Winds Of Change

Chapter 6

*Previously*

"Choose your beds. Tomorrow at first light I will be waiting for all of you and we will start your physical training. I will not tolerate slacking as we I only have three months to make something of you before the next stage of your training" a small smile flitted across his face for a moment making him look just a tad more human "I am Kaida. Get some rest girls. It's going to be a long day tomorrow" and then he was gone.

*End*

Chapter 6

I'm not sure what I had expected when I had gotten ready that first morning for training but the hell he put us through certainly wasn't it. Running I could do. I used to run quite a lot back home but this was something completely different. At first light we had gathered, all ten us girl stood together waiting for Kaida.

"Hi, I'm Melinda" Brown hair, green eyes and a pretty smile. "Airis Fox" I whisper shooting her a hesitant smile. I've never directly been addressed by anyone other than immediate family before, it's quite exciting. When Kaida finally joined us he instructed us to follow him as he took us on a jog through a wooded area behind the school

"This will be our warm up every day" He explained to the group of puffing girls once we finally made it back to the courtyard. "Now choose your partner, she will be with you until the end of this week and then we will rotate" and conveniently I chose the girl that had basically been glues to my side, Melinda. "Now I'm going to demonstrate how to swing a punch, without breaking your hand and then how to block said punch"

Again and again we went through the movements until our muscles burned and we were left heaving with fatigue but as the days passed it became easier and our movements became more fluid and I found myself enjoying our sparring. For the first time in my life I enjoyed the bruises I would wake up with. There was a bond that grew between us girls as we beat each other black and blue but sung praises for each other when we noticed the other improve. We had all improved not just physically but mentally as well, muscles lined my arms and legs and I felt stronger than I ever have before. I trusted the girls around me to keep me safe. Teamwork had never really been my strong suite.

"Well done girls!" Kaida exclaimed clapping his hands as a smile stretched across his face. "You've all done exceptionally! Tomorrow we are having your placement test before we join up with the boys for the next few months of training" he explained as he made eye contact with each of us. Subconsciously my chin lifted and a smirk settled on my face. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone.

"I bet you ten silvers I'll win tomorrow" Melinda stated once Kaida left us to warm down.

"I'll take that bet" confidence bloomed in my chest. For three months we had trained in hand to hand combat and we were pretty good if I have to say so myself. With Melinda and I in the lead it will be no surprise if they do in fact pit us against each other. I grew up with four brother that until I was eleven used to wrestle me into the mud. Perhaps that is why I took to battle like a duck to water and now that we are so close to teaming up with the boys I'm practically humming with excitement. I haven't practiced with my sword since we got here and I can't wait to get back into doing something familiar again.

***

Grinning proudly through a split lip I seated myself at the dinner table with my plate of what passed as oats in this place and the grimace on my face was definitely from my bruised ribs and not from the lack of appeal. Glancing around I noticed that Melinda was seated two tables over next to a blond from the year above. Not that I mind, she can have other friends. Perhaps there are still some hard feelings now that I'm ten silver richer. It could also be her bruised ribs that have put her in a less than pleasant mood.

Breakfast passed in a blur and soon we were back on the main field but this time the boys stood on the other side.

"Now that everyone has improved physically it is time we take it to the next phase" Kaida said as he along with another male, the same one I had seen training the boys, stepped forward. "For the next two months you will all be attending academic classes to better understand the world we live in as well as some of the tasks that will be expected of you once you graduate from Black Mountain" the other trainer explained as his eyes trailed over us.

"Along with these academic classes you will all still be trained in your combat skills only now the groups will be united so as to better prepare for any opponent" Kaida trailed off as his eyes flickered over us. "Once these two months are up there will be an evaluation and if you have more than met the standards you will be moved up a year but if you have not met the standards you will be removed from the school and sent to another that is better suited to your abilities" the other trainer explained.

After the fall of Suris that had caused Black Mountain to have to open its doors to the female population I am more than a little surprised to hear that there is indeed another school. I wonder what they offer there. Perhaps something more suited to providing for the people than the protection and first defense we are focused on?

"You are allowed the rest of this day to reacquaint yourself with the other group and prepare yourself for your classes. Tomorrow breakfast will be served by the third bell after first light. By the fourths bell you are to be waiting in B Tower where your professor will join you and lessons will begin" Kaida had a small smile on his face. It was more reassuring than any words of comfort and one had ever given me. He knew we would be ok because he had trained us to be ready for the next phase. "After academic lessons around midday there will be a bell for lunch. The bell that comes next will indicate the beginning of your weapons training" a smirk that could probably be classes as slightly sadistic slid across the other trainers, who's name I still did not know, face.

My pulse quickened at the new challenge that had just presented itself. I can't wait to prove myself not just to my group but also to myself. I want to see how I've improved against someone genetically stronger than me. I've always worked my best under pressure, most likely something I have my father to thank for that particular skill.

"Hi I'm Cyrus" a male voice spoke from to the left of my person. I had seen him move closer once the trainers had left us to our own devises but I had definitely not expected to be approached. Blue eyes, brown hair and a slim build gave the impression that he relied on speed instead of brute strength. And talking to me? Definitely not from my village. "Airis Fox" I said softly as a hesitant smile stretched across my lips. This could be a good opportunity to broaden my horizons and grow my friend group. Melinda still hasn't spoken a word to me today...

"I figured it would be good to have an ally on the other team" Cyrus said shrugging his shoulder, trying to act aloof but the nervous twitch in his left hand gave away his nerves. "That actually sounds like a really good idea" and truly it does. If we could train together this would give me an insight to how the other team trained and I'd be able to prepare much better for the next ranking. Plus, Cyrus doesn't seem so bad, at least he doesn't seem to be giving off any negative feelings. And judging by the still separated male and female groups it would seem as though we are the only ones taking advantage of the current situation... this is good. I can work with this.

"You up for a spar?" a mischievous smile spread across my face as adrenaline sent my heart pumping.

*Edited 2021.02.02*