A Grim Fairy Tale

Chapter Seventy-Six

After days of training, difficult and rigorous training to be exact, Anthony felt that he had finally become a skilled fighter. Not as skilled as Vagatha of course, but close enough. However Vagatha insisted that his training would not truly be complete until he bested her in combat.

"Why do you have to make this so hard?" Anthony groaned to Vagatha as they stood facing each other.

"Because the path to becoming a true warrior is not an easy one." Vagatha replied sternly. "If you want to prove yourself, you must defeat me."

Anthony took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew that Vagatha was right, and that defeating her would solidify his training. But it was a daunting task, considering how skilled and powerful Vagatha was.

"Okay, I'm ready." Anthony said, drawing his sword and taking a defensive stance.

Vagatha nodded and drew her own sword, her eyes never leaving Anthony. The two circled each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Anthony knew he had to be quick and precise if he had any chance of winning.

With a sudden burst of energy, Vagatha lunged forward, her sword aimed at Anthony's chest. Anthony managed to block the attack, but it was clear that Vagatha was not holding back. The two engaged in a fierce sword fight, their blades clanging and sparks flying. Anthony could feel the strain in his arms and legs as he tried to keep up with Vagatha's powerful strikes. But he refused to give up. He remembered all the hard work and dedication he had put into his training, and he was determined to prove himself.

"Well you're certainly doing a lot better than last time." Vagatha said. "But I don't know, you're still a little too slow."

"Am I?"

As they continued to fight, Anthony started to anticipate Vagatha's moves and was able to counter them with his own attacks. It was a close match, and both of them were evenly matched in skill and strength. He moved with grace and precision, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he deftly parried her attacks. She was determined and fierce, giving him a challenge the best she could. The two circled each other, their eyes locked in a powerful gaze as they sought to gain the upper hand in the duel.

But after what felt like hours, Anthony saw an opening and took it. He executed a flurry of precise strokes against her side which cut the straps of her bodice and instantly her dress dropped to the floor leaving her in just a corset and shift. Vagatha screamed in mortification, instantly dropping her sword and rushing to cover herself, but Anthony stopped her with his sword pointed at her throat.

"Do you yield?" He asked her with a smirk.

"That was a dirty move!" Vagatha snarled, her eyes ablaze with fury.

"Well didn't you say that people don't expect someone like me to play dirty and that I should use that to my advantage?" Anthony retorted, his smirk growing wider.

Vagatha gritted her teeth, clearly seething with anger. After a moment of tense silence, she finally spoke.

"Very well, I can accept defeat with grace." She said. "Congratulations, now you might stand a chance against a mugging."

"Thank you, my lady." Anthony chuckled, lowering his sword.

Vagatha shot him a glare before quickly gathering her fallen dress and storming off to change.

"You know she's going to get you back for this, right?" Cherri said once the two were alone.

"I know, but it was still worth it." Anthony said.

"Why? Because you saw her in her underwear?"

"No!" He scoffed, turning read in the face. "It was because...Because I..."