Show Me What You've Got (Zula)

[Zuka]

Zuka gave a playful scoff at Zulas comment about knowing how to handle her "I need to step up my game then" she teased slightly. Zuka was proud of Zula for taking this as seriously as she was, Zuka knew it wasn't easy and she knew how difficult She and Kenji could be...Kenji especially so it was no small feat to come back again night after night. "But ok, if this is what you want then I'll be honored to teach you and I already have a little homework for you."

She walked over to the wall where she kept her training weapons and turned to look back at her sister "I want you to find a weapon that you feel comfortable with." Zuka swept her hand behind her before turning back to the wall and pulling a sword from the rack, swinging it around a few times "I can't tell you how many times this has saved my skin. You can't always rely on your bending and while fighting can get you far its good to have a backup." Zuka rested her sword gently over her shoulder "you can have choose anything you like, just make sure it feels right."

[Zula]

"Oh?" Zula raised an eyebrow at her sister as she said that she already had an assignment for her. She hadn't thought that Zuka had considered it that much. Maybe she'd imagined teaching her at some point, but Zula hadn't thought that those musings would have gone far enough for Zuka to already have something in mind. But, she wasn't going to complain. The sooner they started on this journey, the better. It would only serve her well to be getting combat training to complement the other side of her training.

She followed Zuka to the wall of weapons and then frowned a little as her twin explained, watching her swing the sword. Zula had never liked using weapons and preferred to keep them out of her hands. They'd never felt right; in her grasp it had felt much more awkward than the natural movements that came with bending. But if this was what Zuka wanted from her, Zula supposed she was going to have to make it feel right. She knew that if she didn't, she'd be limiting herself. And if she ever got caught in a situation where bending didn't work, it would be nice to have another way out rather than being trapped in a corner.

"I never thought weapons training would be back to haunt me," Zula said, looking over the wall. She picked up a staff again, spun it in her hands, but the look on her face was one of uncertainty. She wasn't sure how to find something that felt right when she'd never liked weapons to begin with. She set it back, her eyes wandering over the options. "I never did nearly as well when trying to manage something in my hands. The 'extension of your body' metaphor never sunk in enough."

[Zuka]

Zuka watched the shift come over her sisters face when she heard her ‘assignment’ and she didn’t know if she should laugh or not even if she really wanted to. Zuka knew Zula had never been fond of weapons, there had been no needed for her to learn them outside of the basic teachings she had taken because of her bending ability. It had been a nice thing for their mother to show off at parties: Her special firebending daughter of many skills but for Zuka it had been a way of life in her early years until her own bending made itself known.

No matter the reason she had been forced into it as a child it had been one thing she had been grateful for. Training gave her a outlet for all of her angst as a child and gave her a drive to master her chosen weapon and when she had finished with that Zuka moved on to new ones. Maybe it was because she had always been the physical one of the two but sometimes she preferred weapons to bending. Don’t get it wrong, she loved her bending but there just wasn’t anything quite like swinging a sword around to her.

I never thought weapons training would be back to haunt me”

Zuka did chuckle at that ”you might have gotten away from it if you hadn’t decided to join us.” She reminded. Had Zula stayed out of the masked life she probably never would have had a reason to ever pick up a weapon again but since she was here Zuka was going to make sure she paid for it a little…in a loving, sisterly way of course. ”but, since you’ve made up your mind now your stuck with it and you will learn how to use a variety until you find one that just…fits.” Zula had a hard road ahead ”don’t worry, Ive had this conversation with Kenji too. He refused my insisting but he at least knows how to use a weapon.” Zuka didn’t think there was any amount of nagging suggesting she could do with Kenji to get him to actually carry a weapon that wasn’t part of his armor but she knew he could at least improvise with something should the need ever come.

[Zula]

A whole variety? Zula didn't outwardly complain, but inwardly sighed. Even if she didn't like weapons, she wasn't going to refuse to learn them. It would be a pain, yes, but Zuka was the teacher here. This felt like payback for all the times when she was younger and she'd told Zuka how she needed to present herself at social events. Apparently, Zuka got to fill those shoes now. Which was all fine and good, despite the unappealing nature of the assignment.

"I suppose I don't get the same pass as him," Zula answered, picking up a sword and shifting the weight in her hands. It felt like too much--too much bulk in her hands to maneuver. She set it aside, picked up a different type, and then sat that one back in its place as well. At this rate, she wasn't going to be choosing any time soon. Her eyes trailed over the weapons as she took a step back to see them all, and then she spied small throwing knives off to the side. Zula picked one up, turning it in her hand as she spoke, now looking a bit more interested. "I'm only allowing you to boss me around because I know it's for my own good."

[Zuka]

"No" Zuka answered simply. There were many reasons on why Kenji got a 'pass'. He was their leader, Zuka knew he could take care of himself and that he was more than capable but frankly her biggest reason for not pushing the notion too much on him was because Zuka was tired of the battle of wills it caused. Both of them were too damn stubborn and most of the time things were always at a stalemate because neither would give up or compromise. So, it was best to leave it as it was.

Zula on the other hand...

While Zuka knew how stubborn her sister could be Zuka knew she was worse and that Zula wouldn't win that battle for long. At Zula's statement about it being for her own good Zuka let out a small laugh and smirked "you know I outrank you here. Technically, I can make you do whatever I want." Being second had its perks and since Zula was still so green she really had to do and listen to everything Zuka said "just be glad this is all I'm making you do. It could be a lot worse...I could be more like Kenji"

[Zula]

Whatever she wanted, huh? Good thing Zula trusted her sister to not abuse that power. She knew that she was in no position to argue against Zuka's methods, even if she didn't agree with them. Her sister was the one with the experience and knowledge, so Zula really couldn't tell her no. Maybe she could resist, but that would defeat the purpose. If she was ever going to get better she had to do what Zuka said, even if she didn't like it.

At her comment about Kenji, Zula looked to her sister, her face betraying exactly what she thought about that. She didn't need to voice the protest; it was written in her features clearly.

"One of him is more than enough," Zula assured her. She liked to think that nothing could make her give up this journey she'd decided to undertake, but that---that would push her over the limit. Not that she wanted to give her sister any ideas about something to talk her out of her decision. Though, she had a feeling Zuka was over trying to talk her out of this. Now it was just the matter of getting her trained enough that Zuka didn't worry as much.

She turned the knife over in her hand thoughtfully. "If you insist that this is what's best for me, then I'll go along with it. I'm sure there will come the day that you get to hear me say that you were right."

[Zuka]

Zuka almost snorted when Zula said that one of Kenji was enough "I completely agree" Zuka might have grown fond of this Kenji but if there were more than one of him that might be crossing a line "there world isn't big enough for two of their egos."

She watched as Zula turned the knife a few times and since her sister hadn't immediately put that weapon down she wondered if maybe she had found something she liked. Whatever Zula picked Zuka didn't care just as long as she picked something and a knife would be a good one to start with. A knife was small, easily concealed and could be deadly perfect for someone who had a image to keep up like Zula did. "Oh I know that day will come" Zuka told her matter of factly "it's just a matter of when you realize it...but, I can be patient."

[Zula]

Who knew how long it would take for her to realize that Zuka was right. Deep down Zula already knew that her sister was speaking from knowledge and experience, but Zula's stubbornness overruled that thought. Until the day came when Zula found herself thankful that she had something other than her own abilities and bending to save her skin, she'd complain in moderation. But, that was nothing she was certain that Zuka didn't expect. Time would tell when Zula finally admitted that weapons were just as useful in a fight.

But, delaying the inevitable was pointless. Zuka did expect her to make a decision on something, and she had to find what would be the least annoying object to learn. Right now, the throwing knife seemed to be her best bet. 

"Then if I must," Zula said, holding up the knife in her hand, "I will go along with it. This doesn't seem to be the worst."

Better than dealing with the bulk of a sword or length of a staff. Zula figured as long as she had something, even if it was small, it would be preferable to having no weapon at all. 

[Zuka]

As Zula made her final decision with the knife Zuka gave a small nod "alright then" and she reached out to take the knife from her sister. Once Zula handed it over Zuka spun the small blade between her fingers "knives are meant for small, quick movements. Unlike my sword it leaves less room for error so if you have to use it you had better be ready to and make sure you do not miss."

Zuka stopped spinning once the hilt of the knife was back upright and she held the small blade in her hand before moving and laying the blade flat and balancing it on her finger. It will have a different balance as well, since their made for throwing they are going to be heavier than normal. She paused and pushed the knife up a little, grabbing it by the tip and then suddenly turning and throwing the knife at a wooden dummy. The knife flying through the air and sinking into the soft wood of the dummys chest. "So you'll want to be sure you get acquainted with it before you starting trying to do some damage because like a bow and arrows once its gone..its gone." There were only so many chances to throw a knife, once it left you chances of getting it back were slim. Even if Zula carried more than one eventually she would run out.

Zuka stepped around her sister and picked up the other knives on the self and handed them to Zula. "Take these home and play with them. Get used to the weight and how it shifts at different angles. We won't try anything today but next time be ready."

[Zula]

Zula handed the knife over to her sister, listening as she explained the knife's function and properties. Her eyes moved between watching the blade and looking to Zuka as her mind turned. In a way she'd chosen a weapon that brought with it risk: the risk of missing, of running out, of slipping from her grasp. But she would not be discouraged. Zula watched as Zuka balanced the knife on her finger, contemplating. Yes, it posed risks, but if Zula could learn to use it, she wouldn't make those mistakes. She'd make sure that they were as minimal as possible--hopefully that they never occurred.

Zuka seemed to move in a split second, sending the knife flying through the air and into the dummy. Zula's eyebrows rose a fraction, impressed by the fluidity. She would get there, Zula promised herself. No matter how long it took, she'd get there. Maybe she didn't want to carry a weapon, but Zuka assured her there was no getting out of it. Which left Zula with the only option of learning, and learning it to her full ability. 

She took the knives into her hands as Zuka gave them to her and nodded. Already she could picture a wall in her home that she would be practicing with. "I'll make sure I'm prepared for next time. And then I suppose the real training begins. I'll be ready for that, too."

Zula paused for a moment and then added, "And to listen even if I strongly disagree."

[Zuka]

Zulas promise to be ready the next time made Zuka nod slightly. She knew her sister would rise to the challenge it was the Ou-yong way, never give up or surrender. It was kind of funny how the old Fire Nation military moto became their families moto, it said a lot about who they were and sadly it was one of those things that engrained itself into the twins minds. ”I know you will be. “ Zula would be ready she knew that but she also didn’t have a choice. They did not have the luxury of having years to train. Zula was getting a crash course in all of this and it would be difficult but she could do it. Zuka wouldn’t be doing any of this if she thought otherwise.

A small chuckle came from Zuka at her sisters last remark ”you’re displeasure is duly noted.” Zula could grumble all she wanted ”buuuut, I’m going to enjoy this.” It wasn’t often that she ever got the chance to boss Zula around.

[Zula]

"Oh, I have no doubt you will." Zula shook her head, resisting a sigh. This was going to be quite the experience and she knew that Zuka would get a kick out of being in charge. But, it was a price she was willing to pay. Zula knew that her sister was the best fighter and she wouldn't want to be mentored by anyone else. So as grueling as it might be, and as many times as Zuka might beat her over and over again, she would take it. And if she tried to look at it more positively, it could turn out to be a little fun.

After the annoyance faded, of course.

She'd have to remind herself that she agreed to this, and just why she agreed in the first place. But, she'd worry about it all in the moment. At least they were off to a good start."Same time tomorrow, then?"

[Zuka]

Zula's question about being back tomorrow caused Zuka to nod 'and the next day, and the day after that' the sisters were going to have a standing date every day now until Zuka thought Zula was ready. If they couldn't make it for some reason then Zuka would expect Zula to train at home, it was going to be grueling and tedious work but it was necessary.

"Don't forget to go home and practice with those knives. Once your comfortable with them we can talk to Teo about making some modifications to your suit.' Zula was going to need places to put her new knives once this was all over. Zuka put her arms up and stretched to try to loosen her muscles. "We might want to warn Neva too..." There was bound to be some injuries at first, it was expected and with the sisters training they would have those injuries to deal with too.

[Zula]

The idea of suit modifications didn't sound so bad. Zula was fond of hers, knowing that Teo did great work. And even if she did have to start carrying weapons, at least the upgrades would be nice. Zula liked new things--she couldn't help it. She knew she was getting good training out of this, but additions to her suit were also a nice benefit.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she was already waiting on us," Zula said at Zuka's suggestion that they inform Neva. She knew that she'd relied on Neva whenever she'd started going out as The Cinder, and it hadn't changed since. As for how many times Zuka and Kenji had gone to her, Zula imagined it had become a countless number. Honestly, it was probably a surprise when they didn't show up at her doorstep. Nonetheless, Zula appreciated the help immensely, and she was sure the others did too. "But, a fair warning would be nice, even if she is always ready. I have a feeling that there will come a point when we need her."

Zula didn't expect to come out of this without getting injured a few times. With Zuka not pulling her punches, there was bound to be some pain, but Zula wasn't afraid of it. She'd rather take the injuries as they came and have to go see Neva rather than have her sister go easy on her.  

[Zuka]

If were going to make her pull extra duty I think she will appreciate it." Neva was always ready for any stupid thing her and Kenji had done but now that Zula was added to that mix and there was more work and more to worry about she figured Neva might appreciate a heads up. "....We might want to bring her a little something to" a nice bottle of wine or something to help her relax probably wasn't a bad idea in the long run.

"But, we'll figure that our later. Right now, lets worry about you and those knives. So, go home and practice and I'll see you in a few days." She would give Zula a few days to get used to her new weapons before they jumped back into it.