[D1, EM: Training Grounds] A Strike is a Strike (Open)

[Akodo Michi]

"I have only what I have been told, but that is not the same as knowing", the Lion replied.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well. Our service to our Clan Champion is, thanks ta where we berth and what we've always done since we've been a clan, always t'do with ships. Do the Lion military histories ever speak of a Mantis Clan army engaged in fixed battle far inland?"

She sighed.

"I bring it up 'cause... ship fights an' shore fights are what we do. An' if you're tryin' t'provoke a reaction outta me by askin' if there's nothin' more than what my clan does... I'd say my bein' here, takin' a lesson from you is proof enough of where I stand. I'd like t'be more. I'd like us t'be more. But when I talk about the fights I've been in, I ain't talkin' about theory. I'm talkin' about stayin' alive t'keep serving my superiors. An' if that means I gotta throw a tanto at somebody, then I'm throwin' a tanto at somebody. It ain't th' ideal, but almost nothin' in the life of a Mantis sailor is."

[Akodo Michi]

"it is not about throwing the knife, as my ancestor said, the weapon that kills is perfect for the job", the Lion reminded her. "I care not to have a reaction, I have heard much about your people, true. Some say you are not samurai at all, but pirates. Yet the Crane invite you, and the Crane do not invite pirates to compete in the Topaz Championship. Stand tall, Mantis. You will be a samurai soon, act with righteousness, for your lord has enemies to smite. One day you will be in court before other mighty Lords, and what you learn here, and not only from me, but others, will serve you well."

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"I figure we'll see."

She turned to resume practicing the form with the bokken.

"An' there's somethin' t'be said for a weapon you're allowed t'carry just about anywhere."

[Akodo Michi]

Michi nodded and sat again, resuming her appraisal of the Mantis' form.

"It is a mark of preparedness, and our responsibility. We must be ready at all times to kill, and die, as necessary."

She seemed... disturbingly at peace with the idea. With a practiced motion, she drew the bokken from her obi again and laid it at her side, as if it were a delicate thing to be revered.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"Well. Goal is t'make the other people do the dyin' most of the time..."

[Akodo Michi]

"indeed", she said flatly, then offered a kinder gaze. "Please continue. You are doing well, but remember what I have shown you."

(wrap it up?)

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"But of course, Akodo-san."

[/Scene it is!]