Legend of the Flaming phantom

Chapter 7: Training

Ashley turned to Chris.

"He may have beaten April, but let's see how well he does against you," Ashley said.

"But Ashley," Chris said. "We haven't been given the chance to decide what level of training he should receive."

"You haven't, but I have."

"How long were you watching?"

"Long enough. Now, get in the fence."

Chris walked to the arena and entered. I followed him in.

"Now," Ashley said, looking at me. "You fight pretty well, but let's see how well you hold up against Chris."

Chris walked to one side of the arena, while I stayed on my side. Ashley walked to the edge of the fence.

"When I say to go, begin fighting," Ashley said.

We both waited on our sides of the arena while Ashley checked to see if we were ready. It took awhile, but she finally yelled, "Go!"

Me and Chris slowly walked toward each other. When we reached each other we began circling each other, waiting for an opening. Suddenly, he kicked at me. The kick was so fast, I almost couldn't dodge it. He threw a punch, striking my abdomen. I had never felt so much force before in my life! The blow knocked me off my feet and sent me back a few feet. While I was down, he ran at me and attempted to kick me. I managed to roll out of the way and get up.

"You may have beaten April," Chris said. "But I'm the best fighter here. I'm also the strongest."

"I can tell," I replied.

Chris ran at me again and began throwing a series of punches. The punches were fast, but I could tell they were held back. He was toying with me! I grabbed his left arm and kicked him in the gut, causing him to stumble back.

"Not bad," He said. "But, it won't be enough."

He charged once more and threw a punch. I dodged it, but as I did, he kicked my feet out from under me. As I was off the ground, he kicked me back down, knocking the wind out of me. He looked down at me and smiled.

"You're not bad for a rookie, but you have a lot to learn," He said.

He began walking away. I was in shock, but quickly jumped out of it. I stood up and looked toward Chris.

"It's a good thing I'm a fast learner," I called to him.

He turned to face me.

"So, you're still standing?" He said. "Well, good for you, but I'm done with you."

"Don't give up on me just yet, I may surprise you."

Chris grinned.

"You're tougher than you look," He said. "Get ready, cause I'm coming!"

He charged at me with unexpected speed. When he reached me, he began throwing a series of punches. These punches were faster than the ones before. As I was dodging, he kicked at my feet again. This time, I was prepared. I stepped back and kicked his abdomen. I could see the shock on his face and knew it was my turn to go on the offensive. I threw an uppercut and began punching. He attempted blocking, but I wouldn't give him the chance. I grabbed his arm and kicked his feet from under him. He hit the ground hard.

I looked around and saw everyone, including Ashley's, shocked expressions. As I was looking, I felt a hand wrap around my ankle. I looked down and saw Chris looking up at me with anger on his face.

Before he could do anything, Ashley whistled to signify the fight was over. Chris let go of my ankle and got up. He glared at me, then walked away. Ashley walked into the arena and came up to me.

"What the heck was that?" She asked. "No rookie has ever beaten Chris like that. Your Ghostfire isn't the only ability you have, is it?"

"No," I responded. "I was also born with two other abilities. I'm naturally an exceptional fighter, and I learn extremely fast."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?"

"You never asked."

"That's not an excuse!"

"Nothing ever is with you!"

When I said that, I could hear everyone gasping around me. Ashley clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. She let out a sigh.

"I'll deal with you later. For now, I have another fighting test for you."

She turned back to the others.

"Tasia!" She yelled.

Tasia stepped up quietly.

"Get in the arena!"

Tasia walked to the arena and went to the far end.

"You want me to fight her?" I said "But she's so shy!"

"I wouldn't underestimate Tasia," Ashley replied. "That's a very dangerous thing to do. Now, get in the arena."

I entered the arena and walked to the opposite end from Tasia. Ashley walked to the side of the arena to make sure we were ready. When she saw we were, she yelled, "Go!"

Me and Tasia walked toward the center. When we reached it, we began circling each other.

"I d-don't want to hurt you," Tasia said. "But, I'm afraid if Ashley orders it, I must obey."

I threw a punch, and Tasia easily dodged it. She grabbed my arm while it was still extended and elbowed my face. She let go of my arm and kicked my abdomen, sending me stumbling back. I looked at Tasia with surprise written all over my face.

"What was that?" I asked.

Suddenly, I heard chuckling from Ashley.

"Tasia may not be as well of a fighter as Chris," Ashley began. "But she can see your punches from a mile away."

I looked to Ashley.

"She's part of the Sight category?" I asked.

"Good memory."

I looked back to Tasia. I wasn't sure how I could beat her. If I remembered right, she was able to see things that moved much faster than my fist ever could. Suddenly, Tasia charged. She kicked at me, but I managed to dodge it. I threw a punch, and she dodged at the very last second. She grabbed my arm and flipped me. My back hit the ground hard. Tasia prepared the finishing blow, but Ashley whistled, and she stopped. I slowly got up from the ground.

Ashley jumped in the arena and walked over to me.

"She's a lot tougher than she looks," I said.

"No one ever expects it," Ashley replied. "You've impressed me. I've never had to use Tasia for a rookie before. Anyway, training is over."

"Already? But we barely started."

"It would have gone longer, but you didn't tell me about your additional abilities. Now, I have to arrange training suitable for you."

"What do I do until then?"

"Jericho wanted to see you."

"I just realized he's not here. Where is he?"

"He's in his room, recovering from the wound that he got while protecting you. His room is three doors to the left of yours. I suggest you go see him now. He can get a little impatient."

"Alright, I'll go now."

I turned and headed out the door.