I do not own Saber Rider or Seijushi Bismarck, don't sue me.
Chapter 3: Growing Up
"Come on, Sean. I know you can do better than this," Saber says nearly out of breath as he parries another attack.
"You try fencing with your non dominant arm, Rider and see how well you do," Sean retorts as he swings at his fencing partner wildly.
"Break!" Edward Rider calls and the two young men stop and remove their fencing masks, wiping the sweat from their brows. "Perhaps Mr. McCully has a point, Saber. You have an unfair advantage," his father states.
"You want me to fence left handed, sir?" Saber asks.
"Aye. That would at least give him a chance to practice without as much of a struggle."
"Then you should learn faster," Saber says in a teasing tone, looking to Sean. "It's not my fault you broke your good arm."
Sean rolls his eyes. "You think you're so special because you can beat me now that I'm not using my good arm. Well, that's not a fair advantage."
"You couldn't ask for leniency in battle, Sean. An enemy wouldn't care. In fact you'd be considered an easier target," Saber replies matter-of-factly. "But I'll give it a go left handed, if that makes you feel better," Saber adds with a smirk.
Edward Rider's com-link goes off. "You two practice for another hour, then break for the day. I need to take this," he says before turning and heading into the house.
Saber nods and looks to Sean, "Ready, McCully?" he asks as he puts his fencing mask back on.
Sean nods and places his mask back on his face, getting into a fighting stance. "Let's go."
Saber swaps his sword to his other hand and alters his stance to accommodate it. As soon as he is ready, Sean begins his onslaught. Saber parries him easily.
"I thought this would make it easier, you seem just as good this way as the other, Saber," Sean states in astonishment as Saber begins an offensive and he barely holds him off. "How can you be that bloody good left handed? It's not natural," Sean says as Saber backs him to the far end of the mat and disarms him, knocking Sean to his knees in the process.
"I have more free time than you, Sean," Saber replies as he offers his friend a hand up, and they go and remove their fencing gear.
"I assume you and Kelly will be going to Sincia's birthday party tomorrow?" Sean asks, with a hint of amusement, as the two sit down and drink water.
"You're not going?" Saber asks.
"She's not my fiance' why should I go?" Sean retorts, noting the look of disappointment on Saber's face.
Saber shakes his head. "I was hoping not to be stuck without anyone I can talk to. I can't rightly speak to Kelly, it could be seen as improper."
Sean laughs. "I could see it now, Sincia's parents being furious because you spoke to another noble girl, as if you'd do anything wrong. You're as straight as they come," Sean says with a grin.
"I at least know how to behave, unlike you," Saber quips.
"So just follow your girl around like a good boy, be polite, and with any luck, you can leave before the whole day is wasted,"Sean replies. "Of course if Kelly asks me to go, I will. I could play chaperone and who knows, I might could find me someone to get to know a little better."
Saber shakes his head. "You're hopeless, Sean. One day treating women like you do is going to be your downfall," Saber replies.
"But I'll die happy," Sean retorts with a grin before getting up and packing up his gear. "Well, perhaps you'll see me tomorrow."
Saber nods. "Aye, I'm hoping I will. Otherwise, it'll be a week before we talk," he replies.
"A week?" Sean asks looking up, as he closes his bag.
"I've got to go and take an exam. Evidently there are people from the Queen's Service looking at me as a possible candidate for admission."
Sean doesn't bother hiding his shock. "They're trying to recruit you?!" he asks.
"Aye. I didn't think it was legal, as I'm only sixteen. But evidently, they are willing to overlook my age, given my academic record," Saber replies. "They want me in their information securities division."
Sean shakes his head, "I'm sure your father is thrilled."
"Surprisingly, he was a bit hesitant, because of my age," he replies.
"Well, I'll see if I can come tomorrow. I doubt Kelly would complain if I come, so at least we could talk a little."
"Provided you promise to behave yourself," Saber adds with a smirk.
"Well, there goes that," Sean retorts and the two friends laugh. A few minutes later, Sean leaves and Saber goes into the house to get ready for the next day.
"Well, Saber, we leave tomorrow night to meet with the head of admissions," Edward says, eyeing his son for any sort of reaction.
Saber nods. "Aye, sir. I'm as prepared as I can be for whatever test they give me."
"That is all that I can hope for," his father replies. "I am sorry that you must report on your own."
"I understand. I will take Donatello, so I don't mind going alone," Saber replies. "Besides, this way, no one can say that you used your influence to even get me there, if you're not with me."
"Well, you know my feelings on the matter, Richard," his father says, emphasizing the use of his birth name.
"I do. And I know that even with your reservations, you expect me to do my best," Saber replies.
His father nods and sighs, "Aye. I am torn between wanting you to get in and wanting you to stay here another year."
"It would be a great opportunity for me to learn, father."
"Aye, I know, but if they decide they want you, you could be sent into battle..."
"We will face that when the time comes. No use in worrying over things that haven't occurred."
"Good luck, Saber. And I want you to know that I am proud of you, regardless of the outcome."
"Thank you, sir," he replies quietly. Then giving a brief nod, he mounts his steed and takes off towards the recruiting station.
