Placement Test; Tsubaki's Assessment

The hard strike on Tsubaki's blades caused her body to tremble from the powerful vibrations of metal hitting metal. "Nn!!" She was stunned for a moment or two even after Krikor was kicked away, leaving her wide open to be blasted by the Blood Bolt. "AHH!!" she cried, as she was knocked back from the force, stumbling and falling down. Naturally, Krikor's sword fell to the ground in front of her. "Ugh! I'm covered in blood..." she groaned. The smell of the blood was actually pretty nostalgic to her, though, even if it basically reddened up her fabric. She grumbled as she got to her feet, "Now you've done it..." whilst flashing through Ninjutsu hand signs. "Desert Flower!" She seemed sorta mad now, lashing her hands out violently and releasing many searing waves of heat just about as strong as Krikor's own Blood Bolt. "Hope your armor's heat resistant, Kricky..." It didn't seem like she was going to let up now.

Krikor was staggered by he heat Tsubaki was giving off, trying to protect his face with his arms. "It seems she's getting angry -- and careless," he thought. "If I can get my sword, I might be able to end this."

Calling up the last of his strength, Krikor bolted forward, snatching his sword up off of the ground. He kept up his momentum and jumped into the air, making like he was going to bring his sword down onto Tsubaki's head when, in reality, he would take a swing at her midsection as soon as he landed (again, making sure to stop before he actually hit her so as not to hurt her) in an attempt to trick her into blocking high instead of where he was actually aiming. "This is it," he thought, "I'm out of spare blood and I'm getting fatigued from this heat. It's all or nothing now!"

The rather enraged Tsubaki would continue to throw out wave after wave of searing heat, all up until the point where Krikor would leap high into the air and come down on her with a strike. She intended to send another wave of heat at him, but could tell that she was already rather drained from her own rather careless use of her own energy. "Dammit... I think I used up too much chakra..." She'd been doing a lot and surprisingly wasn't very adept in battling for a very long time. She had endurance, but she didn't have much in terms of a chakra pool. In that, she needed more work, and this was starting to hit her just now.

When she saw him coming down from overhead, she knew that it would be best to avoid something like that rather than to block it head on, especially with his strength outmatching her own. She figured that if she moved to the side whilst he came down from above, she'd have a clear opening at his side whilst he was trying to recover from his own strike, and that's where she'd get him. However, when she did dart to his side, it seemed like he, too, had a different plan in mind. Just as she was about to slash at him again, she saw his blade coming toward her own midsection. "A feint...?!" she muttered, adjusting quickly to block against the attack with both arms raised up before her own slash connected. With another clang of their metal hitting, Tsubaki was knocked back a bit again, and the reverberation of their blades sent a tingling sensation throughout the rest of her body. "Gh!!" She stood there, vibrating a bit, feeling the intensity of the wavelengths flowing through her body. If she were closer, she could have used it for another attack, but she was too jarred by the impact of the colliding blades.

"What am I going to do now...?" she muttered, thinking hard. She couldn't kill him, like she was trained to do, and she was quickly running out of energy because she'd been carelessly throwing it out. "Maybe it's time to play it a little defensive..." She kept her hands raised on guard, but kept a close eye on Krikor. Whatever she had to do now, she couldn't keep haphazardly using up her chakra. She had to use it sparingly and figure out how to do some type of damage to him with his armor on. He was pretty tough for her without the use of her special techniques, and she could tell. "I'll just have to catch him slipping up... He looks like he's kinda worn, too..." She kept herself ready, poised for an evasive type of dance if necessary, so that she could catch him wherever she saw a weakness in his defense. "Well, come on!"

Krikor breathed a mental sigh of relief when his feint worked, feeling like he was finally gaining some ground. With Tsubaki's Dance of the Desert Flower over, he felt cooler already, and felt a bit of his energy coming back. Still, he thought, it was better to play it safe and wait for Tsubaki to attack first. If he waited for her to attack and then parried and countered, he'd be able to rest on his laurels and regain some of his stamina while he waited. He whipped his hair out of his eyes with a flick of his head, taking a lot of the sweat with it, and focused his gaze on Tsubaki, getting ready to block and counter whatever she did next.

Krikor was startled when he heard Tear's voice suddenly come out of nowhere.  "The...problem?" he asked quizzically, relaxing his muscles a bit.  Krikor was genuinely confused by the question Tear was posing -- he didn't think there had been anything wrong with this round of combat.  He and Tsubaki had both fought to the best of their abilities, and neither one of them had injured the other in a way that would prevent the match from continuing, as far as he knew.  What, then, was Tear talking about?

Tsubaki suddenly lowered her guard when Tear called for the two of them to stop, turning to him to try figuring out what the issue was. All she could think was that she'd done something incorrectly and that she might fail. She cursed herself in her head, but didn't let any of it show on the exterior. She knew one of her own mistakes, quite honestly, but she didn't think of anything else. Hopefully it wasn't as bad as she thought it was.

She lowered her head, saying to Tear, "... Well I think I might have been too quick to use up a lot of my chakra right at the beginning..." She was actually taught not to do things like that, but she was rusty and moving off of reflex more than anything. This was her first actual battle in a long time, and it wasn't for a kill, so she was just being wasteful. "... But other than that, I dunno. Were there any problems otherwise? And are they going to effect my grade?" She really hoped that she wouldn't just not be eligible anymore because of something like that. She tried to make sure to be as well-rounded as possible based on what Tear was asking for, but she felt like her natural means of engaging in combat were showing more, which was more indirect. Maybe she wasn't versatile enough for this school's standards. She was just hoping it wasn't like the way she thought...

Tear, making sure to keep his own thoughts about the matter in check until he heard what the students believed the issues were, he nodded his head and closed his eyes, seeing now where the two of them were. "Well, Krikor, in terms of your own individual and personal battle style, you did very well. You were at a clear disadvantage due to Tsubaki's fighting style, which I would suggest that you work on, however in terms of making mistakes, beyond the initial disadvantage, you made very few. You've done good work." He had to make sure he addressed the rather confused Krikor, since he probably wouldn't have been paying much attention to Tsubaki in terms of error, since he had to think about himself. He was not only a new student, but also not of the more advanced level, of which Tear expected more from in matters of perception. For his level as a student, he was just fine and doing really well. "You're a well-rounded person, though your focus is more on direct physical combat, which is where Tsubaki is weak. If you'd care for a further explanation or extra advice on what you should work on to deal with those of your type, feel free to do so after the Placement Test is complete." He did need to focus on Tsubaki here, after all, but he would always be clear and give pointers to all participants, if necessary or upon request.

"Now, as a matter of you, Tsubaki..." he started again, now lowering his hand, his face becoming a bit more serious, "You are correct that this was your biggest mistake; using too much energy much too early. It's important to be able to monitor how much you are using it, and to budget it as if it were money, if that's a way you need to think of it." He also noticed her refer to it as 'chakra,' which he knew was the archaic term for the specific type of energy used in the Lost World. She must have been a native of that land, or at the very least have picked up on their terminology due to her residence of living, or mingling with the inhabitants of that place. She also exhibited a fighting style very similar to those that lived there, which only confirmed Tear's suspicions about her. He'd have to inquire on her heritage and history later. "... Other than that, you did excellently for your Assessment. Your skills are actually rather reminiscent of my own, quite possibly because of you being an Instrument." He wasn't sure what she referred to herself, but the 'weapons' were known as 'Instruments' here.

"You're rather focused on indirect combat and are very evasive, which seems to be more of your natural forte. You seem like you have other skills that support this fighting style, which also seems to be like that of an assassin or a ninja. Very impressive, but still in need of some fine tuning." It wasn't a matter of her being well-rounded, but just being as effective as she could. "I only asked to see the other combat styles in order to gauge what felt the best to you and what your skill level, strengths and weaknesses were in terms of the other tactics. You seem to specialize in a certain form, which is perfectly alright. I just needed to see for myself in order to 'place' you properly in recommended classes," he added, specifically for clarification. "As it currently stands, I've seen enough for you to complete your placement exam as is. Much like the seasoned warrior, Krikor, here, you are a natural and I am proud to say that you have passed your Placement Test." His signature deadly nonchalant smile returned to him and he clapped foppishly to her, as a form of slight and gratification, since she was looking down and he wanted to give her a morale boost. "It seems like you've been trained well." He chuckled under his breath before lowering his hands and holding his arms behind his back.

"I'll be giving you a full report on what your strengths and weaknesses were in terms of your Strong Points and Weak Points, of which I have been taking note of. Afterward, I will escort you back to my office in order to discuss your recommended schedule." He nodded his head to her, finalizing with a sound "Congratulations" on her acceptance. He then nodded to Krikor, as well, adding, "And thank you, Krikor, for volunteering! Always good points for that. I hope you have had a useful experience here, as well that may help you in your future here at Pandemia."

(The points will be documented at the end of the topic.)

"Great job, Tsubaki!" Krikor said enthusiastically, patting her on the shoulder before taking a few steps away from her, ruffling his own hair to try to get some of the sand out of it.  "See?  I told you you didn't have anything to worry about."  He looked at the bloody smear on her clothes and said, rather sheepishly, "Sorry about the stain.  I can get rid of it, if you want me to."

Tsubaki knew how important the critique from a mentor at the end of a training session was and took Tear's words to heart. She remained quietly receptive to what he was saying, seeing just what he meant and trying to go over where her own faults were, if she could. It seemed like, as a teacher, he saw some things about her that she didn't in herself. She was happy to hear that he liked her style, but figured that if it was similar, he probably had some sort of assassin-like training, himself. She'd have to learn more from him. Maybe he and Krikor could help her get better in physical combat, too.

To hear that she was accepted put a rather large smile on her face and brought shimmering sparkles to her eyes. She clasped her hands together and sighed exuberantly, trying to contain her excitement and remain professional before him. "Th-thank you, Mister Tear. I will do my best!" Now that she was finally in Pandemia, she could really get down to serious business and have a roof over her head whilst she figured out how this land worked and how to get home. Krikor's enthusiasm also made her feel welcomed. She was tired, but she was fulfilled, and it was a nice feeling.

At the mention of the blood stain on her shirt, she looked down at it, nearly forgetting it was there. "Oh, this? Yeah, thanks. Hahaha!" She thought to herself that if he wanted to, he probably could have done something to harm her if they still fought and he had control over his blood while it was stained on her. That would have been really bad for her. Like how her sand was used on him. He was potentially very dangerous, if he used his powers a certain way. "I'll be with you in a minute!" she called to Tear, turning to Krikor fully so that he could work his magic.

"Alright, hold still," Krikor said, reaching out a hand and placing it over the bloody area.  His arm muscles tensed, and after a barely audible slurping sound, he pulled his hand away.  The stain was gone -- not a trace of it was left, and it looked like it had never even been there.  The draining done, Krikor dusted the area of Tsubaki's clothes where the blood had been off with his palm, saying, "There we are, good as new."

"I must admit," he continued, "you put up one helluva fight!  You really had me on the ropes with that Desert Mirage thing you did."

Tsubaki let Krikor do his thing, ending up with her crop top being as good as new, spic and span. "Thanks, Krikky!" she said, having grown a little fond of that nickname for him, "You were pretty good too. Wasn't expecting you to shoot that blood at me... You're really strong." She eyed him up and down, pretty much inspecting his armor and his sword, "... But then again, you've got all that heavy metal on you, so I'm not surprised." She'd already made friends with him and they'd bonded over battle, which was how she was more accustomed to getting to know people due to the conditions from which she hailed. Many people became close the more they sparred with each other and fought alongside each other where she came from, and it seemed like it was no different here. She was glad. She'd be feeling right at home in this place in no time.

"Well, I'll catch up with you later, Krikky. Tell that other guy I said hi." She waved at him and walked over to Tear, looking to him with a face of determination. "I'm ready!" She wanted to know what her score was, but she figured that he would tell her sooner or later... She hoped sooner.

All the while that Tear was waiting on Tsubaki, he would have a pensive look on his face, thinking deeply and very seriously, a hand up to pinch his chin whilst his other arm supported his elbow. "Hmmm... A very grave and deep shift has occurred..." he muttered, letting those who were ignorant of these matters remain as such. He took a pocket watch from one of hes breast pockets and flicked it open, looking at the time... Though, it seemed to also double as a compass. "... This is urgent. Things must be dealt with swiftly, or..." Before he finished, Tsubaki was making her way over to him, and he certainly couldn't allow her to hear about what he was speaking of. No, none could listen to his mumblings about the major events that were about to go down. Time was of the essence, and as much as he didn't want to have to rush this... Very grave and pressing matters on the Veritas as a whole were on the line, and he had no time to waste on that.

"Ah, yes, yes!" he said in a cheerful manner, closing his watch and stuffing it in his pocket swiftly. He wouldn't let anyone know anything; not at all. Silence was part of his expertise, as was intelligence. No matter what he knew or had at his knowledge, he was a master at not leaking anything that wasn't necessary but also to reveal the things that were. "Well, come along, then! I will inform you about the results of your score when we reach my office! Quickly! Quickly! We mustn't waste any time if you want to get situated in the facility!" He started off toward the door rather quickly, not giving her any time to ask any questions. All of that could be done back in his office. "Good day, to you, Mr. Hosvepian! Much appreciation for your fine work, as usual!" With that, he was off.

(By the way, Krikor, you are also allowed to give or detract 'points' to others as you may, as long as you list why you did so in the topic that it happened.)

"Of course, Mr. Lacrimoso.  Anytime," Krikor called after Tear and Tsubaki as they left the arena.  After they had left, he looked up at the clock on the wall of the room and saw that he still had some time before class.  "Ah, plenty of time," he thought. "I should have time to hustle back to the room and shower again.  That heat made me sweat like a pig."  With that, he began heading back to his dorm.

"You did well, Krikor," Ashcroft said in Krikor's mind during the trip back to the dorm.  "You seem to be getting acclimated to fighting with fewer of us to help you."

"Thanks, Ashcroft," Krikor replied telepathically.  "That means a lot, coming from you."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Ashcroft asked, venom in his 'voice.'

"Just that you're a perfectionist and a slavedriver," Krikor shot back.  The two of them continued this telepathic bickering until they reached the dorm where Krikor took a quick shower before putting his armor back on and heading to the Resonance Room for his first class of the day.

((OK, I gave a few points for Tsubaki's performance:
+1 for realizing Krikor's weakness and blinding him,
+1 for realizing the mistake she made in combat,
and +1 for her unique fighting style and adapting it against Krikor.

Also, I haven't seen any forum for the Resonance Room, so I don't know where to make my next post. Did I just miss it?))

(Yes and no. It was stated in the story that Tear had already left to handle other business, which would mean that your character would either have to follow him wherever he was going or wait until later.

However, this does not stop you from having your character explore in other places or on their own in the intended topic of interest. Other events are still liable to occur, even if they do not, which gives you a variety of options on what you'd like to do on your own in times where someone is not with you. This helps further develop your story as an individual, which will eventually help to decide your Rank.

The Ranks at the bottom of the main page document how well developed one's story and character are in relation to themselves as well as others. The more developed a character and their story, the higher up their rank and the more trusted they are not only to do things alone, but also to help guide others that are newer, such as has been done for you. This is just a short description about how both the 'Rank System' works in tandem with 'Story' and 'Character Development.' As of right now, unless you request to RP with or interact with an NPC, you are now by yourself. Like characters in video games casually joining and leaving parties.

Does that make sense and/or do you have any further questions or concerns before the topic is closed?)

((No, that answers it pretty well. Since I had Krikor go take a shower, I suppose it's too late to have him follow Tear to wherever it was he was going, so I'm a bit at a loss as to what I should do next.))

(Well, my suggestion to you is to perhaps think about what you want to do with your character in terms of development. You're basically free to do whatever you wish, so in times where no one is with you, as there may indeed be, it's good to find tasks or goals to focus on for your character's story specifically and utilize the environment or ask others to assist you with them. You may always request the use of an NPC if necessary to help guide you to where you wish to get to.

By the way, growth in ranks also shows how much direction your character has on their own, without any help to sustain their stories. This is only being explained to help you understand how to grow and document the progress of your character's growth accurately. If you need things to do, you ma always check the Veritas Current Events to see if anything is happening near you in whichever area your character is in presently and attend what is listed, or even go looking for things on your own. You are liable to find many items and secrets just poking around in certain places, but paying attention to the story is also important to making sure that you stay on track and don't get lost or go astray.

If there is something you would like to do or simply have in mind but are not certain on how to get accomplished presently, you can always undergo discussions further through Private Messages; PMs. There, you can discuss things with those you are collaborating with and also show how to furhter advance the story more swiftly than to have to type out every little detail and play off of each other. It's good for healthy discussion and agreed upon timeskips or story jumps that would otherwise be necessary to be played out, such as how it was done with your ending post here.

Would you like to continue this discussion further over PMs, or would you like to just be left to explore on oyur own and at your leisure?)

(Methinks PMs would be best.)

(Well then you may send one to me at any given time for any reason if you need anything. Be sure to do so about whatever comments, concerns or questions you may have in terms of anything and we can deal with them in that manner whenever necessary. Do not hesitate to communicate as often as necessary.)

Tsubaki

+1 Versatility
+1 Setup
+1 Evasiveness
+1 Cleverness
-1 Reckless Energy Consumption
+1 Understanding Mistake

Extra
+1 for realizing Krikor's weakness and blinding him
+1 for realizing the mistake she made in combat
+1 for her unique fighting style and adapting it against Krikor


Krikor

+1 Ingenuity
+1 Quick-Wit
+1 Advantageous