Justice Duo

The training yard was quiet, save for the occasional scrape of a wooden sword against the stone. Parrot stood awkwardly across from Wemmbu, both hands wrapped around the practice sword.

"You're holding it wrong," Wemmbu said flatly.

Parrot looked down at his grip. "Bro, I've barely even used a sword before."

"Exactly." Wemmbu stepped forward, grabbing Parrot's wrist and adjusting his hand. "Don't grip it like you're trying to choke it. Feet apart. Keep your balance."

Parrot shifted his stance, his wings twitching with irritation. "Like this?"

"Better." Wemmbu stepped back and raised his own wooden sword. "Now attack me."

Parrot hesitated. "You're serious?"

"Do it."

With a sigh, Parrot swung. Wemmbu easily knocked the blade aside and tapped him on the chest with his own sword. "Dead."

"Okay, that was cheap."

"Again."

Parrot tried a second time, this time stepping to the side before swinging. Wemmbu blocked, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Better. Stop trying to overpower me. You're faster than you think. Use that."

Parrot looked at him with mild surprise. "Was that... encouragement?"

"Don't get used to it."

Before Parrot could respond, a loud clang echoed from somewhere beyond the training yard. Wemmbu immediately turned toward the noise, his tail lifting behind him. Parrot's wings spread instinctively.

"Someone's here," Parrot muttered.

Wemmbu tightened his grip on the sword. "Then I guess your lesson just got practical."

Parrot glanced down at his wooden sword. "Wait, we're actually fighting? This sword can't do anything-"

Wemmbu gave him a sharp look. "Stay behind. And don't embarrass me."