Rise Up, Ting Ting, Like Glitter And Gold

Fern fights with all her heart. Artorias has been kind enough to take her as a student of his sword school and the gray girl is committed to impressing him. When her swing is blocked and Art tells her to keep pushing before shoving his body toward her, bringing the fight in closer, Fern feels anger spark inside her chest. How can be so horrible at this? She berates herself for not trying harder, criticizing her inability to memorize each stance perfectly. Sure, this is their first fight but Fern has to show Art that she is a worthy student. Muscles burn from exertion but still she pushes on, the need to finish overriding any complaints her body gives.

Ocean-hued eyes are ablaze with determination, Fern faces Artorias, the wooden sword held tightly in her mouth. Suddenly, she lunges to Art’s right side in an attempt to get behind his foreleg and take it out from under him. Her wooden strikes the back of his leg near the joint and Art’s leg lifts. The surprised girl sees an opportunity and bounces backward, coiling her muscles in anticipation. Swiftly, she leaps forward, jumping off the ground and aiming to strike Artorias, with her wooden sword and all her meager weight, behind his right foreleg where his ribs rest.

Maybe her sword pokes the right spot to knock the wind out him, or perhaps he feels bad for her, either way, when the girl makes contact with Art’s side, Fern is surprised to find him falling over. Eyes round with shock as he falls, excitement zipping along her nerves. Fern follows Art’s falling body, curling into herself to try and soften the landing. Art hits the ground first and the girl follows a second later. Swiftly she uncurls her form and springs to her paws, closing the gap to Art and placing the point of the wooden sword against his neck.

Ocean-hued eyes are wide with adrenaline as she stands over Art for a moment, trying to process what just happened. A grin splits Fern’s lips as she steps back, allowing Art to get up while she places her training sword on the ground. Working her jaw, Fern says, “That was awesome! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to learn. You are a great teacher. And… thanks for letting me win.” Artorias had to have let her win, no way she could have beaten him after one lesson. Still, the win bolsters Fern’s mood, giving the gray girl confidence to continue learning the way of the sword.


"Fern" | "Puff"