Flutter

Flutter: Vingt

"And what if the other person has already transformed?"

"Then you run. And that's why I put you through that course. You're going to have to build up your endurance."

"Out run a wolf? Highly unlikely."

"Yes, well, still. It may not be a wolf that you're faced with at all times? We're not the only creatures here, you know."

"True." 

"But that's why I'm here, so no need to worry about that."

"You'll fight my battles for me?"

"To the death."

Nora grimaced; thinking of Tifa dying for her was not a positive thought at all.

"Clear your head. Focus on the here and now." Tifa commanded. "We're going to start with jabs. The jab is one of your best weapons to have in your arsenal. So, first of all, you're going to have to put yourself in the correct boxing stance, so that you have enough leverage behind your punch. Also, if your attacker were to punch you, you won't be sent sprawling on the ground."

Tifa demonstrated how Nora was to stand and had Nora copy - adjusting, and tweaking her form until it was accurate. 

"Alright. So, maintain your footing and have your arms up. The jab is really simple and all you have to do is extend and rotate. You're going to extend your arm, and as your doing that, rotate, like so." 

Tifa demonstrated the method to Nora, who concentrated intently.

"You got that?"

Nora nodded her assent and Tifa moved on with the lesson. After having her pulpit practice that move a couple of time, Tifa began adding on variations to the punch. In an hour's time, Tifa felt that Nora should show off her newly acquired skills.

"Alright. I'm going to put on my punching mitts. I'm going to stand across from you and you are going to hit the mitts - so the center of my palm. Alternate your arms, as in your left arm and then your right arm afterwards. Don't be worried about hurting me, just give it your best go. We'll start with the basic jabs, and work our way. Capiche?" 

"Sure." 

Tifa got across from Nora, knees lowered and hands up.

"Commence."

Nora looked at Tifa warily, before striking the mitts with her glove. 

"What was that?" Tifa asked. "You've got much more power in you. Really hit me, Nora."

"But..."

"No buts. This is serious. Now give me your best jab."

Nora closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, before securing her footing, and releasing her arm, hitting the mitt with a loud thud.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Tifa cried. "There's more to those arms than meets the eye."

Nora smiled, delighted.

"Alrighty. I want to see some more of that. Let's go. Maintain position."

For another hour, Nora practiced her punches; Tifa encouraging her all the while.

Nora finally jabbed her last jab of the day and was more than happy to stop.

"That was quite the work out. " Tifa said, patting Nora on the back with her mitt still on.

Nora only grunted and took her gloves off.  She instantly went off in search of water.

Dinner time...