video † looking for duel

[cruxified]

[video]

[The man on the screen is a bit tall, if the camera angle is any indication. He is dressed in a tight navy uniform and a cape. Someone please tell him that Halloween isn't for another month.

He has a rather frightening stare, though. Maybe... tell him next time.]

I require a sparring partner. I use a sword and shield, but you can use whatever you're comfortable with. I know some magic as well.

[A pause.]

Meet me in District 2, in the small park at [intersection].

[He shuts the feed off after an awkward silence.]

Comments

video;

[cruxified]

[Thankfully, Kratos doesn't seem fazed. While he doesn't boast about his skills, there is something unshakable about him even so.]

I have had students. Does that answer your question?

[the_ninja]

[musingly] It might do- or it might just mean that you're an egotist.

[cruxified]

Words are, at the end of the day, only words.

[calmly] Would you like to find out which it is?

[the_ninja]

[He hasn't risen to it- that's one point in his favour as a sparring partner and Kratos might be able to hear the smile in his voice when he next replies.]

... now there's an offer I can't refuse. I know the place, just give me a time.

[cruxified]

[The smile is really kind of endearing. Kratos is immune to such things, however.]

Will you be free in ten minutes, or do you need time to prepare?

[the_ninja]

[without missing a beat] I'm always prepared. [And with that, the audio feed cuts.]

[ooc: Do you want to log or move to action? I don't mind either way 8>]

video --> action;

[cruxified]

[The park isn't really that spectacular. It's little more than an industrial acre of grass. This makes it ideal for throwing a ball back and forth, or if you're more military-minded, sparring other people with dangerous weapons. No one will be in range of crazy rogue fireballs or flying daggers. That's really his only concern.

There's a lone shadow, tall and overbearing even at rest. He sits in the middle of the park with his sword across his lap, waiting.]

[ooc: I'm fine with keeping it to this entry. :3]

audio ---> action

[the_ninja]

[In his first week, The Ninja had made it his mission to scout out the city and, even then, he'd found himself distinctly unimpressed with the park. It's too flat for his liking with too few places to slip into and propel yourself from, a lopsided wrestling ring without the benefit of ropes. Still, the prospect of fighting in a place so far out of his comfort zone is thrilling in its own way- he's relishing the opportunity to get creative.

He spots his opponent, whose name (or lack of name, so far) he he's only vaguely given thought to, almost immediately- but that might be down to the rather conspicuous blade resting across his knees. It's like a lonely hearts advertisement: "I'll be the one with the sword and cape. WLTM like-minded individuals, no smokers".]

Did I keep you waiting? [He did, but only by a few minutes and maybe he did that on purpose.]

[cruxified]

[Honestly, that's not too far from the truth. Kratos is nothing if not a touch dramatic. He doesn't aim for it, it just happens because he takes himself entirely too seriously. His best friend wears a giant swooshy cape and says corny dramatic lines like some kind of eight bit villain, however. Maybe that's why.

Anyway, he gives the same impression as he did over the network: patient, unbothered, taciturn. He rises to his feet when The Ninja approaches.]

Not long, [he responds calmly.] I appreciate the... punctuality. [He also gives the impression of not saying 'thank you' much.] My name is Kratos.

[the_ninja]

[There's nothing wrong with a little theatre as far as The Ninja's concerned; a little smoke and mirrors and a flair for the dramatic is to a fight what sleight of hand is to a card trick. Obscuring and revealing. Working the crowd and your opponent and moving in for the kill before they can question the mechanics of your attack.

... well, that and everyone enjoys the attention and applause, right?]

The Ninja. Just "Ninja", if you'd prefer. [Normally he'd expect some kind of questioning of his name but he gets the feeling that Kratos might shrug it off. He already seems to be quite a laconic man.] Have you stretched off?

[cruxified]

[Yeah, no, Kratos isn't the flashy type. He blinks at the name, but doesn't push it. It's a weird name but he probably has reasons to go by a title and not the real thing.]

If you're asking if I've warmed up, the answer is yes. Have you?

[the_ninja]

My run here was a warm-up. [Parkour does wonders for getting the blood pumping, particularly when you're moving over unfamiliar territory.] I'm ready to go whenever you are.

[cruxified]

[Kratos nods. He assumes a ready position, balancing on the balls of his feet, sword down, buckler up.]

Let us begin.

okay wow dw don't tell me about this or anything!! sorry for the delay!

[the_ninja]

[The Ninja does likewise, standing with his legs apart for balance and moving his weight between both feet, ready to spring into action- which he does immediately, betraying his usual strategy of letting his opponent go first. In a burst of speed and motion, he closes the gap between the two of them in a feigned tackle as he attempts to get behind Kratos.]