054- Cut the Lightning
Sightedjt
Everlasting Flames
-Defensive magical training- bolster your ability to unravel magecraft and drink mana
"Me." The world slips out of your mouth without you even thinking about it. But as soon as you say it, you realise that that is what you want. If- if you're a grail, or at least something that was once part of it. Something-someone close enough that you could call yourself a lesser grail and not be wrong… then no matter what you do, this will be you.
"This- no matter what, I'll have- be able to do this." You say, stumbling over your words as you try to figure out how to say it. But it's not stumbling from lack of confidence. You want this. "So then it's best to know how to use- control it. Because it's just me."
"So you would choose this? Very well!" Scathath nods, standing firmly in the centre of the arena, turning to shout instructions to Flat in the background as he continues his defence against Izabetha's onslaught. "Remember, no distractions no matter what we do here. That's how you die on a battlefield."
Flat nods a brief affirmation as he desperately fends off a two handed sweep from Izabetha's halberd, as Scathath turns back to you.
"So, to begin. Your body is capable of resisting magecraft, and absorbing the mana used to make it." Scathath says matter-of-factly, one hand resting her spear on the ground, the other counting off points for emphasis. "This is not the same manner of Magic Resistance that I possess by virtue of being summoned as a Lancer. For me, the magic I resist simply cannot touch me. This is not the case for you."
A short, pointed pause before Scathath continues. "Any magecraft needs structure to function. That is what you do- the moment any magecraft touches your magical energy, it begins to unravel, and you drink up some of the remains. But in those moments where its form remains, it can still affect you; a conjured fire will still burn you, the blade of your keys would still cut."
You're silent for a moment as you think about that- it makes sense. You think, at least. You could feel more magic upon you this morning around your- where you got shot. And at least part of it felt like Scathath, that feel of cold stone and old dust and harsh winds. They must have healed you, and if nothing worked on you, they couldn't have. "So then- you said I could use it- you could train it. But if it's just what I do- how?"
"A decent question, for a beginner." Scathath responds, before shifting her stance to a battle ready position in an instant, power and bloodlust flowing off her as you step back with the eddies of air sent rushing through the hall from the speed of her moment as she's suddenly as terrifying as she was on the first night you met her with those blood coloured bloodsoaked eyes-
Then, nothing.
Scathath's back to how she was a moment ago, that power and bloodlust gone in the time it took you to blink.
"You can use it like that- have you not found that when you press yourself, that your circuits flare and your power swells?" Scathath asks, her voice completely normal, as if that moment of murderous intent had never happened, to which you can only nod. You know what she means, the thumping of your heart and the spider-crack glow on your skin as you press yourself more. "That brings your magic to the surface, so that things would unravel faster. And of course, the reverse is true as well. But that is not all."
One more pause, as Scathath points her spear down, its tip aimed straight for the tarnished blades of your keys. "Your blades are made from you, connected to you. Cut through the weave of a spell, and it shall begin to fall apart before it even touches skin, let alone burns flesh."
You glance down at your blades, the wisps of smoke drifting off their blackened surface- can that really work? Or- can you do it? "So, you will learn to do this!"
You glance up at the commanding tone Scathath speaks in, being snapped out of your reverie to-
Pain
A single word from Scathath, and a bolt of lighting cracks out from her finger, leaping across the distance between you faster than thought, a viper lunge that strikes you straight on one of the handprint-like burn scars on your chest, sending you to the floor gasping.
The sigil Scathath wove into your clothing glows as you gasp upon the floor, pain shooting through you as your circuits glow around the point of impact, a tingling buzz around the pain. Ruler's stood up angrily as you sprawl there, yelling across the room at Scathath, readying a fist. "And what was that?"
"I said I wouldn't harm her." Scathath says matter of factly, unbothered by Ruler's imminent wrath as you scramble to your feet "I never said it wouldn't hurt."
"It's- I need this" You interject, standing fully upright as you shakily cut off Ruler's response. "I can- I've... This isn't pain."
Ruler said she saw your dream last night. If so, then she knows what you've been through. This stinging- a mere lightning strike is nothing compared to that golden light.
"If you're sure, Master… then I shall trust your courage. Let me see you cut the lightning." For the concern in Ruler's voice, there's a hint of pride as well, and as she sits back down to leave you facing Scathath, she whispers to Gray as well, who joins her back on the benches.
"You wish to continue? Very well." Scathath sats flatly, the slightest hint of interest flickering in her captivating red eyes. "You have my interest. Now, begin."
You hurl yourself to the side as you see Scathath bringing her aim towards you, slashing desperately in the vague direction of the lightning. She's holding back- she's got to be, you can see her moving. Even so, it's faster than you can react to properly, and you're thrown to the ground again. You get back up, ready yourself, and continue, more and more of your circuits glowing through your flesh as you push yourself harder, feeling the trickles of power flow into you from each bolt that strikes you. Your heart faces and your breathing is heavy, as you start to focus more on raw evasion, to throw yourself out of the way of the lightning before trying to intercept it with your blade, to no avail.
"Running won't make me stop" Scathath calls out imperiously, as another bolt of lightning sends you sprawling to the ground, Flat and Izabetha having stopped their duel to just watch your exertions. "Stand. Fight."
You gasp, dragging yourself up to your feet once again, feeling your body pulsing as you push yourself more and more, the pale light that shines from the cracked pattern of your circuits having spread all over your body now. Scathath's right- you're not getting anything trying to dodge and strike at once. So you've got to stop trying to dodge.
You gasp for breath, steadying your keys in your hands as you blot out everything that isn't Scathath. You see her finger track towards you, her lazy aiming. You strike, swinging your blades towards the pulse of magic, to where you think she's aiming-
Again, pain floods through you as you're knocked to the ground by a bolt to your chest, adrenaline flooding through you as you rise to your feet because you need this strength. So you stand up.
Again.
Again.
Again.
Until at last, you feel the flow of power sharpen, you see the faint spark of lightning at Scathath's finger as she points- you can feel it all- you know where it's going to strike. Again, you swing your keys at the path you know it will take. And at last, you succeed.
Your blackened blades cut through the air as the lightning crosses the space between you and Scathath, a point of darkness against the brightness of the lightning as they collide. You can feel it, the spell tearing itself apart on your sword, leaving nothing but tattered and fading arcs to impact your body, the tingling they send through you barely noticeable.
You did it.
You did it!
A wordless exhalation of relief and triumph slips past your lips as you slump forwards onto the arena floor, shaking with exhilaration. You did it. A cheer draws your attention, and you look around to see Ruler clapping from the sidelines. You flash her a tired smile, before Flat bowls over you as he runs over to grab you.
"Hey you really did it that was so cool how you just kept on getting up and then you got it and it just broke apart you cut the lightning and eww you're all sticky- hey Lancer are you going to teach me something like that yes some of the magecraft is really neat but that was so awesome!" Flat's praise cuts off as he ungrabs you, realising that you are indeed quite sweaty from your exertions. Which is- good. As it was bad enough having your burns exposed for them to see but having someone else touch them was- no that's just too much.
"Because unlike you, she does not repeatedly attempt a dropkick the moment an opening arises." Scathath says icily as you heavily breathe behind your veil, calming yourself from both your exertions and Flat as Scathath turns her attention to you. "I suppose we can call it there, with that passable effort. It is enough for now, and the shield I gave you against my attacks fades. Do not get overconfident- your foes will not hold back as I did, and you will be without that level of protection in actual battle."
"You may clean up first. You need it more than I do." Izabetha says offhandedly as you nod to Scathath, putting her halberd away in a case- a regular wooden one this time, rather than the wire and metal construct she fought with last night. You mutter a word of thanks, before turning towards the changing room, forcing your tired legs to walk towards it.
"Ah- Mimi-" Gray catches you just before the door, her hands fidgeting with her cloak slightly as she keeps a bit of distance between her and you. "Is everything- you stiffened a bit when Flat grabbed you. Do you want me to tell- are you okay?"
"Ah- I'm just… not used. To wearing something that's so light." She was watching- she'd have noticed you stiffening up. You think you can admit this much to her at least. Someone else- maybe not. Probably not. "To be so exposed- I'll be fine once I'm covered up again. Really."
This, at least, you believe. Your scars are something… you've had them for as long as you remember. They're not as raw a cause compared to some of the other breakdowns you've had. At the very least, it looks like Gray believes you, and you see her step away more than she was, getting a faint glimpse at her expression softening in the shadow of her hood, worry melting away. A little goodbye, and you're left with nothing between you and a wash.
What do you do after the shower
[] Go to see Kiara at her church now, along with whoever accompanies you. You've got things you want to talk about after all.
[] El-Melloi's thinking of going back to the archives to follow up on a lead, and you end up accompanying him.
[] You sit down and have a talk with Izabetha about you and the last war.
[] Just relax, have some time to unwind and pay Gray back for the food she bought you earlier.
Pick one additional person not present to also be there. (Going for one to lighten character presence and ease writing, I am blameless here)
[] Izabetha + Archer
[] Flat + Scathath
[] Gray
[] El-Melloi
[] Kiara (for relax vote only)
[] Adashino (Church / relaxation only)
"Me." The world slips out of your mouth without you even thinking about it. But as soon as you say it, you realise that that is what you want. If- if you're a grail, or at least something that was once part of it. Something-someone close enough that you could call yourself a lesser grail and not be wrong… then no matter what you do, this will be you.
"This- no matter what, I'll have- be able to do this." You say, stumbling over your words as you try to figure out how to say it. But it's not stumbling from lack of confidence. You want this. "So then it's best to know how to use- control it. Because it's just me."
"So you would choose this? Very well!" Scathath nods, standing firmly in the centre of the arena, turning to shout instructions to Flat in the background as he continues his defence against Izabetha's onslaught. "Remember, no distractions no matter what we do here. That's how you die on a battlefield."
Flat nods a brief affirmation as he desperately fends off a two handed sweep from Izabetha's halberd, as Scathath turns back to you.
"So, to begin. Your body is capable of resisting magecraft, and absorbing the mana used to make it." Scathath says matter-of-factly, one hand resting her spear on the ground, the other counting off points for emphasis. "This is not the same manner of Magic Resistance that I possess by virtue of being summoned as a Lancer. For me, the magic I resist simply cannot touch me. This is not the case for you."
A short, pointed pause before Scathath continues. "Any magecraft needs structure to function. That is what you do- the moment any magecraft touches your magical energy, it begins to unravel, and you drink up some of the remains. But in those moments where its form remains, it can still affect you; a conjured fire will still burn you, the blade of your keys would still cut."
You're silent for a moment as you think about that- it makes sense. You think, at least. You could feel more magic upon you this morning around your- where you got shot. And at least part of it felt like Scathath, that feel of cold stone and old dust and harsh winds. They must have healed you, and if nothing worked on you, they couldn't have. "So then- you said I could use it- you could train it. But if it's just what I do- how?"
"A decent question, for a beginner." Scathath responds, before shifting her stance to a battle ready position in an instant, power and bloodlust flowing off her as you step back with the eddies of air sent rushing through the hall from the speed of her moment as she's suddenly as terrifying as she was on the first night you met her with those blood coloured bloodsoaked eyes-
Then, nothing.
Scathath's back to how she was a moment ago, that power and bloodlust gone in the time it took you to blink.
"You can use it like that- have you not found that when you press yourself, that your circuits flare and your power swells?" Scathath asks, her voice completely normal, as if that moment of murderous intent had never happened, to which you can only nod. You know what she means, the thumping of your heart and the spider-crack glow on your skin as you press yourself more. "That brings your magic to the surface, so that things would unravel faster. And of course, the reverse is true as well. But that is not all."
One more pause, as Scathath points her spear down, its tip aimed straight for the tarnished blades of your keys. "Your blades are made from you, connected to you. Cut through the weave of a spell, and it shall begin to fall apart before it even touches skin, let alone burns flesh."
You glance down at your blades, the wisps of smoke drifting off their blackened surface- can that really work? Or- can you do it? "So, you will learn to do this!"
You glance up at the commanding tone Scathath speaks in, being snapped out of your reverie to-
Pain
A single word from Scathath, and a bolt of lighting cracks out from her finger, leaping across the distance between you faster than thought, a viper lunge that strikes you straight on one of the handprint-like burn scars on your chest, sending you to the floor gasping.
The sigil Scathath wove into your clothing glows as you gasp upon the floor, pain shooting through you as your circuits glow around the point of impact, a tingling buzz around the pain. Ruler's stood up angrily as you sprawl there, yelling across the room at Scathath, readying a fist. "And what was that?"
"I said I wouldn't harm her." Scathath says matter of factly, unbothered by Ruler's imminent wrath as you scramble to your feet "I never said it wouldn't hurt."
"It's- I need this" You interject, standing fully upright as you shakily cut off Ruler's response. "I can- I've... This isn't pain."
Ruler said she saw your dream last night. If so, then she knows what you've been through. This stinging- a mere lightning strike is nothing compared to that golden light.
"If you're sure, Master… then I shall trust your courage. Let me see you cut the lightning." For the concern in Ruler's voice, there's a hint of pride as well, and as she sits back down to leave you facing Scathath, she whispers to Gray as well, who joins her back on the benches.
"You wish to continue? Very well." Scathath sats flatly, the slightest hint of interest flickering in her captivating red eyes. "You have my interest. Now, begin."
You hurl yourself to the side as you see Scathath bringing her aim towards you, slashing desperately in the vague direction of the lightning. She's holding back- she's got to be, you can see her moving. Even so, it's faster than you can react to properly, and you're thrown to the ground again. You get back up, ready yourself, and continue, more and more of your circuits glowing through your flesh as you push yourself harder, feeling the trickles of power flow into you from each bolt that strikes you. Your heart faces and your breathing is heavy, as you start to focus more on raw evasion, to throw yourself out of the way of the lightning before trying to intercept it with your blade, to no avail.
"Running won't make me stop" Scathath calls out imperiously, as another bolt of lightning sends you sprawling to the ground, Flat and Izabetha having stopped their duel to just watch your exertions. "Stand. Fight."
You gasp, dragging yourself up to your feet once again, feeling your body pulsing as you push yourself more and more, the pale light that shines from the cracked pattern of your circuits having spread all over your body now. Scathath's right- you're not getting anything trying to dodge and strike at once. So you've got to stop trying to dodge.
You gasp for breath, steadying your keys in your hands as you blot out everything that isn't Scathath. You see her finger track towards you, her lazy aiming. You strike, swinging your blades towards the pulse of magic, to where you think she's aiming-
Again, pain floods through you as you're knocked to the ground by a bolt to your chest, adrenaline flooding through you as you rise to your feet because you need this strength. So you stand up.
Again.
Again.
Again.
Until at last, you feel the flow of power sharpen, you see the faint spark of lightning at Scathath's finger as she points- you can feel it all- you know where it's going to strike. Again, you swing your keys at the path you know it will take. And at last, you succeed.
Your blackened blades cut through the air as the lightning crosses the space between you and Scathath, a point of darkness against the brightness of the lightning as they collide. You can feel it, the spell tearing itself apart on your sword, leaving nothing but tattered and fading arcs to impact your body, the tingling they send through you barely noticeable.
You did it.
You did it!
A wordless exhalation of relief and triumph slips past your lips as you slump forwards onto the arena floor, shaking with exhilaration. You did it. A cheer draws your attention, and you look around to see Ruler clapping from the sidelines. You flash her a tired smile, before Flat bowls over you as he runs over to grab you.
"Hey you really did it that was so cool how you just kept on getting up and then you got it and it just broke apart you cut the lightning and eww you're all sticky- hey Lancer are you going to teach me something like that yes some of the magecraft is really neat but that was so awesome!" Flat's praise cuts off as he ungrabs you, realising that you are indeed quite sweaty from your exertions. Which is- good. As it was bad enough having your burns exposed for them to see but having someone else touch them was- no that's just too much.
"Because unlike you, she does not repeatedly attempt a dropkick the moment an opening arises." Scathath says icily as you heavily breathe behind your veil, calming yourself from both your exertions and Flat as Scathath turns her attention to you. "I suppose we can call it there, with that passable effort. It is enough for now, and the shield I gave you against my attacks fades. Do not get overconfident- your foes will not hold back as I did, and you will be without that level of protection in actual battle."
"You may clean up first. You need it more than I do." Izabetha says offhandedly as you nod to Scathath, putting her halberd away in a case- a regular wooden one this time, rather than the wire and metal construct she fought with last night. You mutter a word of thanks, before turning towards the changing room, forcing your tired legs to walk towards it.
"Ah- Mimi-" Gray catches you just before the door, her hands fidgeting with her cloak slightly as she keeps a bit of distance between her and you. "Is everything- you stiffened a bit when Flat grabbed you. Do you want me to tell- are you okay?"
"Ah- I'm just… not used. To wearing something that's so light." She was watching- she'd have noticed you stiffening up. You think you can admit this much to her at least. Someone else- maybe not. Probably not. "To be so exposed- I'll be fine once I'm covered up again. Really."
This, at least, you believe. Your scars are something… you've had them for as long as you remember. They're not as raw a cause compared to some of the other breakdowns you've had. At the very least, it looks like Gray believes you, and you see her step away more than she was, getting a faint glimpse at her expression softening in the shadow of her hood, worry melting away. A little goodbye, and you're left with nothing between you and a wash.
What do you do after the shower
[] Go to see Kiara at her church now, along with whoever accompanies you. You've got things you want to talk about after all.
[] El-Melloi's thinking of going back to the archives to follow up on a lead, and you end up accompanying him.
[] You sit down and have a talk with Izabetha about you and the last war.
[] Just relax, have some time to unwind and pay Gray back for the food she bought you earlier.
Pick one additional person not present to also be there. (Going for one to lighten character presence and ease writing, I am blameless here)
[] Izabetha + Archer
[] Flat + Scathath
[] Gray
[] El-Melloi
[] Kiara (for relax vote only)
[] Adashino (Church / relaxation only)
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