Reincarnated in a Fantasy World

21

"Alright punks!" Coach Larkey yelled. "Today we have two new group members! Meet Veronica and Wesley!" He gestured to us proudly. "Other than that news, the championships are coming up! Our goal this year is to make it to the second round! Let's start with a warm up then we'll pair up for duels! Your dismissed."

I looked to Wesley who grinned back at me. "What are you doing here?" I asked confused. "You never seemed interested in the fighting team before."

"A little bird told me you joined and I figured it might be fun if your in it." He replied with a shrug. "Before it was just a bunch of losers who's parents forced them to join but the don't try at all."

"Whatever, wanna be my dueling buddy?" I asked, pretty sure nobody else would stand a chance.

"Sure!" Wesley pulled a trading sword off the wrack then got into a masterful stance. "Try to keep up." He smirked.

"Same goes for you." I shout back grinning. "Start!"

I swung the sword towards him but he dodged. He leaped toward me in an attempt to get the higher ground but I leaped back and landed gracefully. A kid turned his head towards our fight in aw. Wesley rapidly jabbed the sword at me looking for my blind spot. I gave him what he wanted, or so he thought. I pretended as if he found it and he thought he did. Right as he was about to strike I spun around and blocked his sword. His face was inches from mine... well my mask actually. A crowd had formed around us from watching the match. "It's a draw!" Someone called from the crowd. We both lowered our swords and laughed.

"I guess your not half bad shortie." Wesley grinned.

"You too Wes!" I smiled.

He looked away from me and at the crowd of group members surrounding us with the slightest things of pink on his face. "I guess I have a nickname now, huh shortie. Let's go take a break, I need some water."

We walked to the sidelines and the crowd of people dispersed. "So... were did ya learn to fight?" I asked. Wesley didn't come from one of this rich noble families, he told me so, so then who taught him if he could find an instructor?

"My dad taught me." He looked down sadly. "He's a great swordsman but he hasn't fought in a while." He smiled but it wasn't genuine. He had a mix of anger and disappointment in his eyes. "I could definitely beat him now!" He tried to laugh it off. "It doesn't matter anyways so just forget I ever said anything."

"Oh..." I sensed his sadness and didn't ask anymore questions.

"How about you?" He tilted his head in wonder. "You fight professionally."

"I went to live with... a friend in the forest after my family died." I looked down in hesitation. "He taught me, his name was Garrett and I thought of him like a father."

"Oh..." it was his turn to be awkward and not ask questions. "If you ever need to talk about it... I've been told I can be a pretty good listener."

I smiled. "Thanks." I cleared my throat and continued. "Let's get back to practice, we forgot to do warm ups before fighting so we'll probably be pretty sore tomorrow."

We finished up practice and packed up our stuff. As usual Wesley and I walked home together. When we arrived at the door he greeted Mr. Evan. That's unusual, why is he suddenly treating Evan respectfully? Whatever.

"I'm surprised you were so experienced." I brought up the subject of Wesley and my duel earlier. "Your movements were fast, I was surprised when you leaped at me!"

"You too! Your stamina is great, I was surprised you lasted so long against my skills!" He grinned.

"Oh my, what were you two doing?" Mr. Evan asked with his eyebrows raised. I sure hope I don't have another child to look after in nine-"

"No no no!" Wesley cut him off with a flushed face. "Nothing like that we were dueling!"

I was confused for a moment then blushed as well. "What the... no! I'm too young for that kind of thing!" I could feel the heat rising on my face. "I'm 15 for Pete's sake!"

"Kids these days can be pretty reckless sooo..." Mr. Evan looked away trying not to laugh.

"Please stop." I groaned smacking my forehead in exasperation. Wesley stayed silent still shocked and blushing. His face was practically a tomato.

"I think I'm gonna go Veronica..." he said. "I'll see you tomorrow at school." He waved goodbye and walked down the cobble stone road.

"You sure will!" Mr. Evan called after him. "Make sure you use prote-" I slammed the door before he could finish his sentence. "What it was just a joke!" He chuckled. "What's for dinner?"

"Make your own dinner!" I snapped annoyed.

"Wait no please! I was kidding!" Mr. Evan dramatically said. "Don't leave me here!
Please!"

I slammed my bedroom door in his face. I wasn't hungry anyways. Seriously though! Why was I still blushing!?