Shadows in the Dark: Rise of Three

Chapter XV

Everyone starts filtering into the training area. I walk over to Zach. I watch him for a few minutes, studying the way he punches and seeing if I need to correct anything.

"Good. You're doing good." I say.

"Thanks. I've been in here punching this damn thing for hours."

"Wow. Really?"

"Yes. I threw some knives, shot some arrows, and practiced sword stances or whatever they are called."

"Good. Can I see?"

"Sure. Whatever." He stops punching the bag and his knuckles are covered with blood and scabs. He notices me looking and heals them.

We walk over to the sword area and he picks up a set of throwing knives. He stands a few meters away from the target. He takes aim, his stance is really good, he throws the knife. It hits the centre of the target. Then before I can congratulate him he throws another. It lands right next to the other one, then he throws the last one. It lands on the other side of the first one.

He turns to look at me. "So. How did I do?"

"Excellent! Truly excellent! How long did you practice that?"

"Two hours. Then the sword for three. I shot arrows for an hour, and punched for three. I'll show Jake the sword when he gets here and you already know I'm pretty good at the bow, and you already saw me punching."

"Yes I did. I think you're good to start in the ring, but Jake has to give his approval."

"Fine. Oh look. There he is." He blurs away to Jake. I focus on where Jennifer is and teleport there.

"How is he?" She asks.

"Good. He's really good. I'm putting him in the ring with Jake's approval."

"Good. That's good right?"

"Yes. That's good." We both look in the direction of the sword area. Zach swinging the sword around while Jake studies him. Zach finished his routine and Jake starts talking to him. I focus on what they are saying, and a second later I'm listening in.

"...I think Veronica is right. I think you are ready for the ring. Everybody is switching groups today so Veronica and I will train them first then we will set up the ring. V and I will start it off then anybody else is willing to go up."

"Great! Thanks! If I do well can I have my freedom back?"

"What do you mean?"

"Veronica compelled me to stay in my room unless it was to train or go to the kitchen and eat. Her and Jennifer think I need motivation."

"Well they were right. You didn't get the seriousness of this. I'm not even sure I did, but once I was face to face with Michel I knew this was serious."

"When were you face to face with him?"

"In that warehouse. He threatened V's dad. That's why he's here."

"Is he ok?"

"Yes. He's fine."

"He's always liked me. Everytime Veronica brought me over. We always hit it off."

"Were you two friends before?"

"No. We dated for awhile, but then she broke up with me."

"Really? You don't seem like her type."

"I was her first boyfriend. She didn't know what her type was, and neither did I."

"Huh. Ok. Well. We need to start soon. I think everyone is getting antsy."