Hello everyone! It's been way too long since I've posted anything. Long story short, too much work and not enough free time anymore.
That said, I've decided to start transcribing a story that I handwritten 15 years ago. I never completed it, but I still remember the details as if I were still in 9th grade. Best I start typing it out before the paper decides to just fall apart. I'm amazed the papers lasted for so long!
Anyway, this is a short chapter only because I wasn't sure how to transition out of this chapter's main point without making it seem forced. That and I learned from years of practice that long chapters aren't always the most desirable. Sometimes, less is more.
Hope you guys enjoy this first chapter of a 15 year old story!
Chapter 1
Sounds of battle echoed through the training hall. Two were locked in a fierce fight, neither one ready to back down. An impressive sight considering the instructor's level of experience and the student's lack thereof. Others simply watched in awe having long stopped their own training session. Some were even taking bets as to who would win. A majority sided with the instructor.
Swords clashed, sparks from the metal practice weapons making the exchange more threatening than it was. Streaks of color constantly flew about the room, executing defensive maneuvers and striking when appropriate. Green streaks danced an experienced offensive symphony counter to the blue's defenses. Many found themselves having to step back to avoid becoming an unintended casualty.
It was obvious both were getting tired. Nobody expected the fight to last the ten minutes it had. Even the instructor did not anticipate it, despite having trained his student since day one of being paired together. A pleasingly unexpected development that instilled within him a deep sense of pride. Though with experience came the upper hand, and he was sure the other would be the first to buckle from exhaustion.
Expectations, however, were made to be broken.
The instructor misread a defensive maneuver, not expecting the student to move towards the attack and thus crowd his space. This forced him to take a step back, temporarily leaving himself open to an attack. The student took advantage of this unexpected fluke and struck at the now exposed left leg. Forced to kneel, the instructor kept his weapon up to stave off any further attacks.
What he did not anticipate, however, was for the student to come down to his level and sweep his right leg from under him. The force was enough to throw off his balance, causing him to fall backwards with a grunt. It was instinct to shift his arms behind him to steady his fall, but the act caused him to lower his sword. Now left completely defenseless; he found himself the target of both a blaster gun and sword.
There was no coming back from this; not with both a gun and sword announcing their victory over him. The instructor lost.
Silence reigned over the training hall. The only sounds left were the panting of the two combatants. Most of the onlookers did not expect this outcome; a well-trained instructor taken down by a recruit only a few months into his training. It should not have happened, yet here they were bearing witness to the event.
"Well done," the instructor congratulated. His deep voice still ragged from exhaustion. "You show a lot of promise for one so new to the program. I dare say your skills match those recently inducted to the Maverick Hunter squad."
The student reconfigured his blaster back to a normal hand. He then said while helping the instructor to his feet, "Thanks, Castus. I think I still have a lot to learn, though, before I can even start considering myself a Maverick Hunter. You had me on the ropes more times than I care to admit."
Castus laughed. "And you think you didn't do the same to me? I was struggling to keep up with your evasive maneuvers. It seemed as though you were aiming to tire me out; though I couldn't be sure since you kept executing well-timed counters and follow-ups. You kept me guessing about your intentions. Not an easy thing to do when trying to maintain your position throughout the fight."
The other shrugged. "I just did what you taught me. Observe the enemy's movements and adapt accordingly."
"Ha, you make it sound so easy, X! It usually takes a good while for one to learn how to properly read another's movements. And don't even get me started on pulling effective battle adaptations. You took to both like a fish in water! Trust me when I say you have exceptional battle capabilities."
X's face turned red from the unexpected praise. "Th-Thank you. It helps I have a good instructor, too."
The training hall was suddenly abuzz with activity. Instructors and students alike were exchanging monies from bets made; most were grumbling at having lost in a supposedly obvious outcome. Yet there was no denying the newfound sense of respect, and even envy from some, at having witnessed a recruit already so talented in combat. No doubt it would be the main topic of conversation for days to come.