vatheon | (no subject)

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(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.]

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[Serph happens to be passing through on his way to the library when he catches sight of Shizuo. He's about to approach and ask Shizuo if he found his shop in the Nostalgia Nook when...

...Whoa, that sure is a lamppost and local going flying. Serph watches the arc of both and makes note of where the local lands. There are plenty who are in a better position to help the local than he -- and if no one does... well, he'd planned to go hunting tonight anyway. It's one less local he has to kill -- so Serph concerns himself with Shizuo.

Serph steps forward -- making sure he's in line of sight so he doesn't startle Shizuo -- to greet Shizuo from a cautious distance, close enough to speak but far enough to react to attack. However, there's no fear in Serph's voice, just calmness as he addresses Shizuo.]

Shizuo. Is something the matter?

[Shizuo is in the process of fishing another cigarette out of his pocket and then lighting it, when he hears his name. He turns his attention to Serph, and feels some regret. He had been doing better about keeping control - or at least choosing to vent his strength on individuals more adept at handling it - that the prospect of reestablishing a negative reputation is upsetting. He takes a drag on his cigarette before responding.]

Not anymore.

[He shrugs, as though it's not a big deal. And, well, he's dealt with it for years, so it really shouldn't be.]

[Since it's clear Shizuo is calm, Serph draws to a more conversation friendly distance.

He knows Shizuo isn't fond of violence from what's written on his Defense Force, but yet the way he'd lashed out... Serph can't help but be reminded of Heat, though Heat is far more controlled in his anger.

He glances at the place where the lamp post used to be -- he'd only expect such strength from an Atma, normally -- before looking back at Shizuo and tilting his head.]

Is this what normally happens when you are angry?

[He says it evenly, no judgement in his voice.]

[Shizuo inhales from his cigarette again. He's a really fast smoker when he wants to be. It's already nearly down to the filter.

He doesn't like this topic, but at least Serph doesn't seem frightened or judgmental. That was the nice part about living in Vatheon. A lot of people and creatures had seen far worse than someone exerting enough force to tear objects out of concrete, Shizuo had come to learn. It meant that not everyone responded with instant fear.

It didn't take away Shizuo's desire to get control of himself, though. Izaya seems to have faith that he can get there, but this setback has Shizuo thinking otherwise.]

Yeah. I can't really help it.

[No use sugarcoating it, since Serph already witnessed it.]

I've tried, though.

[He really does hate violence, despite the fact that he can slip into violence incarnate over trivial matters.]

[Tried which? To not be angry, or to not lash out? Or both? Serph isn't sure which one is the problem here.

He doesn't know how to soothe anger, though, not when he doesn't know Shizuo all that well. His usual method is to physically get in the way, and it's loyalty and respect that does the rest. That probably isn't such a good idea in this situation. And... well... Serph thinks bottling up anger isn't a good idea either.]

Is this a problem of control?

[He adds for clarification.]

Are you using more strength than you wish to?

[Shizuo nods. That's exactly it. He gets angry and irrational, and can't keep himself from giving into his force. His strength has always been bigger than himself. He doesn't know how to keep himself from exerting so much force. It becomes almost automatic - and he has a nickname back in Ikebukuro that reflects that quality.]

I get angry, and it just happens. I can't hold back.

[The general feeling Serph gets from this conversation is shame. Shame over the lack of control. Serph is sympathetic to the problem -- potentially hurting a comrade without meaning to isn't a good feeling -- but he thinks dwelling on such feelings is damaging. But it's not his place to judge.

His voice is still calm and even.]

Strength has its uses.

[Perhaps the lack of control is from a lack of use? It's not difficult to guess that Shizuo doesn't use his strength often -- likely avoids it, like those who hadn't accepted their Atma -- so Shizuo isn't familiar with how far he can push things. It's the frequent use of his Atma that gives Serph the experience and fine control over what he can and cannot do.]

Exercising your strength when you are not angry may help your control.

[...Let's not have any more flying lamp posts, though.]

I can be your target.

[Shizuo can't deny that strength has its uses. And he also can't deny that being without it makes him feel vulnerable, as demonstrated by this last curse. It's a necessary evil, especially in a place like Vatheon, but that doesn't change the fact that Shizuo has always yearned for control.]

I know. But I can't hold it back.

[He's tried since childhood; it has never worked that way for him.

That last statement makes him pause. He flicks his cigarette and turns his stare on Serph, trying to understand what he's saying - why he's saying it.]

I don't want to use you or anyone as a target.

[The fact that he just sent someone flying across Vatheon notwithstanding; Shizuo doesn't want to hurt anyone more than he has to.]

You will need a target eventually.

[Unless Shizuo can suddenly channel COOL CALM SERENITY like Serph can, anyway.

Serph looks at where the lamp post used to be, and back to Shizuo. He says his next words with certainty.]

I don't break so easily.

[Maybe. Probably. He had tried to find that in Vegeta, who was strong and could take his rage and violence without being truly harmed, but that had wound up being a bust. Vegeta hadn't seemed interested after their last fight - and Shizuo isn't exactly keen on getting all his bones broken again.

He's still somewhat skeptical, but warming up to the idea.]

How strong are you?

[A difficult question to answer without demonstration, but Serph explains as best he can to someone unfamiliar with his world.]

While I'm unable to break lamp posts like you--

[His Atma isn't designed to kill that way, after all.]

--I've been attacked by those who can. I'm accustomed to it.

[Serph has a good gauge on how much he can take -- he'd get a massive earful from his Tribe if he hadn't -- so he'll know when to stop. ~~COME AT ME, BRO.~~]

[Shizuo is still skeptical, but he knows that Vatheon is different from Ikebukuro, and that there are people and creatures who could take his strength, here. He doesn't exactly want a live punching bag, but having someone help him out is something he wants to pursue. Izaya had even suggested asking around on the network for that purpose.

Vegeta, though brutal, had shown him that he could exert some control. And since Shizuo has already exerted some energy, it should be easier. So maybe he can start slow, and see how much Serph can take.]

You won't just stand there, right?

[A little defense would make it feel less like Shizuo is just beating up on someone.]

[Serph nods -- he has no intention of taking a punch from Shizuo without any resistance -- before turning to walk towards the forest, gesturing for Shizuo to follow him. While Serph makes no secret of his part-demonic nature, the spectacle of Shizuo and himself fighting is not one he wishes to have where people often pass through. There'll likely be some misunderstandings.]

Would you prefer it if I punched you, too?

[Shizuo follows, eventually falling in step with Serph. The forest is a good idea. He doesn't want to cause more of a scene than he already has.]

Yeah. That'd help.

[Shizuo is as close to invincible as a human can get. Not that being nearly indestructible had helped him against Vegeta. Apparently he can break. Just not easily.]

[Alright then.

Once they're at the forest, Serph turns to face Shizuo, raising his left hand to his face, the tattoo on his cheek glowing blue.]

I won't hold back.

[And with that, he transforms, his demonic self being more than a foot taller than he had been. The blades are kept hidden within his arms; he has no intention of killing Shizuo, after all. But he will wait for Shizuo's first strike, so that it's easier to gauge his strength.]

[Shizuo widens his eyes at the transformation. He knows that Vatheon has plenty of unusual people and creatures, but that doesn't mean he's immune to surprise. It's impressive. Maybe Serph will be able to handle Shizuo's strength.

If he's not holding back, then maybe Shizuo shouldn't, either. He certainly looks stronger in this new form...]

Okay. Me either.

[He's decided. He'll be careful about how he hits, which will be easy since he isn't enraged, just in case, but Shizuo gathers his energy and charges, aiming a forceful punch at Serph.]

[Serph crosses his arms to take the punch on his arms rather than his body, and gives a little, reducing the force of impact. However, even with the armoured ridges along his arms, the force of Shizuo's punch makes him slide back a foot or so.

This strength is not unlike Heat's when transformed.

He doesn't even bother holding back the bestial roar as he retaliates, stepping forward to put the force of his entire body into a punch. Serph may not be as strong as Shizuo, but it doesn't mean he's weak.]

[Shizuo is pleasantly surprised by the way Serph takes his punch, and it makes him more confident in their sparring session. The force Serph returns is stronger than what a normal human could dish out, though no way near as strong as Vegeta's punches. Shizuo absorbs it, but steps back to do so. He doesn't feel pain - but he can feel the power behind the punch.

He grins, then, and charges back, prepared to slam into Serph.]

[If this had been a normal battle, Serph would have dodged it, but it's not. It's an opportunity to really let his demon go wild -- albeit with certain restrictions -- so he meets the charge head on, catching Shizuo and sliding back a good foot, clawed feet tearing up the ground as he does so.

Shizuo's charge had hurt, sure, but he can take it. Although he's hissing as throws his entire weight into shoving Shizuo back -- pitting strength against strength -- Serph is still in complete control over his demon.]

[The hiss doesn't bother or alarm Shizuo at all. This is something he's needed for a while now - since Vegeta had showed him it is possible for him to unleash himself without seriously injuring someone. This time, though, he doesn't need to worry that an altercation could result in putting the people he cares about in danger.

He's pushed backwards with Serph's force, but counters it with his own, refusing to move more than a few inches backward. He then aims another punch, feeling freer in his use of strength, this time.]

[Serph can feel himself get pushed back -- he hadn't needed to act like he was losing to Heat; even with all his strength, he wasn't as physically strong as Heat, and this fight is just bringing back those memories. The punch elicits a harsh snarl from Serph, even after he's shifted his body so Shizuo's fist hits the scaled plates rather than his ribs directly.

Instinct tells him to bring the blade in his arm up and tear through Shizuo while he's so close, but Serph reigns back the urge. He reminds himself this is neither a fight for survival, nor a fight to win or lose, but one to just beat the tar out of each other.

So instead, he does something completely different from usual. Reaching to grab Shizuo by his clothing, Serph attempts to bring him down and close enough to knee the man in the stomach.]

[Shizuo's strong, but he isn't rooted to the ground. He doesn't have to be; usually his strength is enough. Lack of training, however, is glaringly obvious when he has an opponent who is accustomed to fighting. Shizuo doesn't expect to be grabbed like that, and so he gets kneed in the stomach, just as Serph planned.

He feels this one, though it doesn't necessarily hurt. Shizuo's the kind of guy who can get hit with a tazer and be completely unaffected, his nerves numb and immune to most attacks. Still, it throws him off balance, and he stumbles. While Serph still has a hold of him, Shizuo attempts to shove him back or over despite his momentary loss of balance, shoving his body forward and pitting his arm and shoulder against Serph. It's not graceful by any means, being that Shizuo is still trying to maintain his footing.]

[Man, does Shizuo not feel pain? Serph never thought he'd find someone who was more stoic in enduring getting hit than himself.

Serph reigns in his demonic instincts for a moment. It's becoming more apparent that Shizuo has relied on strength alone in fights. Perhaps... if he's able to teach Shizuo technique, then control will flow from there. He does't claim to be an expert in hand to hand combat -- it's not something he engages in often -- but he knows how it works.

Although Serph is larger and bulkier as a demon, he is no less agile than he is as a human. So by the time Shizuo shoves at him, Serph has already let go of Shizuo's clothes and stepped to the side. Since Shizuo's already off balance, Serph kicks at Shizuo's grounded foot, attempting to break his footing and trip him up.]

[Shizuo does get tripped up. That has always been his problem - lack of foresight and planning. It is how Izaya always managed to get the upper hand. He'd capitalize on that, using it against him. It probably looks incredibly stupid, but Shizuo manages to hit the ground. He would be, once again, unphased by the incident, were it not for the fact that it pisses him off.

He shoves himself off the ground and charges at Serph again, letting out a frustrated yell. This time, he's a little less rational, his anger getting the better of him, but there's even more force behind the punch he aims.]

[Serph had backed off after he tripped Shizuo; this isn't a fight to kill, so he won't take advantage of hitting Shizuo while he's down.

But while Serph can't 'see' Shizuo's expression as well in this form -- he lacks eyes, but can still sense -- the yell indicates this fight taking a more serious turn. However, because Serph wants to access Shizuo's strength and his ability to access the situation when he's actually somewhat angry, Serph doesn't dodge the punch.

...This one sends him flying back into a tree a few feet away, sending loose leaves down in a shower of foliage.

He quickly recovers and steadies himself, though, and waits for Shizuo's next move, wanting to see whether he would continue attacking or stop. The punch hurts, and his left hand is clutching where the punch had landed on his torso, but he can still keep going. He's confident he can exercise control over this session, if the fight escalates further.]

[Crap. Shizuo hadn't meant to do that - not really. His body charges forward, automatically, but he manages to reign himself in. Stops just before he reaches Serph, because he notices him clutching where the punch it.]

Sorry.

[It's a mumble.]

I'm done.

[Maybe he should take a measure of pride in being able to stop before things got too far, but Shizuo just knows he doesn't feel like fighting anymore.

He puts his hands in his pockets, fumbles around for his cigarettes to give himself something to do.]

[He's seen enough.

Serph transforms back, tattoo glowing blue before it fades to its usual solid black. He'll be sore where Shizuo's hit him tomorrow, but there'll be no lasting damage. Serph shakes his head at the apology; he doesn't need one.]

It's fine.

[More importantly...

Serph watches Shizuo fumble for his cigarettes. There is control there. The question is whether he can bring it out when Shizuo is fighting or when he's angry.]

Were you taught how to fight?

[He says the words evenly. Some confirmations of his suspicions would be nice.]

[Shizuo finally pulls out a cigarette and lights it.]

No.

[No one had bothered to encourage him to pursue getting taught - and Shizuo hadn't really bothered himself. He picked up on certain things from his fights with Izaya - such as parkour moves - but never learned anything formally or properly.]

[It explains a lot. Shizuo's strength reminds him of Heat, and while certain others may have viewed him as dumb muscle, the redhead is no less an intelligent fighter as the rest of them. But Heat has the advantage of having the skills of warfare ingrained in him from the beginning, just like everyone else from the Junkyard.]

Would you like to learn?

[Without others to speak for him, Serph expands on his offer.]

Knowing other ways of fighting gives you more options than strength. It's possible to train a different response to attack.

[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.]

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making a new thread before tags look squashed!

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