Chapter 76: Sparring with Friends

Chapter 76: Sparring with Friends

June 17th, 2089

Veronicas POV

I stood in the center of the dojo, enjoying the feeling of the cool hardwood floor beneath my bare feet. Out of the many new things I have seen and experienced in this new world, I find that training in the peace and quiet of the dojo is one of my favorites. Its even better when I am accompanied by Terra or one of my few precious friends.

Vera, I *wheeze* cant *wheeze* go *wheeze* *wheeze* on Hikari, one of those few precious friends, was lying in front of me in a puddle of sweat. I dont care for excuses, get up. I stabbed my blunted rapier at the prone Hikari, who frantically rolled away while grabbing her weighted shinai. She quickly got up and readied herself for another exchange of blows despite her many bruises and exhaustion.

Ive taken it upon myself to train Hikari these past few months in combat. This world may be far more peaceful than my home, but that doesnt mean it is perfect. She needs to be able to defend herself just in case. This is something Kira, Terra and I are in agreement upon, but it was decided I was the most suitable instructor. Both Kira and Terra use a 2-sword fighting style, which is not compatible with Hikari. She has practiced a one-sword style of kendo since she was a child, which is a blessing since she already has a strong understanding of the basics. Hikari is quite talented with the sword, but she lacks experience. Thus, our training has been me beating her senseless in an attempt to instill some fighting prowess and grit.

Are you ready? Hikari didnt have the breath to respond, simply nodding her head instead. I slowly took a single step forward, but as my foot touched the floor I rocketed forward while emanating some minor killing intent. Hikari desperately attempted to parry, but she was too slow. However, this was not due to a delayed reaction or her being scared by my bloodlust. Even her form while parrying was respectable. I was simply too fast and she was too tired. The result was me knocking the wind from her as she collapsed once more into a heap. I didnt stop and promptly went to kick her.

But I dont want to kill at all *Sigh* It truly is wonderful to be able to grow up to her age and still be so innocent. I cant help but wonder how I would have turned out if I had been born in this world instead. Mercy, honor, and kindness are wonderful things but they are luxuries reserved for the strong. To illustrate my point, I picked up her weighted wooden shinai and exerted some strength into my grip, crushing the solid wood into splinters. I ignored the blood now leaking from my splintered hand as I kept my eyes locked onto Hikari. You are not strong, so you must be ruthless, underhanded and desperate instead.

Hikari avoided my gaze, instead looking at her now broken shinai. You broke it she muttered. Terra can fix it easily, dont worry. And you hurt your hand A minor injury like this isnt even worth bothering Terra for. I calmly wrapped some gauze around my injury. There was a pregnant pause as I waited for her to finally react to my statement. I waited patiently as the seconds turned into minutes.

Finally, Hikari spoke. I dont think Ill be able to do it, but since you think its for the best Ill at least try. Thats fair enough. I know its hard, but remember that this is for an important reason. I patted her on the back as I continued I just want to make sure if you ever get into a situation where its either you or them you are able to choose yourself. Kira, Terra and I have all lost people close to us and I dont want it to ever happen again. I couldnt help but turn a little red as I finished. Its kind of embarrassing speaking at length about my feelings like this.

Who did you lose? Hikaris question snapped me out of my thoughts. I guess I havent ever told her about it. Apart from general details about home and my relationship with Terra, I never talked with Hikari about my personal life from before. It was easier to let Kira chatter away instead. I dont care to reminisce much about it after all. My mother. I replied. I see Hikari said as she fell into thought briefly before asking Did it change you?

Yes, it did. Its impossible not to change when someone precious to you passes away. Life was very hard for a time. I became quiet for a moment as I thought back to all those lonely years before meeting Terra. But, Ive discovered since then that finding new precious people can change things in a good way. Like meeting Terra, Kira and you. A small smile graced my face as I finished. Smiling used to be so hard for me, but now its getting easier and easier. I only have a small circle of precious people right now, but I daresay that itll grow. School should be a good opportunity for that to happen.

Vera!!! Hikari tackle-hugged me at a speed I couldnt dodge, causing us to fall to the floor in a tangle of limbs. I immediately regret sharing my emotions openly. Kari, get off! Youre sticky and gross!! Ha! Its too late! Youve already gone dere, you cant switch back to tsun anymore! Hikari laughed as she proceeded to snuggle up to me shamelessly. Her cheerfulness must be infectious, because I couldnt help but smile once again at her antics. The thought that the rest of my life is likely to be as carefree as this is truly wonderful.