Chapter Ten
"I'm really trying, Mr. Ages." He shook his head, "Perhaps we should try a different approach." He paced around me while his hand was placed underneath his chin. The door behind us then opened up. I turned around to see Justin step inside. "Ah yes, Justin. Your help is needed." Justin closed the door behind him and looked up at me. "Good morning Mrs. Brisby." I smiled at him. "Good morning Justin." Mr. Ages grabbed my wrist and pulled me back a little. "Stand here, Justin, come here." Justin then stood in front of me. "Draw your sword." We both looked at him a little unsure. "You came in here for self-defense, what did you think was going to happen?" Justin then pulled out his sword. "Now just to fill you in, we've tried to make a scenario that would have her in danger, but nothing seems to wake up the stone." I nodded my head in agreement. "I even tried to remember any memories of when I was in danger, but that didn't work either," I told him. "So, maybe we should try to get….physical." Mr. Ages said. "Pretend that you're about to attack her." My eyes widened and I looked in between them. "Uh-Mr. Ages, I don't think this is going to work." I said to him hesitantly. "You too? What did you think we were going to do? Have a tea party?" I shook my head quickly. "No sir, but I might add that when Jenner attacked me, the stone didn't awaken yet." I folded my hands together. "You were terrified though, it was looking for your courage rather than your fear." Mr. Ages replied. "This is only practice, I just want to see if this stone can be used as a defense weapon. You're not in any real danger, but I would like for you to pretend to be." I thought for a moment then nodded my head. "Okay."
"Justin, advance towards her." Suddenly Justin was right in front of me and my heart was beating so loud that I thought he would be able to hear it. "Aim and swing." He said. My eyes widened in panic and I clutched onto the stone. Swing? I need to block it, but I would need a sword-a bright red light interrupted my thoughts. Suddenly the weight of the stone was much heavier than before and a clashing noise was heard. I looked up in disbelief to see that the stone had transformed into a sword. Silence filled the room and I lowered the weapon. The stone itself sat in the center of where the blade and the handle met. "It-it worked," I said finally. Justin had placed his sword back into its sheath and stood back. "It appears you were right Mr. Ages." He said with a smile on his face. Mr. Ages cleared his throat and nodded his head. "Of course I was!" The sword was quite heavy that I needed both hands to hold it up. I lifted it in amazement, "How did you do it?" Mr. Ages asked me. "Well, when you told him to swing at me, I thought about blocking it. Specifically with a sword, and then….this happened." He nodded his head in approval. "Excellent. This probably means that it may be able to form into other weapons….but we need to think of more important things. Justin, for the rest of today's lesson you need to teach her how to wield it. There is no point of having a sword if you don't know how to use it."
He did have a good point, I have never used a weapon before and it would be wise to learn. "I'll leave you two to figure it out. Tomorrow we'll pick up where we left off." He then left us alone and I quickly looked at Justin. "Well, um, I'm ready whenever you are," I said with a small smile on my face. He nodded his head and stepped towards me. "Okay, well first we'll start with off with how to hold it." He offered his hand out to me, "May I?" I then gave him the sword. "Okay, well this happens to be light-weight, so it won't be hard for you to get the hang of this." He bounced it up in down from his hand and walked behind me. "I hope you don't mind but I will be getting very close to you." Oh dear. I could feel my face and ears heat up at the very thought. He placed the sword gently in my right hand and guided my left to hold it as well. "You need to pretend that the sword is another part of your body." He pushed himself into me and touched my inner arm. "Pretend that it's apart of you, I know that sounds silly but you'll understand what I mean." He placed his hands over mine and started to slowly swing the weapon around. "You'll need to practice by swinging it. Once you get used to the weight then you'll be able to comfortably maneuver it around in defense." He let go and stepped back a little. "Alright let's see you do so." He walked in front of me and watched as I began to slowly and swiftly glide my sword around. "Good. Maybe breathe a little more and relax." I nodded my head and did as he advised. "Good work Mrs. Brisby, you're practically a natural." I smiled and continued on.
By the end of the lesson, I was able to parry and thrust my sword pretty well. I wiped my forehead and sighed in relief that I did so well and that I could stop now. "Wonderful Mrs. Brisby, I'll proudly tell Mr. Ages how well you did today." I smiled as I could feel my cheeks blush again. The stone suddenly turned back into a stone again, as if it knew practice was over. I slipped it on and began to walk to the door with Justin. "Thank you for today, I hope by the end of the week I'll be able to take care of myself. I said to him. "Don't worry Mrs. Brisby, by then you'll be the one to protect me." I giggled at the very thought.
Sorry it's been so long guys, but just as a heads up, next chapter they will be starting their mission! Until next time!