Ethereal Madness

Chapter 34- Controlled Courage

-Tucker Perspective-

"Alright, Arthur you ready!" I punched my gauntlets together.

"Should we really be doing this in the backyard?" He asked worriedly. "Also shouldn't you still be taking it easy?"

I waved off his complaints. "It's no sweat. Pretty sure the staff stopped caring about us a long time ago."

He frowned.

I started stretching my arms. "Not to mention, I feel great. I been itching to do some exercise."

For the past few week, every time I've attempted to do any kind of workout, I've been shut down, mainly by Mary or Sophia. Even Clarissa threatened me when she came over to check on me. I sighed. It's nice they care, but for Goddess sake, I want to move around!

It wasn't until Arthur had a disturbed expression on his face that I was made aware that I was flailing my arms in the air.

"Tu—"

"Don't finish that!" I snapped. "I am alright and I am sane." I crossed my arms in protest.

"Umm, alright."

"Anyhow, let's get started!"

"Started with what exactly?" He asked. "You haven't told me anything."

"Huhu, I'm glad you asked. I'll keep it real simple. I'm gonna come at you with a punch. I just need you to try so dodge."

I've been wanting to learn how to actually use Saahas, but Ami isn't exactly the most knowledgeable. Guess she is, ya know, ten. Learning the afterimage thing is what I wanna try first, cause it's honestly pretty cool. I know it shows one or two actions my opponent might do, but it hasn't happened every time I rush someone, so maybe there's a trigger I'm missing.

"How about it?" I asked.

"Just don't cripple me."

"You worry too much. I know how to hold back." I jabbed the air a few times. Red aura circulated around Saahas for a brief second and a condensed blast of air shot at Arthur. Fortunately, he dodged and it blasted onto one of the trees behind him, creating a hole in the wood.

Arthur raised a brow.

Ami was that you!

Ami didn't do anything...

Then it was Mr. Tiger. He's the culprit!

Mr. Tiger did nothing wrong!

Naw, I knew it was him all along. That sneaky tiger!

You're wrong! It's Tuck-Tuck's fault!

A bold claim. You're still suspect number one though. Don't think I'll forget this.

Tuck-Tuck is a meanie.

"H-hey, at least you weren't hurt, right?"

"Let's get this over with before you cause deforestation." He sounded unenthusiastic.

I got in my fighting stance. "Prepare yourself!"

Arthur's eyes wandered off and I took this as my cue not to go in.

"Yo, tell that witch she can tell talk to you after." I said.

"Umm, she said you don't have to hold back."

"What? You better not be cheating."

"No, she's not gonna do anything." He said.

"Alright, I'll take your word for it." I feel uneasy knowing she's involved, but maybe she's just trying to psyche me out. "Prepare yourself!" I punched my gauntlets together.