cascade | kotlc

24. Determination at Its Worst

 Biana went into June's room to finally start combat training.

"So we're actually going to use Sophie's room," June told her, opening the door separating their rooms, "because I actually make my bed and I'm not trashing it, so Sophie here gets to sponsor our meetings."

Biana giggled, stepping in and closing the door behind her. June sat on her sister's bed, flicking Glistensteel between her fingers.

"I'm not a very good teacher, you know. Most of my moves use my Gusting, which I obviously can't do for you. But I do have some tricks up my sleeve I could teach you."

"Okay," Biana said, rolling up her sleeves. "What is it?"

"What's the most powerful element to control, Bi?" June asked her, keeping her light blue eyes fixed on her face.

"What do you mean, element? Like- what- fire, water, wind, that kind of stuff? What does that have to do with anything?"

"Just answer my question," June said, her eyes flickering with amusement. "Any answer you'd like."

"Fire, I guess," Biana said slowly. "I mean, it's the most destructive and powerful, and it spreads easily, so it'd be easy to use..."

She laughed. "That's not what I mean, Bi. I meant the element of surprise. That is the most powerful element to control."
"What? Why?"

"Think about it. The battle starts -- neither side looks armed. If you can always surprise the opponent, do something he doesn't expect, you've essentially controlled him. He'll always have to react if you surprise him." June spun her gun on her finger, tossing it up and catching it easily. "This is why hand-to-hand combat is so versatile. You must always be one step ahead of the opponent. Attack in different ways, never let the enemy get a grip on your style. You never want to get stuck in a pattern."

Biana nodded. "How do I not attack in the same way, though? I don't have different weapons like you do. I just have my hands, and my Vanishing."

"Do not underestimate your skills, Bi. Vanishing is extremely powerful. It guarantees your opponent never knows where you are. In fact, I'd suggest to never unvanish during a battle, you always want the opponent to wonder. But about attacking. What do you use to attack, Bi?"

"My hands. Mom taught me how to block and fight with my hands. But it's mostly in the same style."

Her eyebrows shot up. "Della didn't teach you the rest yet? That's interesting. But your hands aren't the only part of your body, Bi. You have your entire body to work with -- your legs, your back, your head, even. And your hands aren't the only attacking parts of your arm. The elbow and forearm are usually stronger for bashing. Tackling relies on core energy and footwork. And you don't just have to kick with your legs. Use them to move."

"What do you mean, use them to move? I do that already," Biana asked, confused.

"I mean, use your legs to move on the enemy. Climb your enemy when you get the chance to, it incapacitates them and you get free hits off. Wrap your feet around them. And if you ever get the chance, dropkick."

"But I don't know how to dropkick," Biana protested.

"You'll learn. It's easier against something you can grip on. Start out with the bedpost." She stood up and walked to one, clambing her hands around the thick, wooden trunk. "Lift your legs up and curl them into your chest. Then kick outwards. Levitation helps if you can get it."

Biana stumbled over, gripping the post behind her and feeling her hands skid down. She took a deep breath, channeling her concentration into strengthening her grip. This wasn't as easy as the segmented Exilium rope.