Character Story 2: So That, One Day, We Can Both Protect Each Other

Scene: A mountain.

Rei has brought Yuuki to a tall mountain where few people ever go.

Yuuki
1. "What are we doing here?"

Rei
You followed me all this way without even knowing why? Honestly... It's hard to say whether that makes you foolish or incredibly brave...

Rei
You came with me without hearing any explanation, so I thought you must have already known what we were going to do.

Rei
We agreed to this earlier, didn't we? That I'd help train you. That's why we came here today, for training.

Rei
Today, I'll be your opponent. It's too dangerous to go out looking for monsters every time, so.

Rei
People rarely come here, so even if we're swinging our swords all over the place, it won't cause any trouble.

Rei
Now, raise your sword! First off, I want to get a feel for your fighting style, so come at me with all your strength.

Yuuki
1. Strike at Rei.

Rei
Hold on. Do you think you can fool me?

Rei
That attack just now was completely half-hearted.

Rei
Once you get to my skill level, just from crossing blades, you can tell if your opponent is holding back. I didn't feel any vigor behind your blade at all...

Rei
Are you holding back because your opponent is a person? I understand that you might be afraid of injuring me, but don't face me with such feelings.

Rei
Don't worry. With your current ability, no matter how you try, you won't be able to land a blow on me.

Rei
If you won't use your full strength, then we'll only be wasting time. If you really want to become stronger, then believe me, and give me everything you've got!

Yuuki attacks.

Rei
Good, just like that!

Rei
Now, I'm coming at you!

Rei
Even at your level, you should barely be able to defend against this attack! Watch my movements closely! From the side! From above! This time, from below!

Yuuki blocks the attacks.

Rei
You're pretty talented after all! Next, I'm going to speed up a bit!

Yuuki blocks the attacks again.

Rei
Hah... You defended well against all of them. It's a sign that your eyes getting used to this.

Rei
I'm surprised by how quickly you're improving. To me, that also means that my teaching is worth it.

Rei
Then, let's keep going!

Some hours later.

Rei
We're not done yet! Keep at me with as much as you can!

Yuuki
1. "Could we take a break...?"
2. "Here... Here it comes!"

Option 1.

Rei
Don't bring that weak stuff! From now on --

Option 2.

Rei
You've got guts! ... What's the matter? Can't muster any strength in your arm anymore?

End of branches.

Rei
Huh? It's already this time...!?

Rei
Sorry. I was having such a good time training with you, I guess I accidentally got carried away... Let's take a quick break.

Rei
Sparring for this long without even taking a break -- what was I thinking...

Rei
Hey... By any chance... Do you not want to train with me anymore?

Yuuki
1. "If it's to grow stronger, then I'm glad to."

Rei
... I'm surprised. I'd thought for sure that I'd only discouraged you.

Rei
Why do you feel that way?

Yuuki
1. "I want to quickly reach the point where I can protect you, too."

Rei
Is that right... Ha ha, you say some surprisingly lofty things. ... But I'm glad to hear you say it.

Rei
It's something that I hadn't even thought of up until now, the idea of being protected by someone else...

Rei
But the moment I heard you say that, it set me very much at ease.

Rei
... Once you become strong, then you'll protect me, won't you? In that case, allow me to protect you, too.

Rei
The two of us can cover each other's backs. That would be a wonderful partnership, wouldn't it?

Rei
In order to achieve such a thing, I also can't afford to bring anything but my best. Together, let's grow even stronger -- the two of us.

Rei
To that end, the only thing we can do is practice! Come on, let's start our training again!

The sounds of their clashing swords continued to echo, even into the depths of night.