Back and forth, cut following cut, crossover and again. Rotation. Counter rotation. Back to start.
“Do you need to keep the suit on the entire time? I’m sure it gets toasty in there.” Lady Unicorn smirked from the doorway to the training room. He blocked her out and continued his exercises. It was refreshing. For the first time in years he had true opponents. People who would truly fight him with everything they had and would have enough of it to be worth his time. Still, time had left it’s lessons on him. The right amount of pressure at the right time. Lady Unicorn sighed in disappointment at his stoicism but then smirked and tried to approach him. She stepped back quickly when he lashed out with his crimson flames.
He pointed a blade of flames at her and stated coldly, “I wouldn’t need to practice if you had done your job properly. Your continued existence is at the mercy of the lordling.”
She smirked, “And, from what he said, your teachings.” He huffed and went back to his practice. She teased, “Many would find it sentimental or weak, but I appreciate it. Loyalty among thieves and all. I promise not to kill you the first time you betray me.”
“Your word holds no weight. If you were a genuine threat, that would mean something to me.” Ceasing the practice with his flames, he dropped and began doing push-ups. He stated firmly, “I advised him long ago that slaying subordinates may strike fear in others, but loyalty is maintained through mercy. Slay those who are more of a danger than an asset. If he spared you, your self serving love of theatrics must still be of minimal risk. I’m not entirely inclined to disagree given you did secure the Tak’Nasi before blowing our cover.”
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“Of course! You have to have won before you can gloat over and torment your foes.” She did her evil laugh, eliciting an annoyed sigh from her partner in crime. She growled, “Why must you be so joyless? Revel in your victories! Bask in your own greatness! I've never seen so decorated an officer deny their own revelry.”
He stood up from his push-ups and glared at her through his visor. His tone harsh and critical, he corrected, “These are weaknesses. Flaws. Experience humbles the mighty. Robs the meaning from victory. Eventually, only the next mission holds meaning. That and the thrill of a challenge truly worthy of your talents.” He approached her with intent to intimidate but she only flashed an amused smile. “There is one thing you and I share. We believe in toying with our opponents until they cease to amuse. These toys are not worth breaking yet.” She ran a hand along his helm curiously but he knocked her hand away and went to his quarters for a moment of peace. "Keep an eye on the monitors and the progress of our new guests"
Sealing the door behind him, he turned on a monitor and began his report, “My lord, we continue documentation of Zora’s craft and its course. Included is my intended plan for your consideration before execution. I know you trust my judgement, but my actions reflect on your command, for both fame and infamy. Since you will one day rule, your judgement should be the first and last before anything is done in your name.” He removed his helmet and spoke firmly, “You and you alone are the one most qualified to rule your people. I offer as your mentor this point only. You are the mind, your people the body. I am but your arm, with many fingers. Should you need me to remove one, it would be my honor.” He ended the transmission and put his helmet back on, looking over his messages for any progress reports from one of his many "fingers".