Part One: Jay's Story- Chapter Three: Training

I lift the sword off the rack. It’s not my first sword-skills training, but it’s the first one where Darkling is the teacher. I don’t know why practicing with him should be any different than with my regular trainer. Maybe because he’s the leader of the company? Or do I just want to impress him? I shove my thoughts aside. Focus.

“Okay, let’s start with what you already know.” Darkling summons a katana-like sword made of shadows. I shift into a solid stance, sword held out in front of me. Darkling raises his sword so that the blades are crossed. “Attack me,” he orders. I blink. “Go on. I won’t bite.” I can’t help but grin at the comment. Using the tip of my sword, I flick his blade aside and lash out with a quick strike. He sidesteps, then counters. We battle back and forth, though I can tell he’s going easy on me. After a couple of minutes, he steps back. “That’s enough.”

I lower my sword. “Are you going to teach me a new move now?” I ask.

He smiles in response. “That’s kind of the point of a training session.”

In the few minutes that follow, Darkling demonstrates a couple of swords skills, moves I haven’t seen before. When I try to copy him, I fail spectacularly. Once I attempt a sort of spinning move and trip over my own feet. I end up in a heap on the floor and almost stab myself. My face is red with embarrassment as I scramble to my feet. Darkling is nice enough not to laugh, but his green eyes twinkle with amusement.

“I think you messed up somewhere,” he offers.

“Really? I didn’t notice,” I say sarcastically. Darkling grins, then steps closer.

“You’re holding your sword wrong. You’re lucky you didn’t drop it.” He puts his hand over mine and adjusts my grip. I notice that his skin is warm on mine, and he lingers a second before stepping away. “Try it again,” he says after a moment. I attempt the move again, this time managing to stay on my feet.

“Well, I didn’t fall over that time,” I mutter. I make sure I’m holding my sword right, then try again. And again. And again. Until I’ve nearly perfected the move. When I finally stop, I’m panting slightly.

“Good job.” I jump. I almost forgot that Darkling was watching me. “You’re improving quickly.”

“I’ve always been a fast learner,” I respond with a shrug.

“In that case, let’s try something else.”

~~~~~~~

Nearly two months later, I have my first mission.

Reviews

[Wild Rose]

Never attempted fencing > It looks and sounds dangerous

[Locke Redwyne (night sys)]

Yeah, it does. But somehow, superheroes always know how to do the right things XD

[Wild Rose]

Its like us on racing bikes descending mountains Passing the support cars and motorbikes
Have to judge speed & distance > Also look at the road for some distance ahead

[Locke Redwyne (night sys)]

True... that makes sense...