Derpiness and slightly less derpiness

[defies_fates_hand]

[1]

[You're somewhere around one of the Unity Group bases when you hear several rapid footsteps of someone dashing around a corner and/or hiding behind something. You see Interitus looking around quizzically so one can assume that the person who made such a noise was probably Volya. Looking behind her partner's hiding place she's quickly pulling an arm into view.]



"Volya! Come on!"

'Teritus! No. I look ridiculous... how did I even let you talk me into this!

"Because we're partners and I saved your life a lot? Pleeeease. Show friend! They say you look good too!"

...Ugh... Fine!

[And out steps Volya in his school uniform. Nothing too unusual there. What was different though? Well Interitus in all her great...wisdom and the influence of the idea of Mizuki's Parents treating what would happen with their child to be much like something out of a TV show, the plant girl felt that Volya really did need to look the part of a mysterious transfer student. Thus...]



Be honest... I look ridiculous don't I?

[She managed to convince him to grow out his hair. In any case Volya looks seconds away from facepalming.]

[2]

[Meanwhile in one of the hangars there's the battered form of a Guiding Hand Defender being brought in. Interestingly its greatsword was replaced with an equally battered shield, though it lacked any sort of embellishment or hidden weapons.]



"Sir Nathaniel... I understand... you sent me this one out of all of them because you want me to build myself back up before I can do more... but..."

[David looks up at it, taking a deep breath and sighing as if tremendously disappointed somehow. Perhaps it was some complaint about how the machine was not powerful or unique...]

"You know I'm terrible at using shields right..?"

[But it was actually a slight on his own skills... or lack of thereof. He winces as his gaze trails to the shield covered in scratches and dents. He hangs his head with a tired sigh.]

"Back to practice then..."

Comments

2

[empress_without_a_throne]

[Hey there David! Though as Mizuki's looking at the shield... she can't help but be curious.]

You're certainly letting your shield take plenty of hits. Isn't that how it's supposed to work?

[defies_fates_hand]

"Well yeah! That's what I thought but..."

David rubs at his arm as he recalled those practice sessions. Using motion capture mecha meant that physical practice in addition to training with the machines themselves was a thing.

"Sir Nathaniel always would keep telling me to drop my shield when I don't have to use it too... something about keeping it up tiring me out more and making me slower to react to things. He said something about only blocking when I can't deflect something or if I can't risk it going anywhere else."

[empress_without_a_throne]

Sounds like the exact opposite reason to give someone a shield then.

... But I think I can help with that. If you'd be up for it.

[defies_fates_hand]

"Th- I am!"

David suddenly snaps to attention, his eyes bright and looking ready to learn. Admittedly his posture was a bit too painfully ramrod and he's looking like he's trying too hard.

"What do I have to do? Is it some kind of tough training course? I'll do what it takes!"

[empress_without_a_throne]

Let's start with the basics then. If you're having trouble keeping your shield up too much, then you're going to need to learn to keep it down and at the ready.

[A short time later and Mizuki's in the DuskBird, the machine's whip at the ready, and when David's at the ready...]

Now then. For the moment... just focus on defending what's about to come.

[defies_fates_hand]

[Given that it was a shield exercise, David left the sword in its sheath. Upon hearing Mizuki, the battered Defender's head raises to look at the Duskbird.]

"Okay... Okay! I'm ready!"

[And just as he said that he raised his shield... because when one hears the word defend, that would be the first thing to do.]

[empress_without_a_throne]

Only if I were to attack head-on.

[The DuskBird brandishes its whip, the coils writhing as if they were alive before the machine suddenly strikes out! But the weapon bends and twists as it moves... angling to attack the Defender from behind even as it's guarding it's front!]

Which I'm not!

[defies_fates_hand]

[Yeah that earned a panicked yelp and caused the Defender to leap forward in an attempt to get away from the attack, flailing its shield in a panic.]

"AH!!"

[empress_without_a_throne]

[Too slow! The whip cracks against the Defender's back harmlessly, but still noisily.]

Too preoccupied on what was coming in front of you to be able to do anything about anywhere else. I can see why Nathaniel wants you to train more.

Do you want to try again?

[defies_fates_hand]

[It stumbles a little before attempting to return to what could be reasonably called ready for another go.]

"I'm not giving up after one go! I'm not!"

[That being said however this was probably going to end up being a long and tiring affair for the kid.]

[empress_without_a_throne]

[Then that's what it was going to be. The whip lashes out again once David's ready, again changing course numerous times before hitting him in an exposed section. And lounging on her throne, a frown begins to develop.]

Your eyes are the problem.

[defies_fates_hand]

"My... My eyes? Why would they be a problem?"

[David's breathing is heavy with fatigue. While he wasn't completely worn out, he was getting closer to it than he has for a long time.]