Cradle to Grave

''

86, eyes

The fist comes flying out of nowhere.

It is a scant three seconds but I have ample time to reflect that that is not part of the Luudo formation; we have not rehearsed this!

Then stars explode in my face and I am flying across the training room, landing painfully on my tailbone.

The laughter burns my ears.

"Sorry about that, Oafy-Wan," Bruck's voice says. My sight clears sufficiently to see his hand stretching out to me. His eyes are smirking down at me.

I smile and take his help. "No problem at all." And I blacken both his eyes.

''

Thanks very much TriGemini, Ann Jinn, Live Fast Die Never, and Fialleril for all your kind and thoughtful reviews!