Collision

Part 7. Learning More

Peter stared, unmovable. The panther was nearing them, closer and closer it came. Peter did not know what to do. Just then, Fira slashed it with her sword. Peter clamped a hand over his eye, wondering if what he saw really happened or if the panther had eaten Fira. He slowly spread two fingers apart and peeked through them. Fira was standing, breathless beside the panther, sword in hand, looking at the panther through dark eyes that did not have a lick of fright in them. Peter stared, a little ashamed at himself. Fira turned with a smile. "Lad, ya need to learn to move in life threatening situations." she laughed though. Peter looked away.

Fira tuned, putting her sword back in it's scabbard. She started to continue into the woods, but then noticing Peter was not following, she stopped, and looked back over her shoulder. "Ya coming?" Peter stood up and followed Fira feeling stupid. Fira almost said something about his sudden gloominess, but she didn't for she told herself he was probably still in shock.

Evening came soon, and they had to start heading back. The sun had begun to go away, leaving a swirl of color in the navy blue sky. The sun peeked over the mountain behind them, as if saying goodnight before leaving. Peter stepped across the rocky path slowly, staring at his feet the whole time. He glanced over at Fira wondering what she was thinking about. She was staring thoughtfully at the sky, her blue eyes shining the whole time. She looked happy though Peter wondered if she was really happy or not. After such a wild day, anybody would be worn out an tired, but for some reason, Fira just seemed content. Like nothing had happened. Like it had been a perfect day and everything had gone as planned. Peter kicked a rock and then said,

"You act like this was a good day. "

"It was, and still is. I had fun, didn't you? "

Peter shrugged. "Well, it's been a wild walk in the woods. "

Fira laughed. "What? Our visit with our little panther friend? That's normal. "

Peter turned, shocked. "Seriously? "

Fira nodded. "Haha, Ya need to learn more about keeping your fear inside, and protecting yourself. Ya know, I won't always be around to save your life."

"Um yea.. About that. " Peter scratched his head shyly. "I'm sorry I didn't protect you, I mean I'm a guy, I should have done that. You could have died, and I just stood there like an idiot, like a scared baby."

Fira laughed. "it's OK. I wouldn't have died. I'm used to stuff like that happening. It's nice of you to think of that, but I assumed that would happen."

Peter turned red. Fira smirked and punched him in the sholder. "It's OK. You will learn to be able to protect yourself soon. Besides, it would have been weird if you had jumped upfront of me and killed that panther. It would have been awkward. "

Peter laughed. "OK. I get it. "

When they reached the village, it was dark, and the stars were out. People were sitting around fires eating. Peter was glad to be back, for he was very tired. He told himself he would never go back into those woods, though someday, he knew he would. And that time, he would be an excellent swordsman.

Peter lay on the ground by a fire and stared up at the mountain. It looked beautiful in the night. A little mysterious. The moon shown down on it, lighting up the edges. Peter was happy. It turned out to be a better day then he thought.