[Finished] (Fayt) Combat Testing

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud sat, overlooking the harbour wall, keeping a vigilant eye out for the one who had contacted him. Or rather, he had been alerted to. He had a description, and nothing more to go on, but it was his duty to see who it was, what he wanted. From the brief note that he'd been given, it seemed like he was a potential recruit. He looked out around the harbour for someone who fitted the description, but as of yet he could not see him.

He continued looking whilst he fingered the handle on the Main Blade. He was getting restless. His new way into Bevelle was preying on his mind, and he desperately needed some volunteers to become part of his insurgency. If this meeting proved fruitful, he would have one to add to his list of recruits.

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

All of a sudden a young man stepped off the ship from Kilika, he stood a head above most of the people around him and he was taller then that with some of them. His build was very impressive; he might even rival a teenage Ronso with his mass. It goes to show that you do not need fancy equipment to get in shape, a life working in the fields would work just as if not better then that. His hair was tied up like usual and hung over his leather armour. Yes, even though he was wearing basic armour he was quite the sight to behold.

As he made his way down the ramp he grabbed his shoulder and rubbed it slightly. That fight with the killer bees had gotten him a bit stiff. He was not seriously injured nothing a bit of rest would take care of. It was not even as bad as when he overextended his shoulder-blade when he caught a large rock with his plough on one of his father’s new fields when he was a boy. He looked around taking in the sights; he was impressed thinking that he thought Kilika was big. He had forgotten how massive Luca was.

[Cloud Strife]

The description matched him perfectly, but he could never have envisioned how tall, and how bulky he was. He'd make a perfect warrior, a good start for his recruitment effort. He smiled, judged the distance between his position and the floor. Not too far for him by any stretch of the imagination, but far enough to warrant him thinking about it. He somersaulted from the wall, his legs flaring out to rotate his body round, so that he landed feet together in front of the young lad.

I got your message. Come with me.

He was brief, not wanting to discuss much more in public. He span on one foot, briskly walking away from the bustle of the crowd. He motioned towards one of the more secluded areas of Luca's harbour, vaulting up onto the wall, looking around briefly, before leaping back down in front of the youth.

So. You'd be Fayt I presume? Cloud, Knight-Captain of Non Serviam. Your purpose here I assume is combat, otherwise I wouldn't be the one talking to you. Now, what exactly is it a lad such as yourself would be here to discuss?

He circled him, analysing his build. He was taller and broader than Cloud by a good few inches, the armour he wore simple, but well fitted. The blade was a typical broadsword. He didn't look older than 18. But his face looked fairly determined. He was commited to this, just by looking at him.

Tell me Fayt. Why do you want to fight?

He stopped circling him, stepping in front of him, looking at him with his vibrant blue eyes. His breathing suddenly sounded louder now, but he knew this was simply the lack of any other noise. He turned to face him directly, having to look up slightly at the tall, broad young man in front of him. There was definately the potential for a great fighter in there. He could sense it...

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

He was caught a little off guard by the somersaulting man, his hand twitched as it always did when he was going to reach for his sword. But when the man mention he had received his message he knew this guy must be a member of the Human Armies. His hand relaxed slightly.

He looked around for a moment, wondering if there were any other members, would they just send one guy out to meet him. Not that he was being big headed or anything what if he was a false and was sent to kill them, but there was something about this guy that made him think, for once, that he would have no trouble at all dealing with Fayt.

He walked along, keeping pace quite easily because of his long, muscular legs. He was feeling slightly anxious about this. He had been always told he was easy to fool and he had always tried his hardest to at least have some sense when it came to these matters, even though it was hard for him, he was naturally gullible. When the guy jumped up onto the wall, with grace he could only dream of having, he stopped and looked at him. He did not need to look up much because of his height. When he jumped down and introduced himself he could not help but gasp, he was face to face with the legendary Cloud Strife. When he asked what he had come to discuss he tried his best to gather himself before speaking,

“I have come to join the army.”

When he asked why did he want to fight, there were many reasons to fight for him. His main reason was to become as great as his hero. He took a deep breath before he spoke,

“I have a number of reasons. One, even though I love my father dearly, I do not wish to live a farmer’s life anymore. Two, I wish to train and be able to protect the people around me and the ones I call my friends and loved ones. The third reason, when I was fourteen I saw a man fight at the Blitzball Tournament and he was the reason why I pick up a sword, I wished to become as good if not better then my hero, Sir Tidus.”

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud nodded. It was as good a reason as any. He had a feeling Tidus would have had this effect on several. He was an impressive youth to be sure. He hoped that his inspiration would bring others like himself. The other reasons were ones he could relate to. At least to some extent.

So. You want to join the army. And you want to protect your family and friends. Well, welcome to Non Serviam is about all the welcome I can give you right now.

He smiled, nodding once as a mark of respect. He looked at him. He looked strong enough to wield a blade, but only 2 years under his belt at best. He was green. He'd need a lot of work.

How much experience do you have with a blade? Has anyone taught you how to wield it properly?

He assumed not, as a farmers lad, he would have struggled to find a way to pay for the tutelage as well as the armour and blade. But it was worth asking. Sometimes, people could surprise you. Cloud was a perfect example of that.

I assume you know what we stand for as well? What you will be called upon to do? It's not an easy life being a recruit in the Non Serviam military.

He paced slightly. He truly hoped he was up to it all...

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

He watched him as he spoke, remaining silent as he was taught by his father, always stay silent when your superiors or elders were talking. He listened to his mildly warm greeting into the Non Serviam. He could not help but smile at that fact, it was not a big goofy grin or a cocky smile it was just a simple turn up of the right side of his lips, slight but it put the message across that he was happy to be of service. His life was now in their hands to do as they wished, and he would do whatever it took to fulfil his dreams and goals.

When he asked how long he had be wielding a sword and if he had ever had a teacher he simply shook his head before speaking,

“No sir, I have had no formal teaching, I have been self taught for the last two years, but I am able enough, not meaning to sound over confident sir. I was recently in Kilika and a swarm of twenty five killer bees attack, I slew them all with little help.”

He did not want to give a preverbal kick in the nuts to Reeve, but apart from healing him afterwards and wounding one of the bees Fayt had done all the work, it was harsh but it was the way it was. But when he was asked if he understood what Non Serviam stood for he nodded before he spoke,

“Yes sir I am full aware of what the Non Serviam stand for, and I am willing to do what is needed to forward those goals, as well as protect my closest, and if it costs me my life I am willing to pay that price.”

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud nodded again. He was reasonably sharp, respectful, seemed to know what he was in for. He was a little concerned about his abilities as a combatant, but he did know how large bees could get on Kilika. He was pretty sure if Machina Cats existed, fairly large killer bees would be fairly commonplace.

Well, as long as you feel capable of signing on, then I shall not deny you entry.

He walked around him slowly, other than his brawn, he was currently nothing special. But then, as a boy of what, 16? He could could hardly be expected to be a mighty warrior already. His brawn was rather exceptional for someone so young, but he would have to work on everything else. And get him some better gear...

Well, lets see what you've got. Don't hold back, I can guarantee I've had worse. I want to see how you handle that blade.

He drew one of the Daggerblades that made up the sides of the Fusion Sword. He flicked the blade out, the hilt locking into place, the gear-like mechanism holding the blade rigid. He rotated the blade in one hand, taking slow, methodical steps around Fayt, watching for where he would move next. As an almost untested combatant, it was not so much a test of whether he could hit Cloud, but whether he could wield the blade properly.

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

Fayt nodded, he was quite excited that he was about to test his skill against a great fighter like Cloud, he doubted that he would beat him but he would give it all he had in his efforts to beat the veteran. He drew his blade, compared to Cloud’s Daggerblades it looked like something you would find laying on the ground, which was the truth he found it laying on the ground, next to a dead soldier back when he first saw Tidus. His stance was quite basic, both hand gripped around the handle with the hand which had his buckler strapped on slightly looser so he could quickly let go to use said buckler which was on the top so he could move his buckler easier.

He was ready to fight, except for one little thing. His body started to glow a white as he used his Sentinel skill. He took a couple of steps forward and brought fourth three swift and strong attack, the strength you would expect from a guy his size but the swiftness of his strikes you would not. That is what would surprise most people about him, for a rookie he was strong and tough, but he was surprising quick for a guy his size. It waz not amazing what he was doing but should be impressive for most rookies to be able to do. The strike were well placed, aimed at both of Cloud’s shoulder and the middle of his chest, which was the stronger out of the three, showing his skill was not that bad. Nothing of what he did would compare to a veteran of many battles but because he was a rookie it showed his raw talent was better then most when they had started out.

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud watched the blade scythe down to his shoulder blade, swaying out of the way, before reacting to the strike at his other shoulder, swinging his blade up casually to deflect the blow that arced down to try and sever his shoulder. For a rookie, he was reasonably competent, but his form was predictable. Without looking, his own blade flicking out to sweep the blade out from his offensive move.

He counterspun with the blade, swinging his own blade out, rolling the blade through his stance, the blade arcing round with devastating force, aimed for his shield arm, before wheeling round, aiming a lunge at his chest, stopping it short so as to not risk skewering a recruit. He expected his newest recruit would be able deflect it, but he wasn't taking any chances.

After his own counters, he pulled back, his blade sweeping back behind him, held in a reverse grip. He looked at his opponent. Not bad for someone with only 2 years of experience, and with ill-fitting equipment.

I must say, you'll fit right in with the rest of us. You'll need some work, but otherwise, you'll do fine.

He sheathed the blade, dropping it into the holster masterfully, his eyes never leaving Fayt's.

A small point I will urge. You may be larger than most, and you do have some speed about you, but you must always treat your opponent as an equal. Measure each blow as if you were striking against yourself. You'll be trained in every weapon we possess, so you'll learn how each weapon is used, but until then, think defensive, always be ready to stop your attack and defend. Life is more important than any amount of damage. While you are generally following this sort of mind set, bear it in mind. In the heat of battle, certain facets of training begin to slip away. Never let that be one of them.

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[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

Before Fayt could blink Cloud had blocked his attacks, countered and he his blade near his heart. It was then Fayt really realised how little skill he had compared to the veteran. The pride he held in himself for the victory against the killer bees was all but gone. He would beat him, but he knew that today was not that day. The strength and speed mixed with his potential was nothing compared to the sheer skill and battle wisdom Cloud had. He hated this, he was the strongest in his village, but he knew that for what it was, his village, not Spira.

As Cloud sheathed his sword so did Fayt, his sheathing was a little less fluid the Clouds but it got the job done. When he said Fayt would fit in with the rest of them he could not help but smile. It was a complement, a little one, but to get one from Cloud was quite uplifting. He wondered who would win out of a fight, Cloud or Tidus, he knew that question would never be answered, but he could just imagine it two of the greatest warriors ever to grace Spira fighting, it would have been a sight to truly behold.

When he started to go one about a pointer or two about Fayt’s fighting skill he listened intense. He would accept any help he could get, he was a reckless fighter, and he wanted that to change, he wanted to become great like Tidus or Cloud, but he knew that if that was going to happen he would need to learn from people like Cloud. Cloud told him to treat every fighter like an equal, and that is what he would do. He would even treat people who were more skilled like an equal, from now on he would put every ounce of effort into learning to be great,

“I understand Cloud, I will do my best.”

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud smiled. He was certainly enthusiastic, and ready to accept advice given. It was good to see people so ready to improve themselves. He looked at him again, assessing not just his build, but his stance, his posture. His eyes in particular. They seemed to burn with the desire to become better. He was genuinely impressed with the composure he demonstrated, and his determination.

You have a strong arm, and a dauntless heart. You will make a fine fighter. All he have to train, is this.

He tapped Fayt's head a little. One had to fight with their head, as well as their heart and might. It was a triad, that without one, was incomplete, and so was weaker. The collective might of the unit was greater than the sum of it's parts.

As long as you fight hard, fight well, and fight smart, you will always come out better than you expect to. Combat is like a living breathing thing. It cannot thrive on one alone, much like we cannot be denied either food, water or air. Think of each of these things that keeps a combat alive, and you will not go far wrong.

He could think of no better analogy than that. How else to phrase such a relatively complex lesson. Unlike swordsmanship, which can be taught, or drilled, until perfection. Each motion could be individually practised, until perfection. But combat, it moved with a will of it's own, your strikes, their defence, their counter, your dodge. Every different input garnered a different outcome. One had to think of how exactly they wanted to fight that single battle, as an individual entity, as, more than likely, it would never come again. You couldn't perfect a life or death situation. Each one was wholly unique.

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

Fayt kept his eyes on him as he assessed him. What would Cloud make of him, he was strong, stronger then a human should be, and he was had unfaltering courage, willing to face down any opponent, no matter who it was. True enough he was reckless and at times foolhardy, but he would do anything to change that. He did not care how long it took he would become the best warrior in all of Spira. He could envision it now, walking into a town like Luca here and hearing people whisper “There goes Fayt; they say he has no equal in the ways of combat.” He smiled inwardly at the thought of that happening.

When Cloud spoke about him having a strong arm and a dauntless heart it was uplifting to get such praise from a man of Cloud infamy. But when he said he needed to train his mind he understood, sort of. He knew he could let his heart rule his head sometime, when I say sometimes I mean basically all the time. He listened to the great warrior explaining about the triad of might, skill and intelligence. He had the might, there was no arguing there, he was not amazingly skilled, but he potential was something else, but his intelligence was something he lacked, he was a farm boy and in all honesty was not even that well versed in writing and reading. He then spoke,

“I think I understand Sir, I will do my best to do you proud and not regret giving me this chance.”

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud nodded once more, signifying his acknowledgement. He seemed willing enough. He lay his hand on the Main Blade once again, before looking Fayt straight in the eye.

See that you do Fayt. See that you do. Now. I think it is time we step this engagement up a gear.

With that he drew the Main Blade in a single sleek motion, sweeping the blade back in a double handed stance, feet set apart, blade raised slightly from the floor. He began to circle Fayt again, in his calm manner, waiting for him. He wondered whether he had taken the lessons on board, to fight with your head as much as your body, and your heart.

He darted in, swinging the blade with blinding speed, but repressing the strike so it would not injure him, repeatedly arcing the impressive blade in from multiple angles, so as to test his defences. He spun out, lashing out with a booted foot so as to throw the combat out slightly. He retreated back, standing, awaiting the inevitable response.

Remember, think. Your mind is as deadly a weapon as your body. Think on your feet, use your strengths to your advantage. Give it your best shot.

Cloud brought the blade over his head, hilt just above the bridge of his nose, blade pointed downwards in a customary defensive poise, ready to intercept whatever blow Fayt decided to throw his way.

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

Fayt drew his blade and took it into both of his hands, getting ready with a defensive stance. They guy wanted to test him, so be it. He would not be taken off guard this time. He did not move, but he kept his ears trained on Cloud’s movements. He knew he could not keep up with him in agility, his bulk would not allow him to do that. Fayt was quick for a guy his size, but slow compared to someone like Cloud. Then the strike came and he blocked it, just. He managed to dodge or block to blows each getting closer to striking him.

Fayt faced him as he spoke about using his strengths to his advantage. Think Fayt think, what are my strengths, I know I am neither as fast or as skilled as Cloud, but what have I got over him… my strength! He then moved from a defensive stance to an offensive one and lunched into a number of attacks, each impressively strong and each at a different angle, but. When he performed his last strike he put every ounce of his inhuman strength into it. Fayt was unbelievably strong, and the fact was he could probably life someone heavier then Cloud with one hand. The people back in his village use to joke about him being part Ronso because of his strength.

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud smiled as he watched the series of blows. He blocked them all, but his blade was whirling like a dervish to compensate for the sheer force behind each blow. This youth was certainly strong. The final blow gave testament to that fact. His blade swung up, bracing it with two hands, before being flung off of the blade.

Cloud's natural instinct took over as he hurtled towards the wall. He braced his legs for the impact, rolling out of the massive blow, hitting the wall, before surging from it, his legs uncoiling like a spring, propelling him like a bullet towards the other wall, then again, sliding along the floor, resting one foot on the wall, his other on the ground. He smiled again, looking at him, genuinely impressed with the raw strength in the lad.

Well done Fayt. Much better. An impressively strong blow. A bit unrefined, but that can be easily ironed out. Now, lets see if you can keep it up.

His voice trailed off as he brought the Side Blades up, slotting them into place alongside the gaps in the Main Blade's assembly, the blades locking into place with a mechnical clicking. Bringing the semi-formed blade behind him, he lifted his grounded leg next to his other, before pushing himself from the wall, the blade sweeping out to strike at Fayt, landing against the opposite wall, swinging the Back Blades into place, then completing the assembly, throwing his body down, sweeping his blade down into a defensive poise again, sliding into place in the same position he had been thrown from.

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

Fayt managed to block the main blade, but one of the side blades caught him arm, the force behind it was quite and sliced open his arm. He looked at it unfazed; he had gotten wounds like this before when working in the fields. In fact it was the first battle wound he had gotten made this wound special to him, even though he planned not to get too many of them to start a collection. He turned around and saw the side blades click in place. It was his turn to attack and he would not let up until one of them was on the ground.

He ran at him, using his leg strength to propel himself forward. He roared out as he came close unleashing ten strikes, each as powerful as the one he had done before. He would not go easy on Cloud; he knew he could not afforded to be restraint with him. His eyes were ablaze from the thrill of the battle. The strikes came from a different angle each time, aiming for areas that if he connected would not kill him, he did not want that, even though a guy like him wounding Cloud was be a astonishing feat of power. Yes power not skill, Fayt was compensating for the vast skill difference with the vast strength difference in his favour.

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud watched as Fayt shrugged off the wound. He was tough, very tough. His resultant counter-attack again lacked finesse, but he could not doubt the power in each of the blows. His own blade, broad as it was in it's completed form, was perfectly suited to blocking these strikes. His own blade was no longer swatted aside with the Fusion Blade being considerably heavier than almost any other by comparison. The blade, held in two hand flicked up first, blocking the strike aimed at his shoulder, before swinging it down to defend one aimed at his legs.

Cloud reflexively dodged the next, the blade soaring inches from it's target, his other shoulder blade, before driving his blade into the ground, moving behind it to defend one aimed at his thigh. Sweeping the blade up, he blocked the final strike, locking his blade against Fayt's, driving his own considerable strength against his opponents. His opponent would inevitably win, but his idea was not to beat him, but to get him to unwind and follow through the strike.

A valiant effort Fayt. I can guarantee a lesser opponent would have been laid low by such a brutal assault. You have the makings of a great warrior.

Fayt's blow unwound, throwing Cloud backward, landing with his feet planted on the wall, slowing his movement, before springing out again, breaking into a run, jumping at Fayt, swinging the hefty blade overhead in a brutal arc, before sweeping his leg round, catching Fayt's leg. But it was like hitting a rockface, and it did not give. Again, Cloud's instincts took over, and he pulled his weight around with his leg, throwing his body through Fayt's legs. It was like fighting a machine, he was immovable, and his blows, while unrefined hacks, packed tremendous power. He thought that a greatsword would be a much better weapon for him.

Flicking his legs round, he jumped to his feet, holding Fayt's arm gently, sheathing his blade.

I think I have all I need to get you started. That was a refreshing bout. You came close to hitting me. Closer than any other raw recruit, and I've been with many. You have my sincerest congratulations.

He thought for a moment, before ripping a strip of cloth from his garb, deftly and precisely, handing it to him.

This I give to you as acknowledgment of your raw talent. I hope we can teach you how to use that blade to your full potential. You will be a mighty aid to our cause. I thank you for seeking me out.

He outstretched a hand, his eyes shining with the look of pride only seen in a teacher. He smiled warmly, his posture elevated and relaxed. He had his first recruit.

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

How, how was this guy blocking every attack Fayt threw at him. He had crushed boulders with his strength yet this guy seemed to unaffected by the mass onslaught. Even though he would never admit it he was getting a little nervous, he now fully understood that this Cloud and himself were leagues apart when it came to fighting skill. No, he would not give into doubt and despair, he would beat him, if not in this fight but the next one or the next or the next, sooner or later he will beat him.

He barely even felt the kick against his steel like legs. But before he knew it he was around Fayt and holding his arm. He looked over seemingly unfazed, but inside he was astonished. He saw Cloud sheath his sword and so did Fayt. He would not attack an unarmed man, unless the unarmed man could hurt him with his fists, which in retrospect was doubtful.

He listened to Cloud as he commented on how he was the first raw recruit ever to get that close to hitting him, and that was praise beyond what he could have imagined, but it was not only the words that made him uplifted but the gift he had been given. He took the piece of cloth and tied it around his forehead, letting his hair flow over it, not wanting to ruin such a gift with his blood. He then took out a small bottle and drank from it, his wound healed up, the small bottle was a potion, and he was now down to one. When Cloud held out his hand he took it into his firm grasp,

“With all that I am I am grateful for your praise, and I will beat you one day Sir, this I vow.”

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud smirked. A rash pledge to make, but if anyone he had met could beat him at swordplay, it would be this one. He looked forward to their next meeting, in the knowledge that he would indeed be a considerably more formidable opponent. Hopefully, he would have become a faster, less brawler-like fighter.

Ambition is good. I look forward to our next duel, it will be an occassion to remember, alongside this one.

He smiled, extending a hand to Fayt. He was indeed a worthy addition to their ranks. He hoped that more like him would flock to their cause. Truth be told, they needed every body that they could lay their hands on. Yevon's power may have been broken, but it certainly wasn't about to keel over.

And now Fayt, we must away, there is much to be taught to you, and I need to find more souls like you. You'll be going that way. Keep following the road, there should be a man at a crossroads. Tell him your name and that Cloud sent you, and he'll point you in the right direction. Farewell Fayt.

Cloud span on his heel, walking briskly away from Fayt, unable to shake the feeling that today was going to be a good day...

EXIT CLOUD

[Fayt Tiberius Darkwind]

Fayt nodded, and finally he smiled, his smile was slight but it was there. He was quite a happy guy, but when it came to his fighting he was nothing but serious. He looked down at Cloud’s hand and took it into his cast iron grip, making sure not to put too much pressure behind he hand shake, he wanted to beat him, but he did not want to break the guy’s hand. That was the problem with being as strong as Fayt was he had to be careful sometimes so he did not hurt people, a simple pat on the back from him could break a guy’s spine.

He listened to what Cloud had to say, and he accepted what he said wholeheartedly. He looked to where Cloud was pointing, it was the Mi’ihen Highroad. So he was going to meet someone there. He had heard there was a place called Rin’s there, maybe he could earn a bit of cash so he could stock up on some supplies. He then looked back at Cloud before speaking,

“Until our next meet Cloud, and believe me I will be stronger by then. Our battle will be sung of for many generations to come.”

With that he walked off towards The Mi’ihen Highroad. He may have lost the fight against Cloud but he believed he may have won something more valuable then that, the respect of a great warrior. Yes this was the end of one part of his journey, but the story had just only begun. But how will the story end, that is one thing we will have to wait and see.

Exit Fayt