Tyler's Bootcamp Pt 2

“You sure embrace your looks.” The blonde woman praised Dave as she sat beside him. She stuck out her hand to him, “my name is Sherry.” Dave shook her hand in greeting. “I really gave my all earlier, but I couldn’t even move you. It’s rather frustrating, to be honest.”

Dave stood up and pointed to his legs.

“Oh. I should have aimed lower, I guess.”

Dave nodded in affirmation and sat back down.

“Will you continue to spar with me? It would be good to practice with someone whom I can’t beat with skills alone.”

Dave smiled and nodded.

Meanwhile, Trent approached Derek, who was lying on the ground with his eyes closed. “Hey, wake up!” Trent nudged Derek’s arm with his boot.

“I’m not sleeping,” Derek responded, his eyes still closed. “If we aren’t training yet, buzz off.”

“Ha! You’re sure something. I have an idea of who Tyler wants to pair you with. Let me tell you, she’ll change your outlook on battle real quick.”

“...”

“Fine. Ignore me if you want, but if you go easy on her, you’ll regret it. She used to be the king’s shadow knight.”

Derek opened his eyes in surprise. “The shadow knight is a woman?”

“Like Tyler said, shadow knights come in both genders and various ages. I understand you have your boundaries, but they’re no good if you’re dead. Ideals are a privilege that belong to those strong enough to carry them.” Trent walked away, leaving Derek to ponder over his words.

Brandy approached the kid she was paired with. “Hi there, let me officially introduce myself, I’m Brandy.” She smiled and held out her hand. The boy reluctantly shook it.

“Chris.”

“Chris, you’re a pretty good fighter for your age. Since you’re not fully grown, it would be better to try and switch up your attacks, instead of charging in head first the entire time.” Brandy smiled.

“...you’re pretty good for a girl. But not as good as the leader. Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“Pfft. Well your leader fought side by side with his highness so I guess he would be hard to beat. I used to be a merchant and did most of my trading with pirates. I’ve seen plenty of young boys like you, eager to prove themselves.”

“I wasn’t trying to prove myself! The test was for you. Who knew I’d fight a woman with no empathy?” Chris whined pettily.

“Having empathy for someone attacking you is just stupid. I save the sentiment for people who deserve it. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who attacks me will be put down without mercy. There’s a time and place for everything.” Chris pursed his lips in dissatisfaction but didn’t rebut.

Tyler came back with a look of defeat. Trent slapped him on the back, “Worry about your brother later. You have a job to do.” Tyler composed himself.

“Okay, breaks over. Five, you’ll spar with Derek from now on. Don’t go easy on him. Everyone else, pair up and spread out. I’ll observe your performance and shake things up if necessary.”

A woman, pale as a ghost, with red eyes and white hair, approached Derek.

“I’m Five. I won’t go easy on you, so please take the fight seriously.” A monotone voice announced with an expressionless face.

Derek eyed her wearily and stood up. “I’ll try. Let’s go over there. There’s more room.” Derek pointed to an unoccupied space away from the others. Five nodded.

Derek shook out his shoulders and got into a fighting stance. No sooner than he had prepared himself, a white blur attacked from the side. Blood flowed from the slice on his arm. Derek’s eyes widened in surprise. Unfortunately for him, Five attacked from the other side before he could completely grasp the situation. He managed to dodge at the last minute, but her sword still nicked his side. This time, the white blur appeared in the air, intending to land on his head. Derek quickly lifted his sword in defense. Sparks flew, as Derek twirled to the side and pushed back against the little woman. She flung back but nimbly landed on her feet. Derek gave her his full attention and charged towards her. Right before reaching her, he slid on the ground, aiming his sword at her knees. Five jumped in the air, roughly landing on Derek’s chest, sword to his throat. Derek raised his arms. “I lost.”

Five withdrew her sword and stepped off Derek’s chest. “Now, let’s fight until you win.”

A glint appeared in Derek’s eyes. He felt his whole being fill with competitive spirit. “Yes, until I win.”