The Shoguness's Call To Nature

[Tiamat]

The sun had barely begun to rise, its first rays peeking over the horizon, casting a soft golden light through the L.A.W dojo’s high windows. The air inside was cool and still, with the faint scent of incense lingering from the night before. The wooden floorboards, polished to a sheen, reflected the soft glow of the morning sun.

Gaia Wren was already there, her small, muscular frame moving with fluid precision as she practiced her forms in the center of the dojo. The room was mostly empty, save for a dozen dedicated students scattered around, all in the middle of their own routine. Though they did keep an eye on Gaia’s movements in particular. The dojo itself was a place of discipline and focus, a space where the essence of martial arts was both revered and rigorously tested. Well at least they got the look and feel right Gaia thought to herself about using the dojo for the first time.

Dressed in a simple, well-worn gi, Gaia’s movements were sharp, deliberate, each strike and block executed with the efficiency and grace that only years of grueling practice could produce. Her breathing was controlled, her mind clear, as she moved through a complex kata, her body a seamless blend of power and agility. She was a master of her craft, honed through years of suffering and dedication.

The dojo was quiet, the only sounds being the soft thuds of feet hitting the mat and the occasional sharp exhale from a focused student. Gaia’s own breath was barely audible, controlled and steady. Every muscle in her body was engaged, her focus unwavering as she executed a series of rapid kicks, each one landing with a sharp, controlled impact that reverberated through the empty space. Despite the sweat starting to form, this was rather a nice warm up for Gaia.

In the quiet of the early morning, Gaia found a sense of peace. Silence was something that was very important to Gaia. The peace that came with the silence.

As she moved into the final sequences of her routine, the other students slowing down as they watched her. Gaia wasn’t just skilled; she was something else entirely. There was a certain elegance to her movements, a deadly grace that spoke of experience far beyond her years.
Finishing her kata with a final, powerful strike, Gaia stood still for a moment, her chest rising and falling steadily as she brought her breathing under control. Her eyes closed briefly as she rested for a moment. When she opened them again, she was calm, composed, ready to continue her training.

The dojo was still quiet, the other students returning to their own routines, but the air was different now, charged with the energy she had brought to the room. Gaia moved to a corner, where a simple wooden post wrapped in thick rope stood. This being the next part of her morning. Gaia would treat the post with various strikes, that were slow and deliberate. As if to maximize form instead of power. This would do Gaia nicely as she calmed down from such a high intensity.

Spoiler

[DropKix]

The gentle hum of morning calm was abruptly shattered as the grand double doors of the LAW dojo swung open with an imperious creak. A flood of harsh sunlight poured in, momentarily silhouetting the figures that entered—a procession that exuded an aura of ancient regality and calculated power. At its forefront stood Yutani Oshima, her stature commanding, yet elegant. She wore an ornate gi, the deep black fabric intricately embroidered with gold accents, each stitch a testament to her proficiency in the art of Judo which she employed so exquisitely in the ring. But Yutani’s mood was simmering beneath the surface—a cauldron of pride wounded by her recent, humiliating debut loss. She had returned to the ring after years away, expecting her name alone to bring victory, only to be met with the harsh reality of an embarrassing defeat. That loss had ignited a fire within her, a determination to reclaim her rightful place at the top, and she had come to this dojo to burn away the weakness that had led to her downfall.

Yutani

Gi

She stopped only to remove her sandals by the door, her bare feet staking claim to the sacred ground of the dojo as she entered inside. Her royal entourage followed closely behind, two females with faces cloaked behind dark masks, but with eyes unmistakably identical to that of Yutani's. Their exact identities, while unknown, were unimportant, for their presence alone was enough to unsettle the few remaining trainees. Without a word, Yutani’s entourage spread out, their silent command sending a clear message to those lingering—this dojo was no longer theirs to occupy. One by one, the trainees quietly gathered their belongings and left, the fear in their eyes betraying their hurried movements. All except one.

Yutani’s eyes locked onto the young fighter, who remained steadfast, undeterred by the empress’s presence. A subtle smirk tugged at the corner of Yutani’s lips, the kind that didn’t reach her eyes but instead dripped with dark amusement. This one was different. Unafraid. Perhaps even bold enough to challenge the authority that Yutani so effortlessly wielded.

“Such dedication…” Yutani’s voice, smooth and sharp, cut through the silence. She took a few steps forward, the hem of her ornate gi brushing the floor with each stride. “To be here, even at this hour. You must believe that training at dawn will give you an edge, yes?” Yutani circled the dojo, her gaze never leaving the skilled practioner, who was now in the midst of her calm, deliberate strikes against the wooden post. The sight of the girl's intense focus and precise movements sparked a flicker of respect within Yutani, though it was quickly masked by her usual demeanor of cold detachment.

“Or perhaps…” Yutani continued, her voice dropping to a lower, more conspiratorial tone, “you think yourself above the others. Stronger. More skilled. Unshaken by the presence of Yutani Oshima - The Shoguness.” She stopped at a nearby weapons rack, her fingers grazing the handle of a kendo stick, feeling the familiar weight of smooth bamboo beneath her touch. “Tell me,” Yutani’s gaze sharpened, and her smirk widened into a predatory grin, “is it strength or mere stubbornness that keeps you here, little warrior?”

[Tiamat]

Gaia remained focused as Yutani Oshima circled her, the presence of the so-called "Shoguness" like a storm cloud pressing down on the room. The subtle weight of Yutani’s words was designed to intimidate, to shake the resolve of anyone who dared to stand in her way. But Gaia wasn’t just anyone else, she had dealt with worse before. Her movements were calm, deliberate, as she executed another strike against the wooden post, the sound of impact echoing in the suddenly silent dojo.

Gaia knew this type well. Someone who thrived on dominance, on the fear they could instill in others. Gaia had grown up in an environment that tried to do the same to her. But Gaia had learned to endure, to bend without breaking, to find strength in the very pain that was meant to crush her. Slowly and nonchalantly, Gaia turned to face Yutani, her green eyes meeting the cold gaze of the woman who thought herself a queen. Gaia’s expression was neutral. She didn’t speak immediately, allowing the silence to stretch, letting Yutani feel the weight of it. When Gaia finally did speak, she scoffed as her voice was calm, measured, yet carrying an undertone of quiet strength.

You sure seemed to pick up a lot from nothing Gaia replied, her tone unwavering. Honestly this is just a habit that I can’t seem to quit in response to the question of her training at dawn. I mean, don’t get me wrong, she continued, her voice dripping with mock seriousness, I’m all about dawn training, getting that early bird advantage and all. But thinking I’m above the others? Well probably but that's not the point. She chuckled, shaking her head. I just like the peace and quiet, y’know? Before the world wakes up and starts with all the ‘Yutani this’ and ‘Shoguness that.’ Gaia said knowing her words were of the mocking kind.

Being somewhat serious now, Gaia would let the little warrior comment slide for now. Gaia would take the time to answer Yutani’s question. Strength and stubbornness often go hand in hand. But it’s neither that keeps me here. I stay because I still have more to learn, more to train. There was no arrogance in Gaia’s words, only a simple truth that she had come to understand through her own trials. I’m here to train. If that bothers you, then perhaps you’re not as focused as you need to be.

Gaia would want to get across that Yutani's presence didn't do anything to startle Gaia. Not only questioning her focus, but the cherry on top would be to poke some fun at her reason for being here. Though honestly if you aren't here to train. I’m honored you’d come to see me train. Though, if I’d known royalty was visiting, I might have rolled out a red carpet or something. But, then again, my brothers and sister always said I was bad at event planning Gaia finished as she leaned on the striking post facing the Shoguness.

[DropKix]

The dojo, once a haven of quiet discipline, now throbbed with an ominous tension that crept into the very air they breathed. Gaia’s words, laced with mockery, hung in the space between them like a taunt, each syllable dripping with treachery. Yutani’s two escorts, ever willing and able to defend the honor of their patron, surged forward with lightning reflexes, their movements swift and precise, ready to punish the perceived disrespect. But just as quickly, Yutani raised her hand, a silent command that halted them in their tracks. The mere gesture, executed with the effortless authority of a queen, was enough to freeze the two women mid-stride. They obediently retreated, their menacing presence lingering in the background, but their eyes remained locked on Gaia, promising retribution should their empress give the word.

Yutani herself took a few steps forward before pausing beside the striking post where Gaia leaned, her presence a shadowy eclipse against the morning light that filtered through the dojo’s high windows. The empress’s hand lightly traced the wooden post, the same post that had just absorbed Gaia’s focused blows. Her touch was almost reverent, as if acknowledging the strength and discipline it symbolized.

“You speak of strength as if were a mere trifle,” Yutani mused, her tone carrying an undercurrent of challenge. “But strength, true strength, is forged in the fires of adversity. It is not something one simply learns; it is something one must be willing to sacrifice for, to suffer for. You claim to understand this, yet…” she tilted her head slightly, regarding Gaia with a cold, calculating gaze, “you dare to mock that which you do not fully comprehend.”

The dojo seemed to shrink around them, the space between the two women charged with a potent mix of defiance and cold scrutiny. Yutani’s eyes narrowed slightly, as if appraising Gaia anew, measuring her worth. This was no ordinary opponent, no mere trainee to be brushed aside. Gaia was something more—a challenge, a puzzle to be unraveled, a spirit to be tested.

“As for your focus…” Yutani’s voice dropped to a near whisper, the words carrying a sharp edge, “perhaps it is you who should question your own. I did not come here for idle banter, nor to entertain the whims of those who cling to the safety of habit.” She allowed the words to hang in the air, heavy and foreboding, before stepping back, creating a small but significant distance between them.

“But if you truly believe you have nothing left to learn from me,” Yutani continued, her tone now icy and formal, “then perhaps you are ready to prove it. Let us dispense with the talk of habits and focus, and instead…” she gestured towards the open space of the dojo, the silent challenge clear in her eyes, “see which of us truly understands the nature of strength.”

Yutani’s posture remained poised, every inch of her a picture of controlled power, but there was an unmistakable tension in the way she held herself, a readiness, as if she was coiled to strike at the slightest provocation. She had come here to cleanse herself of the bitter taste of defeat, to reclaim the glory that was rightfully hers. And if this defiant one was bold enough to stand in her way, then Yutani would relish the opportunity to make an example of her.

[Tiamat]

Gaia’s lips curled into a slow, amused smile as she watched Yutani’s entourage twitch with anticipation, their movements sharp and eager until Yutani’s hand stilled them. Honestly Gaia could've used the extra practice. The Empress’s control over her followers was impressive, but Gaia’s attention remained squarely on Yutani herself. She met Yutani’s cold, calculating gaze without a hint of fear, the look in her eyes never faltering.

As Yutani spoke of strength, sacrifice, and suffering, Gaia straightened, crossing her arms casually as if the lecture was something she’d heard a thousand times before. Oh, I get it, Gaia said, her voice light, almost playful. You are someone that claims to know more than they actually do. Strength. It’s gotta be earned, through all the pain, all the hardship? She gestured vaguely, as though the concept itself was a well-worn cliché. To say you only found one concept of obtaining strength? Well I'm not dumb enough to do that. Gaia said poking fun at Yutani's idea of strength. Waving it off though Gaia would finish with. But believe me, I’ve had my fair share of ‘forging in the fires’ or whatever poetic way you want to put it.

She tilted her head slightly, mimicking Yutani’s earlier gesture You being someone that acts like they know so much really think that I don’t get it? That I’m here, throwing punches at a wooden post, because I don’t understand what strength is? Please. Gaia let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. If I didn’t get it by now, I wouldn't be here. So spare me the lecture. Have had enough of those for this lifetime ending that with a somewhat serious tone. A first for this conversation.

When Yutani’s voice dropped to a near whisper, hinting at Gaia’s lack of focus, the young fighter’s grin only widened. Focus? I'm not the one approaching people at a Dojo like you are. You haven't even-- Gaia said as she cut herself off. Dropping the veil for the moment, Gaia knew what Yutani was here for. No need to hide it, so Gaia would talk in such a manner that only Yutani could understand. You see, Yutani, I don’t know what your story is. Honestly I don't really care. I don't need to walk around acting like I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulders to know what I’m capable of. When the weight that I do carry is something far more heavy and important, a weight you couldn't carry.

As Yutani stepped back, offering the challenge, Gaia sighed before she pushed herself off the wooden post and stretched her arms, rolling her shoulders as if preparing for a casual workout. Alright. So you want to see who really understands strength, huh? Lets get this over with. She eyed the open space Yutani had gestured to, then looked back at the empress, her confident demeanor from before coming back and still not faltering.

I hope you’re ready then, Gaia said, her tone still light but with an underlying current of excitement. Don't go blaming me if you start to regret your decisions

With that, Gaia took a step into the center of the dojo, her posture relaxed yet alert, the fire of competition being stoked. And just so you know, she added, her grin coming in full force, I’m not about to let you get that win you’re so eager for.

[DropKix]

Yutani’s lips barely shifted into a smile—cold, calculating, far from amused. She watched as Gaia stepped into the center of the dojo, carrying herself with the kind of arrogance that only the young, untested, and unbroken could exude. Confidence dripped from every motion, every glance Gaia shot her way, as if the fight had already been won in her mind. Prideful. Yutani had seen it countless times before, and each time, it ended the same—pride crushed beneath the weight of true power.

her two guards remained still, trained and disciplined, their statuesque forms casting long shadows on the wooden floor. Their eyes, though sharp and ever-watchful, betrayed no hint of worry. They had seen their Empress in action far too many times to believe this challenge would offer her anything more than brief amusement. This was a lesson—a painful but practical one—that Gaia would not soon forget.

Every tactful step the Shoguness was a reminder of her mastery, the floorboards creaking softly beneath her feet as if bowing in submission to her presence until they reached the padded mat in the center of the room. The air in the dojo felt heavy, thick with unspoken menace, as the tension between the two warriors grew. With a soft, humorless chuckle, Yutani regarded Gaia with an almost pitying gaze, her head tilting ever so slightly. She had to admit, there was something admirable in Gaia’s boldness—even if it was doomed. "You think it’s up to you to 'let' me win?" she hissed, her voice growing darker, more venomous. "Child, you don’t 'let' me do anything. What I take, I take because I choose to."

And then, with a sudden, violent shift, Yutani's entire demeanor changed.

In the blink of an eye, she moved—quick, fluid, and ruthless. No bow, no respectful gesture to commence their impromptu battle, only action. The serene stillness that had defined her presence shattered as she lunged forward, her body coiling with the grace of a seasoned predator. One moment, she stood as if in casual observation, and the next, her palm cut through the air like a sharpened blade.

With pinpoint accuracy, Yutani aimed a palm strike at Gaia’s sternum, her hand shooting out with lightning speed, intent on driving the air from Gaia’s lungs before she had time to even think of a defense. "This is true power!" Yutani boomed as her palm shot through the air towards her opponent.