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

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

...That's about all I got; sword, fists and brain. Can teach you staff and spear fighting too.

[markofthewise]

Okay. How good are you?

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

I taught Tennen Rishin Style back home. It is a style of Japanese swordsmanship geared for use on the battlefield. Would you be interested?

[chaincutter]

['Sup Sokka, it's that douche you just can't escape.]

I am capable of such a thing.

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

Good enough to kill things that are a lot faster and stronger than I am.

Started training when I was seven, started using my skills as part of my job when I was seventeen. Other than that...couldn't tell you.

[markofthewise]

[... you're not exactly what he had in mind when he said 'experienced', being so young.]

I might be. What kind of battles have you fought using it?

[markofthewise]

[That sounds pretty good so far Talking T-Shirt Man.]

Faster and stronger is good. Have you fought multiple combatants at once?

[markofthewise]

... no thanks. [If he's going to be calling someone Master, it's not going to be you.]

[chaincutter]

You do not even wish to confirm my skills first?

[7bladesword.livejournal.com]

I'm technically a sword master, if that's what you're looking for.

[markofthewise]

I really don't think it would work out, regardless of how skilled you are.

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

I prefer not to, but yeah, I have. [Vampire nests...no fun at all]

What exactly are you wanting to learn? Just general fighting, or do you have a purpose in mind?

[markofthewise]

I want to be versatile. If a fighter throws fire at me, I want to be able to cut the distance between us and strike. If it's boulders, I want to be able to cut through them and keep fighting. If it's water, I want to be able to brace myself for it and keep on going in spite of it.

[chaincutter]

... I see. If you reconsider, I would have enjoyed having another student.

[markofthewise]

But are you experienced? [Because you look barely older than him. And like a girl.]

[markofthewise]

... you have other students?

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

[Hey! He older than you. D: And...only has another year or two to live. GIVE HIM A BREAK.]

Close quarter, multiple opponents, street fights, raids on enemy strongholds.

[7bladesword.livejournal.com]

More than you could guess. [He may not look it, but he's old as hell. And shut up, that means nothing!!]

[markofthewise]

Sounds pretty versatile. I have a jian sword. Would that work for the style?

[chaincutter]

Yes. Is that surprising to you?

[markofthewise]

What kind of fighting conditions are you used to?

[ahappylie.livejournal.com]

We were trained for war.

It isn't the usual sort of thing we use, but yes, I suppose it should. Anything can be a weapon in a battle - your sword is only the most obvious.

[markofthewise]

[Yes.] Not really. Did they already know how to fight?

[7bladesword.livejournal.com]

All sorts.

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

I see.

Well, vampires don't do any of that...but I can probably still offer you something that'll help. For what you want, I can teach you avoidance, using the motion of your opponents against themselves, and how to interact with attacks so that your motion keeps you safe, but still puts you in a position to strike.

Have you actually asked anyone who can throw stuff like that at you to spar with you? You may need it once you have the basics down. Sometimes it's the best way to learn.