Hubris: Volume 2

Chapter 26: A New Adventure Begins!

The scene opens with Zeldris and Renjiro staring each other down. It's been a few weeks since Zeldris had started his training, each day after school he'd make his way to their house to learn more about curse abilities. In these past few weeks, Zeldris had undergone some changes. His hair was a little longer and shaggy, he seemed slightly taller due to the fact his clothes were barely fitting him anymore. Renjiro looked at his changes, he didn't say it or show it but he was slightly proud of his apprentice. Renjiro grabbed a carton of cigarettes before slipping one out. He then set one a light with his lighter. He took a deep puff before blowing out the smoke.

Renjiro: "That's all I can teach you, for now kid."

Zeldris sighed lightly before tucking his hands into his pockets.

Zeldris: "What do you mean? There's so many techniques I haven't tried yet. There's got to be more things only a veteran like you know."

Renjiro: "Yeah, that's true. Doesn't mean I have to teach them to you."

Zeldris: "Man, you're being so stingy."

Renjiro: "The veteran skills I have were acquired from me actually fighting out on the field. I can teach you the basics but only you can learn to hone your skills and actually become stronger. I can teach you to crawl, you can teach yourself to walk and run."

Zeldris: "You're just afraid of the fact that I can kick your ass now."

Renjiro: "You're a million years too young to kick my ass kid. Don't make me wipe that smug look off of your face."

Light footsteps were in the background as the two conversed with each other. Tabitha walked up to the two before saying.

Tabitha: "You look so different...Zeldris."

Zeldris: "Huh?..what do you mean?"

Tabitha: "Your clothes, they are much tighter around you..more than before and you've gotten a few extra inches in height..wouldn't you agree father?"

Renjiro folded his arms before looking off to the side.

Renjiro: "Don't rub this little squirts ego. He's gotten taller and maybe a little stronger. He's still a little rookie. He's got a way to go."

Zeldris: "Thanks, I guess. You noticed all that Tabitha?"

Tabitha: "I-I didn't mean to stare and look but..yes."

Zeldris: "Cool. Renjiro."

Renjiro: "Hm?"

Zeldris rubbed the side of his cheek with his index finger.

Zeldris: "Thank you for helping me out.."

Renjiro blew out another puff of smoke before looking back down at Zeldris. He then tucked his hands into his pockets.

Renjiro: "Don't get all sappy on me now. It's nothing."

Zeldris rolled his eyes before turning around. He then made his way over to the back door to leave.

Renjiro: "Before you go, one more thing."

Zeldris looked behind to look at Renjiro. He then raised an eyebrow at him wondering what it could be.

Renjiro: "It's a big world out there Kid. Which means there's a lot of people out there, you'll run into people that do certain things with no purpose."

Zeldris: "What?.."

Renjiro: "Everyone has a untold story hidden behind closed doors, kid. Don't assume everything is straight forward."

Zeldris was perplexed..what did Renjiro mean? He then closed the door leaving the two outside before making his way home. The scene changed and Zeldris was opening the door to his house. As he made his way inside, his adoptive mother walked down the stairs.