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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Jun 26, 2008 12:56:56 GMT -5
Feeling more herself than she had in a very long time, D'rorah carefully checked the sixth floor corridor as she ascended the final flight of stairs. Securely strapped beneath her usual, very formal robes were a pair of swords. Luckily, she had been able to keep up her physical conditioning even while fighting off her corruption. This solitary practice time had become a ritual of sorts for her, allowing her to hone her skills with complete focus. That was one thing a lack of emotions was good for, weapons training. Her forms and movement, honed by the training of many master swordsmen, had developed an even finer edge... she had even, in her extreme clarity of thought, been able to develop a few newer movements of her own. Delicate feints which would be difficult to anticipate and harder to defend against if executed properly.
As she paced the requisite three times before the wall of the Room of Requirement, she could feel the sheath of her blades, tapping against her legs, almost as if they yearned for attention. "Patience pets, almost there," she murmured quietly as she made the last turn. When the door made its appearance, she quietly slipped inside, checking one last time to make sure she was not observed.
Inside, rather than the walls of the Elemental Chambers, she found herself in a pristine white room. On the far wall were other sparring weapons--a broadsword, nunchaku, daggers and throwing knives, a large, undoubtedly heavy doubled edged axe, a mace, whip, bo, sais, and several other items she did not know the actual names for. Quietly, she strode into the room, lit by bright white lighting from some unknown source and deathly still.
The room was very basic with few frills. In fact, except for the weapons on the far wall, there really was nothing at all except for white walls and a hard floor. D'rorah stepped into the room as though she were heading right into a battle zone. Even as she watched, two opponents materialized. No simulation provided by the Room would ever be as good as a real opponent, but it was better than merely practicing forms with dead air.
Immediately on alert, D'rorah flung open her overrobe and tossed it to the side, the heavy fabric catching the air and fanning out slightly as it sank to the floor. In a movement she had practiced often, both swords were in her hands in an instant and she assumed a defense posture as the attack began. The room had provided two opponents, one a man nearly D'rorah's size and the other far larger, standing at least a foot taller than she and much broader in body. The smaller one attacked with a broadsword while the larger menacingly wielded a large, double-bladed axe. She lowered her center of gravity as the two began circling, waiting to see who would strike first. D'rorah watched for any sign of a weakness.
Spotting an opening, she lashed out, bringing both of her blades to bear against the broadsword of the smaller man. The metal sang out as it connected, filling the previously still air with the ring of battle. Even as she fought against the man with the sword, the larger man stepped in, swinging his axe mightily. D'rorah ducked the blow, feeling a wind above her head from the movement. As she ducked, the smaller man took advantage of her shifted balance to sweep her legs from beneath her. And so the battle raged on, each opponent alternately gaining and losing some ground. Slowly, it seemed the tide was turning to D'rorah's favor, but the workout was magnificent. She could feel her heartbeat as her blood raced through her veins and sweat ran along her skin beneath the loose pants and long sleeved turtleneck she wore.
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Post by Caitlin Collins on Jun 26, 2008 15:03:56 GMT -5
It was simply good fortune that Caitlin was passing down the end of the sixth floor corridor when she saw movement at the edge of her vision. She had just finished eating in the Great Hall and was heading up to the owlery to send a letter to her parents, as requested – or rather, ordered. They wanted regular contact with her including all news on the lightfighters. It didn’t occur to them that owl mail could be intercepted by a witch or wizard just as easily as a regular email could be intercepted by a skilled hacker, and thus she couldn’t include any crucial details in what she wrote. In fact, she had to be very subtle to make sure she didn’t reveal she was a Shadow Warrior or even involved in the war.
She wasn’t used to twisting around the truth so much and had had to try writing the letter several times last night, burning the other attempts in the common room fireplace. Again, she hadn’t gotten much sleep, but she really was getting used to only a couple of hours each night. Sometimes she got more – last Saturday she even got the full eight hours a person was supposed to get every day. But sometimes she got no sleep at all. It made concentrating in lessons pretty hard.
It was also good fortune that Caity came around the corner and saw Dee enter the Room of Requirement, just after the older girl had made her last check that no one was watching. Really, good fortune was dancing around her today. She’d been wanting to talk to D’rorah for a while now, because who better to know about what had happened to him, his motivation for committing suicide, than his actual Shadow Warrior. She knew all too well that despite being joined, their bond was not as strong – at least in the mental sense, rather than emotional – as between true Elemental Master and Shadow Warrior. But she hadn’t really seen the Ravenclaw around since returning to Hogwarts, and before this she had been, 1) too upset, and 2) too intimidated by the emotionless state to even think about approaching her.
She didn’t think Dee would have any more emotion now, because that would mean she had found her new Elemental Master and it must be far too soon after Mallan’s death to have found him. Especially when Wysteria, still dead as far as she knew, hadn’t been replaced yet. But she was less upset now, and more motivated, so she ventured down the corridor and opened the door that had just latched closed, not slowing her pace as she entered and it swung closed again behind her.
She had taken a few steps into the room before realising what exactly was going on before her eyes. D’rorah, not dressed in her usual attire of long, covering robes, was fighting, with swords – swords! – against two hugely tall figures, and seemed to be holding her own quite well. One was about the same height as Dee, which was still very tall compared to herself, but the other... he was massive! No one was that tall in real life!
She was frozen, her foot hovering in mid-air from where she had been about to take another step before processing what was happening in front of her. As one of the figures took a step away from Dee in her direction, she took a hurried, stumbling step back with her hovering foot, closely followed by another, and another, until she was rapidly backing towards the door. She only became aware that something was a bit odd when her back didn’t hit the door. She had only taken about four or five steps in, but now she had taken at least six backwards. What was going on?
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Jun 26, 2008 15:28:29 GMT -5
Finally reaching the sixth floor, Zee casually made his way toward the room or requirement, though he took the long way around to avoid going near the Headmistress' office. He had been avoiding her lately, as their cordial relationship had degenerated fully. In the last few days he'd been practicing the sword forms D'rorah had taught him, but today he was probably just going to sit in the Room of Elemental Metal and listen to the metal sing around him. It was a form of meditation in its loosest sense, clearing his mind of all the concerns that daily assaulted him.
Passing the section of wall where the door should appear, Zee retraced his steps twice, thinking of the lightfighters' meeting room. To his surprise, no door appeared. Glancing around to ensure he was in the right place, Zee came to the conclusion someone must be in there already. Figuring D'rorah, since next to the library this was where one would most often find her, he quickly rushed back and forth, thinking of the training room she'd often used. Grinning as the simple door appeared, he pulled it open just in time to be collided with by a rapidly backpedaling Caity.
Caught completely off guard, Zee nearly stumbled backward to the ground, but planted a foot behind him and wrapped both arms around Caity's upper torso to catch her. Lifting her clear off the ground, he quickly set her aside and took a step forward to face whatever danger was causing her to flee, still feeling inexplicable protective of the littlest lightfighter. As soon as he realized what was happening in the room though, he straightened up and relaxed, blowing out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Easy Caitlin, she's just training. Something we all should be doing. This is after all a war. Are you ok?"
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Jun 26, 2008 15:47:21 GMT -5
D'rorah's attention was caught by the opening of the door as Caitlin entered. Knowing Caitlin was no threat, she continued on with her sparring, intending to end as soon as she found a good place to disarm her opponents. Only a few moments later, however, the door reopened to admit Zane, who apparently filled in a somewhat confused Caitlin as to what was going on. She returned her full attention to her fighting, deciding at an opportune moment to see if she might be able to use one of her newly developed maneuvers to disarm two opponents.
The chance came just as both men swung at the same time, the heavy axe knocking the broadsword off balance. D'rorah quickly spun, her blade catching the heel of the hand that held the broadsword, drawing a sharp crimson line across his wrist. A final deft spiral sent the sword skittering across the floor. The axe, however, could not be disarmed with something as small as a sword. D'rorah jumped over its arc is it was again swung at her, her feet landing on the flat side of the ax and throwing her opponent off balance. She kicked it away, a sword in each of her hands pointed at the throats of the two men who faced her.
Sheathing her blades, she bowed lightly to her opponents, who disappeared as quickly as they had come. She looked over to where Zane and Caitlin stood, a questioning eyebrow raised. "I daresay Mister Bishop, Miss Collins," she began, nodding to each of them in turn, "that I do hope such reticence to join the fray does not present itself in battle." She held their gazes for a moment before smirking slightly. "How may I assist the two of you?"
Quietly, she gathered her robe from its place on the floor and crossed the room to where they stood, wondering if they had both come for more training or if something needing her attention was afoot.
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Post by Caitlin Collins on Jun 27, 2008 11:33:10 GMT -5
One more step, and finally she collided with something. But it wasn’t the wooden door that she was expecting. It was a lot less solid. Feeling arms wrap around her, she let out a small cry and jumped anyway as her feet left the floor, being held up by a mystery person still lifting her. Immediately, she twisted instinctively, struggling to be let down in alarm at being caught so suddenly when she was least expecting it. Soon enough the stranger had let her down to the side and she swivelled, backing away once again to see who it was that had lifted her up. Was it another figure, like the ones that Dee was fighting? Was it some other enemy, sneaking up from behind? Was it –? No. It was just Zane.
Steadying her breathing, she watched as he took a step forward, as if to protect her from whatever had her backpedalling. He paused though upon seeing what it was, and let out a breath beginning to explain. "Easy Caitlin, she's just training. Something we all should be doing. This is after all a war. Are you ok?"
“I... yeah,” she nodded, a little discomfort still on her face that was turning a slight shade of red. It was just training, she should have known. “Thanks. Sorry.” She brought a hand up to her neck and scratched it lightly in embarrassment, bringing it down again quickly to join her other arm, crossed against her middle. Dee wasn’t stupid enough to summon up a room – with weapons on the walls, she noticed now – that would attack her unless she actually wanted that. Although when she had been in the Room of Requirement previously, it had produced circumstances she had most definitely not been wanting – for Dylan’s sake as much as her own. That in turn reminded her of what that stiflingly bright, pure white room had been used for Zee’s abnormal, sadistic tendencies. She tried to remind herself that that had been before he was a lightfighter, that he was different now; but nevertheless it seemed extraordinary that he could have changed so much in such a short space of time. His outward attitude – that which she had seen of it – hadn’t changed hardly at all. There must have been something that caused his sudden change of heart, but no one had actually told her or even hinted at what it was. So for now, she would just have to remain ignorant and trust the others’ judgement that he had changed, as strange as it might seem.
She turned a little to watch D’rorah, still a little jumpy when it looked as though the figures were winning. She had absolutely no knowledge of fighting and so could only base her ideas on who was winning on a few vague ideas from muggle films. She winced as the sharp line of dark red liquid appeared on one of the figures’ wrists, not liking the colour at all especially after the stains that were always visible on the last entry of Mallan’s book. She watched in amazement as the Ravenclaw managed to disarm the conjurations, and stayed silent as they faded out of sight.
"I daresay Mister Bishop, Miss Collins, that I do hope such reticence to join the fray does not present itself in battle. How may I assist the two of you?"
Caitlin blushed again at the dry, biting sarcasm in Dee’s words. The simple word ‘battle’ said with such certainty was enough to make her nervous. Wait... was that a smirk on her face? Humour was an emotion, wasn’t it? But no, that was impossible. Mallan’s successor couldn’t have been discovered so soon. She opened her mouth to speak, sent a sidelong look at Zee standing next to her and closed it again. She didn’t really want to discuss Mallan’s suicide in front of the Slytherin, or many people at all in fact. If Dee wasn’t his true Shadow Warrior she wouldn’t be approaching the older girl about him either. Instead of saying why she was there, she kept quiet and waited for Zee to speak. She turned her attention visibly to him so he could see what she was doing, and give herself time to come up with another plausible reason she had followed D’rorah into the room.
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Post by aidenchristian on Jun 27, 2008 17:14:46 GMT -5
Aiden’s long black robes whisped slightly against the stairs as he made his way to the sixth floor. It was recommended to him by another student some time ago as a place to go to get away from other students since there were no class rooms on this floor. Aiden, wanting a place to study some spells, decided to take advantage of this rare opportunity to get away, especially since the grounds were nearly unbearable this time of year. He Made his way up the winding stair cases to the corridor and smiled slightly as it was as the student had said, deserted. Quietly he sat on the sill of a window and pulled out a book from his bag. He smiled slightly as he closed his bag, relishing his charmed present to him self. In his bag he kept everything, a multitude of books, trinkets that he found in day, a couple changes of clothes, and all packed away nicely in messenger type bag. ‘Thank God for Wizards Space,’ he thought, placing his bag down with a “thunk”. He quietly opened his book and began to read.
After a moment he heard a rusting down the hall. Down the other end of the corridor he could see a tall girl, around his age walking towards him. He thought he recognized her, that he had met her in the courtyard some time ago. She turned down another corridor and he heard her swishing slowly fade. He continued reading. Another couple of moments passed and Aiden heard footsteps making their way down the corridor. He looked up to see Caitlin, who he had met by the lake, walking down the hallway. She looked determined, so he didn’t want to disturb her. She followed the same path as D’rorah and he heard her footsteps fade.
Almost as soon as he had put his eye back to the page, he heard footsteps getting louder and faster, more determined coming down the corridor. He couldn’t see exactly who it was but the steps echoed down the off shoot of the corridor that D’rorah and Caitlin had taken to their unknown destination. ‘I thought there were no classrooms up here,’ he said to himself, grabbing his bag. Quietly he walked to the second corridor and peeked around the corridor. He saw a boy, also about his age, open a door and Caitlin back peddling out. Quickly the boy grabbed Caitlin and moved her out of the way. Before the door shut he heard the sound of swords clanging and flashes of a fight. Quickly he pulled out his wand and rushed down the hallway. He reached the door and without thinking burst into the room.
He raised wand ready for what ever was about to come his way. “Stupi—“ he began to say. Embarrassment rushed over his body as he stood there, wand raised, ready to cast. He looked at D’rorah, then at the two directly in front of him. His mouth became dry. “I’m… I… were…? i…,”[/color] He stammered he could feel his face getting redder and redder. He lowered his wand and, composing himself, said, “I’m sorry. I just…,” ‘Don’t know what to say. How about ‘I’M AN IDIOT’!’[/color] his said to himself. He laughed uncomfortably and began to back out of the room when the far wall caught his attention.
Hung on the wall were dueling instruments; swords, maces, axes and others. He looked around the room, wondering where he had seen this before. ‘A training room!’ he thought. Before he could make it to the door he looked questioningly at D’rorah. “When did they start putting weapons training rooms in schools?”
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Jun 28, 2008 1:50:34 GMT -5
"Of course."
Zee thought it amusing, and a little tragic, that Caitlin still seemed surprised by his acts of protection when he had never behaved in any other manner toward her. Despite this it seemed all that was seen when he was looked at was the boy who had tortured Dylan Cooper. And as much as he tried, Zee could not bring himself to fully blame them for that. Though he would like very much to leave that whole issue behind, it seemed unlikely that would happen.
Turning his attention to D'rorah, he simply crossed his arms and watched as she finished toying with the two apparitions. His look was amused, but with a definite air of admiration. Indeed he had been sincere when he'd expressed to Bryan how much he hoped to never face D'rorah in mortal combat. With blades he would of course have the edge of being able to bend her steel to his whim, but he held no illusions that would allow him a quick victory. She would find some way of countering his power, and he would have to adapt. Slightly disturbed at this train of thought, Zee reassured himself he was only considering what he could do if she became corrupted, and turned his mind away from the subject. He grinned in response to her eminently D'rorahesque greeting.
"Nonsense D'rorah. Have you ever known me to shy from conflict? I merely wished to avoid, as they say, cramping your style."
Turning to Caity to see what it was that had brought her there, he found her pointedly looking back. Apparently whatever it was had either been knocked from her head in the shock of seeing such swordplay, or was sensitive enough that she didn't wish a third party to know. Shrugging, he turned back to D'rorah. Allowing Caity to enter the room ahead of him, he shut the door and took a few steps in.
"Actually I did not come here looking for you. I expected to find the room vacant and spend some time in the Elemental Room of Metal. But since we're all here, I'd very much like to learn some new forms. And it wouldn't be a bad idea to teach Caitlin the basics of self defense. She doesn't seem to much enjoy being rescued, but perhaps it's merely the savior she objects to."
Looking back to Caitlin, Zee winked, though in all honesty he found little humor in the discomfort she held around him. He was actually directing his apparent attention away from D'rorah so that it would not be obvious that he was projecting thoughts toward her. He certainly hadn't been told that D'rorah had a new Elemental Master, so he doubted Caity knew and thought there might be a reason behind the subtlety.
"Met an interesting student just this morning. Similar habits to yours, though leaning more towards art than knowledge. When did you join with Bryan Kel-"
Zee's thought was interupted by the door being throw wide once more. Reacting instinctively, Zee spun, crouched, and pointed toward the newcomer, who was unknown to him and held a pointed wand.
"Cru-"
That too was interrupted, though this time simply by Zee stopping himself. Whoever he was, the boy suddenly looked confused and embarrassed rather than hostile. Straightening to his full height as the newcomer retreated, Zee once again folded his arms, looking rather annoyed. The other seemed surprisingly similar to himself in height and build, though notably slimmer, perhaps simply narrower shoulders. He glanced to D'rorah.
"I know the answer, but would you like me to . . . remove him and ensure he doesn't mention this to anyone?"
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Jun 29, 2008 9:24:40 GMT -5
D'rorah laughed ironically and shook her head. "Cramping my style, Mister Bishop. How very noble of you."
She began to reply as she heard Zane's continued mental conversation within her mind. "Anyway, I would be happy to oblige in offering both of you any training you desire..."
D'rorah cut off sharply and her eyes narrowed as they were joined by a student. Ravenclaw, by the looks of his robes. And in her same year, she was almost certain. His thoughts were so loud they practically screamed in her head. Oh yes, she would have to remember to strengthen her mental blocks to avoid hearing others' thoughts. Her unemotional self hadn't bothered; she had been imperturbable for weeks. Easily enough, she concentrated once again on her mental blocks. But it had been useful enough--she was almost certain now that this newcomer was really no threat.
No, Mister Bishop she replied mentally that will not be necessary... yet. But please, do see to closing the door behind our new guest. He seems to have forgotten himself.
"Mister Christian, is it not?" she questioned, taking a slow step in Aiden's direction. "You are correct, weapons training is not a subject taught at Hogwarts. However, for a small band of enthusiasts, there are those of us who gather for the purposes of honing body and mind. Tell me," she slowly unsheathed her sword and examined it in the light of the room, "have you any experience with such things? We are always looking for others who might be interested."
She checked to make sure the door was closed, knowing it would not open again without Zane's, Caitlin's, or her consent for the duration of the afternoon. Continuing to advance very slowly, she held the sword out to Aiden. "Try the balance... see if the weapon suits you," she directed, her tone subtly persuasive. "Perhaps we can find another you are suited to."
It was a gamble, drawing Aiden in and allowing him to train with her. But then, it seemed far superior to the idea of sending him away. No, if he felt some investment in the continued existence of the training room, he was far less likely to betray its location. And... if she had misread his shouted thoughts, he would be far more likely to reveal himself if he had a weapon and perceived himself to have the upper hand. Either way, the option was always open to simply modify his memory and send him on his way... but, knowing the enemy they faced, perhaps it was foolish to turn away someone who might be of use to them in their battle. If he accepted, she would be able to continue as if there had been no interruption, training both Caitlin and Zane as they wished while also seeing of what use Aiden might be to their group. If he didn't seem useful, there was always the option that she would simply tell him at some later time that the other students had ceased meeting... they would see how things played out from this point forward.
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Post by aidenchristian on Jun 30, 2008 23:49:20 GMT -5
Aiden’s heart beat furiously as he stood in the midst of these three students. After having been nearly 'crucio-ed', he was also slightly on edge, and being stared at by the three wasn’t helping. The boy and D’rorah made eye contact almost as if talking with each other, and after a moment, the boy shut the door. Aiden turned to look at each of the three in turn. He didn’t like the feeling of being with two strangers and one near stranger in a room full of weapons, only two of which, the Sais high on the wall and the dueling sword in D’rorah’s hand, he had ever trained with. He swallowed hard the lump in his throat and gripped his wand tighter than before.
"Mister Christian, is it not? You are correct, weapons training is not a subject taught at Hogwarts. However, for a small band of enthusiasts, there are those of us who gather for the purposes of honing body and mind. Tell me, have you any experience with such things? We are always looking for others who might be interested.”
Aiden backed slowly as D’rorah advanced upon him. ‘What is this, a cult?’ he thought. The looks of everything here made him uncomfortable. He glanced sideways to the door which he knew he couldn’t get through with the others so near. She held out the sword to him and Aiden stopped backing.
“Try the balance... see if the weapon suits you. Perhaps we can find another you are suited to.”
This brought a bit more comfort to him. At least if he also had a weapon he could have a bit more control and would be a bit more calm. His mind was flying with memories of former lessons in sword fighting, trying to regain as much knowledge as he could for fear of spar was imminent. He stowed his wand in his robe and bowed his head slightly to D’rorah and reached for the sword in her hands.
The hilt was warm where she had been holding it. He took it fully off her hands and he could feel how perfectly balanced the sword was. It was as if he was holding only the handle in his hand. He examined the blade, gleaming brightly in the light of the room, perfectly polished and without flaw. He looked up at D’rorah. “This is quite the sword, and the balance is perfect.” In small flashes he gain move after move he had learned over the years of training he had taken. His mother was a master, the best sword fighter he had ever known. Only once had she been beaten by anyone, and Aiden knew that she let him win. The thought brought back bitter sweet feelings, feelings that for now he would have to suppress. He turned his full attention back to D’rorah. “I haven’t seen a sword this magnificent in quite some time,” he said in a voice unbefitting of his true emotion at the time. He hoped his haughty tone could mask the fear that was striking violently his gut. He was unsure what to do now. Should he challenge her? Should he use the dummies that would appear when beckoned?
Deciding, he took the blade and placed it gently on his left hand, and rested the hilt gently on his right. He bowed his head to D’rorah and held out the sword. His mind was swirling faster than ever as he was purposefully putting himself in a vulnerable position. His heart beat nearly out of his chest as he waited for the outcome, good or bad, of his decision.
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Post by Caitlin Collins on Jul 1, 2008 12:48:02 GMT -5
Caitlin frowned a little upon hearing D’rorah laugh. Surely laughter meant she was feeling some emotion? But she had been under the impression that to retrieve her emotions, Dee would need to find her new Elemental Master following Mallan. Come to think of it, she appeared a lot better now too, with less grey in her hair and skin of a more natural shade. But she refused to believe that Mallan could be replaced so quickly, so it must be that she had found some other way to recover on her own. After all, she was exceedingly intelligent, so it wasn’t entirely impossible. And that could mean good things for herself as well, if she didn’t need to bond with an Elemental Master. Gat was out of the question and she wasn’t going to risk someone else by joining with them. Perhaps if she could just do her duties as a Shadow Warrior without a counterpart, and use whatever method D’rorah had discovered to counter the effects of corruption. Yes, that might work.
Caity listened silently as Zee explained how he had been seeking the Elemental Room of Metal, having stepped into the room ahead of him. Doing so had prompted a gut feeling of illogical nervousness at having her back to him. She knew it was illogical, was annoyed with herself for feeling something so illogical, but still it wouldn’t go away until she turned a little to view the Slytherin as well as D’rorah.
“And it wouldn't be a bad idea to teach Caitlin the basics of self defence. She doesn't seem to much enjoy being rescued, but perhaps it's merely the saviour she objects to."
Surprised at his words, she turned her full attention to Zane, a little of the confusion showing through on her face. Rescue? I haven’t been rescued... at least, not in the normal sense. I suppose... like that time in the forest, he sent his patronus after me. And just now... But, it doesn’t really matter that it was Zee doing the rescuing. Well... sort of...[/color] Her cheeks turning a shade of pink again, Caitlin turned her sight away from Zee and down to the floor. She didn’t mean to ostracise him, or make him feel unappreciated. It just seemed to happen of its own accord. Sure, he’d done a terrible thing when he tortured Dylan, but if he really was reformed and genuinely felt sorry and guilty for what he’d done, then she couldn’t be the judge of whether he still needed punishing. But her brain didn’t seem to communicate too well with her feelings – it never had, really – so she would continue to act like this until something completely convinced her of his reformation.
Her musings were broken when the door burst open again, revealing a tall boy holding out his wand and making her jump as Zee swivelled down to the ground.
“Stupi—“
"Cru-"
Understanding at once what spell Zee was planning on using on a newcomer who was now stammering his apologies and who had been apparently planning on using a fairly innocuous spell in comparison, Caitlin spun around to focus all her attention on Zee even after he stopped himself. He was still using spells like that, while trying to convince everyone he was seeking redemption? She said nothing, but glared at him, the anger and annoyance obvious in her expression plain to see. There were other spells than the Unforgivables that could be used to disarm an opponent, like ‘expelliarmus’, or a simple ‘stupefy’. ’Unforgivables’. Doesn’t that tell him anything about the fact that, say, we’re not supposed to use them?
Drawing her gaze away from Zee, she suddenly realised who exactly the stranger was who’d waltzed into the training room. Aiden, who’d been so upset at the lake the other day. That she knew who he was and how much pain he was in already just made her even angrier about Zee almost using the cruciatus curse on him, but she pushed it away to listen to the conversation between him and Dee. To her surprise, he was invited into the fray and offered a sword. Seeing how he took in with such ease and the way he handled and spoke about it, Caitlin realised she was still the most inexperienced fighter in the room. She had never touched any sort of weapon and was not particularly looking forward to trying this. Even though it was needed, that didn’t mean it would be pleasant in any means or form. But none of this Shadow War was pleasant, so why should she expect this to be any different?
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Jul 1, 2008 13:54:20 GMT -5
Arrogant and accomplished at hiding his true feelings, Zee was quite annoyed, almost disgusted, by Aiden's obvious nervousness. He stood smirking a moment longer before walking past Aiden as if he weren't there and quietly closing the door.
He can throw open doors to places he's no business being, but hasn't quite mastered shutting them it seems. How very impressive.
Turning his back to the door to face the rest of them, Zee leaned back against it and crossed his arms once more, also placing one ankle across the other, looking relaxed and bored. Though he kept Aiden in his periphery, he looked about the room as if the boy were inconsequential. After a moment his eyes found Caity, catching the end of a glare she'd apparently been giving him. Zee brought his hand up to his face and began rolling the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger as if trying to fight off a rising headache. Releasing a small sigh, he thought how it was past time for him to have a very blunt conversation with Caitlin. Again he wished that he shared D'rorah and Keaira's gift as that would allow him to 'speak' to her now. Also given how well Zee could mask what was happening in his head and keep it from his features, he was amused at the way Caity would no doubt look quite a bit more uncomfortable than she already was if she were trying to carry on a conversation in her head without letting the other present know, especially a conversation with him.
Stop it! You knew it would be like this. You decided to side with the light despite such things. They are your allies; stop thinking of ways to hurt them. And be nice to people.
Zee's mental berating of himself broke his cool exterior momentarily, and his eyes dropped to the floor at his feet as a look of shame crossed his face. It was gone an instant later however as he sighed once more and looked toward D'rorah to see what she had in mind for this impromptu gathering.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Jul 1, 2008 14:18:10 GMT -5
The air was charged with the energy of conflicting emotions. Would any of them ever truly be comfortable together? She wondered. She felt as though she understood Zee. Though she had never been one to wantonly torture anyone for the sake of enjoying that person's pain, she had done a fair few things most would find questionable in the name of knowledge and research... of course, that had been before she had ever come to Hogwarts, before her family had been taken from her.
She accepted her sword from Aiden and returned it to its sheath. He seemed to be doing his best to show that he was no threat. That was the smartest option, given that he was clearly outnumbered. Caitlin and Zane seemed to have their own battle of sorts going on silently between them. She could well imagine that Caitlin was upset with Zane's near-use of an Unforgivable Curse on Aiden. As it seemed Aiden posed no danger to them, D'rorah was rather thankful that Crucio hadn't been unleashed. Here stood the potential for another ally. He would have to be drawn into their circle of trust slowly... it still payed to be wary of outsiders for several reasons.
"So then, Mister Christian, I suppose you should take a few moments to decide whether or not you intend to join our group for the remainder of this training session. As I say, we are a small group of enthusiasts. You may enjoy the experience. While you consider," she turned her attention to Caitlin, "Miss Collins must find a weapon which suits her."
D'rorah beckoned for Caitlin to follow her as she made her way over to the wall covered with weapons. "There are many to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps you will wish to try several different weapons... it may take some time to find one which suits your skills." She gave Caitlin an assessing once over with her eyes, as though trying to see where her strengths and weaknesses might lie. "Perhaps the sais... or the bo..." she trailed off thoughtfully. "What do you think might best suit you? There are endless possibilities. The room will provide anything you choose to use."
She looked over to Aiden. "And I am ready for your answer as well, any time you are prepared to give it."
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Post by aidenchristian on Jul 1, 2008 15:05:57 GMT -5
Aiden relaxed as D’rorah removed the sword from his hands and sheathed it.
“So then, Mister Christian, I suppose you should take a few moments to decide whether or not you intend to join our group for the remainder of this training session. As I say, we are a small group of enthusiasts. You may enjoy the experience.”
Although her tone was in no way threatening, he couldn’t help but still be on edge. ‘Join their group…?’ This thought plagued him on two accounts. He didn’t know much about any of them and nothing about some of them. If he were to join and the door was, as Aiden glanced back and confirmed, going to continue to be guarded, who’s to say they wouldn’t slice him to shreds. Even now Aiden was helpless he was unarmed and vulnerable. On the other hand, in his midst were three welcoming, well two welcoming and one seemingly force to agree student who appeared willing to accept him. And for once he wouldn’t be alone.
“While you consider Miss Collins must find a weapon which suits her."
D’rorah showed Caitlin to the wall leaving Aiden and the boy who made him very uncomfortable. It wasn’t irrational though, since he had attempted to use the Cruciatus curse on him. With a light fear running through him, he turned slightly to the boy and nodded lightly. If he was to stay, he thought it might be best to show a bit of kindness. Aiden, deliberated the matter of staying and after a moment thought it would be best to brush up on his swordsmanship, and if the others were anything like Caitlin, he knew he would eventually feel safe.
"And I am ready for your answer as well, any time you are prepared to give it."
“If you will have me, I would like to stay,”[/color] he said to her. “One can never be too prepared.”[/color] Aiden looked to the wall to try to pick out a weapon that suited him as he was sure D’rorah would ask him to do so. He was reminded of the long beautifully crafted sword his mother had used. Its long blade shown brightly as she used it. ‘Hopefully I can find something’[/color]
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Post by Caitlin Collins on Jul 1, 2008 17:38:57 GMT -5
Caitlin felt a little guilt seep into her as she saw Zee rub his face and sigh and broke eye contact immediately. Really, he shouldn’t have tried to use the cruciatus on Aiden, but that didn’t mean she could cause him more distress. She might have the moral high ground in some areas but that didn’t mean she was above him. Aiden and D’rorah exchanged more words concerning his joining their “group of enthusiasts” - an interesting, and not entirely accurate as far as she was concerned, description of the lightfighters. She most definitely wasn’t enthusiastic about learning to fight, let alone the whole war. Suddenly she found herself turned upon with Aiden left to make his decision. "While you consider, Miss Collins must find a weapon which suits her." Eyes widening a little, Caitlin made her feet move so she was following Dee over to the weapons-covered wall. It was more than a little intimidating, seeing all those deadly items just hanging there, waiting to be used. The vicious spikes, fatal sharp edges, all made her distinctly nervous. "There are many to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Perhaps you will wish to try several different weapons... it may take some time to find one which suits your skills. Perhaps the sais... or the bo... What do you think might best suit you? There are endless possibilities. The room will provide anything you choose to use." Not knowing which of the many weapons were being suggested but feeling a little awkward under Dee’s scrutinising, Caitlin frantically thought back to what weapons she knew. Her mind immediately turned to Vijay and the martial art he had also been teaching alongside magic. What was it called? Kalara... Kalaaripa...Kalaripayattu, that was it. One weapon did immediately come to mind – the bendy sword, as someone had called it. Urumi, or chuttuval. It was a long sword, made out of flexible metal, if she remembered rightly. The workings of it had been explained to her once upon a time, it was just a matter of recalling that conversation. “Agility and skill are more important than strength or aggression,” she had been told. And it could be worn as a belt, coiled up and out of sight. No sooner had her thoughts finished manifesting that she noticed the weapon just in the corner of her vision. She reached out and took it by the handle, not really liking the rough texture beneath her palm. But looking at the other weapons, they would all be the same or worse. “It’s an urumi,” she said softly to the older girl. “Type of Indian sword.” If she really did have to learn to fight, then at least she could do so with the comfort of something from home.
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Jul 1, 2008 20:21:12 GMT -5
At Aiden's nod, Zee simply stared back, once again looking bored. After a moment he returned the nod, deciding it best to be civil, even if this whole situation was not to his liking. In truth Zee had almost decided to leave. He could not risk bringing up the Elemental Room of Metal with an outsider present, and he had little interest in practicing with an audience. His pride would not allow that. He had not had much training in weaponry, but his control over the material most were made from gave him quite the overwhelming edge on those few occasions when he had engaged in melee. However he would not be using those powers in his training with D'rorah, and thus he would not do very well to start, and he certainly didn't want others standing around watching for that.
Pushing himself off the door with one foot, he closed the distance between himself and Aiden as the boy began examining the various weapon racks. He supposed he should introduce himself if he was indeed going to pursue this whole being nice to people campaign. Besides, if he did leave now it would hardly lend credence to D'rorah's claims that this group was nothing more than those with a fascination with archaic weaponry.
"An excellent observation. Name's Zane. Mr. Bishop to D'rorah, Zee to everyone else. Please excuse my . . . unfriendly reaction earlier. I don't much like surprises, and having you kick in the door and nearly stun me would qualify, yes?"
Zee chuckled and grinned, showing no sign of further hostility. His attitude now was quite forced, but thankfully didn't seem as such. It pleased Zee that the skills he had spent years developing were still useful to him even after the reasoning behind those skills was void. Examining the wall of weapons himself, he frowned slightly. A moment later what he sought appeared: a pair of heavy metal gauntlets fitted with razor edged blades extending at slightly varying angles. Each would make parrying, and even trapping an opponent's weapon a very simple matter of catch and twist. Perhaps surprisingly, Zee was a brutal combatant. When his life was threatened he abandoned all the grace and panache in favor of an efficient savagery, throwing himself at the enemy and batting away their attempts to strike him. It had served him well in the fight against the werewolf.
He somewhat doubted D'rorah herself would have much training in the use of such a weapon, but figured through sparring with her he could learn through simple trial and error what worked and what didn't, though he planned on waiting for a more private circumstance before he engaged her in such a way. For now he examined the bladed gauntlets admiringly.
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