Sokka the 30th - [Written]

[markofthewise]

[This has been brewing in his mind since yesterday. He decides to finally act on it. Katara, Toph, Zuko, Aang... they all had masters to learn their styles from. Sokka? He had fifteen years of pretending he was a warrior and a mere three days under a real master. Well, this was Luceti. He had nothing but time here. So after he's home for the night and dinner is done, he puts together the following filter]

[Filtered 100% against the Straw Hats, his friends (and anyone from his world), and your usual villainous suspects.]

I'm looking for someone with experience willing to teach fighting. I don't have any special powers, so if your style involves lifting ridiculously huge swords or shooting fire from your hands, forget it. I want someone who can fight for real. I'd prefer fighting with my own sword, but I'll try other styles. I can't offer much in return... but I can try to work out something in exchange.

Comments

[markofthewise]

I've already trained in other styles of fighting... but because of the war, I didn't get a chance to have a master for long enough to get more than the basics down. How long would this Tennen Rishin thing take to learn?

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

If you know other styles, then it will be interesting to see how long it takes to learn ours. It depends upon your level of talent and determination. I mastered it in 7 to 9 years, but I regularly train the recruits to get a working knowledge of it within a year so they don't die on the streets.

If you are looking for a quick answer, I'm afraid my style may not be that. I can train you to handle your weapon, but mastery comes only with time.

[markofthewise]

[... that's a long time. Of course, the Watersibs can master stuff in a week apparently.]

I've got nothing but time in Luceti. I'll learn as much as I can while I'm here.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

Understood. I see that you're also training with Derek-san. He can teach you good things as well.

I work the midnight shifts at the Welcome Center and go to the barracks in the early morning, an hour after the sun rises. On days you are not training with Derek, come and see me. Bring your sword and any armor you normally have. A chestplate is adviseable.

[markofthewise]

Alright, I can switch off between you two, then. I have armor, but it's not made of metal. Is that fine?

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

I'll provide you with something to cover your chest in addition to what you have. If we ever spar, I might accidentally kill you if I get a hit in.

Training in heavier armor than you'll actually wear will help you increase your speed anyway.

[markofthewise]

[Accidentally killing would be bad.]

Well, if we're going to be training with real swords... [Not a good idea for Sokka, his sword is made of hax. He'll have to make a spare.]

... by the way, my name is Sokka.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

[Yes, it would be. :( Very bad. It's why he hasn't been teaching here since he can go a little overboard.]

Ah...No, I wouldn't use a real sword against you. I've been known to crack our practice armor with the bamboo practice swords we use. I mostly wanted to see your weapon so I have a better idea of the movements you will need - and to measure your ability with it. I apologize for not clarifying.

My name is Okita Souji. It is an honor to train with you, Sokka-kun.

[markofthewise]

[Now that just sounds painful. Ouch.]

I'm very good at not getting hit. [It comes with having everything in creation thrown at you in battle.] It's hitting the other guy I need to work on. Still. I work at the smithy, I can make myself some stronger armor.

[Normally Sokka objects to weird honorifics, but in this case he'll make an exception.] The honor is mine, Master Souji.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

[It happened to the main character of his series - sent him right through the sliding doors. Little bugger got back up though. \o/ GO SHOUNEN HEROES.]

Good, then we will use that to your advantage. The heavier your armor the better. I'm going to train you on strength and speed so you can get into range to attack. Also, pressure points - do you know them?

[Haha, wow that's weird to hear for him. Master anything is weeeeeird.]

When should I expect you?

[markofthewise]

A friend of mine recently taught them to me. [He was going to learn chi blocking, but Katara... did not approve.] Why?

How about the day after tomorrow? I'm meeting Derek first thing- well, okay, I'm meeting him before first thing in the morning.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

They're excellent for street fighting and close quarter techniques.

Understood. And yes, he does get up rather early, doesn't he? [Brb, Okita is kind of laughing at you, Sokka.]

I'll see you at 630AM.

[markofthewise]

6:30, huh? Great. I get to sleep in.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

I could make it earlier, if you'd like?

[markofthewise]

No no, that's fine. I'll enjoy the extra sleep.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

Smart boy. I'll meet you at the barracks.

[markofthewise]

I am so glad I picked the house in front of the barracks.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

Lucky indeed.

We'll start with a demonstration of your current skills, then I'll map a course for your run. After that, we'll start training in earnest. How does that sound?

[markofthewise]

Sounds like a good start to me. By run, do you mean running running?

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

What do you mean?

[markofthewise]

I'm just noticing that there appears to be a lot of running in my future.

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

Yes, there certainly seems to be. [Pfft, poor Sokka. It's good endurance training though.]

I'm going to weight you down with gear and we'll do laps around the village. Endurance and speed should come out of it.

[markofthewise]

... at least I'm already in shape. [Weighed down with gear. Lovely.]

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

Then it should be easy.

[markofthewise]

Nothing I can't handle, I'm sure.