Permavid

[governorkang]

[The video starts with the tablet propped up on a table, showing a human male with a broadsword facing off against Kang in one of the training rooms. The human is in his early twenties, average height, and easily a foot shorter than him; the sword is also comparatively smaller than the draconian's. The human speaks first.]

Let's make this interesting. If I win, you have to give me your necklace.

[He points at the thick gold chain around Kang's neck. Kang snorts and quirks one eyebrow ridge slightly.]

What do you have to offer if you lose?

[The human gives a cocky grin.]

I'm not going to lose. You're bigger and probably stronger, but I bet you aren't very fast, and I can tell that hand isn't your dominant one.

[Kang looks down at his left hand, and then the right; the latter is covered in scars, centered on the palm and the ring and pinky fingers. He switches the sword to his right hand and it's obvious that he can't wield a weapon with it. The aforementioned fingers won't even form into a fist to properly grip it.]

You're right about one thing. However, I was a soldier for longer than you've been alive, boy, and I never stopped practicing after I retired.

[The blade goes back to his left hand, and is held slightly awkwardly.]

If I win, you owe me a new sword of my choosing. Luckily for you, I prefer practicality over flashiness.

[The smug grin doesn't leave the human's face as he gets into a fighting stance.]

I wonder how much that necklace is worth. Is it real gold?

[Kang doesn't say a word, smiling grimly and getting into his own stance. His limbs, including his tail and wings, are loose, and he never looks away from his opponent's eyes. The human, on the other hand, is tense, and when he charges forward, his body language clearly telegraphs his intent. Kang neatly sidesteps, showing that he's faster than he looks, and casually hits the human on the back with the flat of his blade. He's not as good with his left hand, but he's definitely on par with the average swordfighter.]

That's one death. Never underestimate your enemy.

[Scowling, the human comes at him again, this time a little more warily. Kang dodges a swing aimed for his midsection and parries the blade with a snort.]

Swordfighting isn't just about how strong or fast you are. It's about technique, and being able to read your opponent. And you are an open book.

[The human curses and tries again, only to have his sword knocked from his hands to fall to the ground several feet away with a metallic clang, and before he can recover the weapon, Kang ducks down to pivot on one foot and whip his tail, tripping him. The tip of his blade rests at the human's throat.]

You won't be finding out how much my necklace is worth after all. I'll contact you later about my sword.

[He lets the human up and crosses his arms over his chest after sheathing his sword, watching as the human stalks out of the room. He then turns to face the tablet, making it clear that he'd meant for others to see that scene.]

A few of you may have already received some training from me, or seen me helping others. For those who don't know who I am, my name is Kang. I'm finding myself in need of a paying job, and I've decided to offer private sword lessons to anyone interested. 15✥ per hour, and I much prefer coin over card. I'm also proficient with knives, and hand-to-hand, if that is more to your liking.

Comments

[oncearanger]

[Billy flicks on the feed some time later, transfixed. He sees Kang perfectly clearly in what transpires---still as blunt and practical a teacher as ever. If he concentrates, Billy can still feel the traces of bruises once given to him in warfare training, and he's grateful for them.

Part of him wants to ask to train right away, to work with a familiar friend. But is he? Billy knows now that Jamie knew before Billy ever had a clue, and he hasn't seen any indication that Kang remembers. Best to remain casual. Though he does wonder about the lack of use of one hand...

In the end, he can't resist asking.]

What happened to your hand?

[governorkang]

[He shrugs, now in his apartment.]

An old battle injury. Glass shards gave me permanent nerve damage.

How have you been, Billy?

[The question is friendly, but doesn't have the feeling of familiarity that Billy's probably hoping for.]

[oncearanger]

[And he'd let himself hope, just a little. Billy masks his disappointment with more friendliness.]

I wonder if anything our technicians have could fix it. Permanent is a relative term sometimes.

[He shrugs.]

I'm adjusting to life here again. Out of one war, into another. It's really made me see that life here isn't so bad.

[governorkang]

[He quirks one eyebrow ridge slightly, amused.]

It's been six years since it happened. I've learned to deal with it.

[Then, he frowns.]

...must have been a bad war.

[oncearanger]

It was. Whole worlds destroyed, universe on the brink of destruction, watching comrades and friends die. Then I come back here, find that death isn't permanent, and it's so strange to think about.

[He watches intently for any hint of recognition, though he knows he won't find it.]

Anyway, sometimes that kind of experience can be an asset. I had a tough trainer back there---he was blunt, and fierce and unforgiving like a real combat situation, but fair. You reminded me of him.

[governorkang]

The entire universe? Is such a thing possible?

[That's... mindboggling. And, he's noticed the odd way Billy's looking at him; like he's searching for something.]

Those are the best trainers. Coddling only leads to death on the battlefield, both yours and those you fight alongside.

[oncearanger]

I know.

[Kang's told him this many times before. Not that this Kang would know that. Billy comes to a decision, though there's a flicker of doubt for a second as he considers the implications.]

Maybe I should pay you for an hour, see that I haven't forgotten his lessons.

[governorkang]

I'd be very interested to see what you've learned. Sword?

[oncearanger]

Hand to hand. My bladed weapon style's a little different.

[governorkang]

When is a good day and time for your lesson?

[oncearanger]

Thursday afternoon is fine.

[Billy's nervous. He went to another training session in the Hold soon after returning, and he knew he was stronger, but he'd never quite kept pace with Kang. He'd just have to do his best and prove himself again.]

[governorkang]

Alright, let's say 1400 sharp.

[Dammit Billy didn't he already tell you that you don't have to prove yourself?]

[oncearanger]

See you at 13:59, then.

[Starting again, same goals. Some patterns never break.]