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Delta's Dojo
On the outskirts of the city lies a large building, a martial arts dojo once thought to be abandoned. Now, it's master stands at the top of the steps to it, sweeping away the snow near the entrance. He doesn't seem appropriately dressed for the weather all things considered, wearing his training gi with cloth wrapped around his feet, and an icy blue mask on his face. The barest hint of snow falls around him, and he sighs before placing his broom by the door. No rest for the wicked as they say. With a sigh he waves his right hand past his face and dismisses the mask. Slightly shivering, he creates a small flame in his hand and tosses it to the ground. Without warning it suddenly expands and makes it's way across the steps. The snow quickly evaporates and the wrappings on his feet burn away before he quells the flames with a wave of his hand. With that out of the way for now, he returns inside, forgetting his broom by the sliding door.
A young man with brown hair and faded blue eyes would walk up to the steps of the dojo. For a long time he would have anticipated this moment and now he believed himself to finally be ready to seek the guidance of others. He had finally found a purpose for growing stronger but still, uncertainty clouded his mind. There was a certain despair buried deep within his eyes as if something had changed inside of him. He knew something had changed and wasn't sure how he should react to it. It was as if a new feeling had wormed its way into his heart and mind. An emotion that he had been hiding from so long had finally found its place within him and now the roles were reversed and he had to hide such a feeling from others. Quintus would finally walk up the steps and look towards the broom to the side before finally calling out from outside the dojo. "Uh, Sensei? Are you in or is this a bad time? I'm here about the training if that's ok."
Running up the steps to the dojo, Owain works his legs as he takes himself up step by step until he finally reaches the entrance, carrying a plastic bag around his arm. He catches a glimpse of Delta as he enters the dojo, but rather than chasing after him, he simply relaxes himself and sighs. Phew, good run. I'm all pumped up now. He coughs, before grinning and posing dramatically, putting his hand over his face and everything. The pose causes the plastic bag to slide down to his shoulder, with a small can almost falling out. Yet, no simple run can satisfy the urge to learn the ways of magic that my heart holds! While my body may be in peak condition, my mind has yet to even bud! Owain swiftly changes to a different pose, now with his other hand over his face. With the sudden shift, the entire contents almost fall out of the bag. Owain scrambles to fix the error, before sighing, now in an even more awkward pose than before, yet he continues. Oh why, Great Master Delta, have you restrained me for so long! Yet... you've humbly offered me a roof, so do my cavils even have purpose..? Owain chuckles, relaxing himself again, before entering the dojo himself. Delta-sensei, I've returned from my grand errand! Owain sets down the bag of groceries he had picked up on his run.
(edited by Sword_Hand)
Seemingly taking no notice of Owain's theatrics, Delta walks back to the door and slides it open to see Quin. Quintus, I'm glad you decide to come. Today's a very good day for you to make your first appearance. Glancing back at Owain he lets out a chuckle before continuing. I was just about to teach another one of my students a little something. Judging from the look in your eyes I think you could use this lesson if I slightly modify it. Come inside, it's cold out there. Ushering Quintus inside and closing the door behind him, Delta turns to face Owain. You've done well thus far Owain, and I apologize for your training being rather lacking as of late. Prepare yourself, for I'll be sure to work your mind harder than your body.
Quintus would allow himself to be ushered inside curious about what Delta had to show him. He was still a little nervous but he was much more comfortable with situations like this since coming to the Nexus. He would also look at Owain curiously. He knew Delta had other students but this was the first time he had seen one. The man looked fairly confident and seemed to be a user of the sword. He even noticed how he seemed to use the sword with only one hand. Perhaps he could learn something about fighting up close from this individual as well but for now, he would focus on Delta. "So, you'll be teaching me something today? What kind of thing will we be learning?"
Owain laughs, before brushing his hair back, and extending his other arm out, dramatically of course. Master Delta, you need not worry yourself with such trivial things. While I am here due to your pledge of instruction, your gracious offer of hearth is certainly more than I could ever ask. So I beg of you, do not attempt to atone for the delay, for the act is superfluous. And, of course, I should expect no less from you, my great teacher! Please, work my mind and body until the first becomes mush, and the second becomes dust! Owain relaxes once more, now noticing their guest. He turns himself towards Quintus, bowing. Greetings, friend of mine master. A pleasure to meet you. My name is Owain Dark, and I am but a humble student under the tutelage of the great Delta. If you are ever in need of assistance, feel no hesitation in calling out my name, for my fell blood shall send aid to you in the form of it's amenable host!
(edited by Sword_Hand)
A young woman in green darts through the door, she'd look rather out of breath and more than a bit hurried as she walks into the dojo. "Aw geez, am I late? Sorry about that, I'd heard this place was going to open up but uh guess I got the time wrong..." Chie chuckles sheepishly for a moment and rubs the back of her head, she'd look around at the small group for a moment... Eyes scanning over each of them. Right until... She grins and points at Delta. "Anyways, I'm guessing you're Delta right? Yu's mentioned ya once or twice, all good so I'm looking forward to seeing what you've got in store!" She'd raise her fist into the air with a cheerful shout and take her place... Well, her best guess at where she should be anyways, only to suddenly realize she hasn't even bothered to introduce herself. "Oh! Before I forget the name's Chie Satonaka! Nice to meet everybody. Now, let's get to it right guys!?" With that done, she bows to them all and grins. Looking around curiously now and then as she waits with an excited look on her face.
Owain here is set to learn how he can utilize his magicaly abilities. It'll be a bit of a learning experience for meas well since his magic is different. He's a tad eccentric at times but he means well. I hope you'll get along with him. As for you Quintus, I think I can change it slightly to work better with you. Tell me though, how much closer are you to your Persona since we last spoke? Owain, Quintus is one of your fellow disciple. Your contemporary in this school of martial arts. Treat him well and I'm sure he will return the sentiment. Now, before we begin your training, show me what you're capable of right now. Walking to the center of the room, Delta faces the two of them and summons Ramses behind him for dramatic effect and to prepare. Today's lesson shouldn't be too hard on you to start with, but that doesn't mean you can take it easy. Put your all into everything we do today.... Then suddenly, enter Chie Satonaka. Breaking the tension that Delta was attempting to create, the energetic girl enters the scene. Interestingly enough, she sparks something in Delta's eyes with her entrance. I am indeed Delta, and this is my dojo. From your entrance you seem to have come here for the chance to train. I welcome you with open arms. You can sit in and watch or partake in the lesson.
Owain gives Delta a large grin and a thumbs up. Seeing Chie now enter, he gives her a bow as well. He then takes his place standing alongside Quintus and Chie infront of Delta. As always, Master Delta, I shall give you my all! I've not once slacked since you took my under your wing, and I don't plan on starting now!
Quintus would wonder what Delta meant by being close to his Persona. As far as he knew Yggdrasil Prime couldn't talk or anything and seemed rather unsentient. "Uh, close to my persona? What does that mean exactly? As far as I know, Personas don't typically speak except during the first awakening or sometimes after when resummoning it. Though I guess I've noticed occasionally it acts on its own in some ways. Oh, I guess I should summon it, right? Yggdrasil Prime!" A golden aura would wrap around Quintus as a tree began sprouting over the floor as to avoid doing damage to it. The tree would seemingly stretch to fit within the limited space within the dojo as its branches extended and would become covered with an array of golden fruit. From a hole on the base of the tree, a golden light would burst forth and a golden serpent would crawl out before wrapping around one of the branches. Quintus would stare nervously at the serpent as if not expecting it to be there.
Sit in? People come to do that... Nah, not her style at all! "Oh, I'm here to take part for sure! I've been practicing on my own for a while but... Eh, not sure taking down Shadows in the other world and training alone is enough ya know? Anyway, judging by that guy behind ya I'm guessing we're talking Personas! So come out Haraedo-no-Okami! " For a brief moment a blue card appears in front of the woman, she'd quickly shatter it with a punch however and as she does so blue flames rise up around her body. A tall woman in gold and black samurai armor appears behind Chie, a dark green cape and a long ponytail of white hair flowing behind her back as she hovers above the ground, and a double bladed sword which appears to be a red laser is held behind her back in her right hand. "Now then, we're ready for whatever ya got planned Delta-sensei! I'm not one to slack off either after all, and I haven't learned from many other Persona users, so this should be pretty interesting!" Chie begins bouncing on her heels, to most people she'd simply appear to be fidgeting. Delta might know it as a simple fighting stance, the girl's legs constantly being in motion would likely tell him it's mostly kick based. And the Persona spins her blade around for a moment before taking a place alongside Chie, weapon at the ready as she too enters a fighting stance.The pair almost acting as mirrors of each other. "Now then, uh what exactly are we doing with em anyways? I'm no expert on Personas, but I doubt it's as simple as just summoning them."
A fitting answer for one of my disciples Owain. Tell me, what does it feel like to use magic. What goes through your mind as you utilize your tomes. How does it feel the moment you release a spell? To ascend to the next level, you must break down the wall between yourself and the magic. I want you to seize your destiny and unleash the untapped potential inside you. With your training thus far you should be much more acquainted with you own body and it's capabilities. Now is the time we begin to make the magic an extension of yourself. Feel free to cast thunder on me if you need to get a fresh feel for it again. Changing focus to Owain, he would give Yggdrasil a good look over before addressing him. Noticing his surprise at the appearance of the serpent, Delta looks into Quintu's eyes. Hmm... Do you remember when I told you a bit about Personas? How they represent a part of our minds, our subconscious and aspects of our psyche that we may have rejected at one time or another. To be close to your Persona you don't necessarily have a conversation with it, you instead, will generally have to understand and accept more of yourself to unlock it's full potential. Take a look at Chie here... He would point a hand at the girl and her Persona before continuing. She is well on the path to being one with her Persona. Do you notice how synchronized they are? It takes a lot of experience to attain this level of prowess with a Persona, but simply using it repeated isn't enough as I'm sure she's aware. Your Persona is more than just a tool to be used when it would be most convenient. Your Persona is you, Quintus. To grow closer to it you must look inwards. For now, take a good look at Yggdrasil. I want you to try and equate parts of your own body to the form your Persona takes. I'll admit, with your Persona being a tree it won't be a easy as I or Chie could, but it's the biggest step you must take. Taking his eyes off of Quin and finally addressing Chie, he looks rather impressed. You seem to have quite a lot of experience with your Persona. It's rare for someone this in tune with themselves to seek knowledge from me. However, you are still lacking in some aspects. Do you ever feel that you and your Persona are separate beings? Even if it's for the briefest of moments, if you ever feel this way let me know.
Chie raises her hand to her chin... Yeah, that is pretty rare. But it's been known to happen now and then, that fight in the tournament... "Yeah, we've been through a lotta battles together! I'm not sure if you'd know, but I was part of Yu Narukami's team back in the day, and yet." She'd pause for a moment, looking toward Haraedo-no-Okami and receiving a shrug from the Persona, just as Chie herself isn't sure nor can her other self, answer that question. "I'm not sure how many Shadows we've slain anymore. I've learned more about myself than I ever really knew was there to learn, but despite all that?" The woman and Persona look at each other for a moment, Haraedo tossing her blade up into the air as Chie leaps toward it, she'd spin around with the weapon for a moment and smile as she easily stabs it down before tossing it back to her Persona. "We're almost the same being all the time, but sometimes when I'm just so focused on winning I lose sight ya know? That burning spirit for victory, it's like... Hmm, I guess when you're entirely focused on winning a fight or something, it's hard to keep sight of yourself?" Chie and Haraedo-no-Okami both shrug, she's not entirely sure that's the best way to explain it. But it's the best someone who's not so great with words and crap can do.
Quintus would decide to look back at his Persona. He wasn't sure exactly how to compare the tree-like form to his own body. In a way, he felt even the serpent would be easier to compare to one of his own arms. He supposed the roots and branches were just like multiple arms. Perhaps the hole was an eye Yggdrasil used to see through. It was strange to think of his Persona as him. Something about it almost felt wrong and unnatural as if it still wasn't complete but he wasn't sure exactly what was missing. For him, the point was using what he had to work with. Yggdrasil Prime may not be the easiest to compare himself to but he was sure he could at least try to become more synchronized with it. Until now, he had simply been tossing roots around without thinking too much about their movement. He had almost let the Persona do the work for him but maybe that wasn't the right way to go about it. "Alright, I'll give this a shot. If that's what it takes to move forward..." Quintus would hold up his hand and have one of Yggdrasil Prime's roots wrap around it trying to feel it as part of him. Suddenly the serpent would move a little down the branch and begin staring at Quintus in response. Quintus would simply try to concentrate but the serpent would continue staring at him as if reminding him of something.
Owain stares in awe of the two fellow student's powers, before shaking his head and focusing on his task. He closes his eyes, breathing deeply as he begins to think. He pulls a large yellow tome from his pouch. The use of magic... how it feels... In an instant, Owain opens his eyes, and as he flips open the tome, the pages begin to turn as he waves his hand over it, causing sparks to begin to fly out. He chants almost silently to himself as he traces the curvature of the turning pages of the book with his finger, producing a spark of electricity in his hand, which grows to a reasonable size as he brings it back behind himself. Finishing his chant, he reels back before flinging the electricity at Delta, it starting as a continuous beam before hitting Delta as a large raindrop shaped object. THUNDER-CLAP ELECTRO-STRIKE! Once it hits, Owain sighs, breathing in again as he closes his eyes, thinking once more. Yes... it's been far too long since I truly flexed my magical muscle...
Ah, you fought alongside Yu. It's no wonder that you're already this far along. My Persona and I are one and the same. Even when we act separately, there isn't a moment where we fall out of sync. Now, there are some very particular circumstances about me and my Persona, so I don't think it's possible for anyone else to be this deeply connected to their inner self, but that doesn't mean you can't get close. I'm honestly not sure where to start you since you're so far along already. I have another question, if you'll indulge me. How often do you and your Persona interact together like you did by taking hold of her weapon? Something I find that helps you continue to stay in sync while in combat is combining your strength with that of your Persona on a regular basis. Something akin to this.... Ramses taps his staff on the floor and a bolt of lightning crashes down on Delta, surging through him before seeping into the floor harmlessly. It doesn't necessarily have to be magic, but that's the easiest example to show without making this more involved. Returning to Quintus, Delta would look curiously at the snake, noting that it looked like it wanted Quintus' attention. Quintus, I like your focus, but it seems like you're neglecting a part of your Persona. This snake seems to be trying to tell you something important. How long has it been a part of Yggdrasil? You don't seem to be familiar with it. It possibly might not even need to stay connected to the tree, but I've never seen a Persona with the ability to split into two separate parts. Regardless, it's also a part of you. Another extension of one of your inner selves. See what it wants, you might learn something about yourself you didn't realize. And then he turns to Owain to acknowledge his attempt at casting magic again. The electricity had simply harmlessly flowed through Delta into the floor. That can be expected since we've devoted your training to the body so far. You'll be back in top form before you know it if you work hard. Now, the feeling. How do you think you can take that sensation and change it? If you can alter the process so that it becomes ingrained within your body and shape it to your will I'm certain you'll reach the next stage of your evolution. Your spell lost power by the time it reached me. Try it again, but this time, try and equate the feeling to one you'd get throwing a punch.
Quintus would look towards the snake being given Delta's advice. He was sure he hadn't seen the snake there before. It had only appeared recently during the incident when the strange version of Tatsuya that appeared. Back then it had interrupted him during the fight by making its way into his hand when e was trying to summon one of Hookworm's blades. Yet, despite not having noticed the snake until then he felt it had been there a while, possibly for as long as Yggdrasil had become Yggdrasil Prime. "I don't remember exactly when it had appeared but it makes me a little uncomfortable. I'm not sure if it's even part of my Persona or where it came from but it feels separate, at least to some extent." Finally, Quintus would take a deep breath before offering the serpent his hand. It would slowly climb down the tree before coiling around his arm affectionately. The serpent had golden scales with eyes like rubies. Even the inside of its mouth looking to be shiny and silver in nature. It would glisten in the light as if actually made of metal. Quintus would try to be comfortable around it but something within him wanted to reject the serpent's affection. "I-is this really apart of me too? I...don't know if that could possibly be true..."
Interact huh? That's... Not a bad idea, in fact, she grins a bit wider upon hearing it, she'll have to try and test this idea out some more! "Not often actually, I might just be able to come up with something useful for that little trick though! Hmm, maybe if I... Well, I'll save that for another time. Heh, one of these days I'll have to go a round with ya I guess! I'm curious what someone who's this good with his magic can do." She grins over at Deta, if nothing else she's gained an idea of something to try, and moreover figured out exactly what's been bugging her about her training lately... Before getting too deep into her thoughts, however, she'd curiously glance at her phone for a moment, a stunned look crossing the woman's face as she notices just how late it's become by now. "Um, that being said though I should maybe get some sleep! It's kinda late and I've got stuff to do tomorrow, but expect me again sometime Delta-sensei!" With that the Persona vanishes, Chie once again rushing out the door with her usual enthusiasm as she waves to the group present, she didn't even get the names of those other two, but she really can't afford to be up even later. By the time she's gone, there'd be nothing but a small cloud of dust in her wake, the woman darting away with incredible speed as she heads for home.
Owain holds the tome tightly in his hand, now looking down at it. He begins to chant once again, running his pointer finger across the book, before bringing it behind himself once again. Once more, he reels back, forcefully bringing his arm forward as he shouts, sending a beam of electricity straight towards Delta. Hiiiyaaah! Owain once again relaxes, but with clear show of excitement on his face.
Delta would start to say something, but stop and give it some more thought. Once he sorted the information in his brain, he started to speak again. As far as I'm aware, it should be another part of you. The only way I can say I've seen someone summon a Persona that doesn't belong with them is if they were possessed. Although, I thought that had stopped happening to people. There wouldn't happen to be another... soul within you would there? It's a rather odd question I know, but I've... had experience with that myself. Barring that there shouldn't be any other reason for this snake to not be a part of you. It's strange that you're having such a negative reaction to it though. You may have some inner demons to conquer if nothing else... Delta would give Chie a bow and smile at being called Delta-sensei by one that wasn't officially his disciple. He'd tell her she was welcome anytime before she departed. Delta feigns a slight wince at Owain's much more effective casting of the spell, still taking no actual damage, but feeling the difference from the last time. You seem to have caught on to something. Did it feel different that time? Did you make the spell a part of yourself before releasing it? This is just the beginning if you've found what works for you Owain. There's much to cover to further your aptitude.
Yes, I feel... good. When I use it, I just feel... tingly. But, er, not like an overpowering tingly like when I use Dark magic, just... good. Positive. Owain looks back down at the tome again before closing it. He smiles as he puts it back into a pouch, before turning back to Delta. Well... uh, now what? What's my next step? E-er, ho, great Master Delta, please, enlighten me of what composition lies within the continuation of your teachings!
Quintus would look slightly annoyed almost wanting to hurt the serpent and believed it to be the source of the issue but he couldn't bring himself to even consider harming the creature. Despite everything, he didn't want to harm a creature obviously attached to him especially one that might possibly be another aspect of himself. The serpent would begin to climb back up to the tree branch as Quintus would just look at the tree. He could feel something building up inside him. It was the feeling that kept plaguing him. He wasn't sure what it was directed towards but he didn't want to find out. "Maybe this is as far as I can get for now. I hate to admit it but I might not be as ready for this raining as I thought I was. If I can't even understand myself then how could I understand my Persona?"
That, my dear disciple, is a lesson for another time. Until then, grow acquainted with this "tingly" feeling if you've the tomes to spare. I want it to be second nature to you by the next time we continue. And don't think you can slack on the physical side just because we started magic training. I'll be increasing the intensity now that you've grown accustomed to it. Delta would smile at Owain, but while there would be no trace of malice, it could send shivers down Owain's spine. Delta would walk up to Quintus and looked him in the eyes, hoping to show that Quintus could rely on him for guidance. The key words there are "for now". For most, to obtain the level of self knowledge I've asked you to takes more than just some light meditation. For those with Personas it can be even harder since we have a physical representation that may only add more questions. I was a bit rash to rush you through this step, and I apologize for the frustration it's caused you. But, it's up to you to channel what you're feeling into determination to find the answers. The next time we train, we'll work on the way you use Yggdrasil. You're free to spend any free time you may have here training your body the same way Owain has been. Strengthening the connection between body, mind and soul can lead to a better understanding of the self. For now, we're done for the day. Dismissing Ramses, Delta steps from the center of the room and takes a look outside. The snow seems to have started to pile up again. He once again, dons an icy blue mask and retrieves the broom to sweep the snow from the entrance.
Owain gives a nervous smile, before giving a goodbye wave to Quintus, then heading to his own room. After a few minutes, a loud shouting voice can be heard from the room. FYE, EVIL BEAST, AND FAREWELL! YOU SHALL NOW FACE THE STRENGTH OF ONE WHO HAS LIVED TWO LIVES, WHO HAS FOUGHT MORE BATTLES THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE, YET SOMEONE WHO YOU CHOOSE TO FACE NONETHELESS! NOW, YOU SHALL FEEL THE WRATH OF BOTH MY FELL BLOOD AND THE FULL POWER OF MY MAGICAL POTENTIAL! HAAAAAAAAAAAAA!