Bender - Battle Of The Nexus

Class 2 : Learn to Become a Glow Stick!

narrated by Alex

While hanging out waiting for John, the vibe around the academy was buzzing with this mix of excitement and curiosity. The sun was doing its golden thing in the sky, casting a warm glow on everyone hustling around. Students were like bees in a hive, buzzing with anticipation for the next class – it was practically crackling in the air.

I took in the scene, the whole academy radiating this vibe of endless possibilities. You could practically taste the energy, this feeling that something big was about to go down. Man, I couldn't wait.

John strolled up, giving me this nod like he'd just conquered the world. "Ready for today, Alex?"

I shot him a grin. "As ready as I'll ever be. You?"

He chuckled, that easygoing vibe of his in full swing, chequered shirt over a white tee and black pants with sneakers on the bottom. "Let's see if Benji can turn us into bending prodigies by the end of the day."

Anne and Gordon strolled in, and let me tell you, the air wasn't exactly filled with sunshine and rainbows. Nope, it was more like an invisible storm brewing as they exchanged glances that could rival a lightning strike.

Anne made her way towards John, and they both had a cute little exchange of greetings and the usual, while I obviously got Gordon to deal with.

I made several attempts to strike up a conversation with Gordon.

"Hey, Gordon! Ready for today's class?"

Gordon's response was brief and to the point. "Yeah."

Feeling determined, I continued, "You know, I heard the training gets intense. But it's all in good fun, right?"

Gordon's expression remained stoic. "We'll see."

Undeterred, I tried a different approach. "So, any hobbies or interests outside of bending?"

Gordon shot me a look that hinted he wasn't particularly keen on delving into his personal interests. It was a subtle yet clear signal that further interrogation might not be welcome.

I shrugged and went back to waiting for Benji, and that's when Benji entered, his long hair rippling in the wind, a smile on his bearded face.

"Ready for today's class?" He said, and we all nodded in response.

He led us behind the campus, towards the field at the back

Benji gestured towards the open field bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. "Nature has a way of enhancing the connection with your energy. I find it more fitting for our endeavors. Follow me, and let's embrace the outdoors for today's lesson."

"Alright then. So I did some background work after class yesterday, just checking what you all had been doing previously! So you all did learn something about energy, and some basic self defense stuff. So I hear John has some basic manipulation down already, Alex and Gordon prefer to let their hands to the talking, and Anne isn't even interested in violence. Is that right?"

We all nodded, and he continued, "Let's get started then."

Benji leaned forward, his eyes filled with enthusiasm. "Now, bending, folks, is more than just combat. Back in the day, it was mostly about throwing punches and defending yourself. But now, it's everywhere. Construction workers use it to lift heavy materials; artists create stunning displays with their bending finesse. It's like a language that goes beyond words, connecting us to the very essence of energy."

He gestured to the academy grounds. "This field, this city, is our canvas. Your energy is the brush, and bending is the art. So, we're not just learning to fight; we're learning to express, to create, and to connect with the world in a way that goes beyond the physical."