Someone doesn't want a Jungian adventure

[mindofathief]

Who: Duster and anyone
Where: Hero Training Facility
When: Month of November
What: Not only is Duster anxious about how his Shadow might act, he's also upset at Santa's betrayal during the Night of the Thirteen Moogles. He's not sure what to do apart from sulking alone, but he does have his job at the Hero Training Facility he can't ignore.

The cold wind did not help Duster's mood. It bit at his nose no matter how often he readjusted his red scarf. It covered his ears, increasing the regret of not bringing a hat. Not that he cared about going back home to grab one. Every morning, he felt that the heat of his frustration would fuel enough warmth. Every morning, he realized that it was not to be so.

A man from a warm seaside town will never be used to Aqures Ixen weather.

Thankfully, the building that house the Training Facility was warm, and Duster felt relieved to be in a comfortable place that did not demand self-reflection. No secret side to confront, no former friends to split off from. All that he needed on his mind was tactics. All that he needed to do was to kick things hard and teach people how to kick things hard.

He took up his usual spot at the end of the room, setting up a red punching bag, and warmed up with several easy kicks. The sign outside pointed out to potential students where hand-to-hand combat lessons were being taught.

Self Defense Classes
Learn martial arts from Duster
Taught here all day today.

That old almost-a-haiku was still up.

Comments

[fearlessherosheart]

"Ah, well, I normally drill on my own," Tazendra said.

[mindofathief]

Duster nodded, his head bobbing towards the dummies.

"Maybe we can drill together? I can't use swords, but we can try practicing our techniques on each other."

[fearlessherosheart]

"Yes, though I would need some substitute so as not to injure you." Tazendra had already figured they would have to temper any blows, as even a fist or a foot at full strength could be quite painful. Swords offered more power than a fist, even if one ignored the edge.

[mindofathief]

Duster put in hands in his pockets and eyed the various equipment lined along the walls. "There's the bamboo swords. I've seen Chrom practice with those. Then we can both wear padding in case that's not enough."

[fearlessherosheart]

"That would be wise," Tazendra said. "And I have access to healing magics. In case of accidents."

NO, that's not as reassuring as she means it to be.

[mindofathief]

It was reassuring enough. Lucas was a powerful physical attacker with his weapons and had access to the most powerful healing magic. If it was true for a young boy, it would also be true for a large lady warrior.

"I'll grab the things," he gave her a thumbs up, took down shin pads and soft body vest, and handed the larger set to Tazendra. "Don't aim for my head, and we should be good."

[fearlessherosheart]

"Useful enough practice. I am still learning how to fight those smaller than myself," Tazendra agreed, putting on the guards and vest.

[mindofathief]

Duster wrapped the shinguards tightly, adjusting the fit to allow the mobility required for his fighting style. The vest was stiff, but it provided better protection than a regular shirt. When he was finished, he stepped back and turned to face Tazendra. "Ready when you are."

[fearlessherosheart]

Tazendra nodded back. "I am ready." She waited a moment to check that Duster was in a fighting stance, then lunched, trying to strike him on the torso with the bamboo sword. It was a bit shorter than her normal weapon, and weighted differently, but Tazendra assumed she could figure it out as she went.

[mindofathief]

With a simple attack, Duster could step to the side, moving along with the sword. He slipped by it to reach Tazendra, crouched, and struck at her legs with a kick.

[fearlessherosheart]

Defending at a low angle was troublesome, even when Tazendra was already trying to strike low to avoid Duster's head. She stepped back, lessening the impact of the kick, but the blow still landed. She tried to bring her own blade down to strike Duster before he regained his balance from the kick.

[mindofathief]

Duster didn't have much training against swords. It wasn't a common weapon in the Nowhere Islands, considering the lack of weapon-oriented blacksmiths and the general acceptance of using heavy sticks to fight. The way a sword was swung differed from the way lumber was used, and the strike was unexpected. Duster ducked in the best direction he could guess, but Tazendra ended up striking him in the shoulder.

He stepped in the directing the blow pushed him, gaining his balance in the meantime. With a second to prepare, he rushed at her, now aiming with a high jump kick.