The sun was dipping low, casting long streaks of gold across the backyard of their home in Hesreth Street. The yard, with its wide-open grass and sturdy training dummies, had quickly become the group's unofficial practice ground.
The other night, it was Aleck who swung his axe under the stars. Since Beau knew that he started training last night, it made him more conscious and worried.
Now, it's his turn to train. Sweat already glistening on his forehead, hair messy from dodging strikes as he sparred against Zann.
"Faster, Beau!" Zann barked, flames licking faintly at his fists. "You've got speed, but you're wasting it. Every dodge needs to lead to a counter."
Beau slid across the grass, narrowly avoiding a flaming jab. His grin didn't falter, even as his breath grew uneven. "Oh, I know, oh wise one. But have you considered…" He feinted right, then spun left with a gust of wind, landing a bean-sized rock he'd picked up against Zann's shoulder. "…that I'm stylish?"
