Hunters HQ, Training Simulation Room #02 [open]

[psychomachy]

Physically, Nightmare was feeling better now. X had helped, and seemed inclined to do so again; and there had been the last of the mets Dr. Rock had created as well (and that was a need that was a once-in-a-while things now in any case

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[hikari_netto]

Darn it! Saito was down, and now Nightmare's attention was back on him. Netto desperately tried to keep up with the flurry of attacks, but little by little, he was forced to back up. It didn't matter that he knew Nightmare was trying to push him back. There wasn't anything else he could do.

Saito! The mental cry was somewhat annoyed, but mostly desperate. Help!

[psychomachy]

A distraction he certainly was; the yell gave Nightmare advance warning, and he came to a halt, whirling to meet Saito head-on.

He didn't seem to be focusing on Saito, exactly, but instead threw himself into a bull-rush to sweep his assailant away without needing perfect aim.

[hikari_netto]

Netto paused for only a moment, trying to tune into his brother's mind and actions, then timed his next attack exactly with Saito's. A little bit of tactics was finally creeping into his head. Surely Nightmare couldn't fend them both off at exactly the same time...

[psychomachy]

Snorting a little -- his counters should not have been tossing the not-quite-there-one in such a way, to his mind -- Nightmare backpedaled slowly and circled, sabre held in a lazy guard-position as he paced and studied the two boys. Saito's jabs he batted lightly at, until he was free to lope around the pair.

Planning, planning. There is something ...

If attempts are wanted; coming to this one will be needed, this time, now.

Watching them both, he continued to circle.

[hikari_netto]

It would have been nice to have battle chips right about now, but they didn't, so Netto had to rely on only himself, his practice saber, his brother, and their twin link. We can do it, he assured himself.

Saito, how high can you jump in the real world? A small plan was beginning to form in his head. Think you could jump so you'll come down right on top of him?

He tried a feint at Nightmare, both testing Nightmare's defenses and covering their mental conversation.

[psychomachy]

Nightmare wasn't being distracted, not at this moment. He continued to circle, bringing his own sabre up to block Netto's feint -- letting blade slide past blade -- and working to sidestep Saito's jabs.

Pacing another few feet away, he then dropped into a faster and more stealthy circling lope, watching the pair almost hungrily. He was either waiting for something, or planning something --

[hikari_netto]

Don't worry about that, 'niisan, Netto thought confidently. Nightmare won't really try to hurt you, an' the second he starts looking at you, I'll jump in and attack him first!

Not wanting to let Nightmare get too far away, Netto hurried after him, still probing his defenses with careful attacks.

[psychomachy]

There.

Time, now --!

Saito leapt into the air; Nightmare grinned toothily -- and charged clear past the airborne navi.

It wasn't exactly a dodge, despite standing a decent chance of doing exactly that, oh no. Rather, Netto was his target.

And he looked likely to scoop Netto clear off the floor. 'Hostage', anyone?

[hikari_netto]

Unfortunately for him, Netto was already on the move, darting straight toward Nightmare - and into his reaching arms.

"Hey!" he yelped. That had not been what he had been expecting. He pulled against Nightmare's arms, flailing about with his sword and trying to wriggle his way free. "Leggo!"

[psychomachy]

Holding Netto firmly but carefully, Nightmare wolfishly grinned at Saito -- and then shook his head, his hair swinging.

"Win? I?"

"No 'win', this, here -- a game! Practice!"

Letting go of Netto (after nuzzling him briefly), Nightmare padded a few steps away and quirked a questioning glance at the pair.

"Continue, or waiting? Thoughts, ideas?"

[hikari_netto]

"You would have won if that'd been a real fight," Netto clarified for his brother. Then he grinned and added, "But only 'cause we can't use battle chips!"

When Nightmare asked his questions, Netto looked at Saito and shrugged. "You wanna go for another round, or do something else?"