Thread: A New Life: Cataclysm || ƒeral x Denna

Elayne trudged through the streets, rats chewing at her heels. She stirred from her depressed trudging to view Zel's messae. 'Try to keep this character alive for more a couple days, ok?' She added, sarcastic in the caring way only older siblings were capable of being. 'Supposedly there's a lot of new content. And I know you are going to go explore the unknown zones even if I told you no, so just this once, I'll let you tag along with Venture's raid provided you stay far, far back and do as I tell you to. Are we clear? East Gate, tonight at 9pm. Tell no one.' Her spirits were immediately lifted by the prospect of joining a high-level raid. Who cared if she was almost guaranteed to die, this was her dream! But she had time, so she picked up her pace, jogging excitedly to Ryan's practice ground. Ryan hailed her as she approached, gesturing with his wooden practice spear. Hail, Elayne! I've learned alot since you were last here, care to see my new moves? Elayne nodded, as this was Ryan's normal way of teaching new abilities. No tomes, no sudden skill-gains. No, that was boring and anti-climactic. Ryan beat you up with a new ability until you either learned it, or thought of a way to counter it. That was the best way to do things. Elayne made her own practice sword with her special iron ring, and prepared herself. Ryan took a single step forward, wooden sword thrusting straight for Elayne's gut. She moved on instinct to intercept, but his sword seemed to flow right around hers, and smash into her shoulder. She jumped in surprise and pain. She was usually on par with Ryan, at least in terms of skill. Had he gotten stronger because of the new update? Or was he using some new skill? Elayne, excited at the prospect of learning something new, prepared herself again, watching Ryan's knees and shoulders, hoping to see his next move before he made it. Ryan took the same step forward, and the same thrust towards her. Elayne again moved to intercept, but her eyes tracked every movement Ryan made, not caring if she failed to block. She wanted to know what new ability Ryan might be able to teach her. Ryan's sword shifted at the last moment, just barely skirting her own sword, and slammed into Elayne's other shoulder. She winced at the all-too real pain. She always had the pain setting on, it made things feel more real, more important, more like a fight should be, two people fighting for supremacy. She knew how to deal with the pain, and instead of stopping after being hit, let her sword continue in it's trajectory, turned slightly to aim for Ryan's head. Ryan took a single step back, sword moving fast enough to leave goosebumps on Elayne's skin. He seemed to know exactly what she was doing, and deftly knocked the sword from her hands. Elayne starred at Ryan, dumbfounded. Ryan grinned at Elayne. It's all about knowing how your opponent fights, and what weapons they have at their disposal. If you know how they fight, and what they use, you can know what they will do next. Follow your instincts, and you will be able to fend off any attack, and strike through any guard. Elayne nodded slowly, understanding the general idea. If she knew how another fought, she could come up with counter-strategies. But Ryan had never given her such general advice before. He always gave advice on a specific ability she could learn. Did that mean the ability to guess what an enemy will do was a new ability? Drool began to pool at the corner of her mouth at the prospect. If she knew how an enemy would strike, it didn't matter how much damage it would do. She could just avoid it or block it. But how would she learn this skill? Normally, she practiced the movements made by Ryan until she understood what he was doing, then the skill would be learned. But this? How would she learn this skill? Celes' stomach rumbled, alerting her to her real life needs. Elayne sighed, waving down Ryan, who was prepared for her next attempt. I've got some other things to do, Ryan. I'll be back in a bit. Ryan just nodded, still watching Elayne warily. She grinned at him. He knew her too well. She had used those same words before to lull him into a false sense of security, then nailed him in the face with her quarterstaff. He had been wary of her ever since. Celes logged off, and let out a soft groan, stretching on her bed. She wanted to see Raine. She had only talked with her for a few minutes before Raine fell asleep. Though the cuddling had been nice. Celes, clothed only in her undergarments, hugged her pillow, and began plotting ways to lull Raine into coming to her room, and cuddling with her. She pulled out her mobile computer, and sent Riane a message. Super excited for Raid tonight. Learning an amazing new ability, and might have some info on those new cities in a bit. Know anything about a mass of immigrants coming to our town? Bring extra dessert, and I might be convinced to share my secrets.