Richard was ready for Andy's next attacks, a smile involuntarily playing on his lips as he saw the fire in the girl's eyes. Andy, in turn, tried to figure out how to launch her next attack.
She felt the weight of the sword in her hands, and she definitely liked it; her grip had become stronger, and she shifted her foot placement. Akito watched the fight with wide eyes, while Rey simply smiled, silently rooting for Andy.
She took a step forward, closing the distance. Richard tightened his grip on his sword hilt and carefully watched every move the girl made, trying to understand how she would attack. Deep down, he hoped she wouldn't just charge head-on this time. A drop of sweat ran down his face.
"Interesting… She wants to try something new and she's even thinking."
Andy took another step forward, then another. Now they were at a medium distance.
"My first fight… So thrilling."
Inside the girl was a storm of emotions, but she was still concentrated on the fight. Her eyes roamed over her opponent's body, though she didn't fully understand where his weak points were. Andy swung her sword from the left; there was a clang of metal, and small sparks flew in all directions.
Richard successfully parried her attack, and the girl even jumped back, her hands shaking wildly from the recoil. It seemed she could barely move them. 'What happened? Why my sword so hard…'
After a few seconds, Andy's hands stabilized. She shifted her weight from foot to foot and began to slowly circle the veteran.
'What's she planning now?'
'He must have a weak spot… At least one…'
Andy felt a strange sense of fatigue, as if the sword had suddenly become two or even three times heavier. A sharp whistle was heard, and the tip of Richard's sword lightly touched the girl's shoulder.
"That's it. You thought too long. Although, this was a fight with real swords and no armor on you. Most would refuse without even thinking, but not you. I will teach you everything I know, I will mold you into a true swordswoman."
"I'm all for it,"
Andy replied. Though she was happy, there were notes of sadness in her voice due to the loss, but what could she do? Ray sighed, and Akito adjusted his cloak.
Days, weeks, and months passed. Instead of blossoms on the trees, there was nothing, and the streets were covered with a thick layer of snow. Akito and Ray walked on the ice.
"Ray, Andy has almost stopped hanging out with us."
"Yeah, she's learning from my bodyguard, Sir Richard, remember?"
"I know, it's just… It's a bit strange that we see her less often now."
At that time, Andy was only in boots, pants, and a shirt; the cold didn't bother her. She was currently in the "Right Angle Stance," and Richard was observing her posture.
"Spread your feet a little wider, and hold the sword at shoulder level so everything aligns in one line, and don't forget the Thiebaud Circle; it's important in 'True Mastery'."
Andy sighed and approached her mentor, sat on a stump, and put on her jacket.
"I think that's enough for today, I'm already tired."
"Of course, you're tired! Training every day for almost a whole year, I wouldn't be able to stand it myself. Rest tomorrow too."
Andy stood up and sheathed her sword, slung it over her shoulder, and walked away. Her nose was red, her cheeks too. Every time she exhaled, steam came out of her mouth. She was already tired, so she wasn't as energetic as usual.
"My head is splitting from all these lessons… But I don't mind."
She thought as she left the forest. Suddenly, she slipped and slid all the way down. The cold ice was with her as she got up.
"Andy! Are you okay? You fell really hard!"
Akito shouted, running towards her, while Rey tried to catch up with the boy.
"Akito! Don't run so fast, or you'll slip!"
But it was too late. He lay on the ice, his blue eyes looking at the equally blue ice, and Andy burst out laughing.
"Need help?"
"What do you think?"
Now all three were together. They walked through the village, looked at various shops, and played snowball fights. That's how the rest of the day passed.
Akito lay in bed covered by a sheet, staring blankly at the ceiling. His eyes slowly closed, and the shine in them gradually faded.
***
A small child looked at his parents, a young mother and father. They had gone for a walk as usual. The parents talked with others, and he played in the grass near them and other children. A figure raised a hand; someone else's house was destroyed, someone else's life crippled or taken. Everyone fled; it looked like an event from a painting by a strange artist. The cloaked figure laughed; some screamed, others cried.
Chunks of earth now flew not only at houses but also at people. Emerald eyes were soulless and empty. A smile did not leave the face of the person in the cloak. Another life taken. The mother grabbed the child and began to flee. Everyone was saying something, but nothing could be heard. The man and woman looked at the child and said something without sound. Suddenly, a voice.
"Akito, Akito, wake up, sleepyhead, son… Are you okay?"
Akito opened his eyes. He was breathing heavily, and tears streamed from his eyes. He looked at his mother and wiped away his tears.
"Yes, Mom, everything's fine… Just… Just a silly dream, don't pay attention to it."