Delphigirl689: Here's the next part, with Kairi's last test with Lightning to graduate from the fencing school.

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(Lightning's POV)

This new student of mine is more incredible than I thought.

In less than a month, she's mastered two levels of fencing while Hope is still working on mastering one.

Kairi, the fastest learner I've ever come across in all my years of fencing.

I hope to see her master the final level.

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(Kairi's POV)

Here I am…the locker room getting ready for one of the most difficult tests I've ever had to face.

My goal is to defeat Lightning in a one-on-one match with the Épée.

If I can do that, I'll be deemed worthy of graduating from the Éclair Fencing Camp.

I'm sure I can do it, but I can't help feeling nervous.

You can't blame me for it; I am going up against the person teaching me this stuff.

But I remembered why I started this in the first place; to help protect my friends.

I took a deep breath, and walk to the salle, ready for my test.

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(Third Person POV)

Kairi walked towards Lightning with a serious expression on her face.

Lightning returned the look and asked, "Are you ready?"

The auburn haired girl nodded, put on her mask, and readied her weapon.

Her teacher did the same, "Remember, this is not an average fencing match; you are really fighting me. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" she asked again.

"I am, Lightning. I've come too far to back down now." Kairi replied, her violet-blue eyes blazing with intensity.

"Very well," Lightning said with her Épée in hand, "Allez!"

With that the fight began, Lightning using a raddoppio to attack.

Kairi quickly retreated and countered with a passé, followed by a neuvieme and an attaque au fer.

Lightning blocked with a beat parry and performed a riposte.

The younger fighter did a displacement and a counter-parry, and then tried a croisé, only to be blocked again.

The teacher and student continued their fight, but neither wanted to quit.

"You certainly…have quite the heart…Kairi," Lightning puffed, "You're able to last this long in a round with me."

The teenager panted, "I have to…if I don't…I'll never be strong enough…"

The fight went on and on with the ringing of their Épées filling the arena.

As Lightning and Kairi kept up with each other, the other students and trainers watched in amazement.

They had never seen the head trainer in such an intense battle before.

Kairi used nearly every move she had been taught, but it still wasn't enough to beat Lightning.

"It seems we have reached an impasse." Lightning stated.

"Maybe so," Kairi replied, "But that doesn't mean I have to stop! En garde!"

She then ran towards her opponent with the ferocity of a lioness on the hunt.

Lightning wasn't expecting such a reckless attack and almost didn't block it.

That didn't stop the Princess of Heart from continuing; it only made her moves quicker.

In the midst of all that, Lightning realized her student was fighting with a style all her own; just what she needed to do.

Then the battle was finished with Kairi knocking Lightning's weapon out of her hand; she had won!

Everyone was shocked; including Kairi herself.

Lightning removed her mask and said, "Congratulations, Kairi, you've beaten me. But do you know how?"

Kairi was confused, "How did I, Miss Lightning?"

The trainer smiled, "By finding your own fighting style."

"M-my own style?" Kairi replied.

Lightning nodded, "You see, anyone can copy another's style, but a true warrior develops their own."

Kairi sheepishly rubbed her head, "Well, I did throw in some moves from rhythmic gymnastics."

"That's good, but you've only just begun," Lightning warned, "You've got a lot of work to do before you finally master your style."

"How will I know when I've mastered it?" Kairi asked.

Lightning rested a hand on her shoulder and said, "Go as far as you can. When you've hit your limits, push past them, and then keep striving; you will know when the time has come."

She approached her student and reached out her hand for a handshake, "I know you'll do great, Kairi."

The teenager, with watery eyes, gave her instructor a big hug, which caught Lightning by surprise.

She had never been hugged by a student before, but it felt so nice and she returned it happily.

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(Kairi's POV)

I left the fencing school feeling better than I had in a long, long time.

I was finally closer to where Sora and Riku are, and soon I'll be the one rescuing them.

All that was left to do was practice.

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Delphigirl689: Looks like Kairi's on her way! Sorry the fight scene is a bit sloppy, I'm not too good a writing them. Read and Review!