Considering high_seas

[path_of_sword]

...are you certain about that decision? The past battles have not exactly been in our favor, but nevertheless, if you believe we are prepared to undertake this...

I am not sure that my abilities will be of their best use aboard a ship, but I suppose anything is possible. Sea travel can be just as unpredictable as upon land, and from what I have heard, this place you have in mind is far from peaceful in itself.

Comments

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

Consider yourself lucky that you're going anywhere at all, hon.

-And even luckier that it isn't peaceful.

[path_of_sword]

Ah, that is true.

...and perhaps just as well that I am used to less than peaceful situations.

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

What would a samurai even do with 'peace' when presented with it, anyway?

I imagine it'd be an awfully boring existence. Some people in this world are simply not meant for peace; wouldn't you say?

[path_of_sword]

.....

It is as you say. We are warriors and killers. Our blades have cut down too many to count, but we do not flinch, nor do we turn our backs from conflict. We hone our weapons for one purpose. Perhaps peace is an excuse for some, a reason that they somehow convince themselves to believe enough to ease the guilt of the blood they have shed.

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

My my... A killer who isn't making petty excuses for killing? How refreshing~... I had a feeling that you were more than just a pretty face with a sword.

What a poetic way of saying that conflict is simply more exciting than normalcy.

[path_of_sword]

There is no room for excuse. One wields a sword and trains himself to be strong. A blade used to protect is still a blade used to take life.

...I was only speaking from my own observations.

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

"A blade used to protect", hm?

And what is it that you're protecting with that sword of yours, Mr. Samurai?

[path_of_sword]

Whatever my orders are given to protect.

And what of you? A woman who does not seem to prefer peace. What is it you seek, then?

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

[Anna laughs.] Me?

I fight because it's fun. I enjoy embracing my most primal of desires... and making men squeal like little piggies, of course ♥

[path_of_sword]

[...]

I see.

In which I grasp at an opportunity to write haughty sub-boss monologue!

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

[At his reaction, Anna merely laughs her usual boisterous laugh once more.] What's wrong, hm? Is my reason for fighting any less valid than yours?

[Placing a hand on her hip.] I'll let you in on a little secret, cutie. The simple truth of people like us is that we don't really need a reason at all. Since the beginning of history, people have fought in the name of many fickle things. But I don't need the crutch of any invented reasoning. Everyone's always searching for a "truth" to defend their actions... but the act of fighting is itself a true act.

So, to Hell with it. [Anna shrugs.] I don't need to lie to myself. I know exactly what I am. I fight for the simple satisfaction of fighting. Raw, primal urge.

Taking a strong, guarded opponent and beating them down... stripping their souls bare and engaging in the most animalistic of acts... making their muscles twitch and their faces contort in ways beyond their control....

Whether I'm using pain or pleasure doesn't really matter. [She licks her lips.] Mmn~... It always sends a shiver down my spine.

Ahahaha

[path_of_sword]

[He regards her calmly as she goes on.]

You fight for the sake of fighting. I am not one to judge on preferences. One's true self is revealed in battle. There are few that will admit such pleasure in seeking the thrill of clashing with opponents. For that honesty and openness, perhaps I should commend you.

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

[Anna raises an arched brow.] Oh?

Well, shoot; that's no fair. And here I was already preparing my rebuttal for your inevitable "fighting for honor" speech.

You're not playing by the rules, Mr. Samurai. [Taking a step forward, she leans a bit into his bubble of personal space.] What a curious creature you are. Almost makes me wonder what your "preferences" are, exactly.

[path_of_sword]

[Saitou shakes his head.]

Honor is something that any can claim to fight for. I do not disagree to it-

[He pauses, but manages to keep from stepping back. This woman has to be one of the most forward he's ever met.]

One cannot indulge in preferences very often when in war. Your opponents will either be skilled or not, will fight fair, or will use any means to win. I enjoy a battle against a good opponent, one who will acknowledge my abilities as a fellow warrior. I fight against others with the expectation that they are as prepared to die as I am once we clash.

[squeal_like_a_piggy]

[Anna waves her hand dismissively.] Oh, don't be silly. It's never an inappropriate time to indulge in the things you want.

In fact I'd say war is a perfect time to branch out and explore all the fun ways in which you can get the most out of a chaotic situation. [Anna raises her hand to lightly touch the man's chin as she whispers into his ear.] Over the years I've become quite good at enjoying myself when it's least appropriate to do so~...

[path_of_sword]

I will have to disagree to that. The most that should be explored in such a situation should be the best means to defeat one's opponents so that you and your comrades can fulfill their duty.

[He lifts his hand with the intention of brushing Anna's away.]

I do not doubt such. You seem like a strong woman.