Kori gripped her sword tighter and gritted her teeth, charging at Xander with her blade ready to strike. She gasped as Xander swiftly struck back, knocking her on her back. A cough erupted from her as she tried to push herself back up. “Gah… damn…”
“Giving up so soon, Kori? I expect more of you. You are a princess of Nohr! Pick up your sword and try again,” Xander said sternly, pointing his sword towards her.
Kori looked down. “I…”
Kamui could see Corrin and Gunter coming up. Corrin had an intense look on his face as he folded his arms.
“We train like this to defend ourselves from our enemies. Father has been tracking your progress, and if you cannot knock me down today, you may never get a chance to leave.”
Kori gasped. “Wh-What!? You can’t be serious!”
“Motivated, are we? Then use that fire against me. Prove to me that this training has not been in vain, and that this illness was only a temporary setback.” There was a spark in Xander’s brown eyes. He believed in her. He always did.
A fire seemed to spark in Kori’s own eyes as she pushed herself up and steadied herself. She breathed in a few moments and closed her eyes. Silence filled the air as she seemed to focus.
Kamui could feel tension from the two. When would they strike? Who would make the first move? He held his breath.
After a moment, Kori’s eyes flung open, and she charged at Xander once again. Bronze clanged against bronze as the two exchanged blows. Wind whirred around the two, the last strike making them both skid back. Xander was a force to be reckoned with, but Kori’s stature made her more agile; something that she could take advantage of.
Xander took the charge this time, aiming a sweeping blow at her feet. Kori jumped and landed on the blunt weapon, pinning it. She looked up at her brother and gave him a grin. Within seconds, she swung her sword upward, a loud clunk echoing through the air from a strike to Xander’s chest plate. The impact sent him reeling back, sword knocked from his hand.
Kori took advantage of his lowered guard and grabbed his sword. She rushed at him, striking at his chest again from above with his own sword. She grinned when he staggered again, trying to catch his breath. Using her own sword, she swept his feet under him, knocking him on his back. She breathed heavily and dropped both swords, taking in the moment.
Xander caught his breath for a moment and sat up. “Well, I certainly didn’t expect you to disarm me,” He let out a chuckle. “Well done, little princess, you really took advantage of the situation.”
Kori smiled sheepishly and reached out her hand. “I learned from the best.”
Xander smiled back and took her hand, heaving himself up carefully. “Well, I didn’t teach you that part, but I would be certain your feet are well protected if you try again.”
“I will.” Kori tapped her fingers against her legs and shifted her gaze to Leo sheepishly before looking back at Xander.
