“What kind of story?” Kari pipes up from the deck steps.


I can’t hide my excitement, a knight is going to share a story with me, and one about my own father! What else could one my age dream of? Outside of my own journeys, I would always wonder what my father was like in a battle.


“Well, what kind of story are you gonna share?” My father chuckles.


“How about how I got to be an elemental knight?” The knight replies without a second of hesitation.


“I didn’t have anything to do with that...” Father says.


“I would beg to differ.” The knight replies.


“So father helped you become an elemental knight?” I ask.


It seems for a moment that the men exchange glances. My father stands back. He seems to be fighting back his pride in the moment. His half straightened smile tells me everything.


“I want to assess just your swordplay.” The knight says as he takes place of my father in the training grounds.


“Alrighty. I am always down to get better.” I reply.


“Kasu is always so confident!” Kari exclaims for a moment before my father gives her the gesture to shush.


He’s right to. It is not a time to make jokes, in all honesty. I still want to know this story. Maybe he will tell it to us while I get my assessment. I must succeed.


“So, Who’s taking first swing, and what about that story?!” I ask abruptly.


“Maybe we should start with the story then. I don’t want to be focusing on two things at the same time, when not needed.” The knight speaks in a soft and calm tone.


“Alright, so, let’s hear it.” I say, trying to show interest, rather than come across as rude.


“Your father and I were both part of the same branch, a while back. He stayed, I moved up, but that’s the short version.” He starts. “Your father was the strongest on our team. We had fought many fights against different combatants and even assassins.” He continues.


“Uh, yeah, I didn’t mention the assassins.” Father chuckles nervously.


“He was actually appointed as a personal guard to the king, which is a very high honour. The king even tried to convince him to become an elemental knight, but he wanted to instead be home.” The knight explains. “He wanted to see what his kin would come to be.” He finishes.


“So, that brings us to now.” I say. “You’re telling me he sacrificed the glory to watch us become something?” I don’t understand, my voice tense.


“A legacy is what he’s watching. He’s taught you well, so far.” The knight laughs lightly.


“I am just trying to become what I’ve dreamed since I learned of my father’s role.” I say quietly.


He nods to me. I can’t help but have some excitement about the idea my father was such a high influence for an elemental knight. I know now, I have quite the past to try to exceed, even with what I already have come to know.


“So, let's get to assessing your skills.” The knight speaks softly.


He takes a defensive stance he has his sword drawn, it is clear he wants to see how I react to pressure. I match up to his spot, being directly across from him. I draw my own sword, not really used to these intense conditions for a spar. I nod to him.


“So, what is the win conditions considering we are using real weapons?” I ask.

“Well, lets go on the basis of first blood.” The knight says.


The idea sends a chill down my spine. I wouldn’t have ever thought to see such a term for winning. Let alone the cost it could be If I were to lose. I take a deep breath.


“Alright.” I nod with a sense of determination rushing through my veins.


We exchange looks for a moment. I channel my chi into my eyes, ready to observe how this knight will use his own chi. I cant afford to hold back.


With that, the air feels heavy. Tension even seeming to hit my sister and father as they get prepared to see what will happen when me and this knight spar. I slide my foot back, using my chi to prepare to sprint into action as fast as i can manage.


“Ah, nice eyes..” The knight says.


I spring forward, starting to swing my blade for his chest. I am met with his blade knocking mine upward as he goes to kick my gut. I shift my weight hardly dodging his kick. I turn and swing my blade down for his arms.


He twists out of the way of my blade, leaving some dust kicked up from his sheer speed. I can see his chi starting to build up in his body. I know now, he’s going to take me seriously and just start to show me just what an elemental knight is really capable of. I get ready to witness the true power of an elemental knight.


I build chi as quickly as I can as I can sense the intense power of the technique he plans on using. I immediately shift, my blade going horizontal. The knight swings for me. I raise my blade to block his strike and with an instinctive response, electricity flows into my blade.


The electricity bursts out, and down the knight's sword before he can pull it back. The reaction of the moment shows me just what I’ve come to understand in such a short time. Looking at me, the knight takes a knee with some surprise.


“So you’ve got a bit of elemental practice..” The knight mutters as he climbs back to his feet. “I won’t underestimate you again.” He adds.


With that I spin before I can see him build any chi, flinging a slash of electrical current to him. He quickly slides off to the side of it and chuckles with amusement. I go to retake my ready stance and before I can, his foot is planted in my ribs. The force of his kick sends me back, making my chest feel like static as I lose my breath.


I shakily fight for my breath as I look to him. He already is swinging his blade for my head. I hardly manage to bring my own sword to his to deflect his strike. Sparks fly as I spin and lunge for his legs.


He extends his hand and a blast of fire is quickly released. I twist from the path and let out a burst of chi, the flames moving along the side of the force I’ve emitted.


I slide to the side and swing a kick, aiming for his legs. It’s no longer a matter of training, but a matter of proving my skills. I quickly swing my sword which glows once again with electrical energy.


The knight staggers back. I finish the swing and launch another wave of electricity at him. I stumble from the force. A bright flash has me shield my eyes as I hear the knight yell.


“Did I..?” I start to ask as I look, seeing the knight’s body smoking from the impact.


“Yes, you’ve passed my assessment.” He mutters quietly.


“Does this mean she’s going with you?” Kari asks the knight as he gets to his feet.


“That’s right, she’s gonna be coming with me to join the academy for Elemental Knights.” He answers.


“Well done Kasu.” My father speaks. “Now you can pursue your dream.” He adds.


“So, I guess I’ve got some packing to do..” I look to them all. “Does this mean I get to train under you?” I ask the knight.


“My names Gunthar, and yes, you’d be studying under me until we found you a proper teacher.” He explains.


“A proper teacher?” I ask.


“Someone who deals with the lightning element like you do.” Gunthar explains.


I give a nod and head inside to pack. I walk straight for my room, shaking from a mix of adrenaline and excitement. I head into my closet and grab a duffel bag, I quickly toss together enough clothing for a week. I head back out to the yard with a small smile crossing my face.


“Looks like you waste no time, Kasu.” Gunthar says to me, his arms crossed.


“Well, yeah. I’ve dedicated my life to get to this opportunity, and I'm not about to let it go to waste.” I say firmly.


“I see. So you’re certain of this then?” He makes certain of my decision.


“Absolutely.” I answer.


“But, Kasu, doesn’t that mean we won't see you very much anymore?” Kari asks.


“Just when I’m off duty, I suppose.” I reply.


“Well, that’s part of the role.” Gunthar says, my father nodding in agreement.


“I see.” Kari says, her voice laced with disappointment. “If this is what you want, then I guess we’ll just have to be okay with it.” She adds.


“Oh sis, you know I’ll come by when I can.” I reply.


“So you won’t forget about us?” She asks.


“How could I ever forget my family? It’s the whole reason I want to become an Elemental Knight.” I explain.


“I guess that’s a good point..” Kari says, her voice trailing a bit.