“i’m just trying to help you, dear sister,” he says, twirling his staff gracefully between two hands. “you must clear your mind.” / ayaka & ayato sparring pleeeease
"Are you?" Ayaka challenges, a hint of a smile gracing her features as she straightens once more. The ease with which her brother approaches all skills is both inspiring and infuriating. What should come naturally to her simply never has. He knows this as well as she does, even if they do not speak of it. She breathes deeply through her nose, shoulders rising and falling with the effort as she goes through instructions in her mind. Her fingers adjust her hold on the hilt of the finely crafted sword gifted to her. Were this to be a true battle and not sparring with Ayato, her adjustments and corrections would be far too slow, but she doesn't dwell on the matter. "I think you may be saying that to taunt me, dear brother." She teases, eyes creasing with fondness at the edges despite her frustration at their sparring.
She has yet to place a single blow to Ayato despite her best efforts. If she can't beat him in single combat, she won't be able to reach her true goal. Talented and well-prepared as he may be, it isn't armor that weighs down his shoulders, and she desires nothing more than to alleviate some of it. She knows he's right. She's thinking too hard, and inevitably broadcasting her every move with her facial expressions and body language. Her lips turn down into a frown, a heaviness settling over her like frost, chilling her to the bone. "I'd like to try again." She requests, ducking her chin toward her chest as she fixes her sword once more. "I will clear my mind and make you proud." She promises, not for the first time. Despite the results of such promises, her words are sincere. Sparring comes no easier to her than flower arranging, or tea ceremonies, but practice has served her well in the latter. She just needs to keep trying. Her will to be successful must serve her.














