Hero of Ranora

Chapter 6

                        

Chapter 6

Flora led Derrik and Sharelle to a vast field where warriors were practicing hand-to-hand combat. "This is our first stop," Flora said. "Derrik, what do you know about hand-to-hand combat?"

Derrik thought for a moment. He still had trouble trusting his "sister", even though she had done so much for him already. Still, Derrik found it hard to trust anyone these days. "I can fight alright," Derrik replied.

Flora smirked at Sharelle. "What about you, Sharelle? Can you fight?" Flora asked mockingly. In response, Sharelle leaped into the air, spun around, and came flying down, her foot connecting with Flora's stomach. Flora kneeled over in pain.

"I can fend for myself," Sharelle spat. Derrik gave Sharelle a smile of approval. He definately wanted her by his side when the time came to fight. Flora got back on her feet and bowed respectfully.

"I am sorry for underestimating you, Sharelle. You are far more formidable than you appear. And you will play a crucial part in Derrik's life. But, none the less, you still have much training to undergo," Flora said. She motioned for Derrik and Sharelle to come closer. "The first thing that you must learn is how to fight without emotion. If you forget that you are fighting an actual living being, it becomes much easier to deliver the final blow."

Flora motioned for a guard to come forward. "Ready?" She asked him. He nodded in response. Flora swung her body around, kicking the man in the chest. As he was falling, Flora rushed up and kicked him again. The man prepared himself, and then landed on his feet. His fist landed on Flora's shoulder, causing her to yelp in pain.

She stooped down, leg extended, and tried to knock the guard down again. However, he anticipated that move and leaped out of the way. Flora grunted and sprinted towards him. The guard braced himself, but nothing could prepare him for the sheer force of the punch he would receive. The guard flew upward, and then came down with a hard THUD!

Flora dusted herself off as she walked towards Derrik and Sharelle. "That is how we do things here," She said firmly. "If you are to lead the rebellion, Derrik, then you must be no less than perfect."

Derrik looked at Flora. "What do you mean by 'lead the rebellion'? I just want to learn how to take down Neyom and free the empire."

Flora scoffed. "Oh, is that all? You can't go alone, Derrik. You need friends. And family," Flora said. She motioned towards down at the soldiers. "You need an army, Derrik. These people have waited their entire lives for the chance to get back at Neyom for all that he has done against us. Derrik, let these people help us," Flora pleaded.

Sharelle walked over to Flora. "What is your problem? You save us from death, only to demand more of us than can be expected. Derrik has more right than you do to the throne. He has been through much more in his life than you have," Sharelle said nobly. Flora kept her confident posture.

"I'm sorry for acting rude, but I need Derrik's help. And Derrik needs you," Flora whispered, changing her attitude yet again.

"You keep saying that!" Derrik exploded. "What do you mean?" Flora looked at him, her eyes foggy and glazed.

"She is your future, Derrik. Sharelle is your future. Keep her by your side, cherish her. Love her," Flora whispered. This time, both Derrik and Sharelle were confused.

"Together, you are the future of this world," Flora said. She blinked, and her posture straightened. "When you attack an opponent, you never want to attack them from the front. You..."