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Beyond The Time Vice Captain
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 Posted: Sun Oct 20, 2024 7:33 pm
Characters: Haruka, Michael & Oliver
Prompt: Everybody was kung fu fighting or something. Much training. Very sparring. Wowe.
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Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2024 6:09 pm
   Between his lessons with Miss Menodora and now having offered to tutor Oliver? It was starting to feel like maybe he was one of the teachers here and someone had just forgotten to let him know. Not that Michael entirely minded. It was good practice, however figuring out exactly how to teach someone what he was doing based off of instinct was proving harder than he expected. As it turned out, saying "just feel it in your gut and then morph your sword into a lance" was actually not helpful to the average person. So a new lesson plan had been devised. He'd been digging deep, deep down and managed to try to remember how he had first learned swordsmanship before his ability to shape light had manifested.
Which meant he was back to the basics. Wooden training swords were clunky and heavy and really just served as a reminder how much he preferred to use light as a weapon. While he could build two swords and have Oliver practice with one of them, it wasn't practical. Firstly, he'd never be in another situation where he was using a sword made of light and learning to use one seeming counter productive. Secondly, and more importantly, Mike had seen the other man try to use a weapon in class and preferred not to give Oliver a blade when he could accidentally run himself through with it.
So wood it was.
Despite asking to meet at a set time, he'd had trouble waiting. As a teacher should he not prepare beforehand? There not being much to prepare was beside the point. Thankfully he'd been able to quell that nagging feeling just enough that they both arrived at the same time. Quickly managing to find training swords mixed in with the actual weapons, the weight of them felt wrong in Mike's hands. "I can tell you haven't had much experience, but have you ever held a sword before?" The question was light, and he casually tossed the wooden sword to his classmate. It should have been easy enough to catch. Hopefully. "I just want to know where we need to start."
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training room ☀︎ oliver
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love me til death Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 6:35 pm
   LOCATION: Training Room xxx COMPANY: Mike xxx CLOTHING: Work Out Minus Hat
"Speaking #AAAAFF""Thinking #749dc3"
It was embarrassing to think about how terrible he was at sparring. And Syena’s condescending looks after they exchanged blows certainly weren’t helping. After that terrible night, Oliver knew he needed more practice if he was ever to surpass his brother. A goal he never realized he had until the night he and Syena had had their heart-to-heart. If not for the broken ribs, Oliver would have almost been grateful to his brother for helping him realize he wasn’t fulfilling his potential.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the worst of it. He was failing combat class, to no fault of his own. Ophelia did her best to help heal him, but Oliver was embarrassed to say how badly he had gotten hurt. But having the hide his injuries for a week or so didn’t help his situation, Serge did not seem to care much for his performance in class one bit. Having learned that making excuses only caused more problems, Oliver opted to bite the bullet and try to make it through class but was unsuccessful.
Michael had kindly offered to tutor Oliver, and the prince hoped this would be an opportunity to finally learn all the skills he wanted to when he was a child. The prince had attempted to learn when he was little, but his mother was a bit too overprotective when it came to the two sons exchanging blows and normally banned Oliver from participating, only letting him watch as his brother would impress their father with his skills. Oliver longed to be the one that impressed his family one day but always managed to fall short, but maybe, with Mike’s help he could catch up.
Oliver didn't know much about the duke besides the fact he always seemed to be so reserved except when it came to defense and combat classes. There was also his eyes, they always seemed to be a different color each time he saw them. It was such an interesting trick but Oliver tried to avoid staring too long.
The training room reminded him of their sparring room at home, even with the padded floors to help cushion any potential injuries. All it needed was his parents staring in the corner and his brother leering at him thankfully the only company here was Michael who seemed to be having an internal debate over the wooden weapon in his hands. With how confident he looked, Oliver wondered if he had taught before. Everyone seemed to have stories from the war, and Oliver was curious about what Michael’s was.
Initially caught off guard by the man’s question he almost dropped the sword but by the gods’ magic, he managed to catch it. Maybe luck was on his side for once! That didn’t stop the shocked look when he caught it, ” I have when we practice in class. I can’t say how much experience I have had before then.” The sword felt lighter in his hand than normal, was this how his sister felt when she was a pirate?
Doing a few pretend swings with the sword, Oliver tried to show us how comfortable he was with the sword, ” If case you couldn’t tell from my performance in class, I am not exactly the most skilled when it comes to combat. But I’m a quick learner.” Oliver attempted to reassure Michael this wasn’t a terrible idea. Swinging the sword another time, he did a quick jab to demonstrate his knowledge but accidentally managed to fumble the sword in the process.
The sword fell to the ground, leaving Oliver looking mildly embarrassed at the man. ” I’m sorry,” apologizing quickly as he picked up the sword off the ground, ” I’ll just hold it now.” Oliver held the sword with two hands, slightly shaking as he still couldn’t look the man in the eyes.
OOC: Hope it's enough!
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Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2024 4:53 pm
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Beyond The Time Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2024 6:44 pm
The shock apparent on the other man's face just for catching the wooden sparring sword was enough to make Michael smile. This was where he was comfortable. Dare it be said, he was confident when fighting. Yet the tanned man before him looked like a baby deer, clumsily trying to learn to stand. Especially as he tried to swing the sword, the attempt at a jab making the sword tumble out of Oliver's hands as if the hilt were coated in butter. The loud clatter of wood on the ground forced a scarred hand over Mike's mouth to cover his laugh, trying not to make the poor boy feel bad about his lack of experience.
”I’m sorry, I’ll just hold it now.”
Shaking his head, Michael had been about to respond when the sound of a bag dropping at the doorway made him turn. While he had seen the newcomer in the halls of Utopia, it was hard to get a read on him. Long dark hair always pulled up into a perfect ponytail, respectful and polite. But always watching. There was something about the way he seemed to observe everything that was unsettling. Like he could see right through Mike for the fraud of a life that he was. It was almost like he was doing it now, the way he was staring at the scene between them now. When he finally spoke, Mike was not sure he wanted to hear what was the pale fellow was going to say.
"Excuse me, I...I do not mean to intrude. Might I...might it be alright if I assist in Lord Oliver's training as well?"
Oh. Well then. Never mind. That had been far less scathing than anything he had been expecting. "I wouldn't mind in the least..." Pausing, Michael tried to remember the name of the gentleman before him. Harold? Harris? No, no it hadn't been so Aloran. Blast it. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't seem to produce the correct name as the silence hung heavy between them.
Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet those dark eyes with an expression that bordered on sheepish. "Ah, I must apologize. I don't think we've become acquainted." For being a school that consisted mainly of the upper crust of nobility, there was a surprising amount of students. Which meant that it actually wasn't all that shocking that he hadn't interacted yet with the dark haired fellow. Thankfully, that was something he could easily fix now. Offering his hand out for a handshake, he smiled. "Michael."
Once introductions were out of the way, he turned back to Oliver. "And please don't apologize." His yellow eyes shifted to green as his expression melted into a sympathetic look. "We all start somewhere. If I was interested in shaming you, I wouldn't have offered to help." Letting his gaze dart between the two men for a moment, he continued. "What do you say Oliver? Do you mind one more?"
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training room ☀︎ oliver & haruka
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Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2024 3:32 pm
LOCATION: Training Room xxx COMPANY: Mike and Haruka xxx CLOTHING: Work Out Minus Hat
"Speaking #AAAAFF""Thinking #749dc3"
Just what Oliver needed to aid in his embarrassment; an audience. He recognized the fair and long hair as a Duke of his kingdom but didn’t know him much after that. Willow had always spoken positively about Haruka but so had Syena so it was mixed how much he could trust him. Why had he even stopped in, to begin with? Was it possible that Syena had sent a spy to check on him to ensure he wasn’t a complete embarrassment? Considering their last interaction it seemed doubtful. The heir apparent had made it very clear he wanted little to do with Oliver and the feeling was mutual, to say the least.
Still, it felt too convenient to be a coincidence. There was the possibility Willow had sent Haruka. She did mention that she thought the two of them would get along, but that theory seemed a bit far-fetched as well. He was all full of formalities and manners, no wonder Syena wished Haruka was in Oliver’s place. The man oozed sophistication and was so composed that it made Oliver more uneasy.
Letting the two introduce themselves Oliver sheepishly awaited for his first instruction. It seemed like Michael was much more relaxed than Serge was but who knew once the training officially began. His brother was a great example of how easily someone could change. But thankfully Michael was quick to dismiss those concerns with his next comments. There was no mask, Michael was just a genuinely nice guy. And maybe Haruka was as well. Hard to find in Utopia, well anywhere really but it was a positive start in the prince’s eyes. He felt like a huge weight was starting to get lifted off of him.
It felt rude to dismiss Haruka after he had asked so kindly, especially since Michael seemed to welcome him without much thought. If the two of them were strangers, then maybe Haruka’s entrance was just a chance encounter and Oliver was overthinking it. It would not be the first time that had happened. ” The more the merrier they say, don’t they Sir Haruka?” he shook his hand with the sword in it before it started wobbling, thankfully he was able to catch it this time, ”Oop- Sorry.” Oliver sincerely hoped Haruka wasn’t a spy because he was sure Syena would have a field day about his failings.
” It gets easier right?” Oliver spoke sheepishly, his face felt hot for asking such a stupid question, ” Never mind.” He knew it would in time, but he wanted instant results. There was someone waiting for him, someone who didn’t even know they were waiting but he wanted to be someone worth waiting for. He wanted to be the man Ophelia saw in him even if that meant spending everyday training with Mike. No matter how long it took, he was sure he could finally be the man she deserved someday.
He took a deep breath, staring at the two men trying to regain his confidence once more. Having the mindset was just as important as participation after all. " I'm ready to get stronger." He spoke louder than before, trying to hide his shaking hands holding the sword.
OOC: Hope it's enough!
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love me til death Vice Captain
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Beyond The Time Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2024 9:07 pm
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Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2024 5:22 pm
Thank the Mother that Haruka didn't seem to be offended at all that Michael couldn't remember his name. Even better that he had offered it freely. It had never been one of his strong suits, and now being formally introduced to a hundred new faces? It would be insanity to assume that he would remember them all. The one truly odd thing was his reaction. Offering a bow instead of taking the hand before him, forcing the scarred man to slowly, awkwardly close his outstretched palm into a fist and pull it back into his chest. Not only that, but he hand offered a longer bow to the bumbling mouse beside him. Interesting. This said something about the status of the would-be swordsman Mike had taken under his wing. However, what it said? He wasn't interested in dwelling on it.
Upon watching them interact, it became clear that neither of them truly knew how to talk to people. Did other kingdoms forget to socialize their royalty? Okay. Cool, cool, cool. They could make this work. Probably. Trying to shake off how awkward that had felt, he returned his attention to his ward. "With patience, it does." There was a smile in his voice as he leveled an apologetic look at Oliver. "Though, I'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear." The young princeling - wait, no we weren't thinking about that - had mentioned something about having someone he wanted to protect. Which Michael could only assume meant he was hoping for some kind of shortcut to learning how to use a weapon.
Snatching back his attention, Haruka had asked him for a duel. Bringing a hand up to press a knuckle into his lip in thought, Mike weighed the options. Watching didn't actually help much. There was simply no substitute for learning the weight of swinging a sword with your own hand. Yet, it didn't hurt either. At the very least it would give him an understanding of the skill level of this new opponent. It would also offer his own skill level to them both, solidifying that he wasn't just blowing smoke up their asses without anything to back it up with. "I don't see the harm in it." His blue eyes shifting back to Oliver as he spoke, addressing his student once again. "Of course, assuming you don't mind."
It had seemed that Oliver did not, in fact, mind in the slightest. Watching the clumsy man hand over the wooden sword to their new addition to this class of sorts, he considered his own practice sword for just a moment. Giving the hilt a light toss to adjust his grip to something more substantial, his eyes narrowed for a moment in thought. Giving his opponent a thoughtful frown, he spoke. "Before we begin I would ask you to forgive me, I haven't fought someone with a single weapon in a long time. I hope I do not prove myself too rusty for your skill." There would be no further explanation that Michael would offer about what he meant.
The first few swipes of their false blades seemed to be testing the waters. The clatter of wood on wood echoed throughout the practice room. A slow, awkward guard here, a cautious parry there as they both took a moment to adjust to their weapons. "Not much of a short sword user then? Would you mind if I ask what your weapon of choice is?" A smile crinkled the corners of Mike's eyes, trying to be friendly with his opponent as he began to pick up speed with his offense.
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training room ☀︎ oliver & haruka ☀︎ fit
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love me til death Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Jan 11, 2025 6:32 pm
LOCATION: Training Room xxx COMPANY: Mike and Haruka xxx CLOTHING: Work Out Minus Hat
"Speaking #AAAAFF""Thinking #749dc3"
Few words could comfort Oliver, but he valued the man’s honesty about the matter. Given his scars, it was clear that Michael had endured many battles. Nothing like the scar that adorned Oliver’s face was just a reminder of his failed attempts at using his powers. Then there was Haruka, who Oliver had heard many tales about his successes and how much of an asset he was to Winduria. Oliver was sure that if it was up to Syena, his family would have chosen to adopt him instead but instead, he was stuck with Oliver who could barely hold up a sword.
It was curious to think about the two other men who had graciously agreed to assist Oliver with his effort. He hoped that there was nothing to worry about but given how much more experience the two had over him it was intimidating to be in the same room as them. The two didn’t seem to judge him though or at least were making an effort not to mock him to his face. But Oliver knew from Syena most of those talks happened in private instead of public spaces like this. That being said, it was hard to believe either of these two strangers could be as cruel as him but judging others wasn’t something he excelled at by any means.
” A demonstration would be nice.” the prince admitted, still struggling with the wooden sword in his hand. It felt so foreign being there but if he was to become the man he needed to be he needed to learn these things. Despite the two gentlemen’s comments of patience, Oliver couldn’t wait for the day he would become a true swordsman. Most academics came easy to him as his mother always encouraged him to pursue his studies. Once this piece of the puzzle was completed, he would be one step closer to the life he yearned for.
Letting his hand rest, he looked at the two for guidance and prepared for the brawl between the two. It was just a demonstration, but Oliver couldn’t help but be curious about Michael’s abilities. Despite his multicolored eyes and body scars, Oliver didn’t know much about him. He was grateful he had offered to assist him in practicing his abilities but how experienced was Michael? Could he keep up with someone as gifted as Haruka? Given how much his snob of a brother sang his praises, Oliver doubted it, but Syena would rather compliment a manured field than his own brother for his efforts.
' Single weapon?' The man’s comment piqued his curiosity more as he spoke. Was it possible he was used to fighting with more than one? Dual-wielding was rather unpopular from what he understood from class so if Michael was able to achieve such a feat maybe there was a chance he could dodge a blow or two from the Windurian Duke. It was hard to say given how much the two were currently exchanging playful blows with one another. Oliver attempted to mimic one of Michael's motions as he watched on the sidelines, but the motion still felt rather awkward despite how easy Michael made it look.
OOC: Thank you Robin for the gorgeous layout heart
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Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2025 12:38 pm
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Beyond The Time Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2025 7:28 pm
Upon the completion of their short dual, Michael once again stuck out his hand to the other man. And once again Haruka responded with a bow. Awkwardly closing his hand into a fist once more, he offered his prim opponent a smile.
"I don't believe I've ever seen a long sword with a smaller cross guard." Bringing his awkwardly hanging hand back up to his chin, he pondered the idea of the sword that had been described. Part of him wanted to start shaping light, giving form to the blade that Haruka's explanation had sprung to mind. Then Haruka could correct the idea, allowing him to see the blade first hand.
Ah.
But that would require breaking the rules... right? Sharing his powers would certainly give away his kingdom. Even more than his changing eyes and dim glow would. There was another, less immediate way around this. One that he would take in the moment as a poor bandaid for the problem at hand. "If you don't mind bringing your blade with you sometime, I would love to see it. I would be interested in sparring sometime on our proper levels."
Given the way that Oliver had trouble keeping his practice sword in hand was enough to make him bite his lower lip to hold in a laugh. That was the last thing Oliver needed in this moment. Michael was not about to embarrass him away from ever learning. However, it was also clear that Haruka had far more faith in the taller man than he should. As Haruka turned back to meet Michael's purple eyes, he composed himself.
"We hadn't even begun when you first came in, actually. I would be more than happy to have you assist. I, uh -" He cut off, glancing back at Oliver. There was a way to say his thoughts with tact, and Michael would be damned if he scared the younger man away. Even if his movements reminded Mike of a small child. "- I do believe it could come in handy for Oliver to see certain moves in action, as it were."
Sidestepping his admission, he approached Oliver. Setting the wooden sword he hand to the side, he caught the false blade of the tanned man's weapon and pulled it up to what should have been a comfortable position to hold it. "Try keeping it here. And let me -" Instead of finishing the thought Michael began adjusting Oliver's grip. Once he was vaguely satisfied, he nodded. "It will get easier with time, but try swinging now."
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training room ☀︎ oliver & haruka ☀︎ fit
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Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2025 3:53 pm
LOCATION: Training Room xxx COMPANY: Mike and Haruka xxx CLOTHING: Work Out Minus Hat
"Speaking #AAAAFF""Thinking #749dc3"
Intimidating was an understatement. The two men before him were talking so casually about battle as if it was common practice, and it possibly was for the two but not for Oliver. Back at home, his mother wouldn’t let him within 10 feet of another person with a sword. He was just now learning each sword had different names; maybe he did need this tutoring after all. It was curious just how much he was already learning just by observing the conversation between the two of them.
Before he realized it, the two’s discussion had ceased, and the attention returned back to him and his pathetic attempt to mimic the now purple-eyed man. It was almost more intimidating that each time Oliver looked at him, his eyes seemed to change color. It had to be an ability of some sort, but it was strange that Michael didn’t have to focus in order to control it, unlike the prince and his powers. It was just another demonstration of how large of a gap there was between them.
A small panicked laugh came out of Oliver’s mouth as Haruka tried to check in on him, “ A yes, one would argue that is one of the easiest lessons for one to grasp so I am glad I can accomplish such skill our second month of school.” It was embarrassing, to say the least. Lord Haruka was doing his best to be kind to the prince, but that wasn’t needed, especially growing up with a brother like Syena, fake compliments were unnecessary. If he wanted to achieve his goals, he needed to be realistic.
Michael, coming closer to his side, started causing Oliver’s anxiety to spiral, ' He doesn’t want Haruka to hear him insult me, how courteous.' Oliver was all too familiar with such tactics from his brother and prepared his face accordingly. However, the insults never came. Instead, he was met with more kindness as the man attempted to fix his grip on the sword to make it easier for the prince to use, ” Thank you, Lord Michael.” A small smile was on his face as he focused his attention back on the sword and prepared to learn what the master might teach him.
Swinging the sword felt easier this time, lighter somehow, but Oliver hadn’t used his power. “It’s lighter, but how?” He asked the two curiously as he carelessly swung the sword in the other direction, almost losing his grip. Thankfully, he was able to adjust his grip again, hoping the two didn’t see his misstep. It was nice to be able to finally swing a sword, but it didn’t solve the ultimate issue: a sword in his hand was worth less than a feather in his brother’s. There was no chance he could catch up to man without some miracle.
Moving the sword to his side, he faced the duke and swordsman, ” Is it possible for us to learn some hand-to-hand combat as well? It’s just that the chances of me getting a weapon are so unlikely that I find it might be best to learn about multiple forms of combat. Haruka, your expertise would be helpful as well, given all you’ve done for our nation.” His face was hopeful for two reasons, one being he genuinely wanted to learn more, and the other was hoping neither would ask about his sudden interest. Michael didn’t know him well enough to ask, but Haruka might spread the word to his mother, and he was sure to have to return home.
OOC: Thank you Robin for the gorgeous layout heart
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love me til death Vice Captain
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Beyond The Time Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2025 10:54 am
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