Path Of The Broken

7. Bound-4

As the door opened, the flames went out and Kyle found himself on his feet, his whole posture defensive, only to relax at seeing Edward standing in the doorway. He expelled the breath he’d been holding. He shook his head and fought down his sudden burst of irrational anger.

“Edward, nice of you to drop in.” Kyle had to admit his voice was cool even to his own ears.

The small smile that formed on Edward's lips did not help Kyle’s temper.

“Calm down, Kyle. It's time for you to practice before you lose your edge.” Edward's smile was sardonic as he offered the extra blade he carried to Kyle, his head c****d to one side, waiting for a decision.

Kyle felt his breath shake as he exhaled and, closing his eyes, he steadied himself before taking the few paces necessary to claim the blade that Edward offered him. One of his own blades, he noted. As he backed up a few steps to the centre of the room, his eyes flicked back up to Edward.

“Does Joanna know about this?” Kyle contemplated Edward. His presence here had left him confused. He’d caught mixed messages and couldn’t work out if Ed was keeping an eye on him or Joanna. He had to admit it seemed like a little of both.

“No, she’s sleeping right now. She’ll likely fish it out of your mind when she wakes. It's easier to beg forgiveness than get permission.” Edward’s tone gave away no hint of concern as he paced forward, raising his blade in salute.

“What about Alex? With all of you here he’s having to stumble though transition alone.” Kyle was worried for his friend, who shouldn’t have to be facing transition by himself.

“Alex will be fine; he didn’t run off and allow himself to be bound to another's will.” Edward unexpectedly grinned. “He’s not alone, or won’t be for long. You need to concern yourself with getting better so you can be that blade at his side once more.”

“I’m uncertain Joanna will ever allow that.” Kyle settled himself as his old swordsmaster had shown him when he’d been a small boy. He smiled as he realised that what he’d been doing of late was just an extension of those lessons he’d learned as a child. Kyle flipped his sword up in salute to his sparring partner in that universal sign of one master to another that he was ready.

“We’re working on it. Joanna is unstable, ranging from unreasonable to dangerous to all around her when she is not in her right mind. When sane, she’s not dishonourable.” Ed’s words were more frank than Kyle expected.

“Ah. I thought you were lovers.” Kyle hadn’t just thought it; he was absolutely certain the pair were sleeping together.

A smile spread on Edward’s lips. “Off and on, we are. Now concentrate, Kyle, and leave Joanna to me. Blade work today, to get you back into form. We’ll work on integrating your powers later.” With that last instruction Edward signalled his own readiness in kind and lunged.

Kyle’s own blade rose to block in a long-familiar pattern that his body and mind knew well. Although he hadn’t traded blows with Edward all that much, Kyle knew his opponent was also a master with the blade, a competent one. He allowed his world to narrow and leave other concerns aside, his blade becoming an extension of his arm, and Kyle lost himself in the exchange of blades.