Scars to Your Beautiful (New)

Becoming Trikru

The next day shone bright with nary a cloud in the sky as I stepped outside Nyko's home. I shivered slightly at the briskness of the autumn air. Inhaling deeply, I slowly exhaled and watched as my breath curled away. I didn't wander far from Nyko's home, just to the end of the courtyard and back. I greeted those I saw warmly and was surprised but happy to see the gesture returned. When I was nearly back to Nyko's home, a voice called out my name, and I turned to see who it was. A young man, a few years younger than me, jogged to catch up.

"Artigas, right," I said, creasing my brow in remembrance, having met him briefly before.

He nodded, a grin on his face, "Word has already spread that you are being allowed to stay here and become part of our clan."

I nodded, "That is what I was told."

"I am also told that you will be given a home of your own," he said, bouncing with energy.

"Yes," I said cautiously, trying to figure out why this kid was excited.

"And that you will begin training tomorrow."

"That's right," I said, crossing my arms. "Why does this excite you, Artigas?"

"Well, you killed the Bounstoka and lived."

"Barely," I said, proud that I didn't flinch at the memory.

"And you fell from the Sky."

"Right...Can you get to the point?"

That stopped him for a minute, and then he said, "I get to train with you."

Realization hit me, and I shook my head, "Artigas, you're not going to see anything impressive. I don't know how to wield a weapon, and I don't know how to properly fight. I'm just a girl from the Sky who got lucky."

He seemed to deflate immediately at my confession but then perked up again, "Then it will be an honor to help train you so that next time it will not be just luck that brings down your enemy."

"Thanks, I think," I wryly replied. "If you'll excuse me, Artigas, I'd like to get some rest before tonight."

He nodded and, without another word, turned around and left. I sighed and rubbed the side of my nose before I went inside to find Nyko sitting by the fire.

He looked at my entrance and asked, "Did you have a good walk?"

I shrugged, "It was only to the end of the courtyard and back, but it was pleasant enough. I ran into that boy, Artigas, and he told me that I would be training with him tomorrow. He seemed rather excited."

Nyko shook his head, smiling, "He is young and eager. He has yet to prove himself, but he has the makings of a fine warrior."

"I'm sure," I replied, sitting on the bed and scooting back until my back was against the wall.

"How are you feeling," he asked.

I shrugged, "Fine, I guess. I don't think my mind has quite caught up to what's supposed to happen today, but it is picturing the many times I will probably find myself on my back tomorrow."

He grinned, "You are expecting failure in your training."

I wryly snorted, "I expect getting my ass handed to me multiple times because I have no clue how to fight or hold a weapon."

"That is the way it often works. You will be fine."

I chuckled, grinning, "Fine is going to become a word that I think I will soon detest, Nyko. I feel that before too long, I'm going to wish that the wolf had killed me."