[b]A dance of Shadows[/b]

[b][i]The Academy, Midday after Lazarus first class[/i][/b]

The training room was devoid of students. It would be filled within the hour. They needed the training, the practice, the thrill of pitting themselves against each other. One day these sessions would give them the edge in the real world. Keep them from an untimely demise. 

Lazarus stood surveying the room. The class was actually considered non instructional and was listed as open combatives practice. Half of the class was devoted to individual study and improvement which meant Lazarus was a glorified babysitter for the students who often took the time to practice techniques from the other combative classes. The second half of the class was an opportunity for the students to fight one another and practice with each other. It was usually interesting to see the freshman fight one another and to see the slow and often clumsy attempts that would eventually be tempered by time and training. Then there were the opportunities for them to face off against the older students. Often with disastrous results for the freshman. Mr. Snyder was always painful to watch as he was efficient, swift, well trained  and really didn’t belong in the class but it was technically for all skill levels. So it was often a learning experience for the inexperienced. Luckily, Ian understood and was typically a great instructor for the students who struggled in their own combative classes and more often than not could be found helping in the first part of the class as opposed to working on his own things.

Lazarus let out a heavy sigh and turned to face the other person in the room. The being was a seven foot smear of shadow. Are you ready Lazarus? Lazarus nodded. Dropping his overcoat Lazarus unsheathed dracul. The being moved its hand to its left hip and then grasped the hilt of a Katana that protruded from the robe of shadows. In a single fluid motion the being drew the Katana. It was a blade of black steel that seemed to suck light from the surroundings. Taking its left hand from the sheath it gripped the hilt with the left hand holding the Katana in a Tyoama Ryu combat stance. 

Lazarus held the sword in his right hand setting his left hand in a wu hand guard infront of his chest. “Lets do it.” The movement was fast. The shadow Katana lashed out and Lazarus met it with Dracul, sparks of shadow danced as the blades met. Lazarus switched his grip so he held the sword in a reverse grip and leapt. The blade slashed in a criss cross. The shadow slid backward over the floor evading the slashes. It came back across the floor gliding and slashing with the Katana in a flurry. The first cross cut Lazarus used a wing block against and side stepped the slash as it glanced off the blade. The Shadow turned the Katana directing a cut across Lazarus gut. Lazarus switched his grip to his left hand twisting his hips out of the way and blocking the cut. The Katana flashed up and over into another angel cut. Lazarus dropped to his knees and rose delivering and rising slash to the Shadows leg. The Shadow slapped the cut away and slid backward across the floor. 

You’ve improved

“Yeah. It’s been a long time” 

They paused for a moment. 
Neither of them appeared to be phased in the slightest by the exchange. Shall we go again. “You know I’ve always been a fan” The next exchange was even more aggressive. The blades flashed faster than the human eye could track in a series of cuts, parries and ripostes. Western sword combat met Japanese sword style as the two exchanged dozens of blows in a handful of seconds. After about thirty seconds or so of the exchange it became clear that Lazarus was out of his league. 

“Well it seems like you got better too”

The World turns we must turn with it.

Lazarus’s spectres began to take up the slack as he could no longer deflect all of the cuts and stabs. Still using those old things. There was a chuckle from Lazarus as he continued to back away and circle. “Well I don’t have all the advantages you do.” We make do with what we have. The Shadow suddenly surged forward overwhelming Lazarus and all four of his specters all at once. 

The next thing he knew Lazarus was on his ass on the ground laughing and gulping air. “Every damn time I learn something new.” The Shadow nodded. You win or you learn. “When are you coming back?” The Shadow turned away sheathing the sword as Lazarus stood up. I don’t know, the academy is not ready. Lazarus just nodded. “You’re always welcome here.”

With that the shadow faded from the room leaving Lazarus alone with his thoughts.

Waiting on his students.