baschtaejin

[baschtaejin]

Basch retracted his hand and listened to the young soldier's concerns, nodding and listening intently. When Bartz was finished Basch just shrugged, "Listen kid. I understand what you're saying, and for the most part I can sympathise with what you're saying. I only came here temporarily, for supplies and mercenary work. This place has a way of making you feel at home, and I think the Army has a lot to do with that."

Staring off into the distance, he continued his monologue, "Going into active service is a big step Bartz, and it's also a daunting one. One day you could be ordered to clear out a pack of Swoops, the next a horde of Goblins, but there's one thing you can be certain of in this world," Turning back to face the soldier, Basch spoke in stoic manner, "The Army will always be there. You will never be alone in the field. You will always have assistance, and the soldiers here are damn good at what they do. If your skills are lacking for a job, your friends will be there to help. They will not falter, and if you fall, they will pick you up so you can try again. The Army is a family, and we protect each other, as family and friend."

Standing, Basch pulled out a cigarette and put it behind his ear; "If you still have qualms with accepting my commendation, then I will not go against your wishes. Speak up now if that's the case, because we best get back before it gets dark, and I have a lot of paperwork to get through."

Taejin Mission 035: Small Steps towards Bigger Dreams.

[baschtaejin]

As a medic came to treat him, Basch removed his tunic to allow the man to treat the wound. Acknowledging Bartz, he beckoned the young recruit over and offered him some water. Stretching his neck, he retrieved a potion from a pouch on his belt and imbibed it, recoiling slightly at the bitter taste, "I'll never get used to the taste of these... You're a good fighter kid," nodding, he continued his summary of Bartz abilties, as if talking to himself more than the man in front of him. "For what good my observations are, you've got natural skill in magic, but you could certainly use more physical training with your blade. Magic won't always save you after all, it's fair to say you learnt that today?"

As the medic was finishing treating him, Basch nodded as he listened to the young woman, and then said softly, "Alright, once I'm finished here I'll head to the clinic and get this wound treated" Turning back to Bartz he smirked a little, "Looks like you got me pretty good kid. That was a decent strike you landed, even it was by accident." Turning around, he retrieved a stack of paper from his bag.

"I've got a lot of paperwork to get through, but I'm going to recommend the commander assigns you immediate field work. You have the aptitude for it, and I'm sure the other active field soldiers will benefit from your magic," writing something down on a scrap of paper, he folded it and stashed it in his pocket, "If you have any problems with that, tell me now." Standing up, he offered his hand to Bartz, "Welcome to the Army of Taejin Bartz."

Taejin Mission 035: Small Steps towards Bigger Dreams.

[baschtaejin]

OOC-

[baschtaejin]

Upon hearing Bartz' submission, Basch's bloodlust began to subside, and he relaxed his muscles. He was suddenly aware of the shocked faces around him, the recruits, the medics, and even Bartz. Rolling off the man, Basch got to his feet and pulled him up off the ground.

He nodded at Bartz, "Sorry kid. I went too far," a sudden pain struck him, and he looked at his side, "Ah shit. I think you lost something there kiddo. Do you think you could get that for me?" He winced as Bartz pulled the sword from his side. Retrieving a cloth from his pouch, he instantly put the cloth to the area to clot the wound and called the medics over. As they approached, he grunted "Treat the recruit first, check for internal injuries around the waist and chest." Turning to face the recruits, he instructed them to organise into formation.

"I hope you were watching recruits. No matter how well trained you are, and how prepared you are, there will always be unexpected situations. It's up to you how well you handle them." Sheathing Chaos Blade, he continued his lecture, "Your skills, abilities, and weapons will be the closest companions you have on the battlefield. Rely on them first, and on your friends second." Removing the cloth to check the blood flow, he reapplied it, "Bartz here did well. He utilised his strengths and he took the advantage. He's small and nimble, and he used that against me. Your body is a weapon too, remember that. The one thing he didn't account for, is the unexpected. For the synergists among you, if you're in doubt, cast protect to aid in your defence." 

Spinning on his heel, he faced Bartz. With a nod, and a smile, he said "Well done, recruit Klauser. Well done"

With that done, he waved his hand above his head, "You're all dismissed. Please remember that while this is a military installation, Oerba is still a civilian area. Act accordingly." As a medic scurried to treat him, he pointed at Bartz and grunted "When you're ready kid, I need to speak with you."

Taejin Mission 035: Small Steps towards Bigger Dreams.

[baschtaejin]

OOC-

Thanks

[baschtaejin]

During his renewed charge, Basch was paying close attention to Bartz. He was moving fast, abnormally fast. He noticed a slight pattern in his foes' movements, his body moved and shifted in his fighting stance, albeit at a much more rapid pace. He flipped his sword in his hand, shifting to an icepick grip, if this doesn't work I'm going to leave a huge opening... But he shrugged off the thought, he was committed to the attack. He saw Bartz shift into a sword-stance, This is it.

As he approached, he quickly brought his shield up, feigning an attempt at a second shield strike, but just before he reached his target he brought his shield back down to his side and leapt straight at his foe's torso, landing his attack with his shoulder. It took Bartz by surprise, but it didn't stop him from striking with his sword. Basch took the blade strike in the side of his chest. His mind screeched at him, the pain was intense. Far more intense than it should've been. The momentum from his shoulder charge should've unbalanced Bartz and reduced the force of the attack, but it was incredibly powerful.

Using the momentum, Basch forced Bartz into the ground, and he quickly dug his knees into the ground either side of Bartz' torso, sat up, and brought his blade, still in the icepick grip, straight up to Bartz' throat, stopping mere centimetres from his foes neck. Even though Basch still had Bartz' blade embedded in his waist, his blood pumped adrenaline through his veins and he roared "DO YOU YIELD!?" at Bartz. He could counter this... but he might not have the strength to do so.

Taejin Mission 035: Small Steps towards Bigger Dreams.

[baschtaejin]

OOC

I barely have any of you on my contacts list, so add me on skype if you so choose, the details should still be up on the contacts page... Ask Faris.

-rolls away-

[baschtaejin]

Basch hadn't had much experience fighting magic users, there hadn't been much use for them in Landis, and he hadn't sparred with any in Oerba. He didn't really have much of a strategy, but he was confident in his abilities, and his plan was to overwhelm Bartz with speed and experience.

During his charge, he kept his sword trailing behind him, leading with his shield with intent to daze his foe with a battering assault. He was slightly surprised when Bartz didn't make an evasive stance, the recruit simply raise his shield, but Basch dismissed it, already committed to his charge. Getting closer to his target, he brought his shield-arm closer to his body, ready to lash out as soon as he was in range. But then something happened, Bartz appeared to be moving fast, abnormally fast, and in the instant before Basch's blow connected, Bartz effortlessly shifted his body away from the attack, as if Basch was merely a stray leaf on the wind. 

What?! How the hell did he do that?! Basch's mind raced, but he kept running forward, in an attempt to deny Bartz the ability to counterattack. After a few more metres of running, he pivoted on his heel, shifting around to face his opponent, he quickly surveyed the situation and resolved to charge again, this time with both shield and sword trailing behind him.

Taejin Mission 035: Small Steps towards Bigger Dreams.

[baschtaejin]

Picking up the cart’s handles, he nodded and said “Sure. It’s the least I could do.”

Making their way back to the wood, he mulled through things. In his mind, Basch knew what Faris made sense, but he felt she was too complacent about it, that there was no other reason for her to want to be here apart from “Bad things are happening out there”... But was his reason any better? He was too involved, the problem was too personal.

“My father once told me something, Faris. He told me that chaos is a part of life. It walks the wheel of existence, and it has always been and will always be. But this isn’t chaos. Chaos is untamed, and random. I don’t know what’s happening, but it doesn’t seem like its normal, like it’s part of the plan.

He shrugged, “Such thoughts will drive one to madness though. It’s best to just ignore it”

Physical Therapy | Basch and Faris

[baschtaejin]

Basch was just about to address the recruits when Bartz' voice piped up in the crowd. Hearing the young man's offer, he thought for a second and nodded, "I'll try, but no promises on your lunch staying inside you kid, that's up to your nerves."

As the recruits cleared the general area, Basch drew his sword and stared at Bartz, the man was probably not prepared for a true combat situation, not would he be ready for Basch at his full force, I better go easy on him... Basch then shifted his weight to his feet. "In a real battle... your opponent won't let you know when combat begins. This will be as realistic as possible. I advise you to apply your protective enhancements quickly."

Basch then tapped his sword on his shield slowly. One tap, he eyed the distance between him and Bartz. A second tap, he twisted his feet in the ground. On the third tap, he began sprinting, shield in front of him, aimed directly at Bartz.

Taejin Mission 035: Small Steps towards Bigger Dreams.

[baschtaejin]

Nodding, Basch began following Faris, a few paces behind her. He didn't want her sympathy, because it wasn't really going to change anything. His family was gone, no amount of empathy or sympathy was going to change that. "Don't apologise for things you have no control over Faris..." 

His grip tightened on the axe in his hand, "If we want to change Pulse... we have to do it ourselves. We can't be complacent, we can't wait until there's no other option. We have to find the cause... and stop it." He loosened his hand, no more innocents should die because of this. 

Flipping the axe around, so the head was in his hand, he tapped Faris on the shoulder with the haft. "You should take this. If the town guard see I have a weapon they'll probably punish the person who gave it to me." The forested area began to clear and the town was in sight, and sure enough the carts that Faris mentioned were there.

Physical Therapy | Basch and Faris

[baschtaejin]

OOC and stuff... (Yes. I'm alive!)

Sorry I haven't been around lately. I'm studying full time, 8-3 every day, and I have a few other things going on in life as well... I've got a 2 week break now so I'll try to get my ass into gear and do some replies.

Like/reply if I owe you a reply, please.

[baschtaejin]

Peak of Remembrance | Basch & Stella

It's been a while since I've come up here he thought to himself. A few weeks actually. It was a cool night, no clouds in the sky, Similar to that night isn't it.

Basch regularly trekked up to this point, ever since Aerith went into stasis. The pair met here the night before the Bismarck festival, and he hadn't told anyone else about it. It was his special space.

As he passed into the clearing, he felt something, the air was different. Pulling out his sword, he continued slowly and grumbled to himself "Probably just a monster..." 

As he continued up to the cliff, he saw a blonde woman sitting underneath the White Almond tree. He tapped his armour sharply with his sword to get her attention and just grunted "What are you doing here?"

[baschtaejin]

Nodding in understanding, Basch sighed and said "There's similar stories everywhere Faris. Pulse has changed, and it appears for the worst." Stretching his neck, he stared straight ahead as if in a trance. "Both my parents died long ago, my father raised me and my brother for a time before he too passed. The highlands are a different place than it is down here. You hunt to survive, and you honour the old ways. My father was a blacksmith, forging weapons for a living. I guess that's why I'm adept at handling most weapon types." 

He shrugged and continued, "One night a pack of lobo struck into our camp, much deeper than they had before, and killed the herd of sheep... and a newborn child. I guess that was our first warning of the monster waves."

Standing, he picked up the axe and tossed it around in his hand a few times, "What solidified the theory though, was when a behemoth attacked a travelling party of refugee's. They normally kept to themselves in the highlands, only attacking if threatened. 10 refugee's with barely 2 weapons wouldn't count as a threat to a behemoth. My brother and I defended them, distracting the behemoth for them to get away..." He roared and swung the axe with such force it embedded itself in the stump, "it killed my brother. There's no doubt in my mind now, Monsters are getting bolder, tougher, more brazen."

Pulling the axe out of the stump, he sighed and said "It needs to stop before more innocents get hurt." With a shrug, he turned to Faris and said "Well... should we continue or call it a day?" 

Physical Therapy | Basch and Faris

[baschtaejin]

OOC - Looking for someone to do a thread.

Long story short, it's gonna be a little remembrance thing for Aerith between Basch and another person.

Preferably a new recruit to get Basch to interact with people, but it's open I suppose.

also, I'll get to the replies I'm just not motivated right now.

[baschtaejin]

Finishing the paperwork, Basch stood up and sighed. "This is going to be a long afternoon." Finishing his cigarette, he had a few mouthfuls from his canteen of water. Turning around, he decided it was time for the  self-defence examination to begin.

"Right," he shouted, "Form up kids. I watched quite a few of you fighting before, and I feel I can make apt judgement on your ability to defend yourself in a combat situation." Stretching his arms out, he sighed and said "But if you want more experience, please step forward and I'll go easy on you."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the group, and a few of the recruits stepped forward only to step back again. After a few moments, Basch had almost resigned and dismiss the group, but a recruit stepped forward and grinned snidely "I'll challenge you sir. If I win, you owe us all a round at the bar."  Basch just looked back at the man with a deadpan look on his face, he wielded a zwei-hander and wore hardened leather armour. Basch sniffed and replied "It's your funeral kid," and he drew his sword.

The recruit moved forward apprehensively, but as soon as he was within range he lunged at Basch, swinging his sword in a wide arc. In a swift movement, Basch ducked beneath the sword and tapped the man on the small of his back with the flat of his sword. "In a combat situation recruits, pay close attention to your assailant's movements," he turned and kicked the stumbling recruit to the dirt. "Adapt to survive." 

The recruit stood up and moved close to Basch, but this time lashing out with the pommel of the weapon. Basch sighed and stepped forward to block the attack. The recruit stumbled backwards, stunned, and Basch kicked the man in the gut, causing him to double over. "If your foe has a heavy strike, you might want to step into the block instead of staying stationary," he used the hilt of the Chaos Blade to hit the man in the top of the head. "You can lessen the force of the blow by reversing some of the strength back on your foe."

The recruit stood up and spat at the ground. Basch just smirked and said "Will that be all?" 

Taejin Mission 035: Small Steps towards Bigger Dreams.

[baschtaejin]

Just a notice..