Gabriel blocked and parried. He advanced, deflected, and lunged – keeping up with his opponent. The clank of the swords grew louder as the two swordsmen dueled, unaware of their gathering audience. Gabriel finally went on the offense, his sword slicing through the air. With a twist of his wrist, he was able to disarm his opponent. He swept both of his opponent's feet before raising the sword above his head to strike the killing blow, but instead of making contact with his sparring partner, he stopped the downward slope of his sword a good centimeter from his opponent's head. "Yield," Gabriel said proudly.
"I yield," Gabriel's combatant said. He then stood to his feet as he and Gabriel faced each other and gave the other a respectful bow. "Great job, Gabriel," his partner said as he pulled the helmet off his head in a smooth motion. "Your footwork has greatly improved."
"Thanks," Gabriel said excitedly as he too took off his helmet. He stared wide-eyed at his black-haired brother, eager for his praise. "You bested me," his brother continued as he began taking off pieces of his sparring armor.
"Yeah," Gabriel said, his face grim. "But you were using just one sword. A practice sword."
"Enjoy the win, Gabriel. You are a true swordsman, regardless of what the others say. You've more than earned the right to be called a swordsman."
"But the only reason I beat you is because you were using a one practice sword instead of the two jians you usually use," Gabriel pulled his fingers through his sweaty, blonde hair.
"I am the best swordsman on the planet. The fact that you beat me in this type of setting is a wonder in and of itself. You need to be proud of your accomplishments and growth. You went from not knowing the difference between a sword and spear to beating me in a sparring match."
"Yeah," Gabriel scoffed as they began gathering their discarded items that were scattered about. "I beat you once out of 2,598 times."
"Okay, you have to stop keeping track of things like that."
"Just tell me honestly," Gabriel looked at his brother. He stared into his brother's silver eyes. "Were you trying?"
"Yes," his brother said firmly. "Gabriel, I'm offended you would even ask. You think I would take it easy on you just so you could win and feel better about yourself? That's what you think of me?"
"Michael, no," Gabriel immediately felt guilty. He didn't mean to offend his oldest sibling. Michael's face hardened as he crossed his arms over his broad muscular chest. "I just mean…I beat you."
"Yes, you did. Believe it or not, I'm just as shocked," Michael said as he shook out his wings, stretching them.
"You weren't using your dominate hand, were you?" Gabriel questioned again.
"I don't have a dominate hand, Gabriel. J am…how some cultures say…ambidextrous. Relax," Michael said giving his brother a friendly but firm slap on the back. "Anyway, hurry and get cleaned up. The sun is setting. The feast will begin soon. You don't want Lilah to catch you looking like…" Michael moved his hand up and down, gesturing to Gabriel's entire body.
"I know. I know," Gabriel said as he freed his wings and stretched them. He looked at his white ones. Then he looked at Michael's large black ones. There really was no comparison. Michael's wings looked better than his. Everything about him was better than Gabriel. Michael was taller; Michael had shiny, long black hair; Michael had silver eyes; and the doublex angels flocked to him in droves. "I can literally hear you mentally comparing yourself to me," Michael studied his brother.
"I can't help it," Gabriel said with a sigh.
"Excuses," Michael accused. "Look, I know I am a glorious creature to behold." Gabriel rolled his eyes at his brother's playful boasting, "I cannot help it. Some of us are just created more gorgeous than others." Gabriel threw a sweaty cloth at his brother's face. "In all seriousness, Gabriel," Michael said, taking a more serious tone. "you have to stop comparing yourself to others." He lay a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "It will do you know good." Gabriel's expression fell. "Look," Michael tried again. "I will not pretend that I know what it is like to be the youngest of eight, as I am the first. I know it feels like you are always being overshadowed by our accomplishments." Gabriel couldn't argue with that. Michael was always good at reading and catching the smallest, most minute details. "I just want a chance to prove myself. Strike out on my own."
"I know." A slow grin formed on Michael's face. "Be at the feast tonight," Michael said as his wings began to beat, lifting him from the ground. "I promise you - you will not regret it."
"Tell Lilah I will be there. Now let me go so I can prepare."
"Later, brother," Michael said before taking off at lightspeed. Gabriel sighed as he watched his brother fly away. Michael was so cool. Why couldn't I be as cool as Michael? he thought with a sigh as he took off.