log; Ongoing

[shardsofsakura.livejournal.com]

When; January 11th
Rating; PG
Characters; Lyra lyra_of_dust and Byakuya shardsofsakura
Summary; Byakuya give Lyra the swordsmanship training he promised her.
Log; Byakuya calmly strolled through the town. As a nobleman, he hurried nowhere, unless it was an emergency. When he came upon the temple he stopped. He was early, as usual. Being punctual was also part of his upbringing. He stood outside the temple and waited for Lyra to show herself.

Comments

[lyra-of-dust.livejournal.com]

Lyra arrived a few minutes after the nobleman, Pantalaimon at her heels and her sword at her side. She wasn't exactly sure whether to view Byakuya with respect or derision, but she would probably determine that during the course of this lesson.

"I'm here."

[shardsofsakura.livejournal.com]

Byakuya stared downwards at Lyra, his face judging.

"Lead the way to where we shall practice. Along the way, describe what type of sword that you use."

[lyra-of-dust.livejournal.com]

Lyra headed down the hallway that lead to the practice area.

"It's a katana. Motoko gave it to me about... five weeks ago when a bunch of slug monsters invaded. I've been practicing with it since then-here we are," they had arrived at the practice area, which was, for the moment, deserted.

[shardsofsakura.livejournal.com]

Byakuya walked to the other end of the practice area. He pulled out his own zanpakuto.

"This is Senbonzakura. Now that you've been introduced, show me what you've got."

As to not insult her, he prepared himself to receive an attack.

[lyra-of-dust.livejournal.com]

"All right then," Lyra nodded, then drew her sword.

She dashed forward to slice at him, leaving Pantalaimon to stay put and watch from afar.

[shardsofsakura.livejournal.com]

Byakuya easily batted her sword to the side.

"More speed and more power. Don't hold back. Out of all the shinigami here, I'm among the most powerful. You won't hurt me."

[lyra-of-dust.livejournal.com]

"If you say so," Lyra shrugged, then stepped back before advancing again, this time moving as fast as she could, and putting all of her strength into the attack.

[shardsofsakura.livejournal.com]

This time Byakuya stepped backwards and blocked her slash with Senbonzakura.

"Now we will start your first lesson. You are going to learn that in a sword fight, your sword isn't your only weapon. You have your whole body, including your mind. Think of everything an opponent can do and think of a step to counter that. Whether it be punching, kicking, or use of some ability. Many opponents never think of such options and end up being surprised."

[lyra-of-dust.livejournal.com]

Lyra bit her lip and stared up at Byakuya, her mind turning rapidly. She looked at Pantalaimon out of the corner of her eye.

"Everything... I think I understand," she said, "So I should use everything I can attack with, not just my sword, right?"

[shardsofsakura.livejournal.com]

Byakuya nodded. "Yes, everything. If you think it's not enough, then make it enough."

[lyra-of-dust.livejournal.com]

"I think I understand," A thought flashed between her mind and Pantalaimon's, and Lyra stepped back again as she felt her dæmon's mind focus on hers. If she could fling the sword out of his hand...

"Can I try again?"