Two blades danced in the dark.

Sparks flashed a quick red. A cloaked face was illuminated for a scarce second. The spark vanished.

Metal yelled as the blades fell in loops and curves, sparks illuminating every clash. Again and again they tangled and retreated in burst of speed and strength.

A spark showed a small boy fall back as his blade was smacked heavily.

In the dark even the fallen remain dangerous, both boys knew this from countless spars. So with intention of death in his sword but caution in his steps the boy still on his feet looked carefully for his finishing blow.

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His blade descended with wide searching swoops and his feet danced around the room so not to be caught in retaliation.

It was a cut from the right to the left that failed him. With his arm fully extended from his searching blow he felt a blade lick his forearm.

With quick steps he retreated as to not get caught again , when his leg fell as well. He grimaced as he felt the wet blow on his calf and calmed himself as he thought of a solution.

It was his head that fell next.

The boy only had time to see the world turn sideways before his eyes closed forever.

A small boy looked over his work for a while, his eyes finally adjusted to the dark. Then he stood slowly and walked his way to a door of solid steel. He knocked twice heavily.

Mission?" A deep raspy voice answered from the other side.

"Complete."

The door opened.