jikan_rpg | [closed] 🌸still like the morning dew❄️

Entry tags:

[closed] 🌸still like the morning dew❄️

⌛ Who: Cloud Strife & Kamisato Ayaka
⌛ What: Sparring & learning the ways of Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu
⌛ When: After their Itabashi Springs vacation
⌛ Where: Kamisato Estate • Kyoto
⌛ Warnings: None!

[ It's a conversation they've had before, wishing to keep their wits sharp and blades even moreso despite these peaceful times. But with the space between them as he grows ever so closer towards finding a place in Kyoto, there hasn't really been enough time to actively pursue this contest. Not when both of them were contented with spending time together in other ways. But it's when the two of them returned back to his apartment, his newfound Kizuna Katana drawing their eye, that he finally voiced something he'd been harboring for a while. At first, it was the wish to spar with her; he told her as much the night they left the palace. But now? It's something deeper than just wishing to test his strength against hers- deeper than just learning how to fight somebody lighter and faster than him.

"I wanna learn." a beat and a nod, affirmation to himself before he seeks her gaze to ask, "The Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu." ]

— — —
Kamisato Estate • Kyoto
— — —

[ It was a foregone conclusion. Even without their intent to spar and train, neither one were prepared to say goodbye just yet, even after their getaway to the Itabashi Springs. It also didn't hurt that he could use this time to house hunt during his stay in Kyoto. It was just for a couple days; then he'd return to Tokyo to work again. This would be the first time that Cloud was going to stay on the estate, no need for crashing someone's place or renting a hotel this time. This time, he's packed appropriately, still opting to bring the Buster Sword just in case. But he has zero intention of using it on this trip. Not when he's packed two different weapons.

The longer-bladed Kizuna Katana gifted to him by the researchers, and a matching bokken. Luckily for him, both are secured around his waist so he has less to carry in his arms. To anybody else who sees the man loaded out with light luggage and three different swords? He's making a damning case as an intimidating bodyguard for the young Miss Kamisato. The walk back to the estate from the station is a tried and practiced path for him, having done this many times before as they round the street corner leading towards home.

First order of business? Get unpacked and settled in. Second order of business? Well...he's not in a hurry to start fighting. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ It is a day to celebrate, because Cloud is here in Kyoto and he hasn't said goodbye yet. Ayaka's excitement is impossible to ignore, little sakura flowers floating above her head and spinning, ever since they got off the train station! The flowers only disappear whenever they'd talk to other people, such as the time they passed by a restaurant to buy food to take home. Ayaka's learned a little about cooking, but she doesn't feel confident enough to prepare a meal for Cloud just yet. For today, they'll have some onigiri, gyoza, and katsudon. And while Cloud's off to get settled, Ayaka's in the kitchen keeping their food for now, to eat later after they're done sparring.

Ayaka wouldn't dare invite Cloud to her room and close the door. That would be very unbecoming of a young lady whose elder brother could walk in on them at any time! And so, Cloud's been given the guest room, which hopefully should be comfortable enough even though it's nothing like a "master's bedroom".

When she's done, and when she's gotten tea served in the dining? She knocks on the wooden panel of Cloud's door. She can see his silhouette from the sliding door. ]

Cloud? I've prepared matcha for us to drink. Please come to the dining when you're ready.

[ Cloud's cooking skills were still paltry in the grand scheme of things. Think, if he had a specialty dish right now as a Genshin character, it'd be just a bowl of rice. That's it. ... Maybe season sprinkling for texture so that it's differentiated from the non-specialty dish you can cook. fdhajsk But to have prepped meals for them during his time in Kyoto for the time being? It wasn't so bad. He didn't get this close to the white heron for her cooking, after all. Something they can learn and practice together!

Once he's been shown to his guest room, which may as well be a Master Bedroom compared to the size of his apartment one, he wastes little time in getting settled in, dropping his bag and removing the Buster Sword from his back. Here, however, he can't just rest his weapon against the wall tip down. He'll just stab through the tatami or ruin their nice wooden floors. So instead, he rotates it so that it's right side up against the farthest corner. If he had a proper stand for it, it'd almost make for a nice display piece...

Besides. He'll be using his new blade during his time here.

Shrugging his kimono off his shoulders, he works to remove his harness he's got underneath for holding his sword when he hears a knock on his door. Looking over his shoulder, his silhouette nods as he removes the straps. ]

Be right out.

[ Once it's removed and set aside, he repositions his undershirt and kimono. He has new training clothes, another pair of hakama pants and a light robe he'll switch to later. A minute later, he slides his door and leaves it open as he steps out and down the hallway towards the dining area. ]

There. All set.

[ Ayaka's already seated on her side of the table, where she usually sits when she has Cloud over. The tea is prepared, four cups, just like last time. In this room, there's not much change. The shrine Ayaka's built for her parents is now complete, though, a small painting of both her mother and father next to a bouquet of tsubaki. She doesn't want to make a big deal out of it, pulling Cloud to kneel with her in front of the shrine. She's introduced Cloud already to her parents, after all. But she would like to formally show him how her parents looked before they passed away.

She gestures to the two tea cups still on the serving tray. ]

Would it be all right if you served my mother and father again?

[ So he can see the change for himself. ]

[ It's been a while since he's last been over, so while carrying three swords and luggage, he was more focused on getting shown a room to drop his things. Though it did cross his mind in their contented silence on the train ride to Kyoto, that he would need to have a word with her parents again. Even if it was just a passing greeting, Ayaka treasures that shrine. Just as he once tried telling flowers to learn to talk to Aerith, he took it a step further in the home of the Kamisatos. So color him surprised when he steps into the living room, eyes trailing from his girlfriend towards the corner of the room... ]

Is that...?

[ "Would it be all right if you served my mother and father again?" ]

Ah- [ Blinks. ] Yeah.

[ Not wanting to appear too eager as he spots the completed shrine, he abides to Ayaka's wish and repeats what he did last time. The first tea cup in his hands as he sets it on one side of the painting. In front of her father. The second tea cup he takes from the tray and sets down in front of her mother. Fresh matcha steam frames the portrait like wisps of incense, adding to the Shrine's image. But instead of returning to Ayaka immediately after...he shifts down on both knees, sitting on his heels seiza style in front of the shrine as he gets a better look at the two.

The sense of wonder in his mako-infused eyes settles into a calmer and somber look. He doesn't think to ask her how she got this, only voicing softly, ]

You got it...

[ Now that he has a face to the folks he once told he'd watch out for their girl, he sighs through his nose before looking back at Ayaka. ]

You got your Mom's looks.

[ And Ayato his father, too! ]

[ There is a reason she wanted Cloud to serve her parents the tea again, and it is so he can make the discovery that she's completed the shrine for her parents while he's been away. Ayaka is very proud of what's happened and what she's done, and is truly very fortunate that something like this could even be possible.

She watches Cloud when he sits, a look of admiration on her face. In this moment, she is truly and utterly content. This has been something she's wanted to share with Cloud for some time now, but at the same time, it is not something she wanted to pressure Cloud with. The timing of their most recent trip and their plans now could not be any more aligned. ]

Do you really think so? I looked up to my mother a lot. She was so beautiful and elegant in every way. [ It's only just her appearance that Cloud is commenting on, but it means a lot to Ayaka still. ] I hope to one day be more like her, apart from taking on some physical traits.

I'm glad... [ Placing a hand over her heart, she bows her head a little. ] You can finally see the portrait of Ayato's and my parents. I'm able to share more of myself with you.

[ Nothing would replace the feelings deep in his heart for the family he once had- more specifically his mother, of whom he remembered the most. Seeing this portrait that Ayaka was successful in retaining, it leaves him feeling content. And yet, deep down...there's a bittersweet comfort in being here, too. The fact that all that remained of his past was burning memories and a friend who'd endured the same pain. He doesn't have a portrait of his Mom- doesn't have any possessions of her, past memories locked in time. As Ayaka speaks, his gaze returns to the shrine. ]

I think...you've got a running start.

[ When it comes to being more like Kayo. The young girl who became the Shirasagi Himegimi when her Cryo Vision manifest, when the gods cast their gaze upon her and recognized her aspirations when she finally bested her brother in a duel. Ayaka grew up so fast... He's had many nights thinking about her and everything she's shared to reflect upon that. And it only made his ambitions grow stronger. It made him want to know Kamisato Ayaka better- to be by Kamisato Ayaka's side. To stay, just as he wished.

"I'm glad..."

Cloud sits more upright, looking back just in time to see Ayaka placing a hand upon her heart. That sense of wonder and admiration hasn't left his gaze, the gravity of her words leaving his heart warm despite the weight he feels. Just like the first time she toured him around the estate, the first time he knelt in front of that Shrine and respectfully listened as she told her parents about her new friend... He wouldn't take this for granted. How can he feel any other way, when being here felt like he'd found what could fill that void? ]

Just wish I could show you mine, [ he truthfully shares, softly before he turns to offer a bow of respect to the Shrine one more time. He scoots away then, back to his seat at Ayaka's side as he smiles to her with his own matcha tea in hand. ] Thank you.

Edited (DAMMIT PROOFREAD) 2022-07-19 05:45 (UTC)

[ Ayaka is happy to be able to share yet another important part of her to someone she's grown to respect and admire. Yet, there's a part of her that grows sad when she hears Cloud saying he wishes he could show her his parents.

That would be nice, and she wishes she could lift his spirits by saying nice words, but... his home burned down. What possessions he'd be able to retrieve now would be items from where he's staying at present. If he has memorabilia of his family, then perhaps there is a chance, but...

No, she refuses to give up just because of what she knows. It wouldn't be right if she--they--didn't try everything they could. Placing a hand over Cloud's free one, she calls his attention. Look only at her, not at the past or what's weighing him down. ]

I am your star, aren't I? And you've made a wish, so I shall do everything in my power to grant it.

[ She has an idea now. Her family's portrait was found by a scientist and delivered here. Surely, she can ask for help from him to get this done, even if it might take a while. ]

When that time comes, I look forward to meeting your family.

Edited 2022-07-19 07:10 (UTC)

[ Perhaps it was for the best that, while he was comfortable in confiding with her, that he didn't recall the events of Sector 7, and how his new 'home' was taken from him again. Even still...there really was nothing left of his past, not even before everything literally came crashing down. But as he stares into the still waters of his tea, his gaze half-lidded as he thinly smiles, Cloud also feels that he can accept it. What else was there to do but keep moving ahead? What's done is done. And if he can focus on what's right in front of him, and embrace moments that make him look forward to seeing what tomorrow brings, then that's exactly what he's going to keep trying.

It's going to take some time, but the best thing he can is share memories through words with her, and move on— ]

...?

[ "I am your star, aren't I?" Cloud's breath softly catches in his throat, feeling her hand atop his as his attention is returned to her. Right back to her smaller, gentle hand that cradles his, before his soft blue gaze trails up to her face. He hadn't meant to get so sentimental, let alone showing as much emotion as he did earlier when thinking of family. He never really had the time to think about any of that back home; how could he, when his own memories were a jumbled mess, pieces still needing to be put back together? But now? After he rediscovered more of the 'true' Cloud that'd been locked away? After he opened his heart to a little bird that finally spread her wings when she was with him... ]

Ayaka...

[ He didn't know how she was going to do it. Whether it was possible or not... He didn't have the heart to tell her that he had nothing left. Not when she looks up at him so bright. Brighter than any star he could have dared wish upon. Nothing was truer than her. And right now? As his expression practically melts with a soft sigh, he holds her hand right back. He's choosing to believe in her as he leans in, intent to touch his forehead with hers, a display reserved for them and one that no one else would know.

Ahahah... What was he supposed to say? There's so many things he wishes he could tell her, all vying for his voice's attention.

To thank her. To tell her how much something like that meant to him. How he couldn't remember his Dad, but how he knew his Mom would love her. ~~Like he did.~~ ]

Can't wait to show you off.

[ It is a big thing, to commit something like that. Ayaka isn't short of determination, though. Just like how she's committed to helping her brother and making sure he's not alone, she's dedicated herself to Cloud in a way that she's never done before. He's been so kind to her since the way they met, and he's given her a space to be comfortable and discover herself. He makes her heart flutter, fills her dreams with nothing but good things... how can she live not returning the favour?

She'll do it all for him. Sacrificing pain or her soul or her time so she can be with him. ]

Please don't lose heart.

[ With her free hand, she cups his cheek again, just like the night she comforted him when he awoke from a nightmare. It's unintentional, but when she wants to feel close to him, it seems that this is what she does. Squeezing his hand, she leans in to give him a kiss. ]

[ But she pulls back when she remembers where they are, and what they're supposed to be doing. Ayato's not home right now so she can get away with kissing her boyfriend, but!!! Her parents are right there! Smiling at them both!!!

...

Ah... she almost got carried away. She clears her throat and lets go, both hands cupping her teacup so she can take a sip instead. ]

Please forgive me. We- We can't here... in front of them...

[ It was a two-way street; if Ayaka was comfortable and learning how to be herself because of him, Cloud had practically left that 'Ex-SOLDIER turned Mercenary' behind because of her. Someday, there'd come a time where he could tell her why he lied to her, to everyone about being in SOLDIER and how important it was to him. When he knew the answer for himself. But one thing was certain, the boy that she knew here and now? Was still true. It was still the real Cloud. And this is what mattered to him. Being here. Knowing that when he stepped through that doorway to the Kamisato Estate or into his own place in Kyoto, he would do so knowing that she was waiting for him.

He doesn't shy away from her touch when she cups his cheek once again either, quietly resting against it. If she had wondered how many nightmares he had since he confided to her in everything, it was enough. Enough that he simply needed to remember what it felt like to hold her hand, even as he reached out for nothing in his empty room. But they did truly wane, especially with his resolve steeled by knowing what was waiting for him at the end of this road of hard work. ]

...

[ He reacts when she squeezes his hand, slowly leaning in with her before she suddenly remembers herself. A hum of worry leaves him as he lets go with her, canting his head when she goes straight for her teacup. ]

In front of...? [ Who? One second. ! ] Oh.

[ He's not disappointed! But he does follow her lead, clearing his throat subconsciously to grab his own matcha tea. ]

Sorry. Wasn't trying to, um...

[ But he wouldn't have stopped. 😌 And...what she wanted for him was sweet. And she deserves to know that. So he lets one thought among the many in his head fly free before he takes a sip, ready to enjoy this peace with her and her family. ]

Thanks, Ayaka.

[ It's funny to think about now, with the moment having passed already. Of course her parents aren't here, but... still. The shrine represents her parents, so it's only natural to behave in front of it! The thought makes her laugh, covering her mouth with one hand while the other stays on her teacup. ]

Thank you, too, Cloud.

[ For serving the tea, for being here, and for everything he's done for her. Ayaka appreciates it all. ]

We can head outside so that we can begin our lessons once you're done.

[ Cloud's shoulders give a gentle shake as well, a laugh in his sigh as he enjoys the aroma of the steam before taking a sip. The fact he was going to be here for the next couple of days before he went back to work for the end of the month... If only he could stretch those days out. But the two have learned better, even when they texted and called through the magi-comm. They were never very far apart, and whether it was Ayaka returning to Tokyo for a shopping trip or to see him, or the other way around...

He was going to make the time. Just in the same way that Ayaka has for him. So that two days in Kyoto would spread out into three. Then four. And beyond. It's a thought that brings a smile to his face, more focused and determined than ever to come back into his own person for her. ]

I'm ready.

[ And he'll keep coming back, until the day came that he could finally say, "I'm home." ]

[ Having thought of this for quite some time now, he hadn't just come prepared when it came to his weapon. But his outfit as well. Seeing as the Kamisato Clan was well known for studying the art of the blade, the estate wasn't lacking in fine Bokken for duels and training. While he's brought his own, a longer piece of finely crafted oak more akin to an ōdachi, his Kizuna Katana was also of similar length. But for the sake of training and learning, Cloud wasn't going to object should his teacher made him take up a more traditionally-sized wooden sword, either.

This was a first for him... And as nervous as he feels, whether it was his duel with Kaedehara Kazuha or remembering how graceful yet strong Ayaka looked when fighting alongside him against the Great Nippon Salamander, he felt himself pulled towards their blades. Even before he inherited the Buster Sword, Cloud showed great promise as a swordsman; he would never forget or let his skills using such heavy weaponry turn dull. But as he reflects and asks himself who Cloud Strife really was, if not a SOLDIER...

He nods, taking his bokken, ready to find the answer for himself- if this is part of who he can be. Stepping back out into the living room, whether she was ready before him or not, she'll find him wearing an entirely different outfit, a navy blue keikogi and black hakama. Cloud holds his bokken in both hands close to him, knowing better than to swing a big wooden sword over his shoulder while indoors. ]

I, uh, think this is right?

[ What he's wearing? ]

[ Ayaka, meanwhile, doesn't have her own training outfit yet in this place. But that's fine! She's battle-ready in her dress and armour, and sees no reason to change. And as she waits for Cloud, she walks around the garden, making sure there aren't any stray pebbles that could make them trip.

She's a little nervous! Cloud had asked her before to spar with him, and she had accepted the invitation, but this would be the first time they're doing so. The two met in the middle of a combative task, but it has been some time since she last saw Cloud fight. Then again— does that matter? She'll get to know him better today.

Only when she hears Cloud from the inside that she goes back in, a smile on her face and the sakura blooms following her as always. ]

Would you like to tie your sleeves up so they don't hinder your movement? Or do you think you can manage?

[ That harness thing that I DO NOT KNOW THE NAME OF ]

[ Seeing the cherry blossoms over her head, she brightens up the room just by showing up. Then again...did she even need them to pull that off? Seeing her back in her armoured dress, Cloud inwardly wonders if she just hadn't acquired a training outfit for this world yet. Or perhaps this is how she trained, too! Cloud just saw others wearing these, be it at an archery range or practicing Kenjutsu, and especially in weapons stores that sold training uniforms. When he met Lumine for the first time, they briefly caught his eye since they agreed to a meeting point outside a weapon's store in Kyoto.

Now? He's finally got one! And if it weren't for getting used to kimonos and yukatas, this would have been less comfortable for him.

Well...save for his sleeves. Because he was still trying to figure those out when Ayaka saves him, staring down between both of them with a light tint of red in his cheeks. Okay. He almost had it. ]

Still trying to figure out that part, [ he admits as he kneels down for a second to set the bokken on the floor beside him. ]

I'll get something for you, one moment.

[ It is but a short trip to her room. While she may not have training gear in this world yet, she can at least try to help Cloud out! His sleeves are rather long, after all, and she wouldn't want him to get injured by accident, or at all, on her watch!

They will have to make do— all Ayaka can offer is something like a ribbon, not that delicate in material, and strong and thick enough to hold. Coming back to where Cloud is, she holds them up with a smile. ]

Please pull your sleeves up a little, I shall tie it for you.

[ And she'll demonstrate and guide Cloud on how to do it when she does, so that he can figure out how to do it on his own if he ever needs it again! Or she can keep doing it for him, nbd :) ]

[ The chance of Cloud hurting himself because of his sleeves was, admittedly, rather slim. He hasn't really demonstrated how durable he was beyond just a taste of his strength on that Salamander hunt. But the fact he wants to make sure he's doing this right spoke volumes. He's committed! And he'll learn as many times as it takes or as many times as Ayaka wishes to imbue him within her art. He patiently waits, hands on his hips as he gives himself a onceover. Even his socks were those strange two-toed style! They came with the ensemble...

Wiggle wiggle— ]

Ah, [ She's back! He notices the ribbon, tilting his head curiously when she instructs him. He of course, abides, doing his best to neatly pull his sleeves up until his forearms are fully exposed. ] This far enough?

Yes. Please hold still.

[ It's not very intricate, but it's something Ayaka and Ayato wear whenever they train, so that they can continue to move fluidly despite what they're wearing. The longer part of the sleeve is held back with how she wraps the ribbon around and to his shoulder, then doing the same thing for his other sleeve. It's all so she can make a cross at his back, tying it with a ribbon to make sure it doesn't loosen. Now, it's as if he's wearing short sleeves!

It might take some time getting used to, though. ]

See if you can still move your arms? It shouldn't hurt.

[ And it didn't need to be! Cloud does his best to commit to memory the way Ayaka catches the trailing end of his sleeve and securing it around and up his shoulder. It's like another way of putting on a harness... Except his are just simple leather straps to keep his military pants higher up; all he needed to worry about was making sure the magnetic circle is flat to his back. Otherwise if he has it tangled around, it won't sit evenly and the Buster Sword wouldn't attach whatsoever. Yet as his girlfriend busies herself between one side, before smoothly moving over to the other, he finds his attention captured by her all over again. It's not quite déjà vu, but it almost feels like the time he quietly watched her prepare tea for him for the first time.

So relaxed... There's a grace even in this, practiced many times in her pursuit to be the best version of herself she can be- the best version of the Shirasagi Himegimi. Lost in her motions, he almost doesn't register her talking to him, bringing him back down to earth as he blinks and looks over his shoulders one at a time to the way the ribbon is tied. As for his arms? ]

Doesn't feel restricting at all... So that's how you do it, huh?

[ No kissing her out of thanks in the living room. (Not where her parents can see.) But he glows up with a little red in his cheeks and a smile, doing his best to contain his excitement as he nods his head. ]

Thanks. [ He should pick up his bokken, now. ] All set?

Yes.

[ Ayaka can't kiss Cloud right now, but she can at least take his hand to lead him to the garden, the very same place where she'd held her little sparring competition during the housewarming. As soon as they're outside, though, Ayaka stops in her tracks to turn around and get on her toes all for a kiss.

What? Her parents aren't there anymore! Her brother isn't around either. This is totally fine.

The windchimes ding-a-ling as a breeze passes by at the same time. ]

Hehe.

[ Ayaka doesn't have an excuse for that. She just really wanted to kiss him... but okay, okay! It's not too hot outside, so the atmosphere is good! Cloud wants to learn the Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu, and Ayaka is more than happy to teach him what she's been taught growing up. Before that, though, ]

I'd like to see how you handle your sword, first.

[ It'll be easy to figure out where to start after that! As such? First thing to do is to cross blades— rather... cross wooden swords. ]

[ Mindful of his sword, he keeps it close to his chest as they head down the hall and back out towards the garden. It's only when they're finally outside that he sets it over his shoulder with plenty of free space. They don't get very far, though! Not without Ayaka suddenly turning around and putting the hairs on the back of his neck on end. And he's kissed, his own body leaning into her on reflex, even when his cheeks flush a softer red.

If they weren't about to head out for a spar, he'd be dropping his bokken to hold her, instead his eyes are wide as the windchimes ring upon this little piece of serenity. He stares at her with a sense of wonder, and without his realizing it, that familiar light blue spike of hair starts coloring in on the side of his head.

"Hehe."

Please do that again, Ayaka. Take his breath away and give him one more moment to his list of memories worth looping time for.

With that out of the way, the two can focus on training! Determined, he seals that moment in his heart and prepares to come at her. As he steps away from her and gains some distance, he looks over his shoulder first before turning on his heel to face her fully. At the same time, he brings his sword down into a relaxed hold at his side, having seen enough practitioners do this at the start to follow suit, a sign of respect to his new ~~sensei? senpai?~~ sparring partner with a light bow. ]

Gimme everything you've got.

[ And he'll do the same. ...as much as he can with a wooden sword, anyway. Cloud already has an idea of the parameters! Common sense mandates that this ~~doesn't turn into some ultra shonen anime fight~~ stays a test of their swordplay. So he'll do his best to demonstrate and show her what he's capable of, planting his feet and getting into a seigan no kamae stance. Familiar to him - akin to how he'd stance up with his Buster Sword. But now wielding an odachi-length bokken? He feels comfortable. ]

...

!

[ He makes the first move! Eyes flashing with renewed focus, when Ayaka's ready, he dashes at her quickly, intent on delivering the first strike from above. A slash diagonally aimed down her side! Cloud isn't in this for winning or losing, though that didn't mean he was going to fight her like he didn't mean it. The sound of wood crossing wood cracks across the estate as they exchange blows. He doesn't know where Ayaka's upper limits are, and he's not intending to push her to them, but having witnessed her speed in the past...

It was safe to say that whilst he was physically stronger and a talented swordsman, much like his duel with the Anemo-wielding samurai, Cloud was climbing an uphill battle when faced with the faster Shirasagi Himegimi. And he'll keep climbing that hill! Until his sword was loosed from his hand, or hers in kind. Or until told to stop. ]

[ Ayaka is here to test him, to understand his own way of the blade so she may know where to begin if he wants to learn her craft. The Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu dictates that one must have a clear mind. The blade is not a weapon, but a part of one's soul, a means used to protect something you treasure, not to destroy. The more advanced Kamisato Arts deal with the use of elements, its students in particular being Vision bearers. Cloud... may not end up getting to that part— at least, not any time soon, but the basics of the art would be easy to instill in him.

As such, Ayaka does not show any aggression. Staying her sword and only moving to block and to parry. Her eyes, while she would enjoy studying every part of him in a more intimate way, do roam his body with each move he makes. Making mental notes for now, she formulates what comments she can give him when they're done.

It's as if she's dancing on water— the fluidity of each movement Ayaka makes with each block of her wooden sword. Her sandals dig a little into the ground after one particular slash, reminding the younger girl of their difference in physical strength. She takes a few step backwards to maintain distance, finally lowering her sword. ]

How does it feel to wield something lighter than what you are used to?

[ And there it is. The fundamental flaw between Cloud's ideologies and the Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu. To him, this bokken was a weapon. It was an extension of himself, yes, but one he can be parted from without problem. The Buster Sword? ...perhaps more than ever these days, feels like a detached piece from him. As strong and skilled as he was, as he continues to seek openings and attempt to crack open the master of her art, Cloud finds nothing. He's the aggressor, only temporarily stepping back or digging into the ground when he anticipates she's going to strike back. It's like she's not fighting to defeat him...but he doesn't take offense.

But the more confused the blond feels, the more clouded his thoughts become, effectively going through the motions of combat by the time he pushes Ayaka back and she distances herself. Conscious enough of his own movements to realize she's lowering her sword, he looses the tension from his muscles as he answers her in kind, lowering his guard and keeping that distance between them. To answer her question as he glances down at his longer bokken, grip tightening a little as he inspects the dark oak with mako-infused eyes: ]

Like I'm still trying to use something heavier. [ He lifts his sword up in front of him, fingers running along the back of the blade. ] I'm more used to this length, but...

[ The weapon returns to his side. Something feels off. He doesn't understand yet, but it's not the weapon he wields. It's himself. Cloud is off. ]

Could you be bothered by something, Cloud?

[ It is both asked out of concern, and because she would like for him to reflect on the answer so that he may discover it for himself. Ayaka does not know what the problem is, if there is one, but Cloud's answer to her first question did not sound very confident. As such, it is something that must be addressed. ]

Please don't let your guard down.

[ Because earlier on? For the first few minutes of exchanging attacks? It was Cloud chasing after her as she mostly defended. Now, she swings her arm to the side before she begins to take steps towards him in an attempt to be the one on the offensive this time. ]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject