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[ He jumps back after the display, a leg half-risen prepped and ready if necessary. But he hears the clatter, and Tidus lets his posture ease, a wide grin flourishing on his face as he sees the expression Roland wears.

aww yeah. ]

You need your eyes checked? [ Heh! ] I've been learning from Piccolo. You seen the way that guy moves? Now that's disappearing. [ He wasn't on the level as that guy, not at all. But he was getting somewhere with his speed, not relying on magic to power it. Though, really, the two weren't so different in a sense. ]

I can do a few moves like that, but it isn't fun to bring out if you can't keep up. [ He shakes his head, hands coming out - and he remembers his empty hand, the blade forgotten on the floor that maaaybe he should go to pick up now. Let him just do that. ]

'less you wanna have a go? But if a fast guy tries attacking you, I'll take them out first!

[ Tidus, the usual team purple stayer guy. Sure. ]

Can't keep up, huh?

[ Maybe it's the overall mood of the training session that gets Roland to wonder if he can show off too...Especially to a guy as quick as Tidus, someone who's so used to using speed to an advantage...Roland stays silent until the decision is made inwardly. Determined eyes meeting blue, his weapon suddenly dissolving until the sword returns to his grip, his stance back in position. ]

[ Let's see how I fare with a real challenge like this. ]

Hit me again. Like you mean it. Like you're going in for the kill. [ It's an intense ask, but Roland just smiles at him, ready to take it. ] Don't hold back, okay? It won't work if you do.

[ He needs to feel the rush. Just like when Reno tried to hurt him badly then, tried to maim him and Inigo in Irivar - it has to be that intense. If they can get it even to a fraction of that...he could stand a chance to match this speed. ]

Whoa-oa-oa- [ It comes out at the end of a laugh, blade picked back up into Tidus's hand, the quick steps he takes back done so with a hop, like hot coals sit underneath his feet. A guy that can find a way to put some extra moving into moving. ] You sure you can handle that? What if I get your hair?

[ Go in for the kill--sure, sure, Tidus believes that. A playful smile on his face, his limbs looser than they were before. He can feel his body warmed up with that earlier move. ]

Inigo'll cry if I hurt you. Then what?

[ But he wouldn't try, even without that outcome. Still, he can tease about it some to the guy looking as ready as ever now opposite him. ]

[ He flashes him a sharp smirk, confident even if he fails. It's about the demonstration of skill, Roland thinks. Not necessarily the besting thereof. So he doesn't move, steady like a tree. Meeting that dynamic playfulness with a still ease, the look in his eye that bounces off of a more youthful grin from his sparring partner. This was fun indeed. ]

Inigo's not gonna cry, because you're not gonna hurt me. Not by a long shot.

[ It's an empty one-liner. But it's also reflective of how much trust he's given Tidus to even say such a thing, meaning in two different strokes. That he literally wouldn't hurt Roland despite the guise of a killing move, and he wouldn't hurt him because he'd control himself just as Roland would do the same for him. ]

I wanna test my fastest trump card against the fastest pro this side of the void. Come on. Help out a pal.

[ He has to wonder just what Roland is thinking, knows that he won't find out without playing along. And isn't that why they're here? Tidus assumes he wants to see more of that - the speed learned from Piccolo, perhaps not best utilised.

But, alright. Tidus doesn't keep Roland waiting, a shift of his arms in place of a proper shrug, legs next to get moving again with his feet. ]

Alright, you asked for it...

[ A move, a move - he knows what to go for, if Roland wants speed. There's one that he's got the energy for, the jogging on the spot increasing in pace for a few seconds before Tidus jumps forward - and comes in as quick as before. He isn't capable of vanishing from one's vision like Piccolo, but he can still come in faster than one would call natural, feet both thrusting out for a kick. But one aiming to use Roland like a spring board than a heftier weight put behind it, as Tidus ascends, twisting in the air and then becoming a spinning wheel on his way down, his blade ready to be met and to possibly knock back.

But Roland's assessment of Tidus rings true, the same as Tidus had taken of the older man. He doesn't descend on Roland directly from above but to the edges of him, springing back onto his feet and attempting to push Roland aside through his velocity and swing than by aiming for anywhere vital.

Like you're going in for the kill--as if Tidus knows how to do that, to someone he doesn't want to. ]

[ Roland admits he wasn't prepared for such a display. All he expected was to see speed - but not the how of it, not packaged this way in a spin that pivots his entire body in motions Roland can't detect. But he doesn't flinch or move, keeping himself so utterly focused until all he can hear is the sound of his own breath. It feels like he shouldn't be doing this - closing his eyes and waiting for the very last minute as if he's ready to take the full brunt of his push to the side. Was Roland's plan to get hit all along?

It almost seems that way, for a brief minute. But this is precisely what the move he wanted to show Tidus needed to work. Evan was much better at it, of course. The move was formulated by the maidens who guarded the Tildrum line for centuries, so perhaps the affinity was natural. But Roland realizes it's because Evan is more willing to turn his head off - to sacrifice the safety of distance for the sake of power - whereas he thinks to hard on what would happen if the move didn't work. His time on the train might have changed that instinct somewhat. He's used it once on Reno before, and now...He hopes he's gotten good enough to impress. ]

'Got it.'

[ His energy ebbs and flows in a rising peak that falls just as high as it climbs. Time seems to stop for Roland. Or more accurately, it slows in a move that could potentially interest his temporary opponent whose affinity to time is stronger than Roland's. When he opens his eyes, Tidus is just seconds away - inches away - from touching him. He needs it to be so, suddenly disappearing...except he isn't quite as good as his king who performs the Ding Dong Discipline to a more expert level. So instead of Roland nowhere to be found, he outmaneuvers Tidus's fall by creating an afterimage in the illusioned veil of manipulating time. Except no such magic happens, and it's simply as the discipline describes: evading at the very last moment so that a foe can be caught completely off-guard at the price of risking your own safety.

If the move succeeds and Roland doesn't quite trip on his own two feet, Tidus won't be pushing him at all, his hands meeting air. Roland will instead, be a few feet away, barrel rolled to a distance where his disassembled gun points at Tidus though there is no real danger to be had. He's smiling though, heaving breaths with the arc of his chest gasping for air. It's a difficult move when you haven't used it in so long...and there are no Sixth Censers to be had to help him out. ]

I asked for what, now? Heh.

[ The bravado falters as he feels himself grow a bit weary from the strain, a shuffle of his feet that leaves him off-balance for a few seconds. But it doesn't last, shaking it off with a hand to his head. ]

Not as smooth as yours, but it'll do in a pinch, wouldn't you say?

[ There isn't time for Tidus to react in a move like this, to change its course. As he spins downward, all Tidus can respond to is the nothing he meets, the lack of it and plan accordingly. Capable of knowing just when to find the ground with his feet, to upright himself, the same first touch of surface being the one to push himself back as he's one to do. Go in, get out -- his parrying up close still has weaknesses, but his ability to get out is never lacking.

Still, it doesn't mean he knows where Roland is. And so he doesn't really find him 'til once he has the moment to process more than reflexes, the man standing some space away, gun pointed. And there's something--bizarre about it. The space, the way Roland's breathing. It's not unreasonable to think that Roland could have moved, but at the same time, Tidus's brow is stitched, trying to interpret events he didn't really see. ]

Grav con? [ The guess comes out unsure. Why then the exertion? Roland shouldn't look tired. ] What did you do?

Nope.

[ He's still not totally stable, breathing ragged and catching up with the effort of the move, but it's because he has nothing to replenish it with. It was easier back home. Nevertheless, Roland grants Tidus a satisfied smile. ]

It's one of the Martial Method disciplines. Special moves. This one comes from the lineage that made up Evan's ancestral guardianship. [ One deep inhale, then exhale. Okay, he's back. ] I can't use it often without replenishing energy, but it helps to turn the tables from tough foes.

[ There's a dizziness creeping up from the periphery. Just kidding. He'll walk over to the nearest wall to sit down for a second. ] Gave you a run for your money, at least. Heh.

[ So Roland's packing some secret moves in that wrong-aged body of his, is he? He's curious, about how long he's known to use it, but his curiosity turns a little cheeky, if impressed underneath the curl of the grin. ]

For one second! You gotta practice it more, get used to it. I could pick up the speed now and take you down now! [ ...granted, he's sitting, but that's not what he's saying here.

And it's not just about showing off, as he goes on. ] Why do you think I don't just pull out my coolest moves from the start? You need to get your blood going, get used to moving and building it up. How often you practicing that?

[ He steadies his breathing by closing his eyes and counting to three before exhaling. It works, to a great extent; a smirk quirked on his lip as he listens to the guy sat next to him now. ]

Not that often, I'll admit. But I'm not sure how I'll be able to practice without the proper resources. [ Roland turns his head slightly to meet Tidus's eye. ] You can only improve with Manuals of the Maiden, which we study back at the barracks in the kingdom. Plus, it's a move that needs me to replenish the energy spent after using it. It'll be more effective if I can actually do what the move is meant for, which is to attack repeatedly while the target isn't aware I'm not in front of them anymore.

[ He waves his hand around lamely, before setting it down against his lap. His other leg lifted and bent, arm over his knee. ]

But I guess there's no harm in getting myself more built for the speed. You guys make it look easy, eh? Heh.

[ Which is an understatement. Roland knows you can only get at that level with constant practice. ]

[ Tidus listens. Listens to Roland to the end, hears him agree to his suggestion, despite the barriers perceived as being in the way. But what Tidus also hears from him... he hums, a sort of drawn out disagreement as he thinks it over, mouth slanted at an angle. ]

It took me forever to learn what I had to do. Fighting fiends every day, making up moves - it was hard. It still is, [ he admits, after a delayed beat.

And there's a point in particular he wants to make, his hands coming out in a sweeping motion outwards. ]

I don't know anything about this manual, but if you know you can do the move like that, even if it takes a lot out of you... I don't see why that means you can't do more, or work on it without these other books! Why you can't make it easy on yourself, day by day!

[ There he waves a single hand, in that dismissive manner of his. ]

Don't think about it so hard. Just train! [ There, that's what he wanted to say! And now he's gesturing to himself, offering earnestly: ]

Train with me. Get Piccolo to help you! How do you think I'm learning to move faster?

[ He wipes the sweat pooling by his brow with the back of his hand, a chuckle ready at the waiting after Tidus's encouragement hits close to home. ]

Keep at it and train everyday, huh? [ He offers a slight shake of his head; but not out of dismissal. ] That's what I like to hear.

[ He definitely wasn't making excuses for himself, but for what Tidus catches from his slight hesitation, Roland takes as encouragement nevertheless. ]

Okay then. Sounds like a plan. Count me in.

[ A chance for self-improvement? Of course he'd be enthused. He makes a fist, a gesture of determination. ] I know you guys won't pull any punches either. That's the best kind of way to learn. Experience.

Edited 2021-03-15 08:39 (UTC)

[ Hah- ] That guy doesn't believe in going easy. Alright! But if you can do that much? You can learn to get quicker, for sure!

[ And if he is going to be learning from Piccolo... Tidus crosses his legs, straightening up his back better. Hands on his knees, he has the smallest hint of a smile that wants to push into sly, but doesn't. ]

Ever meditated?

[ How about this for a subject between them, Roland. ]

Good. He's already my kind of instructor.

[ And getting faster? That's something Roland's ever really focused on. In fact, training was always at the back of his mind, preferring on the job exposure versus staying at the barracks and practicing his skills. From time to time, he would opt to do that for the rest of his afternoons, but between the mountains of paperwork Evermore required to function and teaching Evan on the side, well. Maybe Tidus had a point, and that he is lacking in practice after all.

Never too late to change, though.

He turns to Tidus and nods tentatively, a tilt of his head to the side. ]

If you consider some quiet, alone time as meditation. Then sure. I have.

[ All the time, in fact. A beat passes. ]

Wait, you do? [ A small chuckle escapes him. ] You're a guy of many talents yourself, huh? Got something to teach me? Go for it. I'm all ears.

Edited 2021-03-18 10:11 (UTC)

Gotta do what you gotta do to get better! [ Yes, that was the disbelief that Tidus was looking for, a smugness rolling off his lips and the small shift that opens his palms. But the hands go back where they are, and it's not all confidence. Sure, he does this more times than he'd ever admit (maybe less though, than he should), but it's the same reason that he wouldn't admit it that makes some spot in his stomach unsettle, twist.

Nevertheless- ] You wanna learn how to control your body, you've gotta learn to calm it. Get used to it. Helps your focus too -- you know, how you react to crazy situations. That kinda thing.

[ But for how well he's doing at least continuing to talk and explain, Tidus's gaze may be finding some difficulty keeping on Roland's face. You know, he's just interested. Looking around on the floor. No biggy. ]

Oh, I'm with you on that. First to panic, first to lose.

[ He engages in this conversation easily, but he's too perceptive not to catch the darting gaze and that suddenly, Tidus's energy shifts. It's subtle. It's going somewhere Roland's quirking an eyebrow at. What's.....going on? But if he knows anything about Tidus, if he confronts him right away, even with the tiniest of suspicions, he'll deny him immediately.

So he plays along instead, blinking once before crossing his arms against his chest, closing his eyes and breathing in even paces. In...out. In...out. ]

Presence of mind and calm are important in a fight, and in real life too. Crazy situations happen more often when we're not on the battlefield. You know?

[ Hint hint? Are you okay, pro?? ]

[ hint hint, what hint hint, Tidus doesn't hear a hint hint.

This confession might just be weirder than he gave himself time to realise before. Roland knowing about his training habits... --but even if he does have to meditate to practice with using his energy better, so what? What does it matter if Roland knows? That's what Tidus's telling himself as he hums, a small acknowledgement of what Roland's saying. ]

Sure. [ uh huh, he was totally listening to all that about real life. ] So - want me to teach you?

[ His eyes are back on Roland, but again - they might start wandering off after a while. But then, Roland shouldn't keep him waiting on an answer, either. ]

[ Ironically, it's Roland this time that might look like he's being impatient, sitting up a bit straighter and unfolding his arms off of his chest, a small grin sported on his face. ]

Yes, teach me. Heh. All this build-up's getting me curious. Go, what's your secret meditative move? Tell me.

[ Or was this more Piccolo's move that he's transposing to his designated government adult? Roland is definitely all eyes on Tidus now. ]

Alright! [ Alright. Tidus pats his knees. ] Back straight, eyes closed, and breathe.

[ All of which Tidus does as he says them. ]

You're not here to sit around and think. You just need to listen - inward. But after you empty your head first. So just sit and breathe, don't focus on anything except finding that quiet spot... and you gotta keep this up for five minutes. I'll time you.

[ He raises his SCA to start tapping at it, picking out the countdown timer and then looking at Roland. Ready for the eyes closing? The meditation? Let's hope his instructions are actually half as useful as they're meant to be. ]

Well? Ready when you are.

...Heh. Go for it.

[ He doesn't hesitate, watching the SCA flicker to life, counting him down, and Roland is in the zone. The instructions ring clear; he complies without question. Back straight. Eyes closed. Breathing, lungs open, chest loose. Arms still crossed, but not as tense.

It vaguely occurs to Roland that he might be getting pranked here, but he has too much trust to go with that instinct.

Roland though, has always been more comfortable in the silence of his mind than he is in the angry noise of reality away from his thoughts. So even as he's being watched, being timed, he falls into this state naturally. One might even mistake him for falling asleep. But no, he's alert, hearing his own inhales sharp and precise, the quiet place that Tidus speaks of in his head merely a corner of his soul he's made into his own.

What it looks like, what's there, and what he hides deep within, are all a mystery except to the chief consul himself. ]

...

[ There is the suggestion in him that he could do the same.

Set an example, show that this is a skill he's learnt, patience, being in the zone that doesn't involve holding one's breath or being submerged in the deep blue. Wouldn't Roland be surprised, not be able to believe it? And that's plenty enough of a good reason for Tidus to do it. Five minutes? He can do five minutes -- he's passed that and longer long ago.

All it involves is what he said. Close his eyes, focus inward; find his inner self. Relax.

...

...

...

...but what if Roland sees him?

What if he's looking at him?

What if he thinks he's being a damn joke, kid,

You're gonna mess up--

His eyes open, looking at the figure, following his instruction. Sleeping? No--Tidus doesn't think so, though he lets the idea form as a joke. He attempts to get back into it, close his eyes, focus, focus, don't think about anything; but the apprehension grips into his shoulders, an unsettling repeat of worries about being seen that won't stop bugging him. Why does he care? He doesn't, he just--

Tidus watches the timer, glimpses taken at Roland, but he won't interrupt him. The face of the SCA counting down the time, fingers ready for the bell, but his gaze on his knee than it. ]

[ Tidus's apprehensions are so palpable that by the halfway mark, Roland creaks open one eye and knows for a fact that even before he can see him, he knows Tidus isn't quite meditating the way he wants to.

But to this, Roland only smirks to himself, shaking a bit of his head and closing his eyes back again. He won't really know what goes on in that head of his, but he does know there's a lesson eager to be taught here. And he is but a willing student; that much is true. That much is real. ]

How long?

[ The time on his SCA? No, not quite. ]

How long have you been meditating, before a fight? Truth be told, I only do this in my lonesome. Maybe before bed.

[ Which is why he also stifles a yawn, this also genuine, hiding it behind an elbow bent to catch the motion. He finally opens both eyes and rubs the back of his neck, chuckling earnestly. ]

Guess it's why I feel more tired than I thought.

[ How long? The question makes him startle, eyes wide on Roland before he hurries to look down at his SCA. But no--that isn't what Roland means, though Tidus keeps his eyes on the device, flickering only quick looks at the man. ]

Uh, about five months. On and off -- 'cause of missions and stuff. I don't do it as much as I should... no places really to get comfortable.

[ Nevermind this giant room. ]

You're meant to keep doing it so you get used to it - tapping into the zone as quick as you want, you know?

[ He scoffs, and he rubs at the back of his neck, not sure if the admit the truth on his tongue, but: ]

To be honest, I only started 'cause I thought I'd need it to fight some gods Light told me about, but now... it feels like forever ago.

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