Stray's combat abilities weren't as good as they were a few weeks ago. This wasn't an uncommon occurrence for him. Often times, after several weeks away from the battlefield, he would get a bit rusty. His aim with his sniper would be a little bit off, his swordsmanship would be a bit sloppy, and he'd be less agile than usual.

The fluorescent lights flickered in an almost maddening pattern in the training room at the Fox Clan's base. The smell of sweat and metal hung in the air, mixing with the faint scent of the cherry blossoms that grew outside the compound walls. Stray had his mask over his face as he stretched, concealing his expression, but there was a very slight rigidity in his posture, as if he was a bit nervous for this match.

Once he was done warming up, he quickly placed his weapons in his holsters and approached his boyfriend, who was waiting for him in the center of the room. The floor beneath their feet was worn smooth from years of training, the wood grain visible through the scuff marks.

"You ready to get started? Or do you need more time to warm up?" Stray asked, trying to keep his voice steady and quiet as he unsheathed his katana, the metal singing softly as it slid free.