genessia | OPEN LOG/INITIAL VIDEO

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OPEN LOG/INITIAL VIDEO

WHO: Cloud Strife; open to all!
WHAT: With Fayren restored to normal, Cloud seeks to get stronger and step up his training.
WHEN: February 2nd-3rd
WHERE: Fayren; Beach (Feb 2nd) | Nova City; Holodeck (Feb 3rd)
WARNING: None

𝐟𝐚𝐲𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡

[the faint chill within the air doesn't seem to phase the blond much, even as his breath softly fogs past his lips with each composed sigh he takes. Fayren's frigid cold snap may have been reverted, but that didn't stop the land from experiencing it's own natural bout of snow. but for Cloud, it was all the better for him to test his stamina; he'd dealt with far colder. now that he was back to full strength and rested up from last month's assault upon the Ice Queen and the true enemy, nothing would change if he didn't go out and do something about it.

if this world taught the young man anything, it was that even if he was plenty strong, there was no excuse to stop. thoughts of Yang and her own drive to get stronger to be able to stop others from committing terrible things they may not have had any control over... he had to hold up his own end of the bargain as well. Cloud would save the people he cared about from whatever came their way, even if it was saving them from themselves. there was no such thing as being too prepared. which is why he was out here along the soft white shores of Fayren, snow softly crunching beneath his feet that thinly veiled the sand.]

122... 123... 124...

[having taken a short break from rapidly mixing between his six large swords through exercises, he was just beginning to warm up. but nothing beat a good round of squats to get the legs on fire and ready to take things to the next level! Cloud continued to quietly count to himself as he huffs with each downward squat.]

...140... 141...

[once he hit 150, Cloud was prepared to pick up where he left off, the massive sword's edge buried in the sand behind him waiting to be picked back up by its wielder.]

ɴᴏᴠᴀ ᴄɪᴛʏ ʜᴏʟᴏᴅᴇᴄᴋ

[the terrain was only as good as the imagination and settings of the user. but it was close enough. the sky was filled with despair, swirling with darkness as if a malicious storm was on the horizon. the surrounding area and buildings were left in tumultuous ruin as if a calamity had struck years past. and they had, perhaps on another planet. and in the center of this disaster were two imposing forces, the clash of their swords ringing throughout the entirety of the battlefield as if to be etched into history.

defiant of gravity as Cloud gave chase of the image of a man, the simulated foe threw everything they could at the blond. and yet despite tumbling masses of debris that were sliced and hurled his way between blows, Cloud persevered as if it were second nature to him. steel and concrete burned with every cleave of his giant sword, cutting through the obstacles hurled at him like a hot knife through butter. he never stopped, never gave up as the two would exchange blows and he'd evade strikes that would legitimately cut through him and end his life.

no, if Cloud was going to grow stronger, he'd need to surpass himself again and again. but deep down he knew that this wasn't enough. it was a simulation... an illusion created all by himself. this may as well have been a dream that he had complete control over. as dangerous as this training simulation was? this wasn't the real deal. but it'd be enough to refine himself and discover new heights. flying through the air and jumping off falling pieces of skyscrapers, it was a case of deja vu all over again as the illusionary one-winged angel raised its hand above, floating high above Cloud.

fully assembling his Fusion Sword, his eyes flared with an intensity reserved for only one man. one nightmare. Cloud would end this with the next blow.]

HAAAAAH—!!

[before the fake could cast their spell, Cloud soared high up after them, sword ablaze with a fiery blue aura as he channelled everything into this decisive strike. like a star shooting across the sky, he pierced the darkness and ran straight through the crystallized foe. it wasn't the same. it still wasn't. and upon confirming that he'd dealt a definitive blow, the Holodeck's simulation gave way and nothing but the large expanse of a room was left behind as he landed on his feet.]

Haah... haah...

[his body faintly shook as his sapphire-hued gaze turned up towards the ceiling. but it wasn't like last time. the circumstances were that this simulation would end when he defeated his enemy. and even if this place couldn't truly replicate their power, it was enough to get his heart pounding in his chest and his body aching from the blows he did take from the fake. the room was back to normal now, the tension within Cloud's shoulders releasing finally as he swung his sword in a brief, victorious fashion. with a couple of spins of the blade, he sheaths it to the back of his waist with a sigh before he turns to leave- if not for good, to at least get something to drink.]

Not good enough...

ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ ; ᴊᴀɴᴜᴀʀʏ 𝟹𝟷sᴛ

My name is Cloud Strife. [the guy that's usually just some spiky-haired delivery boy who works for a bakery? yeah, he's calling out to the network. he's usually pretty reserved, but his expression is a little more serious than usual] I'm looking for strong fighters to train with. Not looking to just beat people, so if I get a run for my money, all the better. I use swords, but you can come with whatever you want.

Gonna spend the day out in Fayren on the beach if you wanna find me. I'll be there Friday.

[/video]

--

[OOC; The Holodeck option is also available, but Cloud isn't expecting people as he intended on using that day to train more intensely alone. Have at it though! He's accidentally left the observation windows open to the Holodeck since he doesn't use it often. Cloud won't turn you away if you're looking for practice or to be tested by him despite his message.]

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Mm. [nods]

I'm heading out to the beach of Fayren. Not a lot of people using it this time of year it looks like. [what with it not exactly being t-shirt weather yet]

I understand why people wouldn't. It's cold.

[He wouldn't go normally, but this was an exception.]

Might take me an hour or so, but I'll be here.

How's Friday morning sound to you?

Sounds fine. Means I can focus on the cafe in Fayren that day afterward.

Oh. Two birds with one stone for you, then.

You got a name?

Pretty much. Might as well do as much as I can.

Fai. Fai D. Flourite. That's my name.

Good to hear, Fai.

I'll see you down at the beach.

I'll see you then.

[He switches off the feed for the time being. He was going to head there on the day that was mentioned at least.]

Yeah.

[when the video ends there, Cloud knew he'd have a couple of days to prepare. if this open challenge was successful, there was a chance that the blond swordsman would have his work cut out for him. but it's what he needed, to be familiar with all sorts of styles, so he can better himself in the end as well.

that and maybe he could teach someone else in return]

--

[the sun had only just barely begun to rise over Fayren when Cloud's boots sink into the snowy sand. his breath still visible on the chill morning air, the acerbic man's vibrant gaze settled out across the vast ocean. with his Fusion Swords sheathed at the back of his waist, he started walking out along the shoreline, off from the main strip of the beach so that he wouldn't be disturbed- that or so he wouldn't disturb others once he got started.

here, he would wait for Fai, who would be the first one he'd met today.]

[Fai had the time to figure out which weapons would be the best to use, to get the other to work around and the bow and arrow was always a standard choice. So he figured he'd keep that as one of his options. But yet at the same time, he figured he might as well be a man of surprises. And surprised he will do.

So when the day had come around he had the bow on his back as he made his way, stopping over at the cafe in Fayren to check a few things before heading to the beach. He had a quiver filled to the brim with arrows. he had his bow on his back and it looked like he had nothing else. But Fai was aware of what he was bringing as a way to really test how adaptable the guy can be.

Spotting the other he gave a small wave.]

Hello~ I hope I'm not late.

[Cloud pivots on his heel when he faintly hears someone approaching in the distance. the snow had just begun to gently fall a few minutes before, something he would need to factor in as he fought. granted, if they fought in the sand, he wouldn't have to worry about slipping too much. and out here, outside of the Holo Deck, it was a more natural training ground he'd made for himself.

his gaze catches the bow along his back and the quiver with arrows. traditional archery...]

Not at all. [a beat] Thanks for coming.

[he can't recall fighting against an archer before. most people in his world had moved on to firearms for more obvious reasons. but worlds separated these two. Cloud knew better than to assume anything about this man, facing him with a calm expression]

You're welcome. But it's been a while, so please go easy of this old man.

[He said it somewhat teasingly because it was clearly obvious from looks he wasn't that much old. At least mid to late twenties.]

But of course, I don't want that either, I suppose. Better to go all out to get back into the jist of things. [As he spoke he moved to removed the bow, holding it ready as he took a couple steps away as he was long distence.]

But I am ready.

[this man looked no older than him, with Cloud being in his early twenties himself. but he can appreciate his words. this was a test, but he was also going to push the two of them in order to find something new. this was Cloud's reasoning; not to just refine what he already had, but to discover even more]

Mm. [he nods, for once not opting to actually unsheathe his sword just yet as it remained at the back of his waist. while he was used to dodging and deflecting bullet fire, Fai's archery was something new. he imagined the projectiles would be slower, but he knew better then that. so he would test him, the blade of his only less than a second away if he needed to unleash it.

instead, the blond steps further down towards the shore, back turned to the man who'd agreed to face him before he takes a deep breath]

...

[and a calming sigh before he turns, fists clenched as his bright mako eyes watch him cautiously. he'll dodge, inspect, try to get close, but he won't use his sword just yet... though that may change in the blink of an eye if Fai gave him a reason to]

Bring it on.

[Fai smiled slightly, thinking of how many arrows to use off the bat and where to aim. He figured considering how fast he can get in firing them off, he was at least aware not to aim directly, maybe close enough that if the man doesn't react in time that it just causes a scratch.

That seemed obvious in his mind at least, after all you don't have to try and kill using archery, just try and pin someone down, although, with lack of services to do that on the bach, it really was easier said than done.

But within seconds Fai had already pulled an arrow out and fired his aim was that to inches away from the others right arm. he figured the other will either dodge it and not get hurt or it was a little too quick a draw and not something he would expect.]

[Fai's draw was certainly something to be respected. and while Cloud's sword hand was itching to get a hold of a weapon, he held his ground, only tilting slightly as his eyes narrowed in on the arrow that flew towards him. the blond could already see it, well enough that his instincts told him that if that hit it wouldn't have been anything serious.

so this man was testing him... so, Cloud would answer him back, a swift step to the side as he can feel the wind behind the shot follow the arrow as it soars over the ocean. the blond's eyes only move from Fai momentarily, watching the arrow fly into the ocean.

a breath out to that. if he'd been hit by that directly, it'd have been troublesome. it was more difficult to take out than bullets were, that was for sure. to that, while he doesn't draw his sword just yet, Cloud suddenly kicks his foot into the sand beneath him, taking off in a bid to try and close the distance between himself and Fai. if Fai was going to still fire at him, Cloud would test himself to dodge from an even closer range. if he got too close? he'd have to punish him with that blade he was holding out on.]

[Fai kept his calm smile, things like this a good while back had been a normal occurrence and he had been used to battle situations more than he could shake a stick at. So the whole time whole testing him, he was always watching his movements and thinking of his next idea. what would be the best, keep with the bow or try something new. Should he add magic to the equation? Many questions speed past before he figured to try another shot.

So within seconds he already had pulled three arrows and fired them at the same time. It was a little bit harder due to the numbers, but if his calculations were correct he was at least confident in the other dodging.]

[so the two of them shared common ground when it came to sharing in the battlefield. the calming smile on the man's face even as he kept Cloud at bay was telling enough. it was confidence, like plucking the strings of an instrument, natural to him... the blond swordsman had dealt with enough people and enemies in the world to know when someone was sure of themselves. now if Fai can back it up? that'd be all the better.

what he's not anticipating however is the three arrows drawn upon the same bow at the same time. he could handle back to back, but the three shots are spread out that dodging side to side wasn't going to work. so Cloud suddenly ducks down low, performing something of a baseball slide as sand kicks up underneath him before he picks his momentum back up. the arrows fly over his head as he can also feel the power within those shots as well.

Cloud picks up the pace this time, full-on sprinting towards him as his hand reaches back for the Fusion Sword at the back of his waist. he was close enough now, blade held out to his side as the man stomps his foot into the ground short of Fai to ground himself, swinging with a wide arc upwards]

[Fai kept his cool after he had finished firing the arrows he already was using the hand that wasn't holding the bow to draw symbols in the air, upon the other getting closer Fai simply smiled he had managed to use his magic to created a shield in front of him, at least for that one attack.]

That was a pretty good idea you had there. I'm impressed.

[He moved away, deciding that maybe the bow wouldn't work as much anymore, so he moved to put it back on his back all the while making sure that he was a distance away.]

Makes it harder to use my bow anyway, means I would need to adapt.

[the force of the shield clashing against his sword practically stilled the snow that fell around them for a moment, a circle surrounding them faintly blown about by the hit. his eyes only flicker wider for a split second at the spectacle as Fai's magic does the trick. if he were a gambling man, had Fai attempted to defend against his blow directly, it would have proved more difficult.

it was a wise move to create one in which he could use in front of him, and to that, the blond warrior respected his move. he was testing him, and there was something within that smile of his... the confidence in his movements complimenting the grace in both his offense and defense...

as much as he reveled in peace, there was something simpler deep inside, his pride in SOLDIER despite being nothing more than an illusion to the legacy, that excited him. for the first time since they began, Fai's opponent smirked.]

And you're quick to react. [he called back] Thanks to you, I got a new goal. [if Fai observed closely, the chilling winter air picked up slightly around Cloud, traces of what appeared to be blue flames faintly flowing off his body and sword...]

I won't stop until I smash through that magic of yours.

[as quickly as it came, the aura dissipated, but the significance behind would not be forgotten]

Ready?

[before Fai had a chance to respond, Cloud's already taken to the air with a high leap, prepared to close the gap between himself and Fai as he prepares to come crashing down with his weapon in front of where the man stood]

Edited (I CAN CODE I SWEAR) 2018-02-25 03:29 (UTC)

[So far, so good at least a thought that was going through the blond man's head for the most part. He honestly didn't show it, but he like this change, this training, even if it was just learning something new, practicing the old and seeing just how much this man can adapt.

After all in this place adapting always seemed like a good idea, something he was aware of after at least three to nearly four years of living here.

observing his movements he was quick to notice. Was it magic perhaps? It wasn't something he clicked on right away even with the ability to sense magic. It was an ability that didn't always seem to work which was rather annoying.

Keeping his calm appearing he did his usual cheery voice and smile.]

Okay~ But if you do, please don't hurt me too much~

[He had taken a rather serious moment he could have done anything and instead just decided to be himself if for a moment. But he was ready and he had already been writing again, another shield at the ready while already drawing more symbols in a circle. Those ones aimed a spell at him, going past his shield and aimed directly toward the other.]

[alas, what appeared to be magic was merely a glimpse into what happened when he surpassed his former limits. magic, on the other hand, wasn't exactly off the table. Cloud may not have utilized it much anymore, but he'd discovered something within the church of Midgar's Sector 5 slums upon opening the way there. right now, he only carried one piece of Materia with him.

to ensure he could keep going and keep fighting throughout the day whenever he or whomever he sparred with got hurt.

manipulating himself through the air, Cloud can see the bursts of magic coming towards him as he spins through the air. dodging, weaving through, feeling the power of it all as he knew that if he got hit by one of those, or blocked them, he'd be forced back...]

!!!

[unable to avoid the next incoming spell, Cloud keeps his momentum going, instead swinging his sword in a bid to cleave the magic in half. he's made it through, relying upon instinct and experience, mingling to create a formidable warrior as his Fusion Sword comes crashing down over Fai's shield once again as the two forces collide]

[Fai could see the shield back a little bit, which means there was some force going into it. But for the most part, the shield stayed, but with a few cracks. He was aware that it couldn't take that much force before it would break.

But he went to move always making sure that he was keeping a distance because in close combat Fai wasn't as good at. For the moment he carried on using his spells, more for attack than anything. He knew the other was learning and pretty fast which was impressive so he figured this might end soon.]

[the two carried on, neither side giving an inch as Cloud continued to press what little advantages he could get. it was almost like an exercise at this point. get close to Fai, attempt to break through his shields he created (the cracks were an accomplishment enough. but eventually he wanted more), avoid and parry as many spells that the man cast towards him...

while Cloud had done a fair enough job of dealing with most attacks that came his way, he wasn't indestructible. far from it. which is why after a good minute of this faster paced assault between the two, Cloud's taken a couple of glancing blows off the spells Fai cast. but he never got through to actually break his defence. this man truly must have been a glass cannon... at least, that was his assumption. one direct strike from Cloud and what would that have meant for his sparring partner?

after another clash, the two break away as Cloud lands a short distance back from Fai with a couple deeper breaths to ease his hastening heart]

Phew.

[while he doesn't completely fall out of a fighting stance, his posture loosens as he confidently smiles to the taller man]

You're defences are really good.

Thank you. It's the only good thing I can do, that isn't attack based.

[Which was true, he couldn't learn healing magic for reasons, only attack and for some reason those defense spells. As well as just random magic he might come across.]

But as you can tell it makes up for the fact I am a long distance fighter. However as much as you have done well to put the cracks into my shield if you give me the time, I could easily fix it up. To give a little lesson, you might also notice one thing.

[Fai points to all around him, it was slowly obvious the shield was only ever in one place, not all around him. Like a knight would wield a shield.]

My shielding spell only can be in one place at a time, if you move quick enough you would have got me.

[as Cloud observed and listened, he used this time to mentally assess himself. there was no need to heal himself just yet with the Restore Materia on his person. when the revelation behind Fai's one big flaw in his defense came to light, he simply nodded.

if he moved quick enough... admittedly, Cloud did have a newer technique at his disposal that could grant him that very advantage. however to use that would have meant he was very likely going for the kill. not unless he was able to abruptly stop the sequence before potentially striking his opponent.

and yet...]

I see.

[Fai did something for him. it gave him an opportunity to explore his own power and how to utilize it in different ways. he wasn't ready to try this new method out on another person just yet.]

If I was any slower, your spells would have hit me a lot harder.

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truesmiles - 2018-03-06 09:11 (UTC) - Expand

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