Unknown Happen Stance

Chapter 23: Chloe Charming & Lonnie Training

"Alright, Chloe Charming, bring it on! Show me your knightly training you've been taught. Show off all your best moves to me, who will soon be your Captain when the next year comes flying around the corner. I want to see all your fencing skills," announced Lonnie, a vibrant smile lighting up her face. Chloe straightened, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Being put on the spot always made her nervous, but Lonnie's enthusiasm pushed her to rise to the challenge. She gripped her sword tightly, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
"Okay, here goes nothing," Chloe muttered under her breath before stepping into position, her shoulders squared and ready.She lunged forward, executing a swift thrust, her movements sharp and focused. The blade sliced through the air, but as she pivoted gracefully for a follow-up move, Chloe felt a flicker of doubt creeping in. "Am I doing this right?" She thought, her instincts battling her anxieties.
"Good start!" Lonnie encouraged, clapping her hands, but Chloe could see the slight arch of her eyebrow—was that critique? She couldn't let herself falter now.With renewed determination. Chloe switched her stance, flowing into a series of quick, fluid parries, her feet gliding across the ground. She avoided an imaginary opponent's strikes, trying to display the precision she had practiced countless times. As she brought her sword across for a riposte, her hand trembled just slightly, and she quickly masked it with a confident smile.
"Not bad! But can you handle a feint?" Lonnie called out, injecting a competitive spirit into the air.
Chloe narrowed her eyes feeling the competitive fire ignite within her.
"Oh, I can handle a lot more than that!" she replied, hoping to sound self-assured even as the butterflies in her stomach danced wildly. She paused to catch her breath, visualizing the techniques in her mind: the parry, the riposte, the counter. She took a slow step forward, her footwork precise, and then launched herself into an array of fencing moves—the classic lunge, transitioning into an elegant disengage, and spinning into a defensive stance. Each motion was every bit as practiced as she hoped. As she completed a flashy flourish, the sword tip pointed toward the ground, Chloe's heart raced with exhilaration. Was that impressive or just over-the-top? She glanced at Lonnie, trying to gauge her reaction.
"Wow, nice moves!" Lonnie cheered, her expression a mixture of admiration and genuine surprise. "I didn't know you had it in you!"
Chloe's face flushed with a mix of pride and embarrassment. "Thanks! I've been practicing a lot... just trying to live up to the legacy, you know?" she admitted, forcing a laugh to cover her nervousness.
"Keeping up with me won't be easy," Lonnie said with a wink, stepping closer. "But I think you'll make a great addition to the team. Now, show me that next level you were talking about—the one where you integrate defense with offense. Can you do that?"
Taking a deep breath to ease her nerves, Chloe nodded. "I can definitely try. I'll focus on counterattacks while defending myself."
"Exactly! Let's see how well you can blend those skills." Lonnie stepped back, ready to engage in a mock duel. Chloe nodded, her heart racing but excitement bubbling beneath her nervousness. She launched into a series of swift moves, combining a feint to draw out an imaginary attack before transitioning into a defensive block. Her footwork became more fluid as she shifted from parry to riposte, her mind honing in on the rhythm of the duel.

As she maneuvered, a smile crept onto her face. "This is fun!" She thought her confidence growing with each successful move.
"Nice, Chloe! Feel that flow! Now incorporate your footwork with your attacks!" Lonnie encouraged, her voice ringing with enthusiasm.
"Got it!" Chloe replied, invigorated by Lonnie's support. She charged forward, engaging her imaginary opponent, her sword dancing in expert motions.
"Alright, let's keep going! Show me that next level you were talking about! Bring it all together!" Lonnie clapped, signaling Chloe to prepare for another round. With a determined nod, Chloe gripped her sword, ready to impress her future captain with everything she had, eager to show that she was more than just a student—she was a force to be reckoned with.
With determination clear in her eyes, Chloe steadied her grip on the sword, the excitement building within her. Lonnie's encouraging words echoed in her mind as she prepared for the finale round, the moment she had been waiting for."Alright, Chloe! This is it! I want to see you bring it all together—your footwork, your offense, and your defense. Make every move count!" Lonnie called out, her voice brimming with enthusiasm and energy.Chloe nodded, forcing her nerves aside. She took her stance, feet shoulder-width apart, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through her. "Ready when you are!" she shouted, her voice stronger this time.Lonnie smiled, her own sword raised, ready to engage. "Let's do this! Remember to think a step ahead—attack, defend, and remember your boundaries!"As the duel commenced, Chloe lunged forward with a renewed confidence, thrusting her sword at the imaginary opponent. She quickly transitioned into a parry when Lonnie mimicked an offensive move, blocking the strike with precise timing. They danced around each other, the rhythm of their movements blending into an intricate display of skill.
Chloe executed a graceful spin as she dodged a feigned attack, following up with a swift riposte, her sword glinting in the sunlight as it came within inches of Lonnie's guard. It was a close call, but she felt the thrill of the near miss propel her forward.
"Nice move! Keep that momentum!" Lonnie encouraged, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Chloe felt her heart pounding, exhilaration coursing through her. She had a sudden burst of inspiration. She decided to combine everything she had learned: footwork, timing, and strategic thinking.
"Here comes the counterattack!" she called out, feeling the surge of confidence boost her spirit. Launching into an intricate sequence, Chloe feigned left and then quickly dodged to the right, moving gracefully but with purpose. She executed a combination of a parry and a quick retreat, drawing Lonnie in for what she hoped would be a decisive counter.
"Very clever!" Lonnie shouted, impressed by Chloe's agility. She lunged forward, anticipating Chloe's next move. Chloe, keeping her composure, stepped back just in time to evade the strike, her mind racing with tactical calculations.
"Now!" she thought, spinning into a sweeping maneuver that brought her sword across in a wide arc. Lonnie barely had time to react as Chloe's blade connected with her own, the clang resonating like a victorious bell. It was a moment of triumph, a combination of all her training weaving into a single, perfect execution.
"That's it, Chloe! You've done it!" Lonnie exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.Taking a breath, Chloe felt a rush of pride wash over her. She had brought it all together—the moves, the strategy, and the confidence. "Thanks, Lonnie! I really focused on everything you said!"