WHO Sage + Susan Turner WHAT Sparring WHEN Recently WHERE Terrain WARNINGS None STATUS Closed | Completed Gdoc
Sage stood outside of Terrain, pondering going in. She was dressed for training, a pair of comfy fatigues and a matching tank top. Her boots were military issue by the look but she’d bought them here. Her dark hair was tucked back, scars under her eyes visible against her paler skin.
She huffed a little then stepped inside. It looked like a good place to get some training in, even if she was sorely lacking a good partner for it. She swept her gaze around the gym before landing on one who had a very strong stance.
Sage approached without hesitation. “Are you by any chance looking for a training partner for the day?”
***
Turner had identified a few potential places for her to keep up her workout regimen. There was a part of her that wanted to use all available spaces without committing to a routine because she didn’t trust having patterns in a place like this. Just like she didn’t necessarily trust sharing her military background any more overtly than she already had, so she was dressed in jogging pants and a workout tee.
Terrain was interesting for the variety of things there were to utilize. She fully intended on making use of the obstacle course sometime soon, just when there were fewer people around. Today, she was looking to spar and not moments after she stepped onto the mat, someone approached her. Turner grinned. “I am. What style would you like to spar in?”
***
Sage moved to kick her boots, off, she didn’t need them in the gym, before she canted her head. “Depends, what is your preferred? I have studied many forms so I can match whatever is best for you - plain hand to hand, krav, what is your poison?” she asked with a smile that was pure enjoyment. She rarely got to meet someone willing to spar.
And she only dressed like this when she was in a certain mood. It was army clothes or leather. Sparring in army clothes was easier to move in and she didn’t need to damage her leathers here. Not yet anyways. Not when she had no real desire to bring them out. She did, however, bow graciously towards the woman, in both welcome and thanks.
***
"Krav," she decided. She regularly took classes because she found the system worked well for her, particularly against larger or stronger opponents. It was required training as part of her military background, but she'd pushed on to achieve her G2 patch and she'd had every intention of continuing that training until she was one of the best. Susan never did anything halfway.
She settled into her starting position and waited until the other woman was before beginning. Sparring with Krav was a practice in keeping control of the movements and her own strength more than anything. Because the style was meant to neutralize threats as quickly and efficiently as possible, sparring or competitions weren't generally the place to go all out.
***
Sage nodded. Krav was about strategy. It was one thing that drew Sage to it. Each strike must be executed precisely, not just hope for the best. She had studied it extensively before setting the danger room to train her physically.
She was a hard opponent to read, Sage gave nothing away, even as she moved in to strike. She was mindful of her strength, keeping it in check so she didn't accidentally hurt her. Sage moved with flawless precision, though she curbed herself, she wanted to enjoy this not just win or anything.
***
Turner played things close to the vest but she did have tells. If they sparred for long enough, Sage would likely pick up on them even though she did her best to curb them. She countered with blocks and attacks of her own, the movements flowing easily from one to the next. From what she could tell, the other woman was well skilled in Krav and it was likely she could learn from her. Turner watched closely, sometimes at the risk of not seeing the forest for the trees.
The blows she wasn’t able to block successfully, she did her best to absorb and move on. Turner would always put forth her best even in a sparring match, even if that meant pausing after one of Sage’s attacks. “Walk me through that one?” Turner wanted to learn and she wasn’t going to be shy about it.
***
Sage moved like water, finding the path of least resistance to get what she wanted. At least when fighting, she preferred challenges otherwise. But she tried not to pull any super flashy, or complex, moves, because no one needed to know just how much she did know how to do. It was bad enough Rogue and Remy were here and could easily tell anyone her abilities.
She smiled as the woman stopped her to ask her about a move. “Of course.” she would demonstrate, then go back over it step by step, making sure that she could pick it up. Sage was used to teaching others, that much was clear and she liked people who were eager to learn.
***
She was a good teacher and Susan was a good student in return. It took her a few rotations to get the feel for the move but it was clear she was a fast learner. There were many things that she didn't understand as well as she knew she could, but she always put forth 150% into everything she did and sparring like this was no exception. There was a certain skill in holding back, after all.
"Thank you," she replied, once she'd gotten the hang of it. As they began to go through the dance again, Susan asked, "Would you be opposed to doing this on a regular basis?" She had a feeling there was more to learn from the other woman, and knowing a good sparring partner was just a ping away would help her feel more comfortable in Madison in general.
***
Sage was patient, because she knew most people didn't learn like she did. Look once, memorize, command body to do it. It wasn’t really anyone but her own’s style. But she was patient enough to try to translate it into something others could learn from. She settled back into the dance as if there was no pause, moving effortlessly once more.
“I would not be opposed, no. It would be a good thing to do, I think. It is rare I find a partner willing to learn and not get pissed off when I throw something at them they do not understand.” she said even as she moved in again.
***
Turner grinned. "Where's the fun in that?" she asked as they worked their way through. The whole point of a training situation was to be exposed to new moves, new ideas, new techniques. How else could anyone learn to be adaptable? "I welcome it. Not so much during Krav, but if it means I get to learn something, it's worth the bruises."
That was generally her point of view on life. "I wouldn't mind straight up hand to hand next time." It was kind of nice to think about a next time.
*** Sage wound the round down, before either of them got tired. Which, knowing herself and the vitals she’d gotten a read off the woman before her, wasn’t necessary but it would not due to scare the people around them. “I don’t know. Mostly I find the men have the worst time of it. Perhaps it is because they are regularly being beaten by a woman in something that is very Male dominated. But who knows.” she shrugged a little laughing.
“I am Sage, and it would be a pleasure to work with you on anything you desire. I am sure I could teach you a few styles you’ve never once heard of.” she extended out her hand, a rarity in her world. Her other brushed her hair from the dark tattoos under her eyes, tucking it deftly behind an ear.
***
“Susan Turner,” she replied as she shook Sage’s hand. “Army MP.” It seemed fair to share that piece of knowledge, especially if they were going to be sparring partners.
“I was slowly working my way through the levels of Krav, but I always did prefer to be more well rounded. Anything you want to teach, I’ll be happy to learn.” She wasn’t picky and she did believe that having a wide variety of skills was the best way to survive in the world. “Same time tomorrow?”
*** Sage nodded. “It would be my pleasure. I was in a military setting in the middle east, then an x men, working in much the same capacity.” She smiled a touch.
“I'm not entirely human, I hope that isn't a problem. It just means I have plenty to teach and would be glad to do so. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” Sage bowed off the mat then headed towards the exit, she'd shower at home. ***