10/07/16

Whoops almost forgot to post this, get this done and its back to bullying Yggralith Zero.

Writing and editing these stories have been done while jamming out to and singing along with Xenoblade Chronicles X and Sonic the Hedgehog tunes. I'm surprised how well I did with the X song lyrics before looking it up and even though its been forever since I listened to Sonic tunes I still know all the lyrics.

I was editing the story well past 1AM singing Live and Learn, Reach for the Stars and Never Turn Back as loudly as I could. These are the moments that remind me why writing is so much fun.

Studying

"Ah. Kruse. Welcome."

Kruse stepped into the Stronghold noting that there was no one else around, not even Ga Jiarg.

"Ga Buidhe, where is everyone?"

"Gone. Training. Working. Our studies begin here."

"Our studies?"

She nodded, spinning her polearm before slamming it into the ground "Ga Jiarg has seen fit to order me to instruct you in our ways."

"Is this is the next step?"

Ga Buidhe tilted her head "In a way."

Crossing her arms she continued "Believe it or not, I'm not known for my kindness on the field of battle nor my desire to go easy on anyone."

Kruse nodded "Oh I believe it."

"So tell me Kruse. Why do you train so hard for this?"

Kruse sighed "Well-"

Next thing he knew Ga Buidhe was in front of him, her palm shot out and slammed into his chest, throwing him to the rocky floor. As he coughed and tried to catch his breath she brought her hand back behind her.

Looking up at her he yelled "What the hell!?"

"If you were paying attention you wouldn't have been hit."

Kruse stood up and dusted himself off "You asked me a question!"

"I did. And you have yet to answer me."

Kruse went to draw his weapon only to find it gone. Ga Buidhe revealed her other hand with his Photon Saber. She shook her head at him before tossing it aside.

"Okay…I see how this is going to be."

"Actually, unless I'm mistaken. You didn't see anything…did you?"

"So what are you just going to kick my ass to teach me your ways?"

Ga Buidhe shook her head "No I-"

Bringing her hand up she stopped Kruse's fist "-am going to teach you that a true warrior…"

Moving aside she avoided his kick before jumping away from his following strikes "…is completely aware of his surroundings in the field of battle. The discipline Wrothian warriors have in the art of war is unmatched. And this is why."

Kruse ignited his Photon Saber as she chuckled "…and also yes. I suppose I will be kicking your ass a few times in the process."

The BLADE Barracks door swung open as a very tired Kruse entered. Elma spotted him and asked "So how'd it go?"

Worn out Kruse threw himself on the couch and muttered something. Elma chuckled "You know I can't hear you, right?"

Sitting up he looked at her "Yeah I know…"

She looked him over "Looks like it was pretty intense."

He nodded "Oh yeah. Honestly I'd rather be back to getting my ass kicked by you, this session was ridiculous."

"Yes I actually miss our sparring sessions."

Kruse noted Elma's voice sounded a little sad, and she certainly looked it. Reaching over he tapped her "Hey."

Once their eyes met Kruse spoke "If we ever have the time, I'm totally open to letting you kick my ass again. Y'know, for old time's sake. Just cause I've finally got the Wrothians training me doesn't mean I won't want to give sparring with you another go."

Elma smiled at that "Of course."

"Though in the meantime you may want to find some other punching bags."

Elma brought a hand to her chin "I've already got a few candidates. I very well can't let you get ahead of me with your Wrothian lessons right?"

Kruse nodded "Right."

"I'm assuming your current state is due to Ga Jiarg?"

"No, learning from Ga Jiarg is still a ways off, I've got a different teacher for the foreseeable future."

Elma tilted her head "A different teacher? Who?"

"Ga Buidhe."

Elma leaned back "Really? Well that is a very good thing, she is incredibly skilled."

Kruse nodded letting out a long breath "She certainly is and she didn't even use her weapon on me."

"She didn't?"

Kruse shook his head "Nope, in her own words she didn't deem it necessary. Even so she roughed me up pretty good. Suffice it to say, she knows her stuff."

Elma chuckled "Honestly, that goes without saying, remember we've fought her twice already and based off her performances I can only imagine how hard it is to do battle with her on your own…actually if you don't mind and should I have the free time, I'd like to come watch one of your sessions with her."

Kruse raised an eyebrow "Really?"

"Is that a problem?"

He shook his head fiercely "No! Of course not! Just get ready to see me get destroyed."

"I'll be prepared."

The pair laughed at that, with Kruse thinking back.

As he spat on the ground and rolled over he noticed Ga Buidhe standing over him.

"I want to be stronger."

She nodded "That is easy to tell. But why do you want to become strong?"

"Because I want to protect those dear to me…"

"Can they not protect themselves?"

Kruse sighed "Yes they can, some of them are far more skilled than I am but it's not a matter of me shielding them…I just. I want everyone that I love to be safe and I have to be at my best to ensure that they are."

As he stood up, Ga Buidhe took a few steps back before speaking.

"Kruse. Do you know why I am teaching you?"

At that Kruse raised an eyebrow "Isn't it because Ga Jiarg-"

"No. After your success against our warriors Ga Jiarg was set to teach you himself…but I convinced him to let me have a go at you first."

Kruse shook his head "What? Why?"

"Because the battle against our 5 Wrothian brothers was lost to you. Yet you won."

Kruse fell silent, knowing she was right.

"Do you know how you won?"

"I do."

Ga Buidhe crossed her arms and motioned for Kruse to continue. Letting out a long sigh he spoke "I can't count on what happened to happen again. Or rather I shouldn't, I should be able to win with my own skill. But in that instance it was what I felt here…"

He put a hand on his chest "That took me to victory."

"You love your leader."

The words sounded so strange to Kruse. He never said them aloud, he barely even thought them.

Taking a deep breath he nodded "I do."

It was near impossible to tell but he swore that Ga Buidhe smiled or at the very least, smirked.

"Very well then…let us make you a warrior worthy of her."

"Hey Elma."

"Yes Kruse?"

He thought over what he wanted to say, what was the best way to put it?

"Do you think it's wrong to draw your strength from someone else? Would it be best to overcome situations based on your own will?"

Elma crossed her arms "Well, I do think it's best to see how far one can go on their own. At the same time though BLADE, all of us have only been able to get this far, together. Drawing strength from everyone around us. It's what keeps us going and what inspires us."

She chuckled "Sorry. That may not be the answer you wanted but I don't believe this can be answered with a simple black and white statement."

"I didn't think so either. Regardless, I know you being there at my session will give me strength."

"Feel free to use it…"

A smile grew on her face as she continued "Honestly, given you're state you may very well need it and more."

Kruse laughed at that "I most definitely will. Thank you, Elma."

"Anytime, Kruse."