The Pale Proving Grounds

Vladimir had only realized that his plan, which in all honesty was not that well thought out, had immediately failed. This realization came as he felt the steel fan make contact with his wrist; it was a rather painful experience and he only had one reaction; as his bone snapped he sent his chi forward; quickly flowing through his body, more specifically to his arm, was something which took a matter of milliseconds; there was no sort of delay on this movement; his chi was always flowing through the body, all this required was for Vladimir to open the gate a bit further, then even further; it seemed that he was forcing his hand to be played pretty early, but it was inevitable. If he was to have a broken arm he would make sure that he was prepared to go all out.

It was as the fan was making contact with it's second impact point that his arms,and chest, would be powered up; the rest of his body would follow soon after, he couldn't worry about that now though. It was on the third strike of the fan that what could only be described as blue lightning would begin to spark from his skin. It was before the next strike even landed that Vladimir was able to salvage some of his pride at this point; the rest of the strike connected in a very quick fashion; perhaps he should not have rushed things as he had; there was no real need to do so.

It was as Tsubasa had decided to change targets that Vladimir would smirk; he was in a relatively stable, and very stationary, position. It was with this that the blue sparks on Vladimir's arm, which had grown to something a bit more noticeable now, would move upward before propelling itself out of his palm. What exited was a beam of concentrated Chi; it had taken a bit out of him to be able to conjure such a large potion of energy in a short amount of time, but it should be worth it; with such a small distance between the two it was highly unlikely the male would be able to dodge; what was even better was the fact that he let the fist connect! What joy, his fist was already on the males chest as this blast let out. The concentration, and amount of energy, was rather fierce. It was likely to cause some damage to the male. This, however, came at a rather large price. It was as the beam would, more than likely, pierce the mans chest. It was at the same time that the Chi pierced Tsubasa's chest that Vladimir would feel the fan connect with his rib cage.

It took yet another second for Vladimir to feel himself being propelled backwards; his chest was in pain, though the increase in chi had helped mitigate a portion of the pain; he was no where near optimal, but it was something which would help him absorb a portion of the damage. This chi would also allow him to continue fighting; the damage, while still there, would find itself temporarily healed. This was something which was a rather unique feature of his chi. While increasing the amount of damage Vladimir is able to output it is able to mend a plethora of wounds; these wounds, however, reappeared as soon as he exited this Chuxian state. Having been blown backward he would begin his movements once more; rather than the asinine head on method he would attempt to utilize all the buffs that he had just achieved; the entirety of his body was being flooded with chi. He had not done this in quite some time and it was something which felt freeing; it was as though shackles had been removed; he was able to move freely and elegantly.

It was with this new grace that he would begin to move. His feet feeling as though they were not even touching the ground, Vladimir would begin to encircle the man; it wasn't anything too fancy, simply a way in which he was able to ensure he was still moving; it was to make sure he was still in control of his body; while he was able to feel the chi within him being stable he was not sure how long it could last; sure, this was a nifty trick, but it was something which he had not mastered yet.

After having kept this movement up for a few seconds, having already completely encircled him a number of times, Vladimir would approach from behind. Taking a step forward, his speed much greater than it was before, Vladimir would hop to the side, before kicking forward one more and driving his fist into the mans rib cage; it was with this contact that his leg would sweep the ground, attempting to sweep his legs; assuming the man would simply shrug off the sweep he would hop back three meters, resuming his circle motion around Tsubasa.

In this world being hit meant many things. Acknowledging your speed was pointless. But in this situation, Tsubasa's speed was certainly enough. He brought his hand up and batted away the chi blast with his bare hand. This boy had yet to realize the circumstances he was in. He began circling Tsubasa and ignoring the warning he guessed. Or perhaps this was the best he could manage. The human wasn't brought before the firing lines and destruction he was. Tsubasa gently tucked the fan into his sash slowly. As his digits slowly went to his sword's hilt now. He guessed bones weren't enough as it was. He would make sure to show Vlad something he couldn't see for a moment. It was time for this to end so something could be wrought. The others had chickened out on this endeavor of facing him. The familiar feeling beneath his fingertips of the hilt of his zanpakuto. The smooth black wrap around its hilt was a comforting feeling. As Vlad connected or thought he did on the leg sweep. Tsubasa decided to showcase just how capable a fighter he was.

He'd moved out of the way in an instant leaving an afterimage. Within seconds his sword was drawn perhaps to those capable of seeing it. But for Vlad, it may have well been sheathed still. He cut so quickly blood didn't touch his zanpakuto. Slicing through the chest's center like it barely was present. Making an X on the chest in the center and on the male's back. Slowly the only sound heard would be a click and blood spraying into the air from the slices. Tsubasa stood a couple inches behind the male. "We will stop there, instead we are going to train. I will help you unlock some potential within you..Fighting me at this point is foolish and will not gain much." It was a shame his blade skills and practice would be short. Tsubasa wouldn't get the chance to call upon much else. For right now he needed to see what Vlad knew. " You practice Martial Arts correct?" Tsubasa raised his hand up and as though summoning people they appeared. Bringing equipment and gear out to this place specialized doll dummies. The one stood looking as though made of wood before him. His digits slowly closed as he tapped his knuckles against the dummy's head.

"Three things need to be understood before we begin. All forms of fighting at their base have one underlining principal. They stem from being an art designed to kill one's enemy. Times have changed and how the person uses it depends on it." He said bringing him a single finger to make sure Vlad understood. What he learned here could be used to take life. The choice was his however on how he did this."I won't be disclosing family secret techniques or things like that, what you learn here will be of your own design and creativity within you." He said bringing his second finger before finally speaking one last time. "Lastly you may die doing this just as much as fighting me. The choice lay with you on this matter from here on Vladimir."

There were not many things that Vladimir was sure of in this world, but if there was one which he had to bet on, it was the way in which this battle was meant to end; it seemed that he was doomed to lose this match. Perhaps, if he had played this differently, he would have been able to create a more entertaining situation; one in which he would be able to give this man at least an interesting challenge; although he knew it wasn't likely to occur now, he could still hope. It was with this hope that it seemed Vladimir was outclassed; Tsubasa was able to move at such a speed that he was not able to see, let alone react to. With a slight sigh, and the lack of feeling when his leg hit that of the after image, Vladimir knew that this was his defeat; not even a second had passed by the time he had come to realize this and already he was able to feel the pain; the man was true to his word and drew blood; it seemed that even in this form he was unable to even give the man much of a challenge; what a shame.

Letting out a scream of agony, though it was rather short lived, Vladimir gripped at his chest; his back was simply too far away. Dropping to one knee he let out a sigh as the wounds quickly mended them self; while it was not a permanent solution, it was one which would be more than useful for now. Standing back up, rubbing his hand across his chest, Vladimir simply scratched his head; it seemed that Tsubasa was already finish with this little exchange, he knew that at this point Vladimir was not going to gain very much; perhaps the most noticeable thing he had gained, other than the massive amounts of damage, was the fact that he shouldn't be so gung-ho to jump into a head on encounter; he should try to make the fields as advantageous as he could for himself; while he knew this, he was very well trained and understood the fundamentals, it seemed that he was lacking in his attempts to put it into action.

It was with this that Tsubasa began to lecture Vladimir on things that were rather important in training; it seemed that the man would be able to help him reach a new level of strength, though there was something bothering him at the moment. "Yes, I am a practitioner of Martial arts, and yes I am willing to proceed. Who wouldn't want to continue after all of this? May I make one request, however? It may seem that I have been able to heal all of these wounds, but that simply is not the case. They have all been dealt with, temporarily, but that is about it; I cannot hold this enhanced form forever, and as such, the damage will return. Is it possible that I can have these wounds healed before I leave this state? If not, I do not mind, it would simply mean that we could train longer." It was with this that he would nod and usher the man on. "Well, do please continue."

Tsubasa brought his sword out gently wiping any stain or dirt that may have befouled his blade. He gave a singular nod towards the Unabara people. They had begun caring and tending to the injuries of the present. A couple medics were on hand at all times for the Unabara. Slowly he walked away for the moment his crimson eyes looking at his attendant. They would attend the Unabara Lord as though he was a ruler. This wasn't to be a simple thing. Tsubasa didn't intend to leave Mongolia unprotected for long periods. Soon he would move there again to begin training at the main Headquarters of the clan. Tsubasa couldn't say with certain clarity what would come of things.For now, his services would await the recovery of the boy. He fought with a strength and prowess that was respectable. But this wasn't a contest within his capability to win. Not in a single one on one fight, Tsubasa wasn't so easy a foe. His frame walked slowly over to the dummy. As he'd observed Vlad preferred fighting bare handed. So, for the most part, he would instruct from there.

Tsubasa was by no means an expert on the form of fighting. He could throw a punch though and deliver damage through his kinetic fist. But that was more Tsubasa's raw power over anything else. Raw physical power meant nothing in the face of a man. Actions spoke louder now and it was with his actions Vlad earned respect. Not many would charge Tsubasa and fight him. Not in this situation after his spiritual pressure was unleashed. His loyalty to the Gotei 13 had never been lost or denied. Questioning it was beyond the capability of others. Tsubasa moved his shoulders a bit as he walked over to the dummy taking a stance slowly. Throwing a punch he destroyed the upper torso of the dummy. Its entire body had a hole as the bang sound echoed out. Tsubasa's raw power had destroyed the dummies torso as he seemed to do it with little effort. Returning to his regular stance he began to peak looking at his hand. "I am a swordsman less you think me some hand to hand specialist. I fought in many battles and refined my skills. "

"If you attack these poorly thy damage will be reflected upon yourself. Speaking plainly, if you do not throw a punch with your resolve and commitment as well as a good one. Wasting no movement or momentum. You will injury yourself in such a situation, that is the gist of it." He said before walking away to leave Vlad to the dummy that remained. His hand had no damage upon the knuckle or anything. The male had simply shown him the prowess of a warrior in the upper echelon. What he could accomplish at the end of the road if he so chose. This wasn't beyond the grasp of such a person. It was, after all, something that would be seen plain as day for Vlad. Hit the dummy correctly and move on to the next stage. Of developing himself into something more.

Vladimir had become painfully aware of his limitations; he did not have the power that was necessary in order to simply charge into battle. These limitations were things which he already knew, hell he had been trained to take the more optimal course of action; it seemed that this training, and the experiences which had taught him valuable lessons, had diminished with age; having spent so many years out of the loop, having done nothing but training drills, he had forgotten what it meant to see actual combat. Actual combat? Hell, Vladimir was never deployed outside of Russia during those times; they kept him within the confines of the USSR and used him to police the area. What experience he had was nothing more than theory, severely outdated theory at that. Times had changed, and with it the people. What had once been considered the most optimal course of action may now be something considered barbaric. Thinking back on what had just happened even Vladimir realized what an idiotic move it was; this was a mistake that he seemed to make over and over again; this seemed to be a rather large flaw in his current personality. What had happened to all the situational training he had gone through? It seemed it was lost in time.

With a light sigh, allowing the men to do as they were instructed, Vladimir realized it was time to disown whatever mindset it was that had been occupying him; it was time for him to reevaluate and replace it with something which was more fitting for this day and age. It had already become painfully clear that if he continued down the path he was currently on he would die. There were no if, ands or buts about it. This was as guaranteed as the sun rising in the morning. Although the men were currently working to repair the damage that he had incurred on himself, he did not feel any difference. Having entered Chuxia Vladimir's body had already, albeit temporarily, healed a plethora of the damage he had sustained; in fact, he was able to move and react as though he had sustained none! This side-effect was, in all honesty, a double edged sword. While being able to put off the damage for some time, which can be very useful in perilous situations, it was not completely healed. Should he forget this, and leave Chuxia, the damage would hit him all at once; this could, easily, lead to his death if a large amount of damage stacked up. All in all, however, being able to enter Chuxia has had nothing but a positive effect on his performance.

It was as these men did what they had to that Vladimir could see Tsubasa beginning to prepare himself; from what he could tell thus far Tsubasa was not a practitioner of any sort of martial arts; sure, it was without a doubt that he had strength, but he was not someone as focused in the world of Hand to hand combat as himself; it was with this that Vladimir realized something rather interesting, funny to say the least. In this day and age people still practiced close quarter combat. It was rather interesting, especially considering all the developments in technology and society as a whole; with the introduction of the supernatural things did not change too much; it was something that fascinated Vladimir, but that was neither here nor there. It seemed that Tsubasa was tailoring this lesson to Vladimir’s own style, how thoughtful. It was with this that he watched as the man prepared himself; his posture seemed well enough and the punch was impressive, to say the least. It was with this that he went on to clarify the situation; this man was no expert in any sort of martial art, but he did have what Vladimir lacked; combat experience. While Vladimir had seen combat, he had not seen anywhere near as much as this man. Martial arts, while teaching a plethora of good habits, morals, ethics and movements, were not always the most applicable in combat. In combat situations changed; it was a fight to survive. While Vladimir already knew this, that did not make him the same as Tsubasa. Knowing and experiencing are two entirely separate things, and as such Vladimir was the ill-prepared. While fighting head on, which is something Vladimir was taught to be honorable, was not the best course of action on the battlefield. The strike he witnessed was that of a man who has seen a great many more battles than himself.

It was with this that the man continued speaking; it seemed that the training was to begin now. It was at the same time that his people would finish up their job, to which Vladimir would smile and nod. Gripping his fist, his body still feeling the enhancements of having entered Chuxian. Clenching his fist, Tsubasa having finished his speech, he had a new goal; rather, he had a new road to travel in order to achieve his goal. While maintaining the same goal, the same vision for the future, he was now traveling down a path that would allow him to change himself; it would let him alter the very fundamentals of his understanding of battle. Walking up to the dummy, his will to succeed as high as when he had first entered the arena, his resolve strengthened. He knew that this was the beginning of a long journey; these things were better taken one step, rather than rushing them. It was with this that Vladimir would stretch his arms once more and approach the dummy; it was not anything special, but that didn’t matter.

The goal, from what he was told, was rather simple; all he had to do was put the resolve, which he had already entered with, and his commitment behind his punch. This seemed to be a rather straightforward, and rather simple, beginning activity; it almost made Vladimir question whether this man doubted his abilities. Whether Tsubasa doubted his abilities or not did not matter; all that was important was fulfilling this object. It was with this that he would punch the dummy; the punch, something which he felt he didn’t need to put too much effort into, seemed to have no effect on the dummy, in fact, his hand began to ache. Surprised, and slightly shocked, Vladimir simply looked at his fist. He had been told that he would need to fully commit and have maximum resolve for this, and yet he half-assed it. What a dumbass. The pain, albeit not very much, was absorbed by his chi; it dissipated as he let out a slight sigh. It was time to take this a bit more seriously.

With a frown, and a new boost to his resolve, Vladimir continue onward; perhaps he was simply a stubborn man, or perhaps he was a true believer in the saying practice makes perfect, but he continued to strike the dummy. It was on the tenth strike, at which point his hand was already red and he had more than likely injured himself that he let out a sigh, focused on the objective and would throw the final punch. Sure, it didn’t create as large a whole as Tsubasa’s, but it was enough to rip the heart out of a human. “I suppose I’ve got that down…” He sighed, looking at his hand. Why was he having such difficulty in a mundane drill?