052 [Written]

[ahappylie]

I am in need of a sparring partner. Preferably someone familiar with Japanese katana, knowledgeable of different styles, and willing to practice early morning hours. He needs practice with several opponents, so I'll take as many of you as want to help♥ But I do ask that supernatural powers be kept to a minimum, hm? Not that a little here and there won't help.

Thank you~

[For any looking for him personally, he's finally emerged from his room after over a week of illness and will be at House 50.]

Comments

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

Because I am not trained to spar. I kill anyone I see as my enemy, no matter what.

[He says this smiling, but there is only a false sense of happiness to the expression.]

So I'm afraid I must hold back. I hope you understand.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

You still needn't concern yourself. In the Battle Dome, there are settings that allow for lethal strikes to be made.

[Although it is an interesting revelation. Homura's grin widens, and unlike Okita, the demi-god's delight is genuine.]

I had assumed you knew of that as well.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

[He doesn't like the Battle Dome, Homura. Technology still freaks him out. 8|

Especially since he doesn't want to get into the habit of dealing lethal strikes as if they were nothing.]

....You do enjoy pushing people beyond what they are comfortable with, don't you.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

[Like it or not, the location is Okita's choice.]

I won't deny it. There is far too much beauty in both the struggle, and the strength of the person enduring it.

Besides--[And again, Homura focuses his eyes on the smaller man.]--to not kill is not a luxury allowed the Toushin Taishi. Once a battle begins, it does not end until either I lay dead, or my opponent does. That is the rule of the Heavens, for the five hundred years I fulfilled the role, and long before they issued me that title.

So in that regard, you could say that I haven't been trained to merely spar either.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

[He turns his head away, coughing. Nngh, he's getting better, but it's annoying and unfortunate that it's not gone completely yet. He keeps his hand up while he talks.]

Mm...I suppose men of war can't help themselves but continue to fall into their role. If you wish, Homura-san, I will do as you ask, but it must wait for awhile. My student takes priority.

[When he's done speaking, he'll lower his hand finally and take a tissue from his sleeve. With his head still turned away, he wipes at his nose like it's simply allergies or something else and then palms the tissue.]

I hope you understand.

Re: [action]

[screwthegods]

[And that at last makes the smile fade; Homura of course recognizes the symptom, even as Okita tries to hide it. Disease is unknown among the heavens, but apparently it lingers in mortals.]

Is it merely a role? Perhaps that is how it started, but if someone is willing to make such a sacrifice for their chosen cause, I also think that the least I can do is respect that warrior's wish.

[Homura nods when Okita postpones, although of course he cannot merely take the man at his word. Yet what he says is less to force the man into further discomfort, and more out of real concern.]

I would hope your own health also does. But I do understand. Take whatever time you need.

Re: [action]

[ahappylie]

[Sometimes, Homura, the role isn't chosen. He smiles and nods.] Yes, you're right. The least we can do is respect their wishes.

I should be better soon enough and once I'm certain Sokka-kun hasn't lost anything from my absence, then we can try. Thank you.