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originally posted in:The New Dojo
9/28/2016 2:25:08 AM
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[i]The Dojo... a place of many traits. Serenity. Peace. War. Chaos. And everything in between. It had seen much, and even then, the name of the place struck the people there with thoughts of the many great warriors that established such a place beforehand. Great, great warriors; having built them up from almost normal, talented people to those that went on to face near god-like challenges and impossible odds for the sake of the dimensions. The Dojo, though in a different locations... the name was a beacon to old warriors.
And one approached like he always did. Cresting the horizon, the figure on horseback was completely covered in his cloak. The tattered condition of the forest green fabric showed years of experience. The gold trim, faded yet strong, his will. His lightly armoured black combat pants, specks of grey steel showing through the carbon fiber mesh, his dotted faith. The beige under-attire, worn and beaten, like his soul. And the rags wrapped around his arms, as if to hold his mentality from leaking through his skin.
The figure stopped his horse, the steed neighing in protest. He spoke calmly to it, smiling.[/i]
[b]It's all right, really. We're almost there.[/b]
[i]Laughing naturally, almost like a boy returning home, he urged it onward as they finally approached their destination. As he neared, he called out from the front gates. The inhabitants would have already sensed him coming; the strong, unnerving yet calm pressure in the air pressing on their ears and mind. The trees swaying gently in a short breeze brought on suddenly, and the air adjusting to the nicest of temperatures. It was clear who was here, to all that knew him and had heard about him.[/i]
Shihan! Is Shihan here? No, this is a new dojo. There must be a new Shihan as well. Hellooooooo anybody home? May I come in?
[i]A faint smile was seen from what you could make out of his face; from beneath the hood, his rich brown eyes shone with anticipation at any response at all. Finally... he was home.[/i]
[spoiler]Open[/spoiler]
English
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Edited by Chesh I Guess: 9/29/2016 12:56:53 AM[b]The Dojo was like how it had once been... changed here and there, but mostly unturned in the wake of its recovery.[/b] [b]Many onlookers were taken aback by one of the returning legends... Some even cheering and clapping... but one was not like the others.[/b] [b]Standing out like a sore thumb, a small creature... No... A girl, of about 5'4 small in size. She wore a brightly colored cloak that was still slightly dirt and muted from activity. It had two strange ear like protrusions at the top, and a handmade floral pattern scarf was tied around her neck. But the obvious curiosity was pinned to the cloth wrappings she wore underneath, covering her body completely. She would have been barefoot without such wrappings. From two small holes in her cloth mask, she watched with a beautiful set of heterochromia eyes, the right a bright and jewel like azure, the other a passionate and wondrous crimson.[/b] [spoiler]https://imgur.com/a/GxPqz[/spoiler] [b]She seemed mostly unarmed, except for the massive gun at her back, steampunk in style, with a long barrel and strange disk like ammo cartridge. It was almost as big as she was, slight purple and blue flames escaping out of the slits in the guns barrel cylinder.[/b] [spoiler]https://i.imgur.com/MG7ep4f.jpg[/spoiler] [b]Where many had their attention caught and were instantly enthralled, she gave off a more intimidating, yet gentle aura.[/b] // [b]As the rider arrived at the gate, he was quickly confronted by the massive doors, but as fate would have it, his new curious marvel sat atop the large wall, feet dangling as she looked down at him with a fascinated gaze, her weapon no where to be seen.[/b]
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[i]The cloaked figure smiled as he approached the gates, his rich brown eyes smiling from beneath the dark cloak. More weapons on him were visible as he approached, a mishmash of oddities and armaments. A heavily modified Five-Seven, the olive green grip outlined by gunmetal grey, and a laser sight as well as improved iron sights. A 1.5m claymore, the cracked leather sheathe showing the impressive hunk of golden metal it contained. Satchels and pockets of all sorts along his waist and across his chest. Wraps concealed his arms, the sunlight glinting off his left one and into her eyes before he adjusted the fabric to cover it. Her eyes caught a bionic; the metal appendage a full replacement, shoulder down. But the wraps told her he didn't want to talk about it. As she examined him, she caught him staring back with a huge smile, his hood off. A rather handsome face stared back at her; larger nose, tan skin, a strong jawline, and short black hair spiked at the front. A man, or boy, of East Indian descent put shortly.[/i] Hello over there! Why do you sit all by your lonesome up there? Come, I don't think I've met you before. [i]He noted the gently intimidating aura, the pressure in the air causing her ears to pop. His aura matched hers in a friendly challenge[/i]
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[b]The girl said nothing, her silence strangely empty... long and pronounced.[/b] [b]Rather, she leapt from her perch and landed neatly with her hands clasping each other at her back as continued to stare, her gaze unblinking as she looked.[/b] [b]She was easily dwarfed by him, her stature incredibly small compared to even a normal person.[/b] [b]When it became she wasn't about to return a conversation, she outstretched an arm and pointed to the large gate, looking at it and then back to the man, seemingly trying to question... Perhaps she was a mute.[/b]
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Um, why yes. I am going... in that direction. [i]Alon gave her a puzzled look, scratching at the back of his neck as he thought over the meaning to her gestures. Could she communicate telepathically? He guess he'd give it a try; she'd hear him nonetheless.[/i] [b]You see, these are the vestiges of my home; the ghost of my house. A reincarnation of the place I grew in. If this is your question, then yes, I do seek entry.[/b] [i]He sent the words through to her mind, smiling so as to send a feeling of friendship with them. It made him uneasy, her silence; but nonetheless, he wondered at the great many of things she was waiting to say, things to be told. Silence, nothing, all held an invaluable area of curiousity to the mage. Looking down on her did make him slightly uncomfortable, the height difference making him feel compelled to lower himself to her height. Out of respect, though, he stood tall. The boyish tendency was alluring, yes, but he decided against it.[/i]
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[b]She smiled slightly, the movement visible under the cloth, and shook her head, her mind an empty space... Or at least, she didn't seem comfortable with telepathic communication. Perhaps there was something in her mind she was trying to keep hidden.[/b] [b]Instead, she offered a quite bizarre peculiarity... Hand signs. They were fluid and silent, only making slightly sound when the cloth around her hands connected for a second. Sign language.[/b] [i]There's plenty to be said without words.[/i] [b]If he could read such signs, she'd have a means of communication... Albeit, it seemed complex, but she wasn't one for much talk.[/b]
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[i]His mind connected the symbols slowly, the gears of an old portion of his brain slowly starting up again. It took him a moment, but soon he translated all the symbols and smiled. With fluent yet slightly messy signs himself, mainly due to his bionic doing it for the first time, he sent her a message as well.[/i] [b]Wise. Very wise, indeed.[/b] [i]Letting out a small triumphant laugh, his eyes narrowed quickly as he moved to his bionic arm, inputing series of code and commands so as to tweak the movement in a way to support such communication. After a moments break, he continued with more signs, the movements defined and steady.[/i] [b]And who might you be?[/b]
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[i]Lana.[/i] [b]She signs, the name clearly shortened, but she conducted every movement as if it had great purpose, as if that was truly all he needs to know.[/b] [i]And you? You have something I can't quite place... Something special. It's fascinating.[/i] [b]Her fluid motions made it seem easy, but she paid no mind to the bionic arm. The two shared something in common. They had plenty to hide, and she certainly wasn't one to judge. After all, she had covered herself entirely.[/b]
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[b]Alonfé[/b] [i]The signs were mumbled, as he seemed unsure what to put. Signs for "S" and "R" found their way into the name, but those that were most prominent were the only one's she noted.[/i] [b]I study the arcane. I'm also... younger than I look.[/b] [i]He was reluctant to share anymore with the newcomer, his signs steady yet hesitant. Alon felt the same connection, yet, he wasn't ready to divulge much of anything yet. The bionic seemed to hold up, and he smiled. At least something was going right.[/i] [b]And you. You are... wrapped up? Why is that?[/b]
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[b]She grinned under the cloth, a few perfect white teeth showing.[/b] [i]It's a secret.[/i] [b]She responded, her eyes sparkling with mischief and amusement. Then, she closed one eye, the gentle blue one left to gaze at Alon.[/b] [i]I have a feeling you and I will make good friends.[/i] [b]And with that she gave a slight curtsy, pointing up at the top of the wall where a new figure stood, silhouetted only ever so slightly.[/b]
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[b]I feel the same.[/b] [i]The mage bowed slightly, his cloak flaring up in an invisible wind. He followed her gaze, and his eyes met the figure a top the wall. It made him slightly uneasy, but he dismissed it as his mind working up again, combatting the long forgotten urge and smiling to the silhouette as well as her. His signs cane again, fast and precise; the longer the conversation was, the more he seemed to remember the rarely used way of communication.[/i] [b]I wish to one day learn what you have to offer. And that shadow; a friend?[/b]
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[b]She nods quickly, and skips towards the wall, her eyes glistening with excitement.[/b] [b]With a wave of mighty gusto, she beckons her friend down, the dark figure falling next to her, eerily quiet as he lands.[/b] [b]The figure before Alon was much unlike his friend, tall and tanned, with cracked skin along his face, long dark hair that folded into spikes, a black robe covered in red armor plating, sandals, and long gloves. At his back was a strange weapon, a scythe, short in size tied by a chain to a massive fan. His eyes were solid black say for the red irises, matching the young girl's red eye.[/b] [spoiler]https://imgur.com/qFiG4TS[/spoiler] [b]Lana wasted no time, leaping onto his back and wrapping her small arms around his neck, a happy expression barely outlined under her cloth as clung to him like a small monkey.[/b] [b]He however, had a permanent scowl on his face, annoyance pinned at Alon... For no good reason.[/b] [i]"Who are you?"[/i] [b]He asks simply, his voice flat and monotone... Seemingly the boring type. He held little interest besides his few strange features and alarming weapon that Lana barely managed to skirt as she climbed up, sitting on his shoulders.[/b]
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[i]Alon was careful to stay respectful; as much as he disliked the man's tone, he understood where he came from. Whereas he was known to some, others still took him at face value; a boy wearing a silly cloak playing dress up. With a small smile, he bowed once again to the taller figure, swinging his bionic around to his chest as he did.[/i] My name is Alonfé. Put shortly, just another mage. And yourself, my friend? [i]He found it easier to look at the smaller one, smiling at her instead. The man irked him; though Alon wasn't one to judge quick, he disliked the man's mannerism. Maybe as the conversation went on, he'd change his mind.[/i] How long have you been at this establishment?
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[i]"I didn't mean name, but sure. I am Seth. That's all you need to know."[/i] [b]The man folded his arms and scowled, looking down at his companion, who had her attention on Alon. This seemed to annoy him, a grunt escaping him before he turned back to the mage.[/b] [i]"I've been here as long as she has."[/i] [b]He said simply, the girl nodding, patting the tall man's head, causing him to narrow his eyes. He seemed like the bodyguard type... His focus was intensely trained on the girl. He seemed well poised, posture rigid and a perfect like a toy soldier. But the girl seemed to like him enough. Likelihood was that he was putting on a facade he had trained years for... Not that he'd say such.[/b]
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[i]The smile from the mage's face never left, only curved slightly to the point of curiousity. The pair intrigued him; and not only because they were so oddly contrasting of each other, but because of the secrets and the knowledge they held. The lives they've encountered, the things they've seen and done. The prospect of meeting new individuals excited him, and this encounter only made him happier if not skeptical.[/i] When a person asks "who", I give them a name; when one asks "whom", I give them a title. [i]Though his reason's weren't necessarily... correct... it seemed valid enough. The mage's cloak flare in an invisible wind once more, his cloak flying in the mysterious breeze that neither of them could feel.[/i] Though, I assume you've been around no more than a month. This new Dojo looks... still mainly intact. That will change in time, I assure you; but we always managed to rebuild. [i]Starting to pace, he stopped himself, frowning at his actions.[/i] She seems to like you, though. A sister? Relative? Companion?
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[i]"Not your concern, [u]Alon[/u]."[/i] [b]He responded bitingly, his eyes narrowing. He was incredibly suspicious, distrustful... Maybe even spiteful.[/b] [b]His tiny companion frowned and stood up, much to his surprise. He was clearly strong to support her weight, or she was just incredibly light.[/b] [b]She had a strange motion with a foot and leapt down from his shoulders, landing with a quiet thud as the dirt around her flew up in a small shudder as she disturbed the stairway.[/b] [b]Her companion only seemed to grow concerned and anxious at her actions, his over-protective will easily visible. Then, as if she had grown upset or bored with conversation, she began to skip down the steps, keeping balance with each step as she went, much to the incredible dismay of Seth.[/b] [i]"Dammit..."[/i] [b]He gave Alon a final glare before chasing after the girl, rushing to keep up, before she suddenly started moving faster than possible, a trail of paper forming behind her. But oddly enough, the paper crumpled and folded, flying off in all directions. Origami... Butterflies... Seemed was in fact a mage as well... One with skill in strange Origami powers.[/b] [b]As the duo drifted down the stairs, one of the paper butterflies landed on Alon, laying still before folding away into a small paper flower.[/b]
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[i]He was taken aback by the sudden intensity, but regained his composure quickly and smiling it off. Her actions didn't surprise him, though; it was her that said there was plenty to say without words. Lana, that was her name. And the bodyguard, Seth. He would remember those names, amongst the library of those that he already had memorized. Watching them run away, he couldn't help but suppress a giggle; although Seth seemed nice, his hardship did bring him a little joy. Watching him run behind Lana was fascinating, her legs moving her small frame faster and faster, the mage marveling in the Origami flying from her wraps as she ran. With a wary eye, he stared the butterfly down as it landed on his shoulder, slowly unfolding into a small paper flower. Too scared to breathe lest he knock it over, he just held his breath, staring at it with admiration. It was... heart-warming. Magic that didn't just create or destroy. It was something that instantly caught his respect; another art he looked forward to possibly learning. The wind carried his words to her, the gusts whispering "Look" into her ears. As she turned her head to look, Alon fired off distinct signs to communicate with her before she seemingly left. He didn't know her end destination, and he honestly didn't care; she was safe under Seth, and he knew their paths would cross again one day.[/i] [b]Until next time, dear friend?[/b]
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[b]Se turned, far in the distance now, her arms waiting at her sides as they began to unfurl into thousands of paper animals. But there was a movement, slight, barely visible... But a gentle nod. And with that, she dissolved into the traces of her paper creations, Seth slowly melding into sand, carried away by the wind. A bizarre duo. Lana had quite liked Alon, and she looked forward to meeting him again... But until then, she had more adventures to face... And there was always training to be done. At least, there was nothing left of the two...[/b] [b]And then, with a small snap, the flower unfolded into a pair of small dragonflies, dancing up into the air before flying away... Lana's goodbye to her new friend.[/b] [spoiler]End[/spoiler]
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"Come on in!" A voice yelled out, and the gate swung open to show a rather tall man. His snow white hair was slicked back and his grey beard reached down to his Adams apple. His crimson red trenchcoat reached down to his calves which was covered by black cargo pants. The man approached slowly, his stark blue eyes eyeing the person up and down, possibly trying to identify him. "Ah, yes Welcome...welcome. The Dojo is welcome to all..."
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That it is, my friend. If this new structure bears much of it's predecessor, I'm sure I will fit in just fine... are you the Shihan? Or Sensei, rather. Must I pass a test, as per usual? [i]The cloaked figure dismounts, standing 6'2" with a 1.5m claymore on his back. It's weight looks immense, and the leather sheathe is marked with scratches revealing the worn yet sturdy sword beneath. The wraps on his left arm part a little, and the shining surface of a metal substance glare at you from between the fabrics. Calming in a way, his aura changes to one of family and friendship, making the figure feel elated and strong. Moving his hood back, the face of a seemingly adult stares back at you; short black hair spiked at the front, and a strong jawline accompanied by a larger nose and slightly larger than average lips. In short, of East Indian descent. His rich brown eyes smile at you almost as much as his actual face, gleaming with happiness.[/i] The name is Alonfé, Archsage of Bern, Defender of New Terra, Old Mage of the Arcanum, and etcetera etcetera, the titles don't matter. Call me Alon for short. May I ask your name, my friend? [i]He extends a hand, the wrapped appendage seemingly done so only for protection purposes; as much as his left arm looked bionic, his extended arm was real.[/i]
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"Ah, yes I have heard of you. I am Sakuret Ceiko, There have been some...reforms should I say. It caught me off guard too but no testing for new, or in my case and possibly yours old members. However, if you seek to combat another member then you must be tested." He explained as he shook Alons hand with his own gloved hand, rather tightly as he stared into his eyes. "There are some more reforms as well, The Sensei's are called Lieutenants now and I believe there are some volunteers willing to test others. Other than that it is more or less the same. Welcome to the Dojo."
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I'm surprised you recognized me! [i]The unknown look on his face meant he really wasn't aware of his legacy, the mark he's made on those that had come and go. Being humble in every possible way, he always played it off as a friendly thing, smiling.[/i] They've all been called lieutenants before, my good sir. Since a while ago. That was the reform they were enforcing before it all went to hell. Too many power struggles, yet I was too weak to help... [i]The turn in story left the mage looking down and away, swinging his head around to meet the impressive area that was the Dojo.[/i] It's all right, though. I still called them Sensei's; and Shihan was an old friend of mine. Who knows, I may even be able to best these "Lieutenants" of yours. [i]The fading fire of hope suddenly ignited again in his eyes, the smile returning once more. He looked tall, confident, ready; a grizzled war veteran. But if you looked into his eyes deep enough, he was still a soft-hearted person with kind morales; the vulnerable and troubled kid that resided deep in his soul. He responded with an equally hard handshake, laughing slightly.[/i] Ah, this has always been my home. And I'm honoured to be welcomed back once more. Thank you, Sakuret. It'd be an honour to test in such a place once more. [i]He lowered himself into a deep bow, the respectful gesture felt in more than just the mind. The magic and aura's at play really made Sakuret feel good; like he'd won the lottery, or had overcome a tough challenge.[/i]
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It was an extremely odd feeling to Sakuret, it had been a while since he was happy in his life..memories came back to him, good ones for once. He cracked a smile. "I am no leader here, but I look forward to seeing you here. I do appreciate your humbleness..it is admirable though you seem rather young. Some can learn from you, Archsage. Now then, should I give you a tour of the Dojo?" Sakuret said the last sentence jokingly. Though his Stark blue eyes had something...somber to it. There was possibly more to this man than he was letting on. [spoiler]Got banned on Speedwagon[/spoiler]
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Y-yeah I'm uh... 23... ish... [i]That was an obvious lie; even a blind woman from 2 miles away could've seen that one. But his experience was undeniable, and he nodded humbly, accepting the praise. He saw it in Sakuret's eyes, though. The same look he'd seen on his travels. He wanted to press on, but he decided against it. This was a good moment, and he'd hate to ruin it.[/i] Well, a tour would be nice, but how about a place to sleep and some food? It's been about a week since I last ate and a few days since sleep, but it was all the worthwhile. [i]The mysteries still to unfold from the mage were heavily present; the days without necessities alarming, yet still seeming to stay standing. He quickly grabbed a large satchel, formerly an apple sack, from his steed before letting it loose, waving as he walked away. The mage was odd, so very, very odd. But his presence something of good fortune to Sakuret and the others that were here. [/i]
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"Oh dear, we should probably get you in then. Don't worry, there's plenty of food and room." Sakuret said, turning around to face the gate and unstrapping his trenchcoat. "Do you require a hand to get in? Just being generous is all..." He asked, though his mind trailed off to something else. There was something strange about that mage to Sakuret..He honestly wasn't fond of them but this one was different. Nonetheless he didn't mind it, the happy feeling was intoxicating. "If you do not need help then I will simply guide you there."
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[i]He shook his head, smiling at the offer.[/i] It's quite fine; maybe point me in the general direction to some food first, then I might set up in any space you have available. Apartment, housing, tree, all work. [i]He casually unwrapped his arms, the beige coloured clothe leaving marks on his arms. The design was intricate, like flames riding on a bolt of lightning, the skin indentations beautiful yet seemingly mistaken. His left arm, though, was a sleek gunmetal grey bionic with a coiled red serpent embalzoned on the shoulder. It was a full arm replacement; and the design looked entirely original, small creases allowing the metal to move like flesh and bone, clearly housing all sorts of hardware inside. It was hard not to stare; but Alon smiled at him with a sad eyes. [/i] The repurcussions of war; of equivalent exchange, like the alchemists once called it. Though that is science, magic works the same. If you can't supply the energy for an attack... [i]He flexes the fingers, as if recalling the days when he could touch and feel with those fingers, that skin, those bones.[/i] ...the earth and heavens will take it from you. Bah, I got off track. Please! Show me the way to some dinner, how 'bout it?
