Log:Speed vs Skill: Blood for the Humility Goddess

2021/03/14 Cryostatic Victory|Wayne Artemis Magda 1

It's early evening before another week at the office. Though honestly, the job allows for travel around the city as well. Artemis proposed Wayne get a chance at training before the work week starts. And to make it more interesting, she's recommended Wayne have a chance to spar and mayhaps train her Squire. As they enter Steel's, she's all smiles. "I am most eager to see how the two of thee fare against each other." She's unsure if Wayne has any memories of Cryostatic.

Wayne doesn't seem to have any memory of Cryostatic. "It's nice to meet you. What is it that you can do?"

"Bro. It's all in the name," replies Cryostatic.

There is a brief blurring of Cryostatic's silhouette that resolves itself with Cryostatic inexplicably noshing on a hot dog that he definitely didn't have before the blurring. Cryostatic, apparently between bites, gesticulates weirdly with the remains of his hot dog.

"I'm super cool and have blazing fast electric speed."

Artemis smiles at that. She must like the name because there's no obfuscation to it. Even a Godflora can understand it!

Wayne smiles as he thinks about it. "I see. Artemis seemed to think you needed training." He pulls off his jacket and sets it by the wall before he rolls up his sleeve to expose the shield bracer on his forearm. "What do you picture as your weakness when you're fighting?"

There is zero hesitation in Cryostatic's answer: "People not being able to see my sweet moves."

Artemis plants her hands on her hips and looks amused. "I thought thee did claim thee wished to be a 'ninja'."

Cryostatic pauses in the middle of making the hot dog disappear through his scarf. Looking at Artemis for a few moments, Cryostatic replies, "I am a ninja. That's why people can't see my sweet moves."

Wayne looks to Artemis, "So...is training needed? Or not?" He chuckles.

Artemis has that look of frustration when dealing with Urth idioms. "Did ye -not- say you wished for the 'pointers' from my Beloved? 'Pointers' does mean training, yes? I looked it up on thy data network!"

Cryostatic starts to say something, but pauses with an index finger up-raised in objection. There is an exceptionally long pause (particularly for the mouthy speedster) before he lowers his hand and his head. "Technically those were my words, yes," replies Cryostatic. His words, yes, but perhaps not his intended tone.

Artemis flounders at this. "I hear no protests from thee," she says with some suspicion.

Wayne chuckles, "So...what did you mean then, Cryostatic? Pointers in regards to what?"

Cryostatic kicks at the floor of the workout room before he blurs. Rather abruptly there is a Cryostatic perched on the wall nearby, his scarf flapping in the left over breeze. "I meant, uh, you know." More wild gesticulating is done - did he always have that banana? - while he buys time. "The best figthers in the world- They, uh, never stop studying? They never stop learning from opponents new and old. Total Miyamoto Musashi vibes, bro and she-bro. Gotta get pointers from people that are, like, brotally masters in their own field of combat. Can't be the best figther if all I'm learning is, like, Samurai Showdown." Cryostatic gestures at Artemis because... She represents samurai? "Sometimes you gotta, like, train yourself in Mortal Brobat. Right? Right. Brotally."

The struggle is real for Artemis as she studies Cryostatic with mounting suspicion, but she can't place her finger on it. "So then ye -do- wish for training?" she asks for clarification. She looks to Wayne in that lost way she does when she needs something explained to her. "I understood not most of what he did say."

Wayne listens to Cryostatic, and then nods. He says to Artemis, "He's speaking in slang, rather than English. He littered his speech with 'Bro'. Short of 'brother'."

"That part of the bro'ing I have become accustomed to. But this...miyami musashi and Samurai showdown I do not understand," Artemis says in stage whisper to Wayne for...reasons?

"Miyamoto Musashi," repeats Cryostatic. For clarity. He bounces off of the wall and executes a tight somersault that transitions into a triple axel before landing neatly beyond Artemis and Wayne. "Are we going to, like, get down to the kung fu fighting? Or just stand around interrogating one another?"

Wayne nods to Artemis. "Musashi was a famous swordsman from Japan. He was so good...that near the end of his career, he would fight with bokken instead of a katana, and still beat his enemies. A bokken in a wooden training sword. It's blunt."

Wayne turns on his shield bracer and falls into a fighting stance. "Sure. I'm set. Should I hold back at all?"

"Wood training against metal? Most interesting," Artemis smiles brightly in interest. "I should like to witness his technique." She steps back from the pair to give them some room while floating up. She wants the best view. "I think ye need not hold back against mine Squire." Or maybe she's throwing her squire into the deep end.

"Well, like, don't strike to kill," suggests Cryostatic as he assumes a defensive stance of his own. Electricity momentarily arcs over his form for a couple of seconds as Cryostatic casts a sideways glance at Artemis. With a shrug, Cryostatic looks back at Wayne and adds, "But her Ladyship is in charge, brah."

Wayne chuckles. "She's in charge, but you need to also understand your own limitations. I'm ready when you are."

Artemis chortles at that. "Mine Beloved would not kill thee or any." Though she smiles at Squire's addressing of her, and Wayne's agreement. She raises a hand up, then drops her arm. "Begin!" she bellows eagerly with a smile.

"Bro. I'm too cool for limitations."

Cryostatic blurs almost before he finishes replying. It helps that Artemis has initiated combat. As his image fades out from where he was standing, Cryostatic unblurs in front of Wayne in the middle of a tilted spin kick.

Wayne manages to avoid the initial strike, and he counterstrikes with a quick punch with his empty hand.

Artemis looks very pleased as Wayne lands first touch. And a solid touch it is!

Wayne's fist is like a blur as he connects. "You're fast. That counts for a lot."

"Electric speed, bro," replies Cryostatic. He may or may not be shaking off the impact of the blow. Cryostatic whirls himself backward and settles into a defensive stance with both gloved fists up.

Wayne watches Cryostatic's stance. "So...you use your speed...to be defensive? You're right. You needed training." He presses the attack, throwing another attack, but with the edge of his shield this time.

Wayne avoids the block, feinting, and then striking cleanly again.

Artemis watches on in admiration. For her, this is also to see how much of Wade's skill Wayne still retains. And so far, it seems like he has some of Wade's combat moves. Definitely his reaction speed and skill.

Magda enters from Steel's Gym.

Electricity arcs over Cryostatic's frame in the wake of Wayne's strike. Leading with the shield's edge splits the difference of the dozen or so Cryostatic upper bodies trying to Matrix Dodge the shield strike. Cryostatic goes sailing backward, skidding awkwardly as he leaves a trail of ice and electricity in his wake.

Cryostatic skips forward, crossing the distance in what seems like not nearly enough skipping steps. He promptly blurs into full motion, throwing a barrage of punches and kicks at Wayne. "I use my speed to stay ahead of the competition, bro."

Wayne sees a clear opening, and he goes for it. Cryostatic's attack went wide, so he spins and brings his foot around in a strong side kick.

Artemis is judge and spectator over the training spare between her Beloved and her Squire. She's off to the side, floating in the air, and watching with an excited smile. The room is set to its bare setting to provide no distraction for her Squire's education at Wayne's skilled hands.

Magda enters with her armor up; you never know if a stray shot is going occur. A moment later and she goes from floating just outside the door to floating next to Artemis. "What started this?" she wonders aloud, considering the combat below.

"Mine squire Cryostatic," Artemis motions to Cryostatic, "did wish for some of the 'pointers' from my Beloved. He is in need of training and discipline, and mine Beloved is providing." She smiles broadly as Wayne lands another blow. "Mine squire has yet to land a blow upon Wayne yet."

The kick rises over Cryostatic's guard and clips the Scarfed Speedster on the jaw. Cryostatic goes spinning around in a spray of electrical arcs and shaved(?) ice. When he comes to a stop, Cryostatic holds up one gloved hand as the air crystallizes into a giant hunk of ice that he applies directly to his scarf. "Be with you in a sec."

Wayne grins, "Already taking a break? We can pause to evaluate things, if you like."

Magda laughs softly. "A squire? Well, who knew. I tend not to get into close combat, but I know a defensive move or two."

Artemis stagewhispers to Magda, "Me thinks mine squire may rely on deception at this point of the battle."

Magda nods. "All warfare is deception; this is known."

Artemis knows it, but doesn't like it. "Not for the Ashildr. For the Do'jon and many other races...this is known," she agrees grimly.

After a couple of seconds, Cryostatic hucks the block of ice over his shoulder. Before it hits the ground, Cryostatic blurs out of existence again.

"Remind me again, bro. Am I allowed to use my powers or is this just a fist fight?"

Cryostatic blurs back into existence with a crackle of electricity beside Wayne. He feints a high-speed strike at Wayne's knee followed by a spinning elbow strike aimed at Wayne's neck.

Magda glances sideways. "Such honor and forthrightness does have its place in war, Artemis. You just need to make certain that your commander understands you. Even if you are only a forlorn hope, such brave individuals have their place -- and can achieve wonders."

Artemis thinks on that question. "I...shall leave that decision to Friend Wayne. I know not how well he shall receive thy electrical attacks."

Wayne avoids the attack again, and goes ahead to counterpunch once more. Just a quick strike. "It depends on what you're testing. Did you want to improve at hand to hand combat? If so, resorting to using your powers after...what...nine seconds? ...seems like you're not serious about that goal."

Artemis looks to Magda at her comment, puzzled. "I would not be forlorn for being as I am. And the only leader I know of amongst the Guardians is Spirit, or Friend Wade...and I believe both understand my position in such."

Wayne connects solidly again. "Rather than resorting to using your powers, it makes more sense to stop and evaluate."

Magda mmmms, crossing her arms as she watches the pair down below. "A forlorn hope is a term for a small group that starts a battle by committing to a frontal attack on the enemy. I've been told that sometimes -- rarely, but on occasion -- they ended the battle early by managing to kill the enemy commander, which was the goal."

"Hmm. Forlorn is an odd word to describe such," Artemis notes. "And yet if that is what it refers to in hooman wars...I would gladly be a part of such groups." In fact, when the winter giants invaded Bridgend, she did just that against their commanding wizard.

Magda mmmms. "Maybe because it's typically unlikely to succeed. Leaders are, after all, usually the most well-protected people." She shrugs. "I didn't come up wiht it," she adds, smiling.

Cryostatic tries to hit Wayne again. Wayne evades handily and decks Cryostatic across the jaw (again).

From the ground, Cryostatic raises a very tiny white pennant that he flails weakly for a few seconds.

Wayne smiles and offers a hand to help Cryostatic stand up. "So...let's talk about what just happened. I realize you were fighting with a hand tied figuratively behind your back, since you weren't using your powers. We can set that aside and discuss that too in a bit.

Artemis chortles as Cryostatic surrenders. She's not so pleased that he gave up, but she IS pleased that Wayne accepted his honorable surrender. As if there were any doubt in her mind! "Thou art impressive as always, Beloved," Artemis smiles as she floats back down to land, now that the show is over.

Wayne smiles to Artemis, "Well...thank you. I do wish this shield had all the capabilities of Wade's own shield, but it will do for now."

Magda descends as well, drifting behind Artemis and somewhat seperate from the trio, as an observer should.

"I have a headache," offers Cryostatic as he uses Wayne's arm as leverage to haul himself back to his feet. He sways a little drunkenly in place, tilting his head this way and that as he presumably works his jaw under his scarf.

Wayne smiles. "I noticed you were fighting pretty defensively. How come?"

Artemis nods at Wayne's wish for the improved shield. "Aye, but though art skilled with it as it is, and won the day with thy skills." She looks to Cryostatic as he recovers. "Thou can learn much from Friend Wayne, so I would hope ye would listen well to his advice."

"Because I don't know your fighting style and, like, no powers other than speed," offers Cryostatic.

Wayne nods. "So, given that you are so much faster, I would advise going more strongly for offense. If you put a slower target on their heels, you can perhaps get a quick strike in without getting hit in return. As it was, I didn't feel the need to aggressively defend myself. If I did, I would have actively blocked with the shield. Your job, if you're faster, is to keep me occupried long enough to get a strike in that I can't answer. If possible."

"Well that's what the Cryoninjitsu is for, brah," replies Cryostatic. He gestures off to the side, sending a spray of ice streaking across the floor under where Artemis and Magda are floating.

Linda throws a causal salute to Wade after she enters.

"Combining your abilities with martial skills /is/ a key to winning a super-fight," Magda agrees, "but expanding your knowledge of martial skills can help you increase your options."

Artemis is standing amongst Wayne and her squire, Cryostatic, after they wrapped their training session. Magda is spectating nearby.

Wayne waves to Linda, and then looks back to Cryostatic. He nods in agreement with Magda, "The more tools in your toolbox, the better off you are. Otherwise, you'll find that you give up when confronted with an obstacle. 'Oh no...the guy is immune to my cryoninjitsu! What do I do now?!'"

Linda says, "Flutter your eyes and pull the 'oh dear I need help' routine. It works for half the girls in my high school class.""

Wayne glances over toward Linda, "Seriously, though. I've seen people give up when confronted by someone they felt they couldn't defeatt." He pauses, and then adds, "Well...Wade has seen that. I just remember it."

Artemis rubs her chin at that thought. "Hmm. I disapprove of such deceit," she opines to Cryo after Linda gives the girl advice.

"For once, we are in agreement," Magda says drily.

Linda says, "It's just usuing the tools they have. In most cases, the only tool they have."

Cryostatic looks over at Linda, holding up a chunk of ice to his aching jaw in spite of the scarf in his way. One lens on his domino mask widens as the other compresses somewhat. "I don't... Think anyone could tell if I was fluttering my eyes." Pause. "Can you... ?"

Linda smiles, "Possibly. But that would involve looking through your clothing, so unless you are wearing lead lined undies I'd rather not."

"Deceit is not a tool, it be a weakness. If they would not resort to such, they would find they could obtain tools to overcome their opponents," Artemis proclaims confidently with a smile.

Linda continues to grin, "It's been a while since you were in high school I guess. They aren't trying to defeat an opponent. They're trying to manipulate a high school boy.

"... Wait."

Cryostatic squints at Linda.

"Are you... Have you mistaken me for a high school girl?"

Wayne chuckles. "No...she's saying you need to use what tools you have."

Magda glances aside at Artemis at her words about deceit ... but she has her own opinions on the matter.

Linda shakes her head, "No. I was making a joke after Wade's comment about tools. Then attempting to explain to Artemis the intentions of high school girls. Me excluded."

Cryostatic remains visibly skeptical in spite of his mask and scarf. He rubs his jawline with the block of ice while musing about all of this. "Speed, electricity, and ice powers. But I was only really using speed."

Artemis looks puzzled for a few moments. "High School? Be this a high place of learning? Hmm, it hath been many cycles since I was first inducted to the Guiding Light Academy, but there was no..."batting of eyelashes" nor gnashing of teeth," she gestures airily. "Gender mattered not in regards to ones skill."

Linda says, "Gender still matters here in the US of A. And no soubt other countries too."

Wayne nods. "So...Cryostatic, had you been using your powers in our fight, what would you have done? What woudl be the plan?"

"Blind you and bind you, bro," replies Cryostatic. Electricity arcs over one glove while the other glove holds that block of ice up to his scarf-concealed jawline. "Or trip you up and shock you. You know. Give you the brol' twenty-five, twenty while you're off-kilter."

Wayne smiles slightly at that. "That might work. It might not, but it would be a good attempt, nonetheless. I can fight while blinded reasonably well."

"I'll take that into consid-bro-ation," replies Cryostatic.

At all the 'bro' this and 'bro' that, Magda eyes Cryostatic as though he were some sort of unplanned worm she's found in her stew.

Wayne nods slowly. "How old are you, Cryostatic? If you don't mind my asking?"

Artemis nods with a look of regret. "Aye, most primitive planets are like that," she opines to Linda and then looks back to her Squire's teachings. She smiles at Wayne. "Aye, 'tis true. I hath fought Friend Wade while he was blinded, though unwillingly. 'Twas his decision to battle me in such a state, and he seemed not much hindered."

"How can you do that, Sir?" asks Linda. Thinking she is talking to Wade. Hence the Sir.

"Old enough," replies Cryostatic.

Wayne smiles and says to Linda, "It is...basically a sense of what people are likely to do in combat. It's partially anticipation, due to long years of combat training. There are commonalities. Patterns, to how people fight. Wade is very good at it. So, as a result, I am too." He then looks back to Cryostatic. "No need to get defensive. I was just wondering about the 'bro' affectation."

Artemis chuckles at Cryostatic's answer. "My Beloved is here to aid thee. Thou art safe to tell him."

Magda murmurs, "And others of us don't care."

"I should have died. Instead I got super powers. You'll have to pardon my particular vernacular," intones Cryostatic. He takes a short walk, circling around the group a little bit while he keeps that block of ice against his scarf-covered jaw. "Life is much too short to care about how people choose to portray themselves through word choices."

Wayne raises a brow at that, "An...interesting choice."

Magda sniffs. "On the contrary. The way we present ourselves through our linguistic choices is the second and most consistent manner in which we can influence the world and others' perceptions of ourselves. How you talk /is/ how people view you."

"And here I thought that the saying was, "Actions speak louder than words," silly me," comments Cryostatic. He dusts his shoulders and imaginary lapel off with one hand, staring blankly at Magda. "Today I learned, bro."

Artemis watches the interactions. "Hmmm. This be outside of the intended lesson for mine squire."

Wayne nods again slowly. "I understand why she bristled a bit, though. The reason I was asking about the use of 'bro', is that it...kind of implies you aren't taking things seriously. That may...not be the case. But that's the impression that it gives off."

Magda looks down at Cryostatic, faint amusement in her expression. "They do -- but primarily when what you do is at odds with what you claim. If they are in charity with each other, then the method of delivery counts as well. But you wish to present yourself as a 'bro'; that is your choice, go to."

Artemis tilts her head in thought. "Be that the meaning of the use of such words? So then...would that mean he thinks it not serious when he mentions mine Bromance partner?"

Magda chuckles softly. "That's ... kind of in the same ballpark of use, but not entirely."

Cryostatic shrugs at Wayne and Magda. He makes a very over-dramatic bow to Linda and Artemis before he starts sauntering toward the door. "Got the pointers. Thanks for the help. I'll use my powers in my next fistfight. I'll look into not talking next time. Wouldn't want to make the vils think I don't take them seriously."

Linda waves back to Cryostatic

Artemis looks concerned as Cryostatic begins to depart while the training hadn't really completed. She starts to walk after him, sensing something amiss. "Squire Cryostatic, are you leaving so soon?" She tries to catch up with him, but she can't keep stride with the speedster if he doesn't want her to.

Wayne smiles. "It doesn't matter so much if the villains think you don't take them seriously. It would mean that they might not take you seriously, either."

Linda comments, "I think I'd take anyone who can throw lighting around quite seriously."

Magda's eyebrows go up, but she doesn't comment further.

"Need to go hit up an all-you-can-eat broffet. I need calories if I'm gonna heal up after that butt whooping," replies Cryostatic. He tosses his block of ice toward a corner of the room. Twisting around quickly, Cryostatic offers a little cub scout salute to Artemis as he adds, "Catch you around, Artemis," before blurring into full motion out the door with a crackle of electricity.

Artemis gives up the chase as Cryostatic departs, but something about his change of attitude is nagging at her. She doesn't know what. She turns around and smiles, walking back to Wayne. "I see he hath much need of improvement. And thy skills be as sharp and impressive as ever, my Beloved," she says affectionately.

Wayne shrugs, "I'm not sure he was really interested in training, to be honest. He reminds me of some of the students I knew in college."

Linda says, "He was quite upset when he left. Seemed very defebsine about his age. I don't think he took being advised to state how old he was very well at all."

"Truly? Strange. 'twas his idea that I bring thee along on one of our adventures so that ye may give him pointers." The sarcasm of it was lost on Artemis, though. "Hmm...he doth often behave strangely around Friend Wade. And now this with ye. Strange indeed." She shrugs.

Wayne nods. "It's possible. And if that's the case, I should probably apologize. But I have to admit, it was the repeated use of 'bro' which made me think he wasn't taking things seriously from the outset. Taht's why I asked in the first place."

Magda says drily, "I don't think he liked having his choice of language pattern critiqued, but that's just my opinion." She shrugs and, turning, regards the room, her gaze a little distant, as if she were looking through the walls.

Linda takes a longer look at 'Wade'. "You're Wayne, am I right?"

Magda shakes her head. "'Bro' can be entirely serious; it does, however, originate from a set of subcultures that are extremely focused. Geeks, in their way, just not for highly intellectual fan pursuits."

Linda says, "Are you a fan of old classic 2D movies? Back in my great grandmother's time bro was in common usage in at least some parts of the country. Maybe he grew up during that period?""

Wayne nods to Linda, "That's correct. Wayne Lockwood.""

Artemis doesn't fully follow the debate. "I see not the harm in his words. He always speaks in those strange terms. 'Twas no slight on the training, me thinks."

Linda smiles, "Took me longer to notice than it should have. I see everything. But sometimes that's not an advantage. So much detail it's hard for me to make sense of what I see."

Artemis has a bemused expression. "It takes not an omniscient one to see the differences. Wayne has long hair and be the more honest of the two." Not that honesty can be seen in that way.

Linda's response to that comment from Artemis is a bewildered, "Huh?"

Wayne chuckles. "You think I'm more honest than Wade is? What do you mean?"

Artemis smiles with absolute certainty. "Aye, thou art more honest with thyself and thy feelings."

Linda says, "I cannot speak about Wayne, but Wade is the definitely most decent person I know well enough to state that."

Wayne nods. "I know what Artemis is talking about, though. He sometimes holds back to spare people's feelings. He's diplomatic. And he doesn't like to admit his failings openly."

Artemis smiles at Linda. "And how well and long hath thou known Friend Wade? I have known him long enough for him to admit he was dishonest in some matters with me. I begrudge him not, but I admire Friend Wayne more for his forthright honesty."

Linda says, "Sparing people's feelings is just being considerate. As to admitting his failings, I haven't seen that. Artemis, are you claiming Wade lied to you?"

Magda says quietly, "Wayne /did/ say 'openly'. Not quite the same thing."

Artemis decides not to mention Wade's feelings on his potential failings. "He hath lied by omission and led me to believe falsehoods, aye. I understand the mortal reasoning behind it, and he is still my dearest Friend. There be some among the Godflora whom would take offense at such deceptions, but I am no Origenian," she says casually. "Wayne has not demonstrated any such things."

Wayne shrugs, "Artemis prefers...what I would refer to as 'brutal honesty'."

Linda says, "I.. see..." is a attempted neutral but slightly cool tone. "I ought to be going." she adds, heading for the door.

Magda, listening, shifts her gaze to watch Linda depart as well.

Artemis raise a brow. "It seems many have this opinion that Friend Wade be beyond reproach. An issue that vexes him to be sure."

Wayne shakes his head, "I don't think that 'vexes' him, Artemis. It just can be some pressure. That's all."

Artemis smiles at Wayne's helpful explanation. "Pressure can be vexing as well, to some."

Magda's lips quirk upwards. "The sensitivity of the young," she murmurs with a sigh. "How much I don't miss it."