¤ 27 - A Challenge

[honorinflames.livejournal.com]

[though he's been too wrapped up in his own 'problems' to really follow whatever has been brewing in much of the rest of the castle, he can't dodge the tension. The air feels tangibly charged, people seem to be getting ready for something, and it's very contagious.

With him wanting to test out his newly-healed shoulder, and this whole place feeling like it's itching for a fight... it seems like an obvious combination]

Anyone who wants to blow off steam-- I'll be out on the castle grounds. [and then a pause, as the voice of a certain piratess comes to mind. He better clarify--] ...For sparring.


((ooc: it's been a while since Zuko's been in a good fight. Open for training or whatever else. Come at him, bros!))

Comments

[encourage]

[ Sakura's down in the castle grounds, and she's dressed in her usual shinobi gear, which for her tends to mean bidniz. Scooter's lazing around under a near0by anything that vaguely provides relief from the sun -- she waves to Zuko.

What up, Fire man? ]

[honorinflames.livejournal.com]

[hey, this is a nice change... It's one of the few people that he doesn't consider insane. Especially in the girl department-- seriously, your gender is crazy.

He raises his hand and returns the greeting]

[encourage]

She looks around the courtyard, then back to Zuko. Then she slides into a ready position for sparring, if her gesture for initiating is likely lost on him. After that, she cants her head to the side, more of a question as to what he's here for, and what he's up for. ]

[honorinflames.livejournal.com]

[Zuko really needs to learn sign-language or something-- seeing her fall into a ready stance causes him to reflexively do the same, but then there is that questioning look and he hesitates.

What do you want, girl? 'Talk' or fight?]

[encourage]

[ She repeats the "Come here" kind of motion after he falls into ready stance as well.

That was all she was really waiting for. Hey, Fire user, she's definitely ready to tango if you are.

And by tango clearly sparring is intended. ]

[honorinflames.livejournal.com]

[well, fine! He takes a moment to center himself, and then strikes-- sending a punch of flame hard in her direction.

But, he's mostly testing. He has no real idea of what she can do, so he's starting off on the safe side... which, probably isn't the best idea]

[encourage]

[ Sakura takes that as leave to go ahead and do what she does best. Creating craters in the castle ground is usually not something she does lightly, so instead, she takes the opportunity to use her increased speed to send herself back around Zuko, aiming a punch at his back. (Moderated, just in case.) ]

[honorinflames.livejournal.com]

[oh right... now he remembers that she can do some pretty crazy stuff. As soon as she zips out of sight, he's whirling around and bringing a handful of flame with him. He has the distinct feeling that he's about to be short on personal space, so that's what he's preparing for as he twists around, making a very wild sweep to try and deflect whatever is coming at him]

in which I FAIL AT THIS

[encourage]

[ She has to admit it's a bit different with fire on call in a way even shinobi don't really have -- even Sasuke used it differently.

The wild sweep works to an extent, sending Sakura dancing around to the side (or stepping, dancing just sounded more poetic), controlled in her movements. So she's off around to the side before trying for another hit, interested in watching his reaction times (and his fire). ]

fail at what??

[honorinflames.livejournal.com]

[he focuses on blocking before throwing in another punch of flame-- trying to reclaim a little space. Close proximity is generally something a firebender aims for, but he needs to get back on the offensive.

He's fast, and his reflexes are sharp, but speed is still probably the weakest link in his skillset]

writing fighting YAIS sparring that is

[encourage]

[ Sakura keeps pressing, if she does have to step up and consistently use chakra enhanced speed for certain "not flame retardant" reasons. She doesn't want to let him get on the offensive, and since she's not attempting to end a fight in her usual way, she focuses entirely on the close combat techniques she knows.

Tsunade spent enough time beating them into her. (Ouch!) ]