Training for Competiton [Bryya]

Abnormally large drops of sweat rolled down my face and dampened my hair which I had snugly pulled back into a pony tail. Heat radiated down on the outdoor field which our trainers had taken over to give us a more exotic experience, rotating with the seasons. Scorching desert seemed to be the theme today and while most grumbled and groaned in the heat, I relished it. It added fuel to my already burning fire of frustration and prompted me into overdrive. Warm up exercises only excited me to begin sparring exercises with a new partner. Before assigning us partners we were lectured on our skills being accounted for when selecting partners. Great, an evil smile had plastered itself to my face. So I get to out-do someone who is "my equal."

My partner was someone named Azurite, that had to be the oddest name ever. Nevertheless, I was stuck with the oddly named kid and with knives! Knives had always been my passion. Close combat knives were second to throwing knives in my skill set and I felt shivers of excitement roll up and down my spine as I picked up the six knives that would be for the two of us to practice with. Considering my skill, I was hoping my trainers had truly matched me someone who could put up an interesting challenge. "Hold up, Aislyn!" A trainer yelled, racing up to me and thrusting two solid chest plates into my hands. "What the hell are these?" I eyed the metal death traps with visible distaste. "Well, we can't have you two cutting each others chests open, can we?" Uh, we totally could, but I probably wouldn't allowed to train for a week if I said that. "I guess not..."

Trucking my way to Azurite's training post, I scrutinized the girl as I approached. Without doubt, she was shorter than me and skinnier than me. Could she possibly have any muscle under that? I realized then, the trainers must've paired me with her because she is older. I doubt they would put me with someone my age that looks like that. Ah, stop it... I shoved the horrid thoughts from my head. I'd never met the girl and already I've insulted her in a way that would make me cut throats. Seriously? Chill, but I know I won't.

When I reached our training post I thrust the chest plate at Azurite, promptly sending the tips of the knives into the ground at her feet. "Knives," I smiled proudly. "They say we need to wear the plates so no one get's their chest cut open," I eyed her carefully. Without a hint of trouble, the plate slid right on me without a problem, but I felt it putting pressure on my ribs. Damn it. Why do they have to be so far out? There was nothing I could do about it though. I took my two extra knives and hooked them in the slots on the plates, gripping my third knife in my right hand. "Whenever you're ready," I rolled from my chest, almost in a growl. Azurite was dripping sweat and obviously miserable, my hopes for a challenge had be extinguished.

The trainer who had been assigned to control our spar yelled out for us to start and I immediately moved into a defensive stance. Azurite quickly lunged towards my right arm, but she was slow. Too slow. Swiftfully, my body slide to the right and dodged her attack. Without a moments hesitation, she aimed for me again. What is wrong with her? Both of her hands had clamped down on a single blade and she moved with large, thrusting movements. Such an easy target that I couldn't strike at, not until she came at me again. Such a stupid rule! In the arena, there was no coach, no demanding who plays offensive and defensive. I understood though. The two of us could face off; her on constant offense and me on constant defense. That wouldn't teach us how to work both ends; that was important.

It only took a slight twist of my neck for Azurite's awkward blow to fly right past my head. A twisted smile crawled across my face and was suddenly giddy at her holding the blade in such a tight manner. If she hadn't such a tight grip she would have easily lost one of her knives. Stupid, stupid girl. Simply another example of a Career, not fit to be a Career, not smart enough to be a Career. The trainer announced I was now on offensive and I puffed a breath. My trusty blade pointed to the right, held firmly in my right hand. With a swift swing, my arm rounded to the left, almost as if I was punching the air. Only I wasn't, my hand veered, purposely aiming past her jaw, letting the blade glide towards her throat. At the last possible second, my blow was blocked by another blade. Surprise rocked my body, especially when my arm kept going, leading my body away from Azurite.

A sneer covered my entire face as I rounded back on the Career. My feet began to drag me forward in a slow, stalking manner and I relished in the forboding moment. Indeed, while turn sparring had its drawbacks, it also had its advantages. Now, Azurite would have been lunging at me, sending me back on the defensive. But no, now I can take my time. Stalking, waiting, letting the suspense boil the blood inside everyone watching... I saw my openning far before I cared to strike. Slight angles in Azurites body movements were scrutinzed instantly and I found my mark.

Tight, quick motions and my blade slid right past her arm. Injuries were not allowed, but the trainer was able to spot what would be a blow if the wielder didn't halt or slip their blade past the mark. I knew my strike counted against Azurite, but not by much. In reality, it wouldn't have done much damage either, but any damage could mean the difference between life and death. My turn was over and I prepared for the blows that would soon be headed my way. Light feet; slight, quick movements; fast reflexes. I can do this.