Since his
spar with
Thalia Senn
, Braze had been reminded of the basics he had been neglecting. His Ataru needed to be brought up to par with his other forms. Practicing Ataru was exhausting, but Braze spent most of his time in training. Why did he avoid it? Was it because it was aggressive? Because it was exhausting? It was hard to tell. Perhaps he had been lazy and slacking, or maybe he feared how he would take to Ataru, knowing his own temperament.
Nevertheless, he was here, working on drills with Aether as he practiced. He was pushing himself, much to Aether's dismay. Normally, practice didn't leave Braze panting, but today was different.
Aether hovered nearby, observing Braze's movements with a critical eye.
"Braze, you must focus on your footwork," he instructed, his voice calm but firm. "Ataru relies heavily on agility and precision. If your steps are off, your entire form will suffer."
Braze nodded, wiping sweat from his brow.
"I'm trying, Aether. It's just... so demanding."
Aether floated closer, his tone softening slightly.
"Ataru is indeed demanding, but it is also rewarding. Embrace the challenge, don't shy away from it. Remember, it's not just about physical strength. It's about innerstrength too, harnessing your inner balance and using it to fuel your movements."
Braze took a deep breath and resumed his stance, focusing on his footwork as Aether had advised. With each movement, he felt the strain on his muscles but also a growing sense of control and mastery.
"Good, Braze. Remember, each and every form has its own strengths and weaknesses. Ataru's strength lies in its speed and unpredictability. Use that to your advantage," Aether encouraged.
As Braze continued to practice, he could feel the wisdom in Aether's words taking root. With each drill, he felt himself growing more confident, and more attuned to the flow of the form.
Aether watched him carefully.
"Keep pushing yourself, but also remember... to listen to your body. Training is not a race. Pace yourself and you'll find the strength you need."
In the dojo, the atmosphere was charged with energy as Braze and Aether engaged in their training. To anyone walking in, the scene may have been intense yet inspiring. Aether, appeared as a white and gilded gold android, and moved with a fluidity and speed that belied his mechanical nature. His swift, human-like movements created a sharp contrast with his shining, articulated joints and the soft hum of his operational systems.
Braze, was dead set trying to match Aether's pace with impressive agility. His form, Ataru, was evident in every acrobatic leap and spinning attack he executed. The air around them seemed to crackle with the clash of their lightsabers, every strike and parry punctuated by the glow of the blades.
Observers could see Aether switching seamlessly between the powerful, counter-striking maneuvers of Form V and the precise, controlled techniques of Form II, challenging Braze to adapt and overcome. The Iron Knight's movements were a teaching tool in themselves, demonstrating the strengths and potential vulnerabilities of different combat styles without a word being spoken. The training session that of a vivid and spiritted dance of strategy and adaptation, showcasing the depth of lightsaber combat.
When Braze could stand to press on no more, his chest heaving with breaths, he tried to back down, but Aether persisted a little longer.
"Your enemies aren't going to wait for you," Aether said, his voice firm yet encouraging.
"You need to use your head, conserve your strength, and strike where needed. Even in Ataru."
Aether pushed Braze back onto the defensive, his attacks becoming more aggressive and relentless. Braze struggled to keep up, his muscles burning and his mind racing to find openings. Despite his exhaustion, he fought to stay focused, absorbing the lesson that Aether was imparting.
Finally, seeing that Braze was at his limit, Aether stepped back and deactivated his lightsaber.
"Take a break, Braze," he said, his tone softening.
"You've done well. Remember, the key is not in pushing forward, but in knowing when to conserve your energy and how to use it effectively."
Braze nodded gratefully, lowering his own lightsaber and taking a moment to catch his breath. He blinked at seeing some new faces and he striaghtened up after turning off his blade panting heavily as he put his hands on his head glancing their way.
"H... Hello. " He greeted breathlessly.
