May 04 02:20:42 106 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Wed May 04 02:20:42 106 PA.

Early evening will find Desmond standing here, just outside of the monument itself. He stands quietly, his eyes moving along the structure slowly. As if slowly taking it in from one detail to the next. The clear, calm weather makes it easier, though the firm set of his expression, common day to day, speaks little as to the thoughts that roll within his head.

Coming here to reflect uppon the past now and then was one thing Kesslan had started doing a little while ago, and now seemed like a good time to do it. The pantheran having only recently come from yet another disagreement with Aimee. Clearly, this was the work of the dastardly evil sorta genius dog, known as Hund! Or.. perhaps I'm totally making this up, but as a cat I say blame the dog anyway! Especially when another dog is partially to blame for this predicament!

As Kesslan nears to where Desmond stands, the big male's ears flick slightly. But he waits just a bit longer until the other draws near to turn his head and pivot just a bit, looking towards him. "Kesslan. I did not expect you here." No displeasure in his tone. He pauses, studying the other feline a moment before he adds, "There has been some trouble?"

Hund is already present, albeit in subdued fashion. If anything has ever been established, it's that the mutant is omnipresent in the park, constantly visible in the background somewhere barring those rare occasions that he wanders beyond Kingsdale's walls and into the dinosaur-infested wilderness. At this particular moment, the creature appears to be enjoying one of it's many zen moments. Standing bolt upright, his good ear perked attentively, the canine has both hands pressed to the surface of the metal monument. He's not pushing it. He's not searching for anything. He's just standing there, barely even looking at the thing. Since his eyes are closed, it's entirely possible that he's somehow fallen asleep whilst standing up. His duffel bag rests next to his feet, bulky and grass-stained.

"Desmond, when trouble is there not with Kesslan?" The smaller feline replies with a sense of bemusement. An emotion tinged by curriosity as he beholds the somewhat familar form of Hund, his head tilting slightly and one ear perking up. "Aimee with Kesslan angry again." he explains simply. "But Kesslan understand why, even if is thing Kesslan change can not."

Desmond nods his head once, considering the other feline quietly for a moment before he rumbles deeply, "You told her then?" His head turned back towards the monument and Hund. He'd been leaving the canid alone for now and continues t do so for the moment, though he does eyeball him. "It is expected. But she will recover, as she has before."

Hund is content to be ignored. He remains a background feature, utterly still but for breathing and the occasional twitch of his ear.

"How many time but for Desmond?" Kesslan asks in turn, the feline regarding the Kill Cat a moment "She not will come to understanding forever. Time perhaps to tell Aimee more of past not spoken of. If understand not then, then never will." He pauses with a soft sigh, though more and more of his attention turns to Hund, wondering just what the canine is up to. "Only worry does Kesslan that too would this cause Aimee more problem with Kesslan."

"Kesslan," Desmond rumbles deeply, continuing to regard monument and dog. "Aimee will always worry and will always react strongly when you or I place ourselves in danger. Even understanding perfectly, she will react so for she cares deeply for we two. And in that, she will fear when there is danger. Despite our prowess, despite that the odds might favor us. It will ever be so, every time." He pauses, looking towards Kesslan. "However, she will understand that some things must be done. One way or another. And she will be waiting when you return, as she ever has. It is a dance that will be danced many times."

"And Kesslan like not when Aimee worry as does." The feline mutters softly "Worry too much, though know why she does, and understand too this. Which make even harder. Always Aimee think Kesslan wish die but this not is so. Kesslan wish live, but still thing do that Kesslan must. Still debt to pay for things past." In eyeing Hund a few moments, though it dos lead him down a line of thought "Wish could show Aimee think Kesslan seen has, seen thing done had to, thing other do for. Worry less perhaps not would but then would understand."

Desmond shakes his head slightly, looking toward Kesslan. "You will never remove the worry from Aimee, just as you will never remove the fire of her spirit. Perhaps in time she will learn to mask the worry and not allow it to show, but it will always be there, for it is her way. Just as what you must do is your way. Some things we must accept."

"More than that this Desmond. Worry, yes. Worry as Kesslan worries of Desmond and Aimee. But Kesslan understand when Desmond or AImee thing must do. Aimee, Aimee not understand Kesslan, kesslan think." THe pantheran explans with a sigh, turning to lean against the monument, ironcially one that was once part of the troubles he faces even now.

"Then perhaps you shall have to tell her more of you," Desmond offers, moving to his friend's side, a hand lifted to rest on his shoulder. "I cannot speak for the root of her issues. Personally, I think she does understand to a point. That there are some things we simply must do and that even if she can't fully grasp what it is, that it must be done. It is a simple understanding, but enough for me. If it is not enough for you, then you must seek more."

Kesslan nods slightly, though his ears remain somewhat drooped. "Truth, but Aimee too around Desmond more, Kesslan not around so much for would hurt Aimee and Desmond. Not as much time to know Kesslan does Aimee get and so Kesslan think Aimee not full understand. So too Kesslan never know how proper to try Aimee make understand. Always say she Kesslan off ot self get killed."

"There are times when Aimee will say things she does not truly mean. Whether this is such a moment or not I do not know, but it is possible." Desmond pauses, then adds, "But yes.. I think it might be favorable no matter what that you share who you are with her more. Though I can see she has great love for you, you two have not had nearly enough time to share in the talks we two have. Even if it does not help her in accepting the dangers you face, it will be good that she knows you better."

There's a slight flick of an ear and a somewhat subdued tone as Kesslan replies to Desmond "If so desides Aimee to do so then, yes, Kesslan more Aimee will tell." he agrees "Though Kesslan after should time tell, only worry what Aimee think will after."

"I cannot say. At times I can predict her, other times I cannot," Desmond admits. "But she prizes honesty and openness. I do not think she would berate you for being so with her." He gives Kesslan's shoulder a firm squeeze as he rumbles, "You are too subdued by this. It is not a favorable thing. You and I should do something to alleviate that. What would do so? We shall accomplish it at this very moment."

Kesslan flicks an ear and then both perk up just a little "Kesslan though should some day ask Demsond to teach how boxing do. Not understand this thing much and even if learn not of it much, would nice to train with Desmond yes? This is thing togeather we have not done."

"This, I believe, could be done," Desmond rumbles deeply. "It is a favorable art that I was quick to discover a desire for. A defensive combat form that complimented my own well." He considers Kesslan for a moment before he nods once. "This would be favorable. Another had once expressed interest in that very thing. I have given a method to train in this some thought. How deep was your training in hand combat?"

Kesslan shrugs a little "Mixed." Kesslan admits after a moment's thought, one ear flattening a little to the side the other giving a silght flick "With gun, Kesslan much better is, with other thing.. not so good is. THus why Kesslan though ask Desmond should, Desmond good at this thing, Kesslan not so good at this thing. But though should try and could in turn better to Desmond get know in doing things togeather done we not before."

"Yes, I am adept at hand combat," Desmond confirms simply. "Through natural speed and training. It is good to know.. and I think this will aid your gunplay as well. I have found the training to my reaction time has given me aid when I am handling my rifle." He nods once. "But it is a form of combat that is very.. different from others. No kicks, only hand work. A precise stance and posture, with a focus on blocks and dodges."

"Truth, matter there is of ability natural, or given. But so too is there matter of training. With training one better can become on whole, if not complete." The smaller feline admits, looking away a moment "Perahps too then after Kesslan could Desmond teach other thing, though, not know what Desmond would wish know..."

"Perhaps you can show me some of your talents. Expand my knowledge of firearms. I am proficient with energy small arms, long and short. But I have no training with the.. projectile weapons nor heavier weapons and so forth. Might you be able to train me in one of those which I know not?" Desmond moves around slowly, moving back into Kesslan's range of view, even if he does not look up. "I wonder.. what is in your mine in the now, Kesslan."

Kesslan considers Desmond's suggestion "Truth, Kesslan know many of these thing, though most for modern weapon of. But yes, use of the heavier weapon of military could Kesslan show Desmond. Kesslan even have new grenade launcher could teach Desmond to use, would rest have rent to however from place, but this done can be." the feline musing the possibilities "Kesslan, into these things will look then."

"We can begin now," Desmond rumbles, taking a step back and to the side to move even with Kesslan. "Observe how I stand and mimic my stance." The big feline will then take on a common boxing stance, balled fists lifted, right favored over left, a loose, ready stance on the balls of his feet. "As the battle is of the fists alone, the forearms are used to block and a light, lithe stance with the feet is required. Movement is important for keeping your foe before you, where you can guard against his attacks."

Kesslan tilts his head a little, he'd not expected Desmond to delve into the subject so suddenly, but he's not one to complain about it. THe pantheran studying the stance for a few moments before shifting over to put some distance between himsef and the larger feline, his feet setting and his fists comming up. Though he seems a touch uncertain about the whole thing, he's still relatively familar with other forms and this one proves little different, only with much different rules than he is used to.

Once Kesslan has begin to find the stance in mirroring his own, Desmond relaxes and steps closer, reaching out to give guidance in approaching it closer. "Good.. very good," he rumbles once it is improved some. "Now, there are two varieties of strike that will come at you. A strike to the head and a strike to the gut." His hands enclose Kesslan's raised forearms, shifting them up to guard his face. "High blows you defend as thus. Lower strikes, you draw your elbows in close to your belly." Giving guidance in this as well before he releases Kesslan. "This is part of the contest. To read your foe.. anticipate a high or low strike."

Many would likely find such a prospect intimidating, and yet Kesslan's curriosity on the whole matter is more than aparent, with little regard to worry of harm. IF only because he trusts that Desmond would not do so intentionally dispite their size differences. It's clear he's intitally unfamilar with the form but he does his best to first mimic and then imporove uppon that once he starts to get it right. "This contest, it is considered honourable way of fight by human?"

"I am told it was a sport that started hundreds of years ago, before the events which erased the civilization that came before," Desmond replies. "And it has been resurrected in the current day. It has strict rules to do with the respective power and skill of the combatants. One such as myself would not fight against you, as the contest would be inherently unfair due to my greater size and skill at the contest. It is meant to place two who are similar in skill and power, thus making it a true contest of focus and will." He nods his head, not seeming to think poorly of the set up. "It is a favorable thing and an honorable contest."

"Then chosen well have I in asking you to show me this." Kesslan affirms, if perhaps only for himself. "THough perhaps another method of combat, if help Desmond Kesslan can to this understand, perhaps better understand those around. See in this similarities, but too see many thing different." he seems a touch confused however as he asks his next question "But how is the winning of the contest decided?"

"I am not completely clear on those rules," Desmond admits. "There is one clear method and one that is less clear. The clearest method is to knock out your foe. When a foe falls, exhausted from the battle, a count of ten is made by the one in the ring who judges. THe referee, he is called. If the downed combatant cannot rise before the count is ten, he loses. THe other.. if a contest runs long, several others chosen to judge the contest can declare one or the other a winner. I am not certain of the criteria they use. Does this too speak of things similar and things different?"

Kesslan considers Desmond's explanation of the sport, or contest what ever it is Humans call such things, comparing it to the things he knows "Yes, but similar in a way. A fight untill one yields or can no longer fight. Duels of honour are similar for Pantheran but some end loss of life in, so too done with claw. What one would call judge would see to that is Honourable fight but all that is would they do."

Desmond nods his head once. "In this contest, you cannot use your claws, thus the clenched fist." He lifts one of his own, fingers drawn into a ball. "They also wear gloves to soften the blows. Steps are taken to see that the combat does not end in loss of life, yet it can still cause injury, especially over time, or so my trainer said. He had much love for this sport and studied the history deeply. He would speak of it often while he was training me."

"Perhaps then at the Gym some day should we go to practice proper." Kesslan suggests "But for now.. tell me more of this thing. This trainer had you Desmond.." the pantheran asks as he lowers his arms and slips back to a more normal stance "Why love such a thing as this did he? To Humans this more is than just way to settle dispute?" Desmond nods his head once as he rumbles, "It was a sport.. sports are things done for entertainment. As he told me, many would come to witness the contests between fighters. Especially between two such who have shown themselves to be stronger than the rest of their class. THe two would not have any real dispute with each other. It is more like one warrior challenging another to a test of skill, without intent to cause true harm."

"I see, it sounds akin to the fighters of the Arena here, only with less... fatal results for contestants." Kesslan muses as he considers what he's learned at least of watching the various juicer sports and gladiatorial battles. "A violent race then for most think Kesslan of those who this thing create for this purpose..." a brief frown then "Explain much of their kind it would, but so too are osme Pantheran not as Honourable. This thing of Boxing though good think Kesslan would it be to teach other of."

Desmond nods his head once. "It does speak to the violence of humankind, but it speaks to their honor as well. To channel aggression into a sport that is meant to exhaust the anger and rage without the loss of a life. And of that comes a viable form of combat that, while it has violent origins, has much focus on defense as well as training strength. Not all forms of combat are so balanced."

Kesslan conceeds that point to Desmond "Truth, an odd race these Humans are. I once thought all were same in like, but so different from other races Kesslan ecountered has. Many different view have they, none ever quite same, no belief ever quite same. Many clan do they form without sense or meaning." the pantheran tries out the initial tactics Desmond had shown him, though somewhat clumsily for he is not used to such movements. "An odd way of fight, but without claw could see how such a thing come."

"Come, I will show you proper strikes," Desmond rumbles. moving around to face Kesslan again. This is an important aspect to the art of Boxing, for in some ways there is an art to it. When you strike, you must do so from your guard position. It is not the natural way that most forms of combat teach striking, but this is key. You must strike hard and fast, then withdraw to firm your guard." He demonstrates, taking up a guard posture before he snaps one big fist out, muscles snapping it out there fast.. and no doubt very hard, given his stature. But it strikes air. And back again, the arm retracting to form the guard again, out and in within the flicker of an eye. "Your guard is what protects you. The walls from which you fire. Without it, you are vulnerable."

Kesslan watches and studies, the feline staying back a respectable distance but not too far. His ears perked up and alert as he watches Desmond demonstrate. "How much movement can one make then while this combat goes on? It strikes me not as a sport one leaps or jumps in nor crouch. How then does one evade or must one accept every blow?"

"Blocking is the primary defense," Desmond notes, 'THough if you are quick, you can dodge to the side. Footwork is something that is important." He keeps the defensive stance and starts to shift and move, light and responsive on the balls of his feet. "Not just for potential evasion, but for adjusting your posture and stance to strengthen your blows. How your body is set can lend aid to a powerful blow. Though the stronger the blow, the more you must telegraph it and the slower your recovery. Thus you must pick the right moments to land telling strikes."

The smaller feline follows along now, mimicking a few of the moves though slower as he actually takes time to think about how he's moving and reacting. The movements being a fair bit different from the sort he's used to taking, and yet he can see some validity to it. The 'footwork' something he manages a little better, for it's similarity to other things for him, but the rest is more unfamilar to him quite clearly "So it is a melee as humans call it, but with more restriction on thing one do can... Intresting."

Desmond nods his head, executing a smooth combination, two quick jabs followed by a strong right cross. "It is restricting, but there is some good in this. It tightens your focus, forces you to make the most of limited resources. In the same time that you must execute moves quickly, on instinct, you must observe and outwit your opponent by blocking their strikes and seeing that your own land. The restrictions make it more, in a way."

"Of fighting in quarters close then is such a thing..." Kesslan muses "When one has not so room much to spare. Such happens often not but can.." he considers thinking back uppon his own experiences. The pantheran gives a few more experimental jabs, though most of his attention is uppon Desmond himself as he shows the movements in question, as if by doing so alone he could learn. Still he makes a try to copy and then come up with a variation on his own to see how it would fit. "A simple form."

"And therein lies a strength. Simple and easy to learn, but challenging to master. Your weapons are the block.." He firms his guard. "Your movement." He bobs from side to side, moving smoothly, ever ready to adjust his stance and posture. "The jab." The quick, straight punch. "THe hook." A stronger, horizontal swing. "The cross, a potential counter blow." This time the straight punch angles to his other side. "THe uppercut, powerful but slow." The upward swing of his fist shown, where it would just connect under the chin of an opponent his size. "There are some other variations, but those are the core. Each with a use, used to outwit and wear down your foe."

Kesslan continues to watch Desmond and tries to mimic some of the moves, the feline shifting about on his feet as he does so in his attempts to mirror Desmond with the same confidence, though in the end it's lacking. In time perhaps that will change for the Pantheran, but not without at least a little obvious work. After a little while of this coaching he slowly winds it down, though not because he appears winded "Time is that Aimee returned should be." he points out after all this time spent already discussing these things. Perhaps now good time would be Aimee speak with of other thing important." he suggests.

Desmond nods his head and relaxes his own stance as Kesslan makes that suggestion. "It is true, she should be returning home soon. Let us go, we shall both speak with her this evening," He rumbles. Waiting for Kesslan to come by him before he turns to walk with him back to their shared residence, seeking Aimee.