dancing_flames | [Voice/Action]

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

...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.

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

Of course, especially in this scenario.

I will meet you at the barracks, then.

I'll be waiting.

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

[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.]

[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.

That's right. [He gives Shuda a brief nod.] And you, my opponent.

[Shuda nods in return, sizing Kratos up with his single eye.]

Shuda. It's a pleasure.

And a pleasure to you, as well. [Which he earnestly means, and will only mean more of Shuda ends up being a respectable opponent.]

I'm assuming you're as eager to skip the small talk and get right to the sparring as I am.

[This guy doesn't strike him as the chatty sort, which is just fine with him-- he isn't either.]

I didn't realize I was being so obvious. [He can't help but chuckle dryly, however.]

I wouldn't be much of a swordsman if I couldn't read my opponent.

[He's smirking too.]

Is that so? [He looks like he's prepared for any sort of sudden attack.] I suppose there's truth to that. There are certain skills you need in order to survive battle.

[Enough words. He draws his sword.]

[Likewise, Shuda draws his own, settling into a ready stance.]

Let's find out just how good both of ours are.

[And that's all the warning he gives before he charges forward.]

[Kratos takes a defensive stance, ready to block any blow that may come as Shuda charges toward him. Let the dance of swordsmanship begin.]

[One thing Kratos will realize quickly is that Shuda is as fast as he is strong. He's light on his feet with all the grace and agility of a dancer as he strikes out with a swift crosswise slash aimed at Kratos' midsection, ready to dodge out of the way if and when Kratos strikes back.

He's not going to go easy on his opponent, that much is assured.]

[The slash is immediately blocked, keeping on the defense for a little while longer before striking back.

Hm, yes... indeed, Shuda is quick. It's a good thing that Kratos didn't go in this underestimating him. He'll return to the defense for the moment, planning to give himself more time to observe his opponent.]

[His slash blocked, Shuda dances back a few steps to look for another opening. Kratos is clearly no novice, that much is for certain, and he suspects that any move he tries to make will be anticipated and also likely countered.

So he tries a feint, making first as if he's going to strike at once side and then switching his aim towards the other, just to see how Kratos will react to that.]

[He barely manages to block. It doesn't take him completely off guard, but it still surprises him slightly.

This man knows what he's doing as well--all the more reason to stay alert and to be sure to not make any reckless mistakes. He backs off a little and plans his next move.]

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[action] oh boy fight scenes I APOLOGIZE FOR INCOMING SUCKATUDE

[action] YOU ARE FORGIVEN

[action] WHAT ARE ACTION SCENES EVEN THO

[action] WE JUST DON'T KNOW

[action] NEITHER DOES SCOTTY APPARENTLY