olympian_elf (olympian_elf) wrote in marvel_nextgen,
@ 2013-09-23 00:07:00

Entry tags:

Proving Time
Kael sat cross-legged in the training room, mentally prepping himself before choosing a difficult scenario.

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dashingly
2013-09-24 11:03 pm UTC (link)

Brandr simply gave a small smile and short bow. "I art less familiar with the mechanics of this room than thou art, Prince. It ist best if thou chooses, lest I damage this fine training room." True enough, but he mostly wanted to see what the prince tested himself with. And anyway, he'd done it in a polite way to let the man of higher station be the one to dictate the terms of this training. It told him more about the elf this way.

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	olympian_elf 2013-09-25 09:46 pm UTC (link)
	Kael didn't even raise an eyebrow, but the gears turned in his head. "Very well." Kael initiated a familiar training session. Suddenly an image of the elf-demon hybrid, Hrinmeer the Flame. Kael instinctively tensed up a little, the battle he had with the real Flame in Asgard fresh in his mind. He drew his blades and waited for the program to activate. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

dashingly
2013-09-25 10:05 pm UTC (link)

Brandr kept one of his blades sheathed and put that hand behind his back as he held his other blade in front of him and stood in a rather fencing-style battle stance. Interesting choice he had to say, of all the foes he thought to end up fighting alongside the prince here, he did not expect a part elf. But that made this all the more interesting in his mind and Brandr couldn't keep the slight smile off his face.

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	olympian_elf 2013-09-25 10:26 pm UTC (link)
	Kael took a breath and braced himself when he knew the program would start. "I will cast you into the fire!" The faux-Flame shouted before darting forward, moving to strike at Kael. Kael was strong, but not as strong as even this false Hrinmeer, darted to the side to try and use the program's momentum against it to strike at its shoulder. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	dashingly 2013-09-25 10:41 pm UTC (link)
	With the Flame focusing on Kael, Brandr was free to side-step and move forward to slash backwards at the back of the demon-elf's knee. Once that attack was made, he nimbly turned around and took a step back to have the elf within his sights again. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

olympian_elf
2013-09-27 09:17 am UTC (link)

The blows struck true, but the Flame's armor and toughened skin held back the bulk of the potential damage. The Flame gave a shout of annoyance and anger before slamming his fist into the ground, his sheer power causing the ground to shake beneath their feet. Kael went backwards, but managed to roll back to his feet. That's when the Flame went for a long-range swipe with his sword at his opponents' legs.

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dashingly
2013-09-27 05:23 pm UTC (link)

Brandr was now positioned behind the Flame as he went after the elf. The ground shaking hadn't knocked him off his feet, one did not become a nimble swordsman by losing their balance so easily, but with his opponent solely focused on the elf prince, Brandr had an opening.

He didn't cut off the attack in the beginning stages, no, he waited for that moment when the Flame had put his weight forward to reach for his opponent for that long-range swipe. That meant the Flame was already well into that reaching swing when he thrust his sword at the Flame's free hand, aiming for the seams of the armour where there were gaps to allow for movement. Going through elf armour and skin was difficult but just skin? Certainly doable with Asgardian strength and a blade that sliced through stone and iron easily. This wasn't a killing move by far, he only aimed to sever his opponent's off hand while Kael was the focus. Kept the fight going longer and kept it interesting.

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olympian_elf
2013-09-29 08:16 pm UTC (link)

Kael leaped over the Flame's strike, hoping to hit the ground with a clear strike at his opponent's stomach. However's the Flame's next action forced him to adapt.

While Brandr's strike would indeed cleave the hand of any normal opponent, but the Flame was not a normal foe. He had pushed Thor himself to his limits, and this simulation wasn't that much weaker than the real thing.The blade did manage to break into the skin, but it didn't make it all the way. The program snarled in anger, maneuvering his arm to try and he shift Brandr's blade to pull him closer, within reach of his hand.

Kael ran forward, cutting upwards with as much strength as he could to finish Brandr's cut. A satisfying scream was signaled that the Flame's off-hand had been severed.

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dashingly
2013-09-30 12:18 am UTC (link)

Brandr didn't seem bothered by the blade not making it all the way through, instead of trying to drive it deeper, he yanked his sword back and out of the elf's arm, freeing him from the attempt to pull him closer and allowing him to spring lightly back ready for battle again.

When Kael finished the job by lopping off the Flame's off-hand, Brandr smiled to himself. Good, the elf could hold his own. Brandr spun his sword once while he waited for the Flame to recover himself a bit. This was training, not duty, and thus could be extended for enjoyment. If this had been for duty, there would've been no pause, he would've originally gone for the sword hand and then the neck.

But this was supposed to be entertaining practice.

"Might I ask ask thee a frank question, Prince of Svartheim?" Brandr spoke politely enough, if also rather casually for someone using formal titles.

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	olympian_elf 2013-09-30 12:24 am UTC (link)
	Okay, that time he knew there for certain there was levity when he was addressed. "Very well," Kael conceded. The faux-Flame snarled in frustration, bringing the stump to his blade, which erupted in flames to seal the wound. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

dashingly
2013-09-30 12:36 am UTC (link)

Brandr watched the Flame sear his wound closed and nodded in appreciation of both the program and practicality shown there. He'd have done the same.

Brandr's tone turned serious now. "Why?" He stopped watching the Flame and moved his hard gaze to Kael. "Thou seems to have some feeling of...obligation or responsibility, it ist difficult to decide, towards the protection of the Lady Vernique and the young lord Solver. I wouldst like to understand...why?"

The elf was...well a dark elf. And a prince of dark elves to boot. It was difficult to see why the prince seemed to consider himself a protector of them, and even more confusing why he felt strongly enough that he'd even once suggested an injured Brandr should stay behind on the mission after the collector, and seemed to think the assigned guardian of the two had no business being on that mission. It was something that had bothered him, and one he wanted to know the reasons behind.

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olympian_elf
2013-09-30 12:48 am UTC (link)

They likely only had a moment before the Flame resumed his attack.

"It is complicated, but none of us are going anywhere." He kept his eyes on the Flame, but he spoke to Brandr. "It started as obligation, after all they gave me asylum when I needed it most, but it grew past that."

"I will cast thee both into the pits of Musphelheim." The Flame said through what sounded like clenched teeth as he nearly finished.

"It grew beyond that as I actually grew to respect, and even care about them. Lady Vernique was my first friend among them." Kael didn't reveal the fact they had once been lovers, it was frankly none of the man's business. "As for Solver..I relate to him."

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dashingly
2013-09-30 01:07 am UTC (link)

Brandr didn't care, he could talk and fight better than most could just fight. He enjoyed talk while fighting really.

"I see," Brandr said as he came up behind the Flame, a swing to the elf's right side, but really more to draw the opponent's attention to that side. When the elf demon whipped his head around to react, it'd leave the left side of his neck exposed and in a blind spot. It was that moment he was going for, as Brandr drove a dagger down with unexpected viciousness, for someone who'd been treating this as entertainment until this point, into the armourless space within the collar of the Flame's armour.

He'd leave the dagger there and spring back as soon as possible, it was no good to remain close to that heat too long, sword ready to block an expected swing at him. "But thou understands mine role here and the reason for such questions?"

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olympian_elf
2013-09-30 02:05 pm UTC (link)

The Flame reacted as anticipated, until the dagger came down. While he cries out in pain, it's brief. The sword is dropped and his hand shoots to grab Brandr's wrist before he can dart away, intending to deliver a vicious headbutt if he could keep the quick-moving Brandr close.

"I do." Kael ran forward to attempt to flank their opponent. "All my life, as long as I can remember, there have been those who have tried to kill me, because of who my father is." Kael read Brandr's tactics, intending to drive a blow into the Flame's unprotected back. "I did not ask to have such a life thrust upon me, nor has Solver." He saw Brandr's strike to the Flame's neck, but then noticed the enemy's attempt to bring Brandr in close. He picked up speed. "Solver is an innocent babe forced into an environment where many would see him die simply for being who he is." Kael ran forward, bringing his twin srowrds up, under the Flame's arm so both blades slid up behind his opponent's neck. "If I can give him a childhood free of that for even a moment.." Kael pushed the blades forward as hard as he could, viciously decapitating the Flame. "then I will do so gladly!"

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dashingly
2013-09-30 03:05 pm UTC (link)

Brandr grinned as he saw the Flame drop his sword, perfect. The hand grabs his wrist, but he brings up his sword, pointing it in front of him so any headbutts would be into the sword, and drives it straight through his opponent's wrist, effectively finishing off the sword-hand.

It gave him the chance to break free so that Kael's decapitating move didn't take off his dagger hand along with the Flame's head. "A noble sentiment," he said as he stepped back and the Flame's head rolled nearby. "But, it ist not thine duty. Do not confuse the two." There was a slight sigh and shake of his head, the elf had finished this too fast in his opinion, they'd only set up one opponent after all. "I art simply saying, that thou hast many duties as a prince, but mine one and only duty ist to see the young lord safe. Mine life is forfeit to that," he said as he used the tip of his sword to pick up the Flame's head.

Brandr turned his gaze to Kael. "Thou may look down on me for whatever reasons thou chooses, but all I ask ist that ye doth not try to impede me in mine duties again." He turned the Flame's head around with his blade, looking it over, then tossed it aside and across the training room. "That ist all."

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olympian_elf
2013-09-30 06:13 pm UTC (link)

Kael shook his head a moment before responding.

"I do not look down on you," Kael admitted. "I think you're somewhat ignorant of Midgard's dangers, but that can easily be remedied after time. I objected to your presence to free Solver for a simple reason." Kael sat by the controls, considering a new program to put in. "There is a lot to admire about the Aesir, though there are also some glaring faults at times. A severe lack of pragmatism is one of them. You were already injured, severely, before we even departed. I'm sure you understand how an injured soldier can affect a battle. If one's comrade cannot fight to his utmost, it affects himself and those who fight beside him."

Kael types in a few commands.

"I don't doubt your duty, or commitment to that duty. However, you do not look beyond what would happen if you did die. It would have been a waste. Not because the task isn't worthy, but because you wouldn't be there to grow into that role. Any soldier can die for his duty, hundreds do so in Asgard's many wars. However, for every one that doesn't, they improve, they grow, they become Hoguns, Volstaggs, and Fandrals," Kael said, saying the three names with respect. "I would gladly take one Fandral over an army of Aesir soldiers. You have such potential," Kael said earnestly. "but you will never be as much as you can be if you go off planning to die every time Solver is in danger. You protect him, and if need be, you die doing so, but if not, you fight, you learn, you become the kind of protector he needs. If you don't, you'll simply be the first of a long line of brave, loyal Aesir do their duty, and die."

Kael sighed heavily upon finishing.

"Solver needs more than just another body watching over him. I think you can be that person, but I also think you need to grow into it. You're a great warrior, but there's more to it than that." Kael sheathes his blades. "As for my duty..I cannot even be home to fulfill my duties. That fact tears at me every day, so I know how you feel. I will not stand in your way again, but think about what I've said. For Solver's sake if not your own."

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dashingly
2013-09-30 06:46 pm UTC (link)

Brandr shook his head. "I doth not enter each battle planning to die. No warrior does, else he wouldst only last a single battle. Art I prepared to die? Accepting of it shouldst it happen? Yes. But mine duty ist not to die for the young lord. Mine duty ist to protect him." He spoke as he retrieved his dagger from the simulation.

"I art a Crimson Hawk, and we art the elite of Asgard's warriors. When we join, we hath but one duty and purpose. To protect Asgard and the royal family. To shirk this duty, to move our responsibilities unto another, that is the utmost dishonour. Ye think I art not pragmatic, nor do not see the bigger picture. I do. I art pragmatic when I fight for duty, but this ist not duty. Thou forgets, I did not fight alongside thee or Thor's children for that mission, no, I stayed with the Lady to protect her as we retrieved the young lord. Because that wast mine duty. As for the bigger picture thine paints...I see it, it ist admirable, but it sets aside duty. And honour."

He sheaths his dagger now, along with his blade. "Mine father doth not have the same duties as I, and he wast never bound by duty as I art. The Warriors Three hath a freedom not available to the Crimson Hawks. Thou must understand the difference. Hath I stayed behind on the mission to rescue the young lord, it wouldst be not only not doing mine duty, but putting mine duties upon others. And e'en if one day I shouldst be as known as the Warriors Three, that failure to continue mine duty will follow me throughout mine days. A Crimson Hawk ist as good as their adherence to duty, e'en if they doth not agree with it, and e'en if it conflicts with desires and self-preservation." He thought of his mother's tales of the time Loki possessed Odin, and the orders she had to carry out that she didn't agree with. Yes, duty above all, that's what she'd drilled into him.

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	olympian_elf 2013-09-30 07:19 pm UTC (link)
	Kael listens to all this before smiling slightly. "Then I suppose we can agree to disagree, as Lady Vernique says, but that doesn't mean we have to be at odds," Kael concedes. "In the end, we both want the same thing." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	dashingly 2013-09-30 09:44 pm UTC (link)
	Brandr just gives another formal slight bow of his head, though at least this time it seems an edge more respectful than the last one. "In regards to the young lord, aye." (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	olympian_elf 2013-09-30 10:06 pm UTC (link)
	Kael gave the man a nod, silently appreciating the gesture. (Reply to this)(Parent)

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