genessia | Fight for your right to parti pris (Backdated to 7/4)

Fly well it does, and there is a moment in which Yamato Man brings his weapon forward before it's lost in the violent explosion. Once it clears and Ted is coming down upon him, he sees the robot master twirling his spear like some sort of helicopter blade.

It's clear that whatever damage was done wasn't enough. And if that weren't enough the speed at which it spins seems to be enough to deflect Ted's overhead blow and, unless he can control his momentum, himself as well.

Either way, unlike Hard Man, this one doesn't leave him much time to breath. It attempts to predict where Ted will land then thrusts his polearm in that direction which double-whammies with the tip of the spear flying in his direction as well.

The deflection sends Ted tumbling head over heels as his force is repelled, in standard martial arts fashion. They're always saying to use one's force against one, and so his enemy had. As he flew back, Ted got the measure of his final opponent. He was not Hard Man; no idle beating post for him to wail on at will. His defenses were too fine for that. So he'd have to be finer, more deliberate, more acute.

In a manner fitting of the attitude, he halted his tumble and kipped up with airy grace. An easy thing to do for one who took himself so lightly. It allowed him enough time to barely sidestep the spear and its child. If he shot at him again, he'd try to swipe the projectile away with his sword. Not because it was easier than simply removing himself, but because it was harder. He needed to hone his accuracy, and fast. As though he were fighting a fan, and needed to stab precisely at the opening between the whirling blades. Or else...was there another way?

There might be. But first he had to close the distance. A frontal assault wouldn't work, so Ted needed to test Yamato's defenses, and see what might. He dove for a piece of rime-encrusted metal, then flung it at his foe. Obviously it wouldn't explode this time, but it would gauge just how keen his spear was. He'd keep his eyes steadily focused on him while rapidly closing the distance, icebrand in hand.

Yamato Man did not fire a second time. In fact, once Ted was out of the way, it didn't make an effort to pursue after him; it was as if something else was more important.

So when the metal is slung in his direction, Yamato Man is already on the move in the direction he fired his weapon to...

.. Retrieve the spearhead, so he could place it back upon the pole. Because of the momentum it isn't too difficult for him to evade the path of the projectile! Still, this also leaves him with his back to his closing in opponent and it just might be the opening Ted needs to lay on some damage.

All right, there isn't any 'might' about it.

That was new. The spears from his fellows were so frequent and seemingly infinite, Ted never would have thought that they needed them back till he saw it with his own two eyes.

There's something like temptation as he considered whether to lay into his backside. A stupid thing to do in any contest of arms, and yet not entirely chivalrous. Then again, his front was well guarded by his whirling spear. This may be the only opportunity to get the upper hand.

Giving in, he lunges with his frostbrand, seeing if he can't made its clockwork a little colder.

Some robot masters can deflect the powers of ice with the greatest of ease.

Judging by the way the blade plunges into Yamato Man, it goes to show that it is not one of them and is left with a rather large, frosted over gash across its back impact. If anything inside has been frozen it isn't obvious. There's no roar of pain or cry of unfairness; the opponent simply turns around with weapon once more perfectly assembled.

Yamato Man leaps back to try and create some distance between itself and Ted then, after twirling its weapon over its head, hunkers down into a position that suggests he's going to charge- not unlike a scene in a samurai film. For the moment it doesn't make any sudden movements. However a hum does emanate from his body, and eventually steam rises from its body.

Ted flashed a smile as the blade struck true, rejoicing in his solid hit, even if it had been treacherously made from behind. Is he, gasp, becoming a pragmatist? Perish the thought!

Then again, drubbing him with two dozen goons forfeit Yamato Man from all manly honor. Why shouldn't it be slain like a rat? What claim had it to noble combat?

Yet Ted couldn't quite resist the temptation to meet what looked to be a charging bull. Surely it had something fateful in store. And yet, less than honorable thoughts filled his head. He thought back to when Koishi had given him the gauntlets, and what they could be best used for. He closed his eyes, concentrating. His brain tried to work out the physics behind his latest maneuver. If his opponent's back was the surest spot, so be it. All he had to do is find a way to gain permanent access.

He ran forward, with his left arm in front trying to conceal his right. Even now, the spectral hand emanating from the gauntlet was grasping his blade at a distance. He would not show Yamato Man his maneuver till it was too late. His forward rush dared Yamato man to unleash whatever attack it was planning. For his own part, Ted would keep a vigilant eye, attempt an evasion, and then flank. If his mind could manage the task, his left fist and both feet would manage his enemy from the front. From behind would be his sword, ready to finish its work, attached by the mystic telekinesis provided by his right glove. It would be clumsy work, but it might be enough. He would attempt to answer the riddle of whether one man can harry his foe from either side.

The moment Ted took a step forward, Yamato Man charged as well with the spear raised up to shoulder length and at a speed perhaps slightly faster than expected thanks to the time it took to charge- Thankfully Ted didn't concentrate long enough for his opponent to rush at top speed!

Yamato's technique is both hidden and not; it isn't until he's in striking distance that he swings his spear in an upward diagonal arc while also slamming his lead foot downward to force his charge to a screeching halt. Since Ted managed to evade it, the only result is a long gash against the back wall, and the chair it was previously sitting on splits into two.

Ted seems to find himself in just the right position to evade the attack then counter in little time. The blade strikes true, and the moment it sinks in deep enough, a massive cloud of smoke follows, along with several bursts of sparks all while crystalized frost spreads over its back.

Eventually the glow of Ted's opponent's eyes vanish once it entirely becomes an ice statue. But at the very least it's in a very cool pose. Yamato Man would have wanted it that way.

Ted's eyes and and breath showed their awe as he looked upon his frigid foe. Yamato Man had threatened a mortal blow that would have cleaved him asunder, only to be narrowly avoided and paid in kind with an icy stab from behind. Only seconds of drama that Ted would need minutes to fully appreciate.

His foe had looked on, full of hubris from atop his oriental throne as his minions overwhelmed. Then, in poetic irony, he had destroyed his proud perch and received a boreal blade in the back all at once. Dishonor revenged dishonor, and for his treachery, Yamato Man was suitably frozen, as though delivered to the ninth circle of hell. Ted wondered if he shouldn't name his sword Cocytus.

Battle ended and enjoyed, Ted wondered how to pay his last respects to the trials. Victory at last! He knew things would work for his good, of course. The Fool always imagines thus. And yet how sweet it was, even if counted upon. Should he bow? Should he dance? Should he make a speech of gratitude for all who'd combined to support him?

Ah, but he remembered his theology. "Giving thanks always for all things unto God". He quickly knelt down and prayed a prayer of thanks, both for security and for victory. That, at least, must be proper. It was short and sweet.

He rose again, feeling glorious. It was time for impropriety. He hollered. "Star, Moon, Death, the trial has ended! The test is vanquished; victory is here, at long last! Peace and praise to you all; we've won!" It seemed to him a thing worth celebrating communally. Star had armed his flesh with threads of power. Moon had armed his limbs with the armaments of Old Hell. Death had armed his spirit with determination. Victory belonged to their blessed quartet.

There was just one issue. "Now...how do I get out of here?"

The moment Ted stopped speaking, a section of the ceiling above the throne area opens up, which lowers a turf-floored lift to the ground. Ideally Ted would want to hop onto that (and no handlebars, of course) to get a free ride back up to the surface where Satsuki, and likely the rest of his company, would be waiting for him.

Truth be told, the fight didn't go the way Satsuki has expected, but she was neither pleased or displeased with the results of the battle. She wanted to see him pushed to his very limit, and in her opinion she hadn't witnessed that. Still, the overall performance was beyond a passing mark.

Anyhow, it probably isn't any surprise at all to Ted that, when he sees her, she isn't smiling. "We witnessed the battle in its entirety. Well done, Satchel."

Ted's beaming, though it dimmed somewhat when he saw Satsuki without such a smile. Then again, she was the stoic. Perhaps she saw it as her duty to temper his enthusiasm, or something.

"Thank you," he said, still resonating with the afterglow of success. He truly did feel accomplished, and Satsuki's compliment, however formal, served to confirm every wonderful thing. There was only one thing left: the long-awaited 3-star uniform. But he wouldn't ask for it; he couldn't. Oh, he wanted to. Every inch of him was begging for the reward. But he knew it would be given in the fullness of time, and he wouldn't diminish the glory of it for the world with impatience. For now he smiled at the company, eager to embrace and give assurance all.

The feeling of accomplishment isn't something that Satsuki is going to shoot down, of course. She's placed a bit of hope in him even though he doesn't work for her- It wouldn't be the first though, that honor goes to someone else, even if their relationship is.. Rather rocky at the moment.

That's a story for another time.

Satsuki raises her left hand, within it a white jewelbox, which she holds out to Ted. BUT FIRST she goes into a long winded speech about inspiration, power, hard work. All that good stuff. Eventually, that comes to and end.

"Theodore Satchel. In due time your new uniform will be granted as promised. Today, however, I would like to present this symbol of proof to commemorate your achievement."

She opens the box, inside be a pin which Ted may or may not recognize designed as a set of three stars.

Ted's not one to miss out on long-winded speeches. He listens with all eagerness and no duty, drinking in every word. He was a little disappointed not to be able to show off his prize to his loved ones whose support made it possible, but good things come to those who wait. Eyes aglow, he looks at the pin. "It's...it's beautiful." His eyes hardly felt worthy to look upon it.

He let out a trembling laugh, when joy and awe dance around one another. "It's...a cross. No, it's three crosses; a Trinity! Oh, thank you, Star!" He can't control himself, he's coming in to embrace Satsuki, his brilliant, shining Star.

Well that actually makes Satsuki rather happy, even if her expression doesn't show it. While it is true she likes to hear herself talk, she doesn't get as many opportunities to bellow out a good address outside of the morning classes- And speaking of which it won't be long before the students and faculty will be arriving.

The other surprise is the joyful reaction of the pin. She can't help but feel there is a slight misunderstanding of what they're supposed to represent but why ruin a good thing at this point? Whatever it ends up meaning to him could be seen as its own importance.

Then, there is the issue of the embrace. Were she a cat she'd go into full hackling mode but, thankfully there is a counter-plan. In fact she never thought the day would come where she would actually have to initiate Operation: Interrupting Koishi Hugs.

"Komeiji." She murmurs, with an edge of urgency in her tone. But now lets just hope Koishi actually intercepts the hug rather than sandwich her between them.

Koishi had been there watching the whole time, sitting quietly in full uniform. She would only interfere if she was needed but all of this action was getting her more and more excited... but she had to stay put... but she was excited! ...but she had to stay put...

And then Satsuki called for her.

With that single utterance a green missile shot toward the two and attaching herself to Ted, tentacles and all, nearly knocking him over and successfully intercepting the dreaded hug Satsuki as about to receive.

"Mister Spaaades!" She laughed. "I'm so proud of you! You did so well! It's absolutely amazing!" And on and on and on, lifting him off the ground and spinning him around until he was more than a little dizzy.

It probably would have been fine if he wasn't being lifted so high!

"Thank you~" He said, winded both from passion and the counter-embrace that was so forceful as to be an assault. There was something appropriate in it, as though he was being born to Valhalla by some curiously green, diminutive Valkyrie. The flood of praise and swelling emotion was matched his heavenly, dizzying ascent, and for once Ted was left speechless. Victory, sweet victory at last.

Edited 2016-08-24 02:08 (UTC)

Oh thank goodness.

It goes without saying that Satsuki is rather pleased with the fact that things went smoothly there, but she finds it increasingly difficult to keep a neutral expression with Koishi releasing so much positive energy and Ted's reaction.

Not to say that she fails; she doesn't. It's a moment admired, then her mind shifts toward her next objective for the day. "Well then; I need to make morning assembly preparations. Have a good day, Satchel, and I shall see you again soon. Komeiji, stay out of trouble."

And with that she turns to head back to the school, though pauses to glance toward then grant an acknowledging nod toward Sans.

[Sans does nothing more but give Satsuki a wink and a thumbs up, and doing the same for Ted when he's looking his way before standing up and walking towards the completely wrong direction, into a closet or anything like it.

Going to check on him would find it sans a skeleton. He's simply gone. Just, why?]

"A skeleton of few words..." Ted remarks once he finds his newest companion gone as taciturn as he came. Was there something wrong? It was the first note of doubt he'd felt that morning. Oh well, maybe he'd explain during one of their strange SOUL sessions.

Koishi finally drifted down after a moment and set Ted on his two feet, reaching up and messing his golden locks.

She turned to Satsuki and gave her a wave, as well as one for Sans before drifting back around in front of Ted, absolutely all smiles.

"Mister Spades!" She poked his forehead gently. "You did so well. What are you gonna do now? Are you going to celebrate? Can I come? I bet it would be fun to get something to eat! What do you think?"

Ted was pretty smiley himself, with a touch of exhaustion. His thoughts were full of everything, from how close he came to being slain, to what financial burdens he may have imposed upon Satsuki for this insane gauntlet. What would the suit be like? What was Sans thinking? And once he got it, what then? Save the world?

But the mention of food brought more immediate concerns to his mind. The exercise burned a lot of calories, if nothing else, and by the sound of his stomach, Koishi's idea had present merit.

"Heh, your artifacts were of tremendous help, Moon, thank you." He'd try and ruffle her hair as well, tit for tat. "Truthfully I thought I might celebrate with the suit proper. Oh how I wished I could show it to you--to everyone! Alas, suppose we'll just have to bide our time. As for where to eat..." Ted's lack of future thought was showing. Come on, think!

"Oh! Aren't there a great deal of farmers and men of the earth in Fayren? I believe they may even let you pick your own and save them the trouble of harvest." It'd be cheap bordering on free too, which was great because Ted was still unemployed and pinching pennies. "That would be Trevenant's favorite thing, next to everything else. And if there aren't, well, he knows and speaks with the forest better than any I've seen."

"You're welcome! There's a lot more of them in Old Hell. I'll give you another one at Christmas if you like. But I won't tell you what it is. After all, it would be bad to ruin the surprise! And it would be nice to see the uniform, but I don't mind waiting either. Better to get it right than rush it."

She was hovering a bit higher than Ted, drifting back and giving him some space. "Pick food? Why would we do that?" She tilted her head. "Inexpensive? Mister Spades, Miss White pays me to help her out and Sis is a guardian and its your special day. I'll pay for the food, okay? That's what a celebration is all about. So it can be as expensive as you want it to be!"

And she wouldn't take no for an answer.

At the mention of Old Hell, Ted's smile gradually fell. He was forced to remember that he hated it, which forced to him consider whether his actions were in line with that hatred. Here he was, thanking her for gifts from a place he practically prayed every day to be destroyed. He nearly danced for joy for almost killing himself over qualifying for another gift from another subarchway. How could he justify it? Because they're useful? No doubt they are; no doubt these gifts could be put to good use in saving lives and whatever other altruism he intended. His own faith rebuked him; what's the point in saving lives if you destroy spirits to do it? What does it profit a man to gain the whole World, and lose his soul? The ends don't justify the means, and he trembled to wonder if all these means were justified. Besides, he was no hard-headed realist; Ted knew he was vain enough to love objects.

Koishi would have to take nothing for an answer for a while. There was another answer he sought, face creeping with worry and tumultuous thought. "...I still hate that place, you know. Am I being...inconsistent? False?"

Edited 2016-09-03 14:48 (UTC)

Koishi just tilted her head. "Well... That's a silly thing to say Mister Spades. Double standards is in human nature. Context is what gives those standards weight which is why it might seem hypocritical when it actually isn't."

A pause. "Except when it is."

She kept pushing him along toward the city and the promise of something delicious to eat. She was a little less enthused though, and it showed on her face. She was thinking.

"Mister Spades?" She leaned forward over his shoulder so she could sort-of see his face, a tentacle still pressed against his back to hurry him along. "I wanna help you out with this. I want to help because you're my friend. You gave me the role of 'guide' and that's a part of my aspect and helping you has helped me amplify it and diminish other... more negative parts. But do you still trust my opinion?"

He laughed lightly at the turnaround. "Yes, nothing kills correction quite like hypocrisy." The ideal was too singly his to admit any flaws. If those objects, however helpful and however much he enjoyed them, betrayed the ideal, he'd have to get rid of them for the greater good.

Ted was easily led by Koishi, stepping wherever her tentacle guided, giving obeisance to the Moon. He was touched that his fanciful will shaped her. Given that, he couldn't mind shaping in return. "So I've done you good, then? I'm very glad; didn't want things too one-sided. Yes, Koishi, you've always meant my good, whatever you said. Speak freely."

Edited 2016-09-03 20:12 (UTC)

Koishi was frowning now, waiting until they had exited the school before drifting around in front of Ted. "You don't trust my thoughts about some things though." She was leaning back in the air. Kind of like she was sitting. "And you dismiss my thoughts and advice when it suits you. Heh... Though I suppose its your nature to do what you want regardless of what any god or demon has to say to you. Maybe that's why I've been told I shouldn't meddle in human affairs...?"

She shook her head. "I may not understand your religion Ted, and I may not know your thoughts as well as I'd like... but I have known others like you. And I know demons. Personally even. Both the kind you can sit down and chat with and the kind that humans create inside themselves. I know them in ways you couldn't understand. Not as an adversary, but as a peer. Likewise I know them as an outsider looking in."

Her eye drifted up, hovering close to Ted. It was half open, the cataract and scar tissue clearly visible. It was probably the closest Ted had ever been to it while it was open. It had an unusual aura around it, the little youkai's brow creased as she focused, her presence seeping into his mind. Trying to read his thoughts without success.

"So when I give advice, even if I don't understand exactly what I'm talking about, understand my perspective. I don't understand your reasoning. I don't understand your context or your double standard. I'm concerned."

"When we spoke about subarchways last time I saw a type of 'justified' pride I've seen many times before. It's the kind warlords and others with a cause have. It's the kind they use to excuse hurting others. And you're using it to feed a deeply rooted despair and a rather frightening level of hatred."

She wrung her hands. "I don't... understand your context. And that type of pride may be justified, but I've met people whose 'inner demons' and flaws love nothing more than to twist those feelings in on themselves so they cause pain. Personal demons, created by humans, are the most cunning because they prey on the things humans fear most. And you can trust a youkai on that." A weak joke.

"I need you to take some time and ask yourself though if you're sure that these feelings are justified and not your own personal bias? Don't answer it now because it's something to think on and not say directly. Because it can be both, you know. Nothing in this world is black and white. Even the pure messages of a deity have to be understood by mortal perception. I don't pretend to understand these things, or even you. I just want you to stop hurting."

Edited 2016-09-03 21:07 (UTC)

Fight for your right to parti pris (Backdated to 7/4)

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