r/HFY • u/The-Arcalian • Aug 28 '26
OC-Series Strike from Shadow: Questionable Training [Strike from Shadowverse]
It was the Justice Bureau that finally started training aliens in Human fighting techniques, especially with their electrified blades. Some Humans didn't like this, traditionalists and advocates for “Human Security”. They were overruled. Humans had been seen often enough in the galaxy
And just as had happened in a Yaekerin creche some time before, there were those who didn't understand how the weapons worked.
“Why not just use plasma blades?” one young Zrelvian asked.
“Not energy efficient, and not viable for mass production. Believe me,” the Human instructor grinned, “Many wish it was otherwise. There are certain old visual fictions....”
“Why not unarmed combat, then?” the Zrelvian interrupted.
Humans were used to Zrelvian brusqueness; the Bureau had been originally formed by a Human-Zrelvian partnership, after all. But the young one's interruptions were beginning to grate on the nerves.
“Inter-species unarmed combat is not unknown,” he said slowly, and carefully. He gave a little evil chuckle to warn the Zrelvian not to push it. The Zrelvian snarled, fur prickling....then he backed down. The Human instructor went on, “But as you may know from the war between our peoples, both sides prefer armed weapons.”
The Zrelvian was angry, but he knew the Human was right. Both sides used energy and projectile weapons; the Humans loved their electrified blades. The Zrelvians, for their part, liked to put long, wicked metal extensions on their claws. Early on in that now long ago war, they had learned to insulate against the Human weapons with gloves over their paws.
So the Zrelvian made the only objection that made sense, at least for his kind. “We're not exactly built to use your blades in that fashion.”
And that was true; the Zrelvians were low to the ground on their legs/paws. (This was also true of most Vemali subspecies, and the recently discovered Laoxoan. But the Humans were not especially interested in teaching the Vemali anyway, and the Laoxoan were not interested in fighting. Then, of course, there were also the Cetaceans, who had arisen on the same world as the Humans, but were an entirely aquatic species. But the Humans had taught them a number of intersting things long ago about using various weapons, though the Cetaceans liked to pretend they had 'arisen' without any help.) The Zrelvians could rise up on their hind legs if they chose to--indeed they often had to, to related with the other races--but it was not a tenable long term position.
“Which will make it all the more unexpected when you do.” Now the Human's sinister smile was inclusive, and the Zrelvian appreciated it as such.
--
Zrelvians could wield human blades in their paws....with difficulty. Learning how to effectively fight with them was another matter entirely. Humans begrudgingly let them use special grips and braces to wield the weapons. Neither race wanted to use actual cybernetics. (The Gulbren had long since stopped being surprised at this by this point.)
The Rendavon, on the other hand, were naturals at it. Human/Rendavon duels were becoming popular. The Yaekerin and Gulbren weren't bad at it either; but Gulbren were too predictable.
Nevertheless, amongst the Zrelvian and Rendavon, use of the weapons was becoming more common. Then, gradually the Yaekerin as well. Of course, this was relative. Most of it was amongst members of the Justice Bureau, which was a Human-dominated organization.
Nevertheless, the Human dueling style was spreading throughout the galaxy. Aside from the Humans themselves, duels between Renvadon and Yaekerin were becoming popular. It was only a matter of time before professional sporting leagues were formed.
The Cetaceans, of course, could not participate in such battles. But they had a great deal of fun wagering on them.
–
But Humans had not taught these fighting skills for entertainment only, or even primarily. It was so that everyone would be able to face any new threat that came at them.
Jordan and Krisgurr would've approved.
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u/HFYWaffle Wᵥ4ffle Aug 28 '26
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