jigokulogs | [Closed] Beauty in a Blade

Entry tags:

[Closed] Beauty in a Blade

Who ⬤ Kisara, Kojirou
What ⬤ It's just a friendly spar.
When ⬤ Early / Mid-September
Where ⬤ The Eye of the Tiger Fitness Club
Content Warnings ⬤ N/A — Will update accordingly.

[Kisara would like to say that she's sufficiently mapped out the Enma territory and perhaps, for the most part, she has. There are some details here and there that she's sure she's missing out on, but considering she hasn't been in this world, in this circumstance for too terribly long, she's pleased with the progress she's made so far. Shuten territory is a little different. All of the other territories are, though. It will require a bit more time and patience to more appropriately get an understanding and from she can gather, if she's supporting the Enma, that familiarity is going to eventually be required.

Her attention is on the surroundings. The hustle and bustle. Lots of food. Bright lights. It's colourful and vibrant. Almost seems like it'd be difficult to get away with anything here given the nature of the place, but maybe the foot traffic would disguise one's actions as much as darkness or other subtle and covert operations. After a moment's consideration, her head tips. Alphen's somewhere out here, isn't he? It'd be a good idea to come by again and see what kind of information she can get out of him. But today, that won't be happening.

Instead, she's here for a completely different reason. Mapping and charting are just a bonus along the way. After some asking, because she isn't afraid to ask questions of the locals, despite the way some eye her up and down and understandably hesitate at the sight of her armoured up, she's confidently on her way. This Kojirou... he's an interesting man. She takes into stock what she knows of him as she makes way for the gym that he made mention of to her. Fights with a sword. Has a way with words.

Swords are cunning weapons. There's finesse and elegance to them. They require precision and striking movements. It's objectively much prettier than anything she's doing with a clunky shield and mace. She'll be at a disadvantage, she imagines. Arriving in this world, she didn't even get her tower shield. Or rather, it was retrieved from her under the potential she'd see it again later. Earn it back. And the mace that lingers in it.

Until then, she's left with relatively unimpressive pieces. She can make due, though.

At the gym in question, Kisara takes immediate stock of its accents. What it provides. To whom it caters. The arena space itself seems like it'll suffice. In the back of her mind, she can't help wondering what she's gotten herself into. Settling a hand upon her hip, she examines those passing by. All she needs now is to find the man of the hour. Or he'll find her. It is possible that in this world, she may stand out. Perhaps as much as she did back in Dahna.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ There are, Kojirou decides, too many tiger stripes in this place. Somebody was clearly pandering when they designed it, because he cannot imagine there are two yokai in hell that are this gaudy in this incredibly specific way.

But the decor is a secondary concern. The place was cheap to rent (Kojirou still hasn't figured out a job here and he's not the type to carry much money around regardless) and all the equipment works. There is much to be said for something that simply works well, even if the outside is hideous.

Luckily, his actual target today is not even that. Her outside appearance certainly matches her words and ways, and it's something he confirms the second she walks into the gym. ]

I see the picture you placed on the application was no exaggeration, Lady Kisara. I am Sasaki Kojirou.

[ The Assassin class Servant slides in out of the edge of perception, hopping off a bench and letting himself be known. Unlike his fellow Assassins, Kojirou could not turn invisible to the senses, his skill at hiding his presence was altogether mundane, limited to seeming insignificant and hiding his own power, but that also meant that it was knowledge that nobody could take away.

Not that he ever uses those skills for anything but popping out of nowhere to greet potential opponents. ]

[Target acquired. If only because of the way he calls her. And the idea that he presents himself, even in that ever-so-subtle and inconspicuous fashion.

Kisara smiles a bit sheepishly, looking up from whatever notes she's referencing in the immediate moments and as her weight shifts, she looses a laugh, about as uncertain as the curl in her mouth, she suspects. From a first look, she has to assume he's probably capable. He certainly looks like he means business. But sometimes looks can be deceiving.

As she closes the distance between them, she keeps a respectful berth, perhaps an arm's length.]

Just 'Kisara' is fine.

[Really. The 'Lady' part is strange. She can't imagine anyone else calling her that. Maybe 'Captain.']

I hope you weren't waiting too long.

The anticipation is part of the fun.

[ It is simply the fate of the one named Sasaki Kojirou to be kept waiting for his opponents, but he doesn't mind. Patience is one of his best qualities. ]

Besides, you aren't late at all. We still have more than enough time to enjoy ourselves.

[ Neither of them are at risk of disappearing, the world isn't on the verge of ending, and the gym isn't on fire. He might have to pay a little extra to extend the room's rental, but that hardly even counts as a concern. Besides, if his impression of the Shuten oni that run this place is right, he could probably just kick anyone trying to interrupt them out and they'd have no choice but to respect it.

So since they have all the time in the world, Kojirou takes his time slipping the sword on his back off his shoulder, the five-foot-long blade far too unwieldy for any ordinary swordsman but exactly what he's used to carrying. His weapon of choice, but he doesn't unsheathe it. Not yet, they aren't here to kill each other. ]

Do you have everything ready?

[The way he draws his sword from where it’s lingered at his back is done so effortlessly that she can’t help but admire the movement. Fluid, seamless, and beautiful. More so than any amount of clunky movements she’s made with shield and mace in hand, anyway. The comparison just isn’t fair.

His question makes her smile that sheepish turn of the mouth again. She’d feel better if she had her own gear, honestly. Anything she’s been able to afford here just isn’t as good as what she’d be able to get in Elde Menancia. It really is like she’s starting all over again. Only by hard work and perseverance can she get back what she once had.]

I think I’m as ready as I’m going to be, circumstances permitting.

[Indicatively, she draws up the very standard shield she’s managed to procure. It’ll only block about half of her, she imagines. She will have to take serious care in any blows that they exchange.]

Disadvantage or not, I expect us both to give it our all.

I would have preferred for both of us to be at our best, but I could hardly consider myself skilled at all if I let a minor setback like this keep me from my training.

[ If anything it's just starting from level 1 again. ~~The JRPG character life.~~ It is just another chance to experience the joy of training and getting stronger once more, a pleasure usually denied to Servants. ]

To give anything less than my all in battle would be to insult my opponents. [ Not that he hasn't wanted to insult his enemies a few times, but he's not going to mention that here.

Kojirou then turns his attention to the weapons in Kisara's hands. A shield is not common amongst the opponents he's come to know: Shielder-class Servants are far and few between, and most of the enemies he's fought that have carried shields haven't exactly had much to offer anywhere else.

But of the shield-bearing heroes he's fought against or alongside, all of them were deserving of great respect. To carry a shield is to willingly throw oneself into danger, not to avoid attacks but to invite them. To do so because the alternative of one's unarmed comrades getting hurt is worse.

How could that be anything but admirable? ]

But I see your shield today won't obscure my view of your features in battle. Perhaps that is the small sliver of fortune in a difficult situation? Shall we go?

[ He tilts his head towards the private training room behind him. ]

[She has a thought to weigh in, but finds she doesn’t need to. Kojirou basically says what she likely would. Within reason, anyway. Kisara does not consider herself under the thumb of pride. She has some, but not enough for it to get in the way. She’s not really thinking about this exchange in terms of a win or a loss. Just as a means to get to know someone. Doesn’t mean she won’t take it seriously or give him what he deserves in terms of her capability. Just means that the outcome, in general, doesn’t mean much to her. It won’t change her judgement of him or of herself.

She fixes her grip on her shield, thinking about the different ways that in the future she can make it more comfortable for her to hold.

”But I see your shield today won’t obscure my view of your features in battle.”

Kisara issues a laugh. He’s still going on about that, is he? She doesn’t get it, but maybe that’s because she can’t remember hearing anyone else talk about that back in Dahna. It is one thing to compliment her combat prowess and that is likely what she is most accustomed to. Her appearance? What a curiosity.]

I’m ready if you are.

[Amber eyes follow the way his head tips and she smiles, moving past him, not at all shy about taking point. But perhaps that’s to be expected of her.]

I hope you don’t mean how I look is going to be distracting.

Hardly. If anything it makes it easier for me to keep both eyes firmly on you alone.

[ To Kojirou, there is no difference between a beautiful face and a beautiful strike. They are both equally worthy of appreciation and praise, and one cannot possibly distract from the other.

In fact he values the fighting more, if anything. The way a person swings a sword or throws a fist is an insight into their soul and no pretty face can replicate.

So he follows her into the room, that private space for just the two of them, and begins to draw his sword. At its length it wouldn't fit on his waist, and he can't actually draw it from its usual resting place on his back, but with the sheath in his left hand and the sword itself in his right, he draws the sword in a single swift motion. ]

Do you have any other preparations you need to make?

[ He does not take a stance once the blade is drawn, but from his expression it's clear he considers himself ready. ]

[She’s taking her first real moment to acquaint herself with the place he’s picked for them. Kisara is still getting to know the area and though she’s expressed an interest in gauging the capacity of those with combat prowess, she hasn’t exactly gone out of her way to examine each and every place that would suit for such endeavours. On the contrary, she’s probably spent more time just trying to get to know people and figure out how trustworthy they are.

If they are at all.

And right now, all things considered in her own life, trust is not something she’s willing to give so freely.

When he addresses her, she turns from where she’s standing, shifting her weight between her feet as if trying to get a good feel for what sort of manoeuvre her shield may allow her and the made that she’s had lingering in it. After a breath, she withdraws it and taps it against her shield. Evidently a sign that she is, in fact, ready.]

I have you. I have myself. We have our weapons. [And she hasn’t missed his sword either. Pretty piece it is.] I believe those are what we needed, yes?

[ The room they are in is by all metrics a perfectly functional training room. Reminiscent of a dojo hall, with tatami mats for flooring, a stack of wooden swords and other training equipment at one end, and what appears to be a shrine to Shuten Douji at the other. Unremarkable to Kojirou, who had seen his fair share of dojos throughout his life, except for the tiger stripe wallpaper the gym seems to like far too much in general.

After she pulls out her mace, he simply nods. ]

Then I shall not wait.

[ The blade that the swordsman was loosely holding at his side is suddenly flashing in an arc towards Kisara's head, with him still taking no stance beforehand. Kojirou would normally invite his opponent to attack first, testing the limits of their style and skills before making any further decisions on how to press on, but given that his opponent is holding a shield, he's expecting her to fight a defensive style, so this time he's going to press first. ]

[Every once in a while, she has been known to goad her enemies into attacking her. Zeugles are, at times, a bit more intelligent than she's thought them to be, though she doubts they've ever truly understood her words. Such taunts are likely better reserved for people. Although it seems that Kojirou has no need of such parlour tricks on her part.

He's quick. She's not expected anything different, really. His build, the lack of armour, the very sleek sword in his hand, it makes sense. He's light on his feet and his movement is precise. It's incredibly impressive. And beautiful, honestly. Once more, she's considering how very bulky and clunky she is in comparison.

He's right, though. She's all defence. Even when she's using a mace, it's only for brutality, in some ways. Meant for solid, heavy blows. She, unlike him, isn't fast. Isn't built for agility or precision. She can just imagine how much slower she'd be if she had the armour covering her back as well. But she's meant to be at the front lines. And usually, she has someone at her back to offer support. It makes a spar with another, potentially more of a challenge.

Kisara's shield lifts effortlessly, higher than it ordinarily would be given that it isn't a tower shield. The weight feels as if it is nothing, even if she would describe the grip as a touch uncomfortable. There's enough power in his strike, that even if it's not a heavy weapon, she knows not to underestimate it. It is very possible that she's at a disadvantage here. She can't keep up with him. Can't go pursuing him without exposing herself. Is too slow to get an immediate hit in on him.

But if she tires him out...]

You're fast.

[It's a compliment, the words echoing from where she's momentarily hiding herself behind her shield.]

[ Kojirou is many things, "precise" and "fast" certainly counting among them. "Smart" too: His slash hits Kisara's shield, and he immediately understands that this fight will not be a simple one.

The sword he's wielding, the Monohoshizao or Laundry Pole, is certainly the work of a master. Swung perfectly, it could slice clean through steel, but as he is now, the Servant lacks the strength to follow through with that swing, and no matter how well his sword is made it is still forged from ordinary iron and honed to a fine cutting edge. The sword is also fragile in a way that a European longsword would not be, and it is not something he can bring crashing at full force into even a decently well-made shield with any regularity if he wants his blade to keep its fine balance and cutting edge.

He is, to put it simply, not going to be able to force his way past her shield. ]

And you are tough. I wonder if I can get through that shell of yours?

[ He wonders, but why do anything at all if you know the result from the start? If you're going to pursue something, might as well make it the impossible.

So he approaches again, seeming to prepare for a swing of his sword with his right hand towards her shielded left side, but as he pulls his sword back he swaps to a reverse grip and instead spins around, blade suddenly flashing left and approaching her less guarded side. ]

[She has to wonder how much of her 'toughness' comes from strength of character and will, and how much of it comes from the literal shield she hides a portion of her body behind. Some might consider a shield to be a bit cowardly, despite the idea that in order to use one effectively, that same one has to be in the fray for it to be pragmatic.

One of the best things about being protected like so is that it gives Kisara time and advantage to assess an opponent. She may not be agile or swift, but the benefit of armour permits her opportunity to evaluate those she stands against. She imagines it may have been something the same for Renan soldiers in their excessively impressive armour. Heavy and difficult to bring down, leaving them somewhat imposing to stand against. She's never much cared for fighting them.

She knows better than to expect repetitious manoeuvres from him. He clearly knows what he's doing. She won't insult him by underestimating his cunning. To her, she assumes he is merely testing her. It's a smart way to approach any kind of exchange. The change in his grip may not be noticed right away, but she has just enough time to use her mace to parry a portion of the blow. A bit belatedly, allowing the beginning to land if only because the weight of her mace doesn't give her ample opportunity to more properly defend herself.

And evasion is quite out of the question.

Fast and clever.]

Armour can be chipped away with the right amount of patience and technique. I can't put that possibility past you, though I do have an attachment to my wear. Haven't yet found a place that can craft something comparable. I'd hate to lose my pieces so soon.

[If that weren't already transparent by just how serious she takes her upkeep. Kisara's armour is a pristine and impressive white, free from marring and scuff marks alike.]

[ A shield in her right hand, and a mace that she seems to be handy enough with to block most attacks, but she doesn't seem to have a third arm so if he could...

No, it would be best not to think about what he used to be able to do. The only path for any of them is forward, and he cannot use his Tsubame Gaeshi right now. He will need another way past her defenses. ]

I'm sure there are more enjoyable ways to tear your armour off. [ Yes, he's still going to flirt with her. ] Smashing my sword against your shield until one of them breaks hardly proves anything.

[ Except the skill of their blacksmiths, maybe, but Kojirou doesn't like his odds here. It's simply the nature of the weapon he wields. No, if he wins it will be by maneuvering past her guard, not forcefully breaking through it. Not this time.

So he switches his grip once again, both hands taking hold of his sword, but shifting his master hand to his left. There is no point engaging with her shield, at least right now, so it simply makes sense for him to strike at her mace arm, which is exactly what he does, shuffling along the tatami mat to his left as he takes another swing at her. ]

I—

[As much as she’d love to say she has some kind of counter for such an audacious remark she doesn’t. It’s just one more reminder that she really has no idea how to approach conversation like that. It’s just… otherworldly, honestly. Kisara’s used to being called a bit clunky, or thought of as ungraceful. Compliments? Unheard of. At least, not for her. She’s not a lady, after all, no matter how much she wouldn’t mind being able to be one.

Just a slave bent on freedom. And she supposes she’s technically not even that anymore. But she isn’t what she’d call ‘free’ either.

Kisara ultimately decides to simply let it go. Her steps are heavier than she’d like them to be, probably a bit distracted by the conversation. Banter? She’d probably call it something like that. If anyone was ever looking for a way to get to her, that’s certainly effective. A wonder she hasn’t considered that to be a proper tactic. It could all be very intentional.

When he focuses on the arm that holds her mace, due to the weight of her shield, she’s in a position where she can only attempt blocking any blows. The focus there causes her to lower her shield, however, as a result. Too difficult to focus on one over the other. Especially when she’s caught up in realising that the feeling just isn’t the same. Not just any shield and mace will do, after all. It’s foolish to convince herself otherwise.]

So instead of breaking my shield, you’ve decided my mace is good enough for that?

[She utters a short-lived laugh.]

You’re showing me that I don’t have much of an advantage against anyone fast.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Closed] Beauty in a Blade

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject