New Pupils
Sensei Tai quietly tended to his garden as he enjoyed the warm day. The breeze blew gently rustling the grass and it carried a sweet calming scent with it. It was perfect weather for being outside and it made him wonder if his pupil was enjoying this day as well.
'Knowing that boy he's probably got his head in a book learning about some ancient magic.' he thought as a small grin came to him thinking of him. But the old master's senses hadn't dulled enough for him to not feel the several presences approaching his home. And one felt familiar. So placing his tools down and taking off his gloves he stood and turned to the sole road to his home and watched as a familiar tuft of white hair came into view. While getting a surprised visit from Soler was welcome the site of three others, who were all female and one being a child, was what really caught his curiosity. Thought just from the scarlet red hair of the knight to the hair of the other women he knew who they were, but the child of similar white hair was a mystery.
Soler grinned at seeing his master as he approached with the others and his teacher held the same smile. Stopping before the smaller man Soler gave a small bow.
"It's good to see you again master," he said. Tai followed suit giving a bow,
"It's good to see you again as well my pupil and you grace me with the presence of three beautiful women. I hope you haven't forgotten your manners." he joked. Soler rolled his eyes playfully,
"Of course not old-timer. The redhead is Erza Scarlet the one who trained me before you did." Erza gave a warm smile and held her hand out to Tai taking off her gauntlet,
"It's a pleasure to meet you," she said. Tai shook her hand not surprised by her strong grip,
"The honor is mine. I appreciate you giving my pupil the basics of combat. It saved me some time in his training." her smile only brightened,
"The pleasures all mine."
"Next we have Mirajane Strauss, she's the second one at the guild who helped me get my barings."
"And the one who beat you in your first attmeped at S-Class if I remember." Tai said teasingly. That made Mira giggle and Soler sigh.
"Won't let that go huh?" he said as Mira went over to shake his hand.
"Nice to meet you." she said with a smile. Tai returned the smile as he shook her hand surprised by how soft they felt yet could tell that there was a hidden strength beneath. After stepping back Soler went over to the child and put his hands on her shoulders.
"And last but not least this is Alice. The newest member of the guild and our resident ice dragon slayer," he said with pride. Alice was more rigid than Tai expected her to be, it must have been nerves, but he smiled and held out his hand,
"It's nice to meet you my dear," he said hoping his tone would ease her. It took her a moment but she awkwardly took his hand giving an awkward shake,
"N-Nice to meet you to sir." she said back quickly. It made the old man chuckle watching her.
"Please there's no need for the formality or the nerves. I'm just an old man that knows the art of combat." he said.
"Don't go selling yourself short there." Soler chimed in as he gave Tai a knowing look, 'Might be a shot to my pride, but I still haven't beaten you in an actual fight." he said. Tai sighed while Alice only looked on in awe,
"Honestly you've probably filled the young girl head with fantasies instead of reality," Tai responded.
"To be fair since Soler came back from your training his combat skills are almost unmatched in the guild," Erza chimed in. Mira nodded,
"He is one of the strongest in melee combat. Though his magic could use a lot of work," she said sweetly. Soler grimaced at that,
"You didn't have to add in that," Soler said. Tai smiled at the two women,
"It's good to hear that my lessons have paid off and that he still has things to work on. You should always be learning and improving," his gaze went back to Soler as he quietly studied him, "Speaking of improvement I noticed you haven't tried to show me any new techniques you've acquired." Soler felt the pressure as a nervous laugh escaped him,
"Oh well you know, there will be time for that later. Right now we should focus on introduc-" Soler was cut off as in a blur of motion Tai struck him in the exact spot Shay struck him sending him to the ground as fast as he got hit. The girls watched with stunned expressions as Soler writhed on the ground while Tai only sighed,
"Did you think I couldn't notice your breathing was strained or how your body was putting it's weight on one leg and not both. Honestly," he looked over to the girls and gave a warm smile, "Your more than welcome to put your bags inside. There's more than enough room for you all downstairs while I and my pupil will sleep upstairs." he said sweetly. The girl's eyes flicked between the downed Soler and Tai's smile before giving their own nervous smiles and following the old man leaving Soler to his pain.
*Sometime later*
A gentle breeze blew through the air carrying the smell of the distant shores as Soler lay under a tree. His hair rustled with the wind as he relaxed with his eyes closed enjoying the day,
"Glad to see someone is enjoying themselves," he opened an eye to see Mira smiling down at him. He grinned as well,
"It just got better now that your here," he responded. She rustled his hair lovingly,
"So I guess you wouldn't mind if I joined you?" he motioned to the empty spot next to him. Mira took the invite and lay down next to him. She rested her head next to his closing her eyes as she eased herself. The two stayed silent for a while both enjoying the other's company as well as the day. As they rested Soler couldn't help but glance over at Mira. Without a thought, he turned and gave her a kiss on the head before bringing her close to his side. She smiled into his side as a content sigh escaped him,
"Someone's being affectionate. What brought?" she teased. Soler was quiet for a moment as his thoughts drifted back to Edolas. It might've been a few weeks, but the memories of how close they were to losing everyone still stuck with him. The thought of losing Mira haunted him and his yearning to see her grew as well. It didn't help running into her Edolas counterpart either. He kissed her head once more before looking at her with a soft smile,
"Just following my heart's cravings," he responded. Though the line was cheesy Mira couldn't help the slight blush it brought to her. They went back into silence as they lay together comfy with each other as the world gave them peace. It got broken at the sound of Alice letting out a quick yelp as she hit the ground again,
"It took her a lot longer this time," Mira commented,
"True but her training partner does have an unfair advantage being Erza," he added while Mira only nodded. Behind them back at the house both Alice and Erza were dressed in traditional Gi's as Erza landed next to Alice to help her up,
"That was good Alice, you stayed up a lot longer that time," she said. Alice accepted the help but her pride stung as she fell again,
"If you say so," she responded as she dusted herself off. But before she could think of more self-deprecating doubts she got a slight bonk on the head from the staff as Tai came up to them,
"Release those dark thoughts, my pupil. Failure is needed for our own growth and Erza was correct as you are improving, if slowly. Time will show you the results," he explained. Alice rubbed the spot before looking at him,
"You know you sound a lot like Soler, or he sounds like you," she said. Tai grinned,
"It's good to know he's taken my teaching to heart. Speaking off let's take a moment and speak awhile. I'm curious about what it is my old pupil has taught you,' he said as he moved and sat on a small stool. Erza and Alice sat before him with crossed legs, "Good now I know you trained him first Erza but how has his progression been ever since he came back from my training," he asked. Erza took a moment to think,
"Honestly it's tricky to say,' Erza started which made Tai even more curious, "Ever since your teachings his combat skills have definitely put him in his own league. He's one of the best martial artists in the guild if not the best but the tricky part is that with his skill it's hard to tell if he's grown since his fighting style is so flexible," she explained. Tai nodded in thought,
"Flexible, would you mind explaining,"
"Not at all. When fighting Soler he makes it difficult to keep him pinned down. He's very reactive and adapts to the other person coming up with his own way of fighting people. He doesn't do the entirely same set of moves against each opponent. Now that I think about it his style switches entirely depending on if he's on the defensive or offensive. So at times it feels like fight two different people," Erza explained. Tai nodded again,
"And Alice would you say similar to what Erza said?" he asked. Alice took a moment to think as well,
"Yeah I think she's spot on. Whenever I've watched Soler he's usually in control of the fight. He always seems one step ahead most of the time. I'm guessing that he learned that style of fighting from you sensei?" she asked. Tai chuckled as he shook his head,
"No that style of fighting is completely his own," Both girls looked surprised,
"Wait thats his own? I always thought you taught him how to fight?" Alice said,
"I thought similar. When he came back from your training his way of fighting was completely different than before," Erza added,
"Yes, when that boy came here the way he fought was just too direct. Now I know you trained him the best you could my dear but I could see that it wasn't meant for him,' he paused a moment to look at his student lazing about with his other girlfriend, "Tell me have either of you heard 'Mushin' before?" he asked looking back to the girls. Both shook their heads,
"Well Mushin is what I taught Soler. To explain it simply Mushin is a state of mind that allows the user to be free from the minds restraints and is using all its power for solely the task at hand. Think of it as instead of seeing the entire garden but only the sole flower. In martial arts achieving this state allows the user to run off their instinct alone, allowing them to react without thought," he explained. Both looked at him wide-eyed a moment before Erza switched to a thoughtful expression,
"That makes sense. As many times as I've foughten him and seen him fight there are times he just moves so fast against attacks he shouldn't even have seen coming. And he counters in ways that don't have any distinct forms I've ever seen. This Mushin state explains it clearly," she said as she pondered. Alice looked starry-eyed,
"That sounds so cool! Do you think I can learn this Mushi?" she asked in excitement. Tai chuckled at her youthfulness,
"Mushin and yes I believe you can. I don't know much about Dragon Slayers but from the bit my student has told me in letters your way of fighting is already more primal than most. You harness the teachings of a dragon to give you power meaning compared to other magics your's my dear might be the most beneficial of this state of mind," Alice felt a trembling within her at hearing that. Something that if she mastered could push her to another level, "And unlike my student you seem to be able to enjoy a battle. His biggest weakness is that mind of his, always running and never allowing him to fully embrace the moment. Or the battle," Tai said with a sigh. Erza giggled while Alice was still in her thoughts and surprisingly a new thought came to mind,
"Sensei do you think you could show us this state of mind?" she asked. Tai looked at her curiously for a moment then he switched his gaze back over to Soler and Mira, and a small smirk came to his face,
"I think we can my dear,"
Soler stood arms crossed with an annoyed expression,
"Is this really the best way to show her Mushin? Your way better than me at it," he said with a sigh. He stood in the open area near the house. Erza and Mira stood opposite sides of him with Alice and Tai standing a ways back. The old man was sitting next to Alice and had a sly smile on his face,
"I find this would be killing two birds with one stone. My new pupils get to see Mushin in action and I get to see how your skills have improved. Now you may not attack back until you've reached the Musin state and you know when you've hit it. Now begin when ready," he said. Soler sighed as he looked at Erza and Mira,
"I know you two are enjoying this," Erza smirked as in a flash she was in her Dark-wing armor with both swords,
"A little bit," He watched as Mira switched to her first Satan Soul. She rolled her shoulders and flexed her hands as she settled into the form,
"It has been a while since we've done this," she said in a deeper voice. Soler sighed again,
"This is gonna suck," without another thought, both women charged at him. Erza had a slight edge in speed as she reached him first and came in with a set of slashes. Soler dodged them with a flip backward but the moment he landed he dipped down as Mira came in her claws narrowly missing his head. But she turned on a dime and went back at him with a set of attacks forcing him back. But once she was back Erza came in from behind him and attacked once more. Knowing he couldn't move, he coated his arms with his energy and blocked both women's attacks, straining a bit from their power. Both pushed down on him giving their all and in a last moment of strength he dipped down taking them off balance as he pushed back on them giving him enough space to gain some distance. He let out a breath,
"You two are relentless as always," he said as he steadied himself. Both women stood back smiling at him,
"Because its no fun to go easy on you love," Mira said with a dark smile. It sent shivers down Soler,
"Forgot you get like this when transformed," that only made her smile more. Erza rolled her shoulders getting a few pops,
"Alright think I'm warmed up enough. Now time to get serious," she said and the two women returned to their stances. Soler only sighed as he watched both charge. Alice watched in amazement at the battle while Tai studied the fight closely. He watched his pupil dance around the two powerful women barely keeping his footing,
'He's still thinking too much,' he thought as he watched. His gaze also fell on the two women watching how they fought and their movements. He's never seen styles like theirs and he didn't want to forget them,
"They're so cool!" Alice said as she watched Soler dodge another set of attacks. She was amazed at the three of them from Soler actually dodging them to Erza and Mira's power. It was all amazing,
"I hope you're watching closely," She snapped out of her awe at Tai's voice and straightened up to watch seriously. Tai grinned looking at his latest pupil as he tuned back into the fight as well,
'It shouldn't be long now,' Soler jumped back from another set of strikes from Mira but quickly dipped down to avoid another slash from Erza. The knight wasn't done and retaliated with a kick that he was forced to guard sending him away from the two. They stopped their attacks a moment as he was breathing a bit heavier while they barely looked winded,
'As expected the longer they fight the better their coordination gets. Just great.' he thought as he closed his eyes. The two women just looked at him with the same smirks on their faces,
"Don't tell me you're getting tired. You always have the best stamina when it matters love," Mira said with a sultry wink. It took Erza a moment to figure out what she meant but when she did a blush quickly found its way to her face as she looked at her,
"Mira!" she said though she only got back a shrug,
"We both know it's the truth," Erza sighed and looked back to Soler,
"Even still. Time and place. I hope you're ready for our next assault," Erza said and the two got back into their stances. Soler didn't respond back this time instead they watched as his body eased into a new stance with his palms open, partially crouched yet stable with a focused gaze. His aura was completely different than it was before and they both readied themselves. The battlefield went still as neither side moved, waiting and anticipating the other, but the silence was broken like normal as Mira moved in first to impatient. She went in with another claw attack like before but unlike before Soler didn't react to the attack the same as before. Where he would have fully dodged or jumped out of the way instead, with minimal effort he guided the attack with his opposite palm moving it out of the way causing her to miss without losing her momentum.
It surprised her a moment but she retaliated with her tail hoping to trip him but as if knowing he easily stepped over the attack and in the same motion he went in for a stomp. It forced Mira to roll out of the way to dodge barely being missed by the sudden attack,
'Is he…' she was prepared for another attack but smirked as she saw Erza come down from above with a set of attacks. He didn't even look at her and he side-stepped her and using her own momentum grabbed the back of her armor and flung her over at Mira. Erza had to flip over and land on her feet but even still she slid into Mira who caught her. They didn't have proper time to recover as he was on them in a flash. With an open palm placed on Erza's stomach with force, he pushed and twisted his arm causing sending them back. The girls went into a tumble before they were able to recover into slides. Once they stopped both looked over at Soler who stood still and just watched them. Mira grimaced her devil side heightening her slight agitation,
"Erza-"
"I know. I think he's entered that Mushin state,' She responded as she stood with Mira following her lead, "Now the real battle begins," Mira hovered as Erza switched to her flight armor for added speed. Soler let out a breath as he watched them slowly move to his sides. Then in a rush of movement, Erza came in with a straight slash. Even with the added speed, Soler guided the attack to the side with his hand again and quickly went for a counter but Mira swopped in from above forcing him to dip down into a crouch he grabbed her tail in just a flash of motion and flung her to the side. The moment he did Erza came in with another attack yet he re-positioned himself so not only did it miss but he was able to shoulder-check her advance. The stumble was enough for him to trip her up, the moment she hit the ground he lifted his leg for another attack but suddenly dodged back as an orb of dark magic flew passed where he stood. He looked over to Mira who had her hand open from her last attack. The time gave Erza a chance to recover and stand so she could prep for her next attack.
Alice watched eyes wide and focused as the battle reached a new stage,
"This is the Mushin state," Tai said next to her. She nodded as she watched Soler dance around the battlefield. Moving with Erza and Mira attacks with ease, dodging and countering, not missing a beat. It was completely different than earlier as his earlier calculated movement. This felt more natural as if his body and mind were one allowing him to do what was needed with minimal delay and effort. The most intriguing part is how relaxed he seemed. Though some movements looked a bit unnatural from Soler they worked,
'He's amazing,' she thought as she watched. Tai studied Alice for a moment then looked to Soler the one she admired. The resemblance they share is uncanny at times and he couldn't help the smile that played on his face,
'You've sure grown into quite the man my pupil,' "Alice, now seeing Musin in action what are your thoughts?" he asked. It snapped her attention away from the fight to focus on him,
"Oh, well just from this much it looks like it's something that is super strong. But not in a boost or power up but like in a freedom type of way? It's tricky to explain," she responded. Tai smiled gently,
"That's quite alright. Your observations are accurate. Allowing the body to move as it sees fit is very beneficial to martial artist. But can you see the flaw in it?" he asked. Her brows furrowed in confusion,
"Flaw?" he nodded and motioned to the battle. She followed and watched as Soler was holding off both Mira and Erza while countering with those same weird movements. It still looked as strong as before,
'A flaw…What kind of flaw does this have?' she was on the verge of asking when she noticed something about Soler she didn't before. As he fought his expression was completely blank, unlike his normal self. He was watching his opponents following them at times but he held no emotions. It was as if he was in a completely different headspace than the fight itself. It was then it hit her,
"Its focus. These technique requires a lot of focus to work," she said. He smiled and nodded,
"Very good. The amount of focus required and calm mind needed to pull it off effectively is can be a lot. And for someone as inquisitive as Soler you can see how he hasn't come close to mastering it," he said. Alice looked back to the fight and now that he said it she noticed that there were several times Soler's eyes twitched and his movements lacked momentarily,
"Yeah I can see it now," she said,
"I'm glad now let's call this before he loses focus. I'm sure he's reaching his limit,' he said, and standing from his stool he took a few steps forward, "Alright that's enough. I appreciate the demonstration," The moment he spoke this all three were in the middle of a clash, with Erza and Mira being blocked by Soler each on one side of him. They had forgotten about this being an exercise and were all trying their hardest to win. Even Mira who wasn't as much of a fighter as the others had her old spirit ignited again. Soler stared at them both holding them back so he could counter again. Tai sighed at the lack of hearing him,
"Honestly," then taking in a breath he shouted, "That's enough!" all three snapped out of their battle at hearing the shout. Both Erza and Mira backed off and Soler let go of his energy as all three looked at Tai,
"I'm sorry I guess we lost ourselves in the battle," Erza said first as she changed back into her normal armor. Mira let go of her satan soul as well,
"Yes, it has been some years since we all fought like that. It was too much fun," she said in as chipper a tone as normal. Soler sighed,
"Yeah fun for you two maybe. Fighting you both is always an uphill battle," he said as he placed his hands behind his head. Erza smirked,
"Yet you always hold your own," she replied,
"Though he never wins does he?" Mira chimed in with a giggle. Soler rolled his eyes but grinned a bit,
"If you actually took my offer up on that training then you guys could have won," he said as he walked with them. Mira poked his side,
"Hush you,"
"I agree with Soler. If you ever want to train I'd be more than willing to be you sparing partner," Erza added. Mira looked at her sweetly,
"Just like old times?" Erza returned the look with her own smile,
"Just like old times," Soler sighed as he could see the invisible sparks between them,
'I swear they never change,' he thought as they stopped before Tai and Alice the latter was barely keeping her excitement contained,
"That. Was. Awesome! I've never seen you move like before. You were everywhere and so untouchable yet you countered with ease and Erza and Mira you two were soo cool with your coordinated attacks. I've never seen you fight before Mira but your take over magic is intense," she said in one breath. Soler chuckled and patted her head,
"Glad you enjoyed the show. So sensei did that satisfy you?" he asked,
"For now yes. I see it takes you still too long to enter but I'm glad to you are still able to," he answered. At hearing that Soler couldn't help but remember his fight before he came here,
"Hey sensei, am I the only one you've trained before now?" he suddenly asked. Tai looked at him curiously,
"I did use to train students back in my homeland but since coming here you are the first," he answered, "Why do ask that?" Soler hesitated a moment as he considered while the girls knew what he was getting at but figured it wasn't their place to say. After a moment of silence, he sighed,
"Well earlier before we came here, we ran into this guy. He had some vendetta against me and asked to fight or more demanded. We fought and when we did the way he battled felt so similar to the style you taught me before yet it felt different. So I was just wondering if you've ever taught others a different style before," Tai took a moment to think and after a few seconds he sighed,
"Let me guess it was a more rigid style of fighting? Powerful and precise strikes instead of flowing movements?" he asked. Soler nodded which only brought out another sigh, "I thought so. Come let's get cleaned up and I'll explain to you who taught him that style and the history between them."
Far too long, far too long for an update. Sorry again. Classes have been hell on top of still having to try and have a life. But hope you enjoy this one and let me know your thoughts like always. and again I appreciate everyone and anyone who reads this even if you don't leave a review or comment. It means a lot. Anyway, this has been Solerwolf see ya in the next one!