[Voice/Action]

[dancing_flames]

[It's been a few weeks since the draft, and what they'd seen there in Zompania still isn't sitting well with Shuda at all. As a former Demon Card general, he's no stranger to leaving destruction in his wake just to make a point (Garage Island being one such example); it's hypocritical of him to be bothered by it, he knows.

But those bones he'd helped Rin bury, with those strange markings on them... they were more unsettling than anything he'd seen Demon Card be responsible for, and he hates it. He hates that there was nothing he could do.

Well-- nothing he could do there. But maybe there's something he can do here to help keep a situation like that from happening again.]

Since it seems to be the popular thing to do now, I'm offering sparring practice or lessons for anyone who wants to learn how to use a sword. I won't go easy on you, so if you're expecting some leisurely exercise, don't bother signing up.

[Then, as an afterthought:]

I can also try helping people contact Eferin if they want to learn from him. Seems like getting him to teach you is a rare thing, so I might as well offer help in that too.

I'll be in the barracks for a few hours if anyone wants to drop by. Just remember that I meant what I said about not going easy on anyone.

[Sure enough, if anyone happens to venture to the barracks after this announcement, they'll find Shuda there going through kata with his katana. Strike, thrust, parry. Strike, thrust, parry. There's a sort of comfort in the familiarity of the routine, a sense of control that he hasn't felt since they'd returned from Zompania. If he can hold onto that, maybe he can shake this feeling of unease that's been plaguing him.]

Comments

voice;

[universal_charm]

Should we have prior experience? I've swung a baseball bat, but that's it.

voice;

[dancing_flames]

Can you successfully hit something with that bat?

Re: voice;

[universal_charm]

I did in the draft, so I am going to say yes.

voice;

[dancing_flames]

That'll do to start with. I would've said 'no' if your answer was no.

Re: voice;

[universal_charm]

Fair enough. I guess you can decide if I'm not worth it after a couple of lessons.

voice;

[dancing_flames]

Don't worry, I won't waste that much of your time-- I can tell within a single lesson if you have any potential or not.

Re: voice;

[universal_charm]

_{[ Well, it wasn't his time that may or may not be wasted, but he kept his mouth shut about that. ]}

So, you want to do this now? I don't have anything going on right now.

[deathsdoctor]

Sparring, huh?

[Colour Law interested. Simulations are becoming dull and he needs something more to keep up his edge.]

[dancing_flames]

You use swords?

[Shuda is definitely interested too. Not that he doesn't enjoy practicing with Haru, but some variety would be nice once in a while.]

[deathsdoctor]

Swordsman. [He wouldn't have answered if this wasn't the case. And yes, he uses other weapons, but swords are his speciality.]

[dancing_flames]

Perfect. It's been a long time since I've gone up against anyone who wasn't Haru.

[deathsdoctor]

[A smile splits his lips.] Perfect for both of us. I've been longing for more variety than just sims.

[dancing_flames]

And I don't use the sims, so it sounds like we both need a change of pace.

[voice]

[shiningbinds]

...I'll take you up on your offer to spar. It's now more important than ever to keep oneself in practice.

[A brief pause.]

I will not go easy on you, either.

[voice]

[dancing_flames]

I wouldn't want you to. No point in sparring with a partner if you're not going to give it your all.

[voice]

[shiningbinds]

Of course, especially in this scenario.

I will meet you at the barracks, then.

[voice/action]

[dancing_flames]

I'll be waiting.

[And in the meantime, he'll go back to his kata and continue to practice them until Kratos arrives.]

[action]

[shiningbinds]

[True to his word, Kratos arrives a little while after. His sword is sheathed at his side, and he looks like he's mentally well prepared for a good spar.]

[action]

[dancing_flames]

[Sensing someone approaching, Shuda gives one final downward sweep of his blade in the kata before turning to look at Kratos and lowering his arm to his side.

Another good opponent, from the looks of things. He's really gotten lucky with everyone who has responded to him so far.]

You must be Kratos.

[Voice]

[ravelt]

You're gonna start training people, Shuda?

[Voice]

[dancing_flames]

Might as well. It's better than sitting around doing nothing, and the more people who are prepared for the next draft, the better.

[Voice]

[ravelt]

Wow... Seein' you do stuff like that really makes it clear how much you've changed since I first met you!

[Voice]

[dancing_flames]

... heh. Maybe I finally am starting to go soft.

[Voice]

[ravelt]

You know, I wonder what the fearsome Shuda of Demon Card would think of you now.

[Voice]

[dancing_flames]

Probably the same thing Deep Snow did. Not that I cared about what he thought either.