The Monster Tamer

Chapter 15: Weapon of Choice (1)

Like promised, some time after breakfast I will take the test that Sasha prepared. I was actually curious as to what the test would be after taking the test for the long range weapons. As I recall, Sasha leads the group that are short range based.

'Does that mean we are going to use weapons like axes and sword.' I wondered to myself.

Sasha was leading the way back to the training grounds while Stephen and Devon were walking with me at either sides. I was feeling a little awkward being sandwiched by these two guys along the way.

"Are you curious on what weapons you are going to use?" Devons asked with a care free smile.

"Well… a little." I said out of curiosity.

"Well in practice there will be wooden weapons to choose from, like daggers, spears, swords and the likes." Devon explained. "I for one use an unsharpened big axe for practice, that is because I use an axe like special weapon."

"Does that mean I need to choose a weapon similar to what I will be having?" I asked.

"You can choose whatever you like in practice." Stephen was the one to answer. "But I suggest you use what you think will be the best for you." I nodded in reply.

We arrived in the training grounds and Sasha walked towards where the wooden weapons were placed. She got a long wooden stick and swung it skillfully. I was in awe seeing her handle the wooden stick so gracefully.

"Ohhh… she is serious." Devon said while his eyes were glued to Sasha. "You better be ready." He whispered towards me.

I was confused on what Devon just said and looked at Stephen for answers.

"Sasha uses a special weapon similar to a long stick." Stephen replied to my silent question. "That just means she won't go easy on you."

I looked at Sasha who was starting to warm up. She looked at my direction and waved at me.

"Come Claudia…" Sasha called. "Pick a weapon here."
I jogged towards her direction and looked at the wooden weapons that were stacked neatly by the side. There were wooden spears, daggers, knives, and swords. There were also leather whips blunt axes. The weapons for training comes in different shapes as well.

"So, what fancies you." Sasha whispered by my side.

I looked over the training weapons and my eyes caught attention on a wooden sword. It was like those that are used for kendo classes. Not that I have seen one in person but I have seen it in televisions shows in the past.

My curiosity with the wooden sword made me reach for it. I took it out from the pile of other wooden swords. The textured amazed me and I was swinging it without knowing.

"So you are choosing a wooden sword?" Sasha asked. "Have you learned kendo in the past."

"Not really." I said truthfully and smiled at her. "But I want to try it out."

"If that is your choice then let's go." Sasha smiled warmly.

Sasha and I walked at the center of the training grounds. Like the test just a while ago, many warriors swarmed around us to watch. I felt pressured with the gaze of these people all over me.

"Don't mind them." Sasha said. "Just focus on me and our match." She said while twirling the wooden stick in her hand.

Sasha was in position and made a hand gesture that she is ready and come at her. She had a smile on her face and I can feel she was excited with our match.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and also got into position. It was my first time holding a wooden sword but I let my body's instinct take over. When I opened them, I have completely given my body to my instinct.

Sasha was letting me have a head start as she was waiting for me to make the first move, and so I took a step forward and rushed towards her. I swung my wooden sword at her and she was able to block my attack easily.

I was getting a hand using the wooden sword and was able to make swift slashes. Sasha on the other hand was able to defend every attack I throw at her. Our exchange of blows was both exciting and thrilling that a smile crept on my face.

Sasha was also swift is twirling her wooden stock. I can see how skillful she is on using it. I was having a hard time blocking her counter attacks but at the same time thrilled that I was able to do so.

I do not know how long we were trading attacks but it felt a long time for me. I am sure that Sasha was also having a good time, seeing that she had a smile on her face. But of course we cannot prolong the match for that long. There should be a clear winner in this fight and I also do not want to lose.

My eyes were not only focused on her every attack, but also searching for an opening. At first Sasha's every move was flawless and we were exchanging blows. We were evenly match in my amazement, thinking that this was my first time holding a wooden sword as a weapon. But my body was moving purely on instinct and was able to match Sasha every move. And not long I was able to find an opening.

'She is getting slower.' I thought while watching her movements.

After exchanging blows with each other for some time now, Sasha's movements were starting to slow down for a fraction of a second. She has a slight pause after taking my attack and before she makes a counter attack. This was the opening I was waiting for.

My next attack was planned. I swing my sword near her left shoulder that she was able to defend from. My wooden sword bounced from the parry and Sasha was readying for her counter attack. Rather than hold my stance and defend for her counter attack, I rotated my body counterclockwise and used my leg to trip her. I used the fraction of a second opening and made a surprise attack on her.

Sasha was caught by surprise but was able to jump on instinct. But she was late for a millisecond because my feet was able to make contact on hers. She lost balance and I did not hesitate to use the opportunity to swing my sword at her.

Sasha was still alert and was able to parry my latest attack, but her body was already off balance and was falling back wards. I was surprised that she was able to break her fall by using her hands and athletically somersaulted away. Of course I did not want to loose this chance I've got and rushed toward her. By the time she landed on her feet, she was met with the tip of my wooden sword on her throat.

"You… you're fast." Sasha said while catching her breath.

"I can say the same for you." I said while panting.

"Hehe… hahaha." Sasha laughed out loud. "I loose. Damn girl, I knew you've got talent." She stretched her hand for a handshake.

"Thanks." I replied with a smile. I took her hand gladly in mine and shook it.

"So… where would you like to join?" Sasha said with twinkling eyes towards me.

"I… am not quite sure yet." I said, scratching my head awkwardly.

"Why not choose a weapon first." Stephen said while clapping his hands.

I then just realized that the other warriors that were watching were now applauding us. I felt shy being the center of attention suddenly.

"That's right." Devon said. "Choosing a weapon will also be like choosing the group you want to be in."

"Then that means I am really in?" I said with excitement.

"Like I said, you already passed the test before." Stephen said with a warm smile. "That just leaves us to you choosing your weapon of choice. Come, follow me."

Stephen lead the way. I followed him feeling elated that I was able to pass the test to join the warriors.

Edited by: nalyn