"Smile First, Strike Second" + Animation!



She was smiling long before the first scream.
Tongue out in mockery, eyes glittering like she’d stumbled into her favorite game, the Sword Maiden tilted her head and studied them as if counting how many moves it would take. The flames behind her crackled, impatient to join the fun.
“Run if you want,” her grin seemed to say. “I’ll catch you.”
Her blade flashed, too close, deliberately missing, just enough to feel the heat, to hear the breath hitch. She laughed softly, spinning the katana back into guard, tattoos rippling with each playful motion. Every swing was a lesson. Every near-miss, a warning.
She didn’t fight to kill quickly.
She fought to enjoy the moment.
And when the final strike finally came, it was gentle, precise… almost kind.
After all, games end eventually.