Morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the clearing. Pyro padded across the space, wooden Sword and Shield clutched carefully in his paws, tail flicking with concentration. Hunnt crouched nearby, observing intently, eyes scanning every motion.
"Alright, Pyro, let's start with the basics," Hunnt said, holding his own wooden Sword and Shield for demonstration. "Stance first. Feet steady, shield ready, sword at the side. Balance is key. Watch me."
Pyro tilted his head, golden eyes sharp and alert. He mirrored Hunnt's stance, paws pressing into the dirt, tail acting as a counterbalance. Hunnt's heart swelled. He's paying attention… good. Focus like this is what will make him strong.
"Good. Now try a forward slash," Hunnt instructed, swinging his wooden sword in a clean arc. "Remember, power comes from your base—your legs and hips—not just your arms."
Pyro swung carefully, the wooden sword cutting the air in a practiced arc. His first attempts were clumsy, the wooden shield slipping slightly, but Hunnt chuckled softly.
"Not bad… but your guard needs to stay tight. Block first, then strike. Again."
Pyro tilted his ears back in mock annoyance. You're bossy, nyaah… he thought, but he adjusted anyway, shifting his stance.
Hunnt laughed, shaking his head. "Hey! Don't glare at me like that. Training isn't fun if you sulk. Come on, block again—faster this time!"
Hours passed with repetition: blocks, parries, thrusts, and combinations. Hunnt ran alongside him, correcting angles, nudging Pyro to pivot correctly, encouraging precise footwork.
"Keep your shield up when moving," Hunnt said, guiding Pyro's stance. "Step with your slashes. Let your motion flow. That's how you generate real power."
Pyro's movements sharpened, becoming instinctive. His paws dug into the earth, each lunge and strike more fluid. Hunnt's eyes sparkled with pride.
"Better! Can you feel it? The connection between your body, the sword, and the shield? That's what makes a fighter. That's you."
Pyro's tail flicked, a small nyaah escaping in response. I can do this… I'll be ready…
Hunnt smirked. "Don't think speed alone will make you unbeatable. Timing, control, reflexes—those are what matter. Shield up, Pyro!"
Nyaaah… alright, alright! Pyro adjusted, ears twitching.
"Now, we'll try a combo," Hunnt said, demonstrating a sequence: block, slash, step, repeat. "Flow is everything. Feel the rhythm."
Pyro followed, hesitating slightly, stumbling over his paws, but quickly regained control. Hunnt laughed. "Careful! Watch your footing—you're not a tumbleweed!"
Soon, Pyro moved fluidly, each swing and block precise. Hunnt clapped his hands, pride warming his chest. "That's it! Timing, stance, movement… all coming together. Soon, we'll try more advanced techniques."
By the session's end, Pyro's muscles ached, but his posture was confident, eyes bright with determination. Hunnt patted his head. "Well done today. Tomorrow… we push harder—speed, precision, and fluidity. Step by step, we'll make you a master of Sword and Shield."
Pyro purred softly, tail curling with satisfaction. I'll get stronger… for the fight… for everything… nyaah…
The bond between boy and Felyne grew stronger with every swing, block, and shared laugh. Wood struck wood in rhythmic harmony, echoing their shared determination and the silent promise: together, nothing could stop them.