Hollow Genesis

Chapter 10: Survival Game

Chapter 10: Survival Game

Training continued the following day at the break of dawn. Toishi and Jeht traded turns to hone both their and Jun's skills. Everyone else watched the finals for the knight events on the television, ecstatic to see the true potential of the qualifying knights. The uproar of the crowd was easily heard on the television. Clips of the entirety of the Games were shown, from the uniform parade during the opening ceremony to the greatest moments during the knightly sword fights and jousting. 

The training members took a break and entered the house. Jeht asked, "How are the events going?" 

"The sword fighting just finished, they're beginning the javelin throw," Rubee replied, her eyes glued to the television. 

Jeht moved to his refrigerator and grabbed water bottles for himself, Toishi, and Jun. They rested against the walls and accompanied the others in watching the events. Knights stood at a distance away from wooden posts that had a bag attached to it. In the hands of the knights were long javelins with sharp blades. The knights aimed for the bolded, red circle on the bags as well as needing to pierce through the bag from their distance. 

"Knights must be really strong," Flake commented as she saw a javelin cause the bag to bleed sand. 

"They have a rigorous active lifestyle through their training. It takes dedication of the mind and body in order to be a good knight," Jeht replied. 

"You sure do know a lot about knights," Borus pointed out. 

Jeht took a sip of water before speaking, "I've had my fair share of time around them. I made their armor and weapons; I've met really famous knights personally. So it's only natural that I know the basic trivia about knights." Jeht looked at Jun and Toishi, "Let's get back to training, the more we train the better the chance of survival." The two nodded and stood up. 

The trio exited the house to the backyard and resumed training, filling the air with metallic clashes and yells. Training lasted until dusk began to rise; Toishi and Jeht ended the practice for themselves. Jun practiced with an invisible opponent, slashing his dagger and sword through air. The moon gave Jun the spotlight as he continued on, showing no fatigue or exhaustion. 

Lynx stepped outside, watching Jun practice in cool air. Jun noticed Lynx and stopped his movements to ask, "Can't sleep?" 

Lynx shook his head and answered, "Not that tired." Lynx paused, knowing that this may be the possible last time he'll talk to Jun. "Jun, can you train me some more with the sword?" 

Jun nodded, "Yeah.. Wait here.." Jun moved into the shack and grabbed another sword for Lynx to wield. He handed the sword to Lynx and took several steps away from Lynx. "Come at me.." He ordered. 

Lynx clutched the sword tightly with both hands and obliged. He ran at Jun at full speed and attempted to hit Jun with a slash. Jun parried and kicked Lynx in the stomach. 

"Left yourself open.. Close your open areas.." Jun advised. "Again.." 

Lynx attempted to attack Jun again, this time with a stabbing motion. Jun parried again causing Lynx to move his whole body. Jun kicked Lynx again, this time Lynx was able to use his arm to take the hit. 

"Better.. But don't determine what you're going to do early.. Your opponent can read your moves if you do.." Jun advised. "Again.." 

The midnight training session continued on until Lynx became exhausted. Lynx called it a night and moved back into the home. Jun stayed outside in the night sky, resting on the ground as he watched the dark sky. Slowly his eye began to close, leaving anticipation as his final thoughts for the night.