|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 2:09 am
With Needles in his grasp, Ikaika used his inhuman strength to throw the large man. Needles flew through the air, and struck a nearby rock. Ikaika saw as he fell to the ground. But he knew Needles wouldn’t go down that easily. Pulling himself together, Needles crouched low to the ground. The stance reminded Ikaika of how felines pounced on their prey. Ikaika readied himself for the attack, and Needles pushed himself from the ground. Flying low towards Ikaika, he slashed at the Merman’s legs. Ikaika’s leg buckled, and he landed on his knee.
(Crouching Strike 1/5)
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:10 pm
Rake sat still and waited for some peace. His latest technique was quite overwhelming. Well it was to learn and it truly created such a roar. It disturbed the peace of the forest and now it was time to become stronger and tougher. It was time to study the notes he had found, well received by Ryuuma at the grand line. Something that he could use to combine is fruit with something called CP9. It was apparently something so powerful that it could turn a fight.
Multiple Sword Slashes 1-25
The notes was out of order, they where truly mixed up so first he had to read everything and then order it out. Read it again and figure it out. Then he only needed to learn the entire thing. This would be hard but he knew the basic effect of the technique. This could make him fly in a way and be able to do such would be the best thing ever for then not even falling into the water would be an issue. Well it could be used in such an effective way and Rake had an idea.
Multiple Sword Slashes 2-25
Rake wondered how anything could come from such technique and on what type of level he would turn out. It would be like fighting so many of him and it would be very hard for him to take any damage at all. Being able to become airborne meant that he could attack form multiple angles in both close range and long range. To hunt and stalk his prey like an eagle. Rake dreamt away in various events.
Multiple Sword Slashes 3-25
Events while this technique would be so very much useful and destroy any hope of defeating him. Let say that his opponent is on an open deck or even a ship. How much damage wouldn't he be able to deal to the opponent. Say if he would used this with the reject and then once more with the sword, but that would be impossible. Who could ever be able to stand up against Rake. The fire logia fruit user would be indestructible. His only need was now to find a immunity to sea stone.
Multiple Sword Slashes 4-25
Yet that would indeed be impossible for any fruit user. That's why he needed to fight marines in group. The marines higher ups often had so much aces up their sleeves that it was incredible. Rake's grandfather had told story of the best fruit users fall to a simple sea stone weapon of the marines. This is why the marines where deadly if a fruit user only had his fruit to use. How a man with such strength got everything drained from him. Yet hopefully he would be able to parry with his long blade.
Multiple Sword Slashes 5-25
Now to be able to stand for the sea stone then one would be a god with the logia fruit but that was just day dreams. That would stay his weakness for ever and with all techniques he would learn he would at least be a god between pirates. Perhaps hunters as well but they where so rare now that it was almost odd. They often stayed at bigger places along with several hunters. Yet he knew that one he searched for was as well a hunter. Well an old hunter who turned pirate.
Multiple Sword Slashes 6-25
One of the great pirate swordsmen and a true goal for any true swordsman. Rake knew that he was another great swordsman As his captain sometimes called him, Rake the flaming sword or swordsman. It varied by the situation and who could blame him. He was more or less known as "Sharp" Cane. It had been known that he could cut through almost anything and that was something not many could copy. He was a known figure but yet not an interest by government.
Multiple Sword Slashes 7-25
Well at least it didn't feel like he was marked the government so much. There was a few others at his level but not many. Yet he believed that this was because his captain was so far greater then him and he was in the shadow. After all he hadn't developed the second gear yet and that could truly be the reason why he was able to travel freely across the sea. Untouched and unharmed. Even if the thought was tempting he couldn't afford to believe the marines where afraid of him.
Multiple Sword Slashes 8-25
Yet time to get back to the papers. It was truly out of order but within time he got the entire papers in check and begun to read but quickly did his mind travel away the soon he begun to think on what he could do. The same thoughts just as before came back again and a smile upon his lips appeared. Rake enjoyed reading about the technique, even if it was in various levels and possibilities with it. He no had the beginning sorted out and begun on learning the CP9 technique.
Multiple Sword Slashes 9-25
What he had to do first was to learn how to increase his ability to take damage like a martial artist. This would be the first step. It also stood tips on his this could easily be done. So Rake jumped to his feet form being seated on the ground. Then he begun to cut down a big tree and created a sort of machine from the tree. This truly took time but would be worth it. It was all about the power of the mind. Something that would prove truly useful. Yet this technique was far more then just withstand.
Multiple Sword Slashes 10-25
Rake would take a greater step then just withstand an attack but this was the first step. As Rake was building he was thinking back on one of the things his father had created. It was sort of like this but his father had combined it with various weights and one was pulling in various ropes. Rake's father had called it a strength increasing machine. A very long and annoying name, as all of Rake's fathers creations. Yet it worked as good as cutting wood.
Multiple Sword Slashes 11-25
One stood on a platform and raised weights of stone and steel. It was very effective and many of the villagers used it during the winter periods to stay in shape for the spring work of the farmers. Even Rake and his granddad used it, but to keep in shape as swordsmen and become much more stronger. This was their way to use such a machine and truly no one could blame them really. Everyone was using it and it worked but they where still made of wood.
Multiple Sword Slashes 12-25
After a while the wooden frames cracked and they where destroyed, that's why they stopped making the machines because of the expense of wood and dangers. Yet during their prime they did truly work as a charm. Luckily here Rake wouldn't need any stone weights. Luckily that he had assisted his father several times, so this creation was an easy one. Will maybe not easy but an average job for one with some experience in such building projects.
Multiple Sword Slashes 13-25
To be able to work his body to take all the damage meant that he had to fight his inner self. Fight his own fruit power and turn it of at the moment while he would be taking a beating form the flying log. Yet first he truly needed to build this thing. Building a wooden creation with the fire fruit was indeed easier then creating the ends manually. Now soon this thing would be done and he on his way for his next technique. He also knew that with this technique his second gear could be in reach.
Multiple Sword Slashes 14-25
Thinking on his second gear would be nice for he had seen the very power of a second or third gear. To develop his own would be amazing for he had never seen a logia third gear and that was probably an extreme power flow that would be released from him. Rake might become a living supernova but what good what that do? Then he would only be hunted by everyone and then he would never get any rest and he would just increase in bounty until he died.
Multiple Sword Slashes 15-25
No one truly wanted that, even if it would be great t be known by every one and feared as a true fearsome pirate. Yet he knew that he had to fight some more to get there. Now he just had to learn his CP9 technique and get on with his life. Then he could see what would bring him for fame. Time and time he wasted precious time by sitting in the sun and day dreaming. This was truly great spending time as a free man of the sea but it didn't give him anything.
Multiple Sword Slashes 16-25
He could as well stay home with his grandfather and doing nothing, but now he was a pirate and his sights was set upon being a great pirate swordsman. Just like his grandfather was before him. Only death would stop him from getting to that point. There was no walls that couldn't be torn down. No trees that couldn't be cut and no mountains that couldn't be climbed. This was words of wisdom and words of the true. Nothing could stand in the way of a determined mind.
Multiple Sword Slashes 17-25
This was his truth and believe, not even the marines could take that away. The marines tried to do a lot and took away from the people but freedom of the mind was impossible to take away with jails as well. Rake knew that one day he would probably be beaten down and his fall would be hard. He had no relatives as marines that he knew of and no contacts. His arrest would end in the death of him. He knew that very well and that's why he had to become so much better then any one else.
Multiple Sword Slashes 18-25
Now Rake stood on the machine and the wooden logs and objects begun to pond upon rake's body and at first it was truly painfully but soon he was able to withstand it and after a while it wasn't that bad. He kept his mind clear and followed the steps from the written instructions. Soon he didn't even flinch form an hit. He took everything and stood tall. He had passed the first step of the Multiple Sword Slashes technique and what a step that was indeed.
Multiple Sword Slashes 19-25
Rake burned the machine as he was done with it and jumped back to be seated on the ground. He needed some rest after this and his body was very bruised. He had taken some severe punishment from that machine but apparently that was the point as well with the first step. Now he just had to learn the second step, to be able to jump high and find a standing step in the air. To be able to just feel it would be the beginning of this and Rake hoped that he would be able to do so quickly.
Multiple Sword Slashes 20-25
He would indeed be able to fly with this and able to attack so fast and so effectively with his blade that nothing could take all. He knew his captain might but they were not the people to turn on each others. They would fight together for their flag. Rake might become powerful but he was truthful to his captain as a marine to his admiral. Nothing could break that bond and even Davy Jones would be in trouble trying to keep the Forte pirates under the choke.
Multiple Sword Slashes 21-25
Rake looked in his sack and searched for that beer he had saved for this trip. After such a beating he truly deserved such a treat and he was used to get it. He missed Kale's cooking and the thrill of sneaking into the kitchen to get the beer in the fridge. She was probably happy that none was doing such deeds about now. He didn't know if the others did as he did, but it couldn't be or Kale would probably had gotten a lock or something. It felt to easy sometimes to get the beer.
Multiple Sword Slashes 22-25
Soon this next step would be revealed for him. Just like the day when you found out the truth about something. How the light shined upon your mind and you truly saw the fun in learning. How boring facts combined with each others like threads became a shirt. Just like mathematics and physics and all sort of things like that. Things that truly meant something in your life was never easy to get and this technique was just the same. In time everything would work great but now it was just facts.
Multiple Sword Slashes 23-25
Rake begun to jump all over the place. Nothing came to him at first. Maybe hadn't he been able to reach the state of mind that was demanded but no, he had to have reached it for he felt it. He felt so much stronger then ever and to see things clearer about this technique. It had to be something that he had to do. Rake went back to the notes that he had been given and worked hard to find a single clue to what he might have forgotten or what was missing.
Multiple Sword Slashes 24-25
Rake couldn't believe it but on the first page was also a memo. A note from Ryuuma. Soon Rake was able to jump in the air and bounce again. Yet now he needed to learn how to control this jumping thing. Soon Rake was trying various things with various blades and attacked trees so much they snapped at several places. Rake was done with this CP9 technique and he felt as if he was ready for something bigger. Now he could take on the big fish and most likely walk away easily.
Multiple Sword Slashes 25-25 Done
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:07 pm
Ryoko sat slowly before Maya and said softly, Please teach me more about your path and beliefs. I can not say that I will alter my own but only by learning about others can I easily learn about myself. My own strength grows with everything I learn and as it grows I feel more confident about the world. As she spoke, Ryoko listened to the sounds around him, the temple seemed to be a surprisingly quiet place with few interruptions and nearly no back ground noise. her eyes returned to her hosts as she finished speaking and waited for a response.
Spiritual calm 1/6
Maya nodded and sat as well before saying, It is my belief that hope is a powerful force, with hope, a calm spirit, and the will to live to see your hopes to the end you can endure much suffering in the world. Regardless of what your religion, simply believing in something makes you stronger. As an example I would ask that you go out on the island and meditate for a time, find a place that holds a measure of fear for you and meditate there. Given time I believe you will overcome the fear and then you should return here.
Spiritual calm 2/6
Ryoko nodded as she pondered her words before standing and saying, Then I will hopefully return in the near future. With that she walked from the temple with her mind focused on the words she had just heard. She knew that the words were true simply from observation in the past. There were countless cases of people achieving or overcoming the seemingly impossible with belief and will power. To master that type of will power would surely strengthen her spirit and as a result increase her skill as well.
Spiritual calm 3/6
Ryoko however had few fears in the world and as such was curious what type of place she could meditate to confront fear. The closest matter she could think of was the possibility of drowning due to being a devil fruit user but not even that was an all out fear though it was the biggest worry she had. She laughed as she remembered the days long ago when she was still able to swim but she had sacrificed the ability willingly for the powers of the Toro Toro no Mi. With a laugh she turned eastward and began making her way towards a river she had spotted earlier.
Spiritual calm 4/6
After some time walking Ryoko arrived at the location she had been seeking, the river which flowed into a waterfall at one location. Laying her weapons carefully beneath a tree outside of the range of the waterfall’s spray Ryoko made her way down to the slick rocks at it’s base. It was an old method of meditation but the heavy flow of the river combined with the slick rocks and the steep pool would be the best method of training himself to remain calm in body and spirit and continue on for her goals. She smiled as she moved to stand beneath the waterfall with the steady pounding of water drowning out all other sound and feeling.
Spiritual calm 5/6
As the water continued bombarding her body Ryoko found himself slipping into a deeper meditative state as she found her mind drifting peacefully in darkness. She would endure this as fear of falling and drowning never even entered into her mind resulting in a calmer outlook than most she had met. her mind was calm as she continued to breath deeply and maintain her stance on the slick rocks. She could feel the flow of the water around him much as she could sense the power of it’s flow much as she could feel the power of the Toro Toro when she manipulated it.
Spiritual calm 6/6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:08 pm
Ryoko desired to find her limits beneath the waterfall and seek inspiration for how to use her devil fruit abilities from the heavy water that cascaded steadily over her body. After all not all inspiration had to come from research some could come from imagination combined with experimentation. Much as her blade dances had come from an idea and experimentation to create reality. Ryoko smiled beneath the flowing water as she allowed her mind to clear once more, if inspiration would come it would do so in it’s own time.
Something left to gain 1/7
As Ryoko meditated her body continued to absorb the steady impact of the water yet her feet began slowly slipping on the lichen of the rocks. Ryoko was aware of the occurrence but had decided that if she fell it was meant to be and she would have to find her own way out of the water at the base of the falls. her eyes were closed as her feet slid ever closer to the edges of the rocks. A short time later the lichen beneath her left foot separated from the rock and she slipped into the water with her left hip hitting the rock hard as she slipped beneath the surface.
Something left to gain 2/7
Ryoko had taken a deep breath the moment she had fallen and felt himself sinking as the water closed over her head, she already knew that this would occur and as such remained calm and resisted the urge to try and swim. As the water from the falls created cross currents she was pulled deeper into the pool and pushed away from the falls. It seemed the river was taking a hold of him even as she took note of her positioning and began walking along the bottom of the river diagonally to the right. Using the current as a boost she found himself approaching the bank of the river.
Something left to gain 3/7
Ryoko’s head broke the water before her breath ran out and she sighed as she walked from the water and shook himself fiercely like a wild animal to shed as much excess water as possible from her body as she turned to follow the river bank back towards the waterfall. She could see it in the distance and was careful to mind her step to avoid a longer walk back as she considered what she had learned from the experience. She had not felt fear or worry over drowning or dying and she suspected that she would not any time soon, however she had felt comfortable in pushing himself to escape.
Something left to gain 4/7
Ryoko smiled as she arrived back at the tree where she had set her weapons and took the time to wring out her clothes before using Toro fluid to push the water from her body then reabsorbing the Toro fluid so that she could continue on without catching a chill from damp clothing. Ryoko’s eyes were slightly unfocused as she regarded the waterfall and the river while running a hand over her weapons. There were many difficulties in balancing her weapons and skills with practical use yet they were fun from beginning to end. If only she could find a way to rain blades on those that stood before him.
Something left to gain 5/7
Ryoko laughed at the thought before becoming pensive and considering how to do something like that if she really wished to. The problem was you would need arms in the air or on the ground as well as your own to make something like that happen. Yet even as she considered it she felt like it was something that might be possible in the long run. She would practice and experiment until she was able to successfully make blades rain onto any that stood before him. The idea was something that would be a mark of a blade master which was the title Ryoko desired.
Something left to gain 6/7
Ryoko realized that her desires to master all blades and open a dojo meshed nicely with learning and creating new techniques and ultimately that her goals were that simple. Finding one piece, becoming the pirate king, becoming the strongest in the world, none of those things truly mattered to him. To be a blade master she should surely stand among the strongest but even if she held no title it was possible to make her dreams come true and so long as she had dreams she maintained something to fight for and to tap every last bit of strength and willpower to achieve. With this realization she understood Maya’s words and returned to the beach to take her boat and continue on. She had learned much at this island and she was sure Saga and Maya would understand if she searched deeper before returning.
Something left to gain 7/7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:21 am
Kale walked, she was quiet and thoughtful -- and obviously not paying attention, as she seldom does; running right into a man. A man, more like a brick wall; she noted as the man didn't even fall back, flinch or stumble. She looked up at this man, and her eyes widened. "I am so sorry." She said, nervously -- this guy was frightening looking. He crossed his arms and stared down at her, but then slowly nodded his head. "Hm." He made this noise; and it was odd to Kale, and for a second she wondered if perhaps this man couldn't speak. He looked over her, eying her form. "Come." He told her, and she -- though not knowing this man obeyed.
{1/4; Hunting the Prey}
He walked with her, they crouched and he was silent. Kale wondered why they were crouched down -- but got the feeling this guy didn't like to talk so she left it be. She was comfortable crouched down anyway, used to it after all. He continued, and would point out things; here and there, but didn't speak or give acknowledgment that he was pointing something out. She watched out for these signs and movements, and finally they were in a clearing -- she wondered why he had brought her here? To kill her no doubt, she really wasn't ready to fight some guy she had followed all the way out here. She coud be so stupid sometimes.
{2/4; Hunting the Prey}
"Sit" He told her, moving and getting comfortable in a sitting position. "You must always be aware of your surroundings." He told her. He was silent again and Kale watched him. She looked forward and listened, looking with only her eyes. She must always be aware of her surroundings, he was right. As she was quiet, and watching -- listening; she noted that there were two birds perched in the tree on the left, and a cricket somewhere near her leg. It was interesting, maybe because she hadn't taken the time to sit and enjoy the area around her in a long time. Lately, she didn't have time to tune herself with nature or her surroundings.
{3/4; Hunting the Prey}
She was quiet still, and watching the surroundings. She had pinpointed the direction the cricket and successfully caught it, holding it in her hand. The man, who never actually told Kale his name looked over, he watched her hold up the cricket that she had caught and made a "Hm" this time he sounded proud and she looked towards him in astonishment. "You are ready to move on." He told her standing back up. "Move on?" Kale was surprised. She set the cricket back down on the ground and she stood up next to him. "Move on to what?" She questioned, looking up at the tall man. "You will see." He promised.
{4/4; Hunting the Prey}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:23 am
This man, crouched down low again, but didn't sit -- so Kale copied his action. "Pain, is never an option." This man, Kale decided was very cryptic and strange; and she didn't know if she really liked him. Then he was off, launching forwards at nothing but air, and Kale was taken off guard, what was he doing? She questioned as she watched him. He turned, and looked to her. "Repeat." It was one word, but she did, launching herself threw the air the same way he had, landing much more gracefully than him, and glancing to the side at him. "How's that?" He stared in response and then, "Hn." She really hated that answer.
{1/5; Crouching Strike}
He crouched again, and prepped to repeat the move, however this time when he launched forward, he swung a punch at the air. He landed and turned to Kale, standing back up. "Repeat." She frowned, but nodded a bit. Again, she questioned why she was going through this, she was learning, she was sure; but still, this man -- just taking her off the streets and teaching her, she wondered about motive. Shrugging it off, she crouched down and prepared to repeat his action. 3-2-1. She launched forward, swinging a hard right punch as she went. She landed, a little less gracefully this time, but he seemed a bit more content this time.
{2/5; Crouching Strike}
It was going to happen again, Kale could tell. He was preparing, and crouching down again. Kale's mind drifted as he watched him, and it seemed as though his moves were going slowly. As if she were seeing something going in super slow motion, so that she might catch ever tiny little detail. In this case, she did; perhaps this was what the first thing that had practiced. She could see the way his legs were stanced, and his tight as he was crouched down. She could see the way he took off, threw the air, the way his body pierced the wind, air and sky. Even the way, he left hook curled a bit more abnormally right at the end.
{3/5; Crouching Strike}
He landed and turned to her. "Repeat." He demanded of her, and she prepared. This time she kept her legs tight, prepared her stance the way he had a moment ago, and placed her hands on the ground; giving her a little more oomf as she launched herself. She felt herself pierce the air this time, and felt the way her own arm curved as she swung her right punch. It was invigorating, empowering for sure, and when she landed, she did it gracefully. She looked up at him, and swore for a moment she saw something of a smile on his face -- but it was gone, after she blinked. "Hm." He grunted and turned away from her. "Together." He said.
{4/5; Crouching Strike}
This was the final time, she hoped -- crouching down, with him at the same time. 3-2-1 and they both launched themselves towards the same spot, her right punch and his left, were in unison; as if they were mirror opposites preforming the same action; with grace, and power. When they came down, they came down together and he looked at her. He nodded his head. "Good." He said, it was a praise but a simple one. A quick one, he didn't want her to get too full of herself. He still had one more thing to teach, and unless she got this -- he couldn't feel pride. He hadn't felt pride in a while, but .. it was a feeling most people wanted.
{5/5; Crouching Strike}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:33 am
"The last thing." He told her very slowly; not liking that he had to express or explain. It just wasn't him -- and as though he would much rather just show her, he decided for the lady it was probably safer to explain. "You're going to have to be able to take some kind of pain." He murmured. "I assume, you've got a high tolerance for pain." He murmured, and pulled out a small dagger. She stared at it, and looked up at him and nodded her head. "I do." She replied simply, pointing to a burn mark on her wrist. He looked over it, going as far as to take her wrist into his large palm. "You got it when you were young." He told her. "Maybe ... six?" He guessed looking to Kale.
{1/6; Nothing To Lose}
Kale nodded, "Yeah." She sighed. He dropped her wrist slowly and nodded. "I'm going to teach you to continue going." He told her. "No matter the pain, until it becomes to unbearable." He said simply. Kale nodded her head. "Okay." It was going to painful, she could tell; and then it came the pain, he sliced her arm, but she didn't scream. "Hit me." He demanded of her, and she did, with the same arm, as he had cut. She swung, and though she was shaky from the tiny bit of pain, there was still force enough behind the punch for her to even feel it. He watched her, eyes cold -- but not mean. He waited, and when she recoiled he slashed her again.
{2/6; Nothing To Lose}
She yelped as it cut through her leg slightly. They were shallow cuts, and would heal in a day -- but Kale got the sense of where he was going with, and she automatically without any prompt swung her leg around and kicked him in the face. He stumbled, one foot back, and then was over her again, another slash, this time directly over her chest. She dropped down, automatically and spun. Hitting him right at the ankles with her leg. A nice quick drop kick. Her movements, though were practiced, were becoming more quick; more automatic. Perhaps there was something in being slashed that made your adrenaline rise.
{3/6; Nothing To Lose}
It was pure force now, that Kale was attempting, and Kale wasn't usually good with force. She punched at him, kicked at him. He slashed back at her, long or short series of cuts, all very shallow, nothing deep; a few that
weren't even bleeding. Kale felt, perhaps he was making a conscious attempt not to mar her body anymore than the few scars she already had, and she appreciated that greatly. There movements were sporadic, synchronized and unplanned. He sliced her cheek, but there was nothing there -- she felt nothing, but in response, she leapt into the air, and kicked him on the side of the face again.
{4/6; Nothing To Lose}
She leapt backwards, landing gracefully away from him. She was panting now, feeling small slashes all over her body, but some -- again not even bleeding. "This was a dirty thing." She said to him, as he slipped the knife away. "You have to know when to keep going." He told her. "Fight to the end, as best you can." He demanded. "I felt you should know that." He told her. Again, he was talking way to much -- and he didn't appreciate that little fact, but he assumed it was just easier for Kale to understand that way. He sighed softly, and pulled out a small piece of cloth. "Come." He told her.
{5/6; Nothing To Lose}
Kale walked over to him, keeping calm and collected. He took the piece of cloth and dabbed the wounds that were bleeding, only 4; and still even then they weren't deep enough to cause any real damage. He sighed and looked to her. "Remember, sometimes -- there is nothing to lose except our lives." He bowed to her. "You did good, I am proud." He told her and turned; and then began away. She watched him, shocked and amazed that someone that seemed so stoic had something of a good her, it shocked her and she found it heart to believe, but she wouldn't turn the other way on some training, and a kind hand. Sighing she sat and took a breath. She needed to head out soon.
{6/6; Nothing To Lose}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:35 am
Kale was rested now, thankfully and had finally headed for the last place she was planning to go. She needed to seek out Priestess Maya, and upon finding her she smiled friendly like. They spoke, in hushed friendly voices, sitting and enjoying the cool air of the day. "So, tell me Kale," Began Maya. "Why have you come here?" She questioned and Kale took a breath. She looked over to her. "I came to see some guidance and training." She replied honestly, and Maya smiled. "You'd be surprised how often I get that." She teased. "I've got something for you." Maya finally said, crossing her legs and nodded to Kale to repeat.
{1/6; Spiritual Calm}
Kale crossed her legs, and laid her hands in her lap. "Sometimes," Maya began and closed her eyes -- Kale doing the same. They both took a breath. "It's necessary to continue going." The priestess told Kale. Kale felt something vaguely familiar about this conversation, but said nothing -- just listened. "And sometimes," Maya continued, "It's going to be necessary to ignore the urge and want to die." Maya continued. "Or sometimes, the urge or the bodily instinct to be knocked unconscious." Maya's voice was calming to Kale, but she understood where this priestess was coming from. She was starting to feel calm.
{2/6; Spiritual Calm}
Kale took another deep breath, "This is how you want to feel." Maya told Kale. "Meditation." She replied, they two were quiet. "You're going to have that feeling, sort of like the feeling you get when you want to cry -- and suppress into a tiny little ball." Maya said. "Visualize that if it helps." Maya suggested. Kale nodded her head, and felt as if Maya had known she had, because the girl began to talk again. "You will hear your voice, Kale..." The priest continued, "Telling you not to give up. Not to die, or not to succumb to the darkness." Maya was very serious and Kale would tell, and took this to heart.
{3/6; Spiritual Calm}
There was silence and it was encompassing now. All's Kale could heard was the soft breaths of herself and the other girl. It was serene and lovely -- she was rather enjoying herself now, the warmth of the sun on her back, tanning her skin just a slight tinge. The other was silent as well. This was a bonding moment and she could already feel Kale will rising deep in her, Kale just hadn't felt it yet -- but Maya knew, one day in the heat of battle, Kale would let that rise and she would surpass the pain, and want; and live. The way a girl her age should. Kale was relaxed, very relaxed in fact.
{4/6; Spiritual Calm}
Kale finally opened her eyes and turned towards Maya. "Does this really work?" She questioned the priestess with interest. Maya's eyes opened slowly, and she nodded her head. "Indeed it does, as long as you have faith in yourself, and your strength to live." She replied with a nod of her head. Kale thought about that, and questioned herself. Did she have that? If it came down to it, would she want to live? Would she sacrifice her body for a chance to continue living on another day, all of that. It was a tough choice, but she was sure that she would allow her self to survive -- she had so much to live for.
{5/6; Spiritual Calm}
Kale looked to her and sighed. Maya smiled, "Relax Kale; hopefully the day you need to use this, and my other technique will either never come, or will come far from now; when I know for sure that you will be able to survive." She replied. They turned towards each other, still sitting; still enjoying the warmth of the sun on their bodies. Kale lifted her hair and nodded slightly. She held her hair up, enjoying the sun on her neck. "Another technique?" She questioned, she had only heard of one, of a girl that could help you live, and she thought that was it. Maya nodded, "Not only is there one to stop you from dying or being knocked unconscious..." She sighed. "I have a move, to prove you have something left to gain."
{6/6; Spiritual Calm}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:38 am
Kale nodded her head as Maya began to speak. "Tell me Kale," She began very slowly -- interested. "Do you have anyone important in your life?" She questioned. Kale thought about it. "Parents or perhaps friends?" Maya added very softly. Kale looked down at her hands, and then turned over her wrist, rubbing the burn mark. Maya watched but said nothing. "My parents..." Kale said not crying, but looking emotional. "Died a long time ago." She replied very seriously. Maya frowned, "I am sorry Kale." She told her, "But remember that your parents loved you." She said to Kale, "And that they would want you to move on."
{1/7; Something Left To Gain}
Kale was silent, but nodded and then said. "There is Ben." She murmured very slowly, looking around as if someone might be watching or listening. "Ben?" Maya repeated, that name sounded familiar. "Ben Dreyan?" She questioned. "The boy with the attitude?" She questioned and Kale laughed. "Yeah, that's him." She replied simply, a pink blush on her cheeks. "What about him?" Maya questioned, the priestess was very interested now. "Well, I've sort of made a commitment to him." Kale didn't want to say what kind of commitment, just that there was one. "And I don't want to let him down..." Kale said softly.
{2/7; Something Left To Gain}
Maya watched Kale, and the flashes of emotion that crossed the girls face. "Ah, I see." She replied with a smile. "So Ben is someone that you care for rather deeply." She assumed, Kale nodded. "I would do anything for him, fight anyone for him." She continued. "I'd take a bullet for him, but that's what I feel the need to do, because he took a chance with me, and I wouldn't be anywhere without him." She replied very seriously, mind drifting back to Bed and wondering what he was doing right now. Hoping he was okay, hoping he wasn't injured or worse...hungry. Maya saw a small smile come to Kale's lips.
{3/7; Something Left To Gain}
"Anyone else?" The priestess questioned Kale, they were still together, comfortably sitting -- but it was about time that Maya told Kale the reason she asked these questions. Kale shook her head, "No, I don't think so really. It's mostly just Ben and myself -- and some other's from our crew, but.." She shrugged slightly. "I don't know about those guys, I've never really spoken to them. Being the only female I tend to feel kind of like an outsider, but that's okay. I don't mind." Kale smiled. "So yeah, Ben and I -- and probably my parents. I know they would care what would happen to me." Kale replied.
{4/7; Something Left To Gain}
"I want you to remeber this Kale." Maya began very slowly, taking Kale's hands in her own, and turning the palms up, looking down at them like she were reading Kale's feature. "I want you to remember all of the people that you care about, and who care about you." Kale nodded very slowly. "Promise me Kale." Maya demanded, but her tone was sweet - not harsh like some people. "I promise." Kale said, "but why?" Kale wondered staring at her palms, that Maya was still looking down at. "Because..." The priestess began very slowly again. "These are going to be the people, that you hurt if something should happen to you."
{5/7; Something Left To Gain}
Kale looked up at Maya, with a surprised look. "Think about that Kale." Maya continued, not looking up yet. Her thumb roamed over the creases on Kale's hand, causing goosebumps to rise on the girls arms. "Every time you go into battle, you're fighting to stay alive, and in this case -- for others. So, when you're doing this fight -- keep in the mindset that you need to live." She told Kale, looking to her finally -- folding the girls fingers over. Kale nodded. "I can do that." She said with a nod and a smile. Maya smiled and stood with Kale. "I think you're done here," The woman said slowly.
{6/7; Something Left To Gain}
Kale smiled, and leaned in -- hugged Maya who returned the hug. "I will never forget you." She replied. "You've really given me so much to think about." She replied. Maya smiled, "And here is something more..." She told her. "Don't hide yourself, Kale." She said very slowly; touching her cheek. "You've nothing to be ashamed of, and you needn't run. You're strong, no matter what you may think. Be proud of that, and be proud of yourself." She said. Kale nodded and took a breath, turning away and walking away from the woman slowly. "Don't hide yourself." She repeated to herself, touching the hilt of her invisible weapon.
{7/7; Something Left To Gain}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 4:56 pm
----- イくぜ！ --The indolent Samurai slowly wandered into Ohara from the West Blue Docks, both hands hooked behind his head as he walked. His fingers were weaved in between each other, locking his hands around his neck. His black, open gi was lightly lifted up by the cool sea breeze that filled the area he was in. With each step of his geta, the ground made a dull crunching noise. Hisao had heard the stories behind this place, and it had sent a cold chill racing down his spine. They weren't flattering to the Navy in the least. Hundreds of innocent people had been killed here, where Hisao was stepping. Just thinking about it saddened the usually obliviously cheerful Swordsman.
Stopping where he was, he sat down cross-legged about five meters from the shoreline. It was about half an hour to dusk, but the sun was already painting the slowly dimming sky a purple-orange color. The Samurai sat with his legs crossed and his hands resting on the corresponding knee, staring off into the space. For some reason, he had been feeling rather down, but he wasn't too sure why. Maybe he had eaten something bad. Then again, he couldn't really remember when the last time he had eaten was. He really wasn't too sure. He had been so busy training his body, he had ignored his stomach. Mr. Stomach probably didn't like that too much.
The nearly hypnotic rhythm of the ocean caused Hisao to sink into some kind of subconscious state. The only external factors that were affecting him now was the constant sound of the ocean in front of him. His mind freely wandered his memories. Thoughts freely roamed during this time. Usually, they'd be stuck behind some barrier that kept the Samurai at barely average intelligence. But in this meditative mode, he could finally comprehend how Skypiea floated and things like that, if he was thinking about that kind of stuff. However. The Samurai's mind started reorganizing his memories and experiences.
This was something that the brain did normally while people slept. It would rearrange recently gathered knowledge and turn them into long-term memories that could be called on at will. Things like training were also put in here, and these are what created muscle memory; something all Swordsman wanted. It allowed them to call on past experiences subconsciously. After turning most of the training during the past weeks into long term memories, Hisao's thoughts shifted once more. This time, to all the times he had trained with his father. These were memories he couldn't usually call up.(Miyamoto Ittouryuu)
(7/10 posts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 5:02 pm
Cindy's boat docked against the shore, though she wasn't really sure you could call what she did docking. Cindy wandered through the open black field staring in awe, just thinking to herself about how it was possible that military might had managed to accomplish this. It was just a thought though. As she looked around she something odd that threw her off a bit. A man was sitting on the ground staring at the ocean, she hadn't seen anyone here before in her life. She walked closer to him, careful not to get any soot on her bright white trench coat or boots. The trench coat wrapped around her entire body revealing no skin what so ever. Once about thirty feet away she yelled out to him saying "You there, man, what brings you to this desolate wasteland of an island?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 5:14 pm
----- イくぜ！ --Hisao had been in somewhat of a deep train of thought when he heard a demanding, yet feminine voice call out. The indolent Swordsman leaned back, taking his hands off his knees and on the ground behind him before lifting his head over his shoulder and looking at the woman staring at him, coming from the docks. He assumed she was talking to him, since there was no one else on the island as far as he could tell. There could of been, but he hadn't seen, heard, or even smelled anyone. If someone had been cooking on the island, Hisao would of been able to find them. But no, these two people were on a seemingly deserted island in the middle of the West Blue.
The Samurai turned his already rotated head as he tried to think up a decent excuse for him to be here. But truthfully, there wasn't one. He had just wandered off in a random direction after arriving in the West Blue. Even arriving in the West Blue had been totally random. Hisao had a horrible sense of direction. It was a wonder how he found his way off the ship. Leaning forward, Hisao used his conditioned leg muscles to dig into the ground and lift himself up before brushing the dirt and dust off his legs and bringing his full attention to the woman. He gave her a slightly embarrassed smile and shrugged. "Just wandered over here I guess." Explained the Samurai.(Miyamoto Ittouryuu)
(9/10 posts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 5:19 pm
Cindy now had a full look at the man and his face and smiled a little when she saw it. This man was wanted in all Four blues, not a very big criminal mind you, a few accounts of pirating as she recalled but nothing worthy of Impel Down, really not even worth Cindy's time to bring in. Though she would have her fun. "You look familiar, what's your name?" Cindy said. If she got a name that she could link to a poster in her brain she would engage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 5:28 pm
----- イくぜ！ --Hisao rubbed the back of his head, sticking out his tongue and letting out a short "kaheheh" chuckle, before bowing towards the woman, his left hand at his side and his right hand in front of him in an sideways open palm. He hadn't even introduced himself. This was extremely rude in Hisao's opinion. After bowing, Hisao's arms were brought up to his chest and crossed before he spoke. "I'm sorry. My name's Miyamoto Hisao." The Samurai said, using his family name first. "But you may just call my Hisao. I'm not big into all the formalities and whatnot." He then added. Although he was a very honorable person, he found honorifics rather annoying.(Miyamoto Ittouryuu: Complete!)
(10/10 posts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 5:33 pm
Cindy knew that name and was now 100 percent certain that this man was a Pirate. Cindy smiled a slight smile and then said "Well then Hisao, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Vice Admiral Cindy, but I'm not really one for titles, so you can call me Cindy. By the way, you are under arrest for several acts of piracy. Will you come peacefully?" Cindy knew he wouldn't go peacefully, they never have once went peacefully.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
