The Pale Proving Grounds

Each person in this world had their own story, their own narrative; these narratives, no matter how similar they may appear, alway differed from one another. The biggest difference, however, did not come from the protagonist, or with the supporting characters, it instead came from the interactions between the two. It was the differences in these two that allowed for each person to have their own narrative. This unique narrative slowly changed the protagonist and reveals to them what matters most. The emotions that the protagonist felt, the ways in which these emotions affect their actions, even the way that those around them alter their decisions; each of these things presents the protagonist with a plethora of options; the choice they make helps to expand, and possibly evolve, their own motives. What was was obscured may now be visible. It was these interactions, and these clarifications, which allowed for each being to live their own story; it allowed for the story of the world to continue.

It was in an instant that Tsubasa had chosen to give Vladimir a demonstration; this demonstration was one which depicted the difference in their attitudes, in their approaches. Tsubasa would put forth simply what was necessary; his strike, in and of itself, showed the restraint in his movements; it showed that he realized exactly how much was necessary. This was a direct clash with what Vladimir displayed. Vladimir had chosen a more abrupt, and less restraint oriented, approach. Tsubasa went on to speak of the difference between the resolve of that of a leader and a follower; this was something which he thought he understood pretty well. The resolve of each held some similarities, but some differences as well. The followers were much more resolute in fighting for their brethren, as well as their country; when it came down to it, however, their brethren were always the ones at their side and would usually maintain priority. The leaders had the same resolutions, however, they would not struggle as much when making a decision that may cost a follower their lives; the ultimate goal was more important than the life of one. This is what Vladimir believed, and both sides were equally justified in his eyes. Fighting for your brethren as well as to preserve the country, or even a way of life. In both cases the people aligned himself with what they believed in. In his eyes, however, it was the leader with the more resolute mindset. Being able to sacrifice the life of one of their own to ensure that the bigger goal, the one in which they were all fighting for, was achieved was no easy task. It was with this that Tsubasa continued to explain their differences.

Tsubasa fought for his brethren, his clan; Vladimir fought for himself. This was the claim that was presented before him, and it threw Vladimir off. All this time he had been motivated by his people; he had to improve himself for those around him. Was this what he was talking about? Was seeking to improve oneself for the good of others simply fighting for himself? Was Vladimir being naive in his approach to this rather interesting scenario? It was with this that Vladimir began to doubt the path that he had been taking all this while. This doubt was not something that was caused easily, it was due to the experience this man had and the claims that were laid out before him. It was with this that Vladimir found himself facing a problem more dire than the training before him. Was he fighting for the goal which he had always claimed? Was all of this simply for himself, is this what Tsubasa was attempting to show him? No, he cared for his people, his brethren. He wanted his people to continue to prosper; he didn’t want the country to face any sort of risk due to being unprepared. Yet as he thought back on recent events all he was able to see was the steady increase in himself, and the disappointing stagnation of his plans. He had been too preoccupied with creating a name for himself, increasing his own power. His logic was flawed in this manner. He had thought that if he had become powerful others would flock to Russia, and yet this was simply wrong. If he gained power they would simply flock to him, not the beautiful country he swore his loyalty. How could he correct this mistake?

It was with this that Vladimir was beginning to lose himself in his own despair, that was until Tsubasa had dropped the rock into the water. Looking over the rock was quickly destroyed. He had to control his thoughts; this little existential crisis of his had to wait. He was here to improve himself, and this questioning of himself was a way that he could improve himself. These questions, the self interrogation, was something which would also make him a better person. While this was true, Vladimir also realized that he couldn’t waste Tsubasa’s time. He had offered him this opportunity and he had to thank the man properly; he had to continue in his training. Tsubasa’s explanation of the phenomenon was rather interesting; anything that resisted the current would be destroyed by it. So this was a trial intended to make sure that the person could adjust to the flow? Accept things as they came? It was with this that Vladimir simply smiled; this entire trial was one in which was directly correlated to his current problem. He was fighting with himself over such a trivial matter. The past was the past; he could not change what has already occurred, but he can certainly change how he would act in the future. Perhaps this was the lesson of river. He had to be willing to accept things as it came; going with the flow. This was, more than likely, the lesson that he had to learn from this trial. The only thing which bothered him was the ideology of simply accepting things as they came; he could change the future and what was to come, couldn’t he? Shaking his head, this did not matter now.

With a nod he simply accepted what Tsubasa had said; his muscles having relaxed by now, his chi having returned to its normal density, he simply smiled. It seemed that he wouldn’t be able to heal any of the damage that he was going to incur now, but that was fine.

Taking off his shoes Vladimir simply looked over to the river; with a deep breath he simply took a step into the water. All was well, it was with this that he would continue walking in, before taking a seat. It was with this that he could feel the river beginning to change; the current was not something as simple as he foresaw. It was with this that he could feel the water beginning to slice at his body; these cuts opening and his blood entering the stream. Running red with his blood Vladimir simply ignored the pain, it wasn’t anything that he couldn’t handle. It was with this that he would open his mind. His mind went blank as he felt the water flow around him; it was rather soothing and he allowed himself to be taken in by the flow. The slashes slowly began to decrease until he was unable to feel any more resistance. It was with this that he also realized that he had been worrying over nothing; the past was something which he simply had to accept and learn from. Using this prior knowledge he would simply accommodate for the future. A person had to be able to adapt to the future in order to survive. This was what he had learned in a matter of moments.