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Post by Time on Jul 9, 2023 17:01:50 GMT
Layete smile only widened at the idea that he'd get to see a fantastic show. "Then it's settled. You both can go all out under these conditions. First, both of you leave your weapons behind. Second, if either of you are about to kill the other, I step in to stop it, and the other pulls back, no exceptions or I cave in skulls. Third, If secco agrees and you impress me, I don't mind you fighting any one of my marines once a day under my supervision. Oh, and you can only challenge me once a month. Think you can follow these rules?" . Layete asked El Cid as he held the keys to her next fight in his hands. "If so.... Then let's get you ready... Oh, and I'm compensating your sword until I decide when to give it back."
Jacoby grunted, "Obviously it's favoritism towards Captain Layete. He use to be Targen's idol from what I heard, so anyone who approves of him gets a pass without a doubt.... Besides, that pile of paperwork couldn't be that bad.
It's only so large because.... Well... You know." , Jacoby stated making sure not to let any info escape. When Niles mentioned picking up his best friend, Jacoby went from superiority complex man to that of someone who was excited to go somewhere. "Oh! Good point! I do hope they've been keeping my good boy in high spirits.", he said, his face smiling like an idiot when he began to imagine how they could be pampering his best boi. Giving out orders, as well as making requisition lists for the various necessities for the mission after picking up Jacoby's partner; the pair was quick to get their jobs done.... Until they noticed a gaggle of marines that were gathering around the training courtyard.
The courtyard for training was a spacious area, with packed dirt on the ground, a track circle for sprinting training, several exercise tools such as pull up bars, high climb walls, nets suspended between wooden pillars, and any other obstacles that a Marine could encounter and need to overcome quickly in the line of duty. Within the center of the track circle was a area made of sand that was the running, jumping, and of course sparring area. It was meant to test endurance while fighting or running. For the pair though, one Secco and one El Cid who stood opposing each other they stood there like pillars of wild tenacity. Many marines were already curious, and beginning to make silent bets on who would win in this spar. A taskforce member, or the monstrous beast that was El Cid.
Layete stood beside El Cid as he told Secco to warm up. Holding the key in his hand, he made things clear. "You get one chance girl. Make a run for it, grab a hostage, or do anything funny that I don't like, and I'll personally collect your bounty as dead. Clear? If you really want to join my taskforce then impress me, or at least win so you can try and fight me.". He stated, before unlocking the clamps around her hands first, then moving to unlock the clamps around her ankles. The chain from her waist was already removed, and several marines were positioned to fire if she made an attempt to escape. Once he finished unlocking the shackles, he backed away, before holding his hand up. "Ready?" , he'd ask before waiting until both nodded or gave confirmation. Then he lowered his hand down in a swift motion, starting the fight.
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Post by notdomino on Jul 9, 2023 20:19:32 GMT
Secco stood tall in the courtyard as Leyte express the rules. No weapons? Fine! He'd toss his rifle to one of the men in the crowd, as well as the pouch full of knives that sat on his hip. So she was a swordsman? Interesting. They'd have to find room where they could fight with their weapons... somewhere outside of Leyte's supervision. However, that would have to be for a later doubt. Her lust for battle captivated and resonated well with him. He liked her spunk. How would she feel about no weapons? He had to learn to hunt with his bare hands before ever getting a knife to throw or gun so he was fine with this. He also had his fruit as a viable option. As for the swordsman, Secco wondered how she would fair. He'd shrug the jacket off his shoulders, revealing his white marines shirt, which he'd also take off. The shoes and socks would come off as well, leaving the man barefoot and shirtless. Scars littered his body like trophies of each harsh encounter, much like his opponent.
"I'm ready. Don't think I'll go easy on you newbie!" He said, planting his hand on the ground, fingers driving themselves into the sand. Even on all fours, his height was prominent. He'd breathe deep, and let out a growl, yanking up any aggression he'd been stuffing down recently. TARGEN, now that was the most recent one. Hairs' standing on end, he looked more like a vicious beast than a man.
______________
Nile giggled as the lieutenant perked up at the mention of Kuschner. He was a man who was easy to dislike, but his childlike enjoyment of pets made up for it. On top of that, his efficiency raised exponentially since get the doggo. " Well, let's get a move on then! Huh?" She paused noticing the crowd. Shoving her way through, she'd notice who was at the center. OH BROTHER! "Now, we're getting another stray!?!?" She turned to Jacoby in disbelief. The crew would be at 51 with this new person. With a simpler guess, Nile could assume that's why Secco had to stay behind while they readied the crew and the ship. She couldn't be too mad. While Secco got the shit kicked out of him, she and Jacoby could watch and enjoy the show. Well, to be honest, they couldn't stay for the entirety of the fight. But it would be nice to know what skills this newbie had.
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Post by Beriadan on Jul 9, 2023 21:13:48 GMT
El Cid stepped into the light of day she hadn't seen for a while. She wrung out her hands as her wrists were unshackled, cracked her next on each side and began to stretch out her limbs.
"Run? From a fight? I ain't no coward."
She looked towards the opponent, and grinned as he stripped down and tossed his weapons to one side.
"Eeh... no sword, huh? Guess we do this the old fashioned way."
She cracked her knuckles, and took a stance before the bare-chested marine. It wasn't the stance of someone trained in combat. El Cid looked like a street brawler, and her eyes conveyed a wild animal presence.
"If ya go easy, yer gonna die!"
She leapt towards the man, bent on all fours like a beast that he was. No blade... but that didn't mean she was useless. She swung a foot up to meet the man's face, all the power of her body behind it.
"Twisting Whirlpool Kick!"
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Time
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Post by Time on Jul 9, 2023 23:41:21 GMT
The fight began the instant the hand was let down, as Cid burst forward aiming to make a kick that if it landed would put her entire bodyweight into the side of Secco's face. Having braced himself Secco would find that her speed was even more explosive than his own, and the planting of the foot across his face was no joke either. However, there was a problem that he realized too late. He was in the middle of the sand pits, as opposed to being in the concrete, and as such his attempt to brace and withstand the attack would be pointless.
Cid herself would find that her burst of speed as she leapt from the sand pit prevented her from landing the simple yet powerful strike to the side of his face less effective than she'd have like, though to her credit, the sand from where she leapt did explode with the force of her movement. She was faster than this guy, her foot planting enough that Secco would definitely feel after the fight for a short bit. The pair needed to remember their environment, or they'd waste their stamina and energy. Still, Cid could tell this guy was riled up, having seemingly not registered the pain that would make most curse or clutch their face from.
That was what Layete had observed at least as he watched, though for the spectators who saw this, they only saw Cid seemingly leap an impossible distance that would make a even those who had high records in the long jump impressed, along with a small sand cloud that blew from where El Cid had launched from. Such powers almost seemed unbelievable to most of the marines who were wide eyed and had their mouths open at the attack. Jacoby looked a bit excited at the idea of Secco getting a foot to the face, as Niles could be afforded a bit of time, "I want to see Secco get his ass handed to him, don't you? I'm sure Kushner is still enjoying his time for now." And Jacoby's snide side came back in an instant, though considering what happened earlier, this was likely more justified.
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Post by notdomino on Jul 11, 2023 4:34:37 GMT
In an attempt to dodge, Secco realized the disadvantage. He didn't have even solid ground to keep his movement sharp and crisp. He'd take the kick head on, and slightly alter his stance to one slightly more upright. He'd make use of his power, and athleticism. Messing up was one thing, but letting himself get his first was another. He'd close the distance in no time, his nose exhaled sharply as he didn't back down. Despite his anger, he was well under control for now, a far cry from the man Leyte first found. In a swift lunge, he'd drive his palm forward with aim to strike her abdomen. "Beast print press!" He snarled. He could dish out just as well as he took damage, she'd soon find it out if his attack landed true.
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Post by Beriadan on Jul 11, 2023 5:12:37 GMT
Sand bellowed up as El Cid was thrust backwards by the palm strike, but remained upright. She was grinning, eyes flashing with a violent spark. Sometimes, just sometimes, events slot together and line up to send you to the optimum moment. Here she was, moments after being chained up like an animal. Now she was in the middle of what was turning out to be one of the most fun fights of her life! And the outcome was her freedom, or join a crew where she could relive it every day?
El Cid rose to her full height, bouncing on her feet like an amateur boxer in the ring. Then she leapt high into the air, sand bursting out from beneath her feet. She spun vertically, so her feet came over her head with a leg outstretched, foot coming down in a powerful swipe aimed at Secco's head.
"Crashing Ripcurl!"
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Time
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Post by Time on Jul 11, 2023 12:29:16 GMT
Cid would find that he wasn't just tough enough to withstand the blow, but could strike back with as much force, as the palm strike would knock the wind out of her for a moment. Layete and Niles knew that had Secco been allowed to use his weapons, this would have been a troublesome attack to take a hit from with a set of knives sticking out of her abdomen.
Of course, Cid's style of fighting thrived in the exchange of blows, so once she recovered near instantly, despite the obvious pain in her abdomen she'd land on her feet. She'd even cough up a bit of blood from the attack. It wasn't enough to indicate major damage, but she would definitely feel it tomorrow. Taking the moment when Secco didn't keep the distance close, Cid would be able to perform her next attack, however it was clearly telegraphed. Regardless of if Secco dodged or blocked, the explosion of sand from the attack rose up into the air like a cannonball, hell, it'd hit with the force of a cannonball, forcing secco on a knee if he blocked, struck back, or tanked the hit. The two would be back in close range, as they could sense each other, though now woth their vision obscured each attack was that much harder to block or dodge correctly.
Layete who had been smiling with glee lowered it a bit. Had El Cid performed that attack to gain an advantage, or was it pure destructive force. Secco could be in trouble, especially since she had not only taken his attack head on, but recovered quickly. If things got too out of hand, he'd need to step in. Still, he was confident that Secco was capable of handling the firecracker.
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Post by notdomino on Jul 14, 2023 7:07:54 GMT
Thinking of Cid's moves as regular was something Secco had thrown out of the window. It would make more sense to think of them to be as irregular as a wild animal and to that end, it was well within his wheelhouse to hunt and strike her down. He'd aim to break down her body, her foot and ankle being the first targets."That's right keep coming," Secco called out with a wider stance, both arms crossed with each hand flared out in a claw-like shape. He snarled in anger, his hair standing on end and nostrils flaring. "You've got talent, but it's justice who will prevail. There's no room for weaklings in the DOGs." His rage was finally presenting itself as a proper weapon in his arsenal. His muscles tightened in an obscene fashion as he inhaled with a Predator's Breath. He'd reduce in size greatly as the attack got closer, fur finding itself onto his body in a quadrupedal transformation. In this animal state, the dimensions of his body were different, and his head (her target) had moved almost 4 feet down. It was drastic, but he adjusted for his change in reach before launching a horizontal haymaker to meet the kick and throw it off course. "Crush Claw!" Secco's crush claw and Cid's ripcurl kick would have to crash into one another. His claws would dig in deep into her foot and ankle as he drove his paw up, exhaling his predator's breath, and exerting all of the prior muscle tension. This would only be amplified by his zoan's model. A mighty but tiny creature, known to fend for itself and fight off larger opponents. Even with his defiant and sardonic snarling, Secco still seemed to be in control of himself for now.
This fight would only escalate from here if either combatant got too infatuated with this fight. Cid was a sadistic fighter, and Secco's bad temper meshed far too well with the wolverine fruit's rabid nature. Both fighters, while fierce, were too immature to hold back. The excitement gave the young ensign goose bumps. He wanted to fight her more!
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Post by Beriadan on Jul 14, 2023 11:04:26 GMT
The claws went deep into Cid's foot and lower leg, blood spraying upwards. The two attacks collided, gusting a huge wall of sand in a ring around them. Cid was laughing, seemingly undeterred by her wound, her eyes alight and wild.
"Perfect, this is perfect! Two forms... that means I can fight you twice over!"
She pushed away from Secco, spinning through the air before landing, sand falling around them like rain. She didn't seem phased by her injury, instead tearing off her prison uniforms top to reveal an incredibly scarred and muscular body, wraps hiding whatever decency this animal held.
"There is no justice when it comes to fighting! Just raw, instinctual violence... and I love it! You should too! You're so much fun to fight... don't let up now!"
El Cid surged forward, closing the distance between her and Secco with incredible speed. She balled up a fist, striking forward hard with all her her body wrihjt behind the blow.
"Tsunami Fist, Raging Blow!"
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Time
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THE ONE PIECE! THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!
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Post by Time on Jul 15, 2023 23:13:34 GMT
As the two clashed, Cid would feel a stab of pain through her calf as Secco hadn't properly accounted for the spin, though his attack was indeed enough to cause her strike to land right beside them. Cid would feel the blood begin to drip down along her calf, as she laughed. His beast form seemed to be just as powerful as his normal form! Jumping back, Cid would find that the gash actually stung a bit. It had bitten deep, and while she could ignore it, her leg muscles couldn't, as she could feel less power behind it. With more of her scars shown, and her having leapt out of the cloud of sand, Layete could see the attack had done damage, but El Cid had obviously not registered it, or rather she couldn't. He wondered just who this person was, but then he realized something else. Her battle manic face. She wasn't going to back down until she was dead, knocked out, or absolutely couldn't move.
Biting his lip, Layete took a deep breath in.
Secco would have been able to clash with her, but the size decrease as well as the rate she had spun resulted in him missing the intended target, only to end up striking a bit higher. He had avoided the attack to his head, but his beast form's claw ached with a dull sharp pain. His paw was likely fractured from the blow and impact of the two forces; forcing him to avoid putting pressure on it. The cloud prevented him from seeing where she was, as she had quickly jumped away, clearly wanting to take advantage, though he could tell from the amount of blood here that the wound had bit deep. He'd hear her taunt, as well as her statement of fighting being raw instinctual violence. However, before he could even consider it, or before El Cid could even begin to take her steps forwards, a wave of pressure hit them as the Old man Layete shouted,
"WE DON'T NEED A CRIPPLE ON OUR TEAM!"
Everyone both in the training area and around it froze for a half second, enough to cause anyone to almost trip or shutter. While the pressure seemed to dissipate, the old man would quickly continue and conclude himself, "Secco, Cid, I'm Serious. If either of ya'll turn cripple, I'm letting both of you rot here. Fight, but worry about knocking the shit out of each other. NOT killing each other."
With that momentary lull in the battle, Cid would be able to continue her assault, though she'd notice that she was having difficulty keeping her balance and supporting herself as she circled her opponent.
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Post by notdomino on Jul 27, 2023 18:19:44 GMT
Secco halted for a moment on Leyte's immense pressure. He'd snarl in response. It was clear as day Cid was one for holding back. And as everyone knew, if Secco's rage got to that point neither could he. Perhaps this wasn't as great a match up... at least for a light-hearted spar that was intended. Still, he was told to do a task. He'd complete it. "There is no justice when it comes to fighting! Just raw, instinctual violence... and I love it! You should too! You're so much fun to fight... don't let up now!" she'd say. No justice? False. He'd already lived a lawless life. That was far behind him as no good could really come without order and justice. Leyte had shown him the way. He didn't become a marine for no reason. Perhaps this rage wasn't the way but mercy... mercy was the answer. She was racing toward him, and in that short time, he'd reach his hybrid form standing straight up. In another steep breath, he'd solidify a marine stance. With a filled chest, he'd exhale the recovery breath, and dodge with a step-in head-slip to kill even more space between them. With his left arm aiming to wrap Cid's before she could pull it back, he'd open his stance to reel back his right arm. The movements were familiar... too familiar. Nile flinched noticing who he was emulating in this moment. Leyte would be able to recognize the pointed finger Secco formed with his hand as he quickly lined his arm up to where her heart was. His body tensed with a predator's breath, muscles tensing as the hunter imagined more than just a copycat finger pistol, but envisioning killing her despite Leyte's direct warning. Mercy... This was a taste of Secco's justice. Controlled rage, a justice who could show mercy when necessary. Beyond that... the message from him was clear. It had to be since Cid was such a relentless fighter. This would be the only thing he could think of to get the message through. He understood her more than he wanted to. With his eyes, he'd share an unspoken message- If we both die here, we'll never be able to fight and hunt down stronger enemies. "You'll learn justice soon enough. Join already... you can fight to your heart's content on the side of justice...Do not keep the Captain waiting." His eyes were serious. The finger pistol was at the ready, and would only be thrown, if she denied the request to yeild. |
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Post by Beriadan on Jul 27, 2023 18:36:16 GMT
El Cid let Secco's arm wrap around her own, aiming to use his own strength against him. His finger was pointed towards her chest, and she sucked in a breath, lifting herself off using his arm as a support, pulling her feet close to her chest to spring a double kick right into his chin-
Then her eyes met his. She had received many looks over her life; fear, hatred, rage. Yet this one... she could almost decipher what it meant. El Cid had the Captain's words rattling around her mind. Fighting every day? That meant... that this great bruiser was on the list too, and more! She changed her aim, thrusting her feet towards Secco's chest, now aiming to push herself away so she could land a few feet away from her opponent.
El Cid crouched, then rose to her full height... then gave Secco a wild, animal grin.
"Yer Captain's right. If ya let me continue, I'm jus' gonna turn ya into a vegetable. So, I give ya mercy."
He turned to Layete, setting a strange stare onto the imposing man. El Cid flexed her hand, not paying much attention to her bleeding wound.
"Yer boy is strong... but he needs training. So I'll give ya my sword, if ya let me fight him every day! I'll make him stronger than yer can even imagine!"
El Cid's mouth twitched into a wicked grin. She was toying with the Captain, not an ounce of fear shown in her predatory eyes. Yet... she was obviously serious. Arms across her scarred chest, blood pooling around her feet. El Cid didn't make promises lightly, and her loyalty was absolute. Layete could reprimand her however he wanted. She would take a lot to break.
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Post by notdomino on Jul 27, 2023 19:03:59 GMT
Secco hand blazed passed as Cid propelled herself into the air to dodge the finger pistol. Secco would adjust, though this time transforming back into his large human self to ruin her aim yet again. The chin shot would pelt his chest instead. She'd earn that distance, and Secco took a knee. With a stronger huff of a recovery breath, he'd hiss out a strained breath. Now THAT was a kick. He wanted to fight more, but it would be ill-advised for both of them. Another recovery breath, and he was back up standing tall with folded arms. His bushy eyebrow raised... Her... give him mercy? With his clawed beast and hybrid forms, she'd just bleed out if things continued. The evidence was the pool of blood at her feet. He'd stay quiet as Cid joining was more important than deciphering who'd actually win. What she said was true though. If they fought each other often, it would simply be steel sharpening steel, a net positive for the crew. Still, grabbing her before going on this White Waters mission was a nice addition. He was fine with a strong ally but hated how much she reminded him of how he used to be.
"Agreed, the crew will only get stronger with El Cid on our side." He'd salute to Leyte. He winced. Why was his handing ringing with pain? When did he even fracture something? He eyed Cid. It must have been the claw attack clashing against her kick. Walking over to his clothes, he'd quickly throw them on. With an annoyed growl, he held his hand gingerly. Okay... maybe she would have beaten him fair and square, but she would have died in the process. He wasn't really sure how feel about such a realization. She needed to learn restraint for survival's sake... the same way he was training with Leyte to control his temper.
Nile looked to Jacoby. "Hmmm, not sure that I saw it going that way. I didn't think she'd join at all... Am I missing something? Did they say anything to each other on that last clash? Wait.... More importantly- " Thinking about their ranks. If Leyte were ever busy that meant, Jacoby was directly in charge of both of these wild animals... She shuddered. The junior grade would have to take notes from both Captain Leyte and Lieutenant Jacoby. They both lead so differently, almost presenting a sun(Leyte) and moon(Jacoby) to the DOGs. What did that make her? She was next up for a leadership position after them... Still, she wondered. "What rank do you think she'll start off as? Strays usually do fine as long as they listen and ugh, I'm not sure she will." This would be followed up with a chuckle. The kennel wasn't far. They could likely begin their walk again.
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Time
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Post by Time on Aug 12, 2023 19:50:41 GMT
Layette watched, but didn't interrupt like last time to calm the fight down a bit. Seeing Secco perform a finger pistol, and making it clear he was now focusing his ire, it was clear that things would be determined here and now... or so the old man thought, as Cid apparently had listened and took an active step to dodge the attack while striking as well. An impressive feat, and one that Layette could recognize when Secco actually staggered onto a knee before pulling himself back up.
The old man smiled, "I could say the same thing for you lady.... but we'll address that when the time comes. For now, sit down and rest while we get you a medic. I'd rather you not have a peg leg when joining my team." the elder stated, as he waved a hand, and a few marines came over with medical bags. The wound of Cid's calf was clearly cut through, and the men looked a bit frightened at the fact that Cid didn't even seem to be phased by the gashes. Over the next few minutes, they would give her stitches, closing the wounds up before binding them. "Don't overdo it." Layette said as he approached her. "Muscles have a tendency to grow back stronger when they are torn, but not cuts. So, I'm going to work you to the bone young lady. As for Secco's training, his will be different from yours. So.... with that said, welcome aboard. No doubt you want to fight everyone, but I'm going to set rules for you. First, you get one fight a day. Until you prove you can control that bloodlust enough to keep my people from being put in medical, you'll be sparring with me." The old man stated, cracking his knuckles as he did so. "Second, if you give my crew or I any trouble, that fight will be revoked that day. I do not tolerate insubordination. Further trouble will land you the most boring job I can think of for you. Paperwork." Layette said with a smile that would make the devil himself feel a bit concerned. With that said, Layette took a crutch from one of the men who approached, before offering his hand to Cid.
"Any objections? Of course, I hope you know it's rhetorical." He stated, before trying to help Cid up and handing her the crutch to walk with. "Oh, Right... you had some weapons. Those will be under my jurisdiction as well. Thankfully for you, you won't need to wait long to get them back.... Now, go get dressed in your new uniform and report to Niles, Ensign Cid."
Jacoby whistled. "If she were an animal, I'd assume she's rabid.... but if the Captain wants her, I don't have the authority to say no. Still... She'll likely end up as an Ensign. So that will at least mean she's under you as well, but I'm not sure this one is capable of understanding authority like we do." the man stated, looking all the more worried. "I thought I'd be given a free ride here, but it seems like I'm going to have my hands full..... I'm going to get my dog. Everything else is up to you." He said, before leaving Niles to handle her issues.
Secco heading off on his own would feel a sudden and sharp pain as he held his hand. A bit more force, and the wrist would have needed a cast or worse required being set back into place. behind him, a voice would call out, "Secco. Hold on a minute." Layette voice stated, as he approached the wild man. "How is your hand and jaw?" He asked, inquiring his injuries.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 14, 2023 7:55:32 GMT
El Cid was watching the captain with the look of a tiger, sizing up another alpha entering her territory. She had, if not briefly, felt the power behind Secco, and he was in awe of the old marine. Therefore, Quid Pro Quo, this grizzled sailor was even stronger! As he cracked his knuckles to prove a point, El Cid grinned, flashing teeth like a predator.
"Alright. As long as the first guy I get ta fight after you is the beast over there!"
El Cid continued to grin, even as the medics went to work on her leg. She didn't accept the crutch at first, but looked thoughtful as she tested her busted leg and snatched it from the offered hand.
"Ah, ain't the worst wound I've ever had. I know my body better than anyone! Bleeding is a sign of a good fight, and the scar will mark my first victory as a marine!"
El Cid shot a look towards Secco, a sly smile on her lips and twinkling in her eyes.
"That guy... he ain't felt the last of my strength. Even if I gotta fight you a hundred times, or a thousand, I'll fight him again all the same!"
She hobbled off, swinging the crutch like a weapon itself at anyone in her way, heading to where she assumed her uniform was being held. Her sword would have to wait... but it was a small price to pay. El Cid was in Nirvana, a world where her job was to fight as much as she could and not be reprimanded! She would squeeze every opportunity she got to swing her sword, and give these guys a reason to let her keep fighting!
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