[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]

[Actually hang on Drift's doing pretty much the same thing. Funny how being millions of years old doesn't make stuff like this any easier.]

Um. I think it might? Depends on who you ask. It matters to Wing, and friends I had back home, but a lot of other people still felt like my actions were irredeemable. I know I was wrong, and I'm trying to be a better person. So, I mean, there's that.

[thxforthememories]

So... if your friends think it matters... if they think you aren't a bad person any longer.

Why do you?

[Why do I?]

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

I ask myself that a lot. I think it's because I haven't forgiven myself. I don't know if I deserve forgiveness.

Wow this... got really personal.

[thxforthememories]

... No, I...

I understand. Believing you don't deserve things.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

It's really not a pleasant feeling at all. No matter how many times someone says otherwise, I just can't shake it.

I'm sorry. I feel like I'm being selfish but... it's almost a comfort to not have to really explain it.

[thxforthememories]

Because... you've spent so long believing it. How can it be anything but true?

No, you don't have to. I understand.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

A really long time. I know it isn't a healthy way to think, but it's like... trying to break a bad habit.

Maybe it's something we can help each other with.

[thxforthememories]

And... every time you try to break it... things happen. And you think that way all over again.

How?

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Oh Primus, no kidding. It's not something I'm ever going to give up on, but every now and then it feels like all my progress just hits a roadblock.

I think talking is a good place to start. Like we're doing now.

[thxforthememories]

And... then you wonder if you should try. At all.

Is it really?

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Yeah, sometimes. Fortunately, I have a pretty persistent stubborn streak. There are people who believe in me, accept me despite my flaws. At the very least, I try because of them.

I'm no psychiatrist, but I think it could help.

[thxforthememories]

... It's weird. I didn't think any living robot would understand. But ...

[Wow that all sounds familiar.]

I could... try, I guess.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Well, I do recall insisting we aren't so different. I suppose we have more in common than I first realized.

Only if you're comfortable with it, of course.

[thxforthememories]

None of them have before. ... Except Rewind.

If you like.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

That sounds like him.

I think I'd like that.

[thxforthememories]

Then -- all right.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Whenever you're up for it. I'll leave that up to you.

[thxforthememories]

... then thank you.

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

Any time, Kagerou.

[comment not here]

[knight_light]

[Mostly because this isn't his conversation to crash, but he's really, really proud of both of you right now, and highly approves of how this little talk has turned out.]

[And he's looking forward to going out flying with you tomorrow, Kagerou. You and possibly Shadowmaru.]