Shadows and Light 5/?
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from
Babylon 5.
Authors notes: Rated PG-13 Contains slash: two males in a romantic/sexual (although not explicit) relationship. If this offends you please turn back now.
Not related to either Journey of Love or Through the Darkness Falling
Sorry about the lack of plot the last two chapters, I didn't know exactly where the story was going, but hopefully this chapter will be better than the one before.
[…] Denotes thoughts
A Demonstration of Skill and Wit
The Warriors began gathering in the courtyard just as the last streak of night left the rapidly lightening sky, welcoming the new day. Having eaten a small breakfast before they arrived, the warriors were ready to settle in to a full day of activity, although much of the shock had worn off the night before, leaving fifty grumbling men glaring at the two instructors standing in front of them.
"Let us get right down to business." I began only to be interrupted by a young Minbari who stepped forward to interrupt me.
"I will not stand for a lowly human," the Minbari sneered openly. "Giving me orders."
Before the arrogant Minbari could continue further, I had stepped up to my unruly student and got directly into his face.
"You should get used to this 'lowly human' giving you orders now, because for the next six weeks you will do what I say when I say it. Now since you think you are superior to me, come prove it." I growled in a menacing voice, when in reality I was trying not to smirk too openly and ruin the whole lesson.
This would be even more effective then a spar with Neroon, if I hoped to gain the men's respect. I had no expectations that after my demonstration was over I would not have to still spar with Neroon, but I was looking forward to postponing it for a few minutes.
"What is your name?" I demanded imperiously, watching in amusement as he extended his denn'bok angrily and began to circle me. He became enraged when I merely dodged all of his sloppy attacks without even opening my weapon. For this particular exercise I decided to best the warrior using a Human means of attack, which was sure to stick in his craw.
"Peedran of the Star Rider clan." He announced impatiently, forgoing the ritualistic introduction in favor of attacking with renewed vigor.
When I heard what clan he was a part of I maneuvered us around so that I was facing Neroon and raised an annoyed eyebrow at him in question. [Are you all stubborn arrogant prats?]
It looked like a few of my feelings must have shown on my face, because Neroon merely smirked and subtly shrugged his shoulders helplessly, eyes twinkling heartily above his stern face. I merely glared all the harder at the bugger. While I was busy trying to set Neroon on fire with my heated glare, Peedran took advantage of my distraction and managed to knock my head back with a teeth-snapping blow causing me to fall backwards.
I quickly regained my posture however, and began fighting him in earnest. Peedran was a naturally talented pike fighter, but very inexperienced. If I had given him too many other openings he would have eventually took advantage of one of them.
Before he could get remotely cocky I had gone on the defensive and attacked him with a flurry of kicks and punches, deflecting his attacks when necessary. After only a few seconds of rapid one-sided action, Peedran found himself lying on his side holding his ribs with my hand aimed warningly above at his throat. I casually offered a hand up to my student as he continued to lay stunned at my feet. The Minbari surrounding us looked just as mystified as he did. Hesitantly he took my hand and I wordlessly pulled him to his feet.
"You were defeated using an ancient human martial art called tae kwon do." I stated calmly, letting that news sink in to those assembled. Peedran looked suitably repentant, but I heard a few vocal whispers from two other Minbari, grumbling about dirty tactics. Before they could cause any further dissent I had turned around in their direction. "Would either of you two care to repeat that? I assure you I am well versed in the denn'bok as well, for those interested."
The two troublemakers quieted down abruptly as I took a threatening step in their direction, leaving the whole courtyard full of quiet Minbari and proud Anla'shoc, standing attentive at attention.
"I trust there will be no further interruptions?" Neroon questioned authoritatively from off to the side of the platform where I stood. "If you have not realized it yet, we are in perfect agreement as to your training regiment. There will be no disrespect towards either of us, or you will face the wrath of us both. Is that understood, gentlemen?"
Neroon waited until every single warrior had nodded his or her head in agreement before he continued speaking. Without even trying, his voice carried throughout the courtyard in a deep honeyed tone, stirring apt attention from all present.
"As you have already seen, Anla'shoc Cole is masterful in the human martial arts. While here you will learn a combination of both Human and Minbari self-defense techniques. For right now, we will demonstrate proper procedure and technique for the denn'bok in a spar setting. Pay careful attention to the differences in our skill level and unique moves and counter-moves. We will spend the rest of the day critiquing both of our performances and how to incorporate it into your arsenal of attacks."
While Neroon was giving that thrilling speech I was trying not to hyperventilate. Although I knew Neroon wouldn't be trying to intentionally hurt me, I couldn't help but remember the last time our pikes crossed paths. The Minbari is a very intimidating presence at the best of times, but now I was feeling particularly vulnerable. I had to swallow a large lump in my throat as he extended his denn'bok and bowed in my direction. As I followed suit I prayed to Valen that I wouldn't make too much of a fool of myself. Before I could attempt to regain my equanimity Neroon attacked.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Marcus and Neroon, or anyone else from
Babylon 5.
Authors notes: Rated PG-13 Contains slash: two males in a romantic/sexual (although not explicit) relationship. If this offends you please turn back now.
Not related to either Journey of Love or Through the Darkness Falling
Sorry about the lack of plot the last two chapters, I didn't know exactly where the story was going, but hopefully this chapter will be better than the one before.
[…] Denotes thoughts
A Demonstration of Skill and Wit
The Warriors began gathering in the courtyard just as the last streak of night left the rapidly lightening sky, welcoming the new day. Having eaten a small breakfast before they arrived, the warriors were ready to settle in to a full day of activity, although much of the shock had worn off the night before, leaving fifty grumbling men glaring at the two instructors standing in front of them.
"Let us get right down to business." I began only to be interrupted by a young Minbari who stepped forward to interrupt me.
"I will not stand for a lowly human," the Minbari sneered openly. "Giving me orders."
Before the arrogant Minbari could continue further, I had stepped up to my unruly student and got directly into his face.
"You should get used to this 'lowly human' giving you orders now, because for the next six weeks you will do what I say when I say it. Now since you think you are superior to me, come prove it." I growled in a menacing voice, when in reality I was trying not to smirk too openly and ruin the whole lesson.
This would be even more effective then a spar with Neroon, if I hoped to gain the men's respect. I had no expectations that after my demonstration was over I would not have to still spar with Neroon, but I was looking forward to postponing it for a few minutes.
"What is your name?" I demanded imperiously, watching in amusement as he extended his denn'bok angrily and began to circle me. He became enraged when I merely dodged all of his sloppy attacks without even opening my weapon. For this particular exercise I decided to best the warrior using a Human means of attack, which was sure to stick in his craw.
"Peedran of the Star Rider clan." He announced impatiently, forgoing the ritualistic introduction in favor of attacking with renewed vigor.
When I heard what clan he was a part of I maneuvered us around so that I was facing Neroon and raised an annoyed eyebrow at him in question. [Are you all stubborn arrogant prats?]
It looked like a few of my feelings must have shown on my face, because Neroon merely smirked and subtly shrugged his shoulders helplessly, eyes twinkling heartily above his stern face. I merely glared all the harder at the bugger. While I was busy trying to set Neroon on fire with my heated glare, Peedran took advantage of my distraction and managed to knock my head back with a teeth-snapping blow causing me to fall backwards.
I quickly regained my posture however, and began fighting him in earnest. Peedran was a naturally talented pike fighter, but very inexperienced. If I had given him too many other openings he would have eventually took advantage of one of them.
Before he could get remotely cocky I had gone on the defensive and attacked him with a flurry of kicks and punches, deflecting his attacks when necessary. After only a few seconds of rapid one-sided action, Peedran found himself lying on his side holding his ribs with my hand aimed warningly above at his throat. I casually offered a hand up to my student as he continued to lay stunned at my feet. The Minbari surrounding us looked just as mystified as he did. Hesitantly he took my hand and I wordlessly pulled him to his feet.
"You were defeated using an ancient human martial art called tae kwon do." I stated calmly, letting that news sink in to those assembled. Peedran looked suitably repentant, but I heard a few vocal whispers from two other Minbari, grumbling about dirty tactics. Before they could cause any further dissent I had turned around in their direction. "Would either of you two care to repeat that? I assure you I am well versed in the denn'bok as well, for those interested."
The two troublemakers quieted down abruptly as I took a threatening step in their direction, leaving the whole courtyard full of quiet Minbari and proud Anla'shoc, standing attentive at attention.
"I trust there will be no further interruptions?" Neroon questioned authoritatively from off to the side of the platform where I stood. "If you have not realized it yet, we are in perfect agreement as to your training regiment. There will be no disrespect towards either of us, or you will face the wrath of us both. Is that understood, gentlemen?"
Neroon waited until every single warrior had nodded his or her head in agreement before he continued speaking. Without even trying, his voice carried throughout the courtyard in a deep honeyed tone, stirring apt attention from all present.
"As you have already seen, Anla'shoc Cole is masterful in the human martial arts. While here you will learn a combination of both Human and Minbari self-defense techniques. For right now, we will demonstrate proper procedure and technique for the denn'bok in a spar setting. Pay careful attention to the differences in our skill level and unique moves and counter-moves. We will spend the rest of the day critiquing both of our performances and how to incorporate it into your arsenal of attacks."
While Neroon was giving that thrilling speech I was trying not to hyperventilate. Although I knew Neroon wouldn't be trying to intentionally hurt me, I couldn't help but remember the last time our pikes crossed paths. The Minbari is a very intimidating presence at the best of times, but now I was feeling particularly vulnerable. I had to swallow a large lump in my throat as he extended his denn'bok and bowed in my direction. As I followed suit I prayed to Valen that I wouldn't make too much of a fool of myself. Before I could attempt to regain my equanimity Neroon attacked.