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AV Vol 2, Ch 54: Mentor Me

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    Cling.

    Keen.

    King.

    Clang.

    The sounds of metal striking metal reverberated repeatedly throughout the forest as teacher rained down blows on his pupil.

    Sora fell back another step and found his back against the trunk of a large tree. His bare chest heaved. His arms and legs felt like lead weights from constantly dodging and defending, and his hands stung from the vibrations being sent through them again and again.

    He looked up and glared jealously at his friend and new mentor, Tri, who stood whistling nonchalantly with two swords in hand. ‘He really is too strong,’ he thought bitterly.

    “Oy, oy, had enough yet Wolfy?” the fox called, scratching his chin with his left hand.

    Sora scowled at the way he did the simple action so naturally while holding a sword. When their training had begun the day before it had consisted of nothing more than what could be called calisthenics. After some standard warming up and stretching, he’d practiced swinging his sword from various positions in different arcs and learned to move agilely with the sword both in hand and on his back. While it had been a good workout it wasn’t anything like what the Lycanthrope had expected. When he asked the fox, Tri had said something about needing to become one with the sword and learn to feel it as an extension of his body.

    Feeling disappointed, when they came out to train earlier Sora had asked that they skip all of that stuff and get right to actual combat.

    “Are you sure that’s what you want?” the fox had asked incredulously. “One day of practice hardly means you’re ready for a real fight.”

    “I got the basics yesterday,” Sora had replied playfully. “How hard can it be?”

    Now the Lycanthrope regretted those words. They’d clearly offended the fox somewhat, who had instantly drawn his swords and launched into an attack. Since then it had been nothing more than Sora trying to block the barrage slashing and jabs that Tri threw at him. He learned all too quickly just how hard it was. That fact that his claymore was heavier and slower than the fox’s katanas didn’t help either. Clearly there was more to sword fighting than he imagined.

    Sighing, the fox slid his swords back into their sheaths, which he wore crossed on his back today. “Let’s take a break,” he decided, dropping abruptly to the ground and leaning back on his elbows.

    “Not yet!” Sora barked. He pushed off from the tree and managed to steady himself on his feet, holding his sword in front of him with both hands. “It’s only been two hours. I can still go on.”

    “No you can’t,” the fox declared, plopping onto his back with his arms folded behind his head. “Even with high-speed regeneration, your body’s still fatigued from the tournament. If you push yourself too hard too quickly it could be bad for you.” He took in a deep breath of the fresh forest air and bathed in the golden-green sunlight filtered through the trees. “Why don’t we take the rest of the day off, maybe tomorrow too? It’s not like you’re gonna get in a swordfight anytime soon.”

    Sora opened his mouth to argue but stopped himself, letting out an exasperated sigh. It was obvious that, for the time being at least, the fox had no intention of getting up from his relaxed position. He may as well enjoy it too.

    He slid the long sword into the sheath on his back and then removed the sheath before dropping to the ground as well, leaning back against the tree with his weapon next to him. He took a few deep breaths to steady himself before finally surrendering to exhaustion. Tri was right. It had been over a hundred years since the Lycanthrope’s body had needed to recover so extensively. It was no wonder he felt so drained.

    Piqued by curiosity, he opened one eye at the fox and asked, “Do you have some kind of speedy regenerative abilities too?”

    “Hm?” the fox asked without opening his eyes.

    “You were pretty banged up after your fight with Kryvan,” Sora went on. “But you seem to be doing all right now.”

    “Hmm,” the fox let out again, as if he were pondering the question. “I heal quicker than a Human would, yes. But I don’t have any super recovery abilities like some Mythicals. To be honest, after that fight with Kryvan I should’ve been laid up for a week or two. Lately though I just seem to heal really quickly.”

    He opened his eyes and reached one paw upward, staring at the orange-furred digits. “Ever since Pent came down and beat the tar out of me.” He closed his eyes, lowered his arm, and shrugged. “Maybe I developed a new ability without knowing,” he chuckled.

    Sora gave a tired laugh. “That’d be nice.” He closed his eyes again and relaxed again, letting the soft sounds of the forest soothe him. The rustle of the wind through the leaves and the gentle babbling of a brook. ‘How cliché,’ he laughed mentally.

    His ears twitched. The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their calm isolation. Someone was coming, and for a second the Lycanthrope tensed.

    “Relax Wolfy,” the fox told him without flinching. “It’s a friend.”

    “Are you sure?”

    “Feel out their aura. You said Avyn taught you that, right?”

    Feeling uncertain about his ability, Sora closed his eyes and tried to feel out auras the way Avyn had taught him to. He’d been practicing in their room at night, though it was hard to concentrate when his body was in so much pain. It was becoming easier to see the smoky blue flames of the forest though, even if outside the arena was much hazier. It was as if there were a prevalent aura pervading the air like a spiritual fog.

    He could see the energy in his mind but it took a second for it to come into focus. It rippled, like light off the surface of water, and its color was a much deeper blue than the rest of the energy around him.

    “You’re right,” Sora said, surprised. “I don’t feel any hostility from it. What’s that about?”

    “Spirit energy is tied emotions. That’s why when people get ticked off their energy becomes unruly.” Tri rolled onto his side. “Now identify who it is,” he added through a yawn.

    Sora continued to focus on the prana, finding it easier as it drew nearer. And in the back of his mind it felt familiar. It must be someone he’d met already, before he’d learned. He focused harder, willing his mind to give the sense a shape. As he did he realized there was not one aura, but two. They were connected, intertwined, like two pieces of the same whole. One felt heavier than the other, even though it took up less space in his mind. For some reason Sora couldn’t explain, he could also tell that it was Human.

    So far, Sora had only met one Human since arriving in Alberi Ventosi. One that made his stomach flutter and his cheeks flush. He opened his eyes and searched frantically for his shirt. He wanted to look at least halfway presentable for the person that was coming.

    Tri smirked, his back still turned to his pupil. “Relax Wolfy, you don’t need to impress anyone. Just be yourself.”

    “S-shut up!” the Lycanthrope barked back, trying to make sense of his tousled hair. He was just getting it smoothed when the sound was loudest, and a second later the owner of the footsteps emerged from a bit of undergrowth.

    “Ouch,” Anna yelped, scraping her arm on thorn bush.

    “Be more careful,” scolded Menippe, who hovered in the air next to the girl. The little Undine floated down to her arm and conjured a pool of water over the wound. It glowed for a second, and when she drew the water away the wound was gone.

    The Witch-in-Training smiled at her Familiar. “Thanks Menippe.” She turned her attention to the canidae duo that occupied the space and gave a shy smile. “Um… h-hi Sora.”

    The Lycanthrope boy found himself lost for what to say. He wanted to say hi back, but the butterflies in his stomach had moved to his throat it seemed, relieving him of his ability to talk. The last time he’d seen the girl he’d said the wrong thing and upset her. What if he did it again? He decided to make it right before it was too late.

    “I’msorryaboutwhatIsaidatthetournament!” he blurted out loudly, abruptly bending at the waist, his hair falling around him.

    Anna and Menippe both started and jumped back, surprised by the outburst. They looked uncertainly at one another, then back at Sora.

    “Real smooth there Wolfy,” Tri sighed, coming up behind the Lycanthrope. He grabbed the boy by the hair and pulled him upright before shoving him forward. “Do it right you dolt.”

    Sora stumbled a bit before regaining his balance in front of the girl. He shot Tri an apprehensive look, but got only an encouraging wave in return. Sighing, he turned back to Anna and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “I mean… I’m sorry for what I said at the tournament. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

    Anna still didn’t know what to say. Her mind had gone blank as the boy had gotten closer to her, allowing her a better look. She had already begun to think he was cute; his defined musculature, mismatched ice-blue-and-golden-yellow eyes, and wild silver hair stirred her deep inside. Even the wolf ears and tail had a strange appeal. And seeing him now, looking sweat and flushed from his workout, distracted her even more.

    Seeing that things were going nowhere, Menippe sighed and splashed some water on the girl’s face. “Wake up stupid.”

    Anna shook her wet corn flower hair and wiped her forehead, scowling at the Undine before looking back at Sora. “Um, no… I mean, it’s okay… Sora,” she fumbled. She looked down at her feet and kicked the dirt. “I was upset and I took it out on you. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m really sorry.”

    Hearing that she wasn’t mad at him sent a wash of relief throughout his body. He let a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “It’s okay,” he told her with a smile.

    Once again Anna’s mind went blank. His smile was so kind.

    Tri and Menippe both smirked and shook their heads.

    “So, what are you doing out here?” Sora asked on, getting no response.

    It took another splash of water to the face to bring her back. She looked around, feeling uncomfortable about what she’d come for. “W-well… to be honest. I was kind of hoping that… I mean, I watched your fight against Kuinra. You did really good. Even though he was attacking with a sword, you held him off with your bare hands. You seem like you’re really good at fighting, and well… I mean, I’ve never been in a fist-fight before… And so I was… um…”

    Her voice got lower and lower as she trailed off, still avoiding the Lycanthrope’s gaze.

    Sora watched her with a mixture of curiosity, adoration, and stifled laughter. He figured out pretty easily what she was getting out and cut in to save her the embarrassment. “Anna, are you asking me to teach you to fight?”

    The flush of the girl’s cheeks deepened. She peeked up at him from behind her rainbow bangs – something Sora found irresistibly cute – and gave a tiny nod.

    Sora didn’t know what to say. He scratched the side of his head and looked away uncertainly. “You’re… asking me to train you?”

    Anna’s cheeks only burned more as she looked back down at the ground, embarrassed. “You can say no if you want. I understand.”

    “Well it’s just… I’ve never trained anyone before. I don’t know if I’d be a very good teacher.” An idea struck him. “Hey, why not ask Tri!”

    Anna looked up at him curiously.

    “He’s already teaching me to use a sword. Maybe he can help you.”

    “Woah, woah, woah,” the man-fox intoned, raising his hands and backing away a step. “Slow down there Wolfy. I only agreed to help you because you were letting me crash in your room. And no offense, but I fought Anna in the tournament and the two of us are worlds apart in terms of skill.”

    Sora’s brow furrowed at the fox’s insult. He started to retort, but Anna cut him off.

    “I would’ve had you if it weren’t for that damned coat!” she declared.

    Tri blinked once, then laughed. “Yeah… that might be true. Regardless, if we take away your magic and throw down fisticuffs with me, you’re gonna get hurt. Example!”

    He walked a few paces to a large tree. Planting his feet, he reached back and delivered a straight ab directly into the mighty trunk. The crackled of splintering wood rang out and when the fox stepped back he revealed a deep dent into plant.

    Anna and Menippe cringed while Sora’s jaw dropped.

    “Now granted Wolfy there can do the same,” Tri went on, dusting off his paw. “But he’ll vouch that I’m not a lenient teacher. If I do train you ‘m coming in guns blazing.”

    “But yesterday you were—” A sharp look from the fox cut off the Lycanthrope’s speech, making it clear that the fox didn’t intend to help. Sighing in resignation, Sora ruffled his hair. “But what about my sword training.”

    Tri shrugged. “I told you to take a break. Go teach her some stuff. Start slow, until you’re healed a little more. Then you can get some…” he paused and let a foxy grin cross his furry lips, “hands on practice in.”

    “Go to hell!” the Lycanthrope shouted, both he and Anna turning beet red.

    Tri just left and folded his hands behind his head. “Get out of here you crazy kids. We’ll pick up your training in a day or two Wolfy.”

    Before Sora could respond the fox’s image flickered out of the clearing and he was gone.

    “Bah! That guy’s so infuriating sometimes!” Sora groaned. He tried to look over at Anna but Tri’s comment was still on his mind. They found they couldn’t look at each other so Sora looked up at the sky while Anna continued looking down at the dirt.

    “L-l-like I said, you don’t have to if you don’t want to,” she muttered, mortified. She wished she’d never come out.

    “No, I don’t mind,” Sora replied, surprising her. She looked back at him hopefully. “Actually, maybe you can help me out too. Avyn, the Village Head, taught me how to sense auras the other day. I’m still not very good at it though. Since you’re a Witch and a Charmer, do you know how to sense them.”

    Anna blinked her deeply blue eyes at him. “You can’t sense mana?”

    Sora scoffed, his cheeks red for a different reason now. “Aura, mana, prana, will someone just pick a word for it! No, I never learned until now, and the fact that everyone around here can is making me self-conscious.”

    Anna covered her mouth, trying to hide a giggle. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. And I don’t know what I can really teach you, but I can maybe give you some pointers.”

    He was still blushing but he managed to look down at the girl. “All right then. You teach me aura sensing, and I’ll teach you how to fight.”

    “You’ll go easy on me, right big guy?” she teased, punching him playfully in the stomach.

    Seeing her relax made Sora feel more at ease too. He laughed, and feigned being hurt, though doing so caused him to wince. Apparently genuine laughter was out of the question.

    “Are you okay?” the girl asked, worried she might have actually hurt him.

    “Just still sore from the other day. That Sheriff has retard strength.”

    “Let me help you.” Taking a step back, Anna reached out her hands to either side and closed her eyes. She reached out with her aura, seeking out any water around her. Dew on the grass, vapor in the air, even the water inside the plants. She honed in on all of it and then pulled it to herself. She took as little as possible from the plants, causing them to shrivel and dry, and created a massive of water that she held in her hands before her.

    Sora stared at her in awe. “You can gather water from such minute sources.”

    “Sure, it’s easy,” she said with a smile. “Menippe, help me heal him.”

    “You got it!” the Undine chirped, manifesting water from nowhere between her own little hands.

    Working together, Charmer and Familiar applied their water to the Lycanthrope and began channeling their energy into it. Through the glowing liquid catalyst, Sora could feel his soreness fading and he strength returning. The water was cool and soothing, and in just a few minutes he felt totally refreshed and renewed.

    “That’s amazing,” he said, flexing his fingers and limbs. “You’re gonna have to teach me some magic too.”

    “You can already use magic though,” she said while returning the water back to the plants, restoring them as best she could. “Lightning and spatial magic at that. You used them in tournament.”

    Sora shook his head. “Only because of these.” He held up his hands, showing her rings on his fingers. “Without them I can’t do anything.”

    “Really?” She leaned in and examined the dark steel of the ring around his right pinky. She could definitely sense some kind of magic from it. It didn’t feel like lightning or spatial magic though. It was something much more powerful; much more ancient. She glanced at Menippe, wondering if maybe the Undine knew anything, but got only a shrug in return.

    “I guess we’re kind of the same then” she said as she pulled back, a sad look on her face.

    Sora cocked his head questioningly, earning a sigh from the girl.

    “I’m not very good either. Even my younger sister was better than me. I only got better after Contracting with Menippe here.” She reached out and stroked the watery hair of the Undine, who gave her Contractor a sympathetic look in return. “My parents looked down on me for relying on her power. That’s why I left home.”

    “I’m sorry.” Sora kicked himself inside. He couldn’t believe he’d said something to hurt the girl again. ‘Why can’t I get it right?’

    Rather than blowing up like last time, Anna shook her head. “Don’t be. I ended up in this really cool village. I just have to get stronger is all. Even though I wanna be with Menippe forever, I know I need to learn to stand on my own. That’s why I entered the tournament. And after seeing how strong the rest of you were I know what I need to do. I’m gonna get strong too, so that I can win during the next one.”

    Sora smiled at her enthusiasm. She was right, getting stronger was the only option.

    “All right, I’ll try to teach you some basic level spells too, to get you started. Let’s go practice by the lake.”

    “Sounds good.” He looked around for a moment before giving a sheepish smile. “Um… which way is it?”

    Anna just laughed and waved for him to follow her into the woods.

AV Universe
Main Story


So, for those of you that read my journal entry, this is the novel chapter I mentioned.

For those of you who DIDN'T read my journal entry, this is a chapter from my novel series. I've had major writer's block with it for months and that finally worked itself out last night. Thing is, I'm not sure if it's actually any good, or if I just put down the first thing that came to mind. So I could really use some feedback on this one.

Luckily this chapter stands pretty well on its own. I know there might some things that won't make sense without having read everything prior, but I mainly just want to know if this is written okay, flows well, etc. All that technical junk. And whether or not it comes off as too boring.

I hope you all enjoy it, and thanks in advance for any advance, edits, and critiques you can offer n..n

EDIT 9/9/15: HA HA!!! Finally thought of a better title for this!!
© 2014 - 2024 MidnightDaybreak
Comments4
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LeOriginalMik's avatar
Personally, I would say that this chapter is pretty captivating. It seems like the characters possess their own trait, which suits each one of them. It is quite interesting how you, as a writer, generate the feelings within these characters or "hints" - as I like to call them - for the reader to notice. Indeed, this is a very good chapter, but I noticed a few things that appear to be worded a little weirdly.

Such as, "Since then it had been nothing more than Sora trying to block the barrage slashing and jabs the Tri threw at him." The phrase "jabs the Tri threw at him," should be "jabs that Tri threw at him." I suppose this was just a typo, because only one word appeared wrong.

"And, for some reason Sora couldn’t explain, he could tell that it was Human." should be "For some reason Sora couldn't explain, he could tell that it was human." This is incorrect because sentences shouldn't be started with a subordinating conjunction, such as "and." Also, The word "human," shouldn't be capitalized, because it is nor a name/place (or the letter "I").

Those are the only two suggestions I would like to make to you. You don't have to follow them, because they are just ideas to provide improvement for your work. I would have to say that overall, this piece is a 4.8/5 (which is actually really great).

Great job. :)