007 VIDEO LIST 3

[deadliestviper]

[Private – to Steve Rogers]
Sorry to bother you, but my warden can't exactly help me with this. You're the one I talk to about using the gym, right?

[Private – to Kon]
Have you got a minute? I wanted to ask you something.

[And afterward; Public]
Hey Barge, Beth here.

There's been a little interest in it lately, so I thought I'd offer. For the last month or so Kon and I have been training together – it's a mix of meditation and basic martial arts. It's strictly beginner stuff, since I don't know enough to teach anything too advanced, but if anyone's interested we usually meet in the gym before breakfast. If there's a lot of interest and that doesn't work for people, we can talk about changing the meeting time. Warden or inmate, experienced or not, you're welcome to stop on by.

Comments

Private.

[deadliestviper]

What would you think about opening up our training to other students? It looks like a few people have been thinking about studying meditation.

Private.

[an_abomination]

Sure, I think that would be a good idea. I bet there are a lot of people here who would benefit from it. [Can already think of a couple offhand.]

I've gotten to the point where I can do the basics on my own without any problems, so I could help out too.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

Glad you think so. I didn't want to announce anything without running this by you first, but it could be a good idea.

The first few sessions would definitely be a review for you, so I'd appreciate your help.

Private.

[an_abomination]

I appreciate the heads up. I've been practicing a lot of the techniques on my downtime as well. [Grins.]

I think I'm ready for you to try and knock me down for real.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

Do you really think I'd take on a cadre of new students without asking you? [She grins back.]

I'll give it my best shot.

Private.

[an_abomination]

No, but the heads up is still appreciated all the same. [If she hadn't told him and offered him the opportunity to get involved, there's a good chance he would have become jealous.]

I need the practice. After going back home my brain got rewired to using my powers, I've really had to focus in on not using them while practicing. If I do use my powers, feel free to shove me extra hard.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

[If she knew that before she offered Ariadne the lesson, she'd feel bad. Though she's not sure how likely that girl is to sign on anyway.] Least I could do.

Well, there'll be less focus on your needs if anyone else wants to go for it. But you and I could always do a little one-on-one practicing. It might not do me any good, but I'll be on my best form.

Private.

[an_abomination]

[Don't mind him, he just gets protective over certain unique relationships he has with people because he's had so few in his life.]

The one-on-one would be great. I realize you won't have the same amount of time to do it as before, but maybe we could do a once a week advance lesson?

Private.

[deadliestviper]

Sure, just let me know what time would be good for you. Usually my afternoons are open. But considering how fast a learner you are, you might end up outgrowing me soon.

Private.

[an_abomination]

In some ways. [He grows thoughtful, not sure how and if he wants to proceed with the rest of his thoughts.]

Private.

[deadliestviper]

Don't get me wrong, I'll keep practicing with you as long as you want. It's just that I might run out of things to teach.

Private.

[an_abomination]

Do you ever...[His voice is quiet and thoughtful. She knew a lot of different martial arts style and on the beach talked about the animal instinct inside.] enjoy violence?

Private.

[deadliestviper]

[For a long while, she's quiet, then she takes a breath.]

If I can be entirely honest with you, I have before. [Read: Every single time.]

Private.

[an_abomination]

I usually don't, especially if someone doesn't deserve it but...when I went back home I was in this arena, fighting for my life and the lives of others.

I got into a one-on-one fight with one of the main Ravagers and I unloaded on him. My powers were toned down there as well so I couldn't go all out. I knew I wouldn't kill and thought he deserved it, so I didn't feel guilty about the pain I inflicted on him. If anything I enjoyed it.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

[She nods slowly, understanding all too well what he felt.] You can take some solace in the fact that you didn't kill him. [She would have.] Regardless of who you go up against, some time in your life you're going to feel some exhilaration at giving them what they deserve.

I don't think it means anything beyond... pride in your progress, maybe, or pride in your sense of justice. As long as you're not using your ability for purely sadistic purposes, it probably isn't always avoidable.

Private.

[an_abomination]

Maybe. The thing is when we train...the physical part comes easy to me. I can tell that I was created to fight. Even a style I've never learned feels natural to me.

The meditation part, searching for peace? That doesn't come so easily to me. It's not an overwhelming challenge or anything but it requires a conscious effort on my part. At times it almost feels like two opposing forces are at work.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

I noticed. That's why I've been spending more time on the meditation and less on the form sets. Did you notice that?

They do feel opposing. Part of the purpose of the meditation is to see that they can be reconciled, and that in fact, you need one to feel the other.

Private.

[an_abomination]

I have.

Hm. [Contemplates what she's saying. It makes sense when he thinks about it in a balancing perspective.]

I'm afraid of what will happen if I ever lose control of my powers or myself again. The more control I gain over myself, the less likely it is to happen but what if someone takes over me? We can't stop what happens here.

[What if something like that happens back home?W hat if Harvest finds away to control him?]

I can't let that happen. Ever.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

Can you take any relief in knowing that you won't lose control of them anytime soon? God willing, I mean. You're doing a brilliant job studying, and a mastery of emotion should go a long way in helping you keep control.

I don't know what to say about being taken over. It's not something we experience in my world, at least not the same way you might. The best I can say is that controlling yourself can keep others from succeeding if they try.

Private.

[an_abomination]

I can and do, it's one of the reasons why I like being here. I used to resent not having full access to my powers but now it's a relief. I'd like to get more of them back as I gain better control, but I'd never want full power here. With the floods it would be too dangerous. [Even if he comes back as a Warden he is going to want a restrict on his strength.]

I've met people here who make the sacrifice worth it too. I know if I ever hurt you during one of our training I'd feel terrible.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

Amazingly, you don't seem to need them. Your progress has been exceptional, even without them. When you feel more comfortable with where you are, we might want to talk about using your tactile telekinesis to study a few of the more advanced forms. Especially if you're going to help me teach.

Don't worry about hurting me, Kon. Though I appreciate you holding back.

Private.

[an_abomination]

I wish I could show you what I'm fully capable of, maybe one day. [There may or may not be some showing off since he knows B would appreciate a lot of his powers.]

Not that much, I get the feeling if you really wanted to cause some damage you could. I appreciate you taking the time show me all of this stuff. I know a lot of people here aren't thrilled to be here, but I actually like the people here a lot more than I do back in my world.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

I'd like to see that.

[She shrugs as if it's nothing exceptional.] I've clocked a few people while sparring and been hit pretty hard. It's just a hazard of the practice.

You're really one for looking at the bright side, aren't you?

Private.

[an_abomination]

It's not hard for me to do it here. Back home someone is trying to kill me every other girl and just about every girl I've met has tried to punch me in the face. [Smirks.] So far I haven't come close to dying and I have a girlfriend. It doesn't hurt that she talked to me awhile back about the benefits of looking for the silver lining in any situation.

Private.

[deadliestviper]

Lucky you. [She smiles back; she really is happy for him, a state she wouldn't have guessed was possible when she arrived here.] I met your girlfriend once. She seemed like a sharp cookie.