Every passing second my heart felt like it was trying to beat its way out of my chest.  The muscles in my limbs screamed at me from how much they ache, but I couldn't let up now.  With as much resistance I put up, I still found the blade of a sword inching closer as the shaft of my spear was holding against it.  I quickly then shifted back and when my opponent tripped forward, I had already slipped away as I used my tail to swipe him off his feet.  Before I could eliminate him, another knight had parried the tip of my weapon away from his grounded friend, only to then continue to strike at me.  After blocking each his blows, I managed to gain some distance by forcing him to back off by thrusting my spear in that foe's direction.  Not long after that, the first guy was already standing again while he and his partner were joined by a third cadet.

Two of them lunged right at me as the third one sprinted to circle around, but before they could completely surround me, I instantly spun myself while swinging my weapon outwards to space my opponents away.  Once I noticed an opening, I soon jabbed my spear at the furthest knight, causing her to drop her blade the moment I struck close to her hand.  Following that, I charged right at the cadet where she was managed to grab onto the shaft of my weapon, that is until I quickly jerked it and rammed the rest of the pole into the soldier.  The two of us fell, but using my momentum, I was able to roll almost back onto my feet, but that was stopped by one of the other knights slamming his blade down at me.  Wood splintered right in front of my face as my spear was broken in half from blocking this guy.  Before he could perform a follow up strike, I bashed the side of his right leg with the broken handle, and as he knelt down from that, I immediately grabbed the arm he was using for his sword and yanked him down.  Once his face was in the dirt, I managed to claw his weapon out his grip as I soon rolled over his body to parry his other companion's oncoming attack.  Suddenly the back of my tank top was pulled as I was thrown flat on the ground by the previous knight.  He tried diving on top of me, but I managed to kick him away by bucking my feet into his chest.  The very moment I got up, the female knight had tackled her full weight into my chest.  After that, she had lifted me into the air where I tried to beat on her, only to have one of her partners deflect my attempt as my sword was forced out of my grasp.  A brief second later, I could tell she leapt as very soon my entire back scraped against the grass with this soldier still on me.  She then grabbed both of my wrists and slammed them into the ground as the other two knights were in positions to point the tips of their iron at my neck.  There was a minor growl rumbling in my throat as I then let myself go limp.

“All right, we're done here.  You can get off of her."  Gerbera announced.

There was a mixture of both relief and frustration welling up in me.  Relief for finally being able to take a break as the last of my adrenaline vanished, leaving me into a panting mess.  Frustration for being unable to successfully complete the encounter course.  Regardless of my emotions, I remained flat on my back as my eyes remained facing upwards towards the slowly encroaching twilight sky.

“How are you holding up?"  Gerbera knelt down.

“Out of it."  I moaned.

“Well you did good for what it's worth."  She responded; “This was just to see how long you could endure, and you managed to defeat four out of the nine groups we planned to put you through."

“Yeah well I feel too stressed to be impressed right now."

“Telaraya, go ahead and take the rest of the day off."

“But there's-"

“I know there's still plenty of the day left, but if you continue with my regimen to the end of the day, you'll only windup further frustrated.  If you want to keep practicing, then I'll allow it, but it'll be at your own pace.  Call it or continue, it's your choice.  I've got some other business I have to tend to, so if you need me I'll be in the main center."

My eyes followed the young woman as she wandered off into the distance.  With the burning stress no longer tormenting my arms, I pushed myself up, adjusted my tank top, and grabbed a new practice spear.  A soft breeze brush up against my fur and chilled what little sweat my body was able to produce.  My movement was still a bit sluggish from the exhaustion, but I did my best to remember the proper positioning and stances as I struck at a target.  As I continued, darkened clouds crept over, slowly covering the orange hue of the world above while the sun drifted beneath the horizon.

How dangerous is my life about to become?  Since an emphasis of being an adventurer can be a hazardous life, just what am I to expect?  Whatever did this to me is certainly going to be a monumental task to overcome, and I know that if I tried to engage it at my current skill level, I'm sure to fail.  I just wish I can be much better when Gerbera finishes training me.  She's already hinted that the final test is going to be a combat trial, and I already know who I'm going to be facing.  It honestly makes me nervous, and despite knowing that I've improved since the beginning, I don't know if what I've got will be still enough to pass.  That's why I want as much experience crammed into me, not to just make her feel at ease, but for my sake as well.

“Hey, Tela, you might want to go ahead and finish up."

With a passing glance, I noticed Albert and some others approaching.  “Not just yet."

“Tela, remember what we said about pushing yourself to much?"  Sarah gave me a concerned look.

I sighed; “I know, guys.  It's getting close to the end of my apprenticeship and I still don't feel I'm at an adequate level."

“Well that's normal for a newbie, I'm sure you'll get the experience you'll want later."  Macha stated as she stretched out her arms.

“…Hey can all of you spar with me?"

“Huh?  Spar?  It's getting kind of late, and we just finished our shifts."

“I know, but I could still use the extra practice.  Look, I promise to make it worth it for you guys if you do this."

“How so?"  Macha leaned in closer.

“…How about this, if you beat me, I'll do you a favor.  Whatever you want…As long as it's within reason."

The tanuki briefly pondered it before a mischievous grin grew on her.  “Okay, I'll take you up on your offer."

I turned to the others to see if they would agree.  Albert and Sarah opted out of it, a few others were going to watch, and then Farrell and a knight by the name of Leo agreed to spar.  After that, Leo grabbed a standard long sword to use, Macha snatched up two short swords, and Farrell drew a rapier.

Leo stood first as the small group approached to watch.  After directing our weapons at each other, the two of us begun.  We carefully circled each other, quickly jabbing at the tips of our blades.  Finally after one fast thrust from my spear being slapped away, I lunged forward while redirecting and constantly stabbing at Leo.  He retreated back as much as he could while I kept up my barrage.  With each thrust, Leo would barely dodge some of them while the others he managed to parry in time so that they would only brush by.  As one attempt was aimed at his center mass, Leo forced the blade upwards where I then used the momentum to my advantage.  From Leo's power, I quickly flipped my spear around and landed a strike against his inner thigh with the bottom end of the pole.  Since it caused him to lose his balance, I used the opening to jam the butt of my weapon into the knight's gut, forcing him to hunch over as I instantly twirl the staff again and slammed it onto his left shoulder.  Once Leo dropped to the ground from that, I directed tip of my spear over his neck as fast as I could to end the fight.

After taking a short breath, I offered the guy my hand to help him up as Macha eagerly sauntered over as she drew both her swords and flipped them in her palms.  Once Leo regrouped with the others, I then readied myself.  With one simple slap, Macha directed the blade of my weapon away as she then charged forward.  All I could do was try to keep pace with the beastwoman as her strikes were viciously relentless.  She wasn't only fast with her swings, but from how much the staff pushed back into my grasp from each block, Macha had a lot of power behind her too.  No matter how far I stepped back, the raccoon dog still remained on me.  No matter how much strength I put in my resistance, I couldn't get her to let up the assault as it went on.  No matter how long it continued for, I knew I mustn't falter.

I managed to finally parry one blow, forcing the tanuki to slide past me as I followed up by trying to go on the offensive now.  It was just a couple of stabs, but this opponent was able to regain her momentum as she quickly struck my attempt away while spinning herself closer against the spear.  Before Macha's slash could connect, I was fast enough to leverage my weapon in a way so that I managed to block the blow with the butt of the staff.  After that, I slammed my spear into her side with the hopes of causing her to fall, but the tanuki quickly wrapped an arm around the pole to keep herself propped up as she then swung her other sword at me.  This forced me to duck as I could barely feel the blade slip along the ends of my hair, but following that, I reached out and was fortunately strong enough to push her back.  After trying to regain my positioning and some proper footing, I was immediately forced down to the ground struggling as the beastwoman threw herself on top of me.

As the metal of our weapons were scrapping against each other, a mischievous smirk was plastered on the raccoon dog's face as she then unhinged her fangs.  Realizing how she planned to end our match, I instantly angled my head and intercepted as our mouths cross sectioned into each other.  Despite the two of us going for a bite, we still remained careful to not actually add force and accidentally cause an injury.  Thinking I could cause a reaction to break her guard, I had my tongue snake its way to hers, but to my surprise, she retaliated by having her tongue beat against mine as well.  We remained unflinching as the heat of my breath entered her mouth as I could feel her saliva slip into my mine.  Macha continued to force her swords against my spear as she still sat over my stomach, with our positions, there was only one thing left I could do.  I completely straightened out my tail, and using as much energy I could muster, I flicked my waist up and managed to whip the girl on her ass.  The knight pulled back as a yelp escaped her lips.  I quickly forced myself up, causing the beastwoman to tumble back as I rushed to be on top of her.  She soon froze as I aimed my spear right above her neck.  After that, I then rolled off of the tanuki and fell onto my back as all I could feel now was relief through my rising chest as was panting.

I can't believe that worked.  From how aggressive she controlled the match, I'm surprised I won.

My attention was soon brought to the beastwoman as her hand was patting against my stomach as she then rubbed it for a bit.  It honestly felt nice.

“That'll do, girl."  Macha blurted out.

“Hey…"  I heaved.  “Just what did you want from me if you won?"

“Ehh, it doesn't matter now since I lost."  She then sat up so my next opponent could start.  I then realized she was teasing me about the whole tongue bit when she said, “I didn't know you felt that way about me."

Once my match with Farrell begun, I was ready for him to start attacking, but instead he remained motionless as his rapier was pointed at me.  A small confident yet relaxed smirk was arched up on his face while I continued to wait for anything from him.  Since I had more range, I tried to hit him, or at least see if I could provoke him.  With the few jabs I thrusted, Farrell remained calm as he casually slapped the tip of my spear away each time.  Adding more power, I threw all my might forward in order to break through his defensive stance and win.  I was met with more force.

Farrell slammed my spear downwards with his parry, only for him to follow up on it by then quickly stomping the blade into the ground.  Leaving no time to spare, I barely managed to back away as the point of his sword came flying at me.  Due to my retreat and Farrell stepping on my weapon, I lost my grip on my weapon, but I knew I still had a chance to recover.  Reacting as fast as possible, the knight then positioned his foot on my staff and kicked it so it slide along the grass and right under my left paw.  All I could was watch the world spin briefly until my eyes shut from the impact.  The moment I opened my eyes, the end of a rapier was already in front of me.

How?

“I believe this is my win, my dear."  He triumphantly smiled.

I couldn't even form the simplest word as I remained frozen.

“Now then, for my request…"  Farrell continued.  “A date."

“What!?"  I glared in disbelief.

“It is as I said.  I want to have a date with you, and it is within reason.  Are you not a woman of your word?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I glanced towards the group that had been watching all of this.  Seeing them starting to quietly gossip about me and the situation.

“…Fine!"  I growled.

I should have put more restraints on what the requests could have been.  I'm only going through with this to kill any stupid rumors about me lying just so I can keep my actual secret safe in the long run.

Fuck!

“Splendid!  I shall gather you once we freshen up."

I could suddenly feel the power of the cantankerous bitch that is time tormenting me as the rest of the day felt longer.  After showering off the sweat and dirt, I returned to wearing the clothes that Mira gifted me.  Waiting for me outside, Farrell stood next to a carriage while dressed in form fitting clothes that looked to be made out of something more expensive than cotton despite seeming like it was casual wear.

“There you are.  Shall we stop off at your place so that you may grab something appropriate for the evening?"

“This is all that I have."  I answered in a bored tone.

“Surely you jest."

My response was an uninterested blink.

“We can't have that.  Fortunately, I do have gifts set aside for an emergency."

“The hell does that mean?"

I was given no answer, instead Farrell held the door to the carriage open as he offered me a seat.  The ride was silent as he smiled while I felt unsatisfied.  While staying within the walls of Mido Skeith, we eventually came into a more open area that lead to gated residents with large buildings behind their fences, with our stop being in front of a three story tall mansion.  A long brick walkway led to a row of people dressed as butlers and maids standing by the entrance as they welcomed Farrell.

“What is all this?"  I squinted my eyes at everything.

“This is all just standard practice.  I am nobility after all."

“Huh!?"

“Now then.  Rose, see that you can find something appropriate for the night for dear Tela.  Arnold, do inform the chefs that we have a guest here on a special occasion, so they could prepare dinner."  Farrell announced to the people around us.  “When things are ready, Rose shall escort you."

With that, everyone broke off towards the doorway as one of the maids called my attention to her.  I was led to an isolated room as the woman entered a walk in closet and pulled out some spare clothes.  I could see her gauging them with my body as she then decided on a choice.  All I could do was mentally sigh as I was given another reminder that this is a woman's body I possess now.  I was given a long maroon dress, the kind that has a split opening on the sides for legs to breathe and easily move I'm guessing.  I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed as Rose took everything except my panties.  An awkward and nervous expression stared back at me from a nearby mirror as I stood in my new attire.  Despite it holding on and covering up what it needs to, I still feel exposed wearing this thing, heck I even feel like I could accidentally slip out of this too if I'm not careful.  I can't explain why, but I actually feel a bit anxious if that were to happen.  The only benefit I can give this thing is that it feels soft like it's silk or something close to that.

Soon afterwards, I was escorted to another room.  It was massive in size, but despite that it hardly filled with anything.  Polished flooring glistened from the lights above as it was clean enough that I could see my reflection underneath.  Hanging from the ceiling dangled a large golden chandelier accented with either glass or diamonds that shimmered to an alluring illumination.  Arching windows almost the size of the wall itself peered out to the world, and while the vast count of them were closed, one remained opened to a veranda where Farrell, dressed completely in a dark suit, and a table waited.

“Ahh, you truly look beautiful this night, Tela.  Please, have a seat."

Why did he have to be the one to win?

He at least did the gentlemanly thing of pulling out the chair for me as oddly nice that seemed to me, and after taking my place, Farrell took his.  Shortly after that a butler came wheeling out a cart as a pleasant aroma followed.  With the dinner being revealed, a wave of heat flourished as the scent of herbs and saltwater wafted into my noise; it was enough that I had to hold back from drooling.  It was just a bright blue lobster with a side of mixed vegetables and butter, but it was enough that I still couldn't help myself sniff it some more.  My attention was brought upwards as the butler then poured what appeared to be a wine into my flute.  While I've served alcohol at Darter's inn, I've never actually drank any; especially even while I was still human.

“That's a cerulean lobster if you're not familiar with it.  They're a bit hard to acquire up in this region.  And the Syrah is from my private collection, it's one of my favorites."  Farrell said before taking a sip of his.

I was a bit hesitant, but I eventually brought the glass up to my lips, and as the crimson liquid touched my tongue, I held back my reaction.  There was a rich fruity taste to it with a hint of spice, it wasn't bad, but I don't know, maybe wine isn't my thing.  Following that, I decided to try a bite from the dinner, and I couldn't believe that almost caused me to have a verbal response.  The meat was so tender, so sweet, it was almost like it was melting in my mouth.  With the herbs it was cooked with, there was a perfect blend of flavor causing euphoria on my taste buds.  If shrimp is the candy of the sea, then I can see why this is the steak of the ocean.  I continued savoring my meal as the stars above shined down upon us and the night brought peace to the land.

“So how is it?"  Farrell smiled.

I turned my eyes away.  “I know you're just trying to impress me…"

“I'll give your complements to the chef."  He chuckled.

“There's more to this, isn't there?"  I sighed.

“Well I do wish for you to enjoy your time here."

“You certainly have an odd way of trying that then."

“How so?"

“Well the hitting on me certainly doesn't help."

“I shall take that to heart, my dear."  He smirked in satisfaction.  “I can tell you are a woman of refined taste."

I groaned under my breath as I swirled the wine in my flute before taking another sip.  “I'd say that counts too."

“Oh?  Are you not used to being treated this way?"

I was about to instantly respond, but kept quiet as I thought about it compared to the idiots that flocked to me while working with Darter.  “Well your approach is different."

“I don't mean to offend."

I sighed again.  “Look, I'm just not used to this okay?"

“I simply wished to become acquainted with you."

“Yeah, and you started it the wrong way."

“My apologies, I assumed someone of your grace was already accustomed to the popularity you've gathered.  I had hoped to set myself aside differently from those who had already approached you.  If you are finished eating, allow me to make it up to you."

“…How?"

“Would you care for a dance?"

“What!?  No no no!"

“Come now.  Surely one dance won't hurt."

“I don't dance."

“Do you not know how to dance?"

Aside from feeling awkward with dancing with another guy, my silent response was more of a tell.

“It is not too difficult, Tela.  Think of the movements like you are fighting.  I shall also help guide you."  Farrell then approached me as he then offered his hand.

“Do I have to?"  I winced.

“Shall we consider it a part of the favor?"  He teased.

I groaned as I reluctantly took his hand.

My cheeks felt like they were heating up while in the back of my mind, I couldn't stop cringing at myself.  After being led to the opened floor, Farrell wrapped his other appendage on my waist while I was forced to place mine on his shoulder so we wouldn't have awkward arm intersecting.  For my benefit, he took things slow as I followed his rhythm throughout the room.  Step after step, I think I was finally getting the hang of being swayed around, and even though there were a few moments I almost stumbled, Farrell managed to catch me.  Still though, I couldn't help feeling embarrassed, especially when the guy decided to spin me around.  The result from that ended with Farrell being behind me as he held his arm and mine outstretched, while his other hand was resting on my stomach.  It felt like a mix of instinct and uncertainty in case he tried something, but I carefully gripped his appendage so that Farrell wouldn't try touching something else.  Continuing following his pace, I was eventually twirled back around so that we were facing each other again as Farrell held me close.  Even though he was holding me, I probably gripped him tighter as the noble leaned me back and dipped me down, but my eyes soon widened as a visceral frustration grew in me as my breasts slipped out of my dress and became fully exposed.  I managed to push myself away, but in doing so I was left struggling trying to grasp at my clothing as it dropped due to the movement.  All I could do was stand there in my underwear covering my chest with one arm while a strap dangled from my fingertip.  My body shook as a flurry of emotions that I've truly couldn't understand welled up in me.

Others have already seen me like this, so why now?  Why is my heart telling me to be so angry?

“What the hell is your problem!?"  I went ahead and used my other arm to help cover my breast as my tail wrapped around my panties.

“Tela, I didn't mean for that to happen, I swear!"  Farrell spoke out of concern as he took a few steps closer.

“Why did I agree to this?  This was a bad idea!"

“Tela, I'm sorry…"

“Why'd you do it?"

“It was an accident.  I just wanted you to have fun."

“Sure.  And you took your chance to get me here."  I growled.  “Your victory was probably just luck."

“I understand you're upset, but I only wanted to help you.  I know you want to get as much experience in before your trial with the Captain.  Again, I'm sorry."

I huffed.  “I want a do over."

“Pardon?"

“Right here, right now.  You win, we continue the night how you wanted it.  I win, we're done."

There was a disappointed sigh from him.  “…Fine.  What weapon do you wish to use?"

“Spear."

“Very well.  As we wait for our tools to be brought to us, all I ask in the meantime is for you to take a few breaths and relax.  I know women value their self-image and purity strongly, but if you remain frustrated as we spar, your anger will surely overwhelm you."

Farrell called for a servant to bring us the practice gear, and as we waited, I did end up considering what he said.  With a few deep inhales after pulling up the dress, I started washing the fury away as I dwindled on my thoughts.

He probably was right and it was all an accident, but still…something in my heart just didn't like being exposed like that to a man.  Even though he's most likely seen what he's wanted to when his squad caught me in the shower, this moment however left a feeling of distraught regret.  Why though?  Maybe because the accident was caused by someone else instead of my own careless action this time.  Maybe having a woman's body for so long has finally started making me be more self-conscious about being naked in front of others.  Even though I've become this thing, people here are already used to living with different creatures, so they don't care what I am.  It doesn't matter, they can still find beauty in me and…oh god…I can't believe it, but I've actually managed to embarrass myself.  Yeah it's been apparent people have been attracted to me, but now thinking it through the view as a woman, I have become self-conscious.  I have had modesty as a guy, but now that feeling has drastically doubled.  Despite that probably being a good thing, considering how I felt, I don't like it.

“Hey…sorry for snapping at you like that."  I still felt flustered as I kept my back to him.

My ears picked up a sigh of relief from him.  “It is all right, my dear.  Should we continue with the sparring match?"

“I'm not backing out."  Might as well get as much training in while it's still possible.

“Very well."

After we readied ourselves with our weapons, I immediately went all out with a fury of quick jabs.  I kept the staff leveraged and balanced so this time, Farrell wouldn't be able to force my strike down and close the gap like he did last time.  I remained forcing as much pressure as I could as I chased after the guy as all he could do was retreat and parry each stab without counterattacking.

“You know, Tela…going back to what I said about dancing being like fighting.  It's the same the other way around."

With his free hand, Farrell latched onto near the head of my spear and pulled himself close as he aimed his rapier right under my muzzle.  I froze as I swallowed hard and glared at him as he continued to speak.

“You just need to know the movements, especially when guiding someone.  I bet you didn't even realize we're back in our starting positions."

My eyes quickly darted around the room as I judged the relative layout of everything and realized he was right.  I then threw my head back while also yanking my spear from his grip as I leapt back.  With my weapon stretched outwards and a twirl, I ensured it made him keep his distance as I got my footing again.  Following that, I lunged forward so he would try to slap my attack away, just so that I could use the momentum from his parry to help flick the staff and try to slam the butt of my pole into him.  He managed to block it, and even when I spun my spear as fast as I could to hit him overhead with it, my opponent still was able to defend himself.  No matter how much distance I closed in on him and beat against his blade, I couldn't land a single blow.  Suddenly after dodging one of my thrusts, Farrell rolled himself along the length of my weapon and quickly got behind me, to where I could feel his elbow hit me in the back and push me forward.

“With your aggressive style, sure it can end a fight fast, but you're not actually controlling the fight, Tela."  Farrell ducked under my swing and bumped me further back.  “You've unknowingly let me guide you this entire time."

I was forced to throw myself leftwards as Farrell then intentionally missed as he stabbed the air right above my right shoulder.  I then charged forward, only for my foe to hop to the side as I could feel his hand push my back as we passed each other.  After tumbling a bit, I managed to reorient myself by falling into a roll as I twisted around during the stand back up.  With quick stabs, the knight slapped my spear to the right while I threw my left hand out to snatch him.  Farrell used his free hand to smack my grasp away, only for me to swipe it back at him as I pressed forward.  This time, he grabbed my appendage and used my velocity to actually twirl me around and outwards.  With one mighty pull, Farrell then forced me closer, only to ram the neck of his blade into my staff and push me backwards and off my feet.  After landing on my bum, I then saw the pole of my weapon flip in front of my eyes as a sword spun it out of my palm.  Following that, a metal tip was pointed right above my heart.

“If you know how someone fights, you can subtly guide them to move how you want.  With how you are, the only way you'll be able to perform against the Captain is planning and reaction.  You'll need to surprise your opponent when they least expect it."  Farrell smiled above me after sheathing his rapier.

I was silent at first, then I growled.  “Damn it!  Fine, you win!  You're better than me."  I then forced myself up.

“It's all right, Tela.  You don't have to be upset.  You still have room to improve."  Farrell responded in a tone to try to calm me.

“No it's more than that!  You knew you were better than me, and knew I wouldn't agree to a date under normal circumstances, so you took advantage of me.  Well here you go.  You have me now so you could have that date and get me in bed.  So get on with it.  I know this is what you wanted, just do it already.  Go ahead and fuck me!  You won!"

“Tela, please, that wasn't my intention.  Yes I did challenge you just for a date, but that was so that we could try to have some fun and possibly get to know each other better."

“Yeah, and that's only because of my looks!  Quit trying to run me around, because I already know there's no other reason."

Farrell gently placed his hands on my shoulders.  “No, it's more than that.  What attracted me to you was your voice, my dear."

“My voice…?"

“Yes.  Even though I couldn't understand what language you were singing in, I could still feel the joy and emotion in your voice.  I've never heard such beauty before, and that's why I'm interested in getting to know you."

“You're lying!  W-who could just be attracted to someone's voice?"

“It's true.  Your normal voice is like the energy of the summer, while your singing voice is pure majesty of nature itself.  You're someone special, Tela, and it's a gift being able to meet you."

My voice cracked a little.  “Y-You're just saying that to butter me up!"

Farrell then wrapped his arms around me as he gave me a soft smile.  “If you're still adamant about us having sex, then I'll gladly welcome you into my bedchamber, but I'll have you know, I meant every word."

I could feel his fingers gliding through my fur as he rubbed my back.  Soon he then had one hand brush my hair out of my face only for him to then caress my cheek.  Farrell slowly leaned his face closer to mine.  With no hesitation, my tail quickly wrapped around the back of one of his knees and pulled.  As he fell back, I managed to snatch the handle of his rapier and draw it free.  Lastly, I finished the moment by immediately directing his sword at him.

That was cutting it way to close.  I can still feel my heart pounding my chest.  Easy now, Avery, it's done now.  Just breathe.

“Tela?"  Farrell blinked dumbfoundedly.

I sighed.  “So how's that for guiding someone and taking them by surprise?"

“W-wait!  You mean all that…?  Tela, you crafty woman!"  He smirked.  “May I ask why you waited so long to strike?"

“Because you are better than me.  I realized I wouldn't be able to beat you, so I had to lure you in a trap."

“Well good show, my dear Tela.  Combat is about using whatever means to outplay your opponent, and you got me good."  Farrell then gave me a slow clap.

“Yeah, well, it's probably still not going to be enough for Gerbera, so if you would be willing to continue with me."

“Certainly, my dear."  After being helped up, he looked at me; “Though there is still one other thing, Tela."

“And that is?"

“Don't let your guard down."

I couldn't react in time as Farrell pulled me.  My eyes went as big as dinner plates as I completely went stiff from the cogs in my brain breaking.  His lips then drew back from mine as I wanted to scream, but the shock and disgust kept me dead silent.

“My apologizes for being greedy, but I couldn't help myself after all that."  He chuckled.  “Now, shall we continue?"

I could feel my brain panicking as I was screaming at my own thoughts while my body went on autopilot.  I took his hand and followed his lead as he trained me through dance again.