Joking with a emo (Ray vs Aramis)

[Deleted]

This is a sparring/training match between Aramis and Raygin. Thread is rated R and DE. Fight does not end unless both combatants agree to call it quits or someone dies. Aramis gets first post.

[Aramis Tezuka]

Aramis had been invited to train with a Vice Captain. Some shinigami would have been honored by the suggestion. Aramis simply met it with apathy. It was a chance to study a Vice Captain's strength. He had seen Ray's power before, but it sounded as though his strength had grown since then. A good chance for analysis. Aramis had not been impressed with Ray during their journey together. So, it was time to re-evaluate his strength. Always good to keep your data relevant.

Aramis recognized he would lose, but that was fine. His goal wasn't to win, it was to study. He cleaned the sword of his zanpakuto as he awaited Ray's approach. "Imperious Caesar died and turned to clay.... might stop a hole to keep the wind away.... oh that, that earth which held the world in awe... might stop a hole t'expel the winter's flaw...." He mused in rhythmatic tone as he waited. "Hm. Interesting that they might not have used standard boarding." He remarked, flopping onto his back to stare up at the sky.

[Deleted]

Raygin let out a content yawn as he walked along one of the roads of the Sereitei. It was a peaceful and relaxing day, perfect for training. Well, technically Ray had just finished his Kawada training with Shade only two hours ago and now he was doing to help spare with another Shinigami. Ever since he became a third seat Ray was a lot more relaxed. He did not have his Vice Captain responsibilities but he did have his authority over the lower ranking Shinigami. Ray didn't have to do so much work and could devote more time into training, playing, and studying.

Raygin continued to walk until he reached the training field. His ability to sense reiatsu alerted him to Aramis even before Ray could see the younger Shinigami. Ray headed staight for Aramis and when he saw him Ray gave him a wave. "Yo! Names Raygin Kawada, sorry for being late!" Raygin said to him. He stopped about twenty feet from the male and looked at him. Raygin remembered Aramis from that mission he went on some time ago. Aramis seemed the kind of guy who was always bored and moopy. "So! How do you want to do this?" Raygin asked.

OOC: Sorry for post being short. RL stuff is draining my roleplay juices...

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - [100] (70) Points

Speed - [400] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [300] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400] (600) Points

Light Aura - [80] Points

Dark Aura - [20] Points

Instinct - [150] Points

Senses [50] Points

Energy sensory - [100] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: [1500] Points]

[Battle Analysis] {2}

[Special Skill - Kido] {2}

[Lack of Fear] {2}

[Unique Skill - Annoyance/Trolling] {2}

[Imitation] {2}

[Weapons - Sword] {2}

[Battle Learning] {2}

[Aramis Tezuka]

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength: 100 (70)
Speed: 100 (70)
Reiatsu Strength: 100
Spirit Pressure: 55
Light Aura: 100
Dark Aura: 0
Senses: 50 (75)
Instinct: 100 (150)
Energy Sensory: 40 (60)
Healing Expertise: 0
Total: 545


Martial Arts: Fencing—3
Poetry—2
Analyzing—3
Disguise—3
Illusion Resist—2
Lack of Fear—2

Aramis slowly began to rise as Raygin approached. Then paused as if reconsidering, and ultimately slumped back down, as if considering it too much effort to get up. "People are like leaves. Stretching higher and higher on the tree, and then falling off and never being heard from again." He commented. "The peak of the leaf's glory is the shortest moment." He commented. After a few more moments of thinking, he stood up as Raygin asked how he wanted to approach their match.

"Is there more than one way?" He asked, looking lazily ahead. "Unless you want to place restrictions on the fight?" He asked, sounding bored, as he slowly turned to face Ray, and drew his sword. A fairly standard katana, but Aramis held it awkwardly, as though he were not comfortable with it in his hand. "Or should we start?" He asked. This was not an evaluation. This was training against a superior opponent. Nothing more and nothing less than that. Training under pressure. Something Aramis had not yet attempted. It would be a valuable experience for him.

Already Aramis had assumed he would be defeated, but that wasn't the point. He had a clear objective in his mind now. Survival. How long could he last against a notably superior opponent. Secondary objective. How effectively could he fight back? Survival was the primary goal, to last as long as possible, but if he could find an opening to strike back, then could he take advantage of it? Aramis knew he had an advantage here that he wouldn't possess in the field. The advantage of knowledge. He knew he was outclassed right now. He had to use that knowledge to his advantage.

The secret Nakabakki assumed a fencing stance, katana held out in front of him, point aimed at Ray's chest. His blade was held flat and parallel to the ground. His legs were spaced out, for easy lateral movement, and like this, he could put his full bodyweight behind him for a lunge attack-- the staple technique of fencing. His choice of dueling style-- fencing, often surprised shinigami, who were accustomed to using kendo. As a result, Aramis was typically more experienced at dealing with his opponent's style than they were with his.

[Deleted]

Raygin blinked a few times when Aramis asked him about different ways to fight. ”Of course there is different ways man. We could fight with swords, with our sheaths. We could blast each other with Hado, we could try to break out of each of our Bakudo. We could also try to out race each other, see who could do more pushups, make the bigger reiatsu aura.” Raygin responded to Aramis, giving him various examples of different ways to train. Ray drew his own Zanpakuto and held it to his side as he eyed Aramis’s fighting style. It was different than what he usually saw and almost looked like something a fencer would do. But why would Aramis use a pocking style for a slicing sword?

Raygin lifted his zanpakuto up and rested it on his shoulder as he watched Aramis. Ray knew he was going to need to be careful. Not because he was worried Aramis was going to do serious damage to him, rather he needed to be careful he did not hurt Aramis too much. Raygin had severely injured both Hokori and Kousei during his matches with them and since then Ray knew he needed to relax when he fought. Ever since that fight with Hibiki, Ray had been taking his fighting too far and hurting people in ways he did not before. This was also due to his training with the Kawada that forced him to close his heart. But against Aramis, he needed to take it easy. So, Ray assumed a defensive position. He was going to let Aramis come to him and make the first attack.

Remaining Reiatsu: 3000 / 3000

[Aramis Tezuka]

Aramis's preference for fencing was due to his own nature. He couldn't help it that his Zanpakuto took on the form of a katana when he would have preferred a rapier, foil, or even a saber. Fencing was Aramis's preferred fighting style and so he employed it, even with his katana. He simply had to adjust his grip slightly. The tip of his katana was angled towards Raygin's throat, and the blade was facing towards the ground instead of towards either side as in traditional fencing.

Ray had drawn his weapon. Now was the time to commence this duel! Aramis's approach was measured but quick. Balanced, so that he could easily back off, should Ray strike. He had taken a defensive posture, his sword back, resting on his shoulder. Aramis couldn't execute a beat attack like this. Aramis's eyes were analyzing everything. An attack to the throat or torso would be easily parried aside. Then, what about an attack somewhere else? How quick could Ray react?

Aramis's blade dipped down, as though dropping to cut Ray's leg. Then it instantly reversed directions to slice at his arm! A downwards feint to gauge his opponent's reactions, followed by the real attack. Aramis was at the length of his reach, so that only the tip of the blade would slice into Raygin's arm. It would be a shallow cut, but it would be a victory if Aramis managed it.

[Deleted]

Raygin narrowed his eyes as Aramis was getting ready. Raygin was going to hold true to what he said and would maintain a defensive position for as long as he could. He would hold back his reiatsu so that his sword would not cut through Aramis’s and end the training. But, Raygin would not lower his defensive cutback ability. If something would happen, some sort of mess up on Rays part, he wanted to make sure he had some sort of defense in place. Yes, it would punish Aramis for Raygins clumsiness but Ray just wanted the comfort of being unable to be hurt. Raygin bent his knees and got ready.

Raygin was far faster than Aramis, more than five times faster than the man. While the speed of their minds was equal, Raygin was faster in body. As Aramis was coming in for a lower attack Raygin kept his guard up. Raygin had begun to lower his sword when the path of Aramis’s attack suddenly changed. Raygins eyes widened as he used his high speed to bring his sword back up and slam into Aramis’s. Being of equal strength meant Raygin could push Aramis’s Zanpakuto just slightly enough that he could side step and get into Aramis’s exposed side. Raygin did not advance, rather he retreated three steps.

The way Aramis fought was different then how other Shinigami fought. That style seemed familiar to Ray, like he had seen it before. The handling, the attack, it just seemed familiar. Raygin did not fight like Aramis did, he was more of a speedy slashing kind of guy, and to be honest Raygin sucked at sword fighting. But Aramis’s sword fighting was unfamiliar waters to Raygin, so he would have to wade through it carefully. The Shinigami smirked and made a “Come here” gesture with his head, letting Aramis know that he could continue.

Remaining Reiatsu: 3000 / 3000

[Aramis Tezuka]

Aramis's attack was beaten back easily, but the duelist was not deterred. As Ray retreated, Aramis advanced! He matched Ray step for step, and as the Vice Captain backed off, Aramis's blade stabbed downwards at the top of Ray's foot? And then, just as before, his blade flashed up, flicking in a much shorter arc than before, to slice at Ray's shins. Aramis was treating the duel as a chess game, in a sense. First feint low and strike high. This time feint low and strike low to throw him off. Next....

Whether Aramis's ploy succeeeded he would quickly bring his blade back to the ready position and launch a skewering thrust at Ray's torso-- a textbook fencing lunge technique. This one was no feint. But would Ray recognize that? Aramis had already thrown two feints would he be able to read the pattern of Aramis's blows to figure out which blows were real? If Ray blocked or avoided this blow, Aramis was still prepared. A deflected blow with no counterattack would only cause Aramis to retract his arm and launch a second thrust towards Ray's torso again.

Aramis seemed as though he was fighting uncharacteristically aggressively, but in his eyes he saw it as the logical path. Ray's own defensive stance lent little to offense, without being telegraphed. Therefore a series of rapid attacks was Aramis's answer to try and overwhelm Ray's defences with a storm of blows, trapping him in a myriad of feints and true blows. In his mind this was the best option. To make Ray question which blows were real and which were false, in the hopes of forcing a misstep. Aramis recognized his physical inferiority, so he decided he needed to construct a psychological advantage, in order to hold his ground against the superior officer.

[Deleted]

Oh snap! He’s coming![/i] Raygins eyes widened as his attempted breather was refused by Aramis’s ruthlessness. Raygins feet stopped moving as Aramis was going for his foot. Oh no he didn’t. Raygin was going to try and go on the assault so he could push Aramis, and so he immediately began to swing his sword to parry Aramis’ attack. However, Aramis then shifted that attack straight into a strike for the shins. Luckily, Rays Zanpakuto collided with his sparing partners. The collision caused Aramis’s Zanpakuto be knocked off its course.

However, Raygin was still unable to catch the breath he needed.
After the those two little skirmishes, Raygin was starting to see the pattern of Aramis’s attack. Feints![/i] Raygin grit his teeth. He needed to push back, otherwise Ray would be forced to dance all across this training field. It seemed that Aramis was going for a fake first attack real second strategy. It meant that Raygin was forced to be extra cautious, otherwise he would inevitably harm Aramis with his cutback. So, Raygin needed to end this little defense and go straight to the offense. And the best opportunity was…now! The Shinigami was going for a thrusting attack straight for Rays chest. Feint or not, Raygin was going on the offensive now.

Rather than blocking it, Raygin side stepped it. Aramis was going for a straight lunge, and while he could have finished the move with a swing, Raygin was going to let him. Ray had dodged with his absurdly high speed, and moved at Aramis with that same level. It wasn’t truly fair, but Raygin wanted to let Aramis now that he was capable of pushing him back as well. After side stepping, Raygin swung from the bottom left to a upwards right, hoping to get across Aramis’s chest. The Shinigami had two choices at this point, dodge or block.

SPOILER: Click to show

If Aramis chose to dodge the attack, Raygin would reach up and grab a hold of his Zanpakutos hilt with his second hand. Using the force of both hands he would stop the swing from completing before changing the direction of his sword and performing a second, horizontal slash at Aramis. Raygin would then finish the set by thrusting his sword at Aramis’s thigh, trying to impede his movement a bit.

SPOILER: Click to show

If Aramis chose to block with his sword, Raygin would step in closer and grabbed a hold of Aramis shoulder with all his strength. [color=red[“Geki!”

[/color] Raygin said, casting the Bakudo with no hesitation. Aramis would find he was completely unable to move due to the Bakudos paralysis effect. Geki was a low level Bakudo, and could easily be broken by flexing ones reiatsu, however, would Aramis know how to escape the Bakudo? Raygin took a step back grinning and saying ”Wow, you’re good.” he chuckled before swinging his sword at Aramis’s thigh, hoping to cut it and limit Aramis’s movement.[/spoiler]

Remaining Reiatsu: 2950 / 3000
-50 for Geki

[Aramis Tezuka]

His attacks were deflected. Even if he caught his opponent in this weave of feints, it seemed the gap in their speed was just too great. If that was the case, then perhaps a simultaneous attack would be necessary? Ray stepped in extremely quickly, and Aramis bit his lip slightly. Here it comes![/color] Ray's sword arced up in a diagonal arc, and Aramis's left arm swept into the path of the blow. At the same time, his zanpakuto flashed towards Ray's face. Aramis knew he wouldn't pierce Ray's cutback, but he still intended to land his blow along the Vice Captain's jaw. A blow that-- if it had landed on a lesser foe, would have removed the jaw entirely.

As for Ray's own attack, as it struck Aramis's arm, it would stop, rather than severing the arm as he might have expected. Rather it caused his limb to shudder from the impact and then held firm, pushing the blade aside. Aramis couldn't hope to compete with Ray's speed under normal circumstances, but an equal exchange, utilizing the shock and element of surprise from a "bare handed" deflection of Ray's blade, might enable Aramis to land his blow. Additionally, because of the counterslash, stepping in to grab his shoulder would enable Aramis to land his blow.

Not that his blow would actually injure Ray due to cutback. It'd be a moral victory that Aramis landed such a serious blow at all, against a Vice Captain. Something to tuck away.

[Deleted]

THWAK! Raygins blow knocked off Aramis’s arm somehow. But that was not the sound. The sound was Aramis’s sword striking Raygin on the face. The Vice Captain blinked, using a Shunpo to appear a couple of feet away from Aramis. Raygin blinked in surprise and touched his face, feeling around the area he had been hit. Raygin then began laughing. It was a loud laugh, a good laugh. ”Hey, you got me. Good job!” the Vice Captain said between his chuckles. ”You’re really good you know that?” Raygin asked as his laughter finally died down, yet he still giggled. He was happy. For once he was fighting someone not trying to cut him into a hundred different pieces. This was a fun fight, a real spar rather than a death match. It made the Vice Captain happy.

Yet underneath that happiness was confusion. Why had Raygins sword bounced off of Aramis’s arm like that? The thought was an entertaining one, but he pushed it from his mind as he rubbed his struck area. ”So, do you wanna keep going or do you wanna call it a day?” Ray asked. He would go with whatever Aramis choose. If Aramis wanted to continue, all he needed to do was say so or attack. If Aramis wanted to leave he was more than allowed to. The fight was fun, but Raygin had no idea how much longer he could just swing his sword without harming Aramis. During their last exchange he had put way to much speed into his attack and could have hurt Aramis greatly, so perhaps when Ray learnt more self-control it was best if they called it a day.

2900 / 3000
-50 for Shunpo

[Aramis Tezuka]

Aramis's blow had been a success! It had required him to use his despised Nakabakki physiology (something that was proving incredibly useful in Aramis's battles), but he had scored a blow on Raygin. He had no care of cutback. But he saw it in Raygin's eyes. That curiousity. He wanted to know why his blow had failed. Unfortunately, it was beyond Aramis's right to inform him. But he was a Vice Captain. If the match continued, and Ray continued to seek the answer, he would undoubtedly find out. The gap in their power was too great for Aramis to prevent it.

Aramis lifted his blade, almost as if to challenge Ray again, but then sheathed his sword. "A swallow that has pecked a hawk, had best take wing." He stated dully. The metaphor was clear. Aramis was concluding their match. "Thank you for your time, Ray Kawada." He added formally, and turned to move away. He wished he could have seen Ray's shikai, but that would have to come another day. This day, the gap was too great. Aramis knew that to fight further was pointless. Ray would have no need of more advanced techniques than a mere Shunpo. With his immense natural speed, Aramis recognized that he would not be able to land another blow. The outcome was decided.

Still he pondered Ray's abilities. To see the Vice Captain release would be pleasant, but it would have to wait until another day. A day when Aramis would be stronger than he was now. On that day, he supposed, he might face Ray again, and collect further data on his Zanpakuto, and abilities. No doubt the Vice Captain would have improved that day as well. Regardless, this was a satisfactory ending to the Nakabakki. Even if he had required to use his damnable left arm, he had managed to land a blow. Perhaps next time it would be a scratch. Or perhaps even more substantial. Only time would tell.

[Exeunt]

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

+425 TP to Aramis
+300 TP to Raygin