especially since she felt it so rarely. But the kids picking on Alfie were taking it too far. No--you couldn't even just call it "picking on him" anymore. They'd left the poor boy's eye swollen and his self worth was in shambles.
"We can find a way to get them back... in a harmless way," Louella suggested.
Admittedly, she really was stumped. Sometimes these kind of kids could only be deterred by fear, so maybe if she could show them that people had Alfie's back? Regardless of whether it was a true solution or not, they needed some kind of repercussion and faculty wasn't going to do a thing.
"Like what?" Alfie scowled and held up his hands. More irritation edged into his voice by the minute and she really couldn't blame him.
"Umm... we could prank them? Just start small and build up to something more ridiculous," Louella continued.
"That wouldn't fix anything," Alfie snapped and shoved a massive bite of pancake into his mouth. The two sat in silence for a few moments, then Alfie swallowed.
"But I'm still down."
~ ~ ~
The first prank the two Primeveires came up with after putting their heads together was simple but effective. At least they hoped. They’d manage to wedge a tub of ice water on top of a partially opened door at school with a few rubber ducks floating around in it for good measure. When Garrett, the ring leader of Team Jerk, came this way he’d inevitably cause the tub to fall when he yanked the door open. He was a total knuckle head and Louella doubted he’d notice it.
Louella, Alfie, Nina and Adler crouched behind some edges in the courtyard and watched as their victim came marching forward just as planned. He was big kid, sturdy and tall with frown permanently plastered to his face. Alfie was about half his size, so his choice in target spoke volumes about him.
Garrett thoughtlessly yanked the door all the way open and the freezing tidal wave of ice and rubber duckies poured down upon his head. He let out a ferocious roar and stood in shock for a moment. Nina let out a loud snort in spite of herself and Garrett’s gaze whipped toward the hedge.
He stomped toward their hiding spot and the group instantly knew there was no hiding. The four of them scrambled to their feet and Garrett stared at them, shivering and seething with rage.
“Goddamn Primeveires,” he spat, then looked at Alfie, “I’d hit your sister too if she wasn’t such a shrimp. Guess I’ll have to settle for evening out your look.”
Even though they out numbered him, they were all so much smaller. Adler tried to stand in front of Alfie but Garrett kneed him in the stomach and shoved Nina to the ground. This left Louella standing in front of Alfie.
“Move, Louella!” Alfie barked, “I can handle this!”
Her whole body trembled but she didn’t move. This time it wasn’t fear. It was searing rage. She stared directly into the boy’s eyes and her ears began to ring. Her vision went black for a moment and when it cleared, Garrett was clutching his head.
“What was that?” Nina whimpered where she’d fallen on the ground. They felt it too?
Blood dripped down Garrett’s nose and Louella’s eyes widened. The liquid gleamed on his chin and he wiped it away.
“You’re a fucking witch, Primeveire!”
Louella thought he’d strike her, but instead he just turned and walked away. The other three stared at her.
“I-It wasn’t me…”
Her voice came out hoarsely. She laid in her bed that night knowing full well sleep wouldn’t be coming any time soon. Anger. She didn’t feel it anymore, but every time she did, something scary happened. Garrett’s blood stained face was flashed in her vision. It could’ve been a random nosebleed but it was so… heavy. She had to get a better hold of her emotions. Anger was the one feeling she couldn’t allow herself to know. |
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Post by Duke Zabi on Jul 17, 2020 19:37:55 GMT
Loie Prim receives +3 Wis! Be sure to update your tracker.
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Post by Five on Aug 2, 2020 20:43:08 GMT
Fifteen years old.
Mother was walking along the streets of the Eastern District, Five and Seven at her side. Several men in suits and eye masks would be around them in every direction, scattered throughout the area. A security detail, just in case aid was required.
A slender and pale woman with long, black hair, black lips, red eyes, and a face that did well to obscure her age, Mother was a figure that seemed to come out of a children's fairy tale book. Yet despite her appearance, she was an imposing figure, one that everyone who knew of her understood full well. Wearing a dark grey business suit with a skirt, she led the two children through the district, her heels clicking along the ground loudly with every step.
Soon, they would arrive at their destination. Near the entrance to an alleyway was a dirty, worn down man in tattered clothes. He was laying in a pile of trash that had come from an overturned trash bin, and fresh blood leaked from his lip and forehead as two men in suits and eye masks stood above him. Mother would raise her hand, signalling for them to step aside, and they did. She would walk towards the man on the ground, staring at him without a word as she gestured for Five and Seven to walk up.
"Five. Seven. Tell me, what do you see?" She would ask. One of her generalized riddles that Five hated so much. "I see a man who is hurt and needs our help." Five would respond. "I see someone down on his luck and needing a friend." Seven would say.
Mother gave a half smile, but shook her head. "No, my children. He doesn't require either of those." She would say, kneeling down. She would pry open the man's hand, extracting a small case with the logo of the Kenne family emblazoned on it. "He is a man who has lived far too long within what little means he has. So much that he saw fit to take from us."
Five watched as Mother examined the case before she stood up, taking a step back towards her children.
"People make their way in this world. Nothing is obtained without a strong desire to take it for yourself, and the strength to see it through. This man had the desire, but not the strength... a pity. But those who are comfortable within their meager means have no place here."
One of the suits would reach into his coat, pulling out a knife.
"Wait, Mother... There is no need for that." Five would tell her, and she would look at her son in slight confusion. "You said he had the desire... isn't that enough to let him live? There's no need to..." His voice trailed off, not wanting to think about the reality of what they were about to do. Seven would step in, looking at her Mother with a pleading look in her eyes. "Yes, Mother. Please... there has to be another solution to this. He was driven by desperation. We can forgive this, can we not?"
Mother stood there in silent contemplation for several moments... before a small smile crept across her face.
"You two are truly fools..." She would bend down slightly to look at both of them in their eyes. "Proper punishment must befit one's crimes. You both know this better than anyone. However..."
She would look towards the man.
"If he truly holds the desire, perhaps he can be provided with the strength... We'll try it your way for once, children. If he proves to be a hindrance, then a fate worse than death awaits him."
Mother would start to walk away, and the suits would crouch down to pick up the man by either arm as they started to drag him away. Five and Seven would follow, and the man would look towards them.
"I can't tell if y'kids saved my skin or what... but y'tried... if I see y'both again, name's Ollie..."
Ollie would later prove to help Five with more conventional matters within the city, showing Five that even the lowliest of people can rise up provided the opportunity. Still, his Mother's words rang in his head... even should he not agree with them.
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Post by Raikotsu on Nov 19, 2020 18:02:15 GMT
StakeoutRai would be in his Raijin Gang disguise this time wearing a face mask and a hood to hide his face and hair. He would be outside with a spy glass they got a tip on where the dealers were supposed to set up. Rai would be on the roof of the building across the street from the sell, a rifle beside him in case things got hairy. Red and Blue were both down on the ground, one in the alley around the corner of where the dealers were supposed to set up, and the other was on the streets dressed up as a drunk homeless man 'passed out on the street. In just a few minutes some local minors that they had paid off would be showing up for the dealers as potential buyers. Rai would tap on the radio in his ear.
"Radio test, check in."
He whispered.
"Red here, all clear in the alley."
"Blue here, no movement on my end yet."
The two men would radio back. Rai let out a small breath as he checked the time, 11:58. Well, the meeting was at Midnight, and who has ever heard of time conscientious drug dealer? He certainly hadn't... Well, maybe Leon... However, before Rai could think anymore on that a car pulled up. I'll be damned. They're on time. He thought to himself as they pulled up, a couple of guys got out of the car. And searched the immediate area. Rai got worried as they started pointing at Blue across the street.
"Blue, whatever you do, do not draw attention to yourself. They're looking at you right now. So stay absolutely still."
Rai whispered into the radio as he watched the two men. They were arguing. Rai couldn't make out what they were saying but it seemed pretty clear that one of them wanted to get rid of the homeless man, and the other thought he wasn't a big deal. They argued for a few minutes before the one that wanted to get rid of Blue threw his hands up and gave up. Rai let out a sigh of relief, apparently he had been holding his breath... Rai checked his watch again, 12:14. Good the kids should be coming along soon... unless the little shit took the money and ran... Shit that could back fire... He waited patiently for about 10 minutes, and then just when he was about to call it quits on the operation from the other side of the street from where the dealers had come from, the kids came strolling, just 3 brats all around the 15-16 years of age mark. Perfect for finding out if these were the assholes that sold to Minors. As they got closer the dealers noticed them and both reached for guns hidden under their shirts. However, once they saw it was just kids they stopped and instead called the kids over. Looks like the definitely found the guys that were selling product to kids, however, Rai had to make sure, there had to be a transaction first before he could do anything. If he jumped the gun now and these were the wrong people it could tip off the real dealers and they would close up shop and move on somewhere else, or they would get smarter, both were shit options. They needed to be stopped.
"Friendlies en route to target, wait for my word."
There was no response but he understood. This time they couldn't risk speaking, he just had to hope that their radio check earlier wasn't just a fluke. It wouldn't take long for the kids and dealers to meet up there was some small talk before the kids gotten taken to the dealers car. They went to the trunk and... Rai lost sight of them, the trunk being open closed off his vision of what was happening! Shit! He thought to himself as he quickly change positions to the other side of the roof to hopefully get better view! He reached the opposite corner, which unlike his last location, was directly under the moon's light, with no shadow coverage. He panicked... what should he do? Should he look, it might risk his position, but... if he didn't look then he wouldn't get confirmation and this whole operation would be a bust... He weighed the risks and decided to look anyways. So, out came the Spy glass as he looked over the edge of the roof and... Sure enough these guys were attempting to sell drugs to these kids! Next they had to wait for the kids to leave so that Red could approach as a buyer and the- Suddenly one of the dealers was looking up at Rai then, in what felt like slow motion the dealer's eyes went wide he yelled out and pulled out his gun and he fired two shots at Rai who ducked and ran back to his rifle!
"Shit shit shit go go go!!!"
He called to Red and Blue who would both storm at the dealers their guns firing. Rai pulled out the rifle and looked through the scope just in time to see the dealers hop back inside their car and drive off! NO! Can't let them escape! Rai aimed at the tires but they were going to fast he couldn't focus his heart was racing and his could focus. DAMMIT! Rai closed his eyes and took a deep breath then looked down the scope again picked the front driver's side tire, that would make it so that they were unable to escape then they could be interrogated! Rai took a second deep breath aimed a little head of the tire... BANG! He pulled the trigger and bullet hit the tire! Perfect shot! Then... he realize that they were trying to turn, oh no... and once again he felt like he was seeing in slow motion as the car flipped and tumbled and fly into a building!
"Fuck fuck fuck! Go check and pull out any survivors! I'll be down in a moment!"
Rai called over the radio Rai was running down 5 flights of stairs... but when he hit the second floor he got the unfortunate news...
"No survivors boss. The dealers are both dead..."
He grit his teeth, he fucked up... he made a rash decision and this is what he gets for doing it... when he finally got down stairs he saw Red and Blue over where the dealers had been parked.
"Hey, what are you two doing over ther-"
He had started to ask... only... as he got close he could see that there were three bodies on the ground.
"No..."
Then he got closer and he saw it... the three kids they had hired, all lay there, shot dead. The light in their eyes were gone...
"Boss..."
"I know... we need to get out of here."
But no matter what he tried Rai couldn't stop from staring at the kids... he fucked up big time... Not only did they not find out if there were more people selling to kids... but he got three innocent kids killed... this was all on him. He fucked up. He just stood there and stared at the bodies. He was so lost in his own thoughts he didn't hear the sirens in the distance heading closer to them, nor did he register that Red had left to get the car, and he barely noticed Blue pushing him into the car to get away. This night, those kids, were going to be burned into his memory for the rest of his life... |
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Post by Duke Zabi on Nov 20, 2020 4:24:16 GMT
Five, Raikotsu receives +3 Wis! Remember to update trackers accordingly.
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Post by Ayden Black™ on Dec 5, 2020 21:52:08 GMT
[[This SPQ bounces in and out of my other SPQ's. For the best experience please read it in its entirety here.]] 
Part 1: Wisdom Training Code: I
I grit my teeth as I looked out the train window. I was approaching my destination, but it couldn’t come fast enough. A small dojo in a remote mountainside was my destination. The last time I stepped foot in that dojo was when I was in high school. The thought of it just made me angrier. I was so much stronger back then. The others hadn’t said anything to me after the incident at the mall, but I knew they thought I was weak. That I was holding them back. The old me would have been able to protect Haji. He would have been more useful in the raid. The way I was now, I was nothing but a liability. I needed to be better.
As the train approached the station, I grabbed my bag and made my way to the doors. The bag was packed light, only the essentials, some clothes, a toothbrush, extra pair of sneakers. I didn’t even bother bringing my phone seeing as how I wasn’t going to have reception. Leon made it clear he wasn’t going to need me, and to be quite frank I only had one other person who knew I existed. Literally. But I let Macht know I was going to be around for a little while. He seemed to understand as well. Honestly, I was a little surprised Leon let me go seeing as how he’s always getting on me about working.
While I was lost in my thoughts, I made the trek from the train station to the walking trail that ran through the mountains. After a ways up the trail once I was at the forest that spread out miles before the mountain, I broke off the trail. If I had been paying attention, I would have been surprised at how much of the off-road path I remembered. It had been years but returning to this dojo was like second nature to me.
Before I knew it, I was at the large gated wall that surrounded the dojo’s grounds. The reason for the wall was the trail up the mountain that connected to the dojo’s grounds. That trail was especially dangerous. In addition to the environmental factors, my Master had placed many traps along the path. I shuttered just thinking about last time. I decided to knock on the gate before I lost my nerves.
Part 6: Wisdom Training Code: II
As the training went on, I could feel my frustration only increasing. Because of the odd three day on, one day off training schedule, I was losing track of how long I had spent here. The progress I was making was marginal at best. My anger and frustration only made it more difficult for me to keep constantly focused on my training.
Thud
Which right now was dodging stones Master was throwing at me while I was blindfolded. By the way if you’re already pissed off, I don’t recommend getting stoned this way. In theory I understood what I needed to do, use my other senses to intercept or dodge the pebbles. But Master moved so quickly, I never knew what direction to focus on.
“You lack focus! Why are you here!”
Master shouted at me angrily. Another stone thudded against my body from a totally different direction of the voice. How the hell was I supposed to know which direction to focus at if you were going to keep throwing your voice like that?!
“I’m training because I’m weak and I want to stop holding people back.”
“THEN AGAIN!”
No stone this time. I took a deep breath and tried to focus. This time, I just barely made out some rustling from behind. I turned around in time to take another stone in my stomach. At least I was able to catch what direction it was this time.
“Not good enough! Why are you here!”
The same question again? And what do you mean not good enough?! That was progress! I felt my blood boiling. Had I put too much stock in this old man’s training? This was nothing like last time. Yeah sure he made me do outrageous things last time like run 10 miles a day, but at least he taught me actual martial arts back then.
“I’m training because I’m weak and I want to stop holding people back!”
I reminded myself the motivation for which I was training, but before I could even ready myself for the next stone, there was a thud against my forehead. The force of this stone was enough to knock me straight off my feet onto my ass. I pulled the blindfold from my eyes and punched the ground.
“Dammit!”
I couldn’t even block one?! Why was I wasting everyone’s time like this?! As I heard a deep sigh, I looked up to see Master Shin approaching me. He sat on the ground across from me.
“Pick up the stone.”
Still haughty, I reached out and grabbed the stone but I was surprised to see it crushed in my hand. I had grabbed it pretty hard because I was angry, but to be honest it wasn’t that much pressure. Not even enough to go Kyle on some drywall.
“If a stone that weak can take down the mighty First Pillar, then surely weakness is not the reason you came here. I have already imparted all of my martial arts knowledge to you. Tell me, how have you come here?”
Master spoke gently. So I told him everything that happened since I last left his tutelage. How as the First Pillar, I managed to make many friends and comrades. How I helped so many people. I told him of my exploits as a vigilante, of how I brought down some of the most dangerous gangs around my school. Then I felt a lump in my throat. I began to choke up.
“And it was all going well. There was just one gang left that was still trying to harass my school and it’s students. So we fought. That clash was the hardest fight of my life.”
I could feel the tears starting to roll down my cheeks. I swallowed hard, and took a deep breath from my mouth as my nose was feeling congested.
“And I found myself in a situation I didn’t like. I wasn’t strong enough. I had to choose between saving my friend or sparing my enemy. And I-“
At this point I couldn’t stop the tears from coming out. My breathing picked up rapidly as I began sobbing. I couldn’t tell what was tears and what was snot.
“I took his life to save my friend and I- I never wanted to be in that situation again. So I ran away from everything but it happened again, Master! And it’s going to keep happening because I-“
I felt a hand against the back of my head before my face was pulled against my Master’s chest. I clutched onto him as I continued sobbing.
“You have a good heart. I was afraid you lost your way, but I can see now that is not the case. Often when we take a life, we kill part of ourselves. It is not enough to walk away from such a scar. We must heal it in forgiveness for the fallen, for those who still breathe, and for those who will once more stand.”
Master helped me back to my feet.
“I’m sure the warrior that fell would not be pleased to see you like this.”
I wiped the tears and the snot away from myself. From what I remembered, he did fight honorably. And he gave it his all, which was the only reason I had to go as far as I did. Neither of us pulled any punches and neither of us used any cheap moves. I really had no hate for that man. After all, I never really knew him outside of that fight. It was an unfortunate circumstance all the way around.
“You’re right. Half-assing it’s a dishonor to his memory.”
Master nodded, a smile appearing across lips. Thus my training began for real.
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Post by Amelie Bellegarde on Jan 7, 2021 5:54:40 GMT
“Ugh, enough! You don’t even give a shit!”Amelie slammed her fist down on the desk, the pain immediately reverberating through her arm. She kept her teeth clenched, seething with anger, “You just care about the fucking company, so much you’d choose it over your own daughter!” Amelie laughs, rubbing her right eye stressfully, “Can’t believe I’ve been this blind to your bullshit for so long.”
“Hon… It’s not what you think-”“It’s exactly what I think, you know it too. I’m not gonna let you auction me off to your dickhead corporate friends.” She steps back, staring at her father, “Freeze all my shit, I don’t care. I don’t need you or your money.” Immediately spinning on her heel, she didn’t give her Dad much of a chance to respond. Amelie ground her teeth together as she left the office, ‘I can’t fucking believe this….’ Getting out of there as he stuttered behind her was about all she could do at this point, she had to start preparing for what was to come. She smirked as his yells could be heard faintly behind her, that’s the personality she knew. It was mere hours ago she found out her Dad was going to sell her to some organization, most likely criminals. It was unlikely they were prepared to catch her on the run, which should give her some time to get sorted out. This was probably going to be difficult without having anyone to rely on, “Probably shouldn’t have been a bitch to everyone.” Amelie murmurs to herself, pulling up her hood and adjusting her scarf. She could always make friends later, and she’d probably need to. For now, she needed to get armed and find a place to stay. First stop was the gun store, a shady place that looked ready to fall apart. It was in some back alley of Old Town, tucked away in territory controlled by a gang. Amelie had some experience sneaking around, but was still nervous as she stepped off the bus. As she surveyed her surroundings she realized it wasn’t hard to make out who were gangsters, they acted like they owned the place. Amelie quickly moved over to the side, trying not to draw too much attention to herself. Unfortunately, she accidentally kicked a small rock into the side of a nearby house. The *ting* of the rock hitting the sheet metal immediately drew attention over to her. “Oho… What do we got here, eh? Someone out past curfew, again?” One of the guys spoke up, looked like the leader of the group, “C’mon Miss, you know the rules yeah?” He started walking over to Amelie, resting the metal bat on his shoulder. “I-I was just on my way home… Everyone’s a little late sometimes, right?”He turned to his buddies, all of which nodded, “Aight Missy, you run on home. Don’t let boss catch ya.” “You’re… Just gonna let me go?” Amelie furrowed her brow.
“We ain’t savages, we’re just here to put things in line.” The gangster waved his hand in dismissal, “Now go on, unless you wanna catch a charge.”Amelie was… Shocked to say the least. Everything she had been told about Old Town made it seem like a dangerous place, run by the worst humanity has to offer. Maybe she just got lucky, but she had to consider that everything she has been told could be lies, “Uh, right. Thank you.” She promptly did as the guy asked, making her way past them and towards her “home”. The gun shop didn’t stick out from the rest of the buildings in any way, almost looked like they were closed. She pushed open the door, and looked inside. The inside actually wasn’t too bad, looked like some minor damage here and there but it was fairly clean. “Eh… Little late to be out and about don’t you think?” The owner spoke from behind the counter, looking up from the newspaper he was reading. “It’s an… Emergency.” She pulled the hood down, walking up to the counter, “I’ve got twice the payment if you can get me a silenced pistol, no questions asked.” The owner raised his eyebrows, looking Amelie up and down. “Didn’t take you for that kind of customer. Business is business….. Though I wanna see the cash first, no funny business. Heh, get it.”Amelie rolled her eyes and reached into her purse, pulling out a tightly bound stack of cash, “It’s all there, plus extra.” The owner nodded, taking the stack and putting it somewhere under the counter. He holds up a finger and walks into the back, coming out with a small black case moments later, “Standard Glock, suppressor and red dot. I’ll throw in a box of ammo, too. You didn’t get it from me.” Amelie pops open the case and takes a look, nodding, “Appreciate the business.” Stuffing the case and ammo into her purse, she heads for the door, “No problem, come back if you need anything else.” He fans his fingers through the stack of money with a whistle as Amelie leaves the store. Luckily it wasn’t much of a journey to motel she was staying at, the place was shit but was the only one she could find that didn’t have horrendous reviews. She breathed a sigh of relief as she closed the door of her motel room behind her, it should be safe here. Granted that she was the daughter of Bellegarde Industries CEO, she tried to make herself as untraceable as possible, “Time will tell, I guess.” She flopped onto the bed, exhausted from the days events. Amelie opened her eyes groggily, had she fallen asleep? And what was that light…? She quickly blinked her eyes, taking in her surroundings. Flashlights. Without hesitation, Amelie grabbed the black case from next to her and opened it. She took the gun out and flicked off the safety, rolling off the bed to and running to the bathroom. Her heart was racing. When it comes down to it, having a gun in your hand is a lot scarier than it sounds. She attempted to slow her breathing as the men got access to the room, they had guns from what quick glance Amelie could get. Should she wait it out? Should she just shoot them now? Amelies grip around the gun got tighter and she took a deep breath, hearing the footsteps of the two men walking towards the bathroom. She kept her back to the wall, raising the gun to point at the doorway. The moment one of the guys peered into the bathroom, she pulled the trigger and sent a bullet flying through his neck. Amelie quickly points the pistol around the corner and fires two shots into the chest of the second guy, before immediately dashing across the room to grab her stuff and leave. Halting at the doorway, she turned to see the second guy struggling. His groans made her feel sick to her stomach. She couldn’t feel anything but that and the adrenaline, her hands were shaking like crazy. This guy would keep chasing her if she left him alive right? Was she in more danger if this guy reported back to his superiors? “..Gah! Fuck!” Amelie yelled, swinging her gun around like a psychopath. Try to get a hold of yourself. Toughen up, you knew this wasn’t going to be easy. She grit her teeth, walking back into the room, “I’m sorry, but I have to survive.” Aiming her gun at the struggling man, she hesitated for several moments before looking away and pulling the trigger. She had to get out of here, it didn’t matter where but she couldn’t stay here. Without looking back, Amelie ran out of the motel with her belongings. She kept running until she was certainly in the clear, stopping to catch her breath at a bus stop. After a few deep breaths, she looked up at the night sky. It was nice out here, peaceful. Something she needed after the blood pumping 10 minutes she just had. Amelie examined her hands, one of which had a small spatter of blood on it. She runs her other hand through her hair with a sigh, holding her face in her hands moments after.
“...What have I done?”
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Post by Xereon on Jan 7, 2021 11:19:20 GMT
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