Chapter 10: Nighttime Training
Nighttime Training
Cast: Peter, Tommy.
One-Shot: During a sleepover at the castle two nights after the events of Truth or Consequences, Tommy finds Peter fighting in the castle garden.
"Location: Richmond, Virginia, December 1st 2013"
"Hya! Hah! Hyaa!" Peter yelled as he swung Erebus around in the castle garden.
Tommy walked out into the garden and yawned.
"Peter? Your not still training, are you? You should get some rest." Tommy said.
"Oh, hello, Tommy. Thank you for your concern, but I haven't a moment to lose. I must keep improving my sword technique for the better of this kingdom. As king, it is my responsibility to be as strong as I can for my people." Peter explained.
Tommy smirked.
"Even after all these years, your still the same." Tommy said.
"Oh, really? How so?" Peter asked.
"Remember when I was little, and me and the others had sleepovers here? You'd always stay with me until I got sleepy and then go train late into the night." Tommy replied.
"You knew about that? But how?" Peter asked.
"I could see you from the window. After you left, I always watched you train for a bit. It's a little embarrassing, but I'd even try to imitate how you swung your sword. I thought if I matched your movements, maybe one day I could be as strong as you." Tommy replied.
"I had no idea." Peter said.
"I was always afraid if I told you about it, you might train elsewhere." Tommy said. He then said "If your not too busy, maybe we could practice sword swinging.".
Peter nodded.
"Sure." Peter replied.
Tommy smiled.
"Great! I'll go grab a practice blade!" Tommy said.
Tommy braced himself for impact as Peter swung Erebus down. The force of his arm sent shock waves shooting down the purple haired boy's arms and he felt himself slide backwards, his feet stinging against the stone of the garden pathway. Peter had been fairly quiet so far, with no small words of encouragement or tips to improve his strike or posture.
"Your serious about this, aren't you? If this was a true battle, I would have cut you down." Peter asked, readjusting his grip on his sword.
Tommy grimaced, stepping back to regain his stance. He ran a few steps and launched himself forward. Peter struck down again, pushing Tommy back, but he could feel a difference. For a split second, their swords locked in the air. For a split second, Tommy held his ground. Swords crashed together with sparks becoming lighting to their thunder. Tommy flipped the sword in his hand and inhaled sharply before attacking again. He sidestepped, propelling himself sideways to try to break through Peter's defense. He swung with all his might, and to his delight, the tip of his sword clanged against Peter's clothing, eliciting a sound of surprise. But, that joy was short lived as the pommel of Erebus came down square on his chest, knocking him clean off his feet and sent him skidding backwards.
Swallowing his pain, Tommy tentatively pressed down on his chest where he had been struck. It stung and would probably bruise a bit later, but he was certain that nothing was broken. Relief and disappointment rose up in him in equal measure. He had giving his all, but Peter certainly wasn't either. After a few moments, the throbbing pain in his chest eased and he turned on his heel, tightening his grasp on his sword.
"Alright, I think that's enough for right now." Tommy said.
Peter nodded.
"Alright, rest up." Peter said.
Tommy frowned.
"Is something the matter?" Tommy asked.
"Oh no, not at all. I was just thinking about what you said earlier." Peter replied.
"What about it?" Tommy asked.
"Exactly how much sleep did I cause you to lose because of my training? Thinking back, I recall how hard it was to get you up in the morning. Am I to blame?" Peter asked.
"No. While I did stay up to watch, it actually helped me sleep. It's soothing, somehow. I know it sounds weird, but watching you train always made me feel safe." Tommy replied.
"Really? Well then, that's a relief." Peter said.
Tommy nodded.
"Is something else on your mind? You look troubled." Tommy asked.
"Am I such an open book to you?" Peter asked.
"You had a look in your eye that you've always when your feeling bad." Tommy replied.
"I see... well, I suppose you are right. Sometimes being king means doing the right thing no matter what. But there are times when the burdens of ruling are too great." Peter said.
"Peter..." Tommy started to say.
"I never thought I'd tell you that. I always tried to shield you from such things. A sword is a strange, yet beautiful thing. Sometimes, just one swing of your blade can communicate more then a lifetime of words." Peter said. He then smiled and said "Anyway, the hour is getting late. Let's finish up so we can get some rest for tomorrow.".