text;

[seasaltkeys]

[There is context to this, though how much you get might be dependent on how well you know Roxas. But it's been on his mind a lot, especially since last month with it's stormy skies led to him taking a pretty big hit from a harpy. Recovery's been a thing, and it gives you time to think, which maybe isn't the best thing.

Maybe it's just been fair to say that Roxas's confidence has been rocked a little. And maybe he's reached a point where he's ready to ask for help.]

I want to get stronger. How do I do that?

Comments

[seasaltkeys]

A way that doesn't let me lose against a monster again, I guess is the way to put it.

[starshower]

Besides the obvious "more training" which I'm sure you've heard plenty of already by now... you gotta remember your mindset, too.

[seasaltkeys]

Mindset? What do you mean?

[starshower]

Just like it's important to train your body to fight, it's also equally important to train your mind.

"Go into a fight in the wrong mindset, and you've already lost" is what my master used to tell me.

[seasaltkeys]

[Man, if someone had told him this before rather than just kicking him into fights...]

So what's the mindset you're supposed to go into a fight with?

[starshower]

With the mindset that you're going to win it, of course.

[seasaltkeys]

I thought I had that, is the thing.

[starshower]

That's it, isn't it? You thought you had it, but did you know you did?

[seasaltkeys]

Obviously I didn't.

How am I supposed to know then?

[starshower]

I think that's the hardest part. We're all different when it comes to where we find our strength on the inside. Took me a while to figure it out.

[seasaltkeys]

How did you? Figure it out I mean.

[starshower]

To be honest, sometimes I wonder if I have it all figured out myself.

For me, it was my anger for a long time.

[seasaltkeys]

Your anger? Really?

You never seemed all that angry to me?

[He would say nice before he said angry.]

[starshower]

[She would, too.]

Not as much anymore. Anger can only last for so long, so I had to learn how to turn it into something that I could use. Doesn't mean that everyone has to, but it definitely helps finding something to fight for.

[seasaltkeys]

it's usually my friends. I want to protect them.

But they aren't here.

[starshower]

Well, what about the friends that you've made here?

[seasaltkeys]

I mean...yeah, them to.

But I kinda did a bad job of that. Getting injured and all

[starshower]

And I doubt they faulted you for that. You tried, right?

[seasaltkeys]

Yeah, of course I did!

I guess I just wonder now if it was enough.

[starshower]

I think so.

You know, for a while, it was hard for me feeling like I couldn't save or protect everyone. We have to take that and live with it. But we also have to remember that sometimes, trying our hardest is all that we can do. I think there's real strength in that, too.

It isn't just about physical strength.

[seasaltkeys]

I guess I haven't really thought it of it like that.

[There's been a lot of focusing on fighting and being strong, and no one really to tell him otherwise.]

[starshower]

I say keep training yourself to be stronger, there's no shame in wanting to be. And if you ever want help with that, whether it's some lessons or some practice, I don't mind putting aside some time. God knows I can get a little rusty after a while.

But don't beat yourself up over this one time. You can also protect your friends in other ways, too.

[seasaltkeys]

[He's trying, he really is.]

Lessons might be nice?

I don't think doing anything alone is gonna get me very far.

[starshower]

How about this? Come by the ship next time you're free, and we can talk about lessons then. Maybe over some milkshakes? And if we've got the time, you can show me what you already know.

[seasaltkeys]

Sure! I'll let you know when i'm on my way!

Thanks Tifa.