MITCHELL ELLIS - BLADES DANCE UNDER MOONLIGHT

Mitchell Ellis is a graduate of Full Sail University and US Navy veteran. He graduated Full Sail with a bachelors in Entertainment Business in August 2018. He vividly volunteers his time working at Megacon Orlando and professional wrestling events, and enjoys karaoke. He is currently working on a screenplay and further continuing his career as a writer. You can follow Mitchell Ellis on Twitter at @Duaneinc5Ellis or email: duaninc5@yahoo.com. 

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Blades Dance Under Moonlight
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​Underneath a full moon, the sound of cold steel echoed throughout an open field where two warriors stood locked into combat. What should’ve been a reunion between two friends was quickly met with a pent-up rivalry that was destined to be settled. Each precise swing of their katanas gave the fight an illusion of a formal dance. Their katanas clashed, but instead of riposting, both warriors stood with swords locked, panting.
            “You’ve gotten weak in your years away,” says Amani.
            “What are you talking about? I’ve barely broken a sweat, but you, you’ve definitely lost a step or two since I’ve been away,” says Dwyane catching his second wind. “No doubt about it, I could’ve ended this in any of our exchanges. But we haven’t fought like this in almost two years. Since, what? When you were trying to get your father's approval to wield that katana of yours?” Dwyane laughs. “How’s the old man?”
            “You piece of shit. You know very well that I’ve bested you then, and after your mockery… I’ll kill you now!”
Amani goes on an all-out assault, leaving Dwyane on the defensive against a fury of swipes from her blade. They both showed extraordinary mastery of their skills with a sword, meeting each other blow for blow, ending in a stalemate.
            “I hate to admit this, but…” Dwyane dropped to a knee, overwhelmed by Amani’s strength. “You’ve gotten a lot prettier since the last time we saw each other,” as he looked up at her with smile.
            “Shut up… and fight.”
Amani slowly lowers the tip of her blade to his eye level. As Dwyane stares into the fury in Amani’s eyes, he catches a glimpse of the moon perfectly set over her shoulder. Amani, puzzled over this distracted gaze upon Dwyane’s face, suddenly feels the tension shift as he uses his leverage to get back to a vertical base and delivers a massive headbutt.
            “Ahh, dammit! You idiot,” Amani groans as she falls onto her knees.
            “Yeah. Not my best option,” Dwyane says, trying to laugh off the pain. He returns his gaze to the moon. “But, you know, tonight seems like such a beautiful night.”
            “The night would be a lot better if you would just let me kill you.”
Dwyane goes to check on Amani.
            “Harsh as always. You’ve really impressed me.” Dwyane reaches for Amani’s katana. “How’s your head?”
Amani has an eye locked on Dwyane.
            “Dummy,” Amani whispers as she loosens her grip of her katana for Dwyane to take.
            “We haven’t been close like this in a while.”
            “Stop making this weird.”
            Dwyane places the katanas on the ground and helps Amani to her feet.
            “I’m not. Relax. We haven’t talked in ages. When we finally get to see each other - we’re out here trying to tear each other apart. There was something more behind those attacks, which, I probably hold some responsibilities for.”
            “You’re damn right your responsible. You humiliate me, and then have the nerve to leave.”
            “Whoa… what? Humiliate you, how?”
            “In front of our sensei. My father. You let me beat you for succession of master of my father’s sword style. So, how could I go on based on that false victory? Then, when I went to seek you out to truly settle this debt, you’ve gone abroad; to fight in other peoples’ meaningless war, while I was left here, alone. Coward! I’m not going to waste this opportunity to beat you,” Amani says, venting her frustration. She throws a punch at his face. Dwyane blocks her punch and grabs her arm, wrapping his arms around her, holding her tightly. Amani struggles to get released from his grip, but to no avail. She hangs her head.
            “Happy birthday,” Dwyane whispers into her ear.
Tears run down Amani’s cheeks as she glances up at the full moon. She smiles as she rests her head on his shoulder. She pulls out a small blade, unknown to Dwyane as he continues to admire the moonlit sky, easing his embrace. Amani closes her eyes.
            Dummy.