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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[ Her first time using this two-way mirror view! HI. ]

Hello, Pearl. You know I wield the spear. Shall I come see you?

Ah, Kida! It's good to see you!

[And she smiles brightly seeing her before nodding furiously.]

Yes, of course you may!

Then I will see you in a moment.

[ There's a moment's awkward pause before Kida figures out how to 'dismiss' the video. To be honest, she hasn't gotten into the habit of checking her bracelet. On occasion it makes noise, then flashes with letters she can't read, and beyond the initial moment of confusion, it leaves her mind. Sometimes it's images, or a voice, speaking as if right in her ear. But speaking to the empty air feels strange to her, still. No warmth, and no presence.

She'd recognized Pearl immediately, of course, and that's what prompted her to watch. The display was impressive--if the gem hadn't already explained that she could cast projections, Kida would have probably been alarmed.

The initiative is good, and certainly something Kida can support. Which is why a few minutes later she's out at the edge of town, glad to put her feet in the grass. The Chantesian clothes are still a bit uncomfortable for her, even though she gets much less frowns lately.

Pearl, luckily for Kida, is easy to spot. ]

Here I am. Will you show me again what you did?

Edited (how am words? i. potato.) 2015-10-10 02:32 (UTC)

[And she catches sight of her easily, after projecting a new hologram, whom of which stood at attention, awaiting her next objective. Pearl smiles wider and walks up to her.

She pauses and looks back at her holo-Pearl.]

Oh ah, yes. Of course! [She clears her throat, facing her projection.] Initiate previous training sequence.

[The hologram snaps to attention.] Initiating previous training sequence. Begin.

[Rushing forward, the projection charges right at Pearl, leaping up into the air to strike her from above. Pearl, aware of the attack, sweeps down low, out stretches her arm, and strikes the hologram in the side,sending it falling to the ground. Yet again, to fizzles out of existence.]

Like that?

[ Almost despite herself, Kida claps at the end of the display. ]

Yes! Exactly so.

[ It's just as impressive the second time around, to be honest. Kida's smile turns sharper, and she unfastens her lance from where it lays strapped to her back. ]

I want to try as well. Can it only do what you ask of it?

[ Atlantis doesn't have automata that Kida knows of, so the idea, while she understands in principle, is foreign to her. That doesn't seem to quell her enthusiasm, though. ]

[Pearly blinks owlishly, surprised but produces another holo-Pearl, who stands at attention once more. She looks at her lance, impressed for a moment before she nods, gesturing to the projection.]

You can initiate a training mode with it, if you wish. I'd recommend a lower setting. That last one was a little.. extreme.

[Since it was basically out to kill Pearl really. And the last thing she would want is someone to die because of one of her holograms.]

[ She considers Pearl with a tilt of her head, the corded strand of hair at her temple now grazing her shoulder. Her expression looks vaguely insulted. ]

A lower setting, indeed. [ She tries not to take it personally--she's human, and Pearl has never seen her truly fight. It's only natural, and even wise, to assume weakness in cases like this. She turns her attention back to the hologram, sizing it up, before switching her spear in her grasp, its angry hook now facing downwards, the curve gleaming in the light. There's little to see by; with the sun gone, it's her pendant, the vague dimness of the nearby neighborhoods, and whatever torches Pearl saw fit to bring.

Her stance widens, and in that moment, despite her stiff clothing, her intensity is that of a wild animal. ]

'Initiate previous training sequence.'

[ That's what Pearl had said, wasn't it? Kida braces herself. ]

'Begin.'

[Pearl was more worried for her well being. Then again, she had no idea how well the atlantian could truly take care of herself. The hologram perks up, holding up her sword.

The nearby torches flutter in the light wind, and Pearl stands by with baited breath. She's a little on edge, but looks as though Kida knew what she was doing. Hopefully. The Gem rests her hand on the pommel of her sword, the other gripping gently at the other.

The hologram repeats what she said and soon rushes in, leaping high over Kida's head for the same attack on her, for the third time that day, eyes red and determined.]

[ Kida watches the hologram move. Its body is sharp like Pearl's, and that's mirrored in its steps, the way it tenses its shoulders and springs up. She's seen this before--twice--and knows even before it happens what she'll do.

She doesn't move. She stands poised, her weapon at the ready. She allows the hologram to describe its arc, and when it comes down she dives out of the way, coming up behind it, her spear in two hands like a mace. With the curved end down from earlier, it's easy to swing the weapon upwards and inwards. She uses the momentum from her roll to augment the curving swing. Her blade arcs towards the hologram's throat, ready to tear into it. She barks out a cry, guttural, something that's second nature to her and meant to destabilize a human opponent. ]

[Honestly, both Pearl and the hologram are startled by the movement and the war cry. The projection has barely time to turn around, and lifts her sword to try and block the blade coming at her throat. But it causes to push on the creation, sliding it back in the grass, which does not do well with flat shoes, let alone being startled from earlier. Her footing is all wrong.

Pearl watches intently, watching Kida's every move. She seemed so calm and collected before. But now? This? This was a totally different side of her. Almost like night and day compared to the night she shared Nighwatch with Kida over the camp.]

[ The cry turns into a grunt as the hologram blocks her. The swing is strong enough to force it back, but Kida immediately corrects her footing, bringing her leg in so she and the hologram are perpendicular. This way, it's easier for her to lower her center of gravity and jerk back her spear, snarling like a feral creature. With the hologram's arms busy in the blocking pose, she slams the blunt edge of her speak into the exposed stomach like a battering ram.

Should she succeed, she'll have the hologram bent double, allowing her to sweep her leg back and finish her movement. Her spear arches up again, the brutal hook-end forward this time, to come down right at the neck, hoping to snap the delicate vertebrae. ]

[Pearl drops her own sword, surprised at the savage attack. The hologram is left helpless, bent over from the strike to her abdomen. And then, the blade slices through the hologram, a clean cut. The hologram glitches, hitching on words before it fizzles out and poofs away in a flurry of smoke.

And in the wake of the smoke, Pearl stands there dumbfounded in her spot, eyes as wide, almost horrified, but... equally impressed.]

Kida...

Edited 2015-10-10 14:29 (UTC)

[ Kida actually pitches forward a bit when her blade crosses right through the neck, having failed to meet any muscle or bone to interrupt its arc. The hook-spear buries itself in the dirt, and Kida is left a bit breathless, leaning against the finial.

After the moment passes and the hologram disintegrates, she lifts her head, taking in Pearl's expression. Ah. ]

Was that too much...?

It... wasn't what I expected.

[She says with a small apologetic laugh as she walks up to Kida, almost apprehensively. She looks down at her lance, seeing the curve of the blade. Pearl clears her throat as the torches around them highlight her blue tinted cheeks.]

I didn't mean to... judge. Before hand. [She says as she waves her hand as if to push away her previous comments.] I didn't know how experienced you were.

[ Recognizing Pearl's sheepishness for shame, Kida's face softens into a warm smile. ]

Be at ease, Pearl. You could not have known. I have lived...

[ Her eyes slide away as she considers the number. Time flows so strangely in Atlantis, without the sun and moon, that sometimes days will feel eternal and years will go by in a blink. ]

...eight thousand years now. I am not very strong— [ She clenches her fist, her human fist. ]—but I am fast, cunning, and experienced in hunting. I have to use those skills when I fight, or I would soon be overpowered.

I don't think that's a bad thing at all! You have the skills to hold your own! It's a unique take on fighting in which I haven't seen in a very long time.

[Pearl smiles a little brighter, her shoulders perked up. Confident. The Gem soon clasps her hands in tight fists and punches the air a few times.]

That brute strength! That war cry of yours! It was incredible! Intimidation, shocking your opponent to the very core before swooping in for the final blow!

[Well. That was a little dramatic. But Pearl tries to steel her emotions and clears her throat.]

I mean. Yes. Very good.

[ Ah--that is--well. ]

[ That's considerably more enthusiasm she's had thrown her way since...well, ever, really. She finds it rather endearing. ]

Pagen'! Thank you, Pearl. If you would like, we could face each other, though I like your system of projections. It would not be good for either of us to be injured.

[ They'd be fairly evenly matched, she thinks, or at least she hopes. ]

What other skills do you have? You must have learned much, in your travels.

[Pearl smiles a little more, seeing that Kida wasn't taken aback by her sudden outburst of enthusiasm. the Gem rubs at her chin as she considers this. While both of them did have different techniques, the two of them were very skilled. And Kida made a good point. It'd wouldn't help them to be injured after a sparring match.

She contemplates for a moment before she furrows her brow.]

There's dancing, but I know many people don't like dancing. But it's what I incorporate into my battle techniques. It catches my opponents off guard.

[ That makes Kida blink, surprised at the suggestion, but interested none the less. ]

Dancing? I have never seen dance used in battle before.

[ Her people dance in celebration, though they have precious little to celebrate these days. She plants the finial of her speak into the ground, leaning on it as she considers Pearl with that focused gaze. ]

Show me.

[Pearl nods and summons yet another projection. Taking her position in the open landscape, near the torches, Pearl activates the training program. Holding her sword in a firm grip, she watches as the hologram charges forward, thrusting out its own sword at her chest.

Pearl tilts her body, like a ballerina would, holding her arms up high, and craning her body to the side to avoid the sword's deadly tip. She sweeps her feet in a gliding motion, bending her body down low to make her way behind the hologram.

Soon, the two of them engage in a deadly, and yet graceful dance of swords. The swords collide. Their steps precise and calculated. However, it all looks so effortless. There's a rush behind each sword strike. A small gust of wind passing by the torches, causing them to flicker, almost completely out. But once they settled, Pearl found her opening.

The Gem bends down low, in an elegant bow, before she uses her bent knees to thrust herself forward, piercing through the hologram's middle with her sword. In an instant, the hologram poofs into a cloud of smoke.]

[ Kida watches Pearl and her double duel to the sound of a music she cannot hear. She can sense it, in a way, the age-old beat of battle, of hard footfalls in the earth, rucking up dirt. This is a dance she knows in her bones, and she can appreciate the beauty that Pearl adds to it with her flourishes. The line that separates fighting from dancing, after all, is mostly intention.

And Pearl's intention, to strike and to destroy, is evident in every line. Kida isn't prone to fancy, but she tries to keep an open mind. She thinks she could learn something, here. The fire flickers, and in the interstices of light and dark Pearl moves with the hologram, faster and faster, until they too are only a flicker.

Until Pearl stands alone in a cloud of smoke. Kida purses her lips in wonder. ]

You are impressive. You move like water. Can you show me your technique?

[ She can't say if she can merge it to her own style--which to be fair, is no style at all--but she can always use more method, more discipline. ]

You're too kind.

[Pearl laughs lightly and lifts her sword up, letting it disappear in a flurry of sparkles. She smooths out the front of her shirt. She faces Kida properly and nods. She twirls and lifts her leg up and back, almost touching the back of her head with the tip of her foot.]

We can start with some basics if you'd like. [She straightens up again.] While it might look effortless, it's all a matter of trial and error. It took me a long time to learn what I do know.

Edited 2015-10-11 15:26 (UTC)

[ Kida can only strap her spear once more against her back, admiring the way Pearl can simply dismiss her sword. She wonder if it, too, is a projection. ]

Nothing that looks effortless ever is, in my experience.

[ She splays her hands, a gesture of open interest. ]

Time is all I have. What do you suggest we start with?

username: adlantisag

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