voidtreckerexpress

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Who: Inigo, Tidus (aka the two shared braincells duo) and you!
Where: The standard coach
When: Horseshoe 17
What: Inigo and Tidus are handing out free stuff because Tidus is the train's official sugar daddy.
Warnings: Probably nothing, will edit if necessary.

---

Hey guys, forget about that public breakdown the other day. Today Inigo is on the ICP with a big smile, seeming as cheerful as ever. It's fine. It's cool.

"Good day, everyone! Tidus and I brought some things back with us from Irivar to share with everyone. So why not come over to the standard coach and see if there's anything you'd like to take with you, hm? We have quite the selection! Oh, and.. erm, Taiki, Roland, Bryn and Della.. If you could make sure to come see us, we'd appreciate it! Otherwise I might have to send Ti--"

Before Inigo can even finish the sentence, there's an offscreen obviously very Tidus-y voice calling out, "Inigo! Ask for Sakura too!"

Inigo huffs, turning his gaze to the off screen source. "I was getting to that!" (No he wasn't.) Apparently he accidentally pulled his ticket off the ICP as he starts moving away from it too, because the feed just cuts out. Just come get some sweet stuff.

---

Their set-up in the standard car is a simple, if messy, one. They have a few of their offered freebies on the same table they occupy, each guy facing the other, sat by the wall. From the immediate front, fragrant bags sit no bigger than a palm, a variety of scents better to tell when held to the nose. Whetstones sit stacked mostly on top of one another, and then a cluster of hair ribbons and circular hair ties behind them. Behind the bags are a few scent oils--basically, perfumes, if not very big. There's a few to choose from, but...

...not as many as there are the soaps, which take up a half of the table in their choice. It's like a lush shop here of choice, different colours and sizes.

And Inigo and Tidus? Sit there, either playing cards or fiddling through the paper craft book available from the art supplies where the old library used to be.

A chalkboard sits balanced, with the words 'FREE 2 TAKE' written in big letters. In case you missed the public announcement.

1:
Come up, and have a look. Ask about what they've got.

2:
Or while you're here, maybe you can help Tidus, who pipes up to ask-

"Hey, quick question. How long 'til you're comfortable hugging someone?"

(ooc: as a note, all threads on this will be threeways! please enjoy trying to handle both teens at once. you can't seperate them.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Between Inigo's well-timed jump against the wall and Tidus's own acrobatics, Roland immediately understood just how far behind he is in the aspect of mobility and being agile. He witnesses their moves as he warms up himself, arms stretched from behind him, then one over the other in giant swings. Not for the first time does he also give thanks for having the physical capacity to keep up with two teenagers that had energy to spare, and then some. Inigo's grav-con technique was already much better than Roland's own jumps and would steadily get better now that training seems to have started in earnest; and don't even get him started on Tidus's flips, smooth like his body remembers what to do all on its own.

Experience is the best teacher, really. And Roland's own body, despite how it looks and feels compared to his actual form, is still comparatively new to his cognition. He's been older physically, for so much longer. Part of him still expects phantom pain, like knees growing unstable or a back that might blow out. He knows he wants to move more, but the connection between object permanence and muscle memory is weak. The moves in his Arms Bands are practiced, but half-learned through the Spellworks lab. Simply said, as the dark-haired man claps a couple of times, switching between facing Inigo then Tidus, he wants to do more. He can't waste the upgrade.

"Well done, both of you." He says, jovially. The higgledies are talking up a storm too, jumping about each teen as if invigorated by the acts. "I'm going to have to work twice as hard to keep up. For starters, my fighting style doesn't even make use of jumps like that...But it's never too late." Roland adds, unafraid to admit he's serious about observing and applying from the two.

"Where's a good place to start?" He offers the question up in the air, a notebook materializing in his right hand after all is said and done. Jumping drills? Jump assessment?

Inigo is letting out a huff as he watches Tidus jump all over the place like it's nothing. Once the other has landed stably on his own two feet, Inigo moves over to him, lightly knocking him against the shoulder.

"You're making me look bad here for my meager attempt! How about we show off swordplay next and I show you all corners of this room, huh?"

There's a weird duality about his reaction though. Despite all the huffing and offense - and even that with a weirdly soft edge to it, like near-teasing, Inigo clearly had a near-shining admiration in his eyes while he watched Tidus earlier, the way he always does when he thinks his friend is doing something particularly admirable and impressive. Really, it's not even jealousy as much as it's just insecurity about his own abilities that brings forth the more apparent jokingly offended side of his reaction.

(His heart betrays as much through Jumblie, who is very much busy trying to flip herself. It's not going too well though, considering the size of her tiny limbs compared to her big head. She's mostly just jumping up and down, but seems more than fine with just being amusement for the tiny higgledies.)

"But.. really, Roland! That's not something you can learn with a notebook, you just have to try!"

And fall on your face a lot.

Like Inigo mostly has so far.

You gonna hit him on the shoulder, bro?? Then let Tidus direct those playful fists air-boxing your way, stopping short of doing much, except for a light knock here and there. But he stops as well - or will, anyway, if Inigo doesn't join in! - and turn back to the situation at hand! Like Roland breaking out the notes on this.

"You wanna warm up, stretch out your muscles and get ready before any exercises you do. But it's like Inigo says, you've gotta try it to do it! If we're talking about the grav con..."

He spares a look between them both, and then makes the decision. "I'll get the second one! It won't take long - then we can train easier. You wanna start with just jumping, getting used to moving around -- how it feels. It's a lot of falling over and getting back up again."

"Hm. I don't disagree. Just that..." And even if none of them really bother to look, Roland actually took the time out of his day at some point to sketch new moves on the pages of his book. Rough and amateur, but they are surprisingly detailed with moves labeled on each. A progression of model-figures, stick like but clear regardless of the simplicity. He's been thinking about this a lot!

"Well, okay. No better way to do this than to just jump in and do your best." The notebook disappears back into his hammerspace, and for now, he decides to practice and warm up without the use of a weapon. Roland also nods at Tidus's offer for the grav-con, and tries to hide his worry that he may encounter unsavory echoes on his way to and fro. Though his higgledies seem to be cheering him on, embodiments of courage and stout bravery. Dear soul is finally ready! Push forth and jump high! Fall with grace! Hiiiig!

"Give us a good warm-up for this kind of exercise, pro. Put us to work before you go." He smiles, arms folded and leaning back somewhat. Glancing at Inigo, who has already showcased what he can do, but will probably be pushed to give a little bit more now that their athlete coach is here to ensure they get the most out of this workout as possible. Roland appreciates that most of all.

Edited 2020-10-11 18:47 (UTC)

Inigo laughs. “Yeah, you’re the expert! Tell us what to do while you’re gone for a bit.”

He’s ready for it! Even if it may involve him falling on his face again, he’s ready for it. If it’ll end up making him better in the long run, then it’ll have been worth it.

He does share Roland’s concerns though on Tidus going off on his own. Thankfully he seems to have an easy enough solution to it. After saying that to Tidus, Inigo moves over to his higgledy, crouching down and seeming to have a wordless exchange with the higgledy, instead exchanging thoughts.

A moment later Jumblie too explodes into a bunch of smaller light creatures. They jump over towards Tidus, climbing the guy and nestling in his hair at various points, like a crown of light.

Or a Christmas tree. Take your pick.

“Jumblie said she’ll go with you!”

"Sure, sure, I won't leave you hanging, alright?" He grins, a glace spared at Inigo when he turns to his higgledy, but otherwise- "I won't be long, but Inigo can show you how the grav-con works. Do a few jumps, and test how it feels to control. You're gonna feel weightless, and you-uu-u--h-hey!?"

And that would be the tiny little lightbulbs pouncing all over Tidus, ascending his head. A few of the tiny Gibbs watch, but do so jumping and waving up their little hands in celebration. Yes, a good spot to ride! Have fine adventures, all of you! Piiig!

"She's not gonna burn my head, is she?" No offence, Jumblie!! Though, she is warming in a nicer way than having Gibbs go up there -- fortunately, he likes jumping and twirling around, a shown by the few blue guys doing that around. Tidus sighs, a reluctant acceptance of this abrupt free ride he's offering. "You were listening to me, right Inigo? Show Roland how to use the grav-con and let him jump around. Get your feet ready to touch the floor!"

Thank goodness. The higgledies might help him ward off the echoes. Is all he thinks, keeps to himself, before he takes a step to the side to stand closer to Inigo, ready to follow the order.

"Got it, cap." Roland says, mocks salutes Tidus with lazy fingers to the temple. The Jumblies squeal at him, though he acknowledges it with a simple shake of his head in fine amusement. "Don't take too long." He adds last; unnecessarily protective but he can't be blamed now, can he? Not with their unexpected guests littering all over the train; the windows turned recipe for disaster with just one look.

He then nudges at Inigo, shoulder to shoulder. Glances down at the grav-con where it's placed on his person, smile encouraging, a man raring to go. "Sounds like we've got orders. You ready to teach me how to use that thing while we wait?" Bambosh's own fire brigade begins to resonate with Roland's determination, though they are more pushy than that: Dear soul, take heart! No fear! Bravery lies in your blood! Higgle!

"Of course I was listening!" Though he didn't seem like it, so he can't really blame Tidus for wanting to make sure.. Hence why Inigo doesn't even sound mock offended. Instead he just stands up straight again, smiling at the other. "Don't worry, I got it covered over here. By the time you'll be back, Roland will be as graceful as a swan in the air."

There's a pause, and then a moment where he seems to realise that right, Tidus isn't too good with regular animals, so just in case he waves his hand a little, adding a slight, "Don't think too much about that one."

No time for a crisis where they try to figure out what animals are once more, okay.

"Jumblie will be fine too. She's warm, but she doesn't burn!" She's no fire higgledy, after all.

And while Inigo seems momentarily distracted by what Roland tells him, making him grin at the other and momentarily lean over to affectionately bump his shoulder against Roland's, the light higgledies in Tidus's hair seem to happily chatter - apparently wanting to convey something to Tidus, since they don't need to say anything out loud to Inigo to communicate with him. No worries, young traveler! With company, only smiles and happiness await!

Tidus and his posse of light buddies leave for the Stores a couple of minutes later, and Roland is left with Inigo to practice as promised. "A swan in the air, huh?" He smiles at the younger, draping an easy arm around his shoulders to pull him close like they're about to practice how to play catch at the park. He walks them over a little closer to the free space, currently occupied by a dozen higgledies of various colors doing whatever their hearts pleased; some on sports equipment, others giving massages from one tiny set of arms to an equally tiny set of shoulders.

"Alright, teacher Inigo. Show me how to use a grav-con and let's see if I'm as fast a learner I've been saying I am." He lets him go and makes for a few steps to the front of Inigo, his hands shaking out the remaining tension from the warmup. "If I can do even just a little bit of what you did right now, I'll consider it a victory."

Uuuuuuuu, dad is holding him, dad is holding him!

Though there's nothing to hold Inigo back from fully indulging himself into enjoying the moment with Tidus and any potential risk of embarrassment being gone for the moment, Inigo knows that he has a job to do here. A job that is not clinging to Roland, unfortunately.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be able to do more than that! The idea behind it is really easy to pick up on." He makes sure to hand Roland the grav-con he had been using, showing him how to activate it. "You just activate it like this before you jump, and that's what will let you bounce off surfaces more. You just need to be careful about how you angle yourself, so you don't hit the ceiling," the downsides of practicing this sort of thing in a cramped train, really, "and you need to end up with your legs pointed downwards so you don't fall."

It's been that last part that's mostly been a problem to Inigo - hence his not-too-graceful demonstration from a moment ago. But considering how much he looks up to Roland, he expects the older guy to be able to pull this off in one go. Maybe two attempts at most. It should be no problem for him!

He will take the device in both hands first to study it up close, peering at it with half-closed eyes in focus. Holds it up to the light before he asks his questions. "Does it switch off on its own when I descend? How did you wear it, again?" Roland returns it to Inigo, if only to ask for more of his assistance in attaching it to Roland's body now. He can foresee it being another thing to worry about, between accessing the right mental space for his Arms Band and making sure he's got a level-head to time the grav-con for a smooth jump. More to practice on. He's ready for the challenge, at least.

"Do you need a surface to jump off of too? I kind of want to do a move where I can get higher ground regardless of where I am, then slash downwards. Think that's too flashy?" He asks this of Inigo, a sincere call for advice, not from a father to a son or a friend to a friend, but from one soldier to another. Looks at him seriously while trying to adjust his equipment for the first attempt.

Inigo doesn't seem too bothered by the questions. Instead he just smiles as he helps secure the grav-con. The last thing he wants to happen is for Roland to end up on the floor just because the thing wasn't properly on him..

"I'm not sure about outside the train, but you'll most definitely want to switch it off in here. Otherwise the force of your jump using this device may just shoot you against the opposite wall." Which, you know, is not exactly what they're going for here, now it is. Roland just splatting like a bug on the opposite gym wall. "And.. well, if you want to do that move, why not just try jumping off the floor? That's a surface too, right?"

It doesn't sound like a bad idea to Inigo, apparently, as he finishes putting the device on Roland. It frees his gaze to actually look at the man's face instead, his smile warm.

"I didn't take you for the type of guy to be worried about seeming too flashy though, father." There may be just the tiniest hint of teasing in that.

Roland nods along, hopes that his imagination will be enough for the trick to work the first time around. He has no idea how much push the grav-con will lend him, but he's willing to experiment and see where it'll take him. He remembers how smoothly Inigo did it despite his apprehensions on the landing; will try to follow that if he can.

After the piece of equipment is secured onto his body, Roland sends Inigo a knowing smile, rising to the tease. "Hey, I'm all about substance, pup. Can't help it if I naturally look cool. Heh." It's definitely a joke, not enough weight to it for Roland to sound smooth. But in the presence of higgledies warding off echoes and voices outside windows, he'll do what he can to distract, entertain on his own accord.

He takes a deep breath now, ready for the first try. Moves further in such that when he tries to do the high jump and slash, there's room for him to move around. Whatever small higgledies are occupying the floor where he stands, all move in circles to make an audience, some even jumping on Inigo's body to use as makeshift stands. Roland is the picture of determined, knees bent and mimicking his stance, only without the sword in his hands.

"Alright. I think I'm ready. Make sure I don't hit you, okay Inigo?" He glances behind him, catching Inigo's eye.

The higgledies are more than welcome to use Inigo as their own little private spectator seats, really. Inigo doesn't do as much as blink when they jump up and settle on him like that. They're cute! He likes them! So of course they can just come sit on him, no problem.

Though he is realising that it would be better for him to take a few steps backwards here, just in case. The last thing he wants Tidus to walk in on is some really, really dumb accident.. So he does back up a bit.

"I don't know, at least we'd be even then." It's definitely a joke on Inigo's part, though there's obviously a core of truth in there. Don't think he's forgotten the accidental slap, okay. "Don't worry though, it will be fine! Just go ahead."

"Well. Here goes nothing."

He tries it out, exactly as Inigo describes it to him. Activate the grav-con as soon as he gets the air time, then feel that momentum lift him up further until he can find a smooth landing to break the fall. Find that opening so his arms can maneuver what might be a sword later on in the future. He'll jog first, to get a running start, then push himself up into a nice jump as he usually does when he attacks from the balls of his feet. Thinks about moving to the side, a twist of the hip so he can make the downwards swing as soon as he's ready to add that weight.

In his mind's eye, it would have been a perfect execution.

But this is reality, and it always plays out a little bit differently ever time.

He succeeds with the first couple of steps. The jog and jump, successful. This, his body is used to. His body knows what it's like to get momentum when there's a lack of speed, having to fight in a similar manner. But when he activates the grav-con, the lightness it lends his limbs is too wholly unfamiliar. His mind couldn't have expected it the first time; and so he loses balance in mid-air, unable to execute what he foresaw, and instead of a graceful roll, Roland just falls. At the very least, has enough foresight to land on a softer part of his body, not his shoulder or his back in case of dislocation. And anyway, it's not a huge height to fall from; but the discomfort follows immediately.

"Gah..." he groans, rubbing the breadth of his arm. "I'm gonna feel that in the morning."

At least the higgledies won't laugh at him, right? Not that that matters!

...

Well, that was.. decidedly less cool than what Inigo imagined would happen. In fact, that very much looks like his first attempt at using it, if not a little worse..

It's a sad day when you realise that your parents aren't quite the invincible people you think they are.

And it's an even sadder day when you watch said parent get surrounded by Tidus's water higgledies as they start to hop all around Roland (Are they encouraging him? Making fun of him? Is this a funeral rite?) and then one even starts to splash water at him.

Which is why Inigo just stares at the miserable pile of human being on the floor for a moment, totally speechless. Even unable to move.

Then he puts his hands together in the most pitiful attempt of an applause ever.

"A-Ah, great attempt!"

Nailed it.

Do you need help getting up, Roland.. Inigo at least has the compassion to offer him a hand.

What in the world is even going on?!

How did he get from trying to pick himself up from the floor to suddenly being bombarded with cold water straight from the higgledies? Too much squealing and squeaking, some of them even dancing in front of him. Others are attempting to get him to stand up again, but why does he feel like they're laughing too? He wouldn't put it past them; energetic, mischievous things that they are. Not really sure how he should react to being splashed on, his light top suddenly wet until the chest. Roland runs a hand against his face, shakes his head when Inigo offers a hand up. He has dignity left! (Bambosh's own higgledies seem quite riled up too, jumping up and down as if telling him not to make a fool out of himself, otherwise they might look bad. Not that he would understand that at all...)

"I'm fine."

He's not going to comment on that absolutely false statement, it was not at all a fine attempt, and he sighs inwardly while shaking the last bits of water from his person. There are still some water higgledies on his shoulders, making noises and being rowdy, but he tries his best not to pay them any mind. Turns to Inigo while rubbing his arms and his hip.

"Alright, I'm going to have to find a wall. That would have been a disaster with a sword in my hand. Here, try it this time and let me watch again." He'll hand Inigo the grav-con back now, hoping a closer inspection from someone with more experience will do the trick.

Inigo briefly wonders on whether or not to call out Roland for that blatant lie, but then decides it's best not to. It's not a big deal in the end, after all - his dignity is probably more bruised than anything else. He can save it for a time he really needs to call Roland out for lying over something dumb. Like the last time he got wounded.

Instead he takes the grav-con when it's handed back to him, putting it back on. He doesn't immediately get to the demonstration yet though, his gaze instead moving from Roland to all the higgledies practically doing a tribal dance right about now with how much hopping around is going on over here...

".. you know, if it helps.. I think they are trying to encourage you. In their own way." It's unfortunate that Jumblie isn't here right now, since she's a little more gentle, but it looks like they'll have to make do with some of the more rowdy higgledies for the time being. "Still.. save me from being splashed if it goes badly, alright?"

Alright? You better do this for him, dad. He's counting on you.

Though he doesn't seem to wait for confirmation, just trusting the half-soaked man to have his back. Inigo instead turns back to do the same thing he did last time. Running at the wall, bouncing off it with the grav-con, flying through the air. But it's the landing, of course, that he's most concerned with. He thinks of everything Tidus was doing before he left, trying to flip in the air himself this time.

But it's something that definitely needs more practice. Inigo is flexible enough that he actually does make the flip most of the way, but it's still a little too much on the slow side due to lack of experience with it. Which means that rather than landing on his feet, he lands right on his butt on the floor, letting out an 'oof', but not seeming seriously hurt.

"Alright, just don't copy that last part." Otherwise Roland may just break his old, old back.

"Inigo, I have a good, strong feeling that these higgledies are most certainly not going to splash you the way they did to me." Because Tidus owns them, and it's Tidus's heart connected to them, and of course he would influence them enough to wet him after a fall. Roland is suddenly relieved he didn't have Hibber-Gibber during the hot springs debacle; that would have really done Roland in!

But that aside, he moves to give Inigo similar room to maneuver and watches even more closely. Doesn't take his eyes off of the motion for a single second, nodding as if he's committed it to visual memory. But muscle memory is what counts here, and he's going to have to try again before he can say he's got it down t he way Inigo does. As his companion falls on his backside, Roland walks up and stands right next to him, offering either a hand or a concerned tap of the shoulder; whichever Inigo might prefer taking. "Heh. That's still much more graceful than my fall. I've got to keep up. Good job, Inigo."

His spine is not a plaything!

And anyway, he offers a little bit of advice after watching him for a second time. Roland's own moves on a regular day involve a lot of landing on his feet for stability, so maybe it could help him out? His hands move to Inigo's stomach, with the other on his lower back. "Try bracing yourself here at the peak of the jump, then use your center of gravity to fall and hit a good landing. Your feet and your knees bent, too. It'll carry you through."

The higgledies circling them, noisier than the voices of echoes that may be watching their hijinks, start squealing in high-pitched approval. Yes, very good dear soul! Young traveler! Practice does indeed make perfect, hig!

He will definitely take that hand. See, at least he's listening to the advice Roland gave him! He's accepting other people's help! Although this is definitely the tiniest form of help possible to accept. But still, Inigo takes it without hesitation, rising back up to his feet and rubbing his butt. Thankfully the landing wasn't too hard, but it's still a little sore.

Though his hands drop the moment he suddenly feels Roland's hands instead. He looks confused for the slightest moment - this sure is a weird hug, dad - until he realises what the other is really doing. Then he quickly takes in the advice, nodding as he listens.

"Ah, really? I didn't imagine you were so used to this." Not that he doesn't think Roland is a great fighter! He saw what the other was able to do with Reno, despite Reno using a lot of dumb dirty electricity tricks.. But it's not like his head was clear enough to really study Roland back there, so today is the first time he's learning about all this flashiness that apparently resides inside of this old-but-young man.

"How about you take the grav-con back again then and show me how it's done? You're the one who needs to get used to it!" He'll even take off the device and hand it back over. "I think I need to go give these higglepals some hugs in the meantime for being so sweet and supportive."

"The core's everything in swordsmanship. Get that stable, and everything else follows." Roland nods, a small smile on his face as he straightens up. A fist curls as if trying to remember what it feels like to hold a sword right now, though it's a secondary requirement. Mastering the basics of a grav-con will need to take precedence.

Plus, it feels sort of nice to teach someone about what he knows of sword fighting. He took it up early in his pre-teens, and has consistently worked at it exclusively until other priorities pushed it back to a simple hobby.

He tightens the wrap around his hair, one of the ribbons gifted to him by Tidus and Inigo (red, today), and makes a gesture to have the grav-con returned to him for another go at the ideal new move. He's more or less figured out how to put it on himself, which leaves Inigo some room to gather up the so-called higglepals for so much needed Inigo cuddles. Roland however, can't really think of anything else but to succeed in this, or fall flat on his face again while trying. Such is the nature of training!

"I'm ready. I think I know where I made a mistake, after watching you again. Here goes." There's less hesitation this time in his movements, wasting little and just rushing as soon as the last word leaves his mouth. The higgledies are probably cheering for him, and perhaps it's Bambosh's presence that inspires in him courage to keep going. The second he jumps and activates the grav-con, he braces at a better position and replicates Inigo's twist after his foot bounces off the edge of the wall...

...but he still falls, though this time, it's with a rough barrel roll instead. He clicks his teeth against his tongue, crouched on the floor with one arm against his knee for balance. "Gah. Not quite."

Roland knows where he's going wrong. He glances up at Inigo, standing as he does so. "I'm hesitating. My body's not moving the way I want it to."

Inigo sure doesn't hesitate. After smiling at Roland for a moment, he's already turning around to scoop some of the higgledies running around straight into his arms. Granted, even Inigo - local hug expert - can't quite fit all of them in there, but there's a good mix of them gently squeezed in his arms when he turns back to look at Roland, ready to watch his second attempt.

Some of the tiny creatures even escape his embrace to instead sit on his shoulder or on the top of his head while watching - a few even jumping up and down as they cheer, though it doesn't seem to bother Inigo in the slightest.

He winces a tad at the fall, though he's thankful that Roland at least seems to have landed better than last time.

"Hesitating?" He repeats, looking back at the other. "Is it since your body is.."

You know, not as old as it used to be.

Is that a rude thing to say? It feels like it may be a rude thing to say. Which is why, rather than explicitly say it, Inigo's voice just trails off to imply it.

The sounds they make when they're happy is truly something he'll never really get used to. It won't startle him as it did the first time he encountered them, but Roland wonders where they get all that energy from, squealing and laughing, making sounds left and right. At least Inigo looked the part of the higgle-hugger.

And while Roland would usually shake such a comment off, this time he might take it a bit more seriously. He wasn't a heavy fighter, but since serving as Evan's right-hand, he's never enjoyed a moment's rest, a sword constantly in his grip. If not a sword, his pistol from home, seeing countless magitek upgrades. So, why? Was Inigo on the money...?

In learning something completely and utterly new, without the aid of the Spellworks to grant him the skills in the Arms Band directly, was he experiencing a temporary psychomotor deficiency? Wanting to move in a distinct way, but his mind forcing his limbs to prioritize safety over experience?

He definitely looks troubled. Roland attempts to explain, walking over to Inigo and the higgledies while wiping his brow with his forearm.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think you might be right. All the skills I've learned are kind of preset already. Even the regular forms that make up the sword stance I practice. But this time, I'm forcing myself to move completely differently...with no help except from my own imagination." His finger finds the spot under his chin where it's evident he's back into the depths of his overthinking.

"Hm. I'm not sure how to get rid of this physical hesitation apart from falling a couple thousand times more." Welp. Would Inigo like his grav-con back? Roland's not succeeding in this as he initially expected.

"Heh, well, falling a couple thousand times more is exactly how I'm practicing.." Figuring that he'll get used to the feeling of flying through the air eventually. Then again, Inigo knows their situations aren't exactly the same. Inigo still is genuinely young, after all. He's never had any other body than this. It really has got to be harder for Roland, trying to adjust to his younger body after having to be used to his older one.

He'll take the grav-con back, but Inigo doesn't quite jump back into practice just yet. (He can practice more when Tidus is back, he figures.) Instead he can't help but want to help Roland with his own problem, considering Roland is pondering it so seriously.

"How about doing other forms of practice first? Where you have less danger of falling." And breaking his ~~not-so-old-man~~ spine. "You say that your swordfighting skills are already preset, but how about trying out other kinds of physical exercises and seeing how your body feels about those? Maybe there's a safer move among them you can practice to break through the mental barrier your age shift set up." See, Inigo can take these kinds of things seriously too! It's obvious he speaks right from the heart.

"And if you can't think of any, well.. I'm sure Tidus would love to put you to work."

If not just to see Roland sweat.

Roland doesn't quite shudder at the thought, but he does offer a rather dry expression. "Charming idea. But Tidus is a pro-athlete. I doubt his drills will be anything but simple." Or he would like to assume. He didn't get to spin around in mid-air (water) like that without some form of rigorous training, right?

Still. That's not at all a bad idea. Clearing some space again from the crowd of higgledies around their feet who did not get caught up in Inigo's hug, he recalls old exercise forms and decides on core work again, which he relies on plenty. Start with something familiar before moving on to something more dynamic. The end goal was to break the mental barrier stopping him from using his body the way his mind is intending; and he's close to that breakthrough. He just needs more time, more practice. This is why they were here, right?

"...Planks." Roland suddenly pipes up, looking straight at Inigo. "Why don't we start with planks? Have you heard of it before?"

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TIME TO PARTY, SON

this is our thread now, no time for rees

let's jump on the bed with our shoes on!!!

let's put the billy bear meat in cans!!!

let's set the train on fire?!

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