The familiar sound of a wooden staff cutting through the air at high speed echoed as Yui advanced towards me, the padded tip of her training spear about to strike. Sensing the danger, I shifted my weight to the left foot and spun my body, narrowly avoiding the thrust. I could feel the rush of air as the spear passed inches from my face. My heart raced, and a twinge of panic surged through me as Yui, without wasting time, continued to wield her spear in a horizontal sweep. Reacting on instinct, I leaned my body agilely backward, arching my back into a backbend as I felt the spear's point dangerously close; the narrow margin between safety and danger feeding a constant flow of adrenaline in my blood.
Yui: "What...?"
Surprised, Yui hesitated for a moment at an evasive move she didn't expect. This is my chance! Still with my back arched backward, I planted my hands on the ground and raised my left leg in a swift kick, executing a back walkover, my legs forming a fluid arc as I moved away. At the peak of the movement, my extended foot made contact with Yui's shoulder, generating an impact that pushed her back slightly. It wasn't a powerful kick, but it was enough to create some distance and momentarily disrupt Yui's rhythm.
Seizing the brief moment of her confusion, I resumed my fighting stance. I need to be careful; her weapon is a spear, and she knows how to use the extra range advantage it gives her. I need to try to get close... Determined, I attempted to close the distance, advancing on her as quickly as I could. Anticipating that she would try to counterattack, I dodged her strike by throwing myself to the ground and sliding towards her in a split, ending with one of my feet right between her legs. Once again, Yui was caught off guard by my unexpected movements, and I took the opportunity to spin my body on the ground, sweeping one of her legs and causing her to fall to the ground as well.
With both of us on the ground, Yui abandoned the spear and attempted to draw her short sword, but as she was still recovering from the fall, disarming her was relatively easy, and soon her sword was out of her reach. The fight quickly became about who could immobilize the other first on the ground. After some frantic movements, I ended up in a complicated position, but I found an opportunity in it. I managed to trap her by arching my back around her neck and using my rear leg to choke her, as if I were doing a needle split stretch, with her neck fitting into the gap formed between my back and my leg.
Yui: "Ahh, what the heck... do you even have bones in your body anymore?"
Kaimmy: "I-I... it's just that..."
Mei: "Hahahahaha! I guess that means today's victory goes to Kaimmy! Yui, don't talk like that; look, she's totally at a loss for words. Plus, if she keeps blushing like that, she'll turn into a tomato soon."
Yui: "Indeed, the way she is, I wouldn't doubt it. But, Kaimmy, those were impressive moves! You were so unpredictable that I had no idea what your next move would be, always attacking from the most unexpected angles possible."
Kaimmy: "Ahahahaha... th-thank you... Ayako taught me some tricks..."
Yui: "And also, I couldn't break free at all... you're getting really good at this using your aura to strengthen your body thing! Even though I tried to do the same, it wasn't enough to surpass you."
Kaimmy: "I-I think that's my strong point, but on the flip side, I can't properly coat objects with my aura yet..."
Yui: "Don't worry, it's just a matter of time; a few more weeks, and you'll have it down!"
Mei: "Humm, I wonder if Ayako would teach me some of those tricks? Your moves were really good, to the point where I want to learn too."
Kaimmy: "Well... she'd definitely teach you if you asked, but be prepared to go through some hellish stretching sessions..."
Mei: "Eh? Well... I think I'll think a bit more about it, hahaha.... You know, I saw a bit of the training she put you through; I don't think I have the courage to go through the same. Yup, good luck with her training!"
***
A few days have passed since Yuki's confession. During this time, I have been trying to get closer to him and the other dojo students. I feel like I don't interact with them enough, so I've decided to be a bit more proactive and approach them on my own. The earlier fight was a result of that. Now, I need to think of a way to get closer to Kaelan... He joined this because of his daughter, right? Maybe I can use that as a way to strike up a conversation and get closer... Looking around, I found Kaelan staring at a training sword in his hand with a thoughtful look. After hesitating a bit while fidgeting with the hem of my uniform, I finally gathered the courage and decided to try to start a conversation.
Kaimmy: "U-uhh... hi, Kaelan," I stammered, my eyes wandering randomly around the surroundings.
He looked at me, and soon a warm smile spread across his face.
Kaelan: "Hey, Kaimmy! What's up?"
I struggled to find the right words, my shyness making it difficult to articulate my thoughts.
Kaimmy: "I, um, I was thinking... I mean, thought maybe we could, you know, talk?"
Kaelan laughed, a friendly glint in his eyes.
Kaelan: "Sure! I'm always up for a good chat. What's on your mind?"
I hesitated, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
Kaimmy: "I... I don't want to seem too distant from everyone. I thought maybe I should try talking more."
Kaelan leaned against a training dummy, assuming a casual posture.
Kaelan: "That's great, Kaimmy! It's good to open up once in a while. So, what do you want to talk about?"
Kaimmy: "I... I heard you have a daughter. That must be really nice."
His eyes immediately lit up.
Kaelan: "Yes, I do! She's so tiny, but she's my whole world. Being a dad is an adventure in itself, you know?"
Kaimmy: "I can imagine."
Kaelan: "Hey, don't be so shy; I don't bite," he said as he patted my hair with his hands, making me even redder than I already was.
We continued chatting for a while, and Kaelan proved to be quite sociable, managing to make me feel at ease. He knew the right time to compliment me, giving me a bit more confidence in myself
Kaelan: "You know, Kaimmy, I've been watching your movements during the training. You're so graceful, like a little dancer. My daughter is very young, but I hope she grows up to be as elegant as you."
Kaimmy: "Oh, well... Thank you. I mean, I've been trying really hard, you know..."
He laughed warmly.
Kaelan: "Well, your best is quite impressive. Keep it up, alright?"
As we talked, Kaelan shared funny stories about his daughter, bringing a genuine smile to my face. His eyes sparkled as he spoke, and I couldn't help but notice that he was the 'doting father' type, with genuine love and pride in his voice.
By the end of our conversation, I felt a bit more comfortable. Kaelan had a way of making me forget my shyness, at least for a while. As we said goodbye, he gave me an encouraging pat on the back. I walked away with a slightly lighter heart, grateful for deciding to get closer to the students at the dojo. Operation 'strengthen bonds,' accomplished!