Healing with song Day 3 [Open]

[myblueskies]

Characters: Romeo and anyone!
Format: Whatever you feel like
This log is: open
Location: Everywhere!
Summary: Romeo discovers Rapunzel has disapeared and finds her memory, he wanders around singing it. Feel free to meet him on his way.
Warnings:

Romeo finished getting dressed for breakfast, it was still raining. He didn't think it was ever going to end but he was not going to let that spoil his day! Every day was an adventure! They had a scavenger hunt to complete! Romeo was going to fight today! That was scary but it was alright because Romeo had the best weapon ever!

Alright his weapon was scary as well! But Romeo had been the leader of the black brothers! He had faced the god of death! He and his friends had broken into the kings palace to bring the truth to light! His friends in the black brothers were not here now, nor was Alfredo. But he had other friends!

Thinking of the friends he had met here he realised he hadn't seen Rapunzel for a while, even though she was an adult she wasn't scary at all. He skipped from his room to the room opposite, "Rapunzel are you here?"

The room was empty, but Rapunzel's bed looked strange, weird very clean. Everyone elses looked slightly messy. He frowned and something made him go closer even though he should just go to breakfast.

His eyes widened when he saw what was on the pillow. A ring and a charm, miss Sora had explained what that meant. "She's gone..."

Romeo felt sad, because people had been disapearing for a while and no one knew what happened to them. He could only hope that Rapunzel was somewhere safe.

But she didn't come from Italy, she came from a tower somewhere and he would probably never see her again. That made him very sad and he felt tears prick at his eyes.

Spirits up! He picked up the ring first, not sure what it did, he would have to ask someone. Then he picked up the charm, he knew it was one of Rapunzel's memories and so very special.

Flower, gleam and glow,
Let your power shine.
Make the clock reverse,
Bring back what once was mine.
Heal what has been hurt,
Change the Fates' design,
Save what has been lost;
Bring back what once was mine,
What once was mine.

It was such a beautiful song that Romeo felt happy again. "I'll miss you Rapunzel!" He said to the empty bed and then wandered out of the room, humming the tune singing the words sometimes as he made his way to breakfast.

song for those who don't know it :D

Comments

[myblueskies]

Romeo jumped when his name was called and grinned at Zoro politely trying to look brave. His new partner really was a very scary man but he had promised to help Romeo get stronger so that he could rescue everybody and so he was a good person.

Romeo trotted over, noticing the sword, it was very different than any sword he had seen before. It was thinner for one thing he met Zoro's eyes with another grin.

His stomach rumbled as Zoro asked if he was ready but Romeo ignored it. After all he had promised to do what Zoro told him and if Zoro wanted him to go and train now that was what Romeo would do. "Yes boss, I'm ready!" Another smile and Romeo was at Zoro's side, humming again.

[shishi_sonson]

"Yosh, good," Zoro grunted quickly, nodding his head. He said nothing out loud regarding the new song Romeo apparently had running through his head, but this was a good sign; if it had bothered him, he would have said something to make it stop. Instead, he simply continued with Romeo at his side, staring straight ahead with his usual stoney visage.

Soon enough, they arrived at the facilities that housed the gymnasium and training area. Zoro had only recently been given access to these perks after accepting the vow of partnership, and quickly made full use of the equipment early that morning. Zoro picked out a private room, one with plenty of space and a soft surface, for Romeo and he to use.

Standing in the center of the wide, square-shaped room, Zoro gestured for Romeo to approach him.

"First things first," he began. "You need to draw me out. If you're going to use me, you need to get a feel for how the sword feels in your hands. So...umm...do whatever it is Players do."

[myblueskies]

Romeo bounced at Zoro's side, a complete contrast. He looked around him smiling at people he knew, not letting the rain get to him, all smiles and chear. He had never been in the gymnasium before, he prefered being outside and for most of the rounds he had not had a player and so couldn't go in anyways.

He followed Zoro into the room and edged closer when Zoro beckoned. "Alright sir!"

"I think I need to wear this glove..." He had seen other people who had been players wearing it, it seemed to be the way you made the technology of drawing weapons from people's chests work. He pulled the glove onto his hand and reached up towards Zoro's chest, which was now glowing.

This was strange, Romeo had to walk backwards to draw the weapon out completely. It was heavy as well and he had to grip it with both hands to stop himself dropping it. "It's bigger than me!" He said in quiet childish awe.

[shishi_sonson]

As Romeo's gloved hand approached his body, Zoro watched it carefully close in; being new, he had never experienced, let alone even seen, the process happen. Though he remained silent and stoic the entire time, he couldn't help but feel a bit curious.

Then it hit him - an unsettling wave of sensations washed over him, causing his eyes to glaze over for a brief moment as Romeo drew out the sleek, white katana. Zoro had notice the glove emit a gentle light and a soft, vibrating hum just before it had touched him, apparently all part of the process.

He steadied himself again quickly, his eyes fluttering as his senses returned. "Blehhh..." he groaned in disgust. "I'm going to need to get used to that myself..."

Once Romeo had balanced himself, Zoro looked down at the weapon in the boy's hands. He had been a child himself when he first gripped the real version of that blade, and remembered very well its heft in his small hands. As it came out, the katana was still in its smooth, polished sheathe - Zoro gripped it lightly and slid it off to reveal the gleaming metal blade safely hidden beneath.

"That's a real sword you're holding, Romeo," Zoro said, reaching down to correct the young man's fingers properly as he gripped the hilt. "And a real sword is no joke. The first thing a swordsman needs to know is that this is life and death in your hands! Got it?"

Gently, Zoro slid his fingers along the flat sides of the katana and raised it, making Romeo's arms rise with it until he was holding the weapon in front of him in an aggressive stance, pointing out in front of him and up at a steep angle.

"It's not just your enemy's life or death, though," he continued, circling around behind Romeo. "It's also your own. It's a fine balance, and it'll tip one way or the other the moment you lose focus."

Zoro circled back around, then stood a few steps away, a safe distance just outside of Romeo's range.

"Let's start practicing. Swing the sword like this," Zoro said, taking his practice sword out of his sash. He held it firmly between his two hands, his grip and posture flawless, and raised it up over his head. With a soft, quick grunt, he swung the weapon straight down in front of him, the length of the sword stopping instantly once the tip was at-level with his chest. "Do that ten times. Keep the sword steady from start to finish."

I'm sorry! Zoro's probably going to have a headache after all this!

[myblueskies]

Romeo's eyes widened at Zoro's reaction, had he hurt him when drawing out the sword? Romeo didn't want to hurt anybody. But soon he was distracted by the sword when Zoro pulled the sheathe off. His arms were starting to hurt already but he stood as still as he could and listened.

Zoro's words were scary, Romeo definatly didn't want to kill anybody! Especially no one in this school, they had been so nice!

Alright so maybe if that tiger came again! Though that had been a dream but maybe Romeo wouldn't feel bad about killing the tiger. He listened carefully again and nodded, he had to focus, he let Zoro adjust his arms and nodded.

"Yes sir!" He said to the instructions. He wasn't sure how he was going to manage it but he stuck his tongue between his teeth and brought the sword down infront of him. It being so heavy and so long the tip hit the floor with a thunk the impact reverberated up through Romeo's arms and he fell backwards. Both boy and sword fell to the floor with a clatter.

"Sorry sir!" Romeo clambered up and scrambled to grab the sword to try again.

Zoro doesn't get headaches! He eats them for breakfast!

[shishi_sonson]

Quickly, Zoro shut his eyes as Romeo toppled over backwards, the steel blade sliding away as his grip faltered. His expressions did not seem to change, though; his teeth grit and his jaw lightly clentched, he barely even seemed to react.

Memories of his own childhood training came to mind. He was a bit stronger than Romeo at the same age, but his overeager attitude had landed him on his rear just the same. It was his sensei, the kind and smiling man who had always been patient with him, that had enabled him to grow.

Quietly, Zoro helped Romeo up to his feet, then picked up the sword and handed it to the boy. He retained the same firm, burning gaze, but his touch was surprisingly gentle. Once again, he corrected Romeo's grip on the hilt, then raised the sword back into position above the boy's head. This time, however, he kept his hand under Romeo's, helping him to support its weight.

"It's heavy, isn't it?" he asked in a light tone. "That weight...that's how heavy it is to want to help your friends."

Zoro began to guide Romeo through the proper swinging motion, back and forth, easing the young man into adjusting to the weight.

"Understand? If you're going to pull this off, you've got to be strong enough to support your goals."

After a few more guided swings, Zoro released his hand and allowed Romeo a chance to swing the blade on his own.

[myblueskies]

Romeo thought that Zoro would be mad at him, because he had done it wrong and his eyes were wide as he was helped to his feet. Again Zoro looked stern and a little scary but Romeo did not think he was going to hit him. He reminded him of doctor Casella a little bit, but stronger. He met Zoro's eyes as his grip was corrected and he tried his best to remember where to put his hands.

He nodded, the sword was heavy, so heavy that he didn't think he could lift it for long but when Zoro spoke again his eyes widened. This heavy to help his friends, to help miss Sora. To save everyone. That was a very big goal, and it was very heavy!

He let Zoro move his arms, trying his best to move the sword up and down. Practicing to make himself stronger, so he could help save everybody.

When Zoro removed his hand Romeo wobbled a little but stayed upright and brought the sword down and up again. Not hitting the floor, it wobbled as Romeo's arms shook and he looked determined. He would try again!

[shishi_sonson]

Zoro didn't say anything, merely emitting a deep, satisfied grunt as he nodded his head once Romeo began to exert himself. He stood back then, letting the determined young man go through a few more practice swings. Still, he knew Romeo had limits; rather than push him too hard, too quickly, he let Romeo get in one more tired swing before he gently took hold of the hilt before the boy could raise the blade up again.

"There, that's good," he said, waiting for Romeo to release his grip before taking the blade and replacing it in its proud sheathe. "Normally, you'd start out with a practice sword, but we don't have time - you need to get used to the real thing fast."

There were other things to work on, but for the moment, Romeo needed to grasp one other concept. The rest, like strength and conditioning, could come any other time.

Easing himself down to the soft, padded floor, Zoro sat down, crossing his legs easily beneath him. "Sit down," he said, nodding at the space in front of him.

He leaned in, looking at Romeo closely. "Now, close your eyes and empty your head."

Once Romeo had done so shut his eyes, Zoro did as well. "We also need to work on your focus. A swordsman can only fight with a clear mind, so he can see every attack and every move his opponent makes."

[myblueskies]

Romeo grinned, it was still difficult and it was still heavy but he did not drop the sword again and Zoro did not tell him off, he even told him that it was good. He watched as the sword was put away and sat down when he was told to copying Zoro and crossing his legs in front of him.

Then he blinked, he could close his eyes but how was he meant to empty his head? Work on his focus? Romeo shifted, he sort of understood what he was meant to be doing, he had to have a clear mind so he could see but he didn't know how.

"Empty my mind sir?"

[shishi_sonson]

"Mmn. Empty your mind," Zoro replied, repeating the same phrase.

"People have too many thoughts running around in their head all the time," he began, speaking while his eyes still softly shut. "But that only leads to mistakes, especially in combat."

Through his nose, Zoro drew in a deep breath, then released it, his chest rising proudly and descending again, and did it just loudly enough for Romeo to hear and hopefully imitate.

"A swordsman can't just react to what's in front of him - they need to be thinking three steps ahead at all times, and that's impossible if you've got too much on your mind."

Zoro drew in another calming breath, and his lean, muscular body was perfectly still.

"Picture a clean, white landscape in your mind, and nothing else," he continued. "Hold that for as long as you can, and try to keep anything else from popping into your head. I want you to practice this on your own, too, and be able to do it at any time - even in a fight!"

[myblueskies]

Romeo still didn't really understand what Zoro was telling him, but he tried his best anyways because if Zoro thought this was important then Romeo should do as he said. He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath in and out, in and out copying Zoro as best as he could. Romeo was not still, he was used to always being busy, always moving, it was very difficult for him to become still. His fingers twitched, his foot moved tapping the floor every now and again, without Romeo even seeming to notice.

He tried to picture the white landscape, it was difficult and he kept wanting to think of things. But he tried, he tried hard.

Still it seemed that everytime he had kicked all his thoughts out of the white landscape of his head more came in. He sighed and tried again, still fidgiting.