combat training mingle log

[policier]

characters: everyone
location: the village gymnasium
date/time: every wednesday & friday throughout october
content: at the town hall last month, javert offered to set up a place for combat training. this is him making good on his promise. as he mentioned in his bulletin ad, these sessions are open to absolutely everyone, not just those who want to learn how to fight. partner up with someone and spar. do whatever you want, just don't hurt each other too badly—or javert will have words with you.
warnings: violence

setup

The gym's certainly seen better days, with it's crumbling walls and lost ceiling tiles. Javert doesn't need it to be pretty, though. He only needs it to be functional. In the last week, he's been doing what he can to clean it up, washing the floors and making some minor structural repairs.

Once the first day of combat training begin, the day after the ferry sinks, it's as clean as it possibly can be without any sort of overhaul. There are mats set up along one end of the gym, for people to stretch or otherwise use for sparring, and a collection of swords near the door. Some are blunted and old, perfect for training — though they may still hurt — while others are sharp or unwieldy, and will need to be handled with care. Use them, Javert says, but return them when you are finished.

There's a tiny collection of knives, too, though there aren't any targets to practice throwing them at. It's a work in progress. For light, there's a torch set up along the wall, illuminating the room and allowing combatants to spread themselves out from one another.

meetings

For the sake of not being micromanagey, there isn't going to be any formal structure to these practices. Javert is available to teach hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship, should anyone wish it. He's also enlisted the aid of Jason Grace, who will teach hand-to-hand and swordsmanship, and Bucky Barnes, who is proficient in knife fighting as well as hand-to-hand combat. Anyone else, of course, may teach others as they please. Just this once, Javert's not going to be a stickler for formalities. He just wants to see everyone making productive use of their time, in some fashion.

Training will run from seven o'clock to nine o'clock in the evening. Arrive promptly, or Javert will berate you for being disruptive. No one is required to come to every single meeting, so come as often or as little as you like. If regular exercise is supposed to help combat the effects of total darkness, why not give it a try?

Comments

jason grace | ota

[notthatjason]

I. Setup
[Routine was not difficult for Jason to find. The Romans had done a good job of establishing a regimine at camp and somehow Jason found himself falling back on that where he could. Beacon and Camp were shaping up to be fairly similiar in the 'we will use this space to prepare for a great battle' kind of scenario that Jason was all too familiar with. Despite a lack of sun, Jason still designated part of the day as morning, part as midday, and part as evening. Mornings were spent with ocarina practice, walks, and possibly exploring; midday was for odd jobs around Beacon (these days usually reconstruction of buildings or ships); and his evenings were spent here or at the armory that Riku had recently told him about.

There was no point in moving all of the weapons, but he figured since they had already established the gymnasium as a place to practice combat they might as well take a few weapons from there as well. Much like Javert, he arrived early to these meetings or sessions and this time he was carrying a bag that clanked as he walked. He may see you waiting outside and hold up a hand.]

Hey. Could you get the door? I've got something to add to our equipment.

[If you aren't early, you may find him in a workout room, going to down on a punching bag or sorting through and polishing weapons on the gym floor. He'll look over at you and nod.]

Glad you could make it.

II. training.
Ready to get started?

[Up until now, Jason has probably come across as a nice guy. He's friendly, polite, and kind. He's muscular, but the glasses and his demeanor make it easy to assume he's just your normal teenager. Probably someone who was class president or captain of the basketball team or something equally mundane. However, he took this very seriously and as soon as it was time, those sky blue eyes of his seemed to darken into an oncoming storm. When he stands there with a sword, no matter how badly balanced or blunted it is, you can almost imagine him standing at the front of an army or perhaps more accurately a Legion.

He was literally born to this.

It was a hard thing to shake. Jason had grown up in a world where only the strongest survived and kindness was not something shown on the battlefield, especially by wolves. He tended not to say much, except 'Again' or 'Shift your grip' or other short, firm commands that were given to show the other how it was supposed to be done.

That's not to say that he was violent or cruel, but anyone could tell he was holding back -- not using his full strength. Still, he took this very seriously and it reflected in the way he did everything when the gym floor was his: armed or unarmed.]

You get first strike.

[Which was a nice thought...if you could actually hit someone who moves like lightning.]

iii. wrapping up
[The clouds pass from Jason's gaze. It's the end of another exhausting combat lesson and somehow Jason has knocked you down and there's a sword tapping against your chest. Jason sheaths it and offers you a hand from your spot on the floor. It's not quite a smile on his face, but there is a ghost of one.]

You've got to remember to watch your footing, but other than that you did pretty good today. I don't think you'll be the only one with bruises tomorrow.

I

[worthallthis]

[The Soldier, who has been here a few minutes already and made a preliminary perimeter sweep (just in case), immediately hurries in front of Jason to open the gym door for him.]

What did you bring.

[Even if it doesn't sound like it given the flat tone, that's definitely a question.]

[notthatjason]

[Jason nods his head in thanks. He doesn't stop walking, but tilts his head back to answer the question as he heads for the main gym. He figures the other man will follow.]

Weapons. Riku mentioned an armory that had been discovered. I figured it would give us more to work with, though I didn't take everything.

[No sense in depleting the armory when this was just for training. Besides, Javert had procured a few things already, but at least this way they could over more than just swords and knives and fists.]

[worthallthis]

I know. I helped find it.

[Courtesy of a metal arm breaking the lock and punching the door in. It does follow along, since they're still talking and all, and it's actually done all the preparations it really needs to. The corner of the gym Javert has said is dedicated to the very beginners, the ones learning to fall and dodge and maybe stomp on an attacker's instep, is all swept and padded and has the Soldier's lantern lighting it from the most optimum position.]

That's a good idea, though. Did you bring any new knives?

[notthatjason]

Oh! Well thanks. It's reassuring to have a place with at least some weapons in stock. We weren't able to salvage everything from the ferry delivery and I don't know how many swords Javert was expecting before...

And yes, I picked up a few knives, at least these knives are actually made for throwing so they should have the right balance.

[Riku hadn't mentioned who had been part of the exploration, just that it had been located. Jason hadn't asked much in terms of follow up, just gone to see it for himself and compare to the armories of Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter. It wasn't TOO bad, certainly more than they'd had before.

Jason sets the bag down and lets it unfold to reveal a few short swords, a dozen or so knives, and a few hand axes. On his back he had strapped two staves which he takes off and props against the wall.]

I was afraid I was going to have to go find sticks from the forest, but this will be better I think.

[worthallthis]

[The Soldier starts picking weapons out and settling them on the racks for holding them. It pauses to examine the knives, recall where in the armory they had been, before putting them away.]

Sticks might be safer to start with. For people without much skill.

[One of many reasons it is sticking with the beginners and people only seeking knife training. It'd really rather not give someone with very little training a sharp weapon.]

Less blood on the mats that way.

[notthatjason]

Maybe...but that's a totally different fighting style than a sword. I guess we could see about making wooden swords.

[They usually didn't bother at camp, but he supposed they also didn't have ambrosia or healers here either.]

Oh! That reminds me.

[He pulls out a few items that are decidedly NOT weapons: gauze, bandages, a few hot/cold packs, and even disinfectant.]

Just in case. I figure we can put theses in a corner, makeshift first aid station.

i;

[mellowyellow]

[Masaomi immediately perks up upon being addressed, whirls around, and immediately slumps when he gets his first look at the guy. Keyword: guy.

The best first impression ever.

Still, at least he opens the door as requested.]

What's all this? [He asks, gestures loosely at the clanking sack.] The recycling of the damned?

[notthatjason]

Thanks.

[He steps inside and considers the question.]

I mean, given where we are, I guess that's pretty accurate. I am reusing some equipment from another location after all.

[He doesn't recognize the individual at the door, so Jason imagines he must be new. He adjusts his grip on the bag. Javert must have tried to tell the newly arrived individuals about this as well, that was good, Jason had gotten involved in so many projects that it was hard to remember to actually promote them.]

Are you here for the combat training?

[mellowyellow]

[It takes another second of eyeing that bag and the rather sharp shapes protruding from inside of it for Masaomi to piece the puzzle together. He must have hauled these over from the armory that Riku guy mentioned the other day. It's quite a distance to carry a big ol' bag of weapons.]

Um. I figured I'd watch first.

[He remarks innocently as he lets the door shut behind him and follows Jason into the building. It's his first time here, and he hasn't actually heard anything about it. Until this second anyway.]

Y'know, see what I'm in for, check out my options, scope the competition.

[notthatjason]

[It's not a big building, so they reach the gym area pretty quickly. Jason sets the bag down and starts pulling out knives, handaxes, and a few swords. There are two staves on his back as well and he takes those off to set against the wall.]

I'm sure that's fine. I can tell you what's being offered though: hand-to-hand, knife, and sword combat training. That's kind of the only weapons we have on hand...at least it was until we found that armory, but even that only adds staves, maces, and axes to our possibilities and I'm not as good with any of those.

[mellowyellow]

[He whistles as he scans the gym. Despite the place oozing the same dreary atmosphere as every other building in this sad excuse for a ghost town, there's a fair amount of movement happening in here. An instructor and pupil duke it out on the other side of the room, drawing Masaomi's curious gaze. The dulled clanks of their slow-motion combat practice color Jason's explanation.

Masaomi chuckles under his breath, shaking his head before finally peeling his focus away from the fight.]

Yeah, I don't think I'm really cut out for any of them either.

[What muscle the young teen has managed to amass is lean at best. He could train for ten years and never properly wield a bulky arm like a mace or ax. Something lighter would be a better match for him and his speedy reflexes. He's managed some beautiful devastation with a crowbar in the past, and seeing all these weapons strewn around him, he's tempted to say as much. But he'd rather appear like a complete novice for now. Normal high school students don't bash people's heads in with crowbars.]

So is this your round-about way of saying you are good with swords and knives?

[notthatjason]

I mean, everyone has to start somewhere.

[Jason blinks but then smiles. He hadn't meant to be "round-about" the statement.
He debates mentioning that he could throw a mean spear too, but decides to stick with the mentioned weapons and not over complicate things.]

Yes. Swords more than anything. Knives are [dishonorable? Not Roman?] really more for the kind of person who wants to get a fight over with quickly and sneakily.

[At least in his opinion, though there's not really a judgement as he says this. It's just obvious that if he had to pick a weapon, it wouldn't be a knife.]

iii-ish

[policier]

( Class is winding down, and Javert takes that as an opportunity to pull Jason aside and ask him for a demonstration. Something to show the beginner how it's done. He draws his sword from its scabbard and takes his stance, and throughout the entire exercise, it's obvious he's not putting his full might into it. Perhaps that is why Jason gets the upper hand. Perhaps it is because he's a demigod. Either way, Javert yields to him with only a small bruising to his pride, and answers breathlessly, )

I suspect you'll recover faster than I do. You are young still.

( He takes his sword and sheathes it, then gives Jason a considering nod. )

Has it been going well so far?

[notthatjason]

[Jason hadn't been so sure at first. Not all swords were the same and these were definitely NOT like the gladius he preferred to use, still since he'd been getting to demonstrate and practice with it he'd figured out the differences. And, besides, he had YEARS of sword training on top of that, so it's likely that the only one aware of the fact that he was not at his best was Jason himself.

He's not sure what to say in response to the first part, so he focuses on the question.]

I think so. We've only just started, so it's hard to say if turn out will increase over time.

[policier]

People may still be recovering from their rescue efforts. I won't worry.

( Those who are committed will be here, he is certain. Javert is lucky to have come away as unscathed as he did, with only a shallow cut on his hand, from grabbing onto the wrong piece of debris. He's quiet for a moment, watching the others as they slowly clear out of the gym, leaving their loaned swords behind, and he says, )

At least now we know we will not be short on weapons.

[notthatjason]

Yeah, makes sense. Everyone did seem to be out there to help.

[Which was reassuring and his comment had been more of an observation. He wasn't worried. Whoever would come, would come and they'd make sure to teach them correctly so that there would be minimal injuries.]

It was a good find and I'm glad we got to it when we did.

[It was good timing. The only thing that probably could have been better is if they had located it prior to that attack Jason had heard about. As the 'students' start to trickle out, Jason sets about returning equipment and generally 'picking up' the gym.]

[policier]

( Javert does the same, putting away whatever swords there are still laying around, and moving the mats out of the way. Once everything's in order, clean as it possibly can be, he dons his hat and jacket, and goes over to speak to Jason one last time, asking )

I shall expect you at the same time next week?

[notthatjason]

[The task doesn't take long at all and when they've put away the last of the weapons Jason looks over to Javert. He nods in confirmation.]

Of course. It's good for the others, but I think it will be good for me as well.

[And it isn't just because of the physical activity, it's another element to add as part of a routine, something that had been stressed around here as a way to combat going stir crazy or for the darkness to start 'getting to them.' He wasn't going to argue that, Jason preferred a routine to idleness, perhaps because there had been so few times where he'd gotten to be idle. There was always something to do living at Camp Jupiter.]

So, where are you off to now anyway?

III

[originallutece]

A small comfort.

[But the remark is at her quiet expense, not his. There's no question as to who is the superior at this between the two of them; it's all Rosalind can do to keep up. Then again: it's her first lesson. And to her credit, the instant he corrects something, she takes it and applies it to her style. Corrections on posture, on speed, on feinting . . . she'll get there, sooner or later.

Once she builds up some stamina, anyway. She's breathing hard as she sits up, absently pushing the blade away.]

How many years did you study this?

[notthatjason]

Hm. [It's not enough of a sound to be a chuckle, but Jason had perhaps enjoyed the exercise a little too much. Not necessarily at her expense, more so at being able to wield a sword again. He walks over to a bench and picks up two bottles of water and two towels, walking over and offering her one of each. He wipes his own towel across his face, drapes it on his shoulder, and unscrews the cap.]

With a real sword? I guess about eight or nine years. Before that it was a wooden one.

[It's pretty obvious that he's a teenager, but he says it to where it doesn't SEEM like he's messing with you. Why someone is out there giving a seven year old a real sword is anyone's guess.]

[originallutece]

[She's far from unfamiliar with one's age and one's skill being at odds-- the perks of being a genius, clearly-- but it's odd to see it with weapons of all things. Nine years? He must have been doing this since he was a child, and honestly: who is out there giving swords to a child?]

And was there a reason for all that training, or were you simply inclined towards swords?

[It's still breathless, but at least she's drinking water.]

[notthatjason]

[Lupa had told him once that they needed the weapons because while wolves had their teeth and claws, demigods needed their bite to come from elsewhere. True, his wind and lightning could deal damage...but it was limited and a sword would not give out on him.

Besides, it had to be the Imperial gold blade to slay most creatures he faced.]

Mostly protecting myself and others from monsters. My age didn't matter to them so much, so the sooner I could learn the better.

[originallutece]

There's a comment with a story behind it.

[Her eyes trace over him as she says it. She's never been one to enjoy a mystery; it's much better to know every detail of everything.]

Care to elaborate?

[notthatjason]

[He recaps the bottle of water and takes a seat. For all his jokes, he was definitely feeling tired from the various work outs and lessons of the day. He'd spent the earlier part of the day working on various other projects after all. It sounded like they were about to have a longer conversation anyway and he'd prefer to sit for that, maybe stretch out his tired muscles.]

What part do you want me to elaborate on: the monsters or the training?