"Here."

Aria looked down at the curved sword Ghirahim was offering her, hesitating before grasping the hilt. It felt oddly natural in her hand, and for a split second she felt a familiar pang in the back of her mind, almost like her memories were surging upward, attempting to break free from their dark prison.

Will they ever? she wondered dismally, Will I ever remember who I really am?

"Sword up," Ghirahim instructed, whipping another blade out of thin air and taking a defensive stance, "Now attack me."

Ari gazed at her sword cluelessly, "How?"

Ghirahim stared at her in astonishment.

"What do mean how?" he demanded, "It's a very simple concept! Use your imagination! How do you think you would use a sword?"

Ari hesitated momentarily before trying to mimic Ghirahim's pose. Then she sprang forward, swinging her sword at her teacher. He blocked her with ease, catching her off balance and sending her crashing to the ground. He leaned over her, a look of reproach in his dark eyes.

"Tsk, tsk," he said, "Were you even trying?"

Ari pushed herself to her feet, rubbing a now sore hip.

"Can I try again?"

"Only if you promise not to repeat the atrocity I just witnessed."

Ari felt a pang of disappointment.

"It was that bad?"

Ghirahim studied her downcast face for a moment, then flashed a brilliant smile.

"Just teasing, my dear," he assured her, "We're just getting started. Of course I didn't expect you to be anywhere near as proficient as myself. That's why we're having these lessons. Now—" He raised his sword. "Whenever you're ready."

Ari took up her starting position again, sword at the ready.

Ghirahim frowned, "Spread your feet."

Ari did so. Ghirahim's frown deepened.

"A little more," he said.

The girl adjusted her stance.

"A little less."

Ari could hear the frustration in her teacher's voice. She shifted again.

"No! Perfect! Just stay like that."

Ghirahim heaved a sigh, taking a moment to reach up and smooth his hair.

"All right," he said, sounding calmer, "Sword up. Attack me."

Ari charged, bringing her sword down with all her might. As her steel connected with Ghirahim's, the impact was so jarring that it travelled all the way up her arms and sent her weapon flying.

"NO, NO, NO!" Ghirahim screamed, "You were gripping your sword far too tightly! And you're stiff as a board! Your movements must be fluid, and you absolutely mustn't telegraph your strikes!"

Ari stared at him, her eyes stinging with tears. Ghirahim took a step back, having noticed the impact his words had.

"Oh dear," he said awkwardly, "It seems I've lost my temper." He patted her on the shoulder in an attempt to soothe her. "Perhaps we should try something different. I'll attack you and you try to block me, all right?"

Ari tried to choke out a 'yes' but the word stuck in her throat. She buried her face in her hands, the tears flowing freely down her face.

"I'm terrible," she sobbed.

"Well, admittedly you could use some improvement—"

"It's not that," Ari said, lifting her head, "It's just that...you've been so kind. I was all alone, and you decided to help me. But I'm useless; nothing but an inconvenience."

"No, no, not at all, my dear," Ghirahim said hastily, clasping her hands in his, "I wouldn't think that for a second. You're exactly what I've needed."

"Really?" Ari squeaked.

"Yes! I've been longing for a partner for...well, for longer than I can remember. All I need is for you to try a little harder. And pay close attention to my instructions, if you can."

Ari nodded vigorously.

"I can do that."

"Good."

Ghirahim was positively beaming at her and Ari felt a sudden surge of confidence.

"Okay," she said, snatching up her sword, "I'm ready."

She raced back to her starting position, standing with her weapon raised and her feet spread, waiting. Ghirahim shot forward, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. Ari's body seemed to move of its own accord; she ducked under his strike, catching his blade on her own. Sparks flew. Ari cut straight to the hilt of her enemy's sword, sending it flying from his grip. Ghirahim caught her blade with his hand, snapping Ari out of her trance. She dropped her sword, stumbling back.

"I'm sorry," she blurted, horrified, "I'm so sorry."

There was a strange, unreadable expression on Ghirahim's face. He said nothing.

What did I just do?