[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[He is going through his daily exercises, holding Shuanghua - his sword - as if the blade is a mere extension of his body. His feet barely seem to touch the ground as he dances through his various sword positions. Snow is kicked up here and there, creating a dust of white against his already white robes.

Needless to say, he seems otherworldly - perhaps more elemental spirit than man.]

Is anyone available for a spar?

[Xingchen lands before his communicator, his sleeves fluttering like wings.]

I do not mind if you are a beginner or exceptionally talented. I can adjust.

[Smiling encouragingly, he tips his head back, chuckling when a snowflake melts on his cheek.]

Comments

[gentledawn]

Use the real sword. [Xingchen leads Rinku back to the clearing. He flicks Shuanghua, hearing the sword hum in satisfaction.]

First, defend yourself. [His movements are much slower than usual - just to see what she can do.]

[roundandaround]

[Rinku draws her sword and sets her bag down -- it's training, so she probably doesn't need to be pulling out extra items. She brings her sword up and moves to the side so his strike won't hit the sword head on and put too much wear and tear on either. (Well, and because it's a real sword, and despite the insistence that they won't hurt each other, it's a little much.)

[gentledawn]

[Shuanghua strikes her blade lightly, merely going through the motions to start. Xingchen can strike with deadly blows - easily! - but she isn't a foe and this is about training their muscles. He has no desire to rattle her or cause her unnecessary strain.]

[roundandaround]

[Rinku keeps a grip on her sword and moves with the flow, glancing hits off the blade. She attacks sweeping up, following that up with more of the same if he dodges or backs up.]

[gentledawn]

[He smiles at her and speeds up his attacks, wondering when she will hit her limit. Still, he isn't being rough with her. He wants her to build her confidence and leave this spar uninjured.]

Very good. Keep your focus.

[roundandaround]

["Keep your focus," he tells the girl with undiagnosed ADHD.

Rinku tries, though, following the pace as he increases it. She keeps trying to knock away or dodge the sword strikes.]

I'll try!

[gentledawn]

[You can do it, Rinku!

He taps her hand with the flat edge of his sword. Ma'am, don't be messy! Swords can hurt.]

I know you can do it. The motions are the same.

[roundandaround]

[Rinku winces, but she perks back up. She keeps it up, trying to land a hit on Xīngchén.]

I'll keep trying! I promise.

[gentledawn]

Show me.

[Xingchen isn't a dictator, however. Soon, after she manages several rounds of repetitions, he allows her to land a "hit". On his side.]

Well done!

[roundandaround]

[Rinku catches her breath and smiles. She lowers her sword.]

Thank you! Was that what you wanted?

[gentledawn]

It's one lesson. [He smiles proudly as he lowers Shuanghua too.] The repetition is memorized by your muscles.

[roundandaround]

Huh... so you gotta keep doing the same thing so your body remembers it?

[gentledawn]

Exactly. Then, in battle, you can use those moves without thinking. [Defense is automatic.]

[roundandaround]

Huh... that makes sense. Then how come we had to practise with real weapons?

[gentledawn]

The weight of real weapons is different from the fake varieties. I want your muscles to know a true sword.

[roundandaround]

Isn't it dangerous, though? Like injuries and stuff.

[gentledawn]

I won't let you be hurt, Rinku. Shuanghua doesn't harm the innocent.

[roundandaround]

Is your sword alive?

[Asked like it's a normal question.]

[gentledawn]

Shuanghua is a spiritual weapon. That means a spirit resides inside of the blade.

[It is normal in his world.]

[roundandaround]

That makes sense! Sorry, I didn't know. I didn't mean to ignore your friend.

[gentledawn]

You didn't know. [Xingchen holds out Shuanghua. The sword hums, giving a little shiver.] He likes you.

[roundandaround]

[Gently, Rinku pets the sword and makes a happy noise.]

That sounds great! Thanks, both of you. I wanna make you guys smile.

[gentledawn]

[Shuanghua is cool to the touch - and not just because they are surrounded by snow!]

You can and you will. We just want you to be safe.

[roundandaround]

I'm gonna do my best! I've been training a lot. Sometimes even when Neechan isn't there to teach stuff. And other people ask to help too sonetimes!

[gentledawn]

I know you have. [Xingchen takes off his cloak and wraps it around her shoulders.] Would you like some hot chocolate?