Dancing Partner

Sato

Sato fell to the ground in an effort to catch his breath. He let his grip on his sword loosen until it slipped out from his sweaty hand. He just sat there, in the dirt, panting. 

Sato had been training with Sensei Coelpress for more than two weeks now. Rebe and Daniel had both taken turns going home so as to never leave him in this world completely alone. He appreciated their support and their interest. He was so busy with his training that he hardly so much as saw them. 

The first week had been, much like the first day, all breathing and meditation. By week two, he had graduated to working on his stance. In his off time, he had been working hard to build up his stamina by training even more. His days consisted of sleeping, eating, training with Sensei, practicing alone, and repeat. 

Sato's most recent lesson had introduced a wooden sword, or bokken, that he was now responsible for. Every night after training, he would inspect his bokken for damage while he wiped it down with a damp rag. Once a week, he would dip his rag in a seed oil and coat the bokken to protect the wood. His scabbard, or Saya, was constantly afixed to his belt from when he woke to when he retired. Sensei had said proper discipline and respect for his weapon were what separated warriors from wounds. 

Sato finally managed to regain control of his breath. He reached for his fallen bokken and struggled to his feet. He looked it over quickly for any damage. He took three deep breaths and continued drilling his swing over and over and over.

"Need a dance partner?" Leo jested, having appeared out of nowhere, in particular. He was standing on Sensei's raised porch that overlooked the training yard. He was no doubt alluding to the ball where he had danced with Rebe. Sato didn't want to think about that right now. He needed to focus. He needed to train. 

"Do you have a bokken? I thought you fenced, my Prince," Sato jabbed back formally.

"Please. I was Sensei's star pupil long before you even knew this place existed. I'm the only one who has ever bested him in a duel, my Hero." The word stung more than likely intended. 

Leo walked over to the wooden weapon shed across the yard and emerged with light-stained, well-worn bokken and saya. The prince unsheathed it just enough to reveal his signature, carved into the very wood of the blade. "I helped make it myself," Leo added, to further the insult.

"I haven't yet dueled. But I'm more than willing to try." Sato raised his bokken into a fighting stance.

"That was your first and final mistake," Leo fortuitously threatened. Within a fraction of a second, and in a single fluid motion, Leo closed the gap and disarmed Sato. Sato felt the pain before he even saw his sword leave his hand. Sato's wrist stung after the hit, but he maintained his composure. Leo was fast. A true duelist.

"Pick it up," Leo gestured towards the sword now in the dust with his own. Sato bent down to pick it up and, fast as lightning, Leo struck again. Sato's hand shot backward reflexively from the pain. He reached with his other hand and was again rapidly repelled. Now both his hands stung like crazy.

Sato was beginning to get annoyed. He was sure Leo could and would keep this up for hours if he let him. Instead, he changed his tactics. He couldn't beat Leo at his own game. Sato would have to make his own. He dove at Leo and tackled him to the ground. Leo managed to get in a few good blows both before and as he went down, but the shorter and younger boy stood no chance. 

"It seems you got me right where you want me..." Leo teased. Sato let up. 

"Sorry," Sato removed himself. "That wasn't very heroic of me." Sato sat off to the side of Leo and leaned back on his open palms. His whole body stung, and he was drenched in sweat. "Could you show me a few of your techniques? Preferably on the quintain dummy or the air and not me?" Leo smiled slightly. It was a rare sight indeed. 

"Gladly, all you had to do was ask," Leo replied.

The two boys drilled until sundown in the yard. Leo caught Sensei smiling down at them from his balcony, enjoying a nice cup of tea.