[Only five or six were valiantly sacrificed in the wake of Velvet's emotions. Or perhaps it's not valiantly enough for the war daemon.]
You going to teach them the Rangetsu style?
[Somehow she isn't surprised, after all, Velvet is somethig of a teacher as well. Though only has a few close students rather than a whole class.
A wave of her hand.] They were cluttering up the ship.
[She's aware that Rokurou has swords stashed everywhere but it seemed like everywhere she turned there was another one. It was a little ridiculous.
For a very long minute, Velvet is silent. Staring at Rokurou as if he's grown two more heads suddenly. Then slams her half-empty bottle on the table before standing. Malevolence swirls around her - thick and heavy, the heat she usually generates is more oppressing. The expression on her face shifts from neutral to one reminiscent of the time after being tricked by Melchior in Aball.] Fine.
[She stalks out of the room and orders the nearest crew to take them to the arena.]
He's just evenly staring at her, not bothering to answer anything more. He doesn't even move when she glares at him, standing with that cloak of malevolence swelling around her. Only his eyes follow her as she leaves, and once she's gone he just let out a long breath and leans back in the chair.
There were a few reasons why he issued that not so subtle challenge. One, fuck you Velvet you took his swords. Okay, that may be a big one, but here's the real one: two, she said it herself—a rock was the only substitute she had while he was gone, and it doesn't take a genius to sense that she still needed to get those emotions out. He's the only one on hand who could do exactly that, and it's better to get it all out now than letting it fester even more than it already has. And three, he actually needs to release some of his own emotions. Brinndosi had been more or less a success and he didn't suffer as bad as others. But it had still left a bad taste, stirring unnecessary thoughts and questions, some of which he'll have to try and find out on his own later.
But that's for later.
With most of the malevolence subsided, he grabs the remaining bottles, downs them all, including the ones she didn't finish, and stands to leave. He won't meet or speak with Velvet until they're actually down in the arena.
If she hadn't noticed already, he had worked on it while she was on her little crystal vacation. It was cleaned up, repair work well underway, and various training setups in place.
That's all going to get wrecked in the next five minutes, oh well.]
[Too bad, so sad. They will now live - broken - forever in stone.
She doesn't expect Rokurou to follow her out and also doesn't return to the room to talk more with him. Both of them can express themselves through their fighting just fine and Velvet isn't the only one who needs this. Even as they make the short flight to the arena, she's aware that she didn't ask anything about his trip but she will. Eventually. For now Velvet simply moves to stand at the bow of the airship, eyes fixed on the horizon.
It ruffles the crew more than they already are but it does ease her back into a more neutral state.
Eventually someone will come to stand nervously at the door where Rokurou is, glancing to the exit. Velvet's already gone down to the arena.]
[It's cool, airship pirate bro. He could already tell Velvet had left the ship, and he hands the nervous man the empty bottles before silently leaving and heading down to meet Velvet. Once there with the two standing in the center of the main stadium, it's as if the world itself knows the chaos that is about to erupt.
Everything is still—not even a speck of dust moves between the two daemons as they face each other off. Rather than give a proper greeting or have their usual banter before a spar, he's just going to unsheathe his swords, slowly shifting into a stance.
With Rokurou actually be silent for this—things really are about to get serious. But then again, do they really have to talk when they can just let their weapons do that for them?]
[As they square off against each other - the crew overhead is leaning over the railing to watch the fight. Not daring to make a sound or even breathe for the very long minute it takes for Velvet to shift her right foot back into her normal stance. The fingers of her left hand curl tightly enough to draw a bit of blood, the only sign she gives that she won't be holding back much.
Just enough to not actually kill (or devour) him. Otherwise she's going to use everything in her arsenal against him because it's just been that kind of week.
With that silent communication, Velvet darts forward, closing the distance between them with a few long strides and drops low to sweep her right foot at his legs.]
With well practiced ease, Rokurou waits for her to come in before suddenly jumping high into the air, vaulting over her as he spins to bring his swords down from above. As he does, however, something is different from all the other previous times they've fought—in fact, from any other time he's fought. Normally he keeps his malevolence within himself, those darker emotions of his never getting out of hand or seeping out like most daemons. He controlled it even when fighting against Shigure.
But this time, as they fight she'll see his own dark trail of malevolence swirling around him, billowing out with each heavy landing and strike. It seems to dance around his blades before exploding out along with his artes. Bursts of flame here, arcs of lightning and spikes of earth there. He's going to be using everything he has against her, not holding back or giving an inch as each strike aims closer to her vitals than they ever had before. He'll even grace her the honor of facing Kurogane, the greatsword flashing out in wide, arcing sweeps and strikes when opportune. Even when she counters and backs him into the defensive, he doesn't waver, even allowing certain hits to go through if only so he could make risky counters of his own.
They're daemons after all—both of them has sacrificed a part of themselves in various fights before to close in on their opponent.
And throughout it all, his gaze remains cool. Oh sure, sometimes there will be his usual spark and grin. A laugh here and there whenever a particularly a good bout is exchanged. And if she does use her arm against him? The smirk may widen because now things will really kick up a notch.
After all, he's a war daemon at heart, and for all his frustrations and bitterness, he really is glad to finally be able to go all out. To just let loose as the daemon swordsman he truly is.
All while that daemon eye of his glows red.
With their skill and constant practice over the past few months, they can easily stay on top of one another. The ones watching from the above are surely witnessing a chaotic spectacle of flashing steel and explosive artes. Will the coliseum last? Who knows, but it's definitely being tested by some of the most powerful negative emotions around.]
AN HOUR AND A HALF OF MONTAGE FIGHTING MUSIC AND IT'S STILL NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS BATTLE
[ Hope you know I'm actually listening to the epic montage while writing this.
This is a no-holds barred fight, not much like their usual sparring sessions where they hone their abilities and skills to be more accurate and deadly. To use their head to think about beating their enemy. It's a fight fueled by emotions, uncontrolled emotions. Velvet comes at Rokurou the way she went after Artorius the first time; full of hatred, anger, despair, desperation. Heedless of her own safety, ignoring injuries as they appear (none life-threatening) and dismissing the physical pain in favor of grasping the emotional one.
She uses every blade at her disposal, every limb turned into a weapon and every arte she's ever learned. Velvet throws out the rules Arthur taught her, clinging to her emotions in the heat of battle. Cries of anguish and rage echo against the arena walls, her daemon claw rending gashes against the stone in four long sets.
The arena fills with their combined malevolence, dark ash starting to drift in the air like specs of dust. Air becomes heated thanks the world's effects to the point where it might seem as if they were inside of a volcano.
Velvet never sought to learn dunamis but anger and hate are two emotions she doesn't need practice in. Somewhere in the middle of their battle, the large stones beneath her feet cracks and lava bubbles up in between. Not in large amounts but certainly making their terrain more deadly. Not an eruption but slowly relieving the pressure of that boiling hot fire locked away for months - years even.
Regardless of how long their battle lasts, she doesn't let up. Probably hours. Not even when Rokurou gets the upperhand or knocks her down. She gets back on her feet and presses forward once more. Get up, rush forward, get knocked down - repeat.
The cycle repeats for at least three hours, hard to say as Velvet isn't keeping track. Despite their skill and practice, it's tiring. Mentally, physically and emotionally exhaustive keeping this up. Their crew is probably wandered away by now, or made popcorn or even taking bets on the winner. Maybe upset that the coliseum is in no shape to host thousands of people anytime soon.
One more she's knocked down. Maybe even Rokurou thinks about putting an end to this as Velvet has started to seriously flag, her movements becoming sluggish which results in sloppy sword work and defense. After all, it's one thing to choose not to defend and another to be unable to.
Still, she gets back to her feet though propping herself up with her dominant hand on her knee and panting from exertion. Wipes some dirt off the side of her face with the back of her left hand. ]
Again. Once more.
[ Velvet straightens fully and shifts into a battle stance, her eyes clear and the air cool and steady around her for the first time ever since her arrival here. She isn't the daemon from their early travels, all rage and revenge or the one that followed with the hysterics. Or even the one she'd been when Rokurou first arrived, constantly angry and on edge. It's the one that faced down Shigure and Melchior, the one ready to stop Artorius and Innominat not just for revenge. ]
[He's looking rather worse for wear himself, actually feeling winded from his exertion. For once he's actually breathing hard, feeling his muscles and nerves beginning to strain, the sting from the several cuts and aches from his own bruises from kicks and falls. And yet, it all only pushes him forward rather than makes him weary. He feels it all yet doesn't at the same time, as if it doesn't matter. All he has is the thrill and exhilaration of the fight—and the purpose of holding out for as long as Velvet needs him to.
Which he seems to doing a little better, although not by much. Being a war daemon is probably giving him an edge for stamina, his life long training as a swordsman the core. Despite his own recklessness at times, he still maintains some mind over the fight and he can see how unhinged she becomes and when her moves become more sloppy. It's true that he may have wondered if he should put a stop so that she doesn't truly overexert herself, but then it goes away when he feels the force behind her blade against his. That's all it takes for him to push back and continue as if nothing changed.
Now as he stands and catches his breath, feeling the ache in his arms as he continues to hold his swords, he studies her for a moment. He can sense and see the change now, and the corner of his mouth rises into a familiar grin. By now he's released most of his own frustrations and whatever lingering anger and resentment, so his own stance is a little more relaxed.]
Let's make it count.
[A subtle signal that this may be the last bout. It doesn't matter who wins or loses—if there even is one. All they need is to fight.
And after just one last twirl of his blades, he lunges towards her, the air already crackling and beginning to ignite not from any arte, but just from the pure excitement he always feels.]
[ Anyone else and they would have called it quits by now, cutting the battle too short for Velvet's needs. They would have done it because they were too tired or she was so beat up from her reckless style but not Rokurou. Truthfully, she's only seen a few here who could have given her a run for her money and Rokurou is up there. In part it's because he knows her, is like her in some ways and in others it's simply because fighting is what he does. It's also a part of who he is now.
All she has to do is push and he's there to meet her blow for blow no matter how tired either of them might be they can always manage one more. Velvet needs it. Needs to let it all out before she explodes into a fit of rage and hysterics that can't be controlled and are unleashed on some hapless victim. Rokurou can take it. He enjoys it. Both of them at the end of their limits then surpassing them.
Winners, losers - it doesn't matter because this fight was never about who's stronger or who's the better fighter. The fight's done the job it was meant to, she's clear-headed and certain now. Velvet has a goal so perfectly defined that it might as well be Artorius and Innominat looming in front of her.
Unlike the others, this time she waits for Rokurou to come to her. To bring her blade up to clash against his in what is the best defensive move she's made since they started.
This round might be the calmest but also the longest because Velvet is careful, planning every move and drawing it out into one long battle. Wringing every move for all its worth. ]
but instead of heavy doldrums it's now poignant and uplifting like victory
[Feeling that solid defense for the first time since they started makes the grin he wears widen and, in some ways, lighter. No longer are either of them burdened by the ill feelings from before, and while he had regained his clarity much earlier, seeing it in Velvet improves his mood as well.
Before they were just fighting, two daemons on a rampage.
Now? They're fighting, more in control of themselves. A true fight that any swordsman would relish in.
He's still not holding back, but there's more skill and subtlety in this moves, his twin blades dancing in the air with an elegance that wasn't there before. A parry here, a block there, side stepping around to keep things close for quick thrusts and slashes. By now he'll be familiar with her moves and stances, so their movements will seem even more fluid.
Until finally they are nearing the end. After an exchange, he presses his blade hard against hers, pushing but grinning all the while.]
So, feeling better?
powerful and moving, with a sense of accomplishment
[ So much had built up in the year and some odd months since her arrival and there aren't many who can help relieve that pressure. Some come pretty close, Sync being one of them for so much of that time but mostly it was for him. And to keep their skills up. When his feelings flowed onto their battlefield, she made sure to be calm and collected. For his sake.
There's no need for that with Rokurou. Not when he was the same as her.
Even if she's no longer battling against her own inner daemons or with Rokurou, Velvet is still completely in this fight. Trying to gain the upperhand and claim victory over her opponent.
Even the pirates above them can tell the dynamic has shifted and that the end is finally in sight. She summons whatever strength she has left to meet every single one of Rokurou's attack with one of her own. In comparison to the raging bloodbath earlier, this is more of a dance. Two individuals who know how the other will move and can change stance accordingly to meet it.
Velvet leans into the press, using some of her weight to force the blades more in Rokurou's direction without sacrificing too much of her balance in the process. ]
Don't know what you're talking about. Aren't I always like that?
[ She shoots a grin back at him before her leg shoots out to attempt to knee Rokurou in the gut. (No, Velvet will not play dirty and kick him where it really hurts.) ]
[Before he could retort, he senses the shift of her weight but can do little to stop the leg from striking him.
WOW VELVET WOW??
With his blades locked with hers, there wasn't much he could have done, no time to even really move. Thus she scores the hit and he lets out a "Hrmph!" as he takes it, staggering back.]
Okay that was cheap.
[Was his (wheezed) remark, but there wasn't really much bite in his words. In fact he's half laughing because that is definitely very much like Velvet.]
this is what you wanted in the other thread right? or at least something similar
However, he just lets her rush him and when she closes in, he just returns the smirk from earlier as he catches her blade with his own, locking them.]
Probably, but it's been a long day.
[He then twists his blades to secure the lock and then with a mighty heave, wrenches the swords up and to the side in an attempt to wrench the blade away from her hands. Although it doesn't matter too much if that's successful or not since it's a feint. In the process he had stepped forward, his foot near hers. He's then actually going to be releasing his hold on his to actually reach out and grab her forearms and do a sweeping kick to try and flip her over onto the ground.]
She doesn't dodge his catch, even know that in terms of physical strength he has her beat. ]
Not sure how you could forget that after everything.
[ Rokurou might be successful in getting the blade away but she isn't fooled enough to completely let her guard down in the aftermath. Which is why Velvet expects something despite everything and feet is a good choice. Unfortunately, after the rest of their battle she doesn't have the strength to stay on her feet. The moment she realizes that she's absolutely going down, Velvet grabs hold of Rokurou in return.
[To be honest, he was using most of what's left of his to pull of this maneuver, so while he does half-expect something to happen in return, he just kind of.
Let's it happen.
They've been fighting for hours, both of them completely spent. They were both going to end up on the ground somehow, might as well let it be now. Besides, he tossed their swords. That was pretty much the final call, even if he could use the sword on his back.
So let's see the physics here. He was throwing her to the side, presumably to make her land on her back. She grabbed him to pull him down with her, so that would be his front. Thus the trajectory for landing is.....
Yeah, not too surprising it's mostly on top of her. Mostly, which is more than half of his body sprawled over her and his face kissing dirt right above her shoulder. One arm is pinned beneath her but eh. Could be worse.]
Now are you satisfied?
[Just a muffled question before he lifts his face to look at her. He should roll off her but now that he's on the ground? Exhaustion has kicked in and he kind of just wants to lie there for a few moments. She's free to kick him though, he wouldn't actually protest.]
[ This was the only logical outcome - a draw. Neither of them winning or losing but of course Velvet has to have the last tiny word in the whole thing.
And he lets her.
It was good. It was needed, for Velvet more than for Rokurou but it's out of their systems for now and for two individuals such as themselves will likely be needed again. She could try to have an even bigger last word but leaves it be. Velvet will be feeling this fight tomorrow, that's for sure. Probably need some healing too.
She lands on her back hard, with extra weight on top of her not quite crushed beneath Rokurou but definitely squished between him and the broken stone. The air is knocked out of her (whatever was left anyway) but Velvet's careful to not let the back of her head smack against the ground too badly to leave her completely stunned as well. His arm under her helps with that, at least.
A groan is all she manages for a minute. Ugh, okay pulling him down might have been the wrong move but too late to take it back now. She has to live with the consequences.
One of which seems to be being trapped underneath Rokurou because neither of them seem to be able to muster up the energy to move him off. Velvet decides it's not worth it to push him off herself and just lies there, trying to catch her already winded breath. Her limbs feeling like overcooked noodles.
Either she's quiet for too long after his question and he has to make sure she isn't dead or he just felt like it but now Rokurou is looking at her. Her eyes are closed and it takes her a minute to open them again.
Then proceeds to laugh. It isn't loud or even last long but it's real and light - as if a heavy weight has been lifted off of her despite the fact that there is a literal samurai-sized weight on her at the moment. ]
With the fight? Yes. With everything else? More than I have been in a long time.
[ At least a year's worth of troubles and feelings have become lighter though are still ever-present, will likely always be present until something changes. Velvet still has yet to kick him off. Her expression is softer, less tense and grumpy. ]
[Whatever he expected, it wasn't the sudden laughter, light as it is, nor the softening of her features. So his eyes widen in slight surprise before a small smile of his own forms, actually a little pleased that he had accomplished his job. At the very least he had wanted her to get out all of her emotions, all of that malevolence she had been harboring that had built up and exploded while he had been gone. So this is just a nice bonus.
Especially since...well, he's always seen her with that hard expression, that constant frown. It's a little refreshing to see her relax a bit even if it's for a brief moment.]
Glad to be of service.
[Studying her for only a moment more, he groans as he finally manages to heft himself off of her by means of forcing his inner arm to move and roll so that he is no longer on her. That arm is still pinned, but eh. It's not like she's that heavy and he doesn't plan on getting up. Not for maybe an hour if he could help. Or maybe he could just sleep here...
But as tired as he is, he just croaks out a small laugh.]
And at least I've proven myself to be better than a dumb rock.
[Oh he definitely still remembers that. And his swords. But for now he just leaves it because eh. He let all that out earlier. He's actually in a pretty good mood now.]
[ Rokurou missed out on this Velvet back when they were in Aball, too busy trying to figure out what was wrong with the whole thing to be there when she thought she had Laphi back. It isn't quite the same but Velvet didn't realize just how tightly she'd been wound this whole time. After their whole second experience in the earthpulse, she hasn't felt this light and clear-headed since becoming a daemon.
Always on the edge of being angry, always slightly irritated and ready to punch the nearest annoyance. This won't change her overall but it will take some time for it to build back up like that. ]
I knew you were useful for something.
[ Definitely teasing. Though it doesn't last too long as he shifts off her with what seems like great effort only to just lie there next to her. He doesn't attempt to take his arm back from under her but that's fine. The crew might have to come down to collect their bodies because sleeping on a bed sounds far more comfortable than laying on these rocks all night long.
Her head shifts to look at him. ]
That rock stands no chance against you. Neither does the arena, apparently.
[ Velvet, at least half of that damage is her fault. And hey, she made a friend who could fix those swords (again) if they collect the pieces. At least once she tells him about Machina. After a moment her head shifts back so that she can stare up at the darkening sky and the way the airship above them starts to light up to combat the shadows. It's peaceful, all of it - even her. ]
[Honestly he probably thought the glimpses he did catch a little disturbing and unnerving given how wrong everything felt at the time. At least here it's a bit more genuine.
He only maintains a grin at her tease, his eyes closed as he just takes in the cool night air. He hears her shifting, but since his right side is toward her, she wouldn't be able to see much with his hair covering his daemon eye. Maybe a hint as a breeze blows, small wisps revealing the eye beneath. But unlike how active it was before, right now it's at rest, content.]
After I went through all the trouble of fixing it up while you were gone, too. [A small light groan as he closes his eyes once more, but he's smiling all the same.] But you know you did as much damage if not more.
[Not that he's actually complaining. If anything this served as an excellent stress test and hey! Damaged as it is, the structure is still standing.]
[ That's what happens when a daemon tries to act human again (and when a girl thinks she has back nearly everyone she loved) but it was extremely disturbing.
Unfortunately, Velvet misses the way his daemon eye appears now having not lifted her head that much to look. One thing that is noticeable without either of them moving is the typical heat she puts off is gone. At the moment it's nothing more than what a normal living being would produce. ]
Guess you'll just have to start all over again. [ Said as if she doesn't intend to help out at all. She will though. ] You've seen the inside of my jail cell, are you really surprised at the level of damage I can do in a world where emotions have a physical effect?
[ It was a good test run. Short of someone leveling the entire place, it will serve well in the future. Now to figure out how long it takes them to fix it up after a fight like this. ]
[With such a calmness between them, it's almost hard to believe that just hours before these two daemons were practically at each other's throats and dishing out destructive forces.]
Honestly? I'm kind of amazed it's still standing because I know how much you can do. [Of course he was also on the receiving end and arguably in even more danger due to taking the brunt of it. That's also a testament of his own strength and skill. But it wasn't just direct hits but the shockwaves and effects that went beyond them, carving and slashing through everything in their path.] So good to know we'll always have a place to let loose.
[Real question is if anyone would trust them enough and want to after certain things happen...]
[ Probably because they can barely move and already destroyed nearly everything around them. ]
Most of it was focused on you, the arena is only collateral damage. [ Which is saying a lot because the center of the arena needs replacing almost entirely - or at the very least, smoothing out. Some of the walls have claw marks and malevolence hangs in the air from all they put out. ] Sure beat a clearing in the woods.
[ Who even knows.
Finally, after a long minute Velvet hoists herself into a sitting position. ]
Come on, let's get back to the ship. I'm not sleeping here.
[It was still a glorious fight, so it was worth every inch of damage. The aches for the days to come maybe a little less.
Aches he's starting to feel again at her mention they should get up. So he groans, and with his arm now free he first rolls onto his side as if to protest, but then he sits up and starts to stand to retrieve his swords, not bothering to hide the winces as he feels every muscle yelling at him for pushing so hard. Man, he really can't remember the last time he felt this beat up. Even worse than his days training against Shigure. But even so, the pains aren't so bad since they were born from a fight so fulfilling it is only beaten by his duel with Shigure.
Maybe he needs to do more training.]
Definitely going to need a few drinks once we get back.
[But he'll be following her, stretching and working out muscles as he does. Drink, food, a shower, and bed do sound nice.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Of course they weren't, those were going to be repurposed for my students.
[Oh yeah, hey Velvet he kind of became a part-time teacher. He'll explain that later. Right now, SWORDS.]
But that doesn't mean you can just take them because I wasn't around! [Which is the second reason why he's kind of not happy here.
MMRRRJGJJGJJJ]
That's it, we're going to the arena.
no subject
You going to teach them the Rangetsu style?
[Somehow she isn't surprised, after all, Velvet is somethig of a teacher as well. Though only has a few close students rather than a whole class.
A wave of her hand.] They were cluttering up the ship.
[She's aware that Rokurou has swords stashed everywhere but it seemed like everywhere she turned there was another one. It was a little ridiculous.
For a very long minute, Velvet is silent. Staring at Rokurou as if he's grown two more heads suddenly. Then slams her half-empty bottle on the table before standing. Malevolence swirls around her - thick and heavy, the heat she usually generates is more oppressing. The expression on her face shifts from neutral to one reminiscent of the time after being tricked by Melchior in Aball.] Fine.
[She stalks out of the room and orders the nearest crew to take them to the arena.]
no subject
He's just evenly staring at her, not bothering to answer anything more. He doesn't even move when she glares at him, standing with that cloak of malevolence swelling around her. Only his eyes follow her as she leaves, and once she's gone he just let out a long breath and leans back in the chair.
There were a few reasons why he issued that not so subtle challenge. One, fuck you Velvet you took his swords. Okay, that may be a big one, but here's the real one: two, she said it herself—a rock was the only substitute she had while he was gone, and it doesn't take a genius to sense that she still needed to get those emotions out. He's the only one on hand who could do exactly that, and it's better to get it all out now than letting it fester even more than it already has. And three, he actually needs to release some of his own emotions. Brinndosi had been more or less a success and he didn't suffer as bad as others. But it had still left a bad taste, stirring unnecessary thoughts and questions, some of which he'll have to try and find out on his own later.
But that's for later.
With most of the malevolence subsided, he grabs the remaining bottles, downs them all, including the ones she didn't finish, and stands to leave. He won't meet or speak with Velvet until they're actually down in the arena.
If she hadn't noticed already, he had worked on it while she was on her little crystal vacation. It was cleaned up, repair work well underway, and various training setups in place.
That's all going to get wrecked in the next five minutes, oh well.]
no subject
She doesn't expect Rokurou to follow her out and also doesn't return to the room to talk more with him. Both of them can express themselves through their fighting just fine and Velvet isn't the only one who needs this. Even as they make the short flight to the arena, she's aware that she didn't ask anything about his trip but she will. Eventually. For now Velvet simply moves to stand at the bow of the airship, eyes fixed on the horizon.
It ruffles the crew more than they already are but it does ease her back into a more neutral state.
Eventually someone will come to stand nervously at the door where Rokurou is, glancing to the exit. Velvet's already gone down to the arena.]
no subject
Everything is still—not even a speck of dust moves between the two daemons as they face each other off. Rather than give a proper greeting or have their usual banter before a spar, he's just going to unsheathe his swords, slowly shifting into a stance.
With Rokurou actually be silent for this—things really are about to get serious. But then again, do they really have to talk when they can just let their weapons do that for them?]
no subject
Just enough to not actually kill (or devour) him. Otherwise she's going to use everything in her arsenal against him because it's just been that kind of week.
With that silent communication, Velvet darts forward, closing the distance between them with a few long strides and drops low to sweep her right foot at his legs.]
YES ALL OF IT BECAUSE I GAVE UP CHOOSING ONE
With well practiced ease, Rokurou waits for her to come in before suddenly jumping high into the air, vaulting over her as he spins to bring his swords down from above. As he does, however, something is different from all the other previous times they've fought—in fact, from any other time he's fought. Normally he keeps his malevolence within himself, those darker emotions of his never getting out of hand or seeping out like most daemons. He controlled it even when fighting against Shigure.
But this time, as they fight she'll see his own dark trail of malevolence swirling around him, billowing out with each heavy landing and strike. It seems to dance around his blades before exploding out along with his artes. Bursts of flame here, arcs of lightning and spikes of earth there. He's going to be using everything he has against her, not holding back or giving an inch as each strike aims closer to her vitals than they ever had before. He'll even grace her the honor of facing Kurogane, the greatsword flashing out in wide, arcing sweeps and strikes when opportune. Even when she counters and backs him into the defensive, he doesn't waver, even allowing certain hits to go through if only so he could make risky counters of his own.
They're daemons after all—both of them has sacrificed a part of themselves in various fights before to close in on their opponent.
And throughout it all, his gaze remains cool. Oh sure, sometimes there will be his usual spark and grin. A laugh here and there whenever a particularly a good bout is exchanged. And if she does use her arm against him? The smirk may widen because now things will really kick up a notch.
After all, he's a war daemon at heart, and for all his frustrations and bitterness, he really is glad to finally be able to go all out. To just let loose as the daemon swordsman he truly is.
All while that daemon eye of his glows red.
With their skill and constant practice over the past few months, they can easily stay on top of one another. The ones watching from the above are surely witnessing a chaotic spectacle of flashing steel and explosive artes. Will the coliseum last? Who knows, but it's definitely being tested by some of the most powerful negative emotions around.]
AN HOUR AND A HALF OF MONTAGE FIGHTING MUSIC AND IT'S STILL NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS BATTLE
This is a no-holds barred fight, not much like their usual sparring sessions where they hone their abilities and skills to be more accurate and deadly. To use their head to think about beating their enemy. It's a fight fueled by emotions, uncontrolled emotions. Velvet comes at Rokurou the way she went after Artorius the first time; full of hatred, anger, despair, desperation. Heedless of her own safety, ignoring injuries as they appear (none life-threatening) and dismissing the physical pain in favor of grasping the emotional one.
She uses every blade at her disposal, every limb turned into a weapon and every arte she's ever learned. Velvet throws out the rules Arthur taught her, clinging to her emotions in the heat of battle. Cries of anguish and rage echo against the arena walls, her daemon claw rending gashes against the stone in four long sets.
The arena fills with their combined malevolence, dark ash starting to drift in the air like specs of dust. Air becomes heated thanks the world's effects to the point where it might seem as if they were inside of a volcano.
Velvet never sought to learn dunamis but anger and hate are two emotions she doesn't need practice in. Somewhere in the middle of their battle, the large stones beneath her feet cracks and lava bubbles up in between. Not in large amounts but certainly making their terrain more deadly. Not an eruption but slowly relieving the pressure of that boiling hot fire locked away for months - years even.
Regardless of how long their battle lasts, she doesn't let up. Probably hours. Not even when Rokurou gets the upperhand or knocks her down. She gets back on her feet and presses forward once more. Get up, rush forward, get knocked down - repeat.
The cycle repeats for at least three hours, hard to say as Velvet isn't keeping track. Despite their skill and practice, it's tiring. Mentally, physically and emotionally exhaustive keeping this up. Their crew is probably wandered away by now, or made popcorn or even taking bets on the winner. Maybe upset that the coliseum is in no shape to host thousands of people anytime soon.
One more she's knocked down. Maybe even Rokurou thinks about putting an end to this as Velvet has started to seriously flag, her movements becoming sluggish which results in sloppy sword work and defense. After all, it's one thing to choose not to defend and another to be unable to.
Still, she gets back to her feet though propping herself up with her dominant hand on her knee and panting from exertion. Wipes some dirt off the side of her face with the back of her left hand. ]
Again. Once more.
[ Velvet straightens fully and shifts into a battle stance, her eyes clear and the air cool and steady around her for the first time ever since her arrival here. She isn't the daemon from their early travels, all rage and revenge or the one that followed with the hysterics. Or even the one she'd been when Rokurou first arrived, constantly angry and on edge. It's the one that faced down Shigure and Melchior, the one ready to stop Artorius and Innominat not just for revenge. ]
lbr there'll never be enough
Which he seems to doing a little better, although not by much. Being a war daemon is probably giving him an edge for stamina, his life long training as a swordsman the core. Despite his own recklessness at times, he still maintains some mind over the fight and he can see how unhinged she becomes and when her moves become more sloppy. It's true that he may have wondered if he should put a stop so that she doesn't truly overexert herself, but then it goes away when he feels the force behind her blade against his. That's all it takes for him to push back and continue as if nothing changed.
Now as he stands and catches his breath, feeling the ache in his arms as he continues to hold his swords, he studies her for a moment. He can sense and see the change now, and the corner of his mouth rises into a familiar grin. By now he's released most of his own frustrations and whatever lingering anger and resentment, so his own stance is a little more relaxed.]
Let's make it count.
[A subtle signal that this may be the last bout. It doesn't matter who wins or loses—if there even is one. All they need is to fight.
And after just one last twirl of his blades, he lunges towards her, the air already crackling and beginning to ignite not from any arte, but just from the pure excitement he always feels.]
they need all of the battle music
All she has to do is push and he's there to meet her blow for blow no matter how tired either of them might be they can always manage one more. Velvet needs it. Needs to let it all out before she explodes into a fit of rage and hysterics that can't be controlled and are unleashed on some hapless victim. Rokurou can take it. He enjoys it. Both of them at the end of their limits then surpassing them.
Winners, losers - it doesn't matter because this fight was never about who's stronger or who's the better fighter. The fight's done the job it was meant to, she's clear-headed and certain now. Velvet has a goal so perfectly defined that it might as well be Artorius and Innominat looming in front of her.
Unlike the others, this time she waits for Rokurou to come to her. To bring her blade up to clash against his in what is the best defensive move she's made since they started.
This round might be the calmest but also the longest because Velvet is careful, planning every move and drawing it out into one long battle. Wringing every move for all its worth. ]
but instead of heavy doldrums it's now poignant and uplifting like victory
Before they were just fighting, two daemons on a rampage.
Now? They're fighting, more in control of themselves. A true fight that any swordsman would relish in.
He's still not holding back, but there's more skill and subtlety in this moves, his twin blades dancing in the air with an elegance that wasn't there before. A parry here, a block there, side stepping around to keep things close for quick thrusts and slashes. By now he'll be familiar with her moves and stances, so their movements will seem even more fluid.
Until finally they are nearing the end. After an exchange, he presses his blade hard against hers, pushing but grinning all the while.]
So, feeling better?
powerful and moving, with a sense of accomplishment
There's no need for that with Rokurou. Not when he was the same as her.
Even if she's no longer battling against her own inner daemons or with Rokurou, Velvet is still completely in this fight. Trying to gain the upperhand and claim victory over her opponent.
Even the pirates above them can tell the dynamic has shifted and that the end is finally in sight. She summons whatever strength she has left to meet every single one of Rokurou's attack with one of her own. In comparison to the raging bloodbath earlier, this is more of a dance. Two individuals who know how the other will move and can change stance accordingly to meet it.
Velvet leans into the press, using some of her weight to force the blades more in Rokurou's direction without sacrificing too much of her balance in the process. ]
Don't know what you're talking about. Aren't I always like that?
[ She shoots a grin back at him before her leg shoots out to attempt to knee Rokurou in the gut.
(No, Velvet will not play dirty and kick him where it really hurts.) ]
mmm yes perfect
WOW VELVET WOW??
With his blades locked with hers, there wasn't much he could have done, no time to even really move. Thus she scores the hit and he lets out a "Hrmph!" as he takes it, staggering back.]
Okay that was cheap.
[Was his (wheezed) remark, but there wasn't really much bite in his words. In fact he's half laughing because that is definitely very much like Velvet.]
this is what you wanted in the other thread right? or at least something similar
ROKUROU KNOWS ALL OF HER IS DEADLY. ESPECIALLY THE LEGS.
When he staggers, she gives a little push to put distance between them again. ]
You should have realized that was coming.
[ Just like he should expect that she's going to rush him again - bringing her blade down in a vertical slash. ]
i want lots of things so i'll just say yes
However, he just lets her rush him and when she closes in, he just returns the smirk from earlier as he catches her blade with his own, locking them.]
Probably, but it's been a long day.
[He then twists his blades to secure the lock and then with a mighty heave, wrenches the swords up and to the side in an attempt to wrench the blade away from her hands. Although it doesn't matter too much if that's successful or not since it's a feint. In the process he had stepped forward, his foot near hers. He's then actually going to be releasing his hold on his to actually reach out and grab her forearms and do a sweeping kick to try and flip her over onto the ground.]
pffft
She doesn't dodge his catch, even know that in terms of physical strength he has her beat. ]
Not sure how you could forget that after everything.
[ Rokurou might be successful in getting the blade away but she isn't fooled enough to completely let her guard down in the aftermath. Which is why Velvet expects something despite everything and feet is a good choice. Unfortunately, after the rest of their battle she doesn't have the strength to stay on her feet. The moment she realizes that she's absolutely going down, Velvet grabs hold of Rokurou in return.
If she's going down, so he is. Hope he's ready. ]
what like i'd say NO
Let's it happen.
They've been fighting for hours, both of them completely spent. They were both going to end up on the ground somehow, might as well let it be now. Besides, he tossed their swords. That was pretty much the final call, even if he could use the sword on his back.
So let's see the physics here. He was throwing her to the side, presumably to make her land on her back. She grabbed him to pull him down with her, so that would be his front. Thus the trajectory for landing is.....
Yeah, not too surprising it's mostly on top of her. Mostly, which is more than half of his body sprawled over her and his face kissing dirt right above her shoulder. One arm is pinned beneath her but eh. Could be worse.]
Now are you satisfied?
[Just a muffled question before he lifts his face to look at her. He should roll off her but now that he's on the ground? Exhaustion has kicked in and he kind of just wants to lie there for a few moments. She's free to kick him though, he wouldn't actually protest.]
what if I don't like that answer?
And he lets her.
It was good. It was needed, for Velvet more than for Rokurou but it's out of their systems for now and for two individuals such as themselves will likely be needed again. She could try to have an even bigger last word but leaves it be. Velvet will be feeling this fight tomorrow, that's for sure. Probably need some healing too.
She lands on her back hard, with extra weight on top of her not quite crushed beneath Rokurou but definitely squished between him and the broken stone. The air is knocked out of her (whatever was left anyway) but Velvet's careful to not let the back of her head smack against the ground too badly to leave her completely stunned as well. His arm under her helps with that, at least.
A groan is all she manages for a minute. Ugh, okay pulling him down might have been the wrong move but too late to take it back now. She has to live with the consequences.
One of which seems to be being trapped underneath Rokurou because neither of them seem to be able to muster up the energy to move him off. Velvet decides it's not worth it to push him off herself and just lies there, trying to catch her already winded breath. Her limbs feeling like overcooked noodles.
Either she's quiet for too long after his question and he has to make sure she isn't dead or he just felt like it but now Rokurou is looking at her. Her eyes are closed and it takes her a minute to open them again.
Then proceeds to laugh. It isn't loud or even last long but it's real and light - as if a heavy weight has been lifted off of her despite the fact that there is a literal samurai-sized weight on her at the moment. ]
With the fight? Yes. With everything else? More than I have been in a long time.
[ At least a year's worth of troubles and feelings have become lighter though are still ever-present, will likely always be present until something changes. Velvet still has yet to kick him off. Her expression is softer, less tense and grumpy. ]
j/k but you'll just have to deal
[Whatever he expected, it wasn't the sudden laughter, light as it is, nor the softening of her features. So his eyes widen in slight surprise before a small smile of his own forms, actually a little pleased that he had accomplished his job. At the very least he had wanted her to get out all of her emotions, all of that malevolence she had been harboring that had built up and exploded while he had been gone. So this is just a nice bonus.
Especially since...well, he's always seen her with that hard expression, that constant frown. It's a little refreshing to see her relax a bit even if it's for a brief moment.]
Glad to be of service.
[Studying her for only a moment more, he groans as he finally manages to heft himself off of her by means of forcing his inner arm to move and roll so that he is no longer on her. That arm is still pinned, but eh. It's not like she's that heavy and he doesn't plan on getting up. Not for maybe an hour if he could help. Or maybe he could just sleep here...
But as tired as he is, he just croaks out a small laugh.]
And at least I've proven myself to be better than a dumb rock.
[Oh he definitely still remembers that. And his swords. But for now he just leaves it because eh. He let all that out earlier. He's actually in a pretty good mood now.]
guess so
Always on the edge of being angry, always slightly irritated and ready to punch the nearest annoyance. This won't change her overall but it will take some time for it to build back up like that. ]
I knew you were useful for something.
[ Definitely teasing. Though it doesn't last too long as he shifts off her with what seems like great effort only to just lie there next to her. He doesn't attempt to take his arm back from under her but that's fine. The crew might have to come down to collect their bodies because sleeping on a bed sounds far more comfortable than laying on these rocks all night long.
Her head shifts to look at him. ]
That rock stands no chance against you. Neither does the arena, apparently.
[ Velvet, at least half of that damage is her fault. And hey, she made a friend who could fix those swords (again) if they collect the pieces. At least once she tells him about Machina. After a moment her head shifts back so that she can stare up at the darkening sky and the way the airship above them starts to light up to combat the shadows. It's peaceful, all of it - even her. ]
no subject
He only maintains a grin at her tease, his eyes closed as he just takes in the cool night air. He hears her shifting, but since his right side is toward her, she wouldn't be able to see much with his hair covering his daemon eye. Maybe a hint as a breeze blows, small wisps revealing the eye beneath. But unlike how active it was before, right now it's at rest, content.]
After I went through all the trouble of fixing it up while you were gone, too. [A small light groan as he closes his eyes once more, but he's smiling all the same.] But you know you did as much damage if not more.
[Not that he's actually complaining. If anything this served as an excellent stress test and hey! Damaged as it is, the structure is still standing.]
no subject
Unfortunately, Velvet misses the way his daemon eye appears now having not lifted her head that much to look. One thing that is noticeable without either of them moving is the typical heat she puts off is gone. At the moment it's nothing more than what a normal living being would produce. ]
Guess you'll just have to start all over again. [ Said as if she doesn't intend to help out at all. She will though. ] You've seen the inside of my jail cell, are you really surprised at the level of damage I can do in a world where emotions have a physical effect?
[ It was a good test run. Short of someone leveling the entire place, it will serve well in the future. Now to figure out how long it takes them to fix it up after a fight like this. ]
no subject
Honestly? I'm kind of amazed it's still standing because I know how much you can do. [Of course he was also on the receiving end and arguably in even more danger due to taking the brunt of it. That's also a testament of his own strength and skill. But it wasn't just direct hits but the shockwaves and effects that went beyond them, carving and slashing through everything in their path.] So good to know we'll always have a place to let loose.
[Real question is if anyone would trust them enough and want to after certain things happen...]
no subject
Most of it was focused on you, the arena is only collateral damage. [ Which is saying a lot because the center of the arena needs replacing almost entirely - or at the very least, smoothing out. Some of the walls have claw marks and malevolence hangs in the air from all they put out. ] Sure beat a clearing in the woods.
[ Who even knows.
Finally, after a long minute Velvet hoists herself into a sitting position. ]
Come on, let's get back to the ship. I'm not sleeping here.
no subject
Aches he's starting to feel again at her mention they should get up. So he groans, and with his arm now free he first rolls onto his side as if to protest, but then he sits up and starts to stand to retrieve his swords, not bothering to hide the winces as he feels every muscle yelling at him for pushing so hard. Man, he really can't remember the last time he felt this beat up. Even worse than his days training against Shigure. But even so, the pains aren't so bad since they were born from a fight so fulfilling it is only beaten by his duel with Shigure.
Maybe he needs to do more training.]
Definitely going to need a few drinks once we get back.
[But he'll be following her, stretching and working out muscles as he does. Drink, food, a shower, and bed do sound nice.]