Year of Swaps, 2015: A King for June

We are now halfway through the year 2015. This month, I’ve landed in the body of Saber/Arturia Pendragon. It’s a strange coincidence, since I happen to be starring in a musical this month as King Arthur.  The first thing I did was explain all that I was going to have to do in this role, just so she wouldn’t be upset with how I portrayed her.

“I still don’t get why you have to portray me in such an undignified way,” Saber said after she heard what I had to say.

“Well, it’s a comedy, so there are going to be some things that are out of character for you and the other Knights of the Round Table, I’m sure.”

“We were a symbol of chivalry and honor in my time. To be portrayed in such…demeaning ways is disrespectful to our legacy!”

“Listen, I know you didn’t plan for things to be this way, but…”

“I know you aren’t at fault for our predicament. The machinations of witches do seem to interfere when they aren’t wanted.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Nonetheless, I will do what I can to make sure at least you give my role some manner of dignity.” She then stood up and motioned for me to follow.

In a few minutes, we had made our way to the park in the middle of town. There were few people there, so it was peaceful at the moment. She then handed a plastic sword to me and said, “Let’s practice your swordplay.”

“My what?” I asked, but quickly had to block a strike from Saber as she came at me with her own plastic sword. She then backed off and said, “You need to pay better attention to what your opponent is doing. Picking up on minute details will help turn the tide of battle in your favor.”

“There’s really only one scene where I need to use a sword, though. Can’t I just…”

“If you want to make the fight look convincing, not just simple strikes, then you will pay attention to what I have to say. I will not pull any punches when it comes to the sword. Prepare yourself!”

This was the pattern for the next couple of days. During that time, I had managed to give Saber the details of how the scene where I used the sword was planned out. Using this knowledge, she was able to make the scene work where we thought it all fell apart.

Finally, opening night came, and I was backstage in my personal dressing room getting ready. I had dressed in the tabard and was about to put on the cowl and crown when Saber entered, as did Hinata and Tearju.

“Hey, what are you three doing here?”

“We just wanted to say, “Break a leg,” Brian. I know you’ll do great!” Hinata said, trying to ease my burden.

“I don’t understand; why would you want him to break his leg?” Saber asked. “It seems like a terrible thing to wish someone.”

Hinata quickly ushered Saber out to explain the meaning of the expression while Tearju approached me and said, “I’m really looking forward to seeing you perform. I never got the chance to before.”

“Then I hope you aren’t disappointed,” I said.

“Well, I’d better get everyone to their seats. I’m sure Saber’s more than eager for you to get the show over with.”

With that, Tearju ushered the others to their seats as I got ready to take the stage. It was a packed house when I finally emerged from backstage, and I was pleased to see the audience so receptive. They were even in awe of the swordfight Saber helped me choreograph.

After the show, I was approached by the others, who congratulated me on a job well done. Even Saber seemed to enjoy herself, having caught a few glances of her snickering during the show. All in all, I’m glad things went as well as they have.

After the show, we all returned home to see Blair sitting on the counter (in her cat form) sipping her milk from a saucer. “Six months down, six more to go,” she casually said.

“Yeah, then I can finally be a guy again!” I muttered under my breath.

Blair, however, perked her ears and said, “Are you sure you can handle being in a male body anymore. You’ve been in a female body for a year and a half now, even having to deal with different sized breasts. Maybe you should stay in a girl’s body permanently.”

“Like hell I’m gonna tolerate that!” I screamed.

Before the conversation could continue, Saber interrupted and said, “Just drop it. The chips will fall where they may. For now, just get to sleep. I don’t want you to make my body look unappealing.”

“My, my; I had no idea the great King Arthur was so into her looks,” Robin joked.

Saber blushed and said, “I’m still a lady, and I must look presentable at all times.”

“Even if your body is acting ridiculously?”

“Well…it was just a show. I made a big fuss over nothing!”

As the two continued to argue, I made my way upstairs and started to get ready to go to sleep. “Six more months. …Blair’s right, though. After so long without it, can I handle being in my own body again?”