Wings of Fate *Discontinued*

Chapter 10

"So, how about we start with close-quarters combat. What do you know already?"

"Sir, no offense, but... we haven't even done introductions yet. I don't even know-," Kira said to the 41-year old man in front of her. The man was wearing plain clothes, had blond hair, some stubble on his chin, and simply had a knife strapped to his side using a belt as a weapon.

The man cut her off to respond, saying, "Oh, you're right! I guess I'm getting too old for this. The name's Connor, and I'm in charge of blacksmithing here. I also help around with training, such as now, since I learned how to fight when I was 11."

"My name's Kira. I currently don't know what I'm doing specifically yet, I guess. I think that I'm going to be on the front line from the look of things." Kira reached her hand out to him for a handshake, and in response, Connor firmly shook her hand.

"So how about we get started. What do you already know about close-quarters combat?"

"Well, I know a lot of things! I know..."

---------

Nicholas sat on a half-broken bench in a destroyed park area from before the current king overthrew his father. He was sitting there, holding back the few tears he had left to shed. He was used to being treated the way he was, but it still affected him in the same way every time.

He had been ordered by the king at dusk to sit there in the cold until he couldn't see the sun anymore. Nicholas didn't even know why he ordered the punishment in the first place. Perhaps the king was in a nasty mood when he walked in, or perhaps he had done something wrong. The temperature was 41° F (5° C), and all Nicholas had to wear was the same torn shirt he wore every day. Unfortunately for him, the shirt was about as effective as wearing a couple of old rags.

He sat there, shivering, with his hands around his body. He curled up into a ball and sat there, going through the different possibilities for his next punishment so he could be more prepared for them when the time came.

---------

Kira disarmed Connor using the technique he had just shown her, and then twirled behind him, placing one arm around his neck. She pulled out her dagger and placed the dagger over his neck, holding him in place.

Then she let go of him and backed away. She asked him, "So Connor, how did I do?"

He responded, "You performed it correctly, but you were too slow. If I was trying to stop you, I could have easily grabbed your arm and countered because they would have noticed at the speed you were going."

"Oh. So, what should I do to practice it?"

We can practice again after I show you the faster way. The only way to improve a maneuver is one of two things; improving the maneuver, or practicing it until it becomes second nature. If you have to think before you move, you will move slower. If you make it instinctive and let your reflexes take over, you will perform much better. So, in order to disarm them faster than that when they have a small blade, you have to..."

---------

About an hour had passed, and Nicholas was still sitting in the cold. The king had one of his guards check on him, so to make sure that he hadn't left the spot. If he had, then the drawback for Nicholas would be overwhelming.

Suddenly, Nicholas felt a strange feeling inside him. He didn't feel cold any longer, as it was suddenly replaced by hope. He didn't know how to describe his specific feeling, but his mind was racing, and he had absolutely no fear. He stood up, barefoot, and turned around.

He looked towards a small, lightly forested section of the park that was a few feet behind the bench. Feeling compelled to walk into the forested area, he began to trudge his way through the slightly tall grass that made it's way up to his knees. He knew he was looking for something, but he had no idea what.

He felt pain in his feet from walking all day, but he didn't care.

All he cared about was getting to his destination.

---------

"...good! So, how about I see you tomorrow to continue the lessons. We need to make sure that you can sustain yourself in the battlefield. We'll continue this for a week, and then you can go on your way and help them in the real action," Connor said.

"Thanks, Connor. I'll see you tomorrow," Kira responded.

"No problem. Oh, and one more thing! Can you give me your armor? I noticed that it's worn and could use a little improvement. I have to put our emblem on there, so I will need it anyway."

"Sure. Here you go," Kira said, handing over her armor.

Connor grabbed it and started to walk away, but Kira stopped him and said, "Connor, can you make sure to keep it light? I don't-"

Connor cut her off, saying, "Don't worry. I already planned to make it both stronger and lighter, not stronger and heavier. It'll be better than it is now even if it was a little heavier. Well, I'll see you tomorrow."

He left the room, and Kira left soon after.

---------

Nicholas pushed a branch aside lightly, making sure that it wouldn't come back and slap him in the face when he let go. He was a little deep into the forested area of the park, but he wasn't so far that it would be difficult to get back to the bench. At most, it would take him a couple of minutes to return. He pushed another branch out of the way, and saw what he was looking for. He had a ton of questions, but all his questions were answered when he saw it.

A bright yellow dragon egg was laying on the ground, glowing a faint blue color.