⊕ 03 [action]

[erodingearth]

[This takes place on Friday, the last day of the experiment.

Terra's been feeling a strong desire to train today. Pullups and pushups in the clearing, combat training in the battle dome... He's got stamina to spare, but there's no doubt he's pushing himself; usually he has the sense to stop once in awhile.

He can be seen in the forest near house 39 exercising in the morning or over in the battle dome past noon. ...Or maybe even passed out on the grass on his way back to the house, towards midnight.]

Comments

[erodingearth]

[He starts to lift his Keyblade, but hesitates.]

Is it okay? Isn't that Dark Mode of yours going to appear again?

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[He shakes his head.]

Don't worry, I can handle it. Wouldn't be fair if I slipped into it, anyway.

[erodingearth]

[Oh, that sounds all right, th-- Wait.]

"Wouldn't be fair"?

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[He smirks.]

Because it gives me an extra edge while it lasts. Increased speed and jumping height... I think that'd be overdoing it. Especially when I could focus on physical attacks and magic.

[erodingearth]

The darkness may be strong, but it can't give you that much of an edge. [...Well. Hopefully.]

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

You'd be surprised.

[The darkness made him incredibly strong, but he still doesn't want to risk overdoing it here.]

[erodingearth]

After everything with Vanitas, I think it'd be a surprise I can handle.

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[Man, he's got a point there. Riku sighs.]

Yeah, but I'll still try not to use it.

[erodingearth]

All right. It's not like I'd force you to use it.

[He lifts up his Keyblade again, giving it an experimental swing. His arm feels a little heavy now that he's had some time to rest and let his body catch up with all of the exertion.]

Let's keep going.

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

You got it.

[And, right away, he's hopping back to get some distance.]

[erodingearth]

[For now, Terra can focus on the battle at hand. It's much preferable over discussing the darkness and those reminders of his own failings.

They finally finish with their practice some time later, and Terra heads off to the training console to cancel the program.]

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[It was interesting battling Terra. He might not be the quickest fighter, but he's definitely got fighting experience.

And by the time he's finished, Riku dismisses his weapon and approaches him. He's a little exhausted, but there's still something on his mind.]

[erodingearth]

[Terra's Keyblade disappears as he turns to focus on the training console, pushing a few buttons and watching as different parts of it quickly disappear.]

Your jumps are impressive. [He muses aloud.]

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

Heh, thanks.

[Eee, Terra compliments.]

But I've got nothing on your strength. Plus, that flame move you did was pretty neat. [The shotlock, in other words.]

[erodingearth]

[He's able to face Riku once the program has completely shut down.] The Shotlock I used earlier? You haven't seen anything like it?

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[he shakes his head.]

Can't say I have. That's one technique I never picked up. Sora hasn't, either.

[erodingearth]

You never learned under a Master, did you? That might be why.

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I never did run into you once I left home.

[He doesn't blame Terra, just... he wishes he did see him.]

[erodingearth]

I wonder why. Something must have happened. [He wouldn't have just chosen a successor and then left him without guidance.]

...Probably not something we can figure out while we're here, though.

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

Yeah, but we'll make do with what we've got.

Besides, you're here now.

[erodingearth]

Yeah, I guess I am. Lucky you, right? [It's an attempt to lighten up the conversation.] I can teach you, if you're up for learning.

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

Hey, anything you can teach me, I'll be glad to learn.

[Lightening up the conversation helps, and the offer is totally catching his attention. He's waited so long for this!]

Besides, it'll give us something to do.

[erodingearth]

It's definitely better than just waiting for the next draft. [A pause.] But they choose people at random, don't they? So I guess even waiting for drafts isn't a sure thing.

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's all about the luck of the draw. And everyone's got a chance of getting picked, even the kids around here.

[Which ticks him off, to say the least.]

[erodingearth]

Even more reason to keep practicing and grow stronger. If there's kids out there, they need to be protected, too.