001; video

[wingedwarrior]

[It's about midday when Shayera turns on the comm, sitting in the comforts of her suite in the Earth Sector. Her expression is her default serious, and her overall demeanor shows she means business, despite feeling a tad unusual about making a public appearance that's not in person. But that aside, she knows that she has something that needs to be said, and a little awkwardness isn't going to stop her.] My name is Shayera Hol. Most of you probably don't know me, but that's not the point here. I'm here to talk about training for self-defense in battle.

[She leans back in her chair to get comfortable, arms crossed as she speaks.] I know there's been a few other posts about this, but having more offers doesn't hurt things. A-- [There's a brief hesitation as she decides which word best describes Kyle. He said family, but... she never agreed to that.] friend of mine brought it to my attention that there are people here who need to know how to fight. There's things here that can kill, and people should be prepared to defend themselves against them should the need arise. I'm a pretty competent fighter, so don't worry about me knowing what I'm doing.

[Then there's the fact that there's teenagers here, and they're really going to need help unless they have some form of fighting on their own.] Even if you have your own powers or whatnot, knowing how to fight is still crucial. I'd be willing to help anybody out, so just give me a call, or come to my apartment, EA-2C. I'll be starting the lessons in a couple of weeks, if nothing unexpected pops up.

[filtered message to Captain James Kirk and Clara Oswald]

[Once that's been taken care of, she fixes up a filter to the two Kyle told her about.] The little ball of sunshine told me about you two in particular needing training, so don't expect to get out of it. If you've got any questions, feel free to drop by.

Comments

[imaginate]

If you ever want some of the fancier stuff, [he waves both hands, palms facing her] magic hands. I'm a bartender and an artist, who knew!

[wingedwarrior]

Oh really. Looks like I lucked out on who I made friends with. [She'll honor his skills by throwing one of his drinks to start a fight.]

[imaginate]

You don't say.

[He finishes up his fruit and uses a nearby napkin to wipe his fingers.]

So! When should we do this again? Should I drop by when you train the other two I told you about?

[wingedwarrior]

I still have to set up a date for that. I'm waiting to hear on James Kirk still. Unless you want them to get special lessons, I'll train them with the other kids that jumped at the offer.

[imaginate]

You're the teacher. Go with what you think is best.

[A cheeky grin.]

I'm just there for the view.

[wingedwarrior]

[She crosses her arms, giving him this sort of "excuse me?" look.] You think you're not helping? Dead wrong.

[imaginate]

You... really don't want me near rookies.

[:/]

[wingedwarrior]

And why is that? [Better have a damn good reason for not helping.]

[imaginate]

[He rubs the back of his neck nervously, trying not to wince.]

I'm a harsh combat instructor.

[wingedwarrior]

[And I trained recruits in the army, what's your point. But this is Kyle, and despite seeing his... dark side earlier, she knows there's more to it than that. She uncrosses her arms, and the stern look softens.] Should I ask, or would you prefer I just leave it at that?

[imaginate]

Nah, you can ask.

[Family has that right.]

Our world is.. a little harsher than yours. It's really: strike first, or be certain you can take the first hit, or die. I don't teach people to fight; I teach them to stay alive.

[wingedwarrior]

[Those are some very familiar sounding words.] Kyle. You know you basically just described Thanagar in my world. We weren't fighting to win, we fought to protect our planet, to stay alive. [But that fight was long since lost.]

I'll be doing the same thing to these guys.

[imaginate]

Yeah. [He sighs, heavily.] I'm just... clumsy with it. I didn't learn the easy way.

[wingedwarrior]

When do we ever learn something the easy way? [She puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.] It's better that we learned the hard way than not at all, right?

[imaginate]

What doesn't kill you, right?

[He tries to smile, but his expression just becomes heavy and sad, and he hugs her tightly.]

[wingedwarrior]

[Hugs aren't something she's entirely used to (except a few from Wally), so she's just a bit awkward as she hugs back. His expression hurts her on the inside, considering how cheerful he's been. What all are you holding, Kyle?] Exactly. And listen, don't carry it all, okay? A certain annoying someone told me it gets really heavy by yourself.

[imaginate]

[He lets her go, and smiles, all worn at the edges, before he punches her shoulder playfully.]

It really does.

[wingedwarrior]

So I'm here for you if you need me. [She's got a bucket load of her own problems, but they'll share them. Two lost little strays, looking out for each other. And just to lighten but the mood a little, she gives his hair a playful ruffle.]

[imaginate]

[He laughs, deep, and genuine. Although he's cheerful one gets the idea that he doesn't... laugh quite like this very often.]

Thanks, sis.

[wingedwarrior]

[That's the Kyle she knows and loves. She's glad to see the smile back on his face.] Guess I'm doing this family stuff right.

[imaginate]

Now we need to inspect each other's friends. [His expression softens.] My brother was here, disappeared about a month ago. You two would have liked each other.

[wingedwarrior]

I'm friends with the League, does that mean I'm off the hook? [Brother... he must mean another Green Lantern.] Who was he?

[imaginate]

Not a chance.

[Elbows her playfully in the ribs.]

Guy Gardner. Have you met him?

[wingedwarrior]

Well, if you want to inspect Batman, by all means then. [He's getting a playful shove in return. They're going to start wrestling any second now.] No, but John told me about him. Said he was a jerk, but I wouldn't know.

[imaginate]

[Y E P gonna wrestle playfully now.]

Really? John's one of the few people who can get along with him. Weird to think he doesn't.