vatheon | (no subject)

Who: Shizuo and Serph
Where: Middle District
When: Midday
Style: Action?
Status: Closed

[All in all, Shizuo had been doing a lot better with controlling himself and his strength. Before seeing Sola fall to his death, Shizuo had been in a relatively good place, and had established a level of confidence that, previously, he had been unable to obtain. His control had been far from perfect, but it had been an improvement.

Then came Sola's death and the fallout with Izaya, and that fragile control had been shattered. And as though that weren't enough, Shizuo was affected by the curse and not only sick, but also weak - a foreign concept to him. Though he's back on what can be considered a better path again, he has regressed, and finds himself with more frequent temper outbursts once again.

There are probably plenty of reasons for it - readjusting to his strength after being so weak the week prior, a delayed reaction to the fear and trauma of Sola's death, or even a way of venting that faint sense of jealousy Shizuo felt over Izaya the evening before. But Shizuo just isn't the kind of guy who over-analyzes his situation. He just goes with the flow.

And going with the flow this time has him erupt on one of the natives - a man who bumped into him just as Shizuo was lighting a cigarette, causing him to drop it. A minuscule offense, but Shizuo's nerves are on edge and rationality is not an option. Up comes a lamppost, and halfway across Vatheon flies the native.

It isn't a source of pride.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Shizuo regards Serph for a moment, then nods.]

Yeah, I'd like to learn. Someone told me they'd help me once, but it didn't work out.

[More like Vegeta had threatened his most important person and then broke all his bones.]

[It's unfortunate that things didn't work out. There could be many reasons for that, but Serph isn't about to pry.]

When would be best for you? Time isn't an issue--

[...Sort of. His working hours are quite flexible, so he can adjust his schedule around Shizuo's. It's not like the Junkyard, where his time had been scarce and people had to make the most of the time he'd been around. However, there's one restriction...]

--as long as sessions aren't at night.

[That's when he hunts. It's best Shizuo doesn't come looking for him then.]

Maybe next week at this time? I don't have too much going on, though, so it can be whenever.

[Shizuo's schedule is pretty open, especially now that Zelda no longer factors into the equation.]

[Serph nods, but makes an addendum.]

This time and location, every week. I can handle twice or three times a week, if you wish for quicker results.

[It will take constant practice for there to be any effect. Ideally, daily, but Serph also he won't be able to handle daily punching.]

Every week.

[Then a pause at the suggestion of two or three times a week.]

I don't want to overdo it. Do you think we should do it that much?

[Serph nods.]

Martial artists train daily to master their art.

[...At least, that's what he's read. Serph has never trained before, never needing it, so he can't say he speaks from experience.]

Daily will be too strenuous for my Atma, but thrice is fine.

[Being hurt too much too often makes Varna extra hungry, and Serph would rather not need to hunt more frequently than he already needs to.]

Okay. Three times, then.

[More frequent sessions make sense, and Shizuo wants to get a handle on control as quickly as possible. He just wants to make sure he doesn't overdo it for Serph.]

Thank you.

[It's spoken with sincerity.]

[Serph gives him a nod in acknowledgement of the thanks. He's just doing what he can to help. It's probably best to be clear on which three days they would be sparring.]

Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Let me know if you can't make it.

[If there isn't anything else Shizuo needs to speak about, Serph'll be giving a curt nod and taking his leave.]

That works.

[Shizuo returns the nod, and heads off in his own direction.]