Soul Healer

Chapter 15 - Inner Struggles

>>> CHAPTER 15 <<<
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Slowly you approach. Unsheathing one of your swords that are strapped in scabbards behind your back, you shift it from the left hand to the right. An ancient greeting and gesture of respect.
Your gesture an old school way of telling your opponent that your here to learn, not to inflict harm or injury in any way. Ares is very much impressed, not many warriors behave that way.

With a kneeling bow, Ares returns your gesture.
"I salute you meu raina. It is an honor". Holding his palm against his heart he greets you.

Shifting the sword to your left hand, you bow.

"What kind of sword are you wielding, miña amada feiticeira? I have seen some Asian Katanas before, but the one your holding looks nothing like it."

Looking at Ares, you shake your head. "It' won't work. All of a sudden you want to hear the story of my swords? I may tell you later. Maybe. But not now".

Desperate he stares at you. Dropping to his knees, lowering his head, he whispers, "Please reconsider. I do not want this. I cannot bare the thought of me injuring you by mistake."

Stepping closer you observe him. His body is shaking, his grip on the sword so tight his knuckles have turned white. Still he refuses to look at you.

Sheathing your sword you kneel before him. Cupping his face, you make him look at you. Shocked you notice the desperation and agony in his dark eyes. Tears running down his cheeks. He seems so very lost and heartbroken. He is actually crying. Never had anyone cared so much about you, that they'd actually cry.

Unable to bear his pain you gently wipe the tears from his eyes, while whispering soothing words. Ever so careful you lean forward and kiss his brow then his eyes. Your action making him groan and shake even more.

Out of the corner of your eye you see him drop his sword. His arms wrap around your waist, holding you so tenderly, as if he's afraid you will break into a thousand pieces. With a shaken breath he leans into your touch . Closing his eyes he stutters. "Please do not make me spar with you".

"Ares you need to see this with your own eyes. You will not hurt me. But if it will make you feel better I have another proposition for you".

His eyes snap open and you have his full attention, as he slowly raises a hand, gently caressing your cheek.

"We will have a little sparing match using wooden swords. To add a little more genuine feel to the match, I suggest we use weighted wasters." With a sigh you continue, "and I will be using a shield also. Is that a better option?", you ask looking at him. The transformation on his face is immediate. The broad and happy smile almost blinding.

"Thank you miña doncela amado dragón. That will be most agreeable".

Shaking your head at the foolish male, you laugh while standing on your feet. "Fine wooden attire it is then". Walking towards the training equipment, you grab 2 reinforced wooden swords and a shield. Walking back towards Ares you give him one of the swords.

Staring at the beaming Ares, you chuckle at his happiness and relief, as he slowly walks towards you. Observing his every move you wonder if he will make the first attack. But as he stops a few feet from you it is clear he will not. The heated caress in his eyes is almost physical as he seems to devour your body. It is more than clear there are loads of other pass-times he would much rather be doing right now. Fighting is definitely not one of them.

"Let us begin".

Raising your sword you attack. Giving you a wide berth he sidesteps and blocks your every move. But that is all he does, you notice with growing annoyance. He blocks as you attack, but does not counter. Not even when you deliberately let your defenses down.