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[Locked to Spade Pirates, written]

Hey.

So with everything that happened I'm pretty well fed, and probably now would be a good time to figure out what exactly I can do.

Does anyone want to volunteer for that?

I won't hurt you but it might not all be that pleasant.

-Yuuki

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No problem. Want to spar?

Yeah, we could try. Ace did teach me how to throw a punch.

[Well, sort of. He's not really a fighter, but he hasn't really done much with his powers at all.]

Good, now you can work on aiming or power, eh? Got a preference?

[Because yes, Marco is that cocky on his ability to either avoid or take the hit without giving a care either way.]

[He would not entirely be wrong on that point, most likely.]

Aiming maybe. If I try with my vampire strength to put power behind it, it'll probably do some damage.

Trust me kid, if I can handle Ace's grandfather punching me, I can handle anyone in any universe, but let's get you started on aiming first.

[After all, if you can't hit someone, it doesn't matter how strong the punch would be.]

I will meet you on the deck then.

[Won't be long, he's just up in the crow's nest.]

[Marco just heads out there and gives a whistle, waiting for the vampire.]

[Natsuno hops down, landing easily. He goes over to Marco and nods to him.]

Hey.

[Marco glows with a few blue flames and he shoots Natsuno a grin.] Ready?

[A man of so many words this one.]

[That suits Natsuno just fine. He takes what he figures looks like an offensive stance and he nods. He runs at him and takes a swing at his chest, because his face is probably harder to get, the reach would put him off balance. Natsuno is pretty short.]

[Just dodges to the side, Marco's about to reflexively grab Natsuno's wrist to twist it behind his back --]

[But he has to remind himself that it's a rookie. Even more rookie than he's used to. So for now he just dodges.]

Over here, yoi. Turn, eh?

[He stumbles a bit and turns to face him, since he's not there in front of him anymore and he doesn't have much in the way of options. His powers aside, he's pretty slow and inexperienced. Natsuno tries again.]

Loosen up yoi, shoulders back, let your feet do more of the work.

[Carefully holds Natsuno's shoulders to help him get the posture better and quickly nudges the boy's feet to a better stance.]

Your legs are going to do most of the work. They're your base. They keep you balanced, and they help you move quickly.

Let my feet do more of the work?

[He looks confused, but he swings at Marco again.]

Aye. Fancy footwork. Conserves movement, conserves energy, keeps you stable.

One of my brothers, Jozu, he's a boulder from the waist up, but his legs are nearly as skinny as mine. [What Marco doesn't mention is that this is significant because Jozu is 5 times Marco's size and height.]

[Natsuno looks at his feet, pondering that. Footwork. That was more then he thought much about when he thought about fighting at all. He nods a bit, acknowledging Marco.]

Okay, so what are my feet supposed to be doing?

[This can't be that hard.]

[A pause and Marco holds up a hand.]

Moving for you. Checking balance for you. On a ship that's extra important, yoi.

Here, next time Ace and I fight each other, watch our feet, not our fists, eh. You'll get the hang of it. For now, move your feet as you want to move. If I go to jab you shoulder here, [Marco uses a thumb to try to across to Natsuno's shoulder.] Don't just lean back, move back, otherwise, when you try to dodge, or to follow me, you'll fall over. When you turn sideways, don't just turn your shoulders, move your feet.

I move around okay on the ship.

[He nods a little bit and he stepped off to the side. Don't lean back but move out of the way. Well, he can try. He backs up a bit and then steps towards him as he swings, pleased enough with his effort. It makes sense.]

It's harder in the middle of a fight.

But aye, now you're doing better.

Did you ever do any dancing? [Continues along, dodging easily, but still going slow enough to teach Natsuno and get him used to the movements. If nothing else he can get the muscles used to the memories of the movements.]

[Natsuno stops and stares at him.]

Ugh, don't remind me! It's part of physical education since the third year. I'm not sure if it would help. It's not very fast paced, usually. I much rather prefer track and field.

I don't know what that means.

Dancing in class amounted to traditional dances, mostly, most of which are slow paced and related to things like farming. Anyway, I don't think it would help.

[Natsuno shakes his head. He was off on a tangent.]

Why did you ask?

Footwork is simple.

Farming?! [Drags a palm down his face.] There is a big difference between Samba Island and Foodvalten, lad.

Most people's ancestors were farmers or people of that nature. It's historical and believe me, if I didn't have to do it, I wouldn't have.

[Natsuno sighs a little.]

I'm afraid I don't know much about footwork, or Samba for that matter.

Mah, no worries, it's merely a side note. Fancy footwork is more important in swords, you should see Thatch dance, but for straight forward assault, just make sure it stays your base.

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