Naomi gives the field of boulders the kind of glare that would see them all shattered into pebbles, if it were in her power. This was not the direction she'd have chosen to go if she'd seen how rocky it actually was. They were deceptively smaller from a long distance away. She was glad she'd chosen jeans this morning, but her hands were still aching and she was sure her shins were bruised in multiple places.<br/><br/>"You know, we could skirt around this whole thing. I know, I know, you don't like skirts, but still." She makes the hop to the next boulder to stand with Eleyna, then swings the pack off her back. Looking it over briefly to make sure it hasn't suffered any serious damage, she has to pause and think about her reply. It gives her time to catch her breath.<br/><br/>"Well, I'm not. I've never wanted to compete in tournaments, or collect gym badges, or try to become champion of either the performance or fighting leagues. They seemed, I don't know, kind of hollow. And I didn't want to put 'Tai at risk. He means... a lot to me. Som's kind of growing on me, if I can get his mischief under control, and the new one... I really really don't know what I'll do with him. Or her. I think it's a him. But to throw them into an avoidable fight seems reckless. Plus if I do get any sort of fame, it ends up being more hassle than its worth. Kids coming over to challenge me all the time just for the bragging rights."<br/><br/>'Tai at least was having no problems with this slope. His muscular, sinuous body was well suited to gliding around and over these boulders. He popped his head up and looked over at Naomi when he heard his name.<br/><br/>"So.. yeah, I really don't know how to be a trainer. Never thought about it. I'll watch the fights, though. I've seen some pretty inventive tactics used and the psychology of it is interesting. You know, the tactics."<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>