The healer stared at her, dark brown eyes narrowing as his ears twitched. "I am adequate," he answered carefully. "But I can admit I do not know the finer points of the craft. I can usually defend myself against a less skilled opponent and have been lucky enough not to face a more skilled one."
She scoffed and shook her head. "That will change. Starting tomorrow, you will begin training with a weapon again. You may hire an assistant to take over for the mornings."
"My Lady, surely you're joking! I am no swordsman, I am a healer! I do not hurt people, I help them!"
"You will do as I say," she said quietly, staring him down. "I have no use for you otherwise. You mornings, until midafternoon, will be spent with the Head Swordsman, training. Your evenings will be spent in your hospital, doing whatever it is you do when you have no one to heal." She almost softened at the look of consternation and helpless fury in those dark eyes of his, but continued. "If it becomes necessary, you may hire as many as you need to assist you. I understand full well that training is no easy feat, especially when one is set in their ways."
Atsuki, almost beyond caring at this point, glared at his Lady. "You will explain to me at least, why this is necessary. You owe me that much."
Fuiasu raised a brow and let her yōki flare, easily squashing his own. "I do not owe you anything, rabbit. I am your Lady and it is your duty to do as I say; you would do well to remember that." Looking away from him, she nearly sighed as the memory of the vision flashed before her eyes again. "However, there will come a time when you will be needed. I do not know how far off that time is, but it is coming and I would have you prepared."
He wanted to protest, especially at the cold way she reminded him of the different levels of their respective stations. But the way she said it, that he would be needed, stopped him and he couldn't help but to wonder what for and for whom. "Very well, My Lady."
o.O.o
Word Count - 376