Speed RP: GOAL! [DSA]

[Spring [Complex]]

The distraction of Tidus' trick shot, was meant more so to evaluate position this time around. It also allowed for Tidus to ease into his own position. That said, it was always fun to see Wakka's tactics in action. The saying "there really is no substitute for experience" came out when playing games with Wakka. He leveraged it well and gained versatility. Thus DI's Ace has to consistently tap into his natural talent, growing it with each game. It was a great combination, so when Wakka looked over, he'd see a simple smile on Tidus' face.

A rather genuine one, rarely seen in moments like this. However, no sooner as he prepped his defensive position did he respond.

"Oh you mean Riku, he's at another level entirely. You know that Wakka."

[The Bilby Guy]

Wakka laughed at that, letting his head fall back a little. It was true, wasn't it? Tidus always kept his claim because Riku didn't play sports in school. Well, Wakka never intended to let the guy off easy just because of that. He had to make sure the potential of the genius was challenged, after all.

"How about we raise the stakes?" he asked, holding the ball with his left hand and tossing it up and catching it one-handed a few times. "And say this is the Game Point?"

[Spring [Complex]]

"Heh, now you're talking my langauge!"

Tidus announced as he prepared himself for this next round. His mind when it came to competiting was always to surpass those above him. At least those whom he considered above him. There was Riku who usually won at their island games, then in the distant future his father whom he idolized but more so in a begrudging way. He had an air about him, feeling more like a rival at times.

He used that competitiveness as his drive, the fuel behind his talent.

"Ready when you are."

He announced shortly after, though in his mind he noted:

"I've got this one."

[The Bilby Guy]

"I hope so," Wakka said with a slightly more knowing smirk.

The played moved himself to center field and spun the ball between his hands as he backed up to just in front of his net. He then toss the ball up into the air a few feet with his left hand and drew the right one back. With volleyball apparently still on his mind Wakka "served" the ball over to Tidus' side, aiming for the star player's left side.

[Spring [Complex]]

He couldn't help but raise a brow at Wakka's stance. He'd really transformed this "game" of theres or rather was applying volleyball moves to it. Well, if he was going to play one sport, Tidus was going to play along. With the serve to Tidus' left, he clasped both hands together, performing a basic bump. He leveraged the lift of his knees as he did so for maximum power, as well as to reduce the strength of the serve. It'd be sent back to Wakka via the same left side. For now he was simply reacting, a plan hadn't gotten into gear just yet.

[The Bilby Guy]

Wakka moved through the water without too much haste. The bumping technique didn't pressure his time as much as other moves so he didn't need to risk using up the last of the stamina that Tidus had already been grating at since their game began quite a while ago. Once Wakka was in position to intercept the ball's movement he took up a stance copying Tidus' last and bumped it himself, this time aiming for Tidus' right. Not the far right side though, as Tidus had done tow ear Wakka down, just the center area that the boy had moved from before. The ball fell back toward his side leisurely, but it was picking up a bit of speed since the redhead had a strong bump.

[Spring [Complex]]

It seemed they really were playing volleyball. Tidus easily moving a bit towards his right, performed a similar bump as before. Except his arms were angled slightly. It allowed for a bit more torque in the twist of his hip, further increasing the speed which had already went up from wakka's last bump. It'd be sent towards the right side so there was no need for Wakka to exhert much of the stamina he'd used up prior. Though it bade the obvious question:

What was the younger teen up to? Did DI's Ace have a trick up his sleeve?

[The Bilby Guy]

Wakka strafed sideways through the water, moving only as much as he gauged necessary as each moment passed. The ball was picking up more speed and he was still smiling.

'You never turn down a challenge, right Tidus? he thought happily as he took a different pose than the bump's. Instead he copied his serving pose and slapped the ball with right back at Tidus' center position as soon as it came into range, speeding it up again but not bringing it out of either of their range of ability to handle.

[Spring [Complex]]

Wakka's evaluation of Tidus' psyche was pretty accurate. Tidus wouldn't turn down a challenge, that's for sure. Though he was taking this challenge rather calm. Normally some sort of taunt would be declared by the dirty blonde as the exchange prgoressed. Instead he adjusted his position using only the amount of stamina necessary. With her return, he'd utilize some torque from his body to counter Wakka's natural strength. It was soon becoming a test of agility versus muscle.

Though with each return, Tidus was actually inching it further away. More than likely it was due to a loss of control, or so one could be lead to believe given the circumstance.

[The Bilby Guy]

Both players could see each others eyes and the light of confidence within them. This was a dance that both had danced together many times. Sometimes it was in the water, other times it was on land. Sometimes there were points involved, other times it was just a goal to reach. Either way the name of the game was the same: Competition!

Wakka and Tidus both had their final game plan ready. The only question as Wakka moved and slapped the ball back again, aiming off to the farthest corner of the net at Tidus' left this time, was who would be the first to spring it?

Jumping the gun was too sloppy to work between them. Timing would mean everything.

[Spring [Complex]]

Tidus was gauging the strength Wakka placed into each return. He knew that if he were to receive more powerful returns like the ones from earlier match points, then he wouldn't have the stamina to endure. Likewise, he noted Wakka's limited mobility, meaning that he was trying to conserve. Yes, this was a dance they'd done many a time. A tango fueled by strategy, witt, and guts! So when Wakka's shot went for the far left, Tidus responded almost on auto-pilot. His body twisting to the left side as his leg came up in a roundhouse kick. His sandals buffering the speed/strength, as the twisting motion compensated for the rest.

He'd send that ball back at a slicing angle towards the right side. Except there probably wouldn't be much to worry about. It seemed like it wasn't even going to get into the goal anyway. So the question became why?

[The Bilby Guy]

Wakka hustled. The ran full through the water, ignoring his earlier saving actions and got himself into the slicing ball's general angle of velocity as quickly as possible. It was a tell, especially since Wakka's face didn't budge from his game face to show any worry about the shot itself. It looked like it was time.

Wakka moved himself to the side of the true path of the curving ball, not attempting to catch it with his body or even get into a good return position. Instead he twisted his lower body around and held out his hands to catch the ball at it's top and bottom.

When the ball came into his grasp Wakka's hand moved back with it as he fully spun around with his upper and lower body to perform a sling that attempted to keep as much of the ball's original momentum in it as possible. With this two-armed throw added into the mix it zoomed over the water back toward Tidus' net, heading for the center of the boy's net.

[Spring [Complex]]

Twas a great play on Wakka's part, the expression on his face indicating he expected such a moment to come. The intense portion of the rally was kicking in. Tidus' heart was racing with excitement but his expression remained the same: focused. It was like he was entering his inner world now. His body which had twisted back to center, twisted again, this time towards the center. Except he reversed the spin of his twist from the previous one, going counter-clockwise, despite his momentum bringing him center. It resulted in a back hand which sliced towards the opposite side of the net on Wakka's side. Tidus himself barely clipping the ball as well. This was to reduce any impact to Tidus directly.

A hint that Tidus was becoming conservative with his stamina. Perhaps too conservative. Had Wakka worn him down?

[The Bilby Guy]

If Riku or Sora had been watching(Selphie wouldn't have noticed or cared) they might have picked up on the strange reversal occurring on the "game field". Wakka once again ran full tilt through the knee-high water toward the returning ball. Wakka was suddenly playing like he was full of energy while Tidus was keeping his stamina consumption low. For what purpose? Both players would have benefited and pressured their opponent the most by using the opposite style.

When the older player reached the ball he performed a similar spin move, catching the ball in the pocket of his outstretched right arm and then curling over it as he turned with it's momentum so he could extend the same arm to fling it harshly back the way it came before catching himself with both feet to keep form falling backward into the seawater.

[Spring [Complex]]

For what purpose were they utilizing each other's styles? Taunting, bragging rights, strategy...the list could go on. Yet in this case, it was just pure challenge. They were effectively teaching other new moves and practicing some more riskier elements that they may not have down for when Riku and the gang were present. Yes, it was important for both of them to bring their A-game with them when it came to the other boys. Even impressing Selphie was on the cards. Thus Tidus continued his play, performing a chartwheel, which then turned into a one-handed handstand. It meant he built up a lot of torque in his lower body, his legs swaying and twisting to slice at the ball.

Once more he'd make Wakka hustle to the opposite direction.