futurology | video | username: pearl

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video | username: pearl

[Pearl was a little apprehensive at first to go ahead about this. But when she thought about it, this would be beneficial to many people here. Especially for people who were not used to missions, or even fighting for that matter.

Swallowing hard, Pearl lifts her head and sets her 'communicator' on a rock in the outskirts of the city. Out of harm's way. Once it was perfect, she starts.]

Greetings everyone of ALASTAIR. My name is Pearl, and I wanted to offer my assistance.

[In her hand, it looks to be a sword, held confidently. She bows in greeting to the jewel, shifting awkwardly. This was so different than what she's used to. Heck, she didn't know if it was even working.

Behind her, another 'Pearl' comes up behind her, with a sword as well, about to strike her over the head with it. But in one swift movement, the opposing Pearl falls to the ground, flickering. Pearl lowers her arm, the sword having penetrated the hologram, which fizzles out of existence altogether.]

I have experience when it comes to swordsmanship, and as well as experience with the use of a spear. I wanted to gather if there would be any interest for some training. We all come from many different backgrounds, myself included. I want to make sure everyone has a chance to defend themselves.

For now, I'm gauging interest. Also, if anyone else is interested in hosting some training as well. I don't... mean to be the 'head' of any group. I merely wish to help where I can. This would help immensely for what might be on the horizon for us.

If anyone has any questions, please let me know. And if you wish to speak to me in person, I'm just on the outskirts here.

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Bolin!

[Pearl calls out happily, seeing his eager attitude. Oh, it reminded her so much of Steven. It was good to see such happy go lucky people out there in other universes.

She holds a sword in her hand and walks up to him, handing him the hilt.]

I'm glad you could make it. We won't go into any sword fighting just yet. But I think we'll work on your stance first.

[ Looks like they're getting right into it.

Bolin takes the offered sword, gripping the hilt more tightly than necessary, but he doesn't really know how it works. He's never so much as held a sword before; the closest he'd gotten before was a switchblade. It really isn't his method of fighting, but there's no telling if it might come in handy. Maybe it would translate to his earthbending too.

He plants his feet firmly on the ground, determined. ]

Yes, ma'am!

[She watches him and laughs lightly. So tense! Pearl gently steps up behind him and rests a hand over his,holding the sword. She could feel the tight tendons in his hand, holding the sword.]

First, you need to relax. [The Gem speaks softly, but there's a stern edge to it, like a teacher would have towards a struggling student.]

Kind of think of it like your earth bending. You were so calm and loose when you made that rock float, right?

[ Bolin likes Pearl. It's not really like having Mako around, but she's kind, and seems to care about him, and he likes that. (Plus, she has super cool powers.) At her request, he relaxes immediately, naive and entirely trusting of her direction. He doesn't move, but he can imagine the turn of his arm more fluid now, the strike of the sword captured in one stroke.

Traditional earthbending was firm and strong, but Bolin had always utilized a style more agile and flexible, so her logic does resonate with him.

He turns his head back toward her, less stiff, though still eager. ]

Like this?

Just like that!

[She smiles and taps the top of her foot against his legs, nudging them a little into proper place.]

A few adjustments... [And she carefully arranges his elbows a few millimeters... there.] There! This is a basic battle stance you should take on. We can get into more advanced techniques in the future.

[She quickly withdraws another sword from her gem and walks around to face Bolin.]

Now, I want you to strike me.

[ He can't see himself right now, but Bolin imagines that he looks really cool. Despite Pearl's help however, he doesn't stay entirely still in the pose that she moulds him into, too excited not to want to move.

So when she asks him to strike her, he doesn't even register the danger of it, gaze lighting up with excitement. (He's certain that she could block an attack from a novice like him anyway!) ]

Okay!

[ And then he's stepping forward. He doesn't have any real reference for sword fighting, no movies or books to describe the art, so his movements follow the pattern of his earthbending, the tip of the sword facing her body and the weapon thrusting forward in a jab. ]

[Ah, a stabbing motion. She reads it, using her sword to block and redirect his jabbing motion, just to the side of her. She holds his sword there with her own for a moment and glances up at him, smiling.]

Hm, you have the right idea. [There's a heavy weight to his movement, much like his earth bending her had shown her earlier.]

Now, try it once again. Try for a diagonal attack.

[ His attentive even while he's enthusiastic, watching how she deflects his stab. It seems a lot quicker than fighting using bending—bending allowed for purposeful movement and specific stances, though his own method was much more haphazard and up front, so he can understand the need for agility and quick, basic movements.

But the fact is that it's fighting in much closer quarters, and combatants need to be that much faster.

He nods at her direction, stepping forward for another attempt, swinging the sword from the bottom up in a forceful diagonal strike. ]

[Pearl feels the strength behind his attack as she meets his sword with her own. She uses a little bit of her strength, not wanting to overpower the young man, but holds firm. She holds it there for a moment before she steps back, standing up tall and pointing her sword to the ground. Her other hand rubs at her chin thoughtfully.]

You need to work on stretches. [She says, assessing. Pearl nods, as if confirming, with a small hum.]

Your arms and your legs need to be properly stretched, daily. And perhaps you can practice your swings with a wooden sword. I have another student who will be needing one as well, so I can make another for you as well.

Stretches?

[ Admittedly that's not really something that Bolin had ever made a point to do. Most of his exercise involved weights and practicing quick assaults. Not to say that he was stiff, but he doesn't really know how flexible he is.

And stretching means... ]

You think I should be more bendy?

[ Literally. ]

Edited 2015-10-28 01:17 (UTC)

[Pearl nods, sure of herself as she looks down at Bolin.]

Your movements are stiff. Not that that's a bad thing! But having loose and limber muscles can help you exponentially!

If you stick to a daily regiment of stretches, I think we can transition into more advanced steps. Hm, I'll have to make even more wooden swords at this rate.

[ Well that seems like legitimate advice? And Bolin contemplates it with a little nod, stretching his arms out contemplatively. ]

So... like what kinda stretches?

Anything dealing with your arms and legs.

[She demonstrates bending her legs in a few simple stretches, and a few with her arms.]

While they're pretty simple, they will help you in the long run, Bolin. We'll give that a few weeks, and then, we can advance.

Okay!

[ He salutes her then, his heels clicking together and a hand coming up his forehead. ]

You got it, Pearl! I'll be an awesome pupil.

[She blinks at the gesture but laughs lightly, waving her hand dismissively.]

Oh please! There's no need for such formality. I already know you'll be a great student.

[Eager. A good listener. And shows excellent respect. All aspects of a great student.]

You should run back to town. It's getting late. [She pauses and looks at the sky.] Well. Sort of. You should be sleeping.

[ Her words get him to relax, blinking at her in amusement when she tells him to run off and get to bet. And Bolin, never being one to filter his words from his thoughts, almost mentions out loud that she sounds like a mother.

But he stops short.

He stops short because he doesn't want her to become self-conscious about it and stop. It's a nice feeling, so he enjoys the coddling privately and keeps his observation to himself.

Instead he just grins, winking at her. ]

You got it! Just be ready to be amazed by me next time, okay?

[Pearl smiles wider and nods confidently.]

I'll wait with baited breath. [She laughs softly before she kneels down to take up a torch. Mindful of the flame, she walks up to Bolin, looking to the sword he has, and back to the torch.]

This should help you on your way back.

Oh. [ He looks surprised at the offer, but reaches out to take the torch with a more subdued smile.

Bolin's smiles are generally genuine, though this one is a little softer. ]

Thanks, Pearl. [ His shoulders square, ready for the march back into the town. ] You take care too!

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video | username: pearl

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oh my god im sorry i thought i tagged this

don't worry about it!

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