Voicetesting and PSL with thegreatninja

[wanna_bash_heads]

What: Just some voice-testing fun for Casey here, with Yuffie.

Setting: A modern 21st century urban city, that acts as the base 'level' for a Game of Champions held by cosmic entities. It's essentially like a giant video-game, aside from real pain/death for the participants. The city is populated by various 'npcs' who provide basic services (like in video-games), as the PCs (Champions) live and practice, and ultimately survive, in this city-setting.

Ultimately designed for up to 50 people, there are currently 20 in residence from the original group brought in. (Casey and Yuffie were/are both among these first arrivals.) Challenges happen every month for 2-3 weeks, and so far have featured relatively simple challenges. (Examples include a free-for-all-survival-battle against combat-robotic NPCs, a retrieval-mission through a dungeon with stereotypical monsters from DnD, and various escort-assignments of a target versus armored-warriors.) Each Challenge offers the opportunity to earn points, unique to each individual champion. These points can be used to upgrade their equipment, buy extra 'lives', or upgrade their housing.

Death is not permanent, but does cost the champion when it happens. They are given a limited number (3) of 'freebies', before a special ability or a memory will be taken from them every time they die after that. Not counting that for all this is like a live action video-game, they actually can get injured for reals. Anyone maimed/wounded grievously is side-lined for a month to 'heal'. Anyone sidelined in this way forfeits any points earned for that challenge.

What purpose is this ultimately all for, from the cosmic entities? Who really knows? They haven't revealed yet, and while most of the challenges have been primarily action and fighting-based, that COULD change...





The city wasn't as comfortable as New York for Casey, but it had sort of become a second home. Also a training ground, since when he DID get back he'd have to help fight the invasion of the Kraang. Good thing this place had its share of monsters and mutants and other baddies to deal with as well. Now if they just could figure out how to get people back to where they came from, Casey'd call it a done deal.

He missed April. He missed Raph, and Mikey. Was Leo recovering alright? What about Don? Hell, he missed trading snark with Don while they worked on things in the old barn.

It wasn't like he didn't have friends here--he had a few. But it wasn't 'home', no matter how much it became like it in some ways. Still, winter here at least wasn't too different than the city he knew.

Including ice-skating. Maybe he'd see if anyone else has heard of Hockey. For now, he'd arranged a meeting with one of his sorta-friends at the frozen lake in the central park. He's bundled up in his usual gear, and already gotten two sets of skates. Now he just needs the Princess.

Comments

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie arrived late, if only to make Casey wait. He was so insistent to meet and like anything else she can't really bring herself to say no. She agreed and then regretted it but she couldn't help but be curious.

She had her usual ninja gear on which included a tank top and a hood. A pair of boots and short-shorts. She has her hand band and arm warmers and she should really be cold. Her gaze locks on Casey and then the ice skates in his hand.

"What is that?"

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey came out of his slouch, skates dangling from his hand when she approached. There was a beat, and then he couldn't help himself. He laughed.

Not that Yuffie didn't look good--hey, she was cute in the short-shorts and sleeveless shirt. But in Winter? Oh man, he wasn't sure what to think. At least he had the presence to realize him laughing at her was probably not the best reaction. (Especially if she might've done it to get his attention? Not an unreasonable possibility, and one that he thought was flattering.)

"These, are ice skates Princess." Holding up a hand bearing her pair. "And aren't you going to be cold? How aren't you cold now?"

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie didn't like being laughed at. She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. "If you must know. I wear this all the time and no, I'm not cold." She moved around a lot and Yuffie quickly found that if she wore too much clothing then she'd end up taking it off and she was a believer in carry as little as possible.

"I know I'm cute but are you going to tell me why we are here?"

Her tone was sharper than intended. She was still a little upset about the laughing. All things considered she looked the same as she always did only the weather had changed from warm to cold.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey blinked at her, listening to her response, then offering a smile and an amused head shake. "If you say so Princess, but I know I'd be cold." So would April really, but if it made Yuffie happy? Sure.

"Well, we're here because where Casey Jones is from, there are a few traditions relating to winter. And one of those, is that when there is ice, there is a good chance of ice-skating. Both for fun and for sports, like the great and noble sport of Hockey." Holding out the skates for her to take, smirk on his face as he explained.

"With these on, you don't slip uncontrollably on the ice, you glide. Once you know how." Ok, there might have been a hint of challenge in his smirk now. Once she took her pair, Casey moved over to a bench and removed his boots--replacing them with the ice skates. "You want to make sure they're laced up tight. These aren't quite like my hockey-skates, which are built for speed, but Casey Jones will make do." All cocky confidence here, as he stood in the snow a few feet from the edge of the frozen lake.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie snapped up the pair quickly taking his challenge with a determined stare of her own. If it was gliding and balance then it should be easy. There was no way that Casey could keep up with her. She watched in for a moment and then took a seat lacing up her skates and making sure the shoe would stay on. It took her longer than it did him because she was already wearing very high boots which she had to unlace and remove. Below them were high socks that she pulled up to her calf so they wouldn’t get in the way of her ice skate. Once she was ready she stood, attempting to get a feel for the balance of the thin blade beneath her feet.

She stepped up next to Casey meeting his cocky stare with fierce determination. She prayed she wasn’t about to fall on her face.

Yuffie gestured for him to go first and she’ll step on the ice shortly after him. The sudden lack of friction sent her falling forward at which she tugged on the first thing in reach; Casey’s arm.

[wanna_bash_heads]

These weren't his hockey-skates, but Casey did make it look easy. He was at home on the ice, and in his element as much as he was in a fight. Patient, as he'd stepped on the ice, taken one step then turned. Waiting for her, and grabbing her as she reached for his arm. "Easy there Princess. I thought the great ninja could do anything?"

He is teasing her, but his smile was understanding. "Have you seen me on my roller skates, in fights? it's like that. Once you get the trick, you'll master it in no time."

[thegreatninja]

That was so mean! He didn't need to taunt her like that, of course, she'd have done the same. Yuffie looked away with a pout and then released him. Her legs were a little shaky but she was at least standing up straight. She tried to think of the best way to handle this and her mind quickly went through how much weight and were she should place on her feet.

She softened her knees and then attempted to move forward, mimicking Casey's motions.

"See, I can do it." She had seen him fight many times and while she thinks his way of fighting was inefficient, she knew roughly how it worked. There was no reason she shouldn't be able to get this too and bit by bit she learned, steadying herself and getting her balance on the two thin blades.

[wanna_bash_heads]

To be fair, he mostly used his skates when he needed to move quickly or run away. Hence his making them the way they did, along with his other gear. Casey bit the inside of his cheek, or he'd laugh at her again.

It was like watching a kid do it, and he knew she would not appreciate that comparison.

"Watch my motions." There was a cocky smile on his face, but his voice held less tease in it than usual. Until his next statement anyway. "Although it's easier when you go fast." At least he made sure she was steady enough standing up, then pivoted and glided away.

Casey did make it look easier, and he had to stop himself from going too fast as he skated around the frozen lake. Keeping track of where the ice looked thinner; at least someone had already been out here before him and marked the boundaries. A lap or three, then turns and changing direction. Maybe a little bit of showing off (although less than he could've done) so Yuffie could observe the manner of how you were supposed to shift your weight while moving.

One final looping figure eight, and he came back over to the shakey and learning ninja. Turning slightly so he was facing backwards before coming to a stop by her. (Ok, so maybe he was still showing off a bit...)

[thegreatninja]

Yeah, shes thinking that he had done this just to see her fall on her ass. She watched him and with the fear of falling prevalent in her thoughts she moved forward. It wasn't so hard to pick up and with her natural agility she was able to begin moving forward easily. She wasn't going to do anything fancy and stopping was a dicey thought but she was able to move forward and after a few outward strokes she could pick up speed.

Steering was a little strange but as she moved she got the hang of that too. She hadn't really been focusing on the ice so hopefully Casey was paying attention because she might head towards it without even knowing it.

"See, I got it... stop being such a show off." Yuffie looked behind her trying to spot Casey and then almost lost her balance again.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey was at least keeping track of where the markers for the ice was, even as he smirked at her and looped around to keep pace with her. "Like you wouldn't and haven't done the same to me, Princess." Teasing her still, before reaching out to grasp her arm. Pulling her a bit, as he was careful of his balance as she got a bit too close to one of the markers.

[thegreatninja]

“Hey!”

Yuffie protested as he told hold of her arm. It was hard enough to get steering down without him disrupting the careful balance that she had managed. Her right foot slipped again and her fingers grabbed on to Casey in a death grip. She didn’t really want to fall on her ass, more so if it was because of a small nudge from him.

She looked up at Casey in surprise, not caring that they were very close. She tried to smile, playing her little slip off as something else entirely. “Seems I can’t get enough of you...” His ego was big enough that it might have worked to distract her slightly clumsy antics.

[wanna_bash_heads]

It was a good thing he was used to ice skating and collisions with other bodies while doing so. Her wobble made him wobble a bit as she grabbed him in a death grip. Steadying her and himself, he pulled her further away from the marker, winking at her with a playful smile.

"I know Princess, but you'll have to do better than that." Not buying her slip or her attempt at distraction, even if he wasn't going to call attention to it. He understood the concept of pride, and he and the ninja girl both had an abundant share.

Casey Jones wasn't ALWAYS an arrogant flirt...

"Watch the markers though, as another foot out or so and you'd have been on thin ice. Literally."

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie swallowed nervously looking where the ice darkened and thinned. It was a good thing he caught her, not that she was going to cry out that he was her knight in shining armor. Yuffie turned read, realizing she was still holding onto his arm.

She dropped the contact and skated a few feet away. "Looks like I got it... now what?" It really wasn't to hard. Stopping and sharp turns would still cause her trouble but once she got a feeling for the weight and the thin blade below her feet it was easier. She skated a little further before picking up a circle, there wasn't anywhere that she could go so it was circles.

"I mean, how's all this work? or do we just skate in circles?"

[wanna_bash_heads]

Her sudden release and then moving a few feet away brought a low and playful laugh from the other teen. Easily letting her have the distance as he glided over the ice around her. "You get used to stopping, and how to do sharp turns if you want. But it's kind of fun just to glide over it anyways."

Brow furrowing a moment as he mumbled to himself. "What's that word they use...ex-hill..." A pause, then a big grin. "Exhilarating. It's an exhilarating feeling. It's even better when you play sports on ice."

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie laughed at that. “Exhilarating is jumping up a 200 foot story building. I’d say this is entertaining.” She wobbles a little as her focus pulled away from her feet and the ice though it only lasts a second. She skated up next to Casey, which took a lot of focus and effort and then grabbed his hand.

“So, let’s skate in a circle together then. I think it would be less weird.” And the princess might enjoy holding his hand just a little bit more than she cares to admit. They were always getting into trouble though this time it seemed like their activities would prove safer than other antics. Yuffie figured she might as well enjoy it while she could.

[wanna_bash_heads]

No objections to this as Casey took her hand more firmly. He enjoyed that she fought back, played with him too. Her spirit, so to speak; this was a lot more pleasant than some of the trouble and situations they'd been in as well.

"Ok, you're right about the building. But I still say this qualifies as exhilarating too." Hint of challenge there, as Casey shifted his position slightly. "Especially when we go fast." More a support for her, as he sped up on his pace around the lake. Towing her with him.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie giggled as Casey pulled her forward. Her other hand grabbing onto him as she focused on keeping herself upright. Going faster certainly made this more exciting and after a few seconds she sought to keep his pace, quickening her steps so that she might be able to beat him, all while holding his hand.

"Okay, This might be a little exciting."

She smiled at him, letting him lead her in their small circle. Ice chips from the lake as their skates dig into the smooth ice, lending them to glide faster along the smooth surface.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Good luck learning to beat him; even with her natural agility, it'd take practice as ice was tricky. But Casey enjoyed the giggle, and grinned in turn as he was glad he'd made her smile.
"I really hope others here know Hockey, because it's a LOT exciting. Speed, collisions, and skilled manipulation of a puck along the ice."

Towing her with him, prepared as he took a sharp turn in case she couldn't balance properly.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie was, if anything else, stubborn and while she might never get up to Casey’s skill without him rising in ability and outmatching her, she’s still going to keep trying. It was one of Yuffie’s greatest and most detrimental traits. As he begins to turn she clings to him, noticing that he smells nice before quickly pushing that thought away. It wasn’t that she hated being close to him but there relationship was weird and she didn’t really have a handle on it.

Once they evened out she carefully released him until only their hands were joined. She looked up keeping her smile in place as if she hadn’t just freaked out during that turn. She didn’t much care to not be in control.

“Speed, collisions and a puck? Sounds like an interesting game.” Or at least one that Yuffie didn’t know. She’d like to see it, maybe to watch Casey beat the crap out of things with his hockey stick, that was always fun.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Their relationship was weird, but Casey enjoyed being around her. It was nice, to have someone who rose to the challenges and gave as good as she got, the way Yuffie did. It was similar to April, but different in ways Casey appreciated. April was still learning, and a bit more passive--Yuffie was more active.

"There's more to it than that, but that's the basics and part of why it's fun." Making sure her hand in his was secure, as he turned slightly, skating backwards to watch her as they glided along the ice. "The basic idea is two teams compete to score a goal against the other. The goals are at either end of the rink, and manned by a keeper. The puck is what's used instead of a ball, and sticks are used to manipulate it."

[thegreatninja]

They had slowed down some to talk so she didn't need to hold his hand. She was happy for it all the same though and she couldn't stop the goofy grin from pulling at her lips as Casey explained. It's true their relationship was weird but then Yuffie rarely had normal relationships. She wasn't easy but she developed crushes and then did really stupid stuff that got people pissed at her. It's not really the best way to go about making something permanent.

"Okay, so we have to get teams so I can watch." Which in Yuffie speak meant she wanted to cheer for him. The game sounded a little to tame for her to take part.

"I'm sure we can find people here." Someone had to know about this crazy idea for a sport. Yuffie liked to watch chocobo racing and then steal from those who are trying to place bets. Or have someone win her prizes from silly carnival games. This wasn't really like any of that which both peeked her interest and didn't at the same time.

[wanna_bash_heads]

"You mean you don't want to play, Princess?" Casey retorted, although he'd be thrilled to get people to come join in. This was now his new short-term goal. Get a Hockey game going, even if he had to teach people himself.

[thegreatninja]

“Me.. nope.”

She was thinking of cheering more than playing but if he needed a teammate she’d most likely be there. Assuming she understands the rules. Her lips form into a pout as if she was upset before stretching into her usual smile.

“Hehe,” A light giggle escaped her lips as she looked over at Casey. “Maybe.” That’s the most he’s going to get from her as far as an answer is concerned.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey just grinned back at her, tugging her hand more forward, against him. "Be nice to have my own cheerleader." A playful wink, as he helped steady her balance from the tug.

"So wanna learn how to stop? If you think this is fun, I can try and get you your own skates. Of the non-ice variety." He kind of missed having a skating partner.

Of course, in a few days the city's 'champions' were due to face their next challenge.

[thegreatninja]

"Stopping would be helpful." She laughed at that and then glanced down at her feet. She liked feeling him close but she knew she had to focus if she wanted to stop.

"Non-ice... so roller skates? That'd be pretty cool but wouldn't it be hard to scale buildings with those?" She likes her agility.

As Yuffie spoke she tried tilting the blades of her skates different ways. She leaned against Casey a few times to make sure that she stayed upright during her tests.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey adjusted his balance as they moved, slowing so she could experiment. Teasing her a bit, sliding his arm around her shoulders as he leaned closer. "I promise not to laugh, as you're gonna have to fall a few times to get this right, Princess." Teasing, playful still, but not going to mock her truly.

Shifting once she was steady back to his hand in hers and he winked. "Besides, maybe I'll just make you a pair that are retractable, like mine." Heading back near to where they'd started so they'd have maximum space for her to learn. "But we should go roof-running sometime. I kind of miss it."

Gliding to a stop, prepared to help Yuffie do the same if she needed it. Casey was more familiar with hockey-stops, but this one was a slower stop. Sort of letting one foot lag and blade go flat, kicking up a bit of ice almost like a snowplow.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie felt a chill travel down her spine as he leaned close and spoke in her ear. It was really hard to focus on what he was saying when his breath was caressing her cheek like that. “That’s reassuring.” She swallowed feeling a little bit grateful as he backed away. At least she could focus on stopping now.

Her fingers easily laced between his as he continued. His offer was certainly intriguing and it sounded like it might be fun. At least things like this didn’t get Yuffie sick, maybe because she was in control of the movements. “Roof-running is always fun.” It’s a common Ninja trait and it’s something Yuffie’s perfected after sneaking out of her room so many times.

Now came stopping, not saying that Yuffie was nervous but she wasn’t looking forward to it. She looked down at her feet after watching Casey glide to a stop. Why couldn’t there just be a wall for her to run into? She tried her best but as she slowed her blade hooked on a piece of uneven ice and Yuffie went stumbling forward. Her arms flailed to either side as she went tumbling into the snow bank.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey, as he'd promised, didn't laugh. It was clear in his expression part of him wanted to, but he was holding it back as he glided over to help her up and out of the snowbank. "It takes practice. There are actually a few different ways to stop. The one I'm most familiar with is called a Hockey stop."

Tilting his head, assessing her as he helped her get her balance and back to her feet on the ice. "Not sure you're ready for that one yet."

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie was almost looking at Casey at a 180 degree difference. She pouted though from her current position it might just make her more ridiculous. She slowly stood, careful not to make more of a fool of herself. She brushed the snow from her hair and shirt before turning back towards Casey.

"Why don't you show me first." She's sure she can figure it out if he shows her. At least she'd know the body motion with it and might not go flying.

[wanna_bash_heads]

"I'll take a few laps so you can watch." Casey offered, hands in his hoody-pocket. He kind of wished he'd brought his hockey stick and a puck now, just to play around with. Making sure she was righted, before he winked at her. "Just watch these moves, Princess."

Shifting his weight and removing his hands, Casey glided on the ice. Not quite the same way as he did at home, what with new skates--but this was familiar territory for him. Building up speed, shifting directions and turning. Some of the stops really were just glides and a matter of how he'd built up momentum or slowed it by trailing a foot or shifting his body. Changes of directions, gliding backwards or how he rotated as he moved over the ice also brought stops at times.

Some of the faster stops though, where he'd change direction abruptly after starting and was moving as a blur, were more a matter of shifting his weight and hips, and keeping his feet under him. Hockey-stops, used most often during the fast paced game he loved so much. A bit more showing off, then looking over at the ninja-girl. A casual salute with his left hand before Casey abruptly changed direction.

Moving fast, and heading straight for Yuffie and the snowbank. Waiting for the last minute, Casey's grin wide, before he jumped. Pretty agile and good jump considering he wasn't ninja-trained, as he yelled "Incoming!"

Aiming to land in the snowbank himself, in a bit of playfulness.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie rolled her eyes as Casey skated away. There wasn't anyone else to watch besides she's seen him on his roller skates before. This didn't seem new in comparison. She had to make sure to stay balanced as he moved away, her palms pressed against her hips with an expecting stare.

She studied the way that he moved and honestly it didn't seem to difficult. She'd need to practice but she'd be able to get it. Maybe sneak out and practice without Casey knowing so that she could show him up later.

She had been lost in her thoughts only realizing that Casey was skating towards her at full speed last minute. She turned away as snow showered down on them and then blinked. "Are you trying to kill me?!" Had she been paying attention it wouldn't have been as bad.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey, however, was laughing as he rolled over in the snowbank from his landing. Grinning, before sitting up. "Nah, just making sure you're paying attention." Teasing still, as he hefted a snowball and threw it at her.

"You're so serious about all this. Lighten-up, Princess."

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie tilted her head slightly letting the snow ball go sailing into the air behind her. Her hands were on her hips as she looked down at him. She is not to serious. A soft pout adorns her lips as she looked down at him.

"You're so mean!"

With that she dives into the snow, scooping up a ball of cold fluff and throwing it at Casey's face.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Casey smirked, and scrambled slightly to the side to ignore the snow-ball. "Like you wouldn't have done the same? I know you, Princess. Isn't this part of how we met?" The teasing, and snarking, and not quite getting in each other's way while fighting and mischief.

Certainly they'd landed up in a holding cell together, until she'd picked the lock.

Scrabbling for some more snow of his own, while trying to grab her arm so he could shove it down the back of her shirt.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie shifted her weight away from him though the ice skates made it harder to move and she miscalculated. She fell as he grabbed hold of her and instead of the snow being pushed down her back it was pushed down her front. Her cheeks flushed as she pushed him away, feeling the cold against her skin.

“That’s so mean!”

She was never one to dress in snow gear which was why she was now very cold. She quickly brushed away the snow but not before it had already had a chance to melt against her skin. A shiver ran through her and she felt the start of a cold brimming though it might just be her imagination.

[wanna_bash_heads]

Ok, that hadn't been what he intended and it showed in his face and expression. Especially as it turned sheepish. "I didn't mean to actually get you with it..." But Casey was pulling off the coat--something he'd worn because it was cold, and handing it to her. "I'm sorry Yuffie."

Clear remorse, because he really did think of Yuffie as his friend. He didn't want her upset with him, or upset, or suffering. The dark grey coat was wool and hooded, and would probably dwarf her, but that was ok.

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie stared at the coat for a long moment. It was only after a harsh shiver thrilled through her that she reached out and snatched it from his hand. She looked very small slipping it over her thin frame. A slight pout pulled at her lips as she looked up at him. She wouldn't be able to move easily in his coat.

"Maybe it's time to head back inside?"

She wanted hot chocolate and to not have to wear so much clothing. She liked being free to move and roll around.