Xenoblade Chronicles 2: The Fourth Driver

Book I: Change

Chapter V

     Rex stood in front of me and Pyra stood close behind me. "Alright, listen up! I'm going to show you the proper stance and swing techniques for the Aegis Sword. Pyra is going to stand directly behind you and grab your wrists," Rex began.

     "I'm here to correct any flaws in your stance, you don't want to topple yourself simply because you were standing wrong," Pyra continued.

     "Ok, sounds good," I responded. A few minutes into two-handed training Rex noticed one thing.

     "You're a lefty?" Rex asked.

     "Yes."

     "Ay, that might make it tough," Rex continued. "I know I learned every weapon type quickly, but I don't know if that's a skill every Aegis Driver has." He turned his attention to Mythra, who had been watching quietly. "Hey Mythra, did Addam learn blade techniques quickly or is it just me?"

     "He learned them fairly quick, but you kinda already had some experience thanks to Azurda," she responded.

     "Right, right," Rex said, turning his attention back to me. "Guess you'll just have to mirror me. I think you'll catch on quick though."

     "Agreed," Pyra said. "I actually haven't been helping him too much, his form is already almost flawless just by watching yours! Oh, but, you may need to swing with your hips more, that's where your power's at."

     "Oh! Thanks!" I replied, feeling the weapon swing much easier than it did before.

     Rex seemed to be studying me, before deciding to speak up. "You don't seem to have much muscle for your age."

     "Oh, that's because in my world, you don't have to do as much as you would here. Technology's pretty advanced. Even simple things like cracking eggs have gadgets you can use," I replied. "I'm not necessarily weak, but I'm definitely no salvager," I laughed.

     "You should do a few workouts!" Rex said. "I'll show you some salvager tricks and you'll get strong in no time!"

     The day was spent learning to swing the sword effectively and I even did some slow spars with Rex as I got adjusted to the feel of the swords clashing.

     "Oh c'mon, what're you scared?" Rex would say.

     I questioned back. "Hm?"

     "Quit holding back, hit me with all you got! I'm not made of glass you know."

     "Oh, right," I finished before up-ing my game.

     Towards the end of the day I got much faster, everything seemed to be coming along nicely! ...Well at least until Mythra wanted her turn.

     "Alright, time to get your ass kicked," she said, our eyes locking. I felt more able, but I knew I wasn't going to win. She rushed me again and I parried with everything I had. I blocked a few before she kicked me back on my ass, I jumped up quickly and attacked myself. She seemed a bit surprised that I had gotten up, but then her face went to her default serious expression before she slammed her sword into my chest, knocking the breath out of me.

     "Ooh, so close!" she said mockingly before kicking me square in the face and planting me into the same tree. I heard my ribs break. She didn't bother giving me a speech this time, she just rolled her eyes at me and went back to her shelter. I felt myself lose consciousness.

     Nia healed me and I got back up. I felt dizzy and immediately walked to the hill overlooking the ocean, Pyra followed.

     "You alright?" she asked.