Swept Away

Going back. (9)

Frei had pulled out a wooden bokken and a men* from her belongings in the changing rooms. She waited for me on the tatami floors.

The medium sized training sword was something I was well accustomed to.

I took one similar weapon from the training rack, and stood in front of her.

As usual, I didn't put any headgear on.

She looked towards my mother, waiting for her to say something it.

Hailey didn't notice, and began explaining the rules: "Surrender or first killing blow. I'll judge."

Killing blow meant a hit that would have killed or incapacitated, nothing as final as you'd think.

I looked at my opponent. Indignation had flared inside her pupils. Not wearing protection could be interpreted as a 'you'll never hit me' taunt. It wasn't the case, but if it pissed her off, It was gonna help me win, so I let her believe it.

"Start!"

Gone was the shy girl. Determination and anger was the only thing I felt from her right now.

We circled each other for a bit.

I was checking for weaknesses in her stance, in her grip.

As expected, none were to be found.

She had been training with my mother after all.

I took a defensive posture. She was the one that had to prove herself after all.

I even cheekily smiled at her.

She stepped forwards. Three quick strides.

A Sho Men. One of the most notorious vertical strikes in swordfighting.

Fast, and unexpectedly strong too.

It had to have been perfected ten thousand times or more to obtain such a perfect slash.

S~caary. She had not hesitated one second even though I didn't wear head protection.

But it was a bad move against me. It was bad luck and she couldn't have known.

I took a step to the right, pushed the pommel of my sword into her stomach.

Her wooden blade didn't even graze me, and she had to quickly fall back to catch her breath.

I hadn't hit as strong as usual.

My new female self did lose some muscles after all.

I sighed.

"Am I boring you Sias-san?"

I pissed her off even more unadverdently.

I didn't like to talk and train at the same time.

I did a slight bow of the head, apologizing silently.

I shouldn't have, her getting emotional would be benificial for me. But I honestly didn't want to get on the bad side of my future bodyguard.

My mother was circling us, and threw a few advices for my opponent.

"Frei! Don't let him take the advantage, if he rhythms the fight, you'll lose."

Him. A slip of the tongue.

A few of the students who were watching us gave questioning stares at their teacher.

But I couldn't be bothered right now, Frei had listened to the advice that was given to her, and she was currently unleashing a myriad of strikes, slashes, kick and punches.