Untold Part 1: The Strength Within

Chapter 1: Training Session

The sun radiates immense heat to a group of young guys actively skipping with their jump ropes under a canopy of shade. A young, gray, wolf breed grits his teeth as he feels his heart pulsate. His friend, who is adjacent to him, pushes through the struggle and mimics him.

"Iteijyu. How long has it been? I can't push for this long." Mabaru huffs his breath desperately. His sweat pours over his red tank top.

"Just a minute left, you're almost there." Iteijyu grins at him with no remorse. His blue hoodie shuffles through the quick speed of his skips.

Their coach is a tall, muscular, barbary lion breed, pacing back and forth across from them. He wears a gray hoodie and a black hat, watching them strictly.

He pulls out his phone after the timer rings. "And time. Good job guys. We're going to be out on the field practicing mitt drills. After that, one lap around the park and we're done."

"You got it, coach." Iteijyu sits down on the pavement while catching his breath. He sees Mabaru clumsily drop on the pavement.

"Yo! We're almost done! How you feelin'?" Iteijyu yells at him.

"Doing good. Trying at least. Cardio is hard. How do you keep doing this?"

"Lots and lots of training. Don't worry if you can't do it right. Cole is easy with people on the first day."

"Mabaru! Come here! Let's practice on your combos. Iteijyu, shadowbox for the meantime."

"Yes coach!" Iteijyu and Mabaru lift themselves up and runs to the field.

Cole and Mabaru stand in front of each other. Mabaru wears red boxing gloves while listening to him talk about his first combination. He lets loose with his fists and circles around him, side-stepping each foot in coordination.

"The most important punch in boxing is the jab. It's offense, defense, perfect for setting up combos. We'll start with the basics: the jab, cross, and hook. Alternate your hands left and right. When you jab, you want to curve your fist as your throw. Make sure you extend your arm or you won't get much power in it." Cole wraps his fist with his other hand.

Mabaru nods. He watches Cole move around his hands, anticipating every movement he might throw. Cole immediately pulls his left hand up and feels a quick sting.

"There you go! For your cross, extend your right arm to my other mitt. Your back foot will turn as you punch. Lastly, your hook is where you curve your arm. Both of your feet will twist together. Remember to relax. Be loose. Come on, ready stance."

The wind bristles through Mabaru as he slowly throws his fists out. Cole patiently keeps up with him and lifts his mitts in unison.

Cole puts down his hands and gives Mabaru a small rest. "You're doing good man! It's exhausting when you keep this up in the ring. It's important to maintain your composure."

"You got it... coach."

"Mabaru, I know it's hard. Come on. Let's finish this up." Cole slightly bumps his mitt on Mabaru's shoulders. He smiles and shifts to his fighting stance.

Iteijyu continues to shadow box while they were training. He throws different combinations and defends himself from visualized attacks. A swift uppercut from his right hand, a head slip to the left, and a finishing blow with a left hook. He parries with his right hand and circles his head frequently. He glimpses at Mabaru practicing on his combination and smiles. Small progress is amounting to his effort. Cole concludes the drill with Mabaru and calls Iteijyu to meet with him.

"Alright boys. Final exercise of the day. One lap around the park."

"Oh shit. I don't know if I can do it, coach. I'm already tired..." Mabaru sighs heavily.