004 VOICE LIST TWO

[deadliestviper]

So. Angels, aliens, mutants, magicians, vampires, motherfucking superheroes and a few I've got to be missing. It's getting tough to ignore exactly who our fellows are.

It's got me a little curious. How many of us are warriors? In the handful of weeks I've been here I've seen everything from bruised knuckles to plate-mail, so I figure there's no shortage of fighters around which means no shortage of fighting styles. Following up on that, one more question: How many of us – or of you – might be willing to share your knowledge? A girl can never know too much self-defense.

[It's a sorry excuse for a supplication like that, and she amends it.]

Whatever your preferred weapon or style, please, I'd like to learn. Anyone who'd take on a student or a not-entirely-green sparring partner, I'll offer you a trade. You show me what you know, and I'll be your punching bag.

Comments

[deadliestviper]

Need and can use are two very different states of being.

[divine_right]

It's for my personal information. You did say this was an exchange of knowledge, after all.

[deadliestviper]

Touché. Fair enough.

I prefer a sword. And you, what's your specialty?

[divine_right]

Firebending, of course. [Like everybody's heard of it, even though it has been demonstrated, repeatedly, that almost nobody has heard of it here] I don't use weapons.

[deadliestviper]

[Ah. A fighting style B is truly unschooled in -- her interest piques.] And if you'll pardon the stupid question, what is firebending?

[divine_right]

[You silly, simple people. She shakes her head almost sadly.]

Where I come from, the peoples of each nation specialize in a unique form of bending. [She guesses she'll have to explain that too] Some fortunate members of my nation have the unique ability to bend fire, and the more elite may in turn bend lightning.

[A fastidious toss of her head.]

Of course, those particular abilities are limited to me in this place, as there is no sun. However, I am not helpless.

[deadliestviper]

By bending, you mean creating fire? Controlling it? [Although B is impressed she isn't surprised. It was only a matter of time until she ran into someone with an elemental ability.] No, if you have that kind of power you certainly wouldn't be helpless.

No one has that kind of ability back in my home. Where do you come from?

[divine_right]

The Fire Nation. [The concept of there being other worlds isn't completely beyond her, just not something that's oft discussed, so it's not quite part of the vernacular.] Earth.

[deadliestviper]

Not the same Earth I'm from, if you can do that. This firebending – you don't have to tell me, I'm sure I can't learn, but – how is it done?

[divine_right]

[A little laugh]

With good blood and unfailing precision.

[deadliestviper]

Would you show me?

[divine_right]

Each nation has its own unique form of martial art, even outside of bending, and the forms are developed through that. For the exceptional, I suppose it wouldn't be impossible to learn.

[deadliestviper]

Well, whether you deem me exceptional or not, may I have the honor of watching you go through them?

[divine_right]

I suppose I can't turn down an audience.

[deadliestviper]

Thank you. That's very generous.

[divine_right]

I'm a giving person.

[deadliestviper]

Will you give me your name?

[divine_right]

Princess Azula. [It's the first time she's used that title since coming here, since she was to be crowned before her arrival, as far as she's concerned.]

[deadliestviper]

Then it's my pleasure, Princess. [Just as she did with Arthas, B bows her head out of respect.] I'm just Beth.

[divine_right]

Very well, Beth. [her fingernails are once again more interesting than the screen at present] I practice my calisthenics before breakfast on most mornings. If you desire your demonstration you may find me in the gymnasium then.

[deadliestviper]

[Of course they are. No reason to look at a commoner after all.] I'll be there bright and early.