Persistent Dreams - Hawks x Reader (PAUSED)

Clash 🍊

The elevator dings as you step out onto the basement floor. Apparently there were three lower levels to the agency below ground used as training rooms. Hawks explains that they're more like large gyms with mats and equipment. The floor that you're on now, B1, is one that holds 4 gyms (plus 2 locker rooms with showers). All with big open areas. Perfect for the excercise that the two of you will be working on today.

"You still haven't told me what exercise we'll be doing." You state pointedly.

Hawks plays with a hardened sword feather as he walks with you. "Trust me kid, it'll definitely improve your performance out on the field." The hero flashes you a reassuring smile, hardly paying attention to the red weapon in his right hand.

The friendly gesture is returned with an apprehensive, yet thankful smile.

He stops outside of the designated room, kicking off his shoes. You mirror the action, playing with the sleeve of your training outfit. Hawks can tell that you're worried.

He brushes it off as he takes hold of the door to the training room and opens it. "I noticed you carry an extendable taser staff on your hero costume. That tells me you might have experience with swords. Correct?"

You nod, watching as Hawks scans around the gym, surveying the area with a leisurely 360 spin. He twirls his weapon as he goes on "Today we will be working on your swordsmanship. You'll need to understand my personal fighting techniques moving forward."

As the last of his words leave his mouth a person drops from the ceiling, sword in hand and aimed straight for Hawks' head. He braces his knees, lifting his sword upwards.

In the blink of an eye both blades clash, making a rapid unyielding and deafening noise. Accompanied by bright violent sparks. The force on your ear drums, harsh enough to knock you onto your rear, leaves you dazed and discombobulated.

The attacker is sent flying backwards.

You cup your ears as they ring nonstop, focusing your sights on Hawks' opponent.

Your eyes widen. A lump forms in your throat. The room feels at though it's spinning without mercy.

"Keda?" You can't even hear your own meek voice, cracking with confusion and fear as it leaves your body.

Shuji steadies his footing, blade held in his right hand. Left outstretched as he makes a 'come here' motion with all four fingers, thumb steady.

The old man's eyes never stray from the hero. Seemingly unbothered by your presence with an expression on his face that screams he means business.

You swallow thickly. I've never seen that look before.

Unsure of the situation, you back yourself flat against the wall. Aside the doors of the gym.

During a fight, bystanders must always stay out of the line of fire unless they intend on entering the brawl themselves. Due to the presence of your mentor, you find yourself unable to keep up or even think about interjection.

Hawks discards his coat. Good for warmth, protection at best. However, one of them has already been torn from a previous mission and judging by the wise elder in front him, he'll be breaking more than enough sweat.

Vermillion wings spread, lurching the hero across the mats as they flap gracefully towards the white haired man.

Blades cling and clatter in a barrage of metallic harmonies, assaulting your ears once more. Though music to some, hardly a melody you were hoping for.

Feet pad and thump across the foam flooring as the two men move about the mat, stances always firm; steady.

Both breath stable (for now), not once turning one's back to the other.