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31_days2006-02-13 10:27 pm
beccastareyes) wrote in 31_days2006-02-13 10:27 pm
[13-Feb-2006] [Original] Weapon
Title: Weapon
Theme: a killing dance
Fandom: RPG (but works as an original)
Character: Zackary Marshall
Rating: PG
Slash, step, guard…
“Sensei, may I borrow some of the equipment?”
His teacher looked back at him. “Why, Zackary?”
“Well,” he said, trying to keep his eyes on what he was doing. “There are these kids at school…”
“And you think showing up with a shinai will make them respect you?”
Zackary nodded, still following the dance of the form.
“Stop.” The young man paused, and his teacher continued speaking. “Even though this is made of bamboo, this is still a sword. As such, it is a weapon, something used to hurt people, even to kill them. You wish to stop the bullies, don’t you?”
“Yes. I do.” He nodded.
“You’re in the judo classes as well. If they tackle you, throw them. If they punch you, block them. You’re so proud of that religion of yours, so follow it – turning the other cheek need not mean taking what you get. It does mean that you do not strike back. This isn’t your comic books, where problems can be solved by hitting the right costumed person. Do you understand me?” His teacher turned away.
“But, Sensei-“
“But what, Zackary?”
“What if I have no choice?”
His instructor sighed. “May it never come to that. But, then you may act… but do so knowing all the consequences.”
* * *
Step, guard, slash…
“Stop it!”
Zackary paused, lowering his sword. “Yes, ma’am?”
“You call that a hit?” She gestured to the dummy. “You struck him with the flat of the blade. This isn’t a dancing contest. If you don’t strike to kill with the first blow, you’re going to end up dead on its counter.”
The man nodded, raising the sword again. “But… ma’am?”
“Yes? What is it?”
“What if I need to take them down unarmed?”
“Trust me, you won’t.”
Theme: a killing dance
Fandom: RPG (but works as an original)
Character: Zackary Marshall
Rating: PG
Slash, step, guard…
“Sensei, may I borrow some of the equipment?”
His teacher looked back at him. “Why, Zackary?”
“Well,” he said, trying to keep his eyes on what he was doing. “There are these kids at school…”
“And you think showing up with a shinai will make them respect you?”
Zackary nodded, still following the dance of the form.
“Stop.” The young man paused, and his teacher continued speaking. “Even though this is made of bamboo, this is still a sword. As such, it is a weapon, something used to hurt people, even to kill them. You wish to stop the bullies, don’t you?”
“Yes. I do.” He nodded.
“You’re in the judo classes as well. If they tackle you, throw them. If they punch you, block them. You’re so proud of that religion of yours, so follow it – turning the other cheek need not mean taking what you get. It does mean that you do not strike back. This isn’t your comic books, where problems can be solved by hitting the right costumed person. Do you understand me?” His teacher turned away.
“But, Sensei-“
“But what, Zackary?”
“What if I have no choice?”
His instructor sighed. “May it never come to that. But, then you may act… but do so knowing all the consequences.”
* * *
Step, guard, slash…
“Stop it!”
Zackary paused, lowering his sword. “Yes, ma’am?”
“You call that a hit?” She gestured to the dummy. “You struck him with the flat of the blade. This isn’t a dancing contest. If you don’t strike to kill with the first blow, you’re going to end up dead on its counter.”
The man nodded, raising the sword again. “But… ma’am?”
“Yes? What is it?”
“What if I need to take them down unarmed?”
“Trust me, you won’t.”