@Rusalka

"You can do it, Tohru-senpai! We believe in you!"

"Yeah! Beat her to a pulp, Prince Tohru!"

The girls cheered gathering around the two combatants outside the school. Tohru, famed Prince of Claymore vs Asuka, infamous Princess of Devils. Two rival warriors of two long feuding families now facing each other upon the battlefield, swords gripped tight for the anticipation of another to strike. "Well?" Tohru hissed behind clenched teeth. "Are you going to attack?"

Asuka snickered, an insolent grin bared behind her blade, ~"Only a fool launches the first attack. My dear, and certainly not am I a fool."~ As I will not be foolish to let you beat me again Tohru-san.

"Heh." But to Asuka's dismay, Tohru merely scoffed at her clever insult. "Then I guess I'm a fool. I tire at words. From now on, our swords shall speak for us!" And Tohru's sword indeed spoke for her, charging headlong at the red haired princess with a mighty shout. In one fell swoop, she lifted into the air her sword and brought it crashing down upon Asuka, but with swift and brutal retaliation her sword was blocked, opening her up for a heavy hit to her torso and her leg.

Dammit, she wasn't thinking straight. If she thought the pain before was jarring, it was a simple sliver compared to the hurt Asuka was inflicting on her.

Ooh ow I thought as I see asuka hit tohru torso and her leg.

@sassy1085

((Battle Music: White Knight, Black Heart (Tohru's theme)))

"Tohru-senpai! Don't give up!"

"Keep going Tohru-senpai! We know you can beat her!"

Tohru's body ached from the massive hit, yet still she stood on her feet, launching another flurry of swift attacks towards Asuka, the girl blocking and evading each and every single one, landing even more hits against the battle-scarred prince. ~"Why must you continue to fight, dear prince?"~ Midswing Asuka scoffed at her, Tohru quickly dodging her blade with a sidestep and following up with a mighty thrust, sadly evaded. ~"the longer this continues, the weaker you shall become. Surrender now and I will finish this duel quickly!"~ But surrender she wouldn't. She may had been accosted by Kaname and the others earlier, but still the fighting spirit roared in her heart like a mighty white lion, even if her body was like a chipped and rusted sword.

Raising her sword high over her head, she leapt into the air with a powerful jump strike. Twas parried by Asuka, but a flaw in her strategy, leaving herself open for a massive slash across her midriff. ~"Damn you!"~ She snarled stumbling back, gripping her sore belly. ~"No...I refuse! I REFUSE TO LOSE TO YOU AGAIN, TOHRU-SAN!"~ But on her feet she was, a mad menagerie of slashes thrusts and uppercuts of her wooden blade towards Tohru, sporadic in nature yet...oh so predictable. The same strategy as always. I can read Asuka's moves like a book by now. Now Tohru had the upper hand of the battle, her sword clashing against Asuka's with every move, every counter attack. Not a single opening she gave, but plenty Asuka inadvertently betrayed. Anger, the more Tohru fueled it within her, the sloppier it made Asuka upon the battlefield, her form faltering, giving far too much leeway. Finally...this duel would be hers.

"Now!" Asuka's last attack was swiftly parried, Tohru daring to grip the blade of her sword in mid-thrust and push it away, following it up....with one last blow to her upper back. "It's OVER!"

~"GYAH! NO!"~ In one final move, the girl was disarmed, Tohru's wooden sword burying into her backside with a loud, thundering crack and a cry of pain from Asuka. Twas almost in slow motion as she fell to the ground, collapsing in such utter agony into a thick cloud of dust.

Once it had settled...there she lied, defeated and once more...disgraced. No...why?! I almost had her...almost! D-dammit! Tohru stood over her, their eyes meeting once more in a heated glare between adversaries, but even so, Tohru's eyes softened a little...when she witnessed something in Asuka's. Were those....tears? Tohru...she was all fired up to defeat this girl in battle...and yet...she couldn't help but feel...sorrow for her, seeing the pain in her eyes, not from her battle wounds, no, but...from losing to her...again. Despite the cheers and applause of her adoring fans....this didn't feel like a victory at all for the prince of Claymore.

~"Go ahead..."~ Wearily Asuka muttered, her face still lying in the dirt. ~"Finish me off... I will not endure the shame any longer. You've bested me again, Itagaki Tohru, now...end it."~ If these were any other circumstances, then possibly she would have landed the ending blow, but....such gasps erupted from the audience when they saw her, the great and mighty warrior, a swordswoman of such strength and fervor...lay down her sword and offer her hand to the supposed evil princess, looking up at her in bewilderment.

"I...I won't." Tohru whispered. "The way of a true swordsman is not to conquer with bloodshed and zero remorse. It is to use your blade and heart as one, to protect those who mean the most to you. I failed to protect Chizuru-chan, and for that...I'm sorry...Asuka-san. But rest assured, I will find the one responsible for her death and bring them to justice, not just for me...but for you...and your family as well." Asuka, she remained in silence, her face saying it all, utter shock and confusion. Yet she reached for Tohru's hand, reluctantly, and let the girl help her to her feet. ~"I...I still have yet to forgive you for what you've done."~ She hissed, albeit a bit softer than her usual bitter tone. ~"But I suppose I will accept your apology. When you find Chizuru's killer, stab them through the heart...for me."~ Tohru nodded in reply, releasing Asuka's hand, hers retreating to her side. You have my word, Asuka-san." Then, a cheerful grin crossing her lips, "Besides, this just means we're even now."

@Rusalka
I watch the rage out between the knight and devil until I shock as I hear thundering crack and a cry of pain from Asuka "holy crap..." I whispered as I saw asuka lie there. There just no way this how the battle ends with a devil in pain and knight with unfair win... Until tohru didn't finish her off she just...we'll spare her. I smile at tohru when I was listed her speeche cause she was right that is the claymore academy way.

Ryūko had watched the duel, and clapped along with other onlookers. It had been a wonderful match, and both fighters had given their all. The outcome had been a fair one. However she couldn't help but envy the two. They were both so skilled, even more so than her. She adjusted her glasses.

I hope they can bring justice to whoever murdered Hanazono-senpai's sister, thought Ryūko. She dispersed with the crowd, finding a quiet place to read and listen to her music.

@Rusalka
I walk towards tohru "that was awesome"

@sassy1085 @Otaku95

Not a smile Asuka returned to Tohru, but just a curt nod and on her way she was back to the dorm, wincing a tad from the pain shooting from her back. She was sure to carry that scar with a grudge once more, but even so, Tohru had suspected possibly this could be an end to the hostilities between the two girls. Besides, their families may have been embroiled in bloody conflict for years, but nary an ill thought did Tohru have for her. In fact, she respected Hanazono-san as another fellow student of Claymore and sister of the sword.

"It was nothing really." She turned to Rin with a sigh and a wry smile. "But thanks. I'm surprised you showed up. Hmm?" Her attention however was caught by another girl in the crowd. Yes, she was among the cheer and fanfare as the others, but Tohru had never seen her before. "Ah, konnichiwa." She gave a jovial greeting, but the girl turned away, going elsewhere. Eh? That was odd.

"Kyaaaah!! Tohru-senpai! You were soooo cool!"

"I wish I was a strong swordswoman like you, Prince Tohru!"

"Oooh! She's even more handsome with her battle scars!!" <333333333333333

And then here they came, crowding around the two, Rin and Tohru, though a surprise when some of the other girls also cheered for Rin, as they were both victors of their duels today. "I guess we'll be getting alot of attention from now on, huh Rin-san?" Tohru chuckled, her smile ever bright...but...she had hoped this was the only attention they were drawing.

After all.....Kaname and Yuki were still alive, and the Black Knight...would still be searching for her.

@Rusalka @Otaku95
I saw girl with brown girl I wave but her walk away huh I wonder what was that about? and I next thing I know there were many student looking at me and Tohru.
"yeah you have no idea how many love notes these girls just send me"

Ryūko closed her eyes, surrendering to the song on her uPod.



The young woman reflected on the last year, after her father had died almost two years ago. She'd gotten the scholarship to Claymore after winning a regional tournament. But things went downhill from there. Wish Mom'd've told me that those tropes are just fiction, she thought. So many issues, and she still had trouble with her honorifics. But luckily that was one of the only issues left.

Tora walked up, school back slung over her shoulder, to the dispersing crowd. She adjusted her glasses and raised a brow at the other girls. She seemed equal parts amused and wary. It was far too early for such nonsense. As usual, she had a following of doe eyed underclassmen behind her. "What's going on around here?" she asked. From what she could tell no one was seriously injured, which was a plus.

@sassy1085 @Bryn
Tohru laughed at the mention. She could have pictured how Rin's dorm was flooded with several love notes, bouquets of roses and other trinkets of admiration and affection from her fan-club. A very familiar sight it was for her. "Just wait. It gets worse." A sly wink she gave to Rin. In truth, Tohru didn't mind the attention, but sometimes a girl needed her breathing room. "Ah, arigato everyone!" Happily and gallantly she waved to the crowd, her biggest smile she could muster despite her fatigue. "I couldn't have done it without your love and your support, but now...I'm rather tired, so I'll be turning in for the night. Thank you once more and I will see you bright and early in the morning!"

"Awww! Don't leave, Tohru-senpai!"

"Yeah, don't go!"

"We can't wait to see your next duel, Prince Tohru!"

My how persistent they were, but nevertheless, Tohru was indeed tired, barely able to stand on her feet after such a taxing and bizarre day of school. What a way to cap off her second year. Casually, she slipped her arm around Rin, mostly for support, but also...something about the girl struck Tohru. She felt as if she wanted to be Rin's companion for the school year. "Well...shall we?" She said with an exasperated sigh. It was going to be a long walk to the dorms after all.

She was just about to leave, but then another girl had entered the scene, short cropped hair, similar to that of a boy's cut, and tan skin. She was also a slight taller than Tohru, and...she too had her gaggle of starried eyed schoolgirls behind her. "Oh, hi there. A duel earlier, but rest assured, no harm done."

@Otaku95

Meanwhile after leaving the duel defeated, Asuka did not return to her dorm, even though the sun had sank behind the hills taking her light with her and the cold dark of the night had set in so soon causing her to shiver amidst her recent battle wounds. A demure violet sky bespeckled with several shimmering stars stretched before her lingering eyes, but it wasn't of much concern to her. Beside the river nearby the school she sulked, her back still aching from where Tohru's sword had made contact, a pain that would remain with her...just as the others when she faced the honorable prince in battle....and lost. ~Why...?"~ To herself she muttered, lying on her back and staring empty gaze towards the stars. ~"Am I...not good enough? I've trained for so long for this day, constant preparation and exercise. I worked my fingers down to the bone for goddess sake....but still...she defeated me. My father...I can only think of what he will say when he learns of my failure, the shame that will roll from his lips and mark me forever. Asuka, Akuma no Hime, a princess...in exile."~

She had thought she was alone, as always, nothing but her thoughts to accompany her in the dismal, broken silence, but...what was this? Music? But where? Asuka lifted herself from the ground, dusting the grass and dead leaves from her uniform. Where was she hearing this quaint melody? Faint it sounded, yet so close. She decided to investigate, first skimming about the riverside. Nothing out of the ordinary, just the typical flowers, cat-tails and other plant life that grew beside the crystal clear waters. So, she turned towards the forest behind her, stumbling a bit as it was becoming too dark to see, but then...she found it...or rather...her.

Hmm? Who is she? She was a girl, a cute one at that. Her almond colored hair, it was a perfect match for her amber eyes, and such an adorable round face christened with a pair of thick rimmed glasses. Such a peculiar but intriguing sight she was to Asuka, and what made her all the more entranced...was the light of the moon piercing through the thick forest canopy...bathing her pale skin in its soothing, cream light. I've never seen her before...and yet...I can't help but feel drawn to her. I wonder, is her name just as precious as she?

For a moment or so she leaned against a tree close by, observing quietly this girl with a soft, tender expression upon her face. But then, she managed to speak, ~"Excuse me. What do you think you are doing out here, girl? It's late."~ Perhaps she couldn't hear Asuka over her music.

@Rusalka @Bryn
"gladly" as we walk to dorm we stop and look at the one and only The President Of Claymore Academy Tora Higuchi "that The President Of Claymore Tora Higuchi" I whispered to Tohru

@Rusalka

Ryūko jumped. She'd lost track of time! Crap! she thought. The girl turned her music down and slipped her headphones off. She blinked in surprise at who it was. "H-Hanazono-senpai!" she got out. Ryūko adjusted her glasses. "I guess I did. The music was so good, and I just got lost in thought." She took a breath, steeling her nerves. "I-I saw your fight earlier. You did really well." She gave an embarrassed smile. "I hope I can learn to fight as well as you."

@Rusalka@sassy1085

Tora tilted her head and raised a brow. "Oh yeah? Well no harm done, that's good. But in the future, could you make sure you handle it in the arena? For the safety of others and stuff." she scratched the back of her head with a grin. "Otherwise, I'm gonna get an ear full." Tora rocked back on her heels and and chuckled. She still would have to fill out a bit of paper work. This only reminded her of the documents that needed her attentions in the student leadership room. She groaned.

Natalia arrived at the school, a little later than the rest of the students, but she didn't mind. What she didn't like was having no clue what to do. She knew no one there and no one there knew her. She thought it was probably a good idea to check into the office and see what they had for her. When she did, they gave her a uniform, wooden training weapons (a wooden sword and a wooden shield), and her dorm number. She went to the bathroom and changed into her uniform, before strapping the sword and shield to her back and walking in the way of the dorms. She walked for a while, before turning a corner and tripping on her shoelace, landing between two girls. She stared up at them with an awkward smile on her face. "Hi...Hello...Yo... This is an odd introduction, isn't it..." she said.

@Bryn@sassy1085

@Bryn@sassy1085 @Framing A Moose

"Ah, Higuchi-senpai, forgive me." She hadn't realized until now she was in the presence of the council's president, respectfully bowing to Tora. "I hadn't recognized you with your new hairstyle. It's very charming." An awkward grin she gave. "Of course, we will be sure all other duels are handled in the arena next time."

Eh? Then as if this day wasn't any more strange, here come this odd little girl stumbling between her and Tora, flattening her face on the cold pavement. Ouch...that had to hurt. "Nē, anata wa daijōbudesu?" (hey, are you okay?) She spoke in her native Japanese, unaware that the girl possibly hadn't understood her. A gaijin.

@Otaku95

If anything, Asuka was bad at remembering names, but it didn't take much time to realize who this girl was. It was just...she had never seen her in such a light before. ~"Hmm....arigato-gozaimasu, Ryuko-chan."~ Softly she replied sauntering over to her, her figure once a dark shadow, now itself illuminated by the light of the full moon casting dappled shades across the forest floor. A wry smile curled her lips, her eyes softening. Ryuko, there was something so...innocent about her, how she became flustered immediately upon view of her fellow student. ~"I'm flattered, but...it will be a long time before your skill matches mine."~ Usually, she would say this as something patronizing, but a different tone she took with Ryuko, more or less caring and considerate. ~"Though...I believe one day you will be a prominent swordswoman."~

@Rusalka

Ryūko smiled. "It's my dream!" she said. "I want to surpass my father. Before he died, he was a military man. He taught me how to use a sword." She chuckled, a bit embarrassed. "Now you've got me babbling. I suppose we should head back, right, Senpai?"

Natalia gazed up at the girl who had just spoken some strange language. "I...um....er...what?" she stuttered in a confused manner. "Who exactly are you?" she asked, still awkwardly looking up at her.

@Rusalka@Bryn@sassy1085

@Otaku95

~"I believe that is the case with all of us here, Ryuko-chan."~ Asuka giggled lightly, though her smile faltering a tad when an ugly thought had reared its face towards her. And surely my father will disown me when he learns I have lost another duel. Once more she tried to find that smile, still concerned, but attempting not to show such to Ryuko, such a sweet girl. ~"I suppose we should. It is a lovely night, yes, but we shouldn't be out this late. Come, Ryuko-chan. Let's go."~ A soft, genuine smile as she held out her hand for the girl to take. A kind gesture, not so common from someone who carried the moniker Princess of Devils and made a reputation for herself as...well...infamous.

@Framing A Moose

Oh, so she didn't understand nihongo. Unfortunate since Tohru's english wasn't all that fluent. A few words she knew of course, but not a broad enough vocabulary to carry on conversations with the gaijin. "Ah..." Embarrassed she was, as evident by the redness of her cheeks glowing warm. She blinked a few times, tilting her head slightly. "Umm...T..Tohru. Umm....you?" Ugh! Itagaki Tohru, professional swordswoman...amateur linguist.