Morning came cold and bright. The sun rose over the mountain range, painting the peaks in gold. Alex and Saeko stood by the frozen lake where they had bathed. Steam still rose from the water's surface, but the air was sharp and clean.
They had eaten breakfast in silence—bread, cheese, cold meat—and then, without a word, they had walked to the clearing by the lake's edge. Alex drew his magic gun. Saeko drew her katana. The wind stirred around her, ready.
She looked at him. "No sword?"
"No sword."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're holding back."
"I'm training you."
She did not argue. She attacked.
---
The first exchange was over before it began.
Saeko closed the distance in a breath, her katana a silver arc aimed at his shoulder. Alex did not dodge. He raised his gun and fired.
Crack-hiss.
A wind bullet. It was not aimed at her. It exploded between them, sending a shockwave that pushed her back. Her feet skidded on the frost-covered grass. She recovered instantly and came again.
