caughtinanetwork | Video: Training partners wanted

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Video: Training partners wanted

How many of you here in this city know how to fight? I'm going to get rusty at this rate. Anyone who has a bone structure so weak that they can't withstand the pressure of the ocean outside unaided need not apply. I'd prefer those that know how to use their ki, but any physical fighter will do. If your weapon does all your fighting for you, don't bother. I want someone with a strong body.

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[Well... that was an interesting development.]

I don't want to fight you, I'm not an idiot.

[He rounds on Lloyd, putting his hands on the younger swordsman's shoulders none too gently, though the pressure is born from worry.]

But apparently you are. What were you thinking?! You can't just go around challenging aliens from all over the place! The coral can heal, sure, but it's not immediate!

[He shoots the Saiyan a look. Don't threaten his friend.]

[Wait, what? Hey! Defending Vegeta wasn't supposed to turn into him getting chewed out.]

We were just fighting all out, not to the death! I didn't realize the coral couldn't heal that fast! And what's wrong with sparring with other people? You can't get better if you don't practice!

[Wow, are these two boyfriends or something? What is it with people in this city? Vegeta just starts to walk away, then pauses by Lloyd's bent sword. He picks it up and attempts to make it straight again, handing it back to Lloyd awkwardly.]

No but you don't jump to the final round of the arena before passing the preliminaries either! Do you even know this guy? You don't know if he-

[Zelos stops himself at that. This... really is pretty typical Lloyd, running in half cocked and just assuming everything will be okay. It's stupid and dangerous to be sure, but it's just so very Lloyd. Can he really fault him for that?

The Chosen turns to look at the Saiyan and blinks as Vegeta holds up Lloyd's inexpertly straightened sword towards his friend.

...Maybe things just work that way for Lloyd, too.]

You don't always know the people you fight against, Zelos. If I always train with people I know, I won't be prepared for things I don't expect.

[He might not be the smartest student in class, and yeah, maybe he can be a bit reckless, but he does know a few things about fighting.

Even if people like Vegeta and Kratos can make it so obvious that he still has a lot to learn. Dammit.

And then suddenly, there's his sword. Just as easily as the guy had bent it, Vegeta's straightened it again. Mostly. Sort of. It'll never be the same. The metal's been weakened, he knows he'll have to replace it. But... Vegeta had tried? His surprise softens into something that's... not exactly gratitude, but maybe a little forgiveness. He accepts the sword with a small nod.]

...thanks.

[Okay, maybe he can extend his own peace offering, too.]

You were pretty good.

You weren't bad. Better than the other humans, at least.

[At least Lloyd knew how to use his ki. Vegeta raises his hand in a wave as he goes right back to walking away. He doesn't have anything else to say to these people. According to his tail, he's feeling very unsure about this encounter - it's a little fluffed up.]

[There's really not much Zelos can say to that, nor is he going to stop Vegeta from leaving since Lloyd challenged him, though the Chosen's still rankled at the little man being so easily accepting of Lloyd's challenge, but since there's no permanent harm he just let's it go, for now.

Zelos heaves a great sigh and looks back to Lloyd, somewhat deflated.]

Are you alright? It looked like he got you pretty badly.

[In response, Lloyd pulls off one of his gloves - the one on his right hand that covers his mark - and pushes the sleeve of his jacket up. His skin still looks a little bit pink, but the coral and Zelos's healing seem to have done the trick.]

I'm fine. Man, that was almost like getting hit with Judgment. Dammit, I can't believe how strong he was, and I'm pretty sure he was holding back!

[He sighs, shoulders slumping as he holds up his sword to examine it.]

He ruined my sword, too...

[It's incredibly tempting to tell Lloyd that it serves him right for seeking out someone so dangerous to spar with but Zelos holds himself back, especially considering Vegeta hadn't killed him so he probably was holding back. He's glad to see the swords Lloyd has right now aren't the important ones, though there might still be sentimental value attached to these. He's not sure if they're the ones Dirk made or not.]

Well, the Nostalgia Nook has things like that, we could check it out. [He grins a bit, chiding.] Or you could come around and use one sword like a normal person.

You really think so?

[Lloyd perks up hopefully.

Then he gives Zelos a light jab to the ribs.]

No way. This is the way I fight, Zelos. It's the way I'm good at. Maybe someday you'll see how much better two swords are than one.

[Yeah, he can tease right back. Zelos's teasing seems to have helped, though, his mood lightening a bit.]

[The Chosen lets out a quiet 'oof!' to Lloyd's jab and laughs a bit.]

Personally I enjoy being able to block more effectively, but that might just be me who doesn't like getting beaten to a pulp by a monkey~

[He ruffles Lloyd's hair and takes a few steps, turning back to grin at Lloyd.]

C'mon, if you're up to it we can go check now.

[Ffff, knocking away Zelos's hands! He might not really care that much about his hair, but that doesn't mean he wants you deliberately making it worse!]

Oh yeah, that's right. You're worried you might get a scratch on your face.

[Haha, yeah, he might want to keep his distance now. He goes to pick up his other sword, sliding it into its sheath.]

Sure. It's probably not a good idea to run around this place with only one good weapon.

You know it! It'd be a tragedy for the whole human race if my perfect skin were to get marred!

[He preens for a moment, making a show of it and sparkling in all his fabulous glory! You jelly?]

But not a tragedy for any other race.

[Nope, not jealous at all~]

Are you kidding? Hunnies of every race would come to my aid~!

[He drapes an arm around Lloyd's shoulders and starts walking off towards the shops with him, other arm gesturing expressively as he paints the picture of weeping human, elf, and alien women alike weeping in the streets for any tiny injury done to the Chosen's perfect features.

As long as Lloyd's cheered up, he doesn't care how ridiculous he sounds.]

[Yeah, yeah, you just keep telling yourself that, Zelos. Lloyd's just going to laugh and go along with it, horsing around and making fun where he can. And secretly he's just going to be glad. Glad that he's here with his friend.]

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Video: Training partners wanted

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[Action] My hair is far more fabulous, Vegeta :p

[Action] Lloyd doesn't care about your hair, you guys.

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