[ Having caught on quickly and proceeded to watch the feed from start to finish with the eyes of a discerning, experienced combatant, Valeria is quiet for a moment, re-assessing each combatant, stance, and action performed throughout the round in her mind with a quiet hum. It's clear who the more and lesser experienced combatants are and the styles are distinct enough for her to tell that the two are unrelated -- perhaps not worlds apart, but there is enough of a difference to suggest that the man has also received formal training; the execution alone speaks volumes as well, but it's the girl's weapon that has her pausing, her stance, style, and face. The shape of the weapon suggests a sword and the stance and execution confirms it, but the shape of the weapon is different, though her combat style is admirably direct. What's more is her resemblance to a certain redheaded girl she knows and her distinct lack of recollection of said redhead claiming to have a twin, but -- and she inhales quietly, one corner of her mouth twitching upward
( ... )
[ At the sound of someone new on the other end, Bell and Axel turn to the new face that they haven't seen their trainer talk to before and chirp to each other. Then they get louder and more frequent as they turn to said trainer, as though to catch her attention. Indeed, Xion's quick to catch the increase in noise in the background, not to mention she did thought she heard someone talk just now, so she turns and sees her Gear in their hands, and the face of someone she hasn't talked to before.
Making her way to her Gear, she shoots her two Pokemon confused looks before taking the Gear away. ]
[ Inclining her head slightly forward, she pauses as Aerora the Starly alights on her shoulder, then checks her head to observe the girl on the screen again. She lifts a hand to preemptively silence the bird, who takes to the command and remains silent whilst her trainer speaks. ]
I did and I have to say, you did pretty well considering your opponent's level of experience. Might I make a suggestion, though?
You strike me as a pretty direct fighter, which can be a major advantage and disadvantage depending upon your opponent. Your reaction time is great, too.
[ She nods. ]
My suggestion? Consider your opponent before you make your move. Not just their weapon and proximity, but probable strong and weak points, too. For example, if your opponent had been slower, you probably could've gotten away without any trouble, but since he was armored, your blows would've had little to no effect. Look for the chink in the armor, if you will -- that one place you know you can hit that's less likely to be guarded, but still effective. Does that make sense?
[ It actually does, since Xion thinks about those Heartless that were all armor or big except for that one spot on their back that she'd have to exploit to do more damage. She nods quickly, then tilts her head at the stranger. ]
[ She inclines her head forward in an easy nod, her smile tugging wider. ] Honestly? I do. Time's on your side and the only one who can stop you is yourself. If you want to improve, you can and you will as long as you put in the effort necessary to do so.
Just because our Pokemon are doing the fighting doesn't mean we should slack off when it comes to our own training. Keep it up and if you can find someone to spar with, spar with them. If you can do as much regularly, go for it and always ask for feedback and suggestions. You learn more that way.
Of course, if your bond with your Pokemon is strong and you trust each other enough, you might ask them for help, too, and you can always train together. There are options. It's just a matter of picking and choosing what suits you and your needs.
[ Xion nods several times at Valeria's suggestions and wonders what kind of person Valeria is from whatever world she came from. Obviously a combatant from all that she can gain from their conversation, but she wonders what. Hmm... ]
I can do that with friends. [ A beat. ] But how can I tell if my bond with my Pokemon are strong enough?
It's not really something I can tell you so much as it's something you'll know, but... personally? I'd start by asking them.
[ Lifting a gloved hand to gently pat the head of the starly perched upon her shoulder, she inclines her head toward Xion, the corners of her mouth turning upward again in a slight smile. ]
I mean, I haven't met a Pokemon that doesn't understand human speech yet, but just because they understand what we're saying doesn't mean we always understand what they're saying. When you can understand one another without fail, you'll be one step closer to knowing.
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Making her way to her Gear, she shoots her two Pokemon confused looks before taking the Gear away. ]
You saw all of that?
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I did and I have to say, you did pretty well considering your opponent's level of experience. Might I make a suggestion, though?
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Like what?
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[ She nods. ]
My suggestion? Consider your opponent before you make your move. Not just their weapon and proximity, but probable strong and weak points, too. For example, if your opponent had been slower, you probably could've gotten away without any trouble, but since he was armored, your blows would've had little to no effect. Look for the chink in the armor, if you will -- that one place you know you can hit that's less likely to be guarded, but still effective. Does that make sense?
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You got all of that just by observing?
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[ To say the very least as to why she knows, anyway. Her lips split into an easy smile. ]
My name's Valeria, by the way, and you are...?
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[ Now she looks a bit thoughtful. ] Do you think I have a chance to improve?
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[ She inclines her head forward in an easy nod, her smile tugging wider. ] Honestly? I do. Time's on your side and the only one who can stop you is yourself. If you want to improve, you can and you will as long as you put in the effort necessary to do so.
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Of course, if your bond with your Pokemon is strong and you trust each other enough, you might ask them for help, too, and you can always train together. There are options. It's just a matter of picking and choosing what suits you and your needs.
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I can do that with friends. [ A beat. ] But how can I tell if my bond with my Pokemon are strong enough?
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[ Lifting a gloved hand to gently pat the head of the starly perched upon her shoulder, she inclines her head toward Xion, the corners of her mouth turning upward again in a slight smile. ]
I mean, I haven't met a Pokemon that doesn't understand human speech yet, but just because they understand what we're saying doesn't mean we always understand what they're saying. When you can understand one another without fail, you'll be one step closer to knowing.
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I'll ask them when I have more time with them. It's still all so new to me.
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[ She nods. ]
You'll get there when you get there.
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