Incognito Training

[rose_liberated]

[Two Kunoichi are out late tonight, getting in some late night training. And by training, I mean the normal assortment of wall running, jumping and occasional smoke bomb aided vanishing act that is the bread and butter of every ninja's work. One of them, leading the pack, is familiar to anyone who might be watching, Kyoko Needleworker, the 'delinquent'. The follower would be less so. After all, when did Kyoko pick up such an inept apprentice, who can't even run up a three foot wall, can't walk along the top of it without falling off, and definatly can't cut it as a ninja. Making it all the more mystifying is the fact that the second Kunoichi has the shade of hair normally associated with the highest rank of generics, who would normally never be seen in such a state of ineptitude. Such as tripping and falling on her own smoke bombs to create a cloud of choking vapor.

And she's such a flighty thing-if she notices anyone coming her way she'll put all her limited skill to the test to get out of sight. So maybe you shouldn't approach her directly if you want to observe.]

Comments

[high_on_daylight]

*That is.. Pretty much what she was worried about. Nonetheless, she waves them off for now.*

You have aimed to immerse yourself in a role, it seems. Not a bad way to do things... But perhaps you've moved ahead of yourself some?

[rose_liberated]

This one is following in her honored mother's traditions. And in any case, that which does not kill us, yes, Zam?

[Rozalin unwinds the bandage on her thigh a bit-it's already starting to heal-the blood is fresh, but it's already got at least a week's worth of healing done, with fresh skin sealing the deep slice.

Just a few inches to the left though, and it would have been in her femoral artery.]

[high_on_daylight]

... That explains quite a bit.

However, you are really lucky that your wound was so slight. Please, sit down and rest. I swear, no tricks.

[rose_liberated]

This one has healed worse than this, zam. And this one will hopefully remain ignorant of what might be a lethal blow.

[Still, 'Yuki' takes a seat Sieza-style, though from the way she fidgets it's obvious she's not used to it.]

[high_on_daylight]

*Evangeline sits down to match. She seems somewhat more comfortable with this, but clearly she doesn't bother with it too often.*

It... Your choice is possibly for the best. But tell me. Before your exercise, did you warm up at all?

[rose_liberated]

...My instructor considered a run up a 20 foot wall to be light exercise, zam. Does that not say enough?

[high_on_daylight]

...

I believe you need a new instructor. Even I am not THAT stupid...

[rose_liberated]

This one managed to talk her down from that position, but this is a matter of trust, Zam. A demon who can be trusted with a secret is a rare find, precious as any gem.

[high_on_daylight]

A secret must be kept to be of value to trust another with.

Further... Trust alone isn't enough, in your situation.

You are not yet used to using your body to its fullest potential... Or even a significant fraction of it. Even your combat style represents this - you aren't used to throwing things, or striking directly.

Something as easy as a daily Aikido exercise with streches and a full warm-up and cooldown would be enough to help you attain your potential grace - and with it, best use your strength. It wouldd make learning ninjutsu much easier, if nothing else.

I'd be willing to provide that for one willing to learn. No cost, other than that you'd have to commit to doing so.

[rose_liberated]

Yes, this one had hoped for better concealment, zam. The hour and the disguise were apparently not enough.

And while your offer is a generous one, there must be serious reflection upon it before this one can accept. Furthermore, what is to be gained by such things when one is already familiar with the concept and the exercises, zam? The veteran of many a battle sits before you, and she is familiar with how warriors maintain body as well as weapon.

[high_on_daylight]

Your hair and eyes are the most distinctive elements. A dye and contacts would be good help. Or illusion magic, perhaps.

I would hope to show you what I know, and learn from you in turn. That's the smart way to do things, at least.

[rose_liberated]

...There are generic kunoichi with this color and length of hair, and This one has already gone to some length to alter it.

[Indeed, her hair is slightly longer, a nice trick, but she has little talent for illusions other than the key one. She won't mention that only the highest ranks of Kunoichi are blonds.]

Your offer is appreciated Zam, but at risk of repetition, this one must reflect upon the wisdom of such actions. If you will forgive the presumption-you have already driven one knife into my flesh. From where shall I expect the next?

[high_on_daylight]

... Frankly, at the rate you are going, without better instruction, the next dagger will come from yourself. And what is hurt may not merely be your flesh.

Further, your inherent power is enough that I know not to try what I did then again. Of that, you have my word.

[rose_liberated]

[A palpable hit, as she turns away at the mention of hurting things other than herself. A bit too gentle for a demon perhaps, but would you really want a heart-eating monster who cared not for those of lesser power?]

Hmm. Good points, Zam. This one will reflect on them at her leisure, and let you know the decision soon.

[high_on_daylight]

If you wish to see what would be involved, I will grant you a lesson or two with no obligation.

Stick to that outfit, or another outfit that will let you move freely. Also, make sure you've properly bound your chest - you don't want them to move freely, but neither do you want to be choking yourself.

[rose_liberated]

... I already have plenty of advice about athletic support.

[Breaking character for a bit there.]

Ahem. This one thanks you for your offer, Zam, and it is difficult to think of any serious objections to it. That which has already been mentioned aside, you are most likely a formidable teacher in these arts.

[high_on_daylight]

It's never entirely clear what someone already knows, I find.

Seriously, I have met black belts who didn't know how to tie their own shoes. A problem when you need them for safety, or to better focus their power.

[rose_liberated]

... this one can think of a few in that category, yes. Though they can be surprisingly quick with odd things, zam. One was particularly good with logic puzzles, but cared little for knowledge for it's own sake.

Do you mean that they focus their power into their shoes?

[high_on_daylight]

More through them, as a sort of filter to serve a purpose.

Your sandals, for example, provide better grip on surfaces than your feet; they are designed for running. Your focus for them, therefore, is about precisely controlling that grip; mastered, you could run up a vertical wall as much as your muscles would allow, because that grip allows you to resist the pull of gravity enough to finish that last step.

[rose_liberated]

...This one is not very good at that so far. Even basic adhesion alludes one, zam. It is the first day however. There was little anticipation of success.

[high_on_daylight]

Sometimes, one must try to fly before they are ready to learn to walk.

[rose_liberated]

This one has never been much good at flying, at least not consciously. Perhaps one is overthinking these things.

[high_on_daylight]

It's a metaphor.

You've seen the potential of others... Now the question is how you will get there.

[rose_liberated]

You words have a sage-like quality about them. One might wonder if you have practiced this, zam. I will meditate upon them, and upon my failings today, and come to you with an answer.

[high_on_daylight]

One last bit of advice.

Only meditate upon your failures as to what they have taught you. Otherwise, you just kind of go emo, and we don't need that at this school.