* Hope beats up on a punching bag.
* Karasu comes back from wherever he went, and heads into the training room,
where he leans against a wall and watches Hope.
* Hope launches a series of kicks at the bag.
<Hope> Hey Karasu..
* Hope jumps into the aim and comes down with a kick, hitting the bag.
<Hope> What's up?
* Hope launches a quick series of punches.
* Karasu nods. "Killing time."
<Hope> Ah.
* Hope backflips away from the bag, then rushes at it again, launching a few
more punches.
* Karasu watches.
<Hope> So, you just gonna stand there?
* Karasu shrugs. "For now."
* Hope shrugs and keeps practicing.
* Karasu says after a few minutes. "Hope, do you realize why I attacked you?"
<Hope> You thought I couldn't handle the fight.
<Karasu> That's partly correct.
<Hope> Hm? What else.
<Karasu> Also partly because we can't afford for you to act so rashly.
<Hope> I was gonna kick that guy's ass. 'sides, isn't this a case of the pot
calling the kettle black?
<Karasu> Perhaps. I was never one for metaphors.
<Karasu> But you would have lost.  In the future, I have no doubt you'll be able
to destroy him.  But not then.
<Hope> The bastard BIT me Karasu. I couldn't let him get away with that.
<Karasu> He didn't.
<Hope> No, but I don't need you to stick up for me either. I'm not a weak little
girl, I'm a fighter too.
<Karasu> I'm well aware of that.
<Hope> So? Why'd ya do that then?
<Karasu> Because you couldn't win. Not then, not there.
<Hope> And you could?
<Karasu> At the time? Yes.
<Karasu> But that's beside the point.
* Hope growls and punches the bag.
<Karasu> You're the captain now.  If not officially.
<Karasu> You need to keep that in mind.
* Hope nods. "I know.. I know.."
* Karasu nods. "Good."
* Hope sighs. "Not much of a leader tho'."
<Karasu> What are you basing that on?
<Hope> Our terrible loss?
<Karasu> That had nothing to do with leadership.
<Hope> Mmm.
<Karasu> And it's fairly obvious that you're the only one with any
qualifications now.
<Karasu> Even if Kai comes back.
* Hope grins. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
<Hope> .. Whatcha mean if?
<Karasu> He's been out for a day and a half.  It's hardly normal.
<Hope> He'll wake up. He's gotta.
<Karasu> He may.
<Karasu> But in a worst case scenario, he won't.
<Hope> Gotta stay happy.
<Karasu> Hmmm... Well, he might.  It's too early to tell.
<Karasu> But if he doesn't, you've got to be prepared.  You'll be the captain
official then.
<Hope> Hm.
* Karasu shoves his hands in his pockets. "At any rate..."
<Hope> Yes?
<Karasu> I'm rather bored.
* Hope flips backwards. "Wanna spar?"
<Karasu> I don't think that'd be wise.  I'm in no condition to fight you right
now.
<Hope> Aww.
<Hope> Whatcha wanna do then?
<Karasu> Perhaps explore the school.  It's bound to be more interesting than the
biology homework.
<Hope> Naw. Not right now. Gotta keep practicin'.
<Karasu> Are you sure?  You'll wear yourself out.
<Hope> Gotta keep practicing. If I'm gonna destroy that guy some day.
* Karasu is suddenly able to spar! Now, how does he explain this....?
<Karasu> Well, if you're certain.  I think, however, that you are over exerting
yourself.
<Hope> I don't. ^_^
* Karasu nods. "Then I will meet you back here at lunch time."
* Karasu heads outta there.
<Hope> 'kay.
* Karasu waves as he goes, without turning his head.
[Fight Postponed on account of GM sickness]