No Need for Jerren and Ami (CH 6)

No Need for Jerren and Ami (CH 6)

Commissioned by: Segaman4

Written by: Danni Lynn

Word Count: 500 words

December 5th, 2023

Note: This commission was to write CH 6 in the preexisting story, "No Need for Jerren and Ami" by Segaman4, the author of that fanfiction series.

Jerren and Princess Sasami headed over to an old, abandoned training post. As Princess Sasami had told Jerren earlier, it had been the training grounds of the legendary Yosho. Maybe here, he would have a chance to learn more about his Master Key and be able to hone his sword fighting skills. If he had any sword fighting skills. He was still trying to wrap his head around this new development.

“Here we are!” Princess Sasami announced. She held her arms in the air with a big smile. She turned to Jerren. “Are you ready to show us what you got?”

Jerren rubbed his arm, nervous. “I guess so? Where are we going to train? Am I going to use the sword?”

Two guards who had escorted Jerren and Princess Sasami to the training post crossed the grounds and opened an old cabinet. Wooden practice swords, shields, and targets were stacked inside.

“I don’t want you cutting up my guards or yourself as you practice. I think a prop-sword will be a nice start,” Princess Sasami answered.

The guards collected three prop-swords and handed one to Jerren. Jerren took it, balancing the weight in his hands. It didn’t feel as lithe as the Master Key, but he was willing to try this out.

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Spar against one guard. I’ll let them take the lead.” Princess Sasami stepped away and went to sit under a tree. One guard, the tallest, held a sword in his dominant hand.

“Let’s practice slashing and blocking. It’s basic, but I want to see what you can do. Focus on blocking my hits,” the guard said. Without waiting for an answer, he raised his sword and advanced toward Jerren. Jerren scuttled back, raising his sword upright so the guard’s blade smacked against the flat of his.

“Ack! Okay, I guess we are starting—” Thwack!

The guard swung at Jerren again, balancing an array of short and wide-sweeping blows. Jerren’s whole arm vibrated as the swords struck and he had to use both hands to hold on tight. Jerren ducked and side-stepped, moving around the guard. He brought the sword up to block and waved it in retaliation, but his strikes had no power behind them.

“Quite green, are you?” the guard teased.

Jerren grimaced. Images of his favorite Star Wars movies burst into his mind. Epic lightsaber duels, fast-paced action… Whirling his blade, he struck at the guard, moving in a flurry of attacks. In the excitement, the second guard joined in, and a mess of strikes began to rain down on Jerren, pushing him back. Jerren began to lose ground as his feet slipped on the soft earth.

Jerren dropped to his knees and fell back onto his butt.

The guards stopped attacking and one held out a hand to help Jerren to his feet. He patted him on the back.

“Congrats, that’s a great start.”

“Way to go, Jerren!” Sasami cheered.