We Wear The Mask

Off Hand

Notes:

Hey Descendants!

As some of you have already commented on, we've really ramped up our chapter posting. We have and end goal in mind, and we're hoping to get there soon. We're all excited for August second right, those who have cable... Twisted and I are going to have to wait a bit. Anyway, got another chapter for you :)

And don't forget Twisted's chapter review!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

The following Wednesday...

"So it's working out well then?" Jay asks as he uses his dagger to block T's attack. His eyes stray for a second to bright fire surrounding D as she melted metal in the stolen smelting cups before she poured it into the clay molds at her feet. Carlos was reading a book in the shade of D's hideout while Gil beat a hammer against the heavy ass anvil they'd dragged out here.

T nods as he attacks Jay again. "Yep." He jumps back when he note's Jay's lack of attention. His feet already circling the other boy.

"I figured Carlos was going to fold to be honest. Mal's not the nicest to him." Jay rushes in with another attack.

"Well he's got the three of us backing him." T blocks the dagger, even as he skids back a bit in the sand.

"It's still funny thinking of him getting along with Gil."

"Is it?" T questions as he takes his turn to attack.

"Well yeah, Carlos is tiny and jumpy, maybe you've noticed?" Jay grins as he hooks the hilt of T's sword with his blade and twists.

"Meh. Was too distracted by his mind." T frowns as he sweeps out his leg to knock Jay off his feet, only to end up on his own ass.

Jay snorts, finding himself wondering if T had a thing for Carlos, "He is super smart." He chuckles, "He made a computer a while ago, he even plays games or something on it."

"I know." T picks himself back up. "They're fun. You should check 'em out."

"Hang out with him often?" Jay teases as he switches hands, practising his holds with his off hand.

"Not for a lack of trying." T rolls his eyes as he does the same with the sword.

"I've never seen you try your off hand," Jay comments as he stands up, gesturing to pause with his hands, "maybe you should take a few test swings first."

"Off hand?" T questions, even as he does as instructed.

"Yeah man, you have a main hand, like the one you write with and swing a sword with, and then you have your off hand. It's slower and harder to train, but you can." Jay shrugs, "I guess Harry got to me with the whole sword and dagger comment. I've been thinking about trying it."

T lifts an eyebrow. "Oh." He frowns. "Well, I write with this hand." He raises his hand with the sword. "Was hopin' to do somethin' similiar." He grins. "I'm down to try this off hand shit."

"Cool, just... Be careful." Jay crosses his arms over his bare chest, "You're off hand isn't going to be as strong, so don't let go."

T nods in understanding. "Not trying to repeat last time."

"No kidding." Jay nods, his eyes straying to the burn marks covering the nick on his neck. He wished he could ask, but he wasn't comfortable talking personal until they didn't have weapons in their hands. Like T said, he wasn't wanting to repeat last time. "Okay, we'll go a little slower, but let's try it out."

"Sounds good to me." T responds eyes gleaming with challenge.

Jay gestures to T to attack before he slips into a defensive stance. When the blades meet though, he feels the impact as it vibrates up his arm. He drops his dagger and backs up several feet, shaking his arm and cursing.

"Fuck!" T curses, as he rushes to his side, dropping the sword. "What happened?" He asks as he looks over Jay's arm in concern.

"You hit harder with that hand, against my weaker arm and a dagger I didn't stand a chance." Jay snorts, as he looks over T in exasperation. "Dude, you've been using the wrong hand."

T tilts his head to the side, before he frowns. "I was copying you."

"I'm right handed," Jay shakes out his left hand, happy to be able to feel it again, "apparently you're not." He'd felt that impact in his bones.

"Huh." T frowns, as he looks down at his hands. "Good to know." He shakes his head. "Then I'll just keep practicing with the other." He adds simply.

"No man, let me get my sword." Jay grins over his shoulder as he picks up his sword, "I have got to see the difference. You're probably going to need to start over with practicing the motions, but I bet you anything you're already better with your left hand. And honestly-" He pauses, "You were better when you fought like Evie." T seemingly fought like a girl, or at least better when he did, not that he was going to point that out.

"Huh..." T turns to go collect the blade he'd dropped. "But she fights like... Well like a girl." He drops into his stance waiting for him.

"So? Take it and change it up until it's yours." Jay shrugs as he adjusts his grip on the sword and gets ready to attack.

T's eyes narrow thoughtfully. "Yeah, that's true." A curve tilting his frown to a smile. "I'll figure something out."

"Of course you will, you're you." Jay grins before he leaps forward, bringing his blade down towards T's chest. He laughs when T easily deflects it. "See." He chuckles as he backs up.

"But I feel better with a dagger in this hand." T pouts.

"Maybe you should off hand a sword then." Jay shrugs, "It wouldn't be the worst thing. You'd use your main hand for quick attacks with the dagger and your offhand would be more defensive and give you more range if your opponent dances away."

T nods, as he switches the blade back to his right hand. "Heard."

Jay grins as he passes T a dagger to complete the look, "You keep practising and you'll be untouchable."

"The dream." T responds dryly, he takes the offered dagger. "Wanna try both?" He challenges. "You've gotten a lot better with your knife play."

"Sure, but I'm keeping the sword in my main hand." He chuckles as he walks over and retrieves his dagger.

"Fair." T shrugs, as he rolls his wrists with both blades. "This is gonna be fun."

Notes:

So?

What did ya'll think? Any one surprised to find out T was a lefty? It's not like Jay or many of them have seen T write. Finally make sense what was taking T so long with the sword when he was already pretty boss with his daggers?

What about the burns over T's nick to the neck? A lot of you have put together a lot of dots. Any guesses as to why T would self harm so specifically? I know it's getting frustrating not knowing what the fuck is going on with him and Faustina... But all in due time. It'll all make sense in the end, we promise- Or at least we hope so. If not please feel free to correct, and or question us when that time comes.

With much love and appreciation,

Dark and Twisted