Delphigirl689: Hello, everybody! I'm back! And I've noticed some very nice reviews have been left behind with some very helpful suggestions! So this Chappie is dedicated to darksoulrose and LittleKing9512! Enjoy!

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(Kairi's POV)

It was eight o'clock in the morning, and I couldn't have been more awake!

Excitement almost kept me up the night before, but with help from Naminé I succumbed to the sanctity of sleep.

Kingdom Hearts knows I needed it, because this was the day I'd start my swordsmanship training!

I ate a good breakfast, got myself prepared and sped out the door, saying quick goodbyes to my parents as I left.

I ran so fast, if Sora and Riku were here I know I would be leaving them in my dust.

I stopped in front of the building with the sign Éclair Fencing Camp and walked through the door, unaware of what I was in for.

Right in front of me were two figures dressed in white fencing suits in the middle of a match.

I could tell one of them was a female… and she was winning!

The sight was so breathtaking…

Each motion was so graceful…so refined.

It was like watching a beautiful dance unfurl right in front of me.

Then, in the blink of an eye, it was over.

"Fin! Winner Farron!" the referee shouted.

The woman took off her mask, revealing her semi-long, light pink hair and teal eyes.

Her opponent did the same, showing a young man with short gray hair and icy green eyes.

"Not bad, Hope," the lady said to the boy, "You do have a long way to go to be an expert swordsman, though."

"Thanks, Lightning!" Hope replied, "Next time you test me, I'll be even stronger!"

"I'll hold you to that. Now, go on home, that's all for today." Lightning said and her student saluted her and left to get changed.

She then noticed I was there and asked, "Can I help you?'

I was shocked for a minute, then found my voice and said, "Yes, my name is Kairi and I'm here to learn how to fence."

"Then you've come to the right place," Lightning replied, "But this isn't something you can just jump into. It takes strength, dedication, stamina, strong will, and, most importantly, heart. Without it there's no point in trying."

That response stunned me and she shoved her face in mine, looking directly in my eyes.

Lightning narrowed her eyes as she looked me over, circling me like a vulture.

After a minute or so, she stated, "You've got a lot of spirit, but your body is under toned. Have you had any athletic experience? Dance, perhaps?"

"Uh, I took a beginner's dance class some years ago, and just last year I joined the rhythmic gymnastics team at school." I answered.

"Hmm," she mused, "That's not bad to do; great for building stamina and agility. But you have little, if any, experience in swordplay."

"Well, that's why I'm here; to get experience," I said, "I want to learn how to fight!"

Lightning seemed really curious about my interest in fighting, "Really, now? I'm not sure what your reasons are, but I'll teach you."

I automatically lit up at her words and said, "Oh, thank you, Miss Farron!"

"Now, don't get too excited. The only way you'll get my approval for graduating is if you beat me one on one in a match." She informed me.

But this didn't drag me down.

If anything it made me more determined than ever to get started.

"That's fine with me, Ma'am," I replied, "I'll be the hardest working student you've ever had!"

She chuckled at me and smiled slightly, "You probably will, Kairi; so much that you could give Hope a run for his money."

"So, could we get started now?" I asked eagerly.

Lightning then laughed loudly, "Okay, the women's changing area is down the hall, first door on the right. There are fresh uniforms just waiting to be practiced in. Find one that fits snug and come back here for training."

"Yes, Ma'am, I'll be right back." I answered and a rushed to the changing area and, after several tries, I found the perfect fit and went to rejoin my new teacher.

"Here I am!" I called, "Ready to go!"

"Very well," She replied, "We'll begin with the Foil, once you've mastered that we'll move on to the Sabre, and the Épée after that."

"Right, I'm ready, Ma'am!"

"Please don't call me 'ma'am', it makes me feel old." She told me, "My name is Claire, but I prefer to go by 'Lightning'."

"Okay, Lightning," I said, "I'm ready when you are."

Lightning grabbed two foils and handed me one saying, "Since this is your first time, I'll just show the basic maneuvers and you can mimic me, alright?"

I nodded and waited for her instructions.

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That evening…

I am soooo exhausted!

Two hours of mimicking Lightning's moves followed by another two repeating what I mimicked.

I knew it wasn't going to be easy…but I never imagined it would be this hard.

Learning how to fight is not what I expected it to be.

But if it meant helping Sora and Riku with whatever fate had in store, it was worth it.

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Delphigirl689: That's it for this chapter. Read and review pretty please!