Pretty Boy Psycho

“Geordie. Charlie. Centre.”

“Here we go,” groans Charlie as he takes up his practice sword. “Thanks a lot Hotaru.” He’s never going to forgive Hotaru for making him a field agent.

I stand with Danny to observe this fight like Master Hugo told us to. I wonder if I ought to be taking notes. Too bad I left my satchel in my room. Wonder what I’ll be made to do after this fight. Somehow I don’t think I’ll get away with simply practising defence stances any longer.

“Begin,” calls out Master Hugo.

Geordie smirks. “You first Charlie boy.”

Charlie aims with his usual move straight for the throat. Only at the last second, despite Geordie keeping his cool watch, he misses a viper switch which results in Charlie’s practice sword curving downwards for the stomach. Before Geordie can steady himself he’s been struck a second time in the same place. A third whack is on the cards but three times is too much for Geordie; he forces a blow to defend himself. They clash swords.

Bash bash bash.

Getting cut from logistics has let loose an animal within Charlie’s soul. He’s going for it like he always does but this time he is calculated rather than random. Knows exactly what he’s doing, gives as harsh as he gets, full of attack with a splash of defence. That splash of defence wins him the round.

“Time!” yells Master Hugo when blood drips from a cut Geordie took to the cheek. “Have you been holding back on me lad?”

“The arena is barbaric.” Charlie throws his sword to Danny. “Striking out at random is a sure fire way to be overlooked.”

“Holding back that’s a real dirty stunt to pull. I’ll be ready for you next time. I‘m ready now. In a real fight you wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Ot-oh Geordie’s losing his temper. Chunk senses his temper brewing and swoops in front of Charlie, stamping at the ground, blocking him from leaving the centre of the arena.

“What a start,” musters Master Hugo as Hotaru prances over to defend Charlie.

“I don’t want you.” Charlie shoves at Hotaru. “I don’t want any of this. You can quit throwing your weight about too.” He side steps round Chunk, picks up his satchel, and leaves down the slope.

“Right someone needs a chill out session. Geordie, Danny practice together.” After those words Master Hugo beckons to me with his sword.

When my friends are busy duelling I stand in the trees with Master Hugo. Odd. I wonder what in the world he could want. From within his sleeves, Master Hugo takes out a couple of switchblades. “Attacking isn’t your battle style. How about this for a strategy? Let yourself get caught in a tight place then,” he pushes the hilt’s switches and whoosh shiny sharp blades smile at us, “your enemies are dead.”

“You want to me to get caught?”

“I want you to use what you’ve got.”

“Which is what?”

“How many Thunders has Danny killed?”

“None.”

“Charlie?”

“Zilch.”

“Geordie?”

“Zero.”

“And Corey?”

“One. Sad. He was going to torment Geordie so I…”

“Please continue.”

I take a switchblade from Master Hugo. Give a jab. “Did that through his back. He had no idea I was there.”

“You’re relief all right. Wish I’d have been there to see Geordie’s reaction. You run, you hide, you sleuth in there and take them down without being seen or heard. Get caught you switch ’em.”

“How do I switch them?”

“That’s what I’m here for to teach you.” Master Hugo hands me the other switchblade. “You keep those close. Take them everywhere with you. Get used to them. Don’t let anyone see especially Clover. When I say anyone I mean Geordie and Danny too.”

“But they’re my best friends.”

“If you want to learn to creep proper you keep those switchblades secret and I’m not talking in the back of the wardrobe secret.”

“But Sunshine’s already seen.” Amber eyes blink at us from where he’s crouched on the ground peering through some bushes. I kneel by the bushes, and stroke Sunshine. “What do you think shall we be cute with switchblades?” I whisper so Master Hugo is unable to hear. Sunshine purrs making me laugh. “Cute cute cute.”

“Err whatever,” musters Master Hugo. “To everyone else you’re learning the sabre. We’ll have your real lessons here at midnight every night you’re at Cloud High.”

Wow this is like a special assignment just for me. He must have faith in me to be sparing extra time in the dead of night to give me one on one private tuition.