Just in case [After Moonlight Butterfly]

[notjustlockonm2]

[Lyle can be found in the gym with, of all things, a sword. A rapier, in this case. He's got a wallscreen set up with a simplified human figure going through basic stances and motions, and he's doing his best to emulate them. He's not doing bad at it...per se, but it's pretty obvious he doesn't have much experience with melee fighting

Comments

THIS THREAD, IT WAS MADE FOR ME

[gundam_savior]

-Setsuna watches him from a distance, having intended to sneak some training in of his own. He's hesitant to approach, considering... well, considering their history together. But when it comes to swords, Setsuna can't resist. Time to take a risk. Or at least hope Lyle's cooled off enough to not want to punch him on sight.-

An interesting choice of weapon for a sniper.

1/2 (IN HINDSIGHT, I REALLY SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING)

[notjustlockonm2]

[Lyle stops and just stares at Setsuna for a long time.]

2/2

[notjustlockonm2]

[Then, just before it's been long enough that Setsuna is starting to feel like he should do something, Lyle finally responds.]

A sniper doesn't always have the luxury of fighting from a distance.

[gundam_savior]

-Setsuna quirks a small smile. He doesn't seem intimidated by the stare in the slightest, nor does he try to come across as imposing. He's careful to keep himself neutral.-

Wise words. I could probably stand with some marksmanship training myself. 00 is a little lacking when it comes to ranged tactics.

-He eyes the rapier in Lyle's hand, but doesn't comment on it for now.-

May I ask what prompted this?

[notjustlockonm2]

I found myself facing a man who knew how to use a sword when the only weapon I had left was a sword, and I didn't know what to do with it. I'm lucky he didn't chop my damn head off.

[gundam_savior]

-For someone who doesn't laugh very often, Setsuna looks very amused to hear this.-

That's... an unfortunate turn of events. I'm glad you came back safely. Cherudim would miss you, as would the rest of us.

-He glances towards the wallscreen.-

However, I'm curious how much you expect to learn just by watching someone else. Swordplay lends itself more easily to hands-on experience, along with guidance. That's how I learned it, anyway.

[notjustlockonm2]

[For the first time, a tinge of emotion enters his voice.]

I've got to start somewhere, and I hope you understand when I say I'd rather not learn from you.

[gundam_savior]

-Setsuna shakes his head.-

Who you learn it from doesn't matter. In fact, all I know comes from Ali essentially beating my face into the dirt. Life is full of lots of little ironies like that.

-He is quiet for awhile, as Lyle was, before speaking again.-

I am happy you found your resolve. So long as you're fighting, I'm sure you'll get stronger without realizing it.

[notjustlockonm2]

Thanks for the advice.

[His expression at this point clearly says, "If you don't have anything else to say, please go away."]

[gundam_savior]

-After a minute or so, Lyle can hear a soft, perhaps even condescending 'hn'.-

Humans carry unfortunate burdens, don't they? But...

-He turns to leave, but not before shooting Lyle a cold glance. His eyes flicker a dangerous gold.-

They shouldn't allow themselves to be distracted by them. With or without anyone else, this world will change. Gundam and I will see to that.

I suggest you keep your blade sharp in the meantime, Lockon Stratos...

-Setsuna purposely brushes past Lyle and makes a swift departure. Even after he is gone, an uncomfortable chill lingers in the air.-

[notjustlockonm2]

[At the last moment, Lyle stops Setsuna, deciding the man deserves at least SOME kind of explanation.]

Listen, Setsuna. I'll work with you, fight by your side even. You can trust me at your back. I even understand why you...why you did what you did.

But that's not the same thing as liking you. I don't think I'll ever be able to do that.

[gundam_savior]

-Setsuna is not amused. He fixes Lyle with a stare that somehow manages to be even more unnerving than usual.-

Are you done?

[notjustlockonm2]

That's all.

[gundam_savior]

Good.

I don't need, or want to be your friend. But what I do want is for our mission to be successful. People who get in the way of that are useless. For better or worse, you are with Celestial Being until the end. You should remember that and act accordingly.

Are we at an understanding, then?

[notjustlockonm2]

I think we are.

[gundam_savior]

Do I have your permission to leave now?