Post by Atsuko on Aug 31, 2020 21:12:32 GMT
[Thread PL: 180] [Suppressed to 5]
While Atsuko meditated atop the vacant throne, she begins to stir, feeling a little restless. She opens her eyes and lets out a small breath. Sure, exploring this place and cleaning it up was hard work... But she still had energy to spare. Energy she wanted to use to train, to become stronger than she was now. Her thoughts turned to one of the rooms that she had tended to within this outpost.
The Saiyan rises from the throne once more, and begins walking through the halls. It doesn't take her too long to reach the very room that she was thinking of. This was one of the largest chambers, and from the arrangement it was clear exactly what it was intended for. The far edges of the room had training dummies and weapons, for practicing the very basics, but the middle of the room was the most impressive part of all of this. It was a huge ring that was meant for fighting practice and sparring.
The Saiyan steps into the middle of it. She didn't have anyone to practice with, but there was no one to disturb her training either. She sits down on her knees and closes her eyes. Soon she begins Image Training. For her opponent, she chose Asmoskon. There was no particular reason why this was done. Other than she considered him an enemy and it was easiest to go all out against that kind of foe. The fight was utterly unremarkable, but served it's purpose well enough due to the fact that she had no living partner to practice with.
As it's drawing to a close, she hears a familiar voice call out to her.
"So you found it.", the voice says.
The Saiyan gets to her feet, and turns to the direction of the voice. She spots none other than Micaela.
"How did you find me?", the Knight asks.
It prompts Micaela to smile as she responds. "I am your Mother. I know my Daughter well.", she answers as she steps closer, she then reaches up and pulls the helmet off of Atsuko. "I always knew you would find this place one day. I didn't think it would be this soon, though."
This statement causes Atsuko to become a little confused. "So, you know about all of this?", she queries, wondering what Micaela's answer would be.
Her mother responds with a nod. "Of course I do. I used to call this place home. I eventually retired from the Knights and began to work with someone else... You'll meet them soon.", she answers, that soft smile of hers growing a little wider.
Micaela then looks down at the helmet, marveling at it for a moment, and running a hand along the smoothed edges. "This used to be my armor too... And it was my role to care for that sword you're now wielding, too. All of this used to be our most guarded secrets, and now they're yours."
Micaela then holds the helmet out to Atsuko, who accepts it in turn. She doesn't put it back on however, instead holding it under one arm, as she processes all of this information "What made you leave the Knights?"
Micaela's smile fades as she considers how to answer this. "I saw what was happening to all of them, and I made the decision to step out of the fighting... I knew that we needed people that could still defend our homes. I didn't expect that I would be the only one to make the decision, and actually get away with it."
With that, she smiles once more, but it seems sad, rather than happy. "Ironically, because of the advice I gave you... As long as you're a Knight, protect your identity. Don't let anyone learn it. If you have to quit all of this... You can slip away and no one will be any the wiser."
Atsuko reaches out and gently grabs Micaela's hand. "I won't run from my enemies.", she tries to assure her.
Micaela gently grips Atsuko's hand in turn. "I didn't raise you to be a coward, I know that. But you're still my daughter, and I value your life more than your pride... So if you have to, for me?"
Atsuko falls silent, but eventually nods. That prompts Micaela to give a genuine smile once more. "Thank you... Now, as one more thing I can tell you, that holy sword you have can be connected to this place."
Micaela begins to explain, gesturing to the sword at the Knight's hip. "When the time comes, it will show you how to connect it's magic with ours. And just like that, you'll be able to form a Reality Marble, pulling yourself and any of your recruits to this location in very short order for training."
Needless to say, Atsuko was a little stunned at this revelation. "So not only a secret base, but I can use it to train anyone, anywhere..."
Micaela gives a nod at this. "Of course, there's one limitation. When you leave this place, you'll return to the spot that you were at before. Including if you were on another world. This was part of the security measures we took, so that no one could ever figure out where our haven was."
Atsuko gives an understanding nod at this new information. "I'll guard it well, Mother."
At that, Micaela raises a hand to Atsuko's cheek. "I know you will, dear. And I hope that all of this will prove useful to you."
With that, Atsuko wasn't able to get in as much training as she liked... But she was able to learn more about her mother, and the answers behind what this all used to be. To her, that was even more valuable.
Coming here was worth it.
Solo Completed!
