Let's Train in 100 Times Gravity

[shineinside]

Who: Anyone who wants to come by! Tag in, thread with Yuka, thread with each other, whatever you want.
What: Combat training/practice.
When: Sunset, each night for a week minimum.
Where: East end of Islet 1.
Warnings: Possible blood if things get out of hand, implied 80s training montage songs

Yuka chose this location because the ground was level, there was enough space for people to move around, and nobody was really using it for anything else. No wild beasts, no fish people to disturb, no strange psychological effects... the ideal place for people to gather for an hour or two and get some good-natured fighting in. The snow on the ground wasn't ideal, she supposed, but that stuff was everywhere, so they'd just have to make do. It'd probably be snowing during the invasion, anyway.

Each evening, as the sun inched towards the horizon, Yuka set her other tasks aside to come out and wait. Jug of wassail sitting at the edge of the space, bundled in warm clothes and scarves, Yuka paced, wondering if this was really going to be worth the time. Are there people willing to spend that much time to train others when there's so much else that needs doing? Can someone even learn enough to make a difference in this little time? For that matter, are these shadow monsters something you can even fight with your fists? If nothing else, it would be good to do some physical activity in just to get her mind to stop going in circles.

For those who arrived early, there would be less to do, but even just talking through what different fighting skills people had would be useful for later on. Once more people arrived, those who use similar weapons could work together, and those with more combat experience could work with those with less. Or, people who know each other or are curious about each other's abilities could seek each other out for a sparring match.

So: Fight, teach, learn, take breaks, drink, chat. Bring your own wassail if you can - Yuka's can only stretch so far.

Comments

[daydreamy]

[ but soft, what dumbass from yonder mana pool breaks? ]

Yuka-chaaaaaan! [ the most ENTHUSIASTIC ONE-HANDED WAVE (she would've gone with two, but she's got something fluffy and wooly tucked carefully under her arm. ] I'm here, I'm here! Has anybody else showed up yet?

[shineinside]

[ It is the west, and Kyouko the nerd! Who gets so excited to see someone who they share a home with?

Okay, no, Yuka can feel it too. ]

You're the first one. Other people ought to be showing up later... [ I mean, they're basically right next to their house. ] Are you going to fight, too?

ota!

[attheclocktower]

[Xion has been busy herself, keeping an eye on her messages, running communication between various groups, but she also sets aside the time in the evening. She'd... kind of half-suggested this whole thing to Yuka in the first place, and the idea was definitely a good one. Xion had done stints of guard duty at Solheim, but she hadn't really gotten into a fight since she arrived at LifeAftr.

Last time she was in a proper fight, she'd still been in her fake body at the Tower. Her fake, two-and-a-half-years-older body. Would muscle memory even carry over? Not to mention she still isn't sure how this place has limited her powers, though she's sure it has. Better to find out now, than in an actual fight.

She's one of the earlier people to arrive, and the later people to leave. Her weapons of choice? Her Keyblade, her magic, and the hand-to-hand combat that Reno has taught her. She's willing and able to talk about and try to share what she's learned. But she's about as anxious about being a teacher as she is about being a leader.]

[shineinside]

[Oh good, it's not just her and Kyouko showing up.

Xion was keep guard back at Camp Solheim, right? So it makes sense that she'd be a fighter.]

Xion! Thanks for coming.

What kind of fighting are you good at? I'm trying to keep track of who can do what in case someone wants to practice specific skills later.

[souris_keteer]

Whoa!

[That gasp of amazement comes when Xion summons her Keyblade. It's the most amazing sword he's ever seen... and there's something oddly familiar about it.]

What kind of sword is that?

grabs you

[bloodyashes]

[And sometime when she's finishing a sparring bout, there will be a very familiar figure standing off to one side, watching as she vanishes the Keyblade.]

Care for one more?

[HEY LET'S DO THIS against an opponent whose style you sort of know? sort of?]

[souris_keteer]

[Mickey arrives as soon as he can, eager to help and eager to fight! Until he finds a proper sparring partner, he exercises with his blade - shadow-sword-fighting, stretches, he wants to keep every limb limber. Amazingly enough, yes, he does have some talent and skill! He also tries to practice with his fire magic, whispering up a small orb of flame and trying to toss it. It's not great, and he seems disappointed he can't do more with it.

He mostly sticks to the sword. Every now and then, he smiles, remembering home.]

[prettypurpleparlor]

[Muffet arrives reasonably promptly, but doesn't attempt to join a fight right away. Instead, she seems to be observing thoughtfully, considering the people around her as she learns more about their capabilities and decides who might be helpful to spar with.]

[To be honest, the idea of being around this many humans in FIGHTing moods makes her uncomfortable, monsters being so fragile. But she knows it's important to learn, too important for her to just avoid this kind of thing in the long run.]

[Approach her?]

[unpurify]

[Yeah why not. He'll say hello to the spider lady.]

Are you here to watch?

[Not that that's a bad thing. In some cases the Batter had to made due with watching his opponents while fighting them and it's proven fruitful in the long run.]

[shineinside]

[As someone with a lot of experience with sitting uncomfortably at the edge of get-togethers, Yuka picks up on Muffet's mood pretty quickly, and heads on over.]

Hey, Muffet. Is everything all right?

[bloodyashes]

[Hey Muffet! Here's Asch in a familiar borrowed coat, using one gloved hand to push his hair back from his forehead. Under all the layers, he's actually managed to work up a sweat.

And he's noticed how uncomfortable-looking she is, so once he's satisfied with the state of his hair, he comes over, loosening his collar a little to cool off as he goes.]

Not much of a fighter, I take it?

the drifter | ota

[hyperlit]

Fortunately, the Drifter is accustomed to fighting among cold weather. The northernmost regions of the world were thick with snow and slick with ice, and the awkward, cramped temple spaces and slender, craggy mountaintops had required as much precision as any other part of the world.

Their attire has not changed - hot or cold, they wear the same garments as always. If the weather has chilled them, they do not show it, and in any case, they warm up swiftly.

Their hard light blade flashes cyan as they dart across the makeshift training space in flicker-shadowed blurs. Their motions are short, fierce, and abrupt as they spin, twist, pivot, thrust with their weapon, locked in combat against an invisible foe.

They've not had reason to train anyone before, and thus do not particularly know where to begin. The shopkeepers in Central could teach them requisite skills, with the right payment, but that is where their expertise ends - if it can be considered expertise at all. Their style of combat is unique, geared toward those light on their feet, who cannot weather many hits, but you never know who might be able to learn from it.

[unpurify]

It's an interesting fighting style, to say the least. The Drifter doesn't seem to focus on heavy blows but quick movements and cuts. In, slash, out. Effective as it seems to keep them out of the way. The Batter knows that there are downsides to having a weapon that is short ranged and that you had to keep in mind where you are and what opponents that are out of your range are doing.

Of course, the Batter had the advantage of having the Puppeteers. He was left to his own devices when they took their hands off of things but in battle they had more control of the situation then one might think. He couldn't die with them around, for example.

The Batter will watch the Drifter in silence, the two Add-Ons floating nearby, until they stop. Then he'll speak up.

"You are fast." To say the least.

[lightlessfuture]

The knight hasn't fought in snow before, but ash is close enough. It makes things just as slippery. You probably couldn't make snowmen out of ash though. That'd be gross.

They simply sit and watch, kicking their feet gently in idle thought; the Drifter, whether they notice it or not, has a little shadow observing them as they dart across the space.

It reminds them of Hornet, and the Mantis Lords. Powerful and fast, quick as lightning.

After a while, they seem to think sitting idle isn't a good use of their time. Their cloak trailing shadow, they attempt to follow the Drifter's movements; dashing along behind them, mimicking their twists and turns without drawing their own weapon.

Yuka's own toplevel

[shineinside]

While she waited for more people to arrive, Yuka felt like she should do something to get ready, but honestly didn't have much idea of where to start. The problem with superpowers is that they don't come up classes to get you up to speed on the basics, she just kind of figured it out as she went along. So, she focused on the one new thing she knew she had to worry about - her limited strength.

Thus, for the early part of the evening, Yuka could be found doing something not unlike shadow boxing - just throwing punches and kicks at the air, trying to get a better feel for what she was capable of without using her powers. She could tell she was physically weaker like this than she was in her old body, but even so, learning her limitations in this form could save her life later. Occasionally, she'd put her full strength into a punch, sending a shockwave of force through the air that briefly split the falling snow.

This would probably be more productive with a sparring partner.

[souris_keteer]

Clap clap clap clap! That comes from Mickey, who's clearly impressed.

"Nice moves there, Yuka!"

shimmies in late

[bloodyashes]

It would definitely be more productive with a sparring partner. Here's one, just calmly stepping into the circle of Yuka's shadowboxing without a word and making a classic 'come at me' gesture. Asch is decent at hand-to-hand, but not great, and a bit out of practice to boot.

C'mon, Yuka, you can hit him, right?

Magnus | OTA

[proficienciesouttheass]

[ The guy's been here for five days. And, in five days, he's gotten some of the lay of the land, he really couldn't pass an opportunity to show off help people with his fighting skills!

So, on the first evening, you get this big, burly man, shield strapped to his back, enormous ax in one hand, jug of wassail in the other (he wanted to contribute to the drinking portion of this! Because that's Responsible), looking around and finding the first person he can approach.]

Hey-- is this where the training's happening?

--

[ Throughout the week, you may find him excitedly sparring, trying to measure his strength to that of his opponent's. Sometimes, though, it's hard to dial it back, but he's polite enough to help someone up if they need it.


He's also weirdly excited about something this...bad? And serious? Feel free to question him about it. ;)]

[lightlessfuture]

[ The knight always fought out of necessity, not for enjoyment, but with no risk of having to kill their opponent for some reason or another, they find a certain peace in the rhythm of fights.

And since everyone is bigger than them, as usual, they don't feel a need to hold back too much with other warriors. Magnus is one such person; though they prefer to dodge, using their size and speed to their advantage, it might be a surprise when Magnus lands a hit that they parry instead.

They lock weapons, their tiny, gleaming sword against his comparatively large axe, staring up at their opponent.

It's kind of hilarious. ]

[achievementhunter]

[Chara looks over-- and then up at him, quirking a brow at this burly human man. Another new one, they suppose, and it's a mental cross to their intent to keep count of any new arrivals that come.

Their own jug of wassail is next to them, but unlike his, it's nonalcoholic. Alas.]

I would assume so, sir. If not, we're all in the wrong place.

[quietknight]

Sonje sat at the edge of the clearing, watching in silence as the others sparred. Getting an idea of what everyone else around here was capable of was a sensible tactical move. Also, she reluctantly admitted to herself, sitting on the sidelines and watching was so much easier than actually asking someone to be her partner.

She had come prepared, at least. She had not brought her armor with her, but wore the gambeson it came with for warmth. She also had a sword and shield leaning against her side ready to be taken up at any moment.

[lightlessfuture]

Her silent acquaintance is here, too, mostly sitting on the sidelines - though they've sparred a bit, too. Whether they enjoy it is hard to tell, but they seem to be willingly going back for more, so. Possibly?

Eventually, though, they wander over to Sonje, looking up at her and then looking at the sword, and then drawing their own. It seems like at least one person would like to practice with her.

ota!

[jinglejangle]

[The first night, McCree comes out just to watch, to get a feel for what this is exactly going to be like. This whole...group effort to train and practice isn't necessarily unfamiliar to McCree at this point, but the manner of fighting is.

The only person he knew before he showed up here who used something as antiquated as a sword was Genji, and he was - well. He was faster, stronger, hardier than your average human by the point they knew each other.

He shows up the second day, and every day after, actually wanting to learn - and bringing along some things he wants to test out. Boons from the Storyteller, things he got with favors, though they don't...look like much. On the ground next to him he places something that looks just - well, at first glance it looks just like a white hexagon. A closer glance will show there's a circle in the center, almost like a camera lens, and little silvery feet that are currently folded into the white plastic.
Everything else he keeps in his bag, though from the way everything clacks in there it's clear he's got more than a few somethings in there.

If anyone looks curious about what the fuck he's bringing to a sword (training) fight, McCree will tip his hat at them.]

Y'wanna help me out with this?

[Do it, for science.]

[lightlessfuture]

[ They sure do not have any idea what that is, but they're no stranger to helping with potentially dangerous or incredibly risky things.

They step up to the challenge without fear and give a single nod. What a strong and stoic type this tiny bug is! They are Ready to be helpful. ]

Gobbet ota!

[ratsinadaze]

[It takes Gobbet a couple of days to hear about the training, being on Chol and busy with preparations. She's deep into helping Munin with a few traps and scouting out new ambush points, but this is something she makes time for once she catches wind. After all, melee has never been her specialty. It's always been guns and spells for her.]

[So you can find her practicing with a new weapon each of the three days she visits Islet 1.]

i. Tidepool Sickle

[The ork steps down onto the beach with a bizarre weapon in hand. She's been watching the Jormun train with these, so she has an idea of what to do, but it's obvious she's out of her element when she takes the first swing. It's a two-handed, clumsy swipe at nothingness accompanied by a little stumble. Heat creeps into her cheeks as she realizes how stupid she must have just looked.]

[Help a girl out?]

ii. Schlacknorkcvic

[Gobbet holds in her hands a long, blunted staff, much like the sickle she was practicing with the day before in theme and appearance. The weight feels good in her hands, like she can really do some cool tricks if she gets the hang of it. She sets her feet as firmly as one can in the sand and tries a few different stances in an attempt to figure out what feels best.]

[You can find her cycling through her chosen stances - or striking poses with a cool stick, to the untrained eye.]

iii. Schlaknorkovn

[The last day she shows up a bit early. This weapon is her favorite of the three that she's been given and truth be told she really wants to turn it into her primary. It's a spear, the head boasting wicked teeth and jagged shards of coral. It, too, resembles the watery weapon of day one. The Jormun have been generous in fulfilling her request for weaponry, it seems.]

[Gobbet can be found jabbing enthusiastically at the air, piercing an unseen target in seemingly strategic locations. Her strikes "land" about the chest and knees of her victim, alternating between the intent to kill and disable. She's clearly light on her feet and the training from days prior carries over into how she holds and handles the weapon overall.]

[If you happen to approach, you'll receive an eager question:]

Hey, can you stand still for a sec? I wanna see if I'm hitting the right places.

i. because i love death and dying

[postictal]

[It's always awkward to run into someone after an altercation, especially one based on being fundamentally ideologically opposed. Despite the heated conversation in the form of a dream, rooted in a memory both intensely personal and intensely painful, he knows better than to leave it at that.]

[Especially given what's approaching.]

[He watches from a distance for a time before finally shuffling closer, nodding at the peculiar weapon in her hands.]

'S a hell of a thing.

OTA

[bitch4bitch]

This is not the first time Erika has ended up fighting when it's cold out, but jeez it still sucks. Fortunately, after all this time, her jacket is worn in enough that she can move around in it without too much trouble, so, you know. It could be worse.

She stands aside to practice on her own until someone shows interest in sparring or being taught, working in quick, short jabs of her fists or swipes of the knife she keeps in her jacket.

She... actually has a second knife, sitting on top of her pack nearby, which came in the bag when she arrived. That might seem kind of redundant if it weren't for the fact that you can never have too many knives.

[shineinside]

Eyebrows, check. Teeth, check Hot... well, she certainly cuts a striking silhouette. This must be her.

"Excuse me... you're Erika, right?" If she's being honest, Yuka's qa bit intimidated. "I wanted to thank you for offering to help out with this."

[the_word_is]

[Maka doesn't have a scythe here, but a blade tied to the end of a staff works as a glave, and she's trained in polearms. It's close enough, and light enough for her to use easily. She's got her blades wrapped in thick pieces of cloth, tied strips of kahki.

She stands off to the side at first, watching and observing. An occasional wave and smile at people she knows (and people she doesn't) if they seem friendly.

When she spars, she'll approach anyone who looks like they're knowing when it comes to hand-to-hand combat and get in a fistfight with them, or she'll get in a knife fight or a polearm fight. Otherwise she's just practicing by herself as usual, a dance-like, fluid style that involves a lot of twirling the staff and shifting through poses that would block in front and behind.

Maka knows what she's doing, that much is obvious. She's a fighter with years of battles to the death behind her, raised in a culture that encouraged it and a school that trained her well. Come at her, bro.]