Melodies in the Wind

Not a Sword Fighter

The day had started off like any other for Amara. She was wandering around the Crystal Temple now, enjoying the calm breeze and the distant sound of the ocean waves crashing on the beach. She had been working on refining her combat skills with Pearl, and she had been improving quickly.

When Steven invited her to watch a movie with him, Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst, she didn't hesitate. "Come on, Amara! It'll be fun," Steven had urged, bouncing around in excitement. He was always good at getting people involved in things.

They all gathered in the Temple's living room, snacks in hand, as they settled down to watch Lonely Blade, a fictional Japanese action movie that Steven loved. She leaned back adjusting her white sweater that she wore specifically to watch the movie. Amara had never really seen a movie like this before, but she was intrigued. The fight scenes were dramatic, with swordplay that was exaggerated but still somehow graceful. Maybe she'd be that good with her axe one day.

Garnet sat stoically, as usual, barely reacting to the film's dramatics. Amethyst lounged back on the couch, eyes glued to the screen, her usual carefree grin in place. And Pearl, well, Pearl was analyzing every move.

"I can't believe they're using a two-handed grip like that! It's completely impractical!" Pearl said with a huff, tapping her fingers against the armrest. "Honestly, if they're going to make a movie about sword-fighting, they could at least do some proper research."

Amara raised an eyebrow, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "Is it that bad?" she asked, glancing at Pearl.

"Bad? It's tragic! The stances, the form—they're all wrong," Pearl said, her voice almost scolding. "It's like they're just flailing their swords around without any actual technique."

Amethyst snickered. "Pearl, chill! It's just a movie! You can't expect a perfect reenactment of real-life sword-fighting."

Pearl shook her head but didn't argue. Then she turned to Steven, her expression softening. "Well, Steven, if you want to learn how to really fight with a sword, I can teach you."

Steven's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Wait, you're serious?"

"Of course," Pearl replied, standing up with a huff, "but we'll need to go to the arena. I need space."

Amara stood up with them, curious to see what the lesson would be like and worried about Steven being so close to a real sword. She had been practicing with her axe for a while now, but sword fighting—though similar—was an entirely different game.

The group made their way onto the warp pad and where taken up to the training arena. The large, open area with flat stone ground was perfect for sparring. Pearl's "Holo-Pearl," a holographic version of herself that she summoned for combat, stood ready, shimmering in the air.

Amara watched in fascination as Pearl took her stance, calmly and methodically moving toward Holo-Pearl. The clash of their blades was swift, a blur of precision as the two danced around each other in a choreography of sharp movements. Pearl moved like water, fluid and controlled. It was mesmerizing to watch, and Amara couldn't help but admire her skill.

After a few minutes of sparring, Pearl knocked Holo-Pearl to the ground. "That's the difference between skill and showmanship," Pearl said, catching her breath. She turned to Steven, who was staring in awe. "Now, if you'd like, I'll show you the basics."

Steven's eyes widened in excitement. "Yeah! I want to learn everything!"

Pearl was patient with Steven, carefully explaining the proper stance, grip, and balance needed to wield a sword. But, as expected, Steven quickly grew bored with the technical details. He was eager to jump right into the dramatic moves like those from Lonely Blade.