Re: A master and his student

[Reiei]

Optimistic about some of his attacks actually hitting Valkenhayn, Reiei had let his guard down for a bit. Unable to even see the claws, the werewolf in training just took the scratches fully. He wasn't exactly trained for conditions that hard. The dark and the seithr were getting the better of him already?
No! Like in those tales I spent so much time reading... Even when the surroundings are against me... even if beings such as the Black Beast are against me... I don't have the right to give up. That would make me nothing but a stain on Madam Rachel's honor, and I definitely cannot allow that!
Surpassing the pain, Reiei stood up again. Despite still not taking his Armagus out of this pocket, not using beastly strength, nor anything but willpower, he stood up. The true training had yet to begin, but Reiei was not reluctant to throw himself in the fight any longer. Taking a stance, he showed Valkenhayn he was ready for what was coming next.

[Valkenhayn R. Hellsing]

Blood-thirsty the growling beast stood there in a semi-human form. Valkenhayn did no longer look like an old gentleman, only his clothes indicated a noble origin. There was no respond to Reiei's demonstration of willpower as he rose from that last attack back up on his feet, showing his determination. A cold howling echoed through the depths of Area 28 as Valkenhayn transformed into a whole beast. Only a neat pink tie around his tail reminded of the tall butler. With a fierce attempt the wolf charged into Reiei's direction. His movement was more straight forward than any of his actions before. Valkenhayn still didn't say anything to the young fellow....
//Well done, Reiei-kun. Showing me your spirit lets me acknowledge your motivation to carry on... one day you will be a fine warrior!//
The lycanthrope was pleased.

[Reiei]

Holy-... Reiei was being attacked by Valkenhayn... transformed into a wolf! If he was to fight that with only his human strength, it would drain out all of his energy soon... But he stood there only stepping back a bit, blocking the charge with both his arms. Being pushed away by such a strong charge, Reiei realized there was no use trying to find an opening after blocking attacks, because there was no opening to be found that way.
Taking a leap into the air, Reiei clenched his fist and descended with a punch he aimed at Valkenhayn's cranium. It would maybe get him some time to land and prepare his next move...

[Valkenhayn R. Hellsing]

Indeed, being in his beasty form Valkenhayn was swift and brutally strong. Yet his methods to defend decreased drastically. There were only a few methods to block an attack in this form, no the main focus was to avoid getting hit. One could not wield a weapon, shield or armor properly in this form. One could not use his limbs for defense properly in this form. One could only use his fangs and claws to defend and even so it was more of an offensive action to ward off an enemy attack. That said Reiei really found his only adventage when facing his teacher in this beasty form. Compensating the sudden boost of physical parameters he had to counter with tricky maneuvers. Jumping right before the wolf came flying in and trying to hit its head was a smart move of Reiei... the attack landed certainly as the student felt the resistance against his fist, but obviously it wasn't enough to throw the beast out of balance. Valkenhayn stopped almost on spot after being hit to turn around swiftly and chase Reiei into midair. His claws and fangs charged into the direction of the almost immobile student aiming for his neck directly. How was he able to block the fierce attack? It looked like he had to at least sacrifice an arm in order to make it in time...

[Reiei]

Even after that punch had hit its mark, that did nothing to deter the wolf he was facing; no, instead the wolf just went even more offensive, fangs and claws out for the young werewolf's neck. In such a situation, there was almost no way to make it to the ground without losing something. If I am to be of any use one day, I've got to lose the least on this one. Still refusing to tap into his inner power, still refusing also to use his Armagus, Reiei just did what was to do when fighting a beast: prevent the fangs from even touching him. He slapped the wolf's jaw closed with his right backhand so and gripped the right claw with his left hand. Though, Valkenhayn's left claw was free of movement and scratched the side of Reiei's neck.
In a reflex due to pain, he tried to kick Valkenhayn away, but the real thing looked more like he kicked himself away from Valkenhayn. And in this situation, it meant "to the ground". When the young werewolf's back met the ground, he didn't stand up immediately like the last times... Since there's that much seithr around, let's use it... While on the ground, Reiei concentrated what he could for a minor healing Ars he learned at the Academy. He needed to stop the bleeding first, only after that he'd bother standing up. If his master was to attack him while he was on the ground, Reiei would prove what a cornered werewolf is about.

[Valkenhayn R. Hellsing]

"Would you like my next attack to kill you?"
The wolf growled while standing in safe distance to Reiei who was recovering from that last clash. The beast was ready to jump in at any time. This was still training, right? The master let his student tend his wounds and get back some of his stamina. Yet, why the threatening words?
"It will be dying, right here, right now, Reiei-kun. As a dog of the NOL it will only be a befitting end! Torn to pieces in that uniform..."
"Die, right here, right now. Or die later for the madam's sake, what will it be?"
Suddenly there was tension in the air. The thick Seithr-miasma as well as some rottening odors mixed into this terrifying mood.

[Reiei]

That... can't be...? Is Sir Valkenhayn affected by the seithr there so much he loses his self-control? No, that's impossible... Trying to brush off his thoughts, he threw his black vest away, if only to show his refusal of keeping the NOL's idea in his mind.
"There is a limit to foolishness. I refuse to die now..." That training was way harder than what he had anticipated, but Reiei also grew stronger, and did so much faster than anytime before. "... but I can't let myself be called a NOL dog and do nothing."
Not losing his head was the primary thing in battle. But he also had to grow a bit of temper, that maybe was a teaching he'd given himself right now. That said, his energy was growing up. More than before. It still wasn't that of a wolf, but that wasn't one of an average human. Reiei just decided that it was more sure not to hold back in this situation.
Suddenly, he took a dash at Valkenhayn's direction, trying to chain two very wide-arcing punches that surely would be better if those were claw attacks. Those were aimed to Valkenhayn's head, and the second was aimed slightly upwards so it could send Valkenhayn spiralling if he didn't hold his ground... which he surely would.

[Valkenhayn R. Hellsing]

When Reiei decided to charge at Valkenhayn, the man in his wolf form did so as well. They were running towards each other, the next blow might've been decisive for the outcome of this serious training, although at that point it was unclear if it had to be considered an exercise of such sort. Valkenhayn again jumped with his claws and fangs first at Reiei, who tried his best to show his determination.
The punches connected, the first better than the later as the wolf was in midair already taking some of it's impact. The studend had successfully managed a blow on his master! Valkenhayn, still in his wolf form, gave Reiei a bloodthirsty glare. Was it not over yet!?

"Well done... Reiei-kun. I expected you to become unsure, yet you stood unfaltered. With your determination I have faith in you, and so does Lady Rachel."
The butler stood in front of Reiei with his full body height gained back. He landed quite elegantly
"You grew a bit stronger just now..."
The old man let his neck crack. That last punch was quite something.
"...and you will get even stronger in the future."

[Reiei]

When Reiei had started his assault, he didn't understand that his attacks actually hit the fierce wolf head-on. Though, that wasn't without disadvantage since Valkenhayn was attacking too at that point. The young werewolf felt the blood of a nasty scratch running down his temple. Prepared to defend his right to fight for Rachel again, he saw the wolf-like Valkenhayn... regain human form? Was it all over? Did the master just break that training while Reiei's will had just been forged? A bit disappointed (mostly because that sudden urge to defend his name was also a slightly ecstatic thrill), Reiei stood listening to Valkenhayn's words of congratulation (were they?).
"It was that or dying, Sir.", the younger werewolf bowed to his elder while checking that scratch. "I am maybe not yet worth serving you and Madam Rachel, but..." His phrase was interrupted by his near fainting. Everything he ignored under the effects of his courage and survival instincts, that seithr hindrance jamming his senses, was back, and now the youngster's vision was nothing more than a blur, as was his thinking. "... that's what I will do.", he finished his phrase, trying to preserve an appearance of dignity despite everything.

[Valkenhayn R. Hellsing]

"I apologize for the harsh words, young Reiei. I can see in your face that you feel insulted and disappointed as you still see the need for getting me back on those words. But anger is something humans tend to lose control over. Especially us, who are one of the most horrifying beasts, which ever set foot on this troubled planet. You as well noticed the intoxicating influence of the Seithr... this is my real reason I stopped you so suddenly. This area is soaked with this two-sided substance. We shall make haste to leave or even our health might suffer."
Valkenhayn took some determined steps towards the darkness. He knew the way out of here. A hidden path that will lead to the surface.
"You think too harsh of yourself, Reiei. Stating and accepting self-critism is a rare gift, young one. To control it even fewer among those gifted. Expecting too much from oneself is just as dangerous as expectiong nothing at all from oneself."
With those words the old man departed. Reiei would run in no danger of following him to the top. Only there they were to be careful as not to be seen together...

[Reiei]

Bowing to Valkenhayn's apology and listening to it word for word. Though he wasn't exactly that disappointed of the harsh words (he had been used to much worse in the Military Academy) he generally had to agree with those words from the wiser werewolf. The seithr really was starting to be a problem, so since Valkenhayn knew a safe way out of this hellhole, Reiei just followed him. He smiled a bit at his master's words about self-criticism: he was really on the second side of what was exposed, those who expected nothing. Standing behind Valkenhayn, he made sure he wasn't at sight level. That training sure had weighed much, and if Reiei was called for NOL duty, that would be problematic... Well, they were not at ground level yet, so the young werewolf afforded himself a last question.
"What am I to do for Madam now?"

[Valkenhayn R. Hellsing]

(I apologize for the long wait)

"I believe, I am unaware of your further tasks as well, Reiei-kun. The situation is getting more tense, though as we speak... for the time being it is of utmost important to know what the NOL Headquarters are doing. Every move needs to be known. Therefore I ask of you once more to shoulder the heavy burden of observing it. Whenever Relius Clover, one of the higher ups or especially Imperator Librarius is making a move, we need to know immediately!"
"Take care."
With these words he himself transformed into a wolf to make his exit more swiftly, running into a complete different direction than Reiei. But he came to a sudden halt in short time, turning back into human form.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Miss?"
A straight question into the dark. Who was he talking to? He was all alone in a back alley... wasn't he?

[Junesa Azai-Azuchi]

(From "Kaka Village")~~~~~~~~> The sudden appearance had thrown her off a little bit, but it hadn't scared her at least, she maintained her composure. This was who she as looking for, at least it seemed that her being in awe had kept her quiet for perhaps a few minutes; but overcoming her silence, Junesa addressed the Legendary Hero with a courteous greeting. "Lord Valkenhayn of the Six Heroes, its' a pleasure to meet you, sir. I am here with a mission involving you directly." she began to explain, before she got straight to the point; deciding the cliff-notes would be nice to save time. Madam Rachel might well need Valkenhayn sooner than later.

"If you'll beg the pardon of my haste, but I am recently appointed to Lady Rachel's service, and I was sent to seek you, I imagine Lady Rachel must need your services. It is why I am here." she could not help but feel a need to be by her side, she wanted to assist the lady in any deed; perhaps it was odd...but she felt a sense of belonging for once in a time in her life.

[Valkenhayn R. Hellsing]

"Lady Rachel is in need of my services?"
Valkenhayn's voice was filled with surprise and concern. It was unusual to be visited by a messenger instead of being summoned directly to his lady's side. It was a grave matter than... the butler did not want to lose anymore time.
"I beg you pardon for not knowing who I am facing currently. I believe you only managed to meet mylady recently. It is a time were recklessness could cost one's life, therefore my trust is only limitedr until I directly talk to Lady Rachel. For the time being I shall trust your words, though. I appreciate your effort."
As he was explaining his reasons, Valkenhayn already set into motion. There was no time to waste as the young girl suggested.
//Is it going to be an all-out-war? Lady Rachel, be safe!//


Exit ---------------->

[Junesa Azai-Azuchi]

"I shall accompany you, I will stay from your path, but I will assist if I can!" The words were spoken on the rush after him, she knew that he had to get to her side and determined to make some use of herself, the dhampyr took to the trails and followed as best she could.

(Exuent)~~~~~~~~~~>