( hellblazed // john constantine )
“Well, being a good English gentleman– I try my best not to keep a lady waiting anyhow.”
HESITATION isn’t the problem. John grew up on the streets– survived on instinct. Act first, think later: it’s a policy that’s kept him alive, but it’s also gotten him into more than his fair share of trouble.
It’s not that he’s too slow to make a move– it’s that the move he makes is usually the wrong one.
He spares a glance for her posture, for the ease with which she handles her staff. He’s OUTMATCHED– he knows it, and already he’s braced to make a fool of himself. In the morning when it’s time to drag himself out of bed, he’s going to have a colorful array of fresh bruises spattered beneath his skin. But hey– what has he got to lose, other than his dignity? (Hint: he lost that years ago.)
By making the first move he’s relinquishing an advantage, but if he waits any longer she’s going to beat the shit out of him anyway. With an easy twirl of the staff he feints high and sweeps low, aiming to knock her feet out from under her.
YEARS OF PRACTICE HAVE ALLOWED the warrior’s senses to heighten ever so slightly, allowing her to assess any situation in which she may need to defend herself. this was a difficult trait to teach any of her students, but not impossible. despite not outwardly saying so, the warrior felt as though john constantine would make for a quick learner if he worked hard at it —— mix his instincts with some trained skillset & he would be a worthy foe to any opponent. but as with anything, it would take time & as far as she could tell, that was something they were pressed for. was the world truly on it’s way to hell ? she still wasn’t sure if she BELIEVED. the world seemed to slow down around them as she observes his form, hazel eyes scanning for a way to avoid his attack. tch, typical. despite her own thoughts on his first chosen mood, she had to remind herself that he was still a beginner. there was no need to really judge him for what he did. still, it didn’t mean she wouldn’t have a little fun.
FORM MOVES BACK EVER SO SLIGHTLY as he feigns a higher attack, feet gracefully prepping themselves to jump up as the staff sweeped underneath her. the moment her feet touch the ground she’s quick to let her staff stretch out & hit him right on his left arm, followed by a kick in the chest. mako was so quick in her reaction that she’s like a blur of color, relentless in her moves. “ you need to be a bit faster mister constantine, “ she states, offering him her hand to get up. “ you took too much time trying to fake me out. a better move would be to aim high while using your feet to knock me off. remember, you have access to all parts of your body. use it. use your hands & your feet simultaneously if you must. if your opponent is going to be relentless, then you shouldn’t be either. “