A Dream for Tomorrow

2. Life's Deck

—--------—-----------------

April 2nd, 2009 (After School)

—--------—-----------------

"One, two, three and strike"

The clash of swords, wits and souls reverberated throughout the air surrounding them, a cacophony of steel against steel, as sparks danced in the darkness, each strike echoed with the fury of a thunderstorm.

'I will not lose!'

That was what both of the women were thinking. Passion surged within them like a wildfire, consuming all and leaving nothing, its flames licking at the edge of reason, igniting both of their hearts with an intensity that matched the fervor of a tempestuous sea.

The battle went on for the next 2 minutes. In which the training room turned into nothing but a canvas where the two could express themselves with their blades, each brushstroke that wouldn't make sense on its own, but when looking at the greater picture a masterpiece of timing, strategy, wit, passion, endurance and strength would reveal itself to the watchful eye.

'I will not lose!!!'

That was the sentiment they both used as a guideline in this battle. However, it was much more than any other battle Ayumi Fujimoto had been a part of. It was a chance, a chance to prove herself that was. Ever since she joined the dorms, she had been indebted to Mitsuru Kirijo with her life. If she could just prove herself, just this once, it would mean so much to her. It would mean that she had a place on the team and it was earned for herself by strength and effort and not born from pity.

With incredible force Kirijo's practice rapier slammed against her own. Caught off guard, Ayumi tried to parry the strike, but the overwhelming force behind Kirijo's motion kept that from happening. However, the second that she came back to her senses, her instincts kicked in with full force. It was as if time had slowed down, allowing Ayumi to read her opponent's blade trajectory through the sudden blur of motion.

Ayumi gained the opportunity to analyze the opponents movement. Their body moved akin to a dancer, graceful and tactful. Each move was calculated and could knock out anyone who wasn't ready for it. She performed a dance that was also prepared for any incoming attack, nothing was left in the open and any strike could be deflected by the choreography.

With astute observation Ayumi observed the movements of Kirijo's feet and the tango that they were performing. The subtle nature with which they moved and how they aligned with the strikes. Each step telegraphed the intention on which the rest of her body would act out the very next moment. Every shift, each pivot all combined into a beautiful dance to obliterate her opponent.

While Ayumi was perceiving Kirijo's movements, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy sprout in the depths of her heart. Each strike was a symphony of precision and elegance while Ayumi's was nothing but a half-assed attempt at copying an already sub-par imitation of Mitsuru Kirijo's fighting style.

Mitsuru's moves were thought out and well considered, hers were rushed and disorganized. Mitsuru's moves had power behind them while hers were lackluster and weak. Mitsuru's moves were graceful and elegant and hers were sloppy and messy. It was simply not fair.

Why could Ayumi not have all Kirijo had? She tried her best everyday? Why is she pretty, smart, talented and lucky why Ayumi wasn't? It simply wasn't fair.

Jealousy smoldered like a hidden ember within the depths of Ayumi's heart as she watched Mitsuru's delicate moves. Why? Why could she not do that? She was able to join the team, but she can't even hold her own candle against her senpai. To be fair, she had practiced for a shorter time than Kirijo, but that didn't mean anything in the real world: The weak always die off and nobody will remember them. Sanada and Takeba both were able to fight and hold their own against shadows, so why couldn't she. It would've been better if Kirijo left her to die that night.