Learning that RHYTHM!
Vortex: Well, now that you have achieved barely adequate status in terms of falling and dodging, it's time for the next basic step. We need to help you learn about rhythm!
Taylor *sporting the odd bandage and tennis ball shaped bruise*: Yay...
Vortex: Now, now, none of that. Every lesson is important, and rhythm is essential for combat. Once you learn how to feel the flow of battle, you will be able to control your opponents and yourself at will. Believe me, it's quite a useful technique in a number of ways.
Taylor: Okay, that makes sense. Tell me though, how are we going to start this lesson? Attacking a swarm of bees? A water gun fight with a typhoon? Please, I'm all ears.
Vortex: Don't worry, the first bit of training is fairly straightforward.
*Vortex snapped his fingers. Suddenly, an odd machine with multicolored lights, loud, booming speakers and a set of flashing pads braced by metal piping appeared.*
Taylor: What the everlasting fuck is that?
Vortex: Ah yes, I don't believe this ever officially came over from Aleph and Japan mostly sunk into the sea on Earth Bet. It's a video game called Dance, Dance Revolution. You move your feet in tune with a song, matching the symbols on the screen. It can be a lot of fun.
Taylor: Okay, that SEEMS simple enough.
Vortex: Indeed! All you really need is practice. Now, once you get a perfect score on a song, we'll move on to the next one. Let's see if we can get through three songs and take a break, okay?
Taylor: ...this thing doesn't catch on fire if you miss a step, does it?
Vortex: Nope, it's strictly a civilian game.
Taylor: Alright, I'll give it a go then.
Vortex: Excellent! Let's start you off with a classic. *Vortex began scrolling rapidly through a disturbingly long list of music.* Ah, here we go. Butterfly Upswing Remix. That should do for a warm up.
Taylor *developed a sinking sensation in stomach*: Er...
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*Looking at her latest teacher, Taylor began to sweat.*
Taylor: Vortex, are you sure about this guy?
Vortex: His enthusiasm in his chosen art is nearly unrivaled, and should not be underestimated.
Taylor: Yeah, but he kind of looks...
Vortex: Nah, that's just his conflict with societal norms and his chosen art. For some reason, Western Ballroom Dance has an odd reputation in the Japan of this time period.
Tomio Aoki: Come along, Taylor-san. Let us see if you can handle a basic box step.
*Taylor looked over the shorter, older, bald Japanese man and nodded reluctantly.*
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*Taylor and Vortex looked down at a massive worm flying across the desert, even as a number of hooded figures are stumbling around to avoid being lunch.*
Vortex: And that is why, when all the locals are mimicking the natural flow of falling sand, you should literally follow in their footsteps.
Taylor: You son of a...!!
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*Taylor looked at the long bridge, covered in beams of eerie blue light.*
Vortex: So, if you break the beams, a fire geyser will be launched from below.
Taylor: That seems simple enough to work around.
Vortex: Indeed. Which is why you will have to hit every single one for a minimum of one second before moving on to the next one.
Taylor: Are you crazy? I'll get flash fried doing that!
Vortex: Not if you are careful, and get a feel for the timing. Something like this will definitely not kill you at least.
Taylor: Maybe, but think of my hair!
Vortex: That's just extra motivation!
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*A middle aged man is dancing all over the walls of a hotel to a subtle beat that has filled their current location. He finally stopped before reaching for a newspaper.*
Vortex: Now it's your turn! DJ, rewind that shit!
Taylor: God damnit!
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*Both Taylor and Vortex jumped through a metal hatch, before Vortex grabbed the lock and spun it shut.*
Taylor: That was...that was...
Vortex: A massive army of super intelligent cloned squid aliens, programed to be utterly loyal to their progenitor and ruthless to his enemies?
Taylor: Yes! That! Why the hell do they think we have this quantonium stuff?
Vortex: Remember Susan, a.k.a. Ginormica? Well, there was a reason she got super strong and super huge. We probably have some traces on us from shaking her hand.
Taylor: Damnit, we have to get out of here!
Evil computer voice: That is impossible. My master will destroy you like the insignificant flecks of dust you are. Already his forces are preparing to break through that entrance and there is nothing that you can do to stop them.
*Looking up, the two were treated to the sight of a hard light hologram of an unknown brain. The base of the construct had a flashing, multicolored key pad.*
Vortex: A loyal, evil A.I. Joy. Taylor, I believe that your studies under Dr. Cockroach are about to pay off.
Taylor *seeing the pad, she sighed*: Yes, I suppose that's true.
Evil A.I.: What can one, insignificant backwoods doctor know that could effect me? I am the end product of the greatest mind in the Universe. Your species hasn't even colonized its own moon.
Taylor: True, but when dealing with a hexadecimal color code, all you really need is a P.H.D. in Dance.
Evil A.I.: As if your tired moves could work on me.
Taylor: Oh, now it's ON you bitch.
Vortex *propped up against the metal door that was bulging ominously*: Oh, don't mind me. Just get the witty banter out of the way.
Taylor: Thank you, we will.
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*Watching a line of various fighters dancing and spinning to a beat before shooting a shouting, yellow gun and transforming into spandex, the two turned to one another.*
Taylor: Vortex, no!
Vortex: Taylor, yes!