Logs: Ironhide trains Longarm, first and second attempts
So, after this entry, Ironhide has been attempting to train Longarm how to fight. Longarm is, understandably, not so eager... Or very good at it, for that matter...
Ironhide: -waits at the coordinates he'd sent, outside the base, and with two of the poles from the common room earlier-
Longarm: *Rolls on down the halls and outside the base - at least, that’s where he /thinks/ he's supposed to go...*
Ironhide: -spots the tow truck- Over here.
Longarm: *notices the large black mech at the call and rolls on over, towing arm swinging contentedly* Are you...Ironhide, then?
Ironhide: That's me. And what's your designation?
Longarm: *shifts lightly on his shocks to look 'up' at Ironhide* I call myself Longarm.
Ironhide: Right. Well, nice to meet you. Let's get started.
Longarm: *sits there, tow-arm wagging* What are going to be doing?
Ironhide: -stares at Longarm for a moment- First off, do you know how to transform yet?
Longarm: ...? Transform? I think so. *sits there*
Ironhide: ...alright. -sighs, he's never had to teach something that should be instinctual-
Ironhide: Try it.
Longarm: ...Why? I like being a truck. Do I need to…transform for this...training?
Ironhide: Yes you do.
Ironhide: You need to know how to defend yourself, and you can't in your alt mode.
Longarm: *reluctant engine whine - he doesn't like doing this: it feels funny. D: * ...What do I need to defend myself from?
Ironhide: Vok. Unicron. Nemesis. And that's not all of the threats out there. -matter of factly-
Longarm: Are those...other people? Like us? *curiously* Why do they want to hurt me?
Ironhide: A few of them, yeah. Look, just transform so we can get started.
Longarm: ...okay. *quiet - scary black truck is scary. :< * *rolls back a bit to give himself some room. The tow truck wiggles a bit, panels trembling, and then there is a sudden jumbled flurry of motion and a 'WHOMP'...and a transformed Longarm is sprawled out on the ground*
Ironhide: -he's not /trying/ to be scary...- ...you alright?
Longarm: *white face peeks up, wide orange optics blinking slowly - wow this is so /weird/....* I...Think so? *waves three fingered hands in front of his face and gives a quiet little laugh, odd face plates shifting into something like a smile*
Longarm: *...is still lying on the ground*
Ironhide: -shakes his head and goes over, holding out a hand- C'mon, I'll help you up.
Longarm: *stares blankly at Ironhide's hand for a moment, thinking on the concept, before tentatively reaching up for it, fingers giving a little wiggle before latching on*
Longarm: *...pulls a bit and tries to get his legs under him... was it this hard when Hotspot was here? D: *
Ironhide: -pulls him up- ...first time transforming?
Ironhide: -slag, he's feeling old now; he pushes down a slight twinge of sadness at the thought of this more than likely being one of the last Sparklings-
Longarm: *tilts his head in confusion* I have done this...once before? With Hotspot. He is my friend. *stands up on his own, overly-huge feet - he's almost as tall as Ironhide, or he would be if he didn't have that stance with those odd, double-jointed legs - but his armor is really badly lacking, especially at the waist and chest. The armor over his spark chamber alone is practically non-existent.*
Ironhide: ... -looks him over critically- /Primus,/ you need new armor. Especially over that spark chamber.
Ironhide: Have you moved around much in this form?
Longarm: *frowns in confusion and looks down at himself, giving his chest a poke with a thick finger* ...that is what Hotspot said...
Longarm: *looks back up* Not very much, I think. I like having...wheels best.
Ironhide: S'fine if you prefer your alt mode, but you need to know how to defend yourself in this one if the situation calls for it. Which, I can assure you, will happen at some point.
Longarm: *bounces about lightly with his legs and feet - this is kind fun, even better then his shocks!* Oh... alight... *distracted. Easily amused and having fun now, thx*
Ironhide: -can't help but grin at his antics- Alright. Sparring lessons first. -picks up one of the poles and tosses it to him lightly-
Longarm: *squeaks and stumbles back, startled, only catching the pole by reflex alone* ...w-what? *stares blankly down at the pole in his grip*
Ironhide: -quirks an optic ridge- Sparring. I'm going to teach you how to fend off blows first. Then, we'll move on to offense.
Longarm: Blows...? *blinks and looks up at Ironhide* Are you going to...hit at me? D:
Ironhide: Nothing hard enough to hurt, don't worry about that. -takes a step forward, picking up the other staff- We'll start slow. I swing at you, you block it, and we see how good your reflexes are.
Longarm: *engine gives a little whine of nervousness, but he nods. He /thinks/ he has the idea - hopefully programming knowledge will take care of the rest* ...Alright...? *wiggles the staff a bit*
Ironhide: Ready? -spins his staff a couple of times, slowly, then brings one nerf-covered end down towards Longarm-
Longarm: *makes a little whirr-click sound of surprise/fear, and raises his arms - and consequently the staff - up to block the blow*
Ironhide: Good. -the same speed as before, pulls it away and brings the other end /up/-
Longarm: *doesn't expect the stick to come from /that/ direction as well, eeping and stumbling back right as he gets the nerf in the lower chest* D:
Ironhide: Always expect the unexpected. Keep an optic on /everything/ your opponent is doing, or you'll be caught off guard.
Longarm: *nods slowly, rubbing at his chest where he got poked. It doesn't really /hurt/, per say, but to a new sparkling barely used to sensation at all, its noticeable* ...Okay...
Ironhide: -swings at him again, aiming for the shoulder-
Longarm: *stumbles back away from the blow, flailing out randomly with the staff*
Ironhide: -chuckles, they always do that- Watch me, not the staff. I'm the one controlling it.
Longarm: *steadies himself and nods shakily, grip nervously shifting on the staff*
Ironhide: Also, relax. I won't hurt you.
Longarm: *blinks and nods again, more slowly, relaxing a bit* O-okay...
Ironhide: Spread your hands out a bit further on the staff, and don't stand so stiffly.
Longarm: *eyes the staff and slowly spreads his hands out on the staff, and bounces lightly on his feet* *inquiring, hopeful look. Longarm is good sparkling, yes?*
Ironhide: Like that. -smiles, then swings at his side-
Longarm: *skitters to the side clumsily, but dodges, swiping the staff out reflexively*
Ironhide: -blocks it, then swings the other side at him, a little bit faster than he had before-
Longarm: *stumbles the other way, getting whapped against the side along the way, and jabbing out with the staff*
Ironhide: -sidesteps it and stops, looking at Longarm- This is gonna take a lot of work...
Longarm: *sad whirr-click - is this bad? D: *
Ironhide: Hmm. I think we need to work on your coordination a bit first.
Longarm: *head tilt* ...We do?
Ironhide: I need to think up some stuff. Meet me here, same time tomorrow.
Longarm: ...Okay? *small, hesitant smile?*
Ironhide: S'alright. The first session is always difficult. -pats him on the shoulder lightly-
Longarm: *beams happily, letting out a small, content engine rev*
Ironhide: -smiles- We're done for the day, kid.
Longarm: Okay.... *looks around a bit* Can I change back now?
Ironhide: Yeah.
Longarm: *looks down at the staff and holds it out* ...This...is yours, yes?
Ironhide: -takes it- Nah, but I should put it back.
Longarm: Oh...okay. *looks around uncertainly, before waving a bit* Bye...?
Ironhide: See ya tomorrow. -waves back, smiling slightly, then puts the staves on his shoulder and starts heading back inside-
Ironhide: -he didn't realize how much he'd missed this job until that moment, shaking his head-
Longarm: *clicks contentedly before transforming back into his tow truck mode - a good deal more easily then he changed out of it, only pouncing lightly on his tires, before heading back in towards the base, low country music crooning out from his radio*
Ironhide: -waiting in the training room, arms crossed over his chest and leaning on the wall-
Longarm: *Rolls on into the training room in his alt mode after only a short while, right on schedule*
Ironhide: Hey, kid. You know the drill. -grins-
Longarm: ...Very well. *slowly transforms, actually finishing on his oversized feet this time - he's getting better at that - nodding to Ironhide shifting his odd faceplates into a small smile as he slips into a easy 'ready' stance*
Ironhide: -notices this and pushes off the wall, grinning a bit wider- Let's get started, then. -reaches over to a table and tosses a pole to him, grabbing another and spinning it once-
Longarm: *can actually catch the pole now, and grips it firmly, head cocking curiously as he watches Ironhide - he's learned that the older mech can be very tricky and can often start before he expects it*
Ironhide: -takes a step forward, and just watches him for a long moment-
Longarm: *reflexively takes a step back, shifting his grip on the bar - he may be somewhat used to this now, but it doesn't mean he /likes/ this very much...*
Ironhide: -knows that Longarm doesn't like it, but he needs to know how to defend himself; suddenly lashes to whap him lightly on the side-
Ironhide: out*
Longarm: *yelps and dodges back awkwardly, actually using the correct move to get the staff into the proper blocking position, but is just a second too slow, and gets hit*
Ironhide: -nods slightly and pulls back for a moment, then does it again to the other side-
Ironhide: -hasn't even touched offense yet-
Longarm: *barely manages to get the staff into position, but is able to block that one with a nice light 'crack' of the poles*
Ironhide: Good. -barely gets that word out before swinging the other end up towards his opposite shoulder-
Longarm: *Rarely says anything during these training sessions, as he's busy concentrating totally on the fight* *leans back and manages to dodge the shot, and after a split second hesitation, takes a weak swing at Ironhide's extended arm - it's the first time he's really taken the initative with this*
Ironhide: -easily blocks it and grins to himself- This is a defensive exercise, not offensive. When you can block 50 of my attacks in a row, /then/ we can start integrating offense in.
Longarm: *head tilts* Oh. Alright...?
Ironhide: -nods again, then strikes again, aiming for a leg this time-
Longarm: *Awkwardly lifts the leg /over/ the blow, stumbling back out of range and looking quizzically surprised with himself*
Ironhide: -reverse, swings at other leg-
Longarm: *squeaks and swings the staff down to block, stumbling over his own feet, and both gets hit /and/ hits himself in the other leg, yelping*
Ironhide: Always make sure that when you dodge or block, that you are in a position to /keep/ on doing it, no matter where the next attack is coming from. Enemies will attempt to drive you into leaving an opening; /don't/ give them the satisfaction.
Longarm: *nodnod* Ah, yes... That would, perhaps, be good... *intakes give a lone wibbling sound before he reluctantly takes up his stance again*
Ironhide: -quirks an optic ridge, then swings at his arm, feinting-
Longarm: *falls for it and swings, trying to block*
Ironhide: -and whap! hits him square in the knee- Watch my body, not my weapon.
Longarm: *yelps and skitters back, holding out the staff defensively* ...A-alright...I will try...
Ironhide: Body movement will tell you where the weapon is /really/ heading. -takes a step forward, and feints again, this time swinging at his side, but turning it into a jab at his chest-
Longarm: *sees the staff and only looks at Ironhide himself after a second, only somewhat dodging the blow, the staff scraping across his chest plates instead of hitting them outright* W-what part of you am I supposed to...watch, then? *beginning to get slightly frustrated, door-wings quivering*
Ironhide: Arms. Feet. Optics.
Longarm: *blinks* ...oh. All at once...?
Ironhide: Don't focus on me, but at a point beyond me. That will allow you to pick up every movement I make.
Longarm: ...I will try... *sounds confused, but moves back into his ready stance, trying to look at what he's supposed to*
Ironhide: -and guess what? another feint, this time swinging at his leg, but really aiming for his shoulder with the opposite end-
Longarm: *And something in Ironhide's stance shows he's not really going for his leg, but he's not sure /what/* *flails, blocking broadly above the waist, not really blocking very well but doesn't get hit very firmly either*
Ironhide: -tilts his head with a small grin, then, not a feint this time, swings at his left side-
Longarm: *watches, notes how Ironhide's balance and center shifts and- /block/!* *...happy squeak!*
Ironhide: -immediately shifts and aims for his right side, not giving him a break for celebration-
Longarm: *squeak turns to a squeal as he backpedals and dodges to the side rather ungracefully, turning back and watching carefully, little lesson quickly learned*
Ironhide: One victory doesn't mean you've won the war. Don't drop your guard, ever.
Longarm: *fidgets* ...okay. :<
Ironhide: Now, try again. -spins his staff once slowly, then feints at his chest, bringing the other end over towards his shoulder-
Longarm: *flings the staff up, dodging away from the blow as he bats it away*
Ironhide: -jabs his staff between his legs, trying to trip him-
Longarm: *yelps and tries to dodge...and gets tangled up in his staff, Ironhide's staff, and his own oversized feet, landing in a heap*
Ironhide: -takes a step back- How did that happen?
Longarm: *a foot and a arm twitches from inside the heap* ....dunno? My feet got in the way...of my legs? *Whimpers*
Ironhide: And you shoved my staff into a position where I could trip you.
Longarm: ...I did? *meep*
Ironhide: Yes, you did. Be aware of your own weaknesses, and don't let the enemy exploit them.
Longarm: *slowly untangles himself, staring up at Ironhide from the ground with wide orange optics, legs all splayed out, feet twitching* ...They are somewhat...large. *Head tilts. Pokes foot*
Ironhide: Yeah. -offers a hand to help him up-
Longarm: *blinkblink* ...Thank you. *takes hand, standing with a grunt*
Ironhide: -regards him for a moment- We'll practice more tomorrow.
Longarm: Oh. ....Alright. *bends down and picks up his dropped staff, holding it out in offering*
Ironhide: -takes it with a small smile- You're learning fast.
Longarm: *perks up a bit* ....really?
Ironhide: Yeah. Now off you go, see you tomorrow.
Longarm: Alright.... *grins shyly, and now that he's gotten comfortable enough with this strange, gruff mech to give this a hesitant try, he...darts forwards, /hugs/ Ironhide on the arm exuberantly and skitters back again, sparkling-chirping nervously*
Ironhide: ... -tenses slightly-
Longarm: *squeaks faintly and droops, transforming back into a truck like someone shoved him into it*
Ironhide: -pats the top of his cab, smiling-
Longarm: *perks back up a bit with a hopeful little engine whine, giving Ironhide a light nudge on the leg that just screams 'pet meeee!'*
Ironhide: ............ -slaggit, gives in-
Ironhide: -never dealt with Sparklings this young before, and wishes at that moment that he had-
Longarm: *engine goes ~puurrrrrrr!~, towing arm beginning to wag*
Ironhide: -smiles and gives him one last pat before giving his bumper a little shove- Go.
Ironhide: I've got things to take care of.
Longarm: *engine gives a disappointed little whine, but he backs off with one last little bump at Ironhide's leg, before peeling on out of there the best a tow truck can, leaving with a cheery sounding of his horn*
Ironhide: -shakes his head, grinning-
(LJ-ify your IMs before pasting!)
Next time....hopefully shooting practice! :D
Ironhide: -waits at the coordinates he'd sent, outside the base, and with two of the poles from the common room earlier-
Longarm: *Rolls on down the halls and outside the base - at least, that’s where he /thinks/ he's supposed to go...*
Ironhide: -spots the tow truck- Over here.
Longarm: *notices the large black mech at the call and rolls on over, towing arm swinging contentedly* Are you...Ironhide, then?
Ironhide: That's me. And what's your designation?
Longarm: *shifts lightly on his shocks to look 'up' at Ironhide* I call myself Longarm.
Ironhide: Right. Well, nice to meet you. Let's get started.
Longarm: *sits there, tow-arm wagging* What are going to be doing?
Ironhide: -stares at Longarm for a moment- First off, do you know how to transform yet?
Longarm: ...? Transform? I think so. *sits there*
Ironhide: ...alright. -sighs, he's never had to teach something that should be instinctual-
Ironhide: Try it.
Longarm: ...Why? I like being a truck. Do I need to…transform for this...training?
Ironhide: Yes you do.
Ironhide: You need to know how to defend yourself, and you can't in your alt mode.
Longarm: *reluctant engine whine - he doesn't like doing this: it feels funny. D: * ...What do I need to defend myself from?
Ironhide: Vok. Unicron. Nemesis. And that's not all of the threats out there. -matter of factly-
Longarm: Are those...other people? Like us? *curiously* Why do they want to hurt me?
Ironhide: A few of them, yeah. Look, just transform so we can get started.
Longarm: ...okay. *quiet - scary black truck is scary. :< * *rolls back a bit to give himself some room. The tow truck wiggles a bit, panels trembling, and then there is a sudden jumbled flurry of motion and a 'WHOMP'...and a transformed Longarm is sprawled out on the ground*
Ironhide: -he's not /trying/ to be scary...- ...you alright?
Longarm: *white face peeks up, wide orange optics blinking slowly - wow this is so /weird/....* I...Think so? *waves three fingered hands in front of his face and gives a quiet little laugh, odd face plates shifting into something like a smile*
Longarm: *...is still lying on the ground*
Ironhide: -shakes his head and goes over, holding out a hand- C'mon, I'll help you up.
Longarm: *stares blankly at Ironhide's hand for a moment, thinking on the concept, before tentatively reaching up for it, fingers giving a little wiggle before latching on*
Longarm: *...pulls a bit and tries to get his legs under him... was it this hard when Hotspot was here? D: *
Ironhide: -pulls him up- ...first time transforming?
Ironhide: -slag, he's feeling old now; he pushes down a slight twinge of sadness at the thought of this more than likely being one of the last Sparklings-
Longarm: *tilts his head in confusion* I have done this...once before? With Hotspot. He is my friend. *stands up on his own, overly-huge feet - he's almost as tall as Ironhide, or he would be if he didn't have that stance with those odd, double-jointed legs - but his armor is really badly lacking, especially at the waist and chest. The armor over his spark chamber alone is practically non-existent.*
Ironhide: ... -looks him over critically- /Primus,/ you need new armor. Especially over that spark chamber.
Ironhide: Have you moved around much in this form?
Longarm: *frowns in confusion and looks down at himself, giving his chest a poke with a thick finger* ...that is what Hotspot said...
Longarm: *looks back up* Not very much, I think. I like having...wheels best.
Ironhide: S'fine if you prefer your alt mode, but you need to know how to defend yourself in this one if the situation calls for it. Which, I can assure you, will happen at some point.
Longarm: *bounces about lightly with his legs and feet - this is kind fun, even better then his shocks!* Oh... alight... *distracted. Easily amused and having fun now, thx*
Ironhide: -can't help but grin at his antics- Alright. Sparring lessons first. -picks up one of the poles and tosses it to him lightly-
Longarm: *squeaks and stumbles back, startled, only catching the pole by reflex alone* ...w-what? *stares blankly down at the pole in his grip*
Ironhide: -quirks an optic ridge- Sparring. I'm going to teach you how to fend off blows first. Then, we'll move on to offense.
Longarm: Blows...? *blinks and looks up at Ironhide* Are you going to...hit at me? D:
Ironhide: Nothing hard enough to hurt, don't worry about that. -takes a step forward, picking up the other staff- We'll start slow. I swing at you, you block it, and we see how good your reflexes are.
Longarm: *engine gives a little whine of nervousness, but he nods. He /thinks/ he has the idea - hopefully programming knowledge will take care of the rest* ...Alright...? *wiggles the staff a bit*
Ironhide: Ready? -spins his staff a couple of times, slowly, then brings one nerf-covered end down towards Longarm-
Longarm: *makes a little whirr-click sound of surprise/fear, and raises his arms - and consequently the staff - up to block the blow*
Ironhide: Good. -the same speed as before, pulls it away and brings the other end /up/-
Longarm: *doesn't expect the stick to come from /that/ direction as well, eeping and stumbling back right as he gets the nerf in the lower chest* D:
Ironhide: Always expect the unexpected. Keep an optic on /everything/ your opponent is doing, or you'll be caught off guard.
Longarm: *nods slowly, rubbing at his chest where he got poked. It doesn't really /hurt/, per say, but to a new sparkling barely used to sensation at all, its noticeable* ...Okay...
Ironhide: -swings at him again, aiming for the shoulder-
Longarm: *stumbles back away from the blow, flailing out randomly with the staff*
Ironhide: -chuckles, they always do that- Watch me, not the staff. I'm the one controlling it.
Longarm: *steadies himself and nods shakily, grip nervously shifting on the staff*
Ironhide: Also, relax. I won't hurt you.
Longarm: *blinks and nods again, more slowly, relaxing a bit* O-okay...
Ironhide: Spread your hands out a bit further on the staff, and don't stand so stiffly.
Longarm: *eyes the staff and slowly spreads his hands out on the staff, and bounces lightly on his feet* *inquiring, hopeful look. Longarm is good sparkling, yes?*
Ironhide: Like that. -smiles, then swings at his side-
Longarm: *skitters to the side clumsily, but dodges, swiping the staff out reflexively*
Ironhide: -blocks it, then swings the other side at him, a little bit faster than he had before-
Longarm: *stumbles the other way, getting whapped against the side along the way, and jabbing out with the staff*
Ironhide: -sidesteps it and stops, looking at Longarm- This is gonna take a lot of work...
Longarm: *sad whirr-click - is this bad? D: *
Ironhide: Hmm. I think we need to work on your coordination a bit first.
Longarm: *head tilt* ...We do?
Ironhide: I need to think up some stuff. Meet me here, same time tomorrow.
Longarm: ...Okay? *small, hesitant smile?*
Ironhide: S'alright. The first session is always difficult. -pats him on the shoulder lightly-
Longarm: *beams happily, letting out a small, content engine rev*
Ironhide: -smiles- We're done for the day, kid.
Longarm: Okay.... *looks around a bit* Can I change back now?
Ironhide: Yeah.
Longarm: *looks down at the staff and holds it out* ...This...is yours, yes?
Ironhide: -takes it- Nah, but I should put it back.
Longarm: Oh...okay. *looks around uncertainly, before waving a bit* Bye...?
Ironhide: See ya tomorrow. -waves back, smiling slightly, then puts the staves on his shoulder and starts heading back inside-
Ironhide: -he didn't realize how much he'd missed this job until that moment, shaking his head-
Longarm: *clicks contentedly before transforming back into his tow truck mode - a good deal more easily then he changed out of it, only pouncing lightly on his tires, before heading back in towards the base, low country music crooning out from his radio*
Ironhide: -waiting in the training room, arms crossed over his chest and leaning on the wall-
Longarm: *Rolls on into the training room in his alt mode after only a short while, right on schedule*
Ironhide: Hey, kid. You know the drill. -grins-
Longarm: ...Very well. *slowly transforms, actually finishing on his oversized feet this time - he's getting better at that - nodding to Ironhide shifting his odd faceplates into a small smile as he slips into a easy 'ready' stance*
Ironhide: -notices this and pushes off the wall, grinning a bit wider- Let's get started, then. -reaches over to a table and tosses a pole to him, grabbing another and spinning it once-
Longarm: *can actually catch the pole now, and grips it firmly, head cocking curiously as he watches Ironhide - he's learned that the older mech can be very tricky and can often start before he expects it*
Ironhide: -takes a step forward, and just watches him for a long moment-
Longarm: *reflexively takes a step back, shifting his grip on the bar - he may be somewhat used to this now, but it doesn't mean he /likes/ this very much...*
Ironhide: -knows that Longarm doesn't like it, but he needs to know how to defend himself; suddenly lashes to whap him lightly on the side-
Ironhide: out*
Longarm: *yelps and dodges back awkwardly, actually using the correct move to get the staff into the proper blocking position, but is just a second too slow, and gets hit*
Ironhide: -nods slightly and pulls back for a moment, then does it again to the other side-
Ironhide: -hasn't even touched offense yet-
Longarm: *barely manages to get the staff into position, but is able to block that one with a nice light 'crack' of the poles*
Ironhide: Good. -barely gets that word out before swinging the other end up towards his opposite shoulder-
Longarm: *Rarely says anything during these training sessions, as he's busy concentrating totally on the fight* *leans back and manages to dodge the shot, and after a split second hesitation, takes a weak swing at Ironhide's extended arm - it's the first time he's really taken the initative with this*
Ironhide: -easily blocks it and grins to himself- This is a defensive exercise, not offensive. When you can block 50 of my attacks in a row, /then/ we can start integrating offense in.
Longarm: *head tilts* Oh. Alright...?
Ironhide: -nods again, then strikes again, aiming for a leg this time-
Longarm: *Awkwardly lifts the leg /over/ the blow, stumbling back out of range and looking quizzically surprised with himself*
Ironhide: -reverse, swings at other leg-
Longarm: *squeaks and swings the staff down to block, stumbling over his own feet, and both gets hit /and/ hits himself in the other leg, yelping*
Ironhide: Always make sure that when you dodge or block, that you are in a position to /keep/ on doing it, no matter where the next attack is coming from. Enemies will attempt to drive you into leaving an opening; /don't/ give them the satisfaction.
Longarm: *nodnod* Ah, yes... That would, perhaps, be good... *intakes give a lone wibbling sound before he reluctantly takes up his stance again*
Ironhide: -quirks an optic ridge, then swings at his arm, feinting-
Longarm: *falls for it and swings, trying to block*
Ironhide: -and whap! hits him square in the knee- Watch my body, not my weapon.
Longarm: *yelps and skitters back, holding out the staff defensively* ...A-alright...I will try...
Ironhide: Body movement will tell you where the weapon is /really/ heading. -takes a step forward, and feints again, this time swinging at his side, but turning it into a jab at his chest-
Longarm: *sees the staff and only looks at Ironhide himself after a second, only somewhat dodging the blow, the staff scraping across his chest plates instead of hitting them outright* W-what part of you am I supposed to...watch, then? *beginning to get slightly frustrated, door-wings quivering*
Ironhide: Arms. Feet. Optics.
Longarm: *blinks* ...oh. All at once...?
Ironhide: Don't focus on me, but at a point beyond me. That will allow you to pick up every movement I make.
Longarm: ...I will try... *sounds confused, but moves back into his ready stance, trying to look at what he's supposed to*
Ironhide: -and guess what? another feint, this time swinging at his leg, but really aiming for his shoulder with the opposite end-
Longarm: *And something in Ironhide's stance shows he's not really going for his leg, but he's not sure /what/* *flails, blocking broadly above the waist, not really blocking very well but doesn't get hit very firmly either*
Ironhide: -tilts his head with a small grin, then, not a feint this time, swings at his left side-
Longarm: *watches, notes how Ironhide's balance and center shifts and- /block/!* *...happy squeak!*
Ironhide: -immediately shifts and aims for his right side, not giving him a break for celebration-
Longarm: *squeak turns to a squeal as he backpedals and dodges to the side rather ungracefully, turning back and watching carefully, little lesson quickly learned*
Ironhide: One victory doesn't mean you've won the war. Don't drop your guard, ever.
Longarm: *fidgets* ...okay. :<
Ironhide: Now, try again. -spins his staff once slowly, then feints at his chest, bringing the other end over towards his shoulder-
Longarm: *flings the staff up, dodging away from the blow as he bats it away*
Ironhide: -jabs his staff between his legs, trying to trip him-
Longarm: *yelps and tries to dodge...and gets tangled up in his staff, Ironhide's staff, and his own oversized feet, landing in a heap*
Ironhide: -takes a step back- How did that happen?
Longarm: *a foot and a arm twitches from inside the heap* ....dunno? My feet got in the way...of my legs? *Whimpers*
Ironhide: And you shoved my staff into a position where I could trip you.
Longarm: ...I did? *meep*
Ironhide: Yes, you did. Be aware of your own weaknesses, and don't let the enemy exploit them.
Longarm: *slowly untangles himself, staring up at Ironhide from the ground with wide orange optics, legs all splayed out, feet twitching* ...They are somewhat...large. *Head tilts. Pokes foot*
Ironhide: Yeah. -offers a hand to help him up-
Longarm: *blinkblink* ...Thank you. *takes hand, standing with a grunt*
Ironhide: -regards him for a moment- We'll practice more tomorrow.
Longarm: Oh. ....Alright. *bends down and picks up his dropped staff, holding it out in offering*
Ironhide: -takes it with a small smile- You're learning fast.
Longarm: *perks up a bit* ....really?
Ironhide: Yeah. Now off you go, see you tomorrow.
Longarm: Alright.... *grins shyly, and now that he's gotten comfortable enough with this strange, gruff mech to give this a hesitant try, he...darts forwards, /hugs/ Ironhide on the arm exuberantly and skitters back again, sparkling-chirping nervously*
Ironhide: ... -tenses slightly-
Longarm: *squeaks faintly and droops, transforming back into a truck like someone shoved him into it*
Ironhide: -pats the top of his cab, smiling-
Longarm: *perks back up a bit with a hopeful little engine whine, giving Ironhide a light nudge on the leg that just screams 'pet meeee!'*
Ironhide: ............ -slaggit, gives in-
Ironhide: -never dealt with Sparklings this young before, and wishes at that moment that he had-
Longarm: *engine goes ~puurrrrrrr!~, towing arm beginning to wag*
Ironhide: -smiles and gives him one last pat before giving his bumper a little shove- Go.
Ironhide: I've got things to take care of.
Longarm: *engine gives a disappointed little whine, but he backs off with one last little bump at Ironhide's leg, before peeling on out of there the best a tow truck can, leaving with a cheery sounding of his horn*
Ironhide: -shakes his head, grinning-
(LJ-ify your IMs before pasting!)
Next time....hopefully shooting practice! :D