witchesreign | ( 001 ) ( lazy mornings ) ✘ ( bbs & action )

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( 001 ) ( lazy mornings ) ✘ ( bbs & action )

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ID 86921 posted:

I am a volunteering SeeD for Cadets who need an escort for training missions. My weekends are free.
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[ With that, Saber closed her laptop. Sitting in the cafeteria at 0915, the Instructor was passing the time by browsing the network. That didn't last long, as it never did much to interest her.

Saber's usual haunt was the library since it was quiet, and she also liked the training area. The best place for her to be, made obvious by the stack of about ten empty plates besides her laptop, was the cafeteria.

She had quite a lot of time to kill over the weekends, especially on Saturday. Deciding to focus on her burger, Saber leaned back in her chair as she looked around from the table she occupied. She had managed to secure one towards the back of the cafeteria, and was somewhat out of the way.

When she finished eating, Saber could be found wandering the lobby, poking into the library to pick up some books, and then heading into the training area to check on things. ]

((Hello, WR! This is Saber's intro post. Feel free to have your character talk to her before she leaves the cafeteria, or find her in the lobby, library, or training area! If your character is currently in WTR 201 on MWF or WTR 202 on T/Th, this might be a good chance for them to say hello to their extremely apathetic and kind of creepy Instructor outside of class!))

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Hey there!

[The source of this voice: the sky! Or at least higher up in the air, where a pegasus pony flying overhead has stopped to offer a friendly smile.]

Haven't seen you in here before!

[ Saber visited the training area often, but her visits were brief. She didn't really need to be in there.

The darkened knight steps closer to the wall she's near before looking up towards the voice. Before her 'change', Saber would have been absolutely thrilled to be approached by one of these talking ponies. Even though her love of animals and cute things remains, it's much less than it used to be. ]

I thought I would make sure no one was in need of help. [ That wasn't really something that Instructors were supposed to do, but Cadets coming in here and getting overwhelmed.. well, Saber would be able to help them out. If anything, it could be somewhat amusing. ]

[Rainbow drops out of the sky to hover not far away. The pony clearly has a Blaster Edge strapped to her wrist.]

Naw, we're good! Just practicing. Plus if I heard a call for help, I'd get there faster than anypony!

I see. [ Yes, that made sense. This was the weekend, so there would already be many people here. ]

I'm not needed, then. [ Saber's tone is indifferent, so it doesn't sound like she's disappointed or content with that realization. It had simply been something to do. ]

Are you a SeeD?

I am.

[She says this so proudly, a hoof to her chest.]

The name's Rainbow Dash!

Instructor Saber. I trust you know what to do in an emergency situation. [ With that, Saber takes one more look around and then begins to make her way back from the way she came. It's unfortunate she's not needed, but that's the way it goes. She'll remember Rainbow Dash for this. ]

Instructor, huh? What do you teach?

[Oblivious to the cues that the conversation had ended, Rainbow Dash follows along, matching paces effortlessly.]

Bladed Weapons. WTR 201 and 202. [ She doesn't mind Rainbow Dash 'fly-by' conversing with her. Saber would just rather not stand around and do nothing. ]

Oh, Twilight is in that class! [She winks, putting a hoof on her chest.] My idea, by the way. Don't go easy on her just 'cuz she's an egghead, okay?

I don't go easy on anyone. [ And she's not kidding, either. ] Your friend did not wish to take the class?

She's a unicorn, and her talent IS magic, so... not only does she focus on magic, but she's, well... kinda feeble. [Not that Rainbow would hesitate for a second to say this to Twilight's face, but saying it to somepony else feels awkward.] I've been telling her she's gotta build up.

Even a magic user should have some physical ability to keep them out of harm's way. [ She nods. ] I have not noticed her struggling, but .. I will watch more closely from now on.

[ Rainbow Dash must be bringing this up because she's concerned, and that's the only real reason that comes to Saber's mind. ]

Yeah, exactly! Being a skilled SeeD means being well-rounded, after all! [Says the pony who, while technically capable of paramagic, couldn't put a bite to her spells to save her life.]

What is your specialization? [ Well-rounded, but that didn't change that SeeDs still had their specialty. Unless this Rainbow Dash was enthusiastic enough to specialize in many areas. ]

Piloting, of course.

[Well really, what else would you expect from such a proud flyer?]

Also projectile weapons. [She lifts a foreleg to helpfully display the Blaster Edge on it.] And I was already a karate master before I showed up here, so I picked up Martial Arts just to round it off.

[ Three was a good number, as Saber was no different. ] Bladed Weapons, Intelligence, and Covert Operations. [ Rainbow Dash received a small nod of approval from the Instructor as they neared the entrance to the Training Area. ]

Oh, Pinkie Pie's in Covert Ops! She's the Home Ec Instructor, or one of them anyway. Met her yet?

[Rainbow would LOVE to be a fly on the wall for THAT meeting.]

I have heard of her, but not met her. [ Saber stops in front of the entrance to the Training Area. Turning to face Rainbow Dash's general direction, the Instructor looks up at her.

This one was quite talkative, but since it was the weekend.. Saber didn't mind. ]

Never considered being an Instructor?

Me?!

[To judge by the tone of voice, the answer is very literally, 'no, never'.]

Uh, I'm not sure it's my style.

Understood. [ A nod. Instructing was not for everyone. ] If you'll excuse me.

[ Since Saber had already made sure Rainbow Dash knew what to do in the state of an emergency, the Instructor leaves the Training Area and heads out into the hallway. ]

Hiya teach!

[If there's anyone that's going to stick out as a student, its the taller round girl with the bunny hat and slightly buck teeth. She was anxious to get even better with a weapon, and figured it wouldn't hurt to get to know her instructor better].

I was hoping I would find you here! Sorta wanted some pointers, for next time we get a mission!

[ Saber turns towards the girl who approaches her, and remains quiet for a moment as she attempts to place a name.. ]

Fionna. [ A nod. ] Which is the weapon you plan on being your primary? [ Their class included all weapons with blades, after all, and people tried many throughout the course of the trimester. Some wouldn't even be able to choose by the end. ]

[She was still trying to get used to Saber's somber demeanor. Most of the professors were outspoken or even pretty loud, but Saber always seemed so serious! Not that this was going to get Fionna down!]

Uh, well, I was figuring on a sword. I'm pretty good with 'em, after all.

Excellent that you have decided. [ Another nod.

Saber taught her classes without drawing her sword; she was able to instruct with words well, and giving examples was rarely needed. Fionna had asked for tips, however, and they were in the training center.. and Fionna was seeking the path of the blade. It was the only one Saber held interest in.

Her hands move out in front of her to summon Black Excalibur. The sword was entirely black, asides from the pulsing red runes in it. The tip is pressed into the ground as she sets her hands on the hilt. ]

What do you feel you struggle with most?

[Fionna had to stare at this sword a moment. As a girl who wielded a sword, she had not seen one close to this except for possible her OWN, and she knew that hers was specially made. What the story was behind that sword, she had to ask later. Right now, she had to answer her teacher, and that actually did require her to draw her own sword.

She pulled out hers, and actually got down on a knee.

"I have this sword, but its made'a demon blood, and I guess I'm kinda cautious when I fight with it, that was my problem at first. Now, I feel like I move too slow with it, even when I use it."

[ Saber's eyes narrowed as she looked at the blade. Demon blood?

So the question was, did the slowness come from some type of magical property within the blade.. or was it entirely on Fionna's behalf and hesitation? Perhaps a mixture? Saber looked intently at the sword for a moment as she thought about it, there actually being focus in her eyes for once. ]

You were cautious with your sword, that is made from demon blood. You're no longer cautious with it, but you feel you are slow when you use it. [ She paraphrases what Fionna just told her, to make sure she understands the situation. ] Does it have any magical properties or any abilities?

I'm not sure. I guess that's what I'm still trying to figure out. I'm pretty fast with my Ruby sword, but this one...its like something isn't clicking for some reason, I dunno. I know its pretty magical, demon's blood makes it pretty strong, you wouldn't believe what I did to get it!

[She trails off, sighing]. You ever seen anything like this?

Aye. [ There's a pause as she thinks about it. Saber's very familiar with types of magicked or demonic weapons of all kinds. ]

You're going to have trouble with this blade until you learn of its innate abilities and can draw them out. Or you may not be compatible with it at all. When it comes to weapons with unique properties such as this, there is much more involved than technique and strength. Usually, being able to use such a weapon requires drawing out its inner potential. [ That's likely more than Fionna has ever heard come out of Saber's mouth all at once, and about one subject. ]

I see.

[And that, knowing how Fionna usually speaks, sounds almost weird coming from her. Still, she's clutching the sword rather tightly, and its clear to see that she took all of this seriously].

So...I gotta tap into my inner potential. Did you have to too, for that sword?

I was chosen by this sword. I am very connected to it. There is no one else that could wield it. [ In fact, if anyone tries.. the sword will either feel ridiculously heavy to them or simply fade from existence and return to Saber. ]

A demonic sword is nothing to take lightly. You should decide if you even want to attempt to draw out its potential. It may carry a curse or very harmful magic. And it may be able to corrupt you.

Sounds intense. The sword looks...like it fits you, actually!

[At this, Fionna narrowed her eyes].

No way. I would let myself be beaten by my own stuff!

[ Saber gave her warning, and it's up to Fionna how seriously she takes it. ]

Very well. Is there anything else I can answer for you?

Yeah. Will you spar with me?

[She stood upright, adjusting her stance].

[ There's a slight pause. It's kind of impossible for Saber to spar with someone, considering how strong she is and her inability to hold back. She could use another sword, or.. ]

We haven't spent much time in class together. Would you consider coming at me, and I'll check your technique? I do not need a sword to defend myself.

[ To help with any hesitation Fionna would have, even though Saber wouldn't need it, she has her armor appear on her form in the same flash of black that takes away her sword. There's armor on her hands and arms, so it'd be easier for her to deflect a blade. ]

[Ok wow. That looked really freaking cool, and Fionna had already thought that Saber had the cool loner vibe to begin with. Still, she asked Fionna to be serious, so the rabbit eared girl was not about to let her down].

Right, here I go!

[And she came toward the girl, starting with a swing to the body.]

[ Saber's easily able to deflect each swing that the girl throws at her, using primarily the sides of her arms. As Fionna 'attacks', Saber's eyes follow her movements and she's able to get a pretty basic reading within three minutes. When a slash is directed towards her arm, she grabs the blade this time and holds it in place. ]

I am able to see the "slowness" you experience with this blade. I recommend you use the sword you are proficient with for class and practice until you find out how to manage this blade in private. [ a pause. This is one of Saber's weak points as an instructor. She's not sure why she must praise someone if they are doing well. If they weren't doing well she would critique them, ] I see no particular points of weakness in your technique. You have talent. [ She was at least suited for the sword, and had picked well. ] It will come out more with practice and time.

[ The blade is let go. ]

[Fionna blushed: she had definitely needed to get the criticism to get stronger, and this was something she appreciated, it was just weird to be told exactly what was wrong with you. It was hard to take, of course, as Fionna had been doing this for years, but if there was anyone that was going to show her how to get better, it was this teacher].

And you're pretty amazing teacher! How'd you get so good?"

[ With that, Saber's armor faded back into her casual wear. She doesn't reply for a moment as she examines Fionna's reaction, seeing the color on the girl's face. It makes her wonder if praising is, indeed, the way to go. ]

I was raised as a knight, ruled as a king, and recognized as a hero. The sword has never been far from my hand.

[ Explaining her entire story is a bit confusing, so that explanation will do. ]

Wow. I'm kind of a hero back home too, but I don't have anything as cool as you, and I definitely wasn't ever a queen: I served a prince though.

[She could only imagine what was happening in Ooo with only Cake there to protect people].

So one day they chose you to be trained as a knight? It's a little different back home...

Since my father was a king, I was trained as a knight from a very early age. I didn't become king due to my blood. I was picked by the sword in the stone. [ With that, Saber looks to the side and then down towards the ground. She doesn't mind speaking about it, as fact is fact, but she doesn't wish to reveal anything more personal. ]

So a sword can choose you to be king? Cool. And I'm glad you could totally help your father! I did with my adopted parents too!

[She wouldn't ask any more questions though. Even Fionna could tell that she didn't want to talk a whole lot about her personal junk].

Aye. [ This is likely about Saber's limit for conversation; Fionna's seen her sword and armor, and heard her talk more than she has with anyone for some time.

The Instructor remains looking down to the side, and then looks back to the girl when she decides it's about time to take her leave. ] Be careful. There are SeeDs here, so make it known if you need help.

[ With that, Saber gives a nod in goodbye and begins to walk back towards the entrance she came from. ]

Sure, of course.

[Man, she was secretive. Well, no reason to not be friendly though].

I'll see you in class! Thank you!

What if a missions gonna take longer than a weekend?

I'm still available on special request. [ Saber hadn't done a serious mission like that as a SeeD escort, so it might earn her some bonus points. ]

Theres a weirdass stone head or something in Centra and some folks was talking about getting a team together to go and try to get some artifacts out of it. Their spreading the word its gonna be like a competition or something, so we'd have to go Wednesday next week. How about it?

Understood. I'm Instructor Saber. I will assist with preparations.

[Namur looks up her instructor profile and- oh shit in a crab bucket Thatch and Marco are going to have a heyday with this one. Why does every person in a position of authority that he runs into have to look like a damn teenage girl? He blushes and cringes and thanks every guardian spirit or lucky star or god out there that this conversation is via BBS, and therefore she cannot see the way the skin under his eyes and over his nose now match the color of his gills.]

Cadet Namur, #95283 (Weapon Specialist Operative), Martial Arts Platoon, Level 1. [Does that look copied and pasted? Because it totally is.] Should probably meet up with everyone to get a final count and figure out whos good at doing what. By 1300 tomorrow I could get the word passed along. Quad sound good?

I will be there. We will discuss details then.

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( 001 ) ( lazy mornings ) ✘ ( bbs & action )

Training Center!

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Training Area

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i hope this is okay!

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BBS

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