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She needed to train more. She needed to get better at it all since she didn’t want to put extra stress on her friends. She didn’t want to need the help of another senshi or a knight. So here she was, waiting for her Sifu, her teacher, to arrive. While she was waiting she went through a series of moves that helped stretch her muscles and warm up her joints.
It wasn't quite as excessive as a pattern dance, something she had started to do to make the steps and moves into muscle memory, but it did its job. By the time she had gone through the sequence nearly twice, once agonizingly slow and again at a much normal pace, she was no longer cold. Even though they were going through a abnormal warm spell it was still quite cold and Ellicott’s uniform wasn’t what one would call ‘winter wear’. She regularly had to supplement it with a long wool jacket and slipper like shoes. Even now the gray jacket was folded over a low branch in a tree while her shoes glided through the brown and brittle grass.
It wasn't quite as excessive as a pattern dance, something she had started to do to make the steps and moves into muscle memory, but it did its job. By the time she had gone through the sequence nearly twice, once agonizingly slow and again at a much normal pace, she was no longer cold. Even though they were going through a abnormal warm spell it was still quite cold and Ellicott’s uniform wasn’t what one would call ‘winter wear’. She regularly had to supplement it with a long wool jacket and slipper like shoes. Even now the gray jacket was folded over a low branch in a tree while her shoes glided through the brown and brittle grass.
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This wasn’t the first time the little one had called him for extra lessons, she really was doing well in the formal lessons she was taking, and while he was a bit late he hoped to make up for it. He had already traded in his geta for a pair of more practical slippers, though in this weather they weren’t warm on his feet, they weren’t as dangerous as the geta he wore when powered up and weren’t as bulky as shoes or sneakers could be at times. They were nice really.
Arriving at the designated location he took the time to look over the smaller senshi and smiled a bit. She had been improving a late lately, he was proud of her. She showed a want to learn and an ability to pick things up quickly.
“Ellicott.” He called out as he made his approach. His geta were nowhere to be seen, having been left where he had powered up, he had no intention of carrying them about with himself.
“How have your lessons been going?” Since he hadn’t spoken to her in a little over a week, it was prudent to ask.
Arriving at the designated location he took the time to look over the smaller senshi and smiled a bit. She had been improving a late lately, he was proud of her. She showed a want to learn and an ability to pick things up quickly.
“Ellicott.” He called out as he made his approach. His geta were nowhere to be seen, having been left where he had powered up, he had no intention of carrying them about with himself.
“How have your lessons been going?” Since he hadn’t spoken to her in a little over a week, it was prudent to ask.
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Ellicott had missed his approach. She had been so focused on completing the last few moves perfectly that she had let her attention slip from sensing her surroundings. Mentally cursing herself she rushed the last step and quickly faced Cetus, her eyes flicking over to where Sherlock snored away on the ground under a tree… some guard dog he was. Just as she thought this the pooch in question cracked a eye, snorted in hello, and went back to sleep. At least he seemed to be sleeping. Maybe he wouldn’t be so lazy right now if it wasn’t a friend who he had seen before. With a roll of her eyes and a half smile she focused on Cetus fully and bowed the way she had been taught in class, “Sifu.” The seriousness of the moment was broken when she smiled fully at the older senshi.
“Lessons have been fine. It is mostly just a repetition of moves at this point until the teacher believes the whole class is at the point of progressing.” Ellicott didn’t hold it against her teachers, she understood that the whole class didn’t learn at the same speed but sometimes she just wanted to move on to the next step. “My dance teacher has been asking me to help with some of the younger kids.” She shrugged, it wasn’t such a big deal and she suspected the only reason her martial arts teacher didn’t do the same was because the boys just didn’t want to listen to a ‘girl’. Granted those boys had no idea that she could wipe the floor with their faces, repeatedly. At least she liked to think she could. But she also did her best not to stand out in either class because she didn’t want to raise any questions that she couldn’t answer. Namely how had she been practicing such moves and combinations outside of class. She’s already gotten a few wondering looks.
“Actually there is something I wanted to ask you. It's not really anything I can ask my dance teacher or our Sifu,” Her martial arts teacher was the same as Cetus’ just for a younger group. “Do you have any way to work this into training?” This was her shash. She had unwound it from where she had tied it up to keep it out of the way. The long band of cloth wrapped around one shoulder, her waist, to end dangling near her feet, weighted with a heavy bead. It was normally a hinderance to her so she had taken to tying the sash up and out of the way but now she was hoping Cetus had some idea where it could be useful in a fight. The one time she tried it was more of a hinderance than a help.
“Lessons have been fine. It is mostly just a repetition of moves at this point until the teacher believes the whole class is at the point of progressing.” Ellicott didn’t hold it against her teachers, she understood that the whole class didn’t learn at the same speed but sometimes she just wanted to move on to the next step. “My dance teacher has been asking me to help with some of the younger kids.” She shrugged, it wasn’t such a big deal and she suspected the only reason her martial arts teacher didn’t do the same was because the boys just didn’t want to listen to a ‘girl’. Granted those boys had no idea that she could wipe the floor with their faces, repeatedly. At least she liked to think she could. But she also did her best not to stand out in either class because she didn’t want to raise any questions that she couldn’t answer. Namely how had she been practicing such moves and combinations outside of class. She’s already gotten a few wondering looks.
“Actually there is something I wanted to ask you. It's not really anything I can ask my dance teacher or our Sifu,” Her martial arts teacher was the same as Cetus’ just for a younger group. “Do you have any way to work this into training?” This was her shash. She had unwound it from where she had tied it up to keep it out of the way. The long band of cloth wrapped around one shoulder, her waist, to end dangling near her feet, weighted with a heavy bead. It was normally a hinderance to her so she had taken to tying the sash up and out of the way but now she was hoping Cetus had some idea where it could be useful in a fight. The one time she tried it was more of a hinderance than a help.
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“You don’t need to bow, this isn’t a class.” Where it would be expected, as every other student would be doing the same. He did it as well in his own classes for his masters. Looking over to the dog, who was perhaps slumbering, he wondered if it wasn’t cold for him. But he didn’t question it, especially as she started talking.
“Makes sense. You want it where the students don’t have to think about the moves - they just are made.” Made for faster reaction time to an incoming attack, among other things. So the class was just practicing then, that was fine. They would, hopefully, progress soon. “That’s good to hear about your dance teacher. I assume that means she holds a good deal of trust in you - which is good. I’m proud.” And he was, he let her know that with his words as well as a small smile. She was doing well in dance and that helped, in some ways, with martial arts plus it was just something good happening in her civilian life and that mattered more in some ways. She was still a child, which he knew, and she needed to have a normal life...at least as much as being a senshi could afford her.
Listening to her question, and watching what she gestured to, he stood there pondering. That was an odd item to try and bring into a fight...not impossible but difficult really. It would be unexpected though….and that could help her in a fight. “You could try the most obvious...wrap some of the cloth about your hand, so it won’t keep you from striking someone. Let the weight dangle as it will. But if need be you can swing it out at someone - aim for the face and other open areas. That’s the first idea which comes to mind. I’d say try and get behind someone and strangle them with it...but you’re a bit small for that.” Plus he didn’t want to tell her to try to kill someone...or actually kill someone, though this was a war. She was still a child - damn it. If it were himself he’d have no issue in strangling an enemy to death, it was him or them as far as he was concerned.
“We’ll work on it. I’ll have to keep in mind height but I’m sure we can work on things together. You can try things out with me, since most you’ll encounter will be my height...give or take a bit. We’ll see how it goes.” He concluded, hoping the answer was good enough, for now, he would help her it was just going to be a learning process for them both with this one.
“Makes sense. You want it where the students don’t have to think about the moves - they just are made.” Made for faster reaction time to an incoming attack, among other things. So the class was just practicing then, that was fine. They would, hopefully, progress soon. “That’s good to hear about your dance teacher. I assume that means she holds a good deal of trust in you - which is good. I’m proud.” And he was, he let her know that with his words as well as a small smile. She was doing well in dance and that helped, in some ways, with martial arts plus it was just something good happening in her civilian life and that mattered more in some ways. She was still a child, which he knew, and she needed to have a normal life...at least as much as being a senshi could afford her.
Listening to her question, and watching what she gestured to, he stood there pondering. That was an odd item to try and bring into a fight...not impossible but difficult really. It would be unexpected though….and that could help her in a fight. “You could try the most obvious...wrap some of the cloth about your hand, so it won’t keep you from striking someone. Let the weight dangle as it will. But if need be you can swing it out at someone - aim for the face and other open areas. That’s the first idea which comes to mind. I’d say try and get behind someone and strangle them with it...but you’re a bit small for that.” Plus he didn’t want to tell her to try to kill someone...or actually kill someone, though this was a war. She was still a child - damn it. If it were himself he’d have no issue in strangling an enemy to death, it was him or them as far as he was concerned.
“We’ll work on it. I’ll have to keep in mind height but I’m sure we can work on things together. You can try things out with me, since most you’ll encounter will be my height...give or take a bit. We’ll see how it goes.” He concluded, hoping the answer was good enough, for now, he would help her it was just going to be a learning process for them both with this one.
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“But it's polite. Besides would you rather I call you senpai?” Ellicott teased Cetus. It wasn’t exactly a phrase she horribly familiar with but it seemed pretty relevant in this case since the older senshi really was her ‘upperclassmen’ when it came to their martial arts class… and as a senshi for that matter. She had no actual knowledge of when Cetus joined the war but she knew that he had a lot more experience than she did, especially when it came to fighting since Ellicott really hadn’t truly started to act like a senshi except within the last year. So if the green senshi didn’t want to be called Sifu he shall be called senpai, it was only proper to show respect to one who was imparting their hard won knowledge. Besides, it was funny to see his reaction. She grinned in amusement, her smile softening to one of pride and embarrassment at his kind words. It was strange to know that someone besides her father was proud of her. And for something so basic as helping her classmates with their postures and positions. Very strange.
Her smile faded though as he honestly answered her question regarding her sash. She had expected it, had asked for it, but still. It definitely put a damper on any ‘warm and fuzzy’ feelings she had been feeling. It was hard to sustain happiness when they were discussing causing physical pain to someone. Ellicott absently twined her fingers around the red sash, feeling the weight of the cloth and the pull of the bead dragging the sash towards the grass. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the ‘small’ comment. She knew she was still short but she was growing, she had grown quite a bit in the last year alone. She was still shorter than Cetus but she was definitely not small anymore even though she only just turned 13. It's not like it mattered much since he was right. Most of her opponents would be his size or taller and most definitely stronger. Unlike him they would want to kill her or worse, turn her.
“Last time I ‘used’ the sash it was accidental and after that I started to tie it up to keep it from throwing off my balance.” She took several steps away and let the sash fall where it wanted before she settled into a proper ballet position right before she started to move, with a few deft steps she begin a basic pirouette. When she had first used this particular dance step the young senshi had planning to use the centrifugal force of the pirouette to provide force behind a kick but there had been two problems, one she had been barefoot and that made doing a pirouette extremely difficult and the second was her uniform itself. She had not been practicing powered up at the time, or even a facsimile of her uniform, so the weighted end of her sash whipping about as she finished the first pirouette had her dropping back into fourth position without completing any further rotations or the kick. It had whipped around her body and only by sheer luck had Ellicott kept it from causing any lasting damage by letting the cloth wrap around her wrist, the bead leaving a livid bruise on her arm where it struck. The chibi senshi knew what to expect this time so when she repeated the move she was able to prevent the bruise. “I don’t particularly want to be caught in a situation where I have to worry about it or take the time to tie it up so any suggestions you have would be much appreciated… Senpai.”
Her smile faded though as he honestly answered her question regarding her sash. She had expected it, had asked for it, but still. It definitely put a damper on any ‘warm and fuzzy’ feelings she had been feeling. It was hard to sustain happiness when they were discussing causing physical pain to someone. Ellicott absently twined her fingers around the red sash, feeling the weight of the cloth and the pull of the bead dragging the sash towards the grass. Her eyes narrowed slightly at the ‘small’ comment. She knew she was still short but she was growing, she had grown quite a bit in the last year alone. She was still shorter than Cetus but she was definitely not small anymore even though she only just turned 13. It's not like it mattered much since he was right. Most of her opponents would be his size or taller and most definitely stronger. Unlike him they would want to kill her or worse, turn her.
“Last time I ‘used’ the sash it was accidental and after that I started to tie it up to keep it from throwing off my balance.” She took several steps away and let the sash fall where it wanted before she settled into a proper ballet position right before she started to move, with a few deft steps she begin a basic pirouette. When she had first used this particular dance step the young senshi had planning to use the centrifugal force of the pirouette to provide force behind a kick but there had been two problems, one she had been barefoot and that made doing a pirouette extremely difficult and the second was her uniform itself. She had not been practicing powered up at the time, or even a facsimile of her uniform, so the weighted end of her sash whipping about as she finished the first pirouette had her dropping back into fourth position without completing any further rotations or the kick. It had whipped around her body and only by sheer luck had Ellicott kept it from causing any lasting damage by letting the cloth wrap around her wrist, the bead leaving a livid bruise on her arm where it struck. The chibi senshi knew what to expect this time so when she repeated the move she was able to prevent the bruise. “I don’t particularly want to be caught in a situation where I have to worry about it or take the time to tie it up so any suggestions you have would be much appreciated… Senpai.”
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“No, please not senpai.” He said shaking his head. “Wrong nationality anyway.” He added after a moment. He did not need that comment, that one single word, used on him. It was just...annoying but maybe that was because he’d seen, and heard, it enough online, in animes, from people who thought it was cute, and other things. It just sort of blew up and became a popular term to use. “I’ll live with Sifu if you promise not to use senpai.” He finished with a smile. At least she wasn't’ a classmate of his, or anyone else who was tossing the word about like an idiot, and she wasn’t that one who had stalked Seung about calling him senpai and then oppa when she was told he wasn’t Japanese but rather Korean.
“That is a good idea, to tie it up so it doesn’t offset your balance. I don’t know how heavy it is but if it’s enough to alter your balance than that is a good idea. You could also, if in a big battle, try and sneak up on someone and tie their legs together.” So they’d trip. It was a risk though, of being caught or accidentally being stepped on or tripped over. There was a lot of risk in it and she would no doubt know that was well, so he didn’t mention it. There were some uses for the sash and as he had mentioned them he knew she wouldn't’ like them, she was a child and not the sort to kill someone much less hurt them...like he would. He would do what he had to, especially in a fight, and he knew if he saw her in trouble he would kill to keep her safe.
Watching her move he nodded, observing, he shook his head despite smiling as she addressed him as senpai. “I can see the problem...it can become dangerous to you in a fight if it’s not dealt with in some way. I mean you can tuck it in every time you power up before doing anything else. But that isn’t always the case, not if you are powering up on the fly because something is happening and you are in a rush. It isn’t the most practical of things. I’d say remove it...but the same thing applies, plus why toss away something which they can grab up and use against you.
“Hmm...let me think on it as we practice tonight. I’ll figure something out - I promise.”
“That is a good idea, to tie it up so it doesn’t offset your balance. I don’t know how heavy it is but if it’s enough to alter your balance than that is a good idea. You could also, if in a big battle, try and sneak up on someone and tie their legs together.” So they’d trip. It was a risk though, of being caught or accidentally being stepped on or tripped over. There was a lot of risk in it and she would no doubt know that was well, so he didn’t mention it. There were some uses for the sash and as he had mentioned them he knew she wouldn't’ like them, she was a child and not the sort to kill someone much less hurt them...like he would. He would do what he had to, especially in a fight, and he knew if he saw her in trouble he would kill to keep her safe.
Watching her move he nodded, observing, he shook his head despite smiling as she addressed him as senpai. “I can see the problem...it can become dangerous to you in a fight if it’s not dealt with in some way. I mean you can tuck it in every time you power up before doing anything else. But that isn’t always the case, not if you are powering up on the fly because something is happening and you are in a rush. It isn’t the most practical of things. I’d say remove it...but the same thing applies, plus why toss away something which they can grab up and use against you.
“Hmm...let me think on it as we practice tonight. I’ll figure something out - I promise.”
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“It just seems inappropriate for me to call my teacher just Cetus but if you truly don’t want any honorific then I won't.” Using one was a sign of respect but when one has been told not to then it was only appropriate to use the name or term they wished. It would be like calling the Queen Mother the Queen Mother even after she specifically told you to call her Gammy. In private it was only proper to call Cetus whatever he wished, within reason of course, but in public… that changes things however Ellicott knew that American’s didn’t really stick with honorifics. She had actually heard people refer to their President as just his last name if not some less than flattering terms. That just wouldn’t fly in England. Not at all, atleast not by proper people such as herself. She was a lady afterall.
She nodded along as the older senshi pointed out the pros and cons of her sash as she wound it back around her body, carefully securing it in place. If speed was necessary dealing with it would become a danger, he seemed to realize that as well. “That's exactly why I was hoping you can help,” she smiled at him and bowed slightly. “Thank you.” Between the two of them something was bound to come up. Now onto the real reason she was out that night, for training. After taking a breath and bowing as she was taught in class, Ellicott settled into a fighting stance. “Ready when you are.”
She nodded along as the older senshi pointed out the pros and cons of her sash as she wound it back around her body, carefully securing it in place. If speed was necessary dealing with it would become a danger, he seemed to realize that as well. “That's exactly why I was hoping you can help,” she smiled at him and bowed slightly. “Thank you.” Between the two of them something was bound to come up. Now onto the real reason she was out that night, for training. After taking a breath and bowing as she was taught in class, Ellicott settled into a fighting stance. “Ready when you are.”
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“I may be your teacher but we are also something of friends and allies. Those two things, the last two, are more important in a sense.” Allies in this war was the most important, they had each other's backs though more him having hers than anything. But also friends, despite the age difference, because it was someone to confide in and tell things to...to talk to about this second live they both led. He could talk to his cousin, and did, but what about her?
Watching her secure the sash he let his mind wander, if only for that short amount of time. He had an idea on how she could use it, other than strangling someone, but was it something she’d want to do? Did she really want to hurt people? He didn’t think so...but would she understand it was a need and resort to that when she had to? Biting his lip he looked her over for a moment and returned the bow.
“Try and use that sash...as a whip. It’s not something taught in Crane style...so you won’t be taught it. We can work on it...but I’ll see if I can’t find something or someone for you to help with it. Maybe a knight with an item that might even be similar. But for now we’ll work on it together. Use it tonight if you feel comfortable but I’m ready for you, show me what you’ve learned.” Readying himself for her to come at him.
Watching her secure the sash he let his mind wander, if only for that short amount of time. He had an idea on how she could use it, other than strangling someone, but was it something she’d want to do? Did she really want to hurt people? He didn’t think so...but would she understand it was a need and resort to that when she had to? Biting his lip he looked her over for a moment and returned the bow.
“Try and use that sash...as a whip. It’s not something taught in Crane style...so you won’t be taught it. We can work on it...but I’ll see if I can’t find something or someone for you to help with it. Maybe a knight with an item that might even be similar. But for now we’ll work on it together. Use it tonight if you feel comfortable but I’m ready for you, show me what you’ve learned.” Readying himself for her to come at him.
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Ellicott nodded. It was more than she actually expected. At best she was hoping that Cetus would suggest one or two ideas, which he had done, but to also say that he would actively try to find some technique or teacher to help her was a bit further than she expected him to go. Even if there was nothing else he could think of Ellicott herself will do her best to practice and perfect the ideas they had already arrived at. Now was not the time though. Now wasn’t a time for experimentation. He wanted her to show him what she had learned, she was happy to oblige.
Taking on final moment to mentally prepare she sprung into action. Her movements were fluid and fast like the dancer she was. She tossed a few punches at Cetus, expecting them to be blocked, there was even a foot swipe that was more reminiscent of a step from a tango. Again she wasn’t expecting it to land, she was using it along with the strikes to try to maneuver Cetus. To get him to shift almost imperceptibly just a bit more towards the side so he would be facing towards the road, not that anyone could see them. They were surrounded by trees and it was dark but there was one thing that could pierce the shadows of the night, headlamps. It was still early enough for there to be understandable amount of car traffic, no foot traffic but cars were almost always on the road. Ellicott was hoping that there would be one turning the corner outside of their haven that was the park, its bright lights piercing through the gloom and shining right in Cetus’ face. She didn’t think it would work but it was still worth trying.
Taking on final moment to mentally prepare she sprung into action. Her movements were fluid and fast like the dancer she was. She tossed a few punches at Cetus, expecting them to be blocked, there was even a foot swipe that was more reminiscent of a step from a tango. Again she wasn’t expecting it to land, she was using it along with the strikes to try to maneuver Cetus. To get him to shift almost imperceptibly just a bit more towards the side so he would be facing towards the road, not that anyone could see them. They were surrounded by trees and it was dark but there was one thing that could pierce the shadows of the night, headlamps. It was still early enough for there to be understandable amount of car traffic, no foot traffic but cars were almost always on the road. Ellicott was hoping that there would be one turning the corner outside of their haven that was the park, its bright lights piercing through the gloom and shining right in Cetus’ face. She didn’t think it would work but it was still worth trying.
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He blocked and moved to avoid her attacks as he didn’t counter or attack back, let her do as she wanted, he wanted to see where she was going with this. She was moving him...he knew that but to where he didn’t know. “I’ll put you in touch with Venice, a knight of Ganymede. He’s a good friend of mine. I’ll warn you his English can be butchered, he’s not from here. He’s just started, within the last few months, to learn hopkido. That might have something helpful in there. If not he might know someone who can help with your sash as well. Hopkido is different from Crane style so maybe it’ll help. If nothing else it’ll teach you other things.” Cetus spoke as he moved to avoid another in coming fist.
She was quick, he would always say that, she also was well balanced and moved nicely. He had a feeling, an honest one, that if she stuck with martial arts...and not just for the war and however long it lasted she would be good - very good. He wondered though...would she?
As he moved again he had to bring his hand up just as he started to catch the lights of an oncoming car. It was blinding and on instinct he dropped his hand from his eyes and moved himself into a position to better defend against whatever attack she had planned for him. Was this why she had been moving him? He’d ask later, now was not the time.
She was quick, he would always say that, she also was well balanced and moved nicely. He had a feeling, an honest one, that if she stuck with martial arts...and not just for the war and however long it lasted she would be good - very good. He wondered though...would she?
As he moved again he had to bring his hand up just as he started to catch the lights of an oncoming car. It was blinding and on instinct he dropped his hand from his eyes and moved himself into a position to better defend against whatever attack she had planned for him. Was this why she had been moving him? He’d ask later, now was not the time.
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She might have had enough breath to converse, Cetus sure did, but Ellicott was a bit too focused on her plan. She wasn’t as strong as he was, she didn’t have the amount of learning or practical application that he did, overall she was younger and smaller than the older senshi so in order to land a true strike she would have to out think him. She was starting to lose hope however as time progressed and her plan hadn’t come to fruition yet. What could she do? He was keeping up with every strike and while she wasn’t expecting them to land it still stung some that not even one came close. If their levels were still this far apart it didn’t bode well for when she truly had to fight like her life depended on it.
Just as she was about to change her tactic the flash of a headlight briefly illuminated Cetus’ face, his golden eyes seeming to widen as his pupils contracted suddenly. Yes! She would have just moments before his eyes adjusted to the darkness once more. She expected that he would react to the temporary blindness by falling into a defensive position but that would, at least in theory, only defend against frontal attacks since that's where she had been attacking. So she darted behind him during those brief seconds he wouldn’t be able to see anything more then spots and after images. Ellicott didn’t know if this would work but it was the best chance she would get so while mentally crossing her fingers she tried a double palm strike at his lower back. She was attacking at a low angle and was hoping to have enough speed and force to upset his balance, maybe topple him to the grass but she had no idea if it had enough of either, let alone if it would land. She didn’t want to really hurt him so Ellicott was doing her best to curb the extra strength being a senshi gave her.
Just as she was about to change her tactic the flash of a headlight briefly illuminated Cetus’ face, his golden eyes seeming to widen as his pupils contracted suddenly. Yes! She would have just moments before his eyes adjusted to the darkness once more. She expected that he would react to the temporary blindness by falling into a defensive position but that would, at least in theory, only defend against frontal attacks since that's where she had been attacking. So she darted behind him during those brief seconds he wouldn’t be able to see anything more then spots and after images. Ellicott didn’t know if this would work but it was the best chance she would get so while mentally crossing her fingers she tried a double palm strike at his lower back. She was attacking at a low angle and was hoping to have enough speed and force to upset his balance, maybe topple him to the grass but she had no idea if it had enough of either, let alone if it would land. She didn’t want to really hurt him so Ellicott was doing her best to curb the extra strength being a senshi gave her.
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After this he’d put Ellicott in touch with Venice, see if he had any ideas as to how to help her, not only that but it wouldn’t hurt if she knew other people involved in this war. It would give her more allies and more people to help her, if she got into a tight spot ever. It would assist further in keeping her safe, something he wanted done.
While his eyes worked to adjust to the light, and held his position, he heard movement but didn’t pick up on her movements until he felt her striking him from behind. Ill prepared as he was, and balanced as he was, he stumbled forward. Catching his balance at the last minute, he really did almost face plant, he turned toward the chibi and with his eyes adjusted and no longer flashing dots of black at him he could see her. “Very good. I had wondered why you were guiding me as you were. Now I know. That’s good.” It was good and smart, use things around you when you could.
“I’m proud.”
While his eyes worked to adjust to the light, and held his position, he heard movement but didn’t pick up on her movements until he felt her striking him from behind. Ill prepared as he was, and balanced as he was, he stumbled forward. Catching his balance at the last minute, he really did almost face plant, he turned toward the chibi and with his eyes adjusted and no longer flashing dots of black at him he could see her. “Very good. I had wondered why you were guiding me as you were. Now I know. That’s good.” It was good and smart, use things around you when you could.
“I’m proud.”
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Ellicott grinned up at him, glad to have seen her plan work. It hadn't been perfect but it had worked. “You are stronger and more knowledge so I had to out think you.” Another car lit up the area briefly as it passed, the sounds of it muffled by the trees. “I had noticed the lights while I was waiting for you to arrive and since I knew I couldn't win in a direct fight I had hopped to use it to my advantage.” She shrugged even as she continued to grin. Even though she was young she knew that there were few fights she would be able to win this easily, especially since Cetus had not actually been striking back but just dodging her attacks. In a true battle her life would be on the line and a stupid trick like that could either be insignificant or the very thing that would allow her to escape. She would have to become use to analyzing and executing plans while not only attacking but defending as well. There was still so much she needed to learn.
With a sigh and a shake of her head Ellicott asked, “Shall we go again?” She wasn’t terribly sure of the time but if her fellow senshi was willing to try another round, this time maybe he would do some attacks of his own so she could work on defending as well, then she was ready. Besides if it her father started to wonder where she was he would have called. He was likely asleep but she did leave a note about walking Sherlock and had her phone just in case. It wouldn’t due for him to find her missing in the middle of the night, not again.
With a sigh and a shake of her head Ellicott asked, “Shall we go again?” She wasn’t terribly sure of the time but if her fellow senshi was willing to try another round, this time maybe he would do some attacks of his own so she could work on defending as well, then she was ready. Besides if it her father started to wonder where she was he would have called. He was likely asleep but she did leave a note about walking Sherlock and had her phone just in case. It wouldn’t due for him to find her missing in the middle of the night, not again.
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“That does make sense, and it is a good thing to compensate as you did.” To try and trick him, to use something else against him, when weaker and less knowledgeable in martial arts. It was a good tactic and good of her to think of that. She was likely to have to in the future with other opponents, especially those much larger and stronger than herself. “I would say to use whatever you can against an enemy, In this war...there is nothing fair or unfair - there is living and winning.” He answered reaching out to lightly ruffle her hair. He was proud of her thinking of such a thing. He just hoped she would keep on her feet like that with other people - in a real fight. “Maybe we should pick different places each time we meet? And see what you can come up with each time?” The golden eyed senshi suggested while looking the younger over. He could keep her on her toes and thinking, it would help in the long run.
“Of course.” Nodding his head to her question. He could easily go again. “Same thing or do you want to change it up?” He asked, wanting to find out what she wanted to do, since these lessons were to help her more than anything else.
“Of course.” Nodding his head to her question. He could easily go again. “Same thing or do you want to change it up?” He asked, wanting to find out what she wanted to do, since these lessons were to help her more than anything else.
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All's fair in love and war of course. She knoticed that he deliberately, or at least it seemed that way to her, avoided the term ‘death’. She was a child. She had just turned 13, a child in everyone’s eyes. The hair tussle was proof of that. And yet, she understood the ramifications of this war. She knew the dangers she took every night walking these streets, whether she was Ellicott or Abby. She knew but she didn’t truly know so she couldn’t help but mentally scoff at the care Cetus seemed to pay her. In her eyes she was grown, she was an adult and had been since her mother had died nearly 4 years ago. Ellicott felt a flash of pain spear through her at the thought of her mom, how it had been 4 years since she had been held by her, danced with her, cooked with her. It had been 4 long years. She had passed on a day much like this. Cool but with the blush of spring upon the land. Maybe the flowers had been just blooming, the grass greener but then again it was England. She had passed in her beloved land, interred there… Forgotten there, while Abby and her father made a new life here in the states.
She blinked the rapidly rising tears away and nodded, a short curt nod. She didn’t have time to think about the past. So what if the anniversary was rapidly approaching. Ellicott focused on the topic at hand, training. Meeting in new places was a good idea, afterall it wasn’t like she would always encounter a baddie here in this park. She couldn’t assume anything when it came to chaos. “It makes sense. You can pick the place next time.” Since she tended to set up the training times she seemed to always go with this park as it was simplest for her.
“Reverse please. I defend while you attack.” He had only blocked her attacks during the first bout. She wasn't under any illusions that such a ‘fight’ would truly occur in a real battle so it was best to get defense down pat as well. She settled into a ready stance and nodded, “ready when you are.”
She blinked the rapidly rising tears away and nodded, a short curt nod. She didn’t have time to think about the past. So what if the anniversary was rapidly approaching. Ellicott focused on the topic at hand, training. Meeting in new places was a good idea, afterall it wasn’t like she would always encounter a baddie here in this park. She couldn’t assume anything when it came to chaos. “It makes sense. You can pick the place next time.” Since she tended to set up the training times she seemed to always go with this park as it was simplest for her.
“Reverse please. I defend while you attack.” He had only blocked her attacks during the first bout. She wasn't under any illusions that such a ‘fight’ would truly occur in a real battle so it was best to get defense down pat as well. She settled into a ready stance and nodded, “ready when you are.”
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Seeming to pick up on some change in her mood he knelt down and looked up at her. Nodding his head at her acceptance of a change in venue. “Alright. I’ll pick and let you know in advance. You can scope out the place. It’s good to get a feel for various places in the city and it’s likely most places you’ll encounter chaos...is somewhere you’ve been.” Since it wasn’t like she’d go somewhere she didn’t know. So he’d give her time to acquaint herself with the place he picked out.
“You’ll pick next then. A test for myself as well.” He said nodding his head once more and smiled up at her.
“Alright, we’ll reverse places now.” Standing he moved back away from her and smiled. She was good, she really did want to learn and do well. If she lived past this war...he hoped she’d keep with it - it suited her somehow. So did dancing, he was sure of it.
He’d hold back, she would figure that, but there was no way he’d go all out on her. He’d work into it, over time, but not all at once - it would be too much and unfair.
Thumb, index and middle fingers came together like a beak, ready to peck, as he came into an easy position himself. One leg extended forward while the other was behind him and ready to push him forward for attack. He waited and watched, eyeing her position, before he moved forward and his right hand shot forward, beak like fingers aiming for the face. It was obvious, as it was meant to be, it was also a common target in his style to aim for. Soft targets were a big thing.
“You’ll pick next then. A test for myself as well.” He said nodding his head once more and smiled up at her.
“Alright, we’ll reverse places now.” Standing he moved back away from her and smiled. She was good, she really did want to learn and do well. If she lived past this war...he hoped she’d keep with it - it suited her somehow. So did dancing, he was sure of it.
He’d hold back, she would figure that, but there was no way he’d go all out on her. He’d work into it, over time, but not all at once - it would be too much and unfair.
Thumb, index and middle fingers came together like a beak, ready to peck, as he came into an easy position himself. One leg extended forward while the other was behind him and ready to push him forward for attack. He waited and watched, eyeing her position, before he moved forward and his right hand shot forward, beak like fingers aiming for the face. It was obvious, as it was meant to be, it was also a common target in his style to aim for. Soft targets were a big thing.
