10/08/16
I'm trying, I really am but Telethia, the Endbringer is a huge chode. I got SO CLOSE this most recent time though. I have 2 Ares 90, 4 Ultrafauna Slayer XX things, ether damage boosting, resisting...I just need you to DIE and give me my well deserved 100% Survery Rate you Ruler of Fates piece of trash! 240+ hours bro! TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY HOURS!
I was actually going to skip today with updating this story wanting it to have more longevity but...well that idea died almost as soon as it was born. *shrug*
Dueling
Kruse gritted his teeth as several rapid strikes hammered his chest and pushed him back. Acting quickly he avoided Ga Buidhe's following kick and swung with his blade several times only for Ga Buidhe to avoid his strikes as she's done many times before.
One thing that became clear through his training with Elma and Buidhe was not just how superior they were to him but how strong they all are together. Normally when surveying Mira he takes missions alongside at least three comrades and whenever Elma is at his side things seem so much easier. Even so, here in the midst of their one on one training sessions he had no one to rely own besides his own skill and he had to ensure that he was skilled enough to keep up with them.
As he swung his weapon again he found it coming to a harsh stop as Ga Buidhe took hold of his wrist. Giving it a quick twist she forced him to release his blade. As it fell Kruse quickly grabbed it with his other arm and swung out, striking Ga Buidhe. Realizing this the Wrothian held onto Kruse's arm and swung him about before throwing him across the chamber.
Catching himself, Kruse landed and skidded across the ground. Looking up to see Ga Buidhe right on top of him. Rolling aside Kruse moved his blade back to his dominant arm and swung, nearly missing the Wrothian. She shot back in and landed a few more strikes on him, however he was able to return the favor and force her back.
Kruse watched as Ga Buidhe jumped away again and rushed her, reaching her just as she landed. Following that he brought his weapon around and caught her again, turning he noted one of Buidhe's legs coming right at him and held his arm up, catching it. He grinned to Ga Buidhe before sweeping her other leg off the ground and followed up by slamming his blade into the Wrothian's chest, throwing her to the ground.
With that Kruse jumped away and began to catch his breath as Ga Buidhe sprung to her feet. Shaking herself off she watched him for a few moments before chuckling "Impressive. Very impressive."
Kruse steading his breathing and nodded "Thank you."
"So, would you like to continue or should we call that a match?"
Kruse took a deep breath and shook his head "That'll be our match. Honestly I feel like I'm about to fall over. No sense in continuing just to have you floor me in the next few seconds. Safe to say this is as far as I'm getting today."
At that he and Buidhe stood up straight. Kruse gave a quick glance to Elma who was watching the session. She just smiled and nodded.
"We all have limitations, Kruse. Though it should come as no surprise now that yours are much farther off now than when we started."
Kruse bowed to Ga Buidhe "Thank you."
Nodding the Wrothian turned to see Elma "What do you think about Kruse's progress, Elma?"
Elma crossed her arms "Well, he's only had about 5 sessions with you and yet based off the last time we sparred together it's clear that his behavior in battle has completely changed and all for the better. He has most certainly improved."
Kruse blushed at that as Buidhe nodded. Elma then walked over to Kruse and gestured "Need a hand?"
He smiled "I'd appreciate one, thank you."
Putting an arm around Elma, he no longer felt the need to just throw himself on the ground out of exhaustion. Supporting him over to a rock she helped him sit. He then looked her in the eyes and asked "You really think I've improved that much?"
"Would I lie to you? Though if you still aren't certain then we should schedule some time to spar. I'm sure the differences will become much more evident once we cross blades again."
Kruse nodded "Indeed…you know it wasn't until recently that I realized how difficult it really is to wield your weapon when it isn't in your dominant hand."
He then looked at Elma "I imagine you don't have that problem."
"Well, being ambidextrous has its advantages."
"That's for sure."
The pair shared a small laugh before hearing Ga Buidhe clear her throat.
They turned to her as she approached "Elma."
"Yes?"
"If you wouldn't mind. I'd like to have a duel with you."
Elma smirked "Well if you weren't going to ask, I was."
"Excellent." Ga Buidhe then walked over to her weapon and pulled it from the ground. Giving it a quick spin she faced Elma and took a stance.
Elma looked to Kruse "Wish me luck?"
At that he smiled "I know you don't need it but good luck Elma. Show her what you got."
Elma smiled back and drew her blades. Two clouds of dust were kicked up from Elma and Buidhe who were now at the center of the chamber, weapons collided.
Kruse proceeded to do his best in following the fight. Having sparred with both of them he knew how fast they could be and yet now that they were facing each other it's almost as if they were moving even faster. It was nearly impossible to describe what he saw as Elma and Ga Buidhe flashed all around the chamber but he could make out the sounds of their weapons clashing against one another.
Keeping a keener eye on Elma he could see that she made sure to keep Buidhe close. If the Wrothian got too far she'd put Elma in the range of the end of her spear and hits from that would be the worst. The first blows he could visibly see were from Elma, her blades striking Ga Buidhe at least three times forcing the Wrothian to retreat to gain some ground.
Elma continued to relentlessly pursue the retreating Wrothian, however her blades continued to barely miss her mark. Landing Ga Buidhe turned and spun her weapon about just as Elma got close. Striking quickly she cut across Elma's chest forcing her to jump away. Spinning her polearm Ga Buidhe followed and rammed the flat end of the weapon into Elma's chest, throwing her to the ground.
Looking up just in time to see Ga Buidhe leaping at her Elma rolled aside and jumped to her feet. She moved to strike Buidhe just as the Wrothian tore her weapon from the ground. Armed again the pair collided.
Kruse continued watching intently as the two fighters then broke apart and began zipping across the chamber, slamming into each other and landing countless blows on one another. Given what he was seeing he couldn't help but consider himself lucky to have two incredibly talented warriors sparring with him, teaching him.
After what felt like an eternity, the pair stopped moving, both breathing heavily. Ga Buidhe spun her weapon and slammed it into the ground "Well done. I remember how skilled you were during our previous encounters but now, you have improved far beyond that."
Elma smirked "It's all thanks to my training with Kruse. We've only made each other stronger."
"Indeed."
Letting out a sigh, Buidhe began to stretch "I do believe that is enough for today, Kruse, I have more missions to attend to than usual so I'll have to postpone our next session by a few days."
Kruse nodded "I understand."
"You could always take him out on missions with you. He improves just as much out there." Elma commented.
Buidhe crossed her arms "I'll give him a few more sessions to really show me how much he can grow. Then I'll consider it."
With a bow towards Elma, Ga Buidhe turned and left the room. Having recollected himself enough, Kruse stood and began walking towards Elma as she faced him. He quickened his pace and caught her as she stumbled on her first step.
"Elma are you-"
"I'm fine. One of her last blows got my right leg pretty good…it must be why she ended the session."
Kruse looked in the direction that Ga Buidhe left. "Well, turns out that she is surprisingly considerate and caring."
Elma chuckled "Don't let her hear you say that."
"Noted."
Kruse helped Elma a few more steps before speaking "Y'know I'd offer to carry you out to our Skells…but I'd probably just end up dropping you. I'm still pretty worn out."
Elma laughed at that "Well then, let's just support each other…"
She looked him in the eyes "…as we always do."
Kruse struggled to gather his scattered thoughts before answering "Of course."
Leaning on each other the pair left the Stronghold.
"Elma I have to say, you really impressed me in that duel."
"Did I?"
Kruse nodded "I've sparred with you countless times so I know you're fast. But that, that was ridiculous if I'm being honest. Keep that up and eventually it'll be like you're teleporting across the field."
Elma laughed "Well I have been working on my skills in free time, can't let you get ahead of me."
"Heh, then next chance we get let's see how far we've come."
Elma and Kruse locked eyes, she smirked "I'm ready whenever you are."
