futurology | video | username: pearl

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video | username: pearl

[Pearl was a little apprehensive at first to go ahead about this. But when she thought about it, this would be beneficial to many people here. Especially for people who were not used to missions, or even fighting for that matter.

Swallowing hard, Pearl lifts her head and sets her 'communicator' on a rock in the outskirts of the city. Out of harm's way. Once it was perfect, she starts.]

Greetings everyone of ALASTAIR. My name is Pearl, and I wanted to offer my assistance.

[In her hand, it looks to be a sword, held confidently. She bows in greeting to the jewel, shifting awkwardly. This was so different than what she's used to. Heck, she didn't know if it was even working.

Behind her, another 'Pearl' comes up behind her, with a sword as well, about to strike her over the head with it. But in one swift movement, the opposing Pearl falls to the ground, flickering. Pearl lowers her arm, the sword having penetrated the hologram, which fizzles out of existence altogether.]

I have experience when it comes to swordsmanship, and as well as experience with the use of a spear. I wanted to gather if there would be any interest for some training. We all come from many different backgrounds, myself included. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to defend themselves.

For now, I'm gauging interest. Also, if anyone else is interested in hosting some training as well. I don't... mean to be the 'head' of any group. I merely wish to help where I can. This would help immensely for what might be on the horizon for us.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know. And if you wish to speak to me in person, I'm just on the outskirts here.

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[She sees that smile and honestly it catches her off guard. The push sends her flying back a few yards. But she digs the back of her heels in the ground. She lifts her head just in time to bring her sword up to parry his attack. And she smiles. Just enough force. He's a quick learner.

The Gem pushes off Gilgamesh's sword, to send herself back before she bends doen low. She spins into the air, twirling almost before she brings her sword down towards the King of Heroes head.

She wasn't trying to really hurt him. She merely wished to push the limits. Just a little.]

[She's stubborn. Of course, he'd known that from the start, but he chuckles to see it at work here. It is a pretty smile for a pretty Gem, and when next she comes, there's playfulness in his movements; the tips of their blade meet and he swivels on his heel. He dances with her. He honors their battle with grace and fluid steps, with smoothness and agility inherent to the Archer class.

The length of his sword slides along the length of hers, and he pushes back again. Pushes forward, aims for her weapon rather than for her. Quick strikes. Elegant blows. He mimics her own style and takes to it well, gaining speed with every slice.]

[Pearl was used to brute tactics. Amethyst and Garney had a brash way going about fighting, and Pearl was used to such things. But when someone, besides her own holograms, match her pace. It was a different experience. Challenging almost.

Pearl does get pushed back, and she sees the sword coming in once more. She actually makes a running start for his sword's movements, to match them with her own. Responding to his 'lead' in this dance of theirs. Pearl twirls and tries to strike at different angles.]

You're catching on!

[She says, smiling through her movements.]

[Gilgamesh lives for the challenge, for pushing boundaries. Pearl has found a fair match in this regard; when she runs, he runs, too, and every strike at every angle is met with its equivalent. He has no doubts he could brutalize her if he so pleased, that he could summon forth a surge of strength to overcome her, but that isn't the point here.

No, what they were making here was art. The art of battle, of fair play. Step left, duck right. Aim up, block down. They are an admirable sight and even if her sword is plain, even if she is plain, he thinks her lovely all the same.

Gilgamesh grins and takes a daring swipe, just shy of her legs.]

It seems I have an excellent teacher to thank for that.

[She matches his every movement, her smile growing more confident, even feeling herself try different tactics, only to be met equally. A stalemate of sorts, but it has her adrenaline skyrocketing. Pearl carves into the air elegantly with slight flicks of the wrist, long strokes with her arms, meeting his blade with her own each time. A bit of sweat appears on her brow even as she continues.

Her eyes widen as his sword reaches out for her legs. Misjudging the distance, she hops backwards, to gain a bit of distance between them, and twirls on the tip of her foot, balancing effortlessly before she rests her feet both flat on the ground.]

Oh please, I haven't done much. [She's a little out of breath, rubbing the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. She sighs, almost dreamily.] I haven't had a duel like this in a long time.

[Who knew a mere pearl could match him this way? Of course, he'd argued from the start she wasn't just a pearl. Every gem had a unique cut and its own special shape, just as all treasure had its own appeal. And it is appealing, watching her twist and turn and dance with him. They could go on like for quite a while.

They could, or Gilgamesh could make it decidedly more interesting. He surges forward again, but this time his opposite hand makes a grab for her waist. It is not threatening, quite the opposite, dipping her low and bending her back as the tip of his blade lies poised at her throat as if to take her life. Not that it would.

He has only a boyish wink to offer her by the end, by way of apology.]

Does this mean I win?

[A+ Charisma strikes again.]

[That was. Very unexpected.

Pearl dips back, to avoid the blade but realizes her back is being supported and she looks up at Gilgamesh with wide eyes. She swallows, her neck almost nicking the blade before she lifts her free hand to gently edge the blade down and away from her neck. Her face has a bright blue hue to it, but she tries to brush it off, frowning.]

I wouldn't say that. This was a teaching session after all!

We can consider it... a draw. Yes.

A draw.

[Gilgamesh looks prepared to argue the point, but then thinks better of it and lets her go with a laugh. He stands back again, sword disappearing and hands clasping behind his back, and appears the very pinnacle of innocence. Just a handsome young man engaged in nothing surreptitious at all.

But Pearl should know by now it's very much a ruse. This man was only ever up to mischief.]

I shall accept that. Thank you for the lesson, Pearl.

[For her, a little bow of his head. He'll remember this.]

[Pearl stands up straight and dusts herself off with a small huff, her bright blue blush fading gradually. She steals a glance up at Gilgamesh before she dismisses her own sword, straightening out the non existent creases in her shirt.]

What was all that flattery for, hm?

Flattery?

[Cue poker face. And when you're 5,000 years dead, you've got time to make it a good one.]

I'm not certain I understand...

You know exactly what I mean!

[She bristles visibly and jabs a finger in his direction.]

What you did at the end there! I... It--! [It was something she wasn't used to. then again, she could be making a big deal out of nothing. She crosses her arms stubbornly and looks down at the oh so interesting ground, dimly lit by the torches nearby.]

Nevermind.

[Blink, blink, pause, and then...]

Oh. It's because I fancy you.

[...maybe it wasn't nothing after all. Though Gilgamesh seems no more or less fazed than before, standing there like a saint.]

I...

[She blinks owlishly and glances back up at him, suddenly feeling like she's been put on the spot.

And then she laughs, a nervous edge to it as she waves her hand dismissively.]

Oh please! You're kidding, you barely even know me!

You're treasure. I have always known you.

[He looks serious about this... it's also the truth, just brought about by a very bizarre sort of logic only a King would ever understand.]

[Pearl shakes her head, her hands on her hips as she laughs lightly with a small sigh.]

Is that all you see me as?

[Gently:]

What else should I see?

[That's a rather heavy question, which, yet again, catches her off guard. She clutches her hand over her chest as she looks ahead of herself suddenly unsure.]

I don't wish to be seen as a thing. [Something pretty to look at. A pack mule. Someone's property. That's how all Pearls were treated on homeworld.]

I would like to be seen as an individual.

[Gilgamesh weighs her request for all of a few moments, considers it fair, then nods.]

Alright.

[Granted, it would take a lot more than a off-handed alright to change one's world view, but she's so sincere—and so very cute in being sincere—that he cannot possibly deny her. He at least will try, and that's better than most ever get from the tyrant King.]

You are not a thing. You are you. I will honor this moving forward.

[Pearl rubs her forehead with a small shy smile and nods.]

I appreciate it. [She glances back up at him and bows a little.] I haven't had a match like that in quite some time. There's only so much my training program allows. So.

Thank you, Gilgamesh.

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video | username: pearl

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