In a cataclysm known as the Nightfall, the worlds were almost completely destroyed by a harrowing surge of darkness.
In the shadows of the ensuing chaos a new group has taken shape. Led by an Aegyl named Kalos, the 11th Hour touts an esoteric knowledge of how to combat the darkness and restore the worlds. They might be the worlds’ best chance at survival; but nobody really knows enough about them to confirm or deny their claims.
On the brink of collapse, the universe holds its breath in anticipation. Of restoration? Of destruction? It is up to individuals like yourself to decide.
A special thank you to ChasingArtwork of Deviantart, who allowed us to use this stellar banner image.
There aren't enough praises in the world I'd like to give to wonderful coders for the Proboards community. The following have contributed to World Destiny in some way: W3 Schools for countless how-tos and countless of other souls who have helped get WD up to where it is.
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All Canon Characters belong to the Kingdom Hearts franchise, Square Enix and Disney.
- Wayfinder - A traditional good-luck charm for travellers made from Thalassa Shells found on Destiny Islands. It represents an unbreakable bond between two people. Enables a Link Surge with its paired wayfinder.
- Link Surge: Kuu - An enchantment that allows the user to draw on another's powers to compound their own for three posts, once per thread, without draining them of their magic. However, the enchantment is currently incomplete and connections with other individuals are impossible as of now. Kairi's Wayfinder allows access to Kuu's martial arts style and speed-based wind magic attacks.
Ability: Beijuanquan 'Sleeping Fist' - Kuu's martial arts style. Unpredictable, flowing techniques increase agility and evasion, as well as chances for counters and critical hits.
Moveset: Windswept All magic attacks are channelled into tornados that spiral towards enemies with increased power and range or into whirlwinds that blow outwards at surrounding enemies to increase area of effect.
Finisher: Shining Crane A leap into the air before spiralling down into the ground with a summoned tornado for heavy damage to the target below while releasing shots of light in all directions, damaging all surrounding enemies.
Kuu blinked, unable to stop a brief indignant glint from coming into his eyes. 'Of course, that's a given! I'll treasure it as long as I live.'
He stopped, a little embarrassed at the vehemence of his conviction, and gave a slight cough to cover himself. 'You'd better take care of that too.'
'Also would you mind if I take some shells with me?'
Kuu shook his head apologetically. 'I'm sorry, but that would mean that I'd just be giving you something - rules of the Mu, remember? Equivalent exchange. I'm afraid they'd probably just vanish and appear back in here as soon as you walked out the door.'
He shrugged. 'And anyway, if a Wayfinder's not made on the Islands, it's not entirely traditionally-made, so I put some enchantments on them to make up for that - the ones you make won't have them if you make them outside the Mu. But the one you've got know does - it should make protect it from standard wear and tear, and keep all the parts together.'
With a smile, Kuu held up his Wayfinder, and a brief shine glittered about his hand. 'It doesn't only do that - whenever you've need of it, you can draw from my power to help you when you're in a difficult spot. So I'll be there to aid you whenever you're in trouble - in the same way that you'll be for me.'
He gave a slight grimace. 'Sorry, that sounded a bit cheesy. But in all seriousness, it might come in handy later on. So, er...'
Now... there really is nothing else left to say. She'll be going now, and the next time she comes by, I might have already disappeared into the next world. Just like I did back then.
((Girl, why would you go do such a thing and make an artwork of the wayfinder? Now you've made me over-attempt and make one for you only to fail miserably ))
Post by Ellie who has 0% on Apr 3, 2012 15:47:35 GMT -4
(XD Like I said I'm a visualist, but no worries I admire your over-attempt.)
Kairi stared at him wide-eyed at his interjection, while struggling to hold back from combusting into fits of laughter. Only hisses of a broiling chuckles left her lips with a burn to her cheeks from witholding the boisterous energy. Inhaling she let it out with a staggering sigh with a few giggles here and there, "I was only kidding."
Her eyes appeared rounder as she blinked sheepishly at her forgetfulness about the Mu, "Oh right, and I'm lucky enough I was able to make the first exchange to begin with. You knoow you should totally write that on a plaque, then you can legitally say 'it's in writing'."
Resting her chin in her left hand, while the arm was propped on the table, she traced along the little details on her wayfinder including the flower center. Her red brows distorted in a frown. How much more traditional can it get, since it was made out the same material? Either way its value didn't change just because he didn't make it on the beach. It's the thought that counts. Also it was special in its own way, "hehe so you made it Kairi-proof?"
Her eyes brightened for humor to curiosity. Was that really possible? If it wasn't he surely sounded confident that he pulled it off. Now her focus was glued on her wayfinder; if she wasn't sure then, she was definite in taking care of it. Looking back at him, she rolled her eyes playfully; he truly over-thought things and was too self-conscious of himself. Gripping it tightly she hoped off her stool to pace around the table towards him to pull him in a hug, "Thank-you, and I'll take good care of it."
"I better be off; I held you hostage long enough and you distracted me with wayfinders. But I'll come check on you to make sure you don't get yourself lost in aaaaall of this," her hands waved around gesturing to the abundance of the Mu, while walking towards the exit with a bounce in her step, "and don't be a stranger kay?"
Her hand twisted the knob waiting for the final test. As if expecting the Mu to force her back in side, a foot timidly stretched out to poke the floor before she stepped outside, "Hm...I guess its satisfied!"
Turning back she waved before closing the door, "Talk to you later."
Kuu followed Kairi's steps as she walked around the counter, perplexed as to what she was planning. 'Hey, wait, wha-'
His eyes widened in shock as a pair of arms enveloped him, completely taking him off guard. He'd felt awkward enough carrying her earlier on through the rain, and he'd felt very weird about making such frequent contact with her hands over the course of their exchange. He didn't quite know what to do in this situation - his logical response to make the socially correct return of the gesture was rather overrun by the unfamiliar sensation of inconclusive emotional disarray... if that was what you called it.
'You... h-hey... uhh... you're welcome...'
He sat at the counter in a half-dazed blur. He almost didn't hear Kairi's following parting words, and vaguely nodded as she spoke. It was only as she opened the door that he snapped out of his reverie and spoke up, 'H-hey! Wait...'
But the door closed, and she was gone. He lowered his outstretched hand and allowed it to drop to his side, letting a smile follow the red-haired girl out into the world beyond.
'Be safe.'
- EXCHANGE COMPLETE - - Kairi -
Gained the ability to mold magic - can shape magic into blades Gained the ability Dual Arts - can attack with magical and physical attacks in conjunction Gained the skill Light Lash - a powerful finisher that strikes all surrounding enemies with a whip of light Gained Wayfinder (Kuu) - allows Link Surge with a single person
- Kuu -
Gained the ability to use light magic - can use light to attack enemies and provide magical support Gained the ability Glory - when on critical health, all remaining magic is used to recover health while releasing a shockwave of light that parries away all nearby enemies Gained the skill Corona Shot - a long-range spiralling beam of light that deals heavy damage to a single or small group of enemies Gained Wayfinder (Kairi) - allows Link Surge with a single person
A set of blue eyes peered at a door, the outsides of the shop not even remotely inviting. The black pillars only made Synthest think about his own dark weapon, and as he climbed the porch and made his way in the shop he stopped. The sounds of Radiant Garden were muted, silenced. Synthest brushed his hair out of his face and peered into this strange place, attempting to gauge exactly what it was. He couldn't help but think, call him paranoid, that it was a little supernatural in nature.
His eyes traveled the room that seemed a little out of proportion and they stopped on the shelves, where he saw a vast collection of written works, some of them he was almost positive he had seen before. Items littered the walls, holding rows and rows of books straight, and he just gave a bewildered stare. The room just... Didn't seem to fit. The weapons that hung in place seemed too foreign to belong anywhere near this area, and some of them seemed too old to be real. He'd seen them before... Years ago, of course, but he'd seen them as he did his own traveling from world to world. My first time traveling. What kind of store was this place? It was pretty unlike any shop he'd ever seen before. As he ventured forth, his eyes still on the bookshelves, he found that his eyes were adapting to the darkness. He could see quite well at this point, and he took the time to examine the shelves further. A sense of nostalgia flooded his Heart and he almost gagged from the ticklish sensation- there were too many things he didn't want to remember from his past. He looked away from the tomes, the items, and the memory and sighed as his eyes met a sign.
What is lost is merely waiting to be found.
His eyes sharpened. A magical shop? How intriguing. Despite the fact that it was magical, it had yet to show skill of actually helping the teenager. Or at least presenting a name. Synthest Oriannu stared down at his wrist, where a black iron embraced the paleness that was his limb. Maybe it would help him find the lost and completely nonexistent key for this thing. Maybe it'd help him find redemption.
Pfft. Whut? Synthest grinned slightly at that slightly too-hopeful thought. He looked around for a shopkeep, his hand brushing the sign. So...?
'Where is that darned Atlantean body paint - don't even know why I sell these things, nobody knows what they are, let alone want to buy one...'
A hand groped about the shelves looking for the pot of blue paste while the person on the other side of it grumbled, 'Just typical - every other time it just gets in the way while the one time I need to find it it's utterly elusive. Just... a little bit more... ha! Got it.'
Grasping the small clay pot between his fingers and carefully picked it out from its place on the back of the shelf. 'Now then, all I need to find is that old hunter's knife I had... hm?'
He frowned as he sensed an inbalance within the space of the Mu. Someone had entered, and from the feel of it, this one wasn't your standard tourist looking for an attractive gift to take away. No, someone who caused this much of a disturbance in the neutral flow of the Mu obviously had come here for a far greater reason, even if he hadn't really known when he'd first come in.
Interesting... but ugh, talk about bad timing or what...
Kuu straightened up and turned around the corner into the lobby, brushing dust off his front and shoulders as he did. It only took a moment for him to size up his visitor - pale faced, with a frown that could've been chiseled into marble. Remarkable blue eyes that weren't used to holding gazes, ones that betrayed how much older he was than he appeared. An iron shackle on his arm being the most unusual part of his outfit, which led him to think (along with the obvious fact that this guy was a combatant of some sort) that it was a kind of weapon.
Synthest turned to meet a man he'd never seen in Radiant Garden. Silver hair- a shudder ran through him. Why did he always run into people with that odd hair colour? The man's skin was darker- he wasn't homestuck, that much was certain. His clothes were all-too familiar. The armor? Synthest had seen it in two World of similar nature. Synthest had found his clothing in Nero, and hadn't changed them since, but then again- he wasn't the type to try and fit in. His purpose for traveling hadn't been to stay, he was there to track down Ocean and his organization.
The man's eyes were dark, but Syn could pick out the faint rings around them. He knew them well. Every time the Fever took hold, he would wear them for weeks- Yet, he looked around the same age as Synthest. Physically, of course. Despite that, Syn didn't doubt his ability. This collection was enough to show that the shopkeep had experience.
"You're the shopkeep, I'm guessing." His attention was once again on the walls, the items on them. "What does this shop sell?" He put his hands in the pockets of his jacket as he stared at the man. Eye contact was fleeting, but as he looked into the shopkeep's gaze he saw intelligence and experience.
He couldn't help but feel like something was very different about this place.
Kuu blinked, and suppressed a laugh at the man's forwardness with a smile. 'This is not a shop,' he explained, smiling. 'This is a place of exchange. Nothing that you can gain here can be priced by monetary value alone - rather, how should I put it, it may be safer to say that the act of losing has higher value here than the calculable worth of what you lose.'
He placed a hand on the counter. 'This is the Mu - its name is derived from the ancient philosophy of "space", or "emptiness",' he continued. 'Now, I must emphasise that the emptiness I speak of is very different from "hollowness" - it is rather that it implies infinite possibility, as to delve into true "nothing" would be to touch on, indeed, "everything".'
'But I digress,' he said with a slight bow. 'The very fact that you are here indicates that you are here because you are searching for something. Perhaps something that you have lost, or something that you have yet to gain. Whatever the case, you came to enter the Mu because you were, in some way, incomplete. This is where you take your next step in your journey to completion.'
'In here, it is not only items and weapons and artifacts that can be procured,' he explained, walking about the shelves. 'Information, learning, and if you seek it... strength, power. Anything and everything can be traded for something else, as long as we have the means to do so. I can offer you skills you have not grasped, knowledge you do not own, powers you have not tamed.'
'One thing you must know is that the Mu has an absolute rule of equivalent exchange,' he warned. 'You cannot steal from here, as it would disappear from your hands before it entered the door. Knowledge too, you will forget as soon as you pass the threshold if your offering is insufficient. You gain only as much as you give.'
He returned to his position beside the counter, and offered him the same smile he had given moments before. 'Now that you are aware of where we stand, how may I help you?'
The Mu. A shop that seemed to touch on the Void. Synthest listened to him as he walked between the shelves, his voice lightly traveling through the air, and he got a closer look around. Apparently he was incomplete. A smile hinted at the corners of his face, but the smile was unfortunately ironic. Of course he was incomplete- he had a Heartless inside him slowly tearing off chunks of his Heart for a Thanksgiving feast. He stopped searching a long time ago for the people he had a feeling were dead. Either that, or long gone, to Worlds even more distant that the one he came from.
Did he want to learn how to fight? No, that wasn't it. He knew very well how to fight- he had the ability to shift his weapon at will. Not many had bested him considering his shield and sword were one in the same. His mastery of the elements had increased over time as well, and despite the fact that he used the name Rayne, his element was quite the opposite. The fire burned wildly in his veins- and he was the most proficient with it.
The Darkness was his ally, even if he had no control over it. Call it a hunch, but he was guessing most Heartless refused to attack him after feeling the entity that he held in his right arm. It even went so far to him being hunted by Heartless that had taken physical forms. Elaeus... Synthest hoped that one day he could destroy the man for the mark he'd left. The shackle that hung to Syn like a disease, bringing out the worst in him. It had no special properties, no magical restraints- it only had emotional ties, ones that Sin fed on. The Heartless was drawn to his hatred and his sadness, the emotions caused by his temporary alliance to the forces of Darkness.
He could manipulate the Light. Zantetsuken thrived in his fingertips during battle, awaiting for the moment it could be unleashed. It was a long time ago that the Firesoul unlocked the technique, and by constant practice it became easier- less exhausting. At first, it was almost painful to unleash the destructive forces of Light. Now, it was simply another technique he could use during battle. Although he had to admit, he didn't think he would ever be able to use it more than just once.
All of these thoughts just left Synthest confused. What did he need? What was he looking for? The last year he had been stagnant, barely traveling, merely working odd jobs and killing Heartless for Munny. Ocean and Keyon were both dead, his only reason to exist extinguished. The Darkness didn't hurt him as much this way, when his emotions weren't stirring. And despite his wishes to be freed from it, he doubted that this man could help him. He stared at the slightly shorter character and grimaced. "It's not that easy for me. I don't know what I need." The light of the shop just made the shadows on his face deeper, and for a moment his eyes were illuminated. He wore similar rings under them, although they weren't as etched. "It's just not something I've really thought about. Unless you have some sort of skeleton key to an iron created from Darkness." A sardonic grin flitted across his features.
Kuu followed the man's expression as he took in this information. Particularly the way he changed when he mentioned 'power' and 'incompletion' - interesting at how there had been a brief flash of irony in his face before confusion as to what it was that he was missing. He was a warrior, he could confirm that now - one who had confidence in his abilities and had self-perceived reason to do so. So a full cup. Not the best thing to be in a place where emptiness was the most valuable state to be in.
In any case, if the man was a combatant, then he may as well start from there. It wasn't often that the client was the first to offer something in an exchange, but Kuu wasn't averse to pleasant surprises. Perhaps during the session he would be able to work out how he'd be able to help him - he could tell that he didn't expect him to actually have a key to the shackle around his wrist, but then again, he could tell he didn't expect much. And he did enjoy chances to disappoint cynicisms.
'Well then... if you don't mind me doing so, perhaps you will allow me to take the lead,' he said. 'You may call me Kuu. If you'd kindly follow me, we may be able to begin.'
Retracing the familiar steps to the dojo near the rear of the Mu (he'd been getting a few people looking for martial classes these days), he took a bow before entering the dojo and stepping out onto the slightly elevated tier. 'Now then, let's commence our session,' he said, turning to face him across the wooden floor. 'You are a warrior, I presume - I believe the fastest way to understand one is through combat.'
With a smooth motion, he drew his sword and held it a stance behind him. 'Please go ahead,' he invited.
From the look that Kuu gave him, Syn expected that he believed he'd just found another husk of a soldier from the battlefield. One who'd lost his reason, and spent his life trying to demean others of their light. Of course, Synthest could be in the completely wrong ballpark here and he knew it- still, he liked to think that he didn't meet the expectations of others, but set them in a new way.
It was at this point when Kuu took the hint and chose to be the first to give. Or at least to understand. The man walked away from him with a weapon towards an area that Synthest could see in the background- a fighting mat. It was quite large, and it reminded Syn of his time in the facility with his mentor... The man with black hair and red eyes. As he stepped onto the mat the memory faded, but the feeling it left behind was still raw. He hadn't been on a mat like this in years. Heartless had been his only competition for a long time now.
He could remember so long ago, when he had watched two men fight, and wondered if he could ever meet the victor's strength. He believed the man's name had been Sephiroth- the challenger's, Maverick. So long ago, in this very town, he witnessed skill beyond any of that he'd ever seen and wondered if one day he could meet it. He realized with a hint of sadness that he hadn't remembered that for years- he never realized that experience on the battlefield wasn't something that you took pride over when you were still young. Not if you were wise, with morals. And now this one wanted Synthest to attack him.
The two held each others' glances and Syn realized that if he objected Kuu would only laugh- he was most likely used to this. Synthest couldn't help but wonder if this man was joking. Sure- he had a bow. But he expected Syn to attack knowing fully-well that he had combat experience. Then again- this shop, perhaps it was one that could prevent damage? The Mu had otherworldly properties, that much was certain. The Firesoul nodded and threw his jacket to the side, safely away from combat, revealing a set of dark scars that traveled up is right arm. They resembled marks from no weapon, meaning they weren't the results of war and they weren't self-inflicted. What Syn had never told anybody was that they were the results of a Heartless infesting the body. The creature had stripped the limb of power when it had infected him and had even broken the bone in multiple places- how long ago did that happen? Ten years?
But why were they black?
Light glowed from Synthest's palm and the weapon was unleashed from his limb. A wide black katana had found its way into his hands as the scars losing their matte shade, the weapon being fitted with multiple Synthesis crystals neatly lined up the course of the blade. While the katana wasn't traditional, it still held a similar shape, the only difference being that the metal was dark and the blade was the size of a broadsword. It had to be to hold the Synthesis materials. He pulled himself into Kasumi no Kamae, one not typically used offensively, where he held the blade facing the ceiling, extending from slightly over the shoulder. Needless to say, the weapon extended in front of him. Before he moved, he looked straight at his opponent. "You can call me Syn..." he responded. "You look tired." He added that for assurance that Kuu was ready. When he saw his opponent's expression correspond he decided to move forward.
It was a simple rush. He took the few steps needed at a quick pace, and as he came closer his stance changed. Thus was the way of the mist stance, being easily positioned into newer stances from its higher positioning. It went odd from this point as the weapon in Synthest's hand broke into two pieces- or that was the initial appearance. In truth, Synthest had simply rearranged the metals through Synthesis (go figure), and the weapons were slightly shorter than the blade when it was whole. One went between the two to block the incoming attack that Kuu's backward weapon could unleash while the other went back as he thrusted it forward.
He had attempted to unsharpen the weapon as much as possible in the time that he had reformed the weapon, but he only had so much time to perform that Synthesis before it was noticed and expected and couldn't waste all of it. Hopefully Kuu could retaliate because despite the fact that the edge was no longer razor-sharp, it might still be able to cut.
Kuu couldn't help but raise his eyebrows in fascination at the nature of the man's weapon. Truly amazing - it seemed like he had somehow succeeded in achieving the synthesis magic of the Moogles without the use of tools. Already he could see the incredible potential that his power had when used in combat. Slightly gruesome, but the fact that he drew the weapon out of his arm meant that his ability to synthesise stretched to the manipulation of the black metal that formed the blade he held now. He was facing a weapon that could change form.
From the looks of it, shapeshifting didn't seem to be its only asset - he recognised the magic tempered in the gemstones that lined the blade. Perhaps he'd decided that it was easier to utilise in this form, but it was curious as to why he hadn't chosen the crystals usually used in the synthesis process. Maybe it was something to do with the nature of the way he synthesised, or perhaps the way in which it was melded into his arm, but he supposed that it was better to have it contained than the raw power of the synthesis crystals causing havoc with his body.
"You can call me Syn... You look tired."
He merely smiled back. Ah, how nice. A gentleman. Can't say I really have the heart to tell him I always look tired...
Kuu braced himself for the man's attack, and his eyes widened slightly with surprise as he noted the swift steps and the change in stance. His mind worked quickly to analyse his movements. One elbow close to the body, different from the stance from before - stepping in too close for an effective slash with a weapon of that length. Considering the fact that he has the ability to manipulate metal, most likely a switch to a short-range melee attack using the impression of it breaking to create two points of offensive and defensive measures. A high thrust aimed at the torso, with a low to mid-section block in order to counter the attack of my sword, which from this backhand position is most likely to strike from below to strike across the torso. Best bet - evasive action.
Making no effort to block, Kuu merely flopped over to his side, dropping to the ground with enough speed to match the rate of Syn's advance, successfully avoiding the thrusting attack and making no attempt to strike at the defensive block in Syn's other hand. In a single fluid motion, he rolled on his side, using his legs to sweep the one Syn had on the ground as he made the step to advance, and continued rolling into position behind the swordsman. He then launched himself into the air, his body parallel to the floor as he began spiralling with his sword held outwards, bouncing towards Syn each time he fell back down to the ground in an attempt to drive him back with the constantly advancing strikes of his sword and feet.
Any more than four bounces and he's going to find it too predictable. Retreat into a block.
As per his own advice, he flipped backwards, kicking at Syn as he did so, retreating to a safe distance and holding his sword before him in a defensive stance.
Well, he certainly knows how to use his powers, and his attacks are strong too. Don't see how I could help him yet except for a spot of fine-tuning here and there - but then again, he hasn't used those synthesising crystals yet.
(Please warn me if I'm misjudging, going overboard, or misunderstanding. x///x)
Synthest saw the movements in his shoulders first as he went to dodge- males held their center of gravity higher up so it was oftentime easier to preordain their movements as long as your eyes were on their chest. The blue-eyed pyromancer was following through with his attack as he saw the leg traveling his way, not yet entirely in his blind spot. Kuu was exemplary at analyzing situations at high-speed, that much was certain, and he was agile. While Synthest held a rather balanced field between speed and strength, with magic being his lesser (other than his conjured flames, which were directly tied to his Synthesis).
With his thrust throwing his shoulder forward he ran the motion through, dropping into a roll. Kuu's attempt at tripping caught at the edge of his jeans as he rolled, throwing his weapons outward, parallel to the ground, and he heard metal screech against the mat as he pulled himself up. His shoulder stung a little bit from the odd roll, but aside from that he was still on top of his game. His weapons were out and he threw them in what seemed to be a frenzy, but the actual reason was to pull himself around (since Kuu was behind him) while staving off any attacks. While it had only been a second roll and a second turn, that was enough for Kuu to be back on his feet once more.
He found himself with his twin swords held in a good position- one horizontal for defense, the other drawn back at shoulder level to lunge. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to attack. Fire ran through his veins, replacing what would be adrenaline, as he narrowly blocked a vertical slice through the air. The recoil from the attack was enough to throw him back and he let the momentum carry him to avoid the kick that followed. His horizontal blade had been knocked back so he made it a point to move his other sword into a diagonal position to offshoot the next one. This recurring movement was enough to avoid a set attack, and using the pushback from the first strike allowed him to avoid the series of kicks that followed after.
Why was this so familiar? Where had he seen something like this? He couldn't remember right now; it would throw his focus off. Eventually the final kick came, but Synthest was ready for it. His swords were together in an X fashion, which gave him the option to reforge them into one weapon with only a single clenching movement (they had to be connected to make it easier). It was a backward flip, his leg coming up-- The Firesoul didn't follow immediately, reforged his weapon, and waited for the moment in which he would strike!
As Kuu retreated, he would see a fireball rushing his way. Behind it was Synthest, rushing forward- his weapon was coated in flames as well. They were very basic spells, which allowed him to use one more spell before he ran out of his basic reserve. He would have to wait for a while before it built back up; magical attacks in quick succession would drain a person, and his crystals were a last resort seeing as they only affected the weapon, Virtegon.
Surprisingly, he didn't reach Kuu before he swung the weapon; instead, he was several feet away. Starting from a drawing position (eg as if it were in a sheath on his waist), which completely contrasted his style before- he switched between polar opposite fighting styles in the time he was recuperating. As he threw it forward his abilities kicked into gear- from the base of the blade, chains began to unravel, the gravity immediately propelling them forward. The weapon turned into a chain with a single weight on the end (taking the place of a pike, which would have just been too dangerous), and the force of gravity from the draw threw the spiked chain towards Kuu. Unfortunately, this would leave him physically defenseless because his weapon arm would be drawn so far back. Oh please dodge. Syn was beginning to wonder if he was losing control with his competitive nature. Was he going too far? Doubt was evident as he rose his arm, swinging it diagonally.
A fireball, followed closely behind by a weight. Since Kuu only had a sword, it left Syn to wonder how he would avoid both attacks.
He had a spell ready in the need for defense, a third and last. And if Kuu waited too long, he would have the rest of his spells once again- although he didn't use them as often as his physical strength. Fire was his most proficient, with the others barely managing the -Ara level. This wasn't a battle against a Heartless, he reminded himself. It was a spar to judge his strengths... And his opponent's. He still had no idea what magical potential Kuu had and couldn't judge his long-range combat.
Oh, oh, oh - a chain weapon. Even better than I thought.
Kuu gave a satisfied smile - he'd been right to enter straight into a defensive position as soon as he'd landed. His hunch about Syn being a veteran fighter hadn't been wrong. His timing was excellent, as well as his ability to gauge which attack would be best for which situation and it was just as well that Kuu made it a point not to underestimate an opponent. Had he not retreated at that exact moment (perhaps he should've cut down the advances to three attacks rather than four) and the distance he did, he may not have been as prepared as he was to counter the next incoming attack.
A fireball followed by a physical attack with a chain from a safe distance. From the fact that he's switched to long-range fighting at this time, he seems to have figured this is not a life-or-death challenge and is actually trying to gauge me back. Old habits die hard indeed. But the best combination would have been to follow through with another magic attack. So why haven't you done so...?
Anyway, first things first. Kuu decided to pitch up his defensive technique into a Taiji Whorl - best that he continued not to underestimate his opponent. Combining an Aerora and Hastera together, he spun around rapidly on one foot while spinning his sword about in a defensive manouver - the result was a dome of spinning wind that quickly dissipated the fireball while he parried away the chain that followed behind. But it wasn't Kuu's style to give a technique just a single purpose - capitalising on the decreased speed of the chain's attack, he took hold of it, wrapping it about his sword with the continuing spinning motion of the Taiji Whorl technique.
Now for the last bite of the counter combo - using the rotational force of the defensive manouver, he summoned up the wind to his blade and released a Xuanfengjian to fly at Syn, while in the same motion flinging the chain wrapped about his sword to ride the blade of wind at Syn. If he had held onto the other side of the chain, all the better - the chain was more likely to find its target. If not, then it was more likely to wrap itself successfully around him.
But this was not enough - if Kuu was to make a final judgement on Syn's fighting capabilities and more importantly, how he could help him, then he needed to make sure that he had pulled out all the stops. Also a good time to practice his light magic - never a bad thing to try to capitalise on much needed studying. Raising his hand, he followed the Xuanfengjian and the returning chain with a Corona Shot technique, releasing multiple bullets of light to fly towards him, timing it to land a moment after the two preceding attacks made contact. He only released a barrage lasting a few seconds - he was, after all, not intending to really harm him, but he had to go that extra inch to make sure that Syn was showing all the cards.
His physical strength is good, he mused. As well as his speed, and his experience accounts for well-timed offense and defense. If it were on physical ability alone, I might very well be in a bad position - from what I can see so far the main thing keeping me a step ahead is the fact that I'm able to keep this up as a strategy game, as wel as the possible fact that I outdo him on the magical stage. But what I haven't seen is the full extent of his magical capabilities, as well as the use of those crystals in his synthesising techniques.
As he summoned an Aerora to surround him, he wondered if the fact that he had to take such a precaution meant that he was being a spot too harsh. But he shook the thought away, reminding himself that underestimating in any form at any time invited disaster.
A magical and physical attack combined in one, followed by a high-speed barrage that will require a strong barrier maintained for at least five seconds or being able to deflect all of them with a magic-supported weapon. In either case, I'll have a full picture by the end of this.
Kuu gripped the Star Shard around his neck. Maybe... I've just found the perfect training partner for this.
Things suddenly seemed to slow as Synthest witnessed Kuu's magical potential. Wind picked up around them and Synthest felt his weapon snag- Kuu was intending on attacking him with his own weapon by sending it flying back on some sort of destructive wind. Syn didn't have time to think- he did the only thing he could and let go of his weapon, taking a portion of the metal with a single crystal on it, reshaping it into a tiny dagger. With that single weapon he lunged forward, his hand out in front of him.
He didn't want to- he'd never used it against this kind of opponent before. But he had faith that Kuu wouldn't let himself get caught.
Fear gripped him, but he knew he had to do this. What was the point of this test if he didn't go all-out? He ran forward, his right palm back as if he was about to lunge. It took only a few steps, although it seemed like it took longer. The ex-soldier found himself caught in the middle of the large gale, his weapon flying directly at him. His hands rose forward, the light meeting in the center, and at the same point that his light flared amidst the winds. The whip and wind blade would meet him head-on, but he was ready.
Zantetsuken.
The name was never spoken aloud, but there wasn't any need to say it. The blade of pure light emanating from his palm. It was the piece he had saved from his weapon- despite the fact that it held no offensive shape, it was still a channel for him to use the ability! The white line stretched in front of him and the wind was cut into two blades, streamlining on either side of him, creating a vicious whirlwind within it following the white light. The chain whip was cut clean in half, and this disruption forced it into the wind, which inevitably pushed back- the metal fell into the powerful slipstream that was created in the void of wind, following Synthest closely behind.
A white light. Then Synthest. Followed closely behind were shards of metal, now easily unusable in combat. And then- the rays of Light Kuu had summoned himself, which would be there in only a second. They were all headed towards the caster, who was surrounded by an Aero spell- Syn judged it to be second level, simply because he doubted Kuu could cast a third-level after the gale he'd just launched. That would be a bit too much for the amount of time he'd cast them in.
The Zantetsuken met with the wall of the Aerora (your choice on whether it breaks through, it will not be able to proceed through the spell due to it already cutting through your wind, thus rendering its strength spent) and the slipstream stopped, the stray pieces of black metal clanging to the floor. His muscles were burning from the force of Zantetsuken- the ability was dangerous for both parties, simply because of the strain it put on the user's body and the damage it could do to the enemy. There was no way to control it- only channel it. Now he stood with his eyes locked on Kuu, the Synthesis Crystal still in his hand. He had one spell left. And with the Synthesis Crystal he could boost its power, provided he used the same element. He held the dagger forward, touching the fluttering winds of the Aerora spell- it rebuked him.
The light came closer and Synthest challenged Kuu- the Aerora spell he was about to cast would also Reflect, due to his crystal. The masterful swordsman that had challenged him was now putting himself in personal danger, even if Synthest had to sacrifice a little vitality. And the bolts of Light were about to hit Synthest- the damage would be halved by his spell and it would be pushed back towards Kuu, even if it wasn't near 100% damage. They would each receive partial damage. Synthest was out of spells if he had to use Aerora, his weapon was shattered (all except for a single dagger), and Zantetsuken had been used against the first humanoid creature other than the Heartless. Synthest was tired as hell, he admitted, but he had the strength to finish this. That was the point.
Was this what his sparring partner was looking for? Or was this guy going to push him until the fever began to rage underneath his skin? No... Synthest wouldn't let it go that far. Never again. His hand was at ready to cast the spell at the last second.
If you're looking for Zantetsuken, it is an item/ability won in thi thread. I have one for both Ienzo and Synthest through different competitions, and in the time that I've had them I have avoided using them in actual threads because I felt they would make the fights a little unfair. But I think that this battle was worthy of them, for sure. Once again, if what I have posted seems a little ridiculous please don't be afraid to say something- I don't claim to be a master at this. XD
Hm hm. When he has to give something back, he gives something back. An all-out attacker, I see - even in a position where defense is the best option, he opts for a counterattack. Just as well that I cast Aerora.
Kuu was now confident that if he had not taken steps to be wary of his opponent, he would most certainly be in a far worse position than he was now. But it looked like his decision not to underestimate his opponent had paid off. What he hadn't expected was for the light attack he had launched to move at such an astounding speed - if it hadn't met the Xuanfengjian he had launched, his Aerora may as well have been utterly shattered. But it held, but he realised that he would need to up his defense to take Syn's attack.
He's about to unleash a spell... from the flow of magic there, looks like to be an Aero-based attack. Oh, he's planning to defend against my Corona Shot as he moved in closer. But what's this... he's using a synthesising crystal. From its properties, it looks like... Gale and... Vitality? No, perhaps Shimmering attribute. So in conjunction with the Aero spell, its likely he'll use it to boost his defence. But only one? Am I still being underestimated...? No, after a combination of that much, there's a certain toll the magic's going to take. So his magical stamina isn't as good as his physical abilities, fair enough. Though from the attack before, I would have guessed his magical affinity to be fire - why doesn't he use that if it's his strongest asset? Ah, but must defend first.
Unleashing a Haste spell, he used the Taiji Spiral manouver to increase the defensive capabilities of his weakened Aerora and parried away the reflected Corona Shot - slightly optimistic, and some of the bullets did go through and he grimaced as they struck him, but the brunt of the damage was deflected. He had hoped that Syn would not have succeeded in advancing as fast as he had, but no, he was already far too close for Kuu to use his sword. He was about to utilise a palm strike to push him away when he remembered that his free hand had been clutched about his Star Shard and as soon as the thought registered in his head, he felt the now familiar tug as he was encased in light.
Kuu shot forwards at an insane speed, and with Syn at such a distance, there was little chance of him not slamming into him. The two flew towards the back of the Dojo in a stream of light before the Star Shard rapidly changed direction, disengaging Syn and sending Kuu zigzagging about the room at almost unfollowable speed before he managed to stop it, resulting in him being plopped down on the ground, his limbs in disarray and his hair flying all about him. 'Ouch,' he groaned as he attempted to pick himself off the ground, wincing a little as he felt various bruises that he would feel later on. 'Trust an untried technique to go wrong. My mistake.'
He turned back to Syn. 'Are you okay? Apologies for that last part - didn't actually intend to do that, but just as well. Better to learn from your mistakes after all. And it just so happens that I think I know what to do now.'
He sat cross-legged a few metres in front of him, and tapped the wooden floor. 'You're obviously a skilled warrior, and on physical form alone, you definitely surpass me - I hope you don't take this as a boast, but I've met few people who can keep up with me in a battle of strategies, so it's a testament to your experience and your quite impeccable timing that you could respond the way you did. You use your powers well and you know them well - rather ingenious use of the chain weapon as well as the synthesis crystal to augment your Aerora. Your magical affinity appears to be fire, but considering the speed and manner in which you cast your fireball, I don't think there is much to work on there.'
His finger began to trace a circle on the wood in front of him as he went on with his analysis. 'Your weaknesses, as far as I can see, are few but possibly significant. One is that perhaps due to a lack of recent formal training, your actual physical movements are just a touch easier to predict than necessary due to the reflexive nature of your attacks rather than its use of disciplined form - but that is quite well complimented by the far more flexible use of your shapeshifting weapon. Another concerns your synthesising ability - a truly magnificent magic, and even after living with a moogle for two years, I still can't manage without various tools... but sorry, I am deviating from the topic at hand. You use your synthesis ability mainly to manipulate the metal that froms your weapon and to utilise the synthesis crystals to augment your attacks. You are not quite tapping into the full potential of your ability - that is, the use of the crystals in an arrangement to offer you a benefit that goes slightly above mere offense and defense.'
'However,' he continued, 'The main one I can see is the fact that your magical dexterity does not match up to your physical standards. The flow of magic through your body, and the reload time in particular falls short of the degree of control you have with your martial skills.'
Realising what he had said could have been taken the wrong way, he held up his hands and assured him, 'Oh, there's nothing wrong with the quality of your magic, no doubt about that - in fact, the level of the magic you do cast is actually higher than mine. I specialise in Haste and Aero spells, so they are the only ones I know to a high degree - the majority of my magical skill is in the actual art of spellcasting, the ability to mold and manipulate the magic I cast in more versatile forms.'
Kuu put his fingers together in a thoughtful pose. 'So what I suggest... is this,' he said slowly. 'I'd rather not delve into your sword form, as I respect its value to you as a warrior, and it is in no way doing any less than serving you well. But some instruction on the channelling the power of your synthesis crystals in a different manner to allow you different augments of your abilities as well as a magical drill to help you better clear the flow of magic within you that will result in you being able to cast with better efficiency and frequency.'
Rising to his feet, he stepped behind Syn and placed a hand on his shoulder. 'Now. What I need you to do is to cast as many small spells as possible as quickly and continuously as possible - Fire will do nicely.'
As far as I can see, his magical limit is three spells. Each time he is required to reload, I'll pulse some of my own magic through him to replenish it. My reserve is almost full - we should be able to keep at this for... maybe ten minutes, if it's a spell as small as Fire. Praises to whoever deside to shove a reservoir this big in me without actually giving me any spells to use it with.
He glanced at his client. Wonder who'll snap first - my reserve, his magic flow, or either of our patience.