[Video] Oooooops.

[knight_light]

[The feed fizzles on, something big in the way for a moment. It soon becomes apparent that it’s a giant metal foot. The Link is turned slightly on its side, and angled so it’s looking up at Drift and Wing. It was apparently Drift’s foot in the way.]

[The two are facing each other, moving in slow, deliberate movements. It’s almost like a dance, but not, and way too slow to really be...anything. What are these hippies up to?! Whatever it is, it’s clear that Wing is the one slowly guiding Drift through these odd, slow moves.]

[And Drift has clearly had enough of this. He stops, not hiding his frustration very well at all.]

...Seriously, though. we've been doing this for weeks. I think I get it by now. Would it really hurt to pick up the pace a little or-- or do something else for a change?

You are improving, Drift, but perfection takes time.

[Wing looks thoughtful, studying his student for a moment.]

Would it help to see the results of what all of the slow control will result in?


[Drift huffs slightly and straightens up, planting his hands on his hips and giving Wing a shrug.]

Couldn't hurt. As things stand now, it feels like I'm getting nowhere.

All right.

[Wing takes a fighting stance.]

You will do the first kata I taught you. Nothing more, nothing less. You'll go from start to finish as quickly as you can, understood?

[Drift nodded, mimicking Wing's stance.]

Quick as I can, got it. Say when.

Now.

[Wing says it even as he lunges at Drift. What follows is an impressive flurry movement. Wing strikes at Drift fast and hard, and Drift moves as though in response to block and dodge, despite the clear shock on his face. It’s a fight, it’s a dance, and for a moment it seems this may end with Wing not landing a blow on Drift at all.]

[Those experienced in combat may be the only ones to realize that from one movement to the next Drift’s footing ends up off, and so leaves the mech wide open to attack. Wing doesn’t hesitate to strike with a kick to Drift’s side. BAM!! Drift stumbles. He's able to regain his footing pretty quickly, but it's already too late. He knows what's coming next.]

Wait wait wait--

[This is lesson time, Drift. With a grab, a sweep of his leg, and not much more than a tug, all of which Drift should have been able to block had he managed to finish the kata, Wing will toss Drift aside, sending him tumbling across the ground.]

And that is why these kata need to be second nature. You lost your stance at the end, else you'd still be on your feet in front of me.

[Drift just stares up from the ground, clearly grumpy but not outright complaining. Yeaaah this was kind of his own fault. He waggled a hand in the air dismissively]

Okay, okay. I'll take my time with it.

[Wing smiles and steps up, offering Drift a hand to pull him back to his feet....and then gets a shocked look on his face, gaze going to the Link just beyond Drift's head...]

Oh...

What? Is something broken?

[Drift totally doesn't get it and starts prodding at his face with his free hand, y'know making sure nothing's actually broken.]

Wing?

[Wing covers his smile with one hand, making a soft buzzing sound.]

No, no, nothing's broken. But it seems we just put on a show for the residents of Haven.

[Drift gives him a confused look and glances around, finally spotting what Wing had been talking about. And then he looks absolutely mortified because wow. Wow.]

Oh hell.

Comments

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

It doesn't really. I'm concerned for your physical and mental well being, if your energies are in alignment or not.

[thxforthememories]

If I'm alive, all that should be fine.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Not necessarily. How do you feel?

[thxforthememories]

... Functional.

[You shitbaby.]

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

It's a start, I suppose.

[yooooooooooooooooooooooou are]

[thxforthememories]

I don't know what else you want to hear.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

I was shooting for emotional status.

[thxforthememories]

Then I don't know how to answer that.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

If you can't answer positively, then it's generally safe to assume that it could be better.

I don't know what you're feeling, and it isn't my place to pry, so if you want me to drop it, I will. I'm just concerned, is all.

[thxforthememories]

I don't want to talk about it. And before you say anything, no, talking about it won't help.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Okay, that's fine, I can respect that.

For what it's worth, I'm always available if you even need anything. Doesn't have to be talking.

[thxforthememories]

I don't think there's anything anyone can do.

Not here.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

You very well may be right, but it sounds as though you don't realize all of your options.

This is only an observation, but you seem like an incredibly emotionally driven person. Would you say this is correct?

[thxforthememories]

... No. I'm not.

[That's a lie.]

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

You don't think so?

[Yeah totally not buying it dude]

Personally, I think it's a good trait to have. I've found that emotionally charged people tend to be better at caring for others, even if they don't always know how to express their feelings.

[thxforthememories]

...

You aren't going to get angry with me?

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

[Drift is a little confused by this question. Just a bit.]

No, not at all. I do wish that there was more I could do for you, but you've said nothing to make me angry.

[thxforthememories]

I... all right.

As you say.

[Yeah, no, one of these days, he'll understand not everyone is going to jump down his throat about being an emotional robot child.]

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

[probably helps that Drift's a big old hippy that likes to try to make nice with everyone]

You know, one of these days I ought to show you some good relaxation techniques. They'll do wonders for calming your aura and getting your energies aligned.

[run kagerou run]

[thxforthememories]

... Relaxation...?

What do you mean?

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Well, you often seem tense. Are you familiar with meditation?

[thxforthememories]

No. Not... really.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

That's fine, I'm really only a beginner myself. Wing's been showing me proper techniques, but I think I know enough now to start talking someone else through it. It's a good way to calm yourself if you're feeling overwhelmed or upset. If you're interested, I'd like to show you.

[thxforthememories]

Does it always work?

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Honestly, not every time, but that's probably just me. Like I said, I'm still just a beginner myself. At the very least, practicing alone can be a good way to distract yourself from unpleasant thoughts.