Outsiders

CHAPTER 10 - One On One Training

The boys made their way to the dorms while talking among themselves about the entrance test. "Mach, you looked awesome, I didn't know you could fly that fast!" Says Nasa while looking at Mach. "I guess I'm just that good haha!" Mach seems very pleased with his performance. "But what about you Tenbris? What was that all about?" Asked Mach while he and Nasa looked at Tenbris. "I don't know, I was just overwhelmed when I thought of all the things that led up to this. It pains me to know that people are suffering outside and we are doing nothing about it." Tenbris is visibly frustrated at the fact that he knows that people are dying and he can do nothing about it. "I feel the same way. When I escaped, I left those who were with me in that madman's lab, but remember that's exactly why we're here. We will train and when we improve we'll go out and help as many people as we can, okay?"

"You have a surprisingly heroic spirit, it's kinda wholesome," Nasa chuckles. "Well hey, I'm not some heartless birdman, what do you think I am!?"

    "Calm down you guys, let's just walk into our room in peace," Tenbris says while pushing Nasa and Mach away from each other. They reached their room and they were surprised to see the variety of food that was already prepared for them. "W-Woah! Okay, what is all this?" Says Nasa with a shocking impression. In front of them were varieties of rice, chicken, meat, and sandwiches. " I don't know how all this got in here but I'm starving! Let's eat already!" Mach basically dives into the food while Nasa and Tenbris follow. "Shoou good!!" Mach's face is basically stuffed with food. "Hey, you idiot! Don't speak with your mouth full!" Tenbris seems annoyed but keeps eating anyway. The boys finish their food. Practically nothing was left. Nasa and Mach passed out on the floor with a huge grin of satisfaction, but Tenbris remained awake because he wanted to know why Zoe wanted to see him alone. Tenbris makes his way to the training ground to find Zoe waiting for him. "Welcome back Tenbris, so, ready for some training?"

    "What? Why do you feel the need to give me more training?'' Tenbris seems very puzzled as to why Zoe came to this decision. "Well, earlier you said you wanted to show off your powers using a weapon, right? Well, I've got something for you and I think you will find it exciting!" Zoe seems to have taken a liking to Tenbris's powers and is curious to know more. "Ta-daa! Here is your first ever weapon!" She pulls out a sword and hands it to Tenbris. "W-Woah ok I've never seen a sword this sleek.'' The sword had a black sheath and a black hilt with a purple lining. Zoe speaks up and says, "I think the outer design suits you quite well, and I'm pretty sure it'll go along perfectly with your new suit that Lady is preparing.''

    "About the suits, when will they be ready anyway?"

"Ehh, probably in a few days," Zoe cuts back to the main topic. "Anyways, unsheathe the sword young man!"

"Wow, you're excited about this professor." Tenbris doesn't know why Zoe is excited about a sword, but he enjoys her enthusiasm. Tenbris unsheathes the sword to find a silver blade that looks extremely sharp. "Woah isn't this kinda dangerous?" Tenbris asks worryingly. "Oh don't be like that, swords aren't meant to be safe." Zoe then proceeds to place a training dummy in front of Tenbris. "Now I want you to channel your power to the sword like you were implying earlier"

"O-ok... I'll try." Tenbris holds the sword with both hands trying to channel his power to his blade, closing both his eyes to focus. Tenbris grunts as he tries with all his strength to activate his power, but fails to do so. "I don't know why it's not working, could it be the sword?'' Tenbris felt discouraged at his failed attempt. Zoe speaks up, "I think I know the problem," Zoe proceeds to walk to Tenbris's side. "Tighten your grip on the sword," she says while holding Tenbris's hand in place. She then goes behind him and holds his shoulders saying, "Relax your shoulders back, don't feel tense nor be intimidated by the blade." She then moves her face closer to Tenbris's ear, "And the most important thing is to forget."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Tenbris asks. "I know you have been through the unimaginable and that you have all this pent-up rage and sadness inside you but, I need you to clear your mind out from all of it. Rage and sadness will only disturb your focus, distracting you by pulling your attention away from the present and having you pondering about the past with regrets. Don't repeat the same mistakes again and again, because what you do now changes what's coming. just focus and forget about your anger for now." Zoe seems to be quite serious about this.

"Ok I think I know what you mean now, I'll try again,'' Says Tenbris enthusiastically. Zoe backs off, "Well go ahead!" Tenbris grips his sword and starts to relax, ok I'll clear all the thoughts in my head and just focus. Tenbris thinks to himself while Zoe watches quietly. Tenbris closes his eyes for a few moments when his blade suddenly is surrounded by a violet aura. "Professor. PROFESSOR, I DID IT!" Tenbris excitedly. "Don't lose your focus! Focus on channeling your power only!" Says Zoe in a very serious tone as she looked at the aura. "Right, of course!.. Sorry." Tenbris' excitement drifts away and is replaced with a serious face, looking directly towards the training dummy. Zoe speaks up again "Now I want you to slice it in half using your blade," Zoe says with an excited yet serious note. "Yes ma'am!" Tenbris starts running quickly to the dummy. "AHHH HA!" He swings and cuts the dummy diagonally with his darkness-infused sword. Zoe starts clapping, "Well done Tenbris! I knew you had it in you!"

"Well, I wouldn't be able to do it if it wasn't for your advice." They both start laughing. "I'll tell you something, Tenbris. People in this academy have special powers, but I'm the only one who doesn't really have some supernatural ability, but if you are looking for someone that can teach you how to use a blade, well, I guess you won't find anyone better than me!" Zoe says with a bright smile on her face. "Professor Zoe, you've already taught me how to bring out my powers easily, on the first day. I'm sure I'll find out a lot more if you will train me. So I should be the one asking, will you teach me how to use this blade?" Asks Tenbris while sticking his hand out to Zoe. "You have already proven yourself, young man. I'll teach you everything I know and I promise you that I'll train you to be a fine swordsman!" Zoe and Tenbris shook hands as they laughed with glee.