Log: [CLOSED] Japan and Taiwan, sparring

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

Despite everything else that had been going on, Taiwan had worked hard preparing for this fight. To give it less than her best would be insulting to both Japan and herself. A lot of people hadn't seemed to understand why the two of them would fight if they insisted they weren't angry at each other - because she hadn't been, not really - but she

Comments

[honorifics]

Bored. Above all, Japan was bored. Not to say life on the seas wasn't exciting -- oh no, it was far from that -- but he simply missed a good, charged fight. It had been so long since his last duel, he could hardly remember what it was like. It was a good excuse to see Taiwan too, even if their conversations had been a tad bit... awkward as of late. It was hardly an issue, as he would not let his emotions get in the way.

On the deck of the S.S. Pasta, sun high in the sky, he holds out a sheathed katana for her as she approaches. He had originally asked her for a spar, but it was more of a challenge this way and he longed to hear the clash of swords again. "I hope you have prepared yourself for this." Japan smiles softly as he lets go of the hilt, testing her speed already.

[honorifics]

[ moves back, pausing ] Hm.

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

[ Follows through on the moment when Japan is stepping backwards, hoping to put him off balance ] If you don't think I'm worth fighting with everything you have, at least have the decency to say so!

[honorifics]

[ raises his blade in response, pressing down on her to retaliate ] Do you think you are--?

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

[ ducks under and low (her lack of height helps her a lot here) to bypass Japan's guard ] How should I know? You're the one who raised me!

[honorifics]

[ swiftly turns on his heel to follow, striking again to emphasize his statement ]

Tell me if you think you are.

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

[ steps away again, and actually takes the time to study the situation this time, where Japan moved, how he was standing, how he gripped the sword. Her approach this time is quick, very fast and meant to be unexpected... ]

[honorifics]

[ stumbles back and barely raises his sword in a defensive stance in time, grinning slightly ] Better.

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

[ even now, after all these years, that one word from Japan could bring a pleased flush to her cheeks; but they are fighting now, and there is no time to be happy about what amounted to high praise from the one who had raised her. Slower this time, a little more calculated ]

[honorifics]

[ slower now-- she was still learning and he would follow along, pacing careful and matching hers, like a dance of swords clashing ]

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

[ the next few moves are graceful, apparently evenly matched. the movement is almost formal, as if everything were choreographed beforehand. Taiwan is waiting for Japan to make a move]

[honorifics]

[ he glides along, matching her move for move but enough was enough. Japan sets his foot forward and he snaps ahead, striking ]

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

[ spin, spin, twist, duck... she barely notices in time to bring her sword up to try and meet Japan's strike; she is awkwardly off balance, but at least she managed to deflect the worst of it... She can't help smiling at that. So Japan finally made a move, did he...?]

[honorifics]

Is there something amusing to you? [ he settles back into position, analyzing where he should strike next, if it was the opportune moment, if she left any openings... ]

[lu_dao_gu_niang]

[ a wider smile now, watching Japan. ] Not exactly.

[honorifics]

[ carefully steps to his left, slowly, eyes watching her as well ] You are smiling.