HH_mirror

((I actually had this done on Monday, and it's Friday in some parts of the world :D Anyways, Open RP which means you can RP out with either Mello or Yukimura or with each other. And, as long as you make it clear in your tag that you're talking to one of mine, I'll reply [doesn't need to be in the subject, in the narrative is fine]. Enjoy :D ))

It was too cold for idlers to be comfortable outside, though those who were active could ignore the climate. But, the purpose of this match was not to train, but rather as an exhibition type match for those watching.

There had been protests, which had been settled with a quick spar.

Though the stated reason for the exhibition was that the distraction of a crowd of watchers and the pressure of having to perform in front of them was vital, the real reason Yukimura had for wanting to hold this match was that Kuronue and the Baron had made mention of wishing to see such a match. Though, if one were to ask which mattered more and the samurai were to answer honestly, one would find out it was Kuronue’s influence that convinced him.

The only concession to Mello’s pride that had been made was that Yukimura would not use any ‘demon’ tricks on him. Many of the ‘tricks’ Mello called ‘demonic’ were the result of fighting hanyou rather than any demonic ability on his part. He had yet to subject Mello to anything approaching his full ability.

Which was not to say that Yukimura was taking it easy on Mello. He pushed Mello hard, forcing him to focus only on their lessons rather than the swarm of things that seemed to fill the boy’s mind when they trained. That, truly, seemed the most difficult thing for Mello to learn.

Yukimura would admit, though never to Mello himself, that the boy did have talent, for all he was unfocused. He’d watched the boy practice other forms and found his hand-to-hand combat impressive, though he lacked the same focus. Hand-to-hand, though, was a more flexible and fluid form than sword fighting. Or at least the form of sword fighting that Yukimura was working on beating into Mello’s body and brain.

An exhibition would also show Yukimura how much of his teaching had truly made it into Mello’s consciousness.

Yukimura relaxed against one of the pillars that appeared in the Room of Requirement when it became the dojo for their practice. He watched people filter in from his place within the shadows. He was dressed in a dark-colored Chinese-style fighting uniform, his bared arms crossed over his chest, his entire posture speaking of relaxation.

Mello was across the room, kneeling, his katana sheathed before him. His hands were fisted, resting on his thighs, close to his hips. It was the proper posture for a student, though it was obvious to Yukimura that Mello was not thrilled about taking it. He believed himself to be beyond a student. He’d barely become reconciled to the fact that Yukimura, a mere human, could easily defeat him.
( Ladies and gentlemen, the show of shows )