pawnstorm | [closed] shake a leg shake your head

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[closed] shake a leg shake your head

Who: Jae-ha and Hakuno
When: Around the beginning of the month
Where: Training grounds
What: Under Caren's advice, Hakuno reached out to Jae-ha in order to learn some self-defense. This is... going to be interesting.
Rating: Probably nothing too bad, but can be modified if necessary.

[Hakuno hadn't been sure what, exactly, was proper attire for this sort of training, so she had more or less fallen back on what was familiar. When originally shopping around for spare clothes, she had assembled an outfit somewhat similar to one of the gym uniforms she had worn in the Moon Cell, with red and white shorts and a simple white shirt, and thigh-high socks that made her feel a bit less exposed. It's just too hot to wear pants, in her opinion, so the shorts and stockings are going to have to be modest enough.

At the very least, she rationalizes to herself as she settles down in the shade to wait, a good fifteen minutes early, it's very easy to move around in. She thinks that's probably the most important thing, right now. Well, that and not doing something completely embarrassing, like breaking an ankle on her first attempt.

Hopefully, she muses as she fiddles with the hem of her shirt, he'll turn out to be a patient teacher, like Adrasteius is.]

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[ Truthfully, Jae-ha has no idea what sort of teacher he is. The skills he's developed have been directly related to his innate dragon ability; agility rather than sheer strength, unless it came to his leg, in which case his kicks were brutal and deadly. It makes him wonder how he might approach things differently if he couldn't fly, and how best to teach what he knows to this surprise student.

He approaches and keeps an eye out for her, though he knows little other than a name. Perhaps he should have asked for her appearance...

Thankfully, there aren't many other people in the training grounds, and he approaches the lone girl with a warm smile and leans down, watching her curiously. ]

Ah, you wouldn't happen to be Hakuno-chan, would you? [ he hopes he's guessed correctly, because otherwise, he can't begin to guess who else it might be. And yes, he's immediately familiar with his honorifics, smh. ] Her messages make her sound like a very cute girl, but perhaps I was mistaken...

Ah, sorry if I don't quite meet your expectations.

[Hakuno, being a humble soul, takes that comment the entirely wrong way. When faced with an attractive person (like Exhibit A, her new training instructor) she has a habit of becoming dazzled and feeling decidedly lack-luster in comparison. It's a little hard to do, with a handsome man looming above her like that, but Hakuno manages to ignore the impulse and instead heaves herself to her feet, bowing primly.

He's doing her a favor, after all.]

I'm Hakuno Kishinami, yes. Thank you for agreeing to help me.

Edited 2016-07-03 06:58 (UTC)

Eh? No, you're even cuter than I imagined, actually.

[ He has to clarify, because he's definitely not letting that misunderstanding stick! He returns her bow with one of his own, relieved that he was able to find her fairly quickly. ]

Of course. You haven't been waiting here very long, have you? I didn't think I was late...

Oh! ...thank you, I think.

[She blinks, a bit taken aback by that, and busies herself with brushing her hair back from her face when she feels her cheeks heat faintly.]

No, I just got here a little early is all. You're right on time.

You should have told me you were here! I can't believe I made you wait for me...

[ That was totally unacceptable! Now he's glad he wasn't running late. He sighs in relief. ]

It's nice to meet you in person, Hakuno-chan. Is this your first time trying to gain any sort of fighting experience?

No, it wasn't any trouble, really.

[She toys with a lock of hair, nodding slightly.]

I told you I learned how to use my bow, but before I came here, I was basically embroiled in a proxy war of sorts—the Holy Grail War, if that name means anything to you. So, this is my first real chance to learn.

I see.

[ So she had experience with shooting targets, but not much else. Her demeanor and circumstances immediately remind him of Yona, and his shoulders slump a little. At the very least, making that association doesn't bring him the same pain as before. Yona is here, and she's safe, even if she's once again fighting in a war that he wishes she didn't have to.

He wishes Hakuno didn't have to, either, with the knowledge she gives him. But it's not her first foray into wars, at least. ]

It doesn't ring a bell, I'm afraid. I'm sorry you had to be launched from one war to another.

This place is already leagues better than the Moon Cell, so I'm happy to be here.

[There's no system in place to make sure only the winner survives, here in Enprise, for starters. But that's a rather heavy topic that has nothing to do with learning how to protect herself, so she lets it drops.]

I really enjoy having the chance to learn new hobbies and skills, so I promise I'll put my all into learning!

The... Moon Cell?

[ No, wait Hakuno, this sounds an awful lot like being held in some sort of prison, and even though Jae-ha had been ready to get started on their training lessons, this demands some sort of explanation. There is little he feels more strongly about than having a person's freedom compromised, so he's not budging just yet. When he asks, his demeanor slightly changes, remaining curious, but his smile wilts. ]

Is that the type of life you lived back home, being confined to a cell?

Yes, it's... well, it was the objective of the Holy Grail War—the Grail itself, really. And... also the moon, essentially. A magical arcane automaton, with unparalleled powers. Just about a thousand people put forth their souls as tender for the chance to submit themselves as participants in the War.

[She pauses, a calm, unreadable expression melting over her face.]

When I was originally created, I thought there was a problem with my memories, since I was counted among the 128 survivors of the preliminary round. It wasn't until I was over half-way to winning that I found out that the Moon Cell had created me as a background character of sorts, and that there were no memories or even a body waiting for me back on Earth, even if I did win. That I wasn't a natural-born human who had entered for some reason I just couldn't recall. It was... I can't call it cramped, because there was a whole school campus and multiple Labyrinths to explore. But, until that very last moment when I made my wish, I was honestly certain that I would just be erased after the War reached its conclusion, like the rest of the background characters would be.

[She smiles, suddenly.]

So, when I say I really enjoy having the chance to learn, I mean it. With all my heart.

[ Jae-ha listens closely, waiting until she finishes, but it's hard not to interrupt her. He wants to not only express sympathy, disgust for the bizarre, unjust conditions she's been subjected to, but also, there are too many questions to ask. He hasn't the faintest clue what the Holy Grail is, much less why it warrants starting a war, for example.

But that doesn't matter. What matters is that Hakuno has been through some difficult times (this is the understatement of the year), and that despite all of that, she stands before him, smiling and radiant.

He wonders, then, if she prefers to be here, if unlike most of them, she doesn't mind fighting a war for a people she doesn't belong to, among comrades from unknown worlds. She's accepted this and has chosen to make the most of it, to learn whatever said comrades are willing to offer, and that speaks volumes about her character.

Without any of this sort of training, she is a fighter.

He returns the smile, a little dimmer than her own, and lightly places his hand on her shoulder, giving it a light squeeze before setting his arm back down to his side. ]

Learn as much as you can, whatever subject or skill catches your attention, Hakuno-chan. We are only free here in the sense that we aren't in cages, but we can explore, and there are good people here, and precious friendships to be found.

[ Even though, given her overall attitude, he's sure she's already reached that conclusion herself. It's why she's reached out to a complete stranger in search of guidance, and though Jae-ha would have gladly helped anyone, he decides that she is far more worthy than the average pupil. ]

I don't know you very well yet, but you shine so brightly. I don't believe in anything like destiny or being created for a purpose, but if you're a background character... then I have no interest in meeting the protagonist.

Yes, I know.

[Her smile grows a bit sweeter.]

Adrasteius-sensei is teaching me how to bake and heal. Vietnam says she'll teach me how to cook and sew, if I want to. I'm always looking for new things to try, for hobbies to pick up, for skills that I finally have spare time to invest in. Everyday, I have something new to look forward to.

[Really, he doesn't say anything that she hasn't come to conclude on her own, but maybe that itself is why she finds herself so pleased with his answer. Deep down, doesn't everybody want it affirmed that they're doing the right thing, for the right reasons?]

...thank you. You've got a way with flattery, Jae-ha. I'm sure it's sincere on your part, but still.

[ She's chosen patient, kind teachers, and that makes his smile widen a bit, too. ]

I like to find and appreciate the beauty in people, and in things. So I don't mind being accused of something like that! [ Not merely superficial, but strength in character, kindness that inspired him, things like that.

He straightens, then, figuring that they should actually start. ]

Which would you say is your dominant leg, Hakuno-chan?

[Hakuno laughs, soft but sincere, before she too sobers up and give his question some serious thought.]

I'm not sure. They might be about equal, as far as I know.

[She's done a lot of running in the Moon Cell, but there's been little need for kicking.]

If that's true, then I'll primarily show you with the right, as I personally use my right leg much more than my left, due to it being my dragon leg.

[ He thinks, wondering what would be the best first lesson. Oh, actually, that's a no-brainer, once he's determined which is most useful, yet uses the least amount of power. ]

Let's try a front kick, first. Put your dominant-- err, right leg, behind your left, and point your right leg's toes to the side. [ He does exactly that, to demonstrate. ]

...I'm sorry, your what-leg?

[She glances down with a curious blink. Is he like Elizabeth? Part dragon, with scales and claws?

...if so, he is at least much more mentally stable, at first glance. Still, she doesn't let her curiosity distract her from the matter at hand, and carefully settles into the stance as directed.]

...like this?

My dragon leg. It's a long story, but... [ He's still holding his stance while he talks, wondering how best to explain it. ]

There is a dragon spirit inside of me. Due to him, my right leg is that of a dragon's, and it grants me immense strength in that leg, along with the ability to fly. [ That was a pretty good gist, at least.

He looks over to the stance she's holding, nodding in approval. ]

Very good. Now, raise your front leg so that your thigh is parallel to the ground, and breathe in.

Oh, wow. That sounds amazing.

[She's sure there must be drawbacks to it, so she doesn't pry and leaves it at that. She'll listen if he has more to say, but she's polite enough not to push him. Just because she decided to overshare, it doesn't mean he's suddenly required to do the same. So Hakuno carefully balances her weight and shifts up as directed.

It really is good that she thought to wear shorts instead of a skirt, she reflects while inhaling.]

It is! Flying is my absolute favoring thing in the world. I can take you for a ride sometime, if you'd like.

[ He felt more at home in the air than on the ground, even, and finding his leg ugly to behold was a side effect he was willing to begrudgingly accept for such a power. Getting excited talking about flying is kind of distracting them from the task at hand, though, and he redirects his attention to her stance, making sure everything looks good. ]

And now, we kick, snapping your leg up in the air quickly and as high as you can. Exhale as you're releasing the kick. I would practice on doing drills with this kick, seeing how long you can go, and how quickly you can move.

[ There's no further movement in terms of shifting positions just yet, but it's a start. He does just as he's suggested, snapping a high kick into the air before resuming his stance. ]

Let's try a couple of these.

I would definitely like that!

[Her eyes glitter at the prospect, distracting her even more from the leg issues. But, not enough that she doesn't catch his next instruction. She shifts her weight slightly and follows through. She doesn't topple over, thankfully, but theres a small wobble before she gets back into position. She frowns slightly and reviews the steps before trying it again.]

Ah, so... more like this.

[One, two. One... two. One, two.

They come a little smoother, now.]

Yes, you've got it! Balance is a little tough at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. Once you get tired with one leg, switch to the other.

[ He joins her and matches her pace, because he imagines it must be more motivating to run through the routine with someone else rather than alone. ]

We can test the strength of your kicks, too.

I see!

[And she actually does, more or less. Once she switches legs and does a few more kicks, just as a test, she can sort of feel a rhythm to the way her balance shifts and her muscles move. She's a bit sluggish, but more out of caution than exertion.]

Like, on a dummy?

What? [ already, he’s beginning to move towards her front, just out of the range of her kicks, and he laughs. ] Don’t call me a dummy, Hakuno-chan, that’s not very nice!

Huh?

[She blinks, taken aback at the sudden switch, and shakes her head.]

No, I didn't... I know you're teasing me, but I thought I should try on something inanimate, first?

You won't be fighting inanimate objects in battle, and I have a feeling that will be coming up soon. If it helps, I'll be trying to dodge your hits.

[ He'll let some land, of course, because he wants to judge her strength, the impact of her feet and whether it's enough to bring down an enemy, but he leaves that part unsaid.

He pats his chest cheerfully. ]

Don't worry, I'm sturdy!

You do have a point...

[She had been thinking along the lines of 'crawl before you walk', but Jae-ha was the teacher here. She'll put her faith in his judgment and doubtlessly superior skill.]

Then, excuse me.

[And, as asked, she kicks.]

[ that might be true ordinarily, but they don't have time on their side.

Rather effortlessly, he steps aside, keeping a keen eye on how quickly she regains her balance and is moves to try again. ]

I hope you don't mind a moving target, though.

No, after the train I'm glad for the practice.

[She shrugs and darts forward, trying again with a little more confidence.]

[ This time, he stays completely put, which might be a giveaway that he’s intentionally letting the kick land, and he offers no resistance once the blow lands, right on his upper arm.

In fact, he “OOF”s and falls straight to the ground, landing on his knees, and is quite evidently surprised at the strength such a small girl possesses. The pain is dull, and more of a shock than actual sensation, but if this was the foundation Hakuno was working with, it wasn’t a bad start. There is also something so very indulgent and pleasant about such a cute girl hitting him. Which is why, when he looks back up at her, his smile is just a little less warm than before, a little more wicked. ]

That was great! I didn’t know you packed such a punch, Hakuno-chan. Are you sure you’ve never done this before? [ He stands back up, dusting himself off and ready to continue. ]

Ah, well, I may not have a lot of weight to throw around, but I've done a lot of running around labyrinths. I have at least some confidence in my legs.

[She pats the side of one thigh, offering a somewhat proud smile of her own. She thinks she might notice something a bit... different about him in this moment.

...

Nah. She's probably over thinking it.]

...well, for a total amateur, anyways.

[ It's okay, Hakuno. It's best that it remains all in your mind. He really does mean the compliment, though, despite how... oddly it was delivered. Just a moment later, and he looks as if nothing out of the ordinary happened at all. He regains his composure and pauses for a moment to think before deciding-- ]

Let's try some other forms. That sort of kick takes a good amount of energy to pull off, but there are others that focus on speed.

Yes!

[Hakuno straightens up, settling back into her normal, loose posture. It's a bit exciting, getting to learn more already.]

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[closed] shake a leg shake your head

you forgot to mention that caren and minato are in the background judging asses...

if they are, Hakuno is oblivious

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...are they using the Standard Anime Date Lines right now

shhh

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ah

it finally happened.........

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