Slash -> Flourish

[Bilgepump]

No, you can skip Cleave completely. I did on both my pirates, and I do Hack -> Slash -> Flourish combos. I'd advise skipping that last skill, too. (Thrust?)

You just have to get the timing right.

[lostinthelab]

Originally Posted by Bilgepump

You just have to get the timing right.

Any suggestions on how to get these to work in a battle situation?

Training on the dummies I can pull off all of the combos, but when faced with an enemy I look like a button masher even if I try to replicate the timing used on the dummies.

[Chernabog]

Originally Posted by Bilgepump

I'd advise skipping that last skill, too. (Thrust)

I agree. I skipped it.