They started the next morning.

This time there was no drilling. Kayo had brought two bokken and had tossed one to him. Immediately he took a fight stance. Training with swords was new to him, although thanks to Alan and his vidgames Scott had some idea of moves…

This was nothing like the games.

For a beat they stood facing each other. Scott had his bokken held in his right hand, Kayo had a two-handed hold. He went straight in to attack mode, running at Kayo and with a powerful overhand slapped her bokken down and forcing Kayo to run backwards as he swung again. His strike was wide and she ducked under his arm and allowed Scott's momentum to cause him to pass her. She spun quickly and hit him rapidly.

Right kidney front then back, right calf as Scott turned, followed by left calf, top of his head as he looked down..

Kayo had moved so fast the only way Scott knew she'd moved was the pain…

Scott felt the top of his head. It smarted, but it gave him power. He charged at her again with that vicious overhand he had, only for her to hit under the raised arm front and his back. Again.

As Scott spun to his right to meet her Kayo had already spun in the opposite direction and with a final 'crack' hit him squarely across his back and the back of his head. Again.

Turning to face her once more they went through the cycle again.

And again.

And again.

Some mornings they would hike up one of the running trails and practice out in the open, using the trees as cover.

They always ended the same way. With Scott on the floor and Kayo's Bokken at his throat.

One morning Penny came across them fighting. She observed them from a distance until once more Kayo ended up kneeling over Scott. This time, though, Scott had twisted out from underneath and had spun Kayo to the ground and was kneeling over her. Her Bokken was still at his throat, though.

'Scott?'

'Penny?'

They sprang apart at Penny's concerned frown.

'Good morning, Kayo.'

'Good morning, Penny.'

Scott looked between the two women, confused. He felt like he was missing something…

'I didn't mean to interrupt you. I'll see you back at the villa.'

They watched Penny walk away. Scott still couldn't shake the feeling that Penny was disappointed somehow, but he didn't have much time to ponder that thought.

'Back to work, Scott.'

'I think that's enough for today.'

'Reapers in training obey their superiors!'

Scott sighed. It had been a lot to take in, a lot to do over the last couple of weeks, and he really needed to clear his head.

'It'll be fine, Kayo. I'll catch up with you later.'

It didn't escape Kayo's notice that he went in the opposite direction than Penny. She sighed deeply.

Maybe it was time to visit Brains…