[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]

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?

[roundandaround]

Really? Thanks! [She makes a happy little noise and snuggles into the cloak.] You must be working hard too.

[gentledawn]

I don't know how to exist any other way. [Hard work has been part of his life since the beginning. He leads the way inside his home and sets Shuanghua by the door.]

[roundandaround]

I try really hard, but... it only kinda works sometimes. Sometimes I can't. Or I can't even make myself do anything. Sometimes I can only do something when I'm scared and it's an emergency, and sometimes even then. I slept through a lot of classes back in school and just couldn't absorb the material when I studied because I'd fall asleep then too.

[gentledawn]

You should make sure you get to bed each night at a good time. Get plenty of rest and eat healthy meals. {As for the rest...} I think your issues are quite normal for the young.

[roundandaround]

Huh... Neechan said something kinda like that. That it's just that my brain works different, and lots of people are like that, and there's ways to still do stuff and be happy like everyone else.

[gentledawn]

[He heats up some milk on the stove and listens quietly.]

I agree with her. However if you truly feel different mentally, there is no shame in seeking out a healer or a counselor.

[roundandaround]

Eh? They have that kinda thing just for that?

[gentledawn]

Just talking to another can be a comfort. I have heard of services like that.