Dragon placed her coral staff near the teacher's podium, followed by Tiger's pistols. The teacher looked at Akio oddly, "Hold back? Don't do that. Fight with all your might if you want a good mark." The holographic trees disappeared with a zap, and rocks that towered over the combatants appeared in their place. The teacher took his place at the podium and clapped, trying to get Tiger and Dragon's attention. "Alright, the battle starts in a minute, we have some special rules in place. Magic will be allowed, Dragon, you can't use your wings for defence. Remember we're meant to be focusing on swords today, I don't want to see you throwing bullets and multiplying them, Tiger."
"Yes, sir." Dragon and Tiger said in unison. Turning to Akio, they clasp their hands and bowed, like their kind always did before battle. "No underhand moves, Akio~" said Dragon, singsong like. She took up a defensive stance, holding her sword horizontally in front of her. She always focused on the defensive when it came to sword fighting, she rarely went offensive. Being a dancer, she treated sword fighting like a dance, correct form over power. She had a habit of dancing around the enemy deflecting strikes, confusing enemies and setting up magic circles at the same time.
Tiger sighed, he wasn't a very good swordsman. At least he blocked more than he normally did fighting ranged. His form was adequate, and he prefered to push hard. He was going to have to use some magic to help him in this battle. Nodding to Dragon to make sure she will back him up, he took up an offensive stance, bringing his sword to the front - facing Akio with two hands on the grip.