Character Story 7: Offer Only Valid Until Sundown
Scene: The countryside.
Rei and Yuuki are practicing as usual.
Rei
Mindlessly doing the same training over and over isn't a good way to go about it. So how about today, we try something new?
Rei
But what should it be...? ... All right. How does this sound?
Rei
If, before sunset today, you can land an attack on me, I'll carry out any one request you might have.
Rei
Having a reward like that will give you some extra motivation, right?
Rei
What? You don't have confidence in yourself?
Rei
It's true that, if I were to go all out, you would be defeated before you could land a hit.
Rei
Then, how about this? I won't counterattack. I'll just focus on defending against your attacks.
Rei
This way, you also have a chance of winning, right? Though, I do have confidence that I can hold out.
Yuuki
1. "Let's do it."
Rei
Ha ha, now you're all full of motivation. Then, let's start right away. You can start however you'd like.
Some time later...
Rei
Ha! Heh! Yah!
Clashing swords.
Rei
Those kinds of attacks aren't going to work! And if you don't focus more, then --
Rei circles around.
Rei
See that? I can easily catch you from behind.
Rei
If it weren't for the rule that I can't counterattack, it would be over now, see?
Rei
... Very good. Even coming up against abilities such as these, your expression says that you're not giving up. That kind of spirit is important.
Rei
Then, let's continue!
Some time later...
Rei
Is that all your strength? It's almost sundown. Just a little more time, and it'll be done.
Rei
You still haven't grazed me, and if it goes on like this, it'll be my victory.
Rei
It's great that you kept on going until the end. But if you keep on using your current techniques, you definitely won't be able to hit me.
Rei
Judging by the time we have left, this next attack will be your last chance. Then, come at me!
Rei
... What's this!? This is the most spirited you've been all day!
Rei
(But that isn't all. This fierce attack...?)
Rei
Could it be... you intend to overpower my guard?
Rei
A reckless, self-sacrificing attack... I see, you came up with this technique yourself. But it won't work on me!
Rei
Now that your sword's been deflected, you're wide open! Now, I'll end this!
Rei
... Ah, no, wait! I'm not allowed to counterattack!
Yuuki
1. "You're open!"
Rei
Huh...?
A slash.
Rei
Ah... You... got me?
Rei
Looks like I lost, huh... Because of how intense your last attack was, I instinctively began to counterattack.
Rei
Mm, excellent bladework.
Rei
But reckless attacks like that aren't good tactics. If you go on using fighting techniques like that, eventually, you'll end up in a lot of pain. Remember that.
Rei
Even if we were to end up winning the battle, if I were to lose a companion... If I were to lose you... Then that would be no victory at all.
Rei
If anything were to happen to you, I...
Yuuki
1. I'll be careful in the future.
Rei
As long as you've taken it to heart, I'll forgive you for this time.
Rei
Make sure you contemplate it well. For now, though, I suppose I owe you your reward.
Rei
As I promised, I'll do for you any one request you'd like. What do you want me to do?
Yuuki
1. "Too many things; I can't pick just one."
2. "I've got nothing."
Option 1.
Rei
Really, that many things? I'm a little scared of what you might pick...
Option 2.
Rei
That wouldn't do as a reward at all. You can choose whatever you want, so just say it.
End of branches.
Rei
But if you can't choose anything right away, then we also can do this later. You put in a lot of effort to get this, so I need to follow through on it.
Rei
Though I gave myself a handicap, it's still impressive that you managed to get me. You're steadily getting better and better.
Rei
I have high hopes for you. It looks like I have nothing to worry about; soon enough, I'll be able to count on you to watch my back, just like we promised.
Rei
Then, since it's getting dark soon, let's go back. Do you have some time afterwards? Would you like to go eat dinner with Hiyori and the others?
Rei
Because you've been devoting so much effort towards so many things, we thought that we should throw a dinner party in your honor.
On their way towards a joyous dinner party, Rei and Yuuki leisurely strolled along the road back to town.