Wizardly

Chapter Two: Another Threat

The next morning I begrudgingly got up for Breakfast and too tired to care I threw on clothes and wandered down to the dining room area. Noxos waved me over to sit with him after I got my food. I was actually really hungry, but also still sore from my training session.

"Well it's true, you didn't die in training yesterday," he said as soon as I dropped down in the seat beside him.

"I feel like I got kicked by a horse though. If I die in training make my grave sound kick ass okay?" I said. I can just see it now, 'here lies Tyrian, never made it through basic training'. Yeah that'll look totally awesome, not. He laughed at me.

"Neh, if you die in training I'll give you an unmarked grave stone. That way at least no one in the future will know it was you," he said. I rolled my eyes at his teasing tone. "Then again, the story would be hilarious and people might pass it on as a what not to do story," he added totally not helping, as usual.

"Stop while you're ahead, Naxos," Diana said and sat across from me. "You'll do fine, Tyrian, if you need extra training to build up your strength let me know," she said to me. I nodded, though I'm not sure what she can do exactly.

Once Breakfast was pretty much over I swore and grabbing my bag I headed to the training grounds. Naxos called after me asking where I was going. I replied that I didn't want to be late for training. Which if I don't hightale it right now I most definitely will be late and as scary as The Master is when he's not mad I don't want to see his angry side.

I made it on time, but just barely and I got that look from him that said "you're lucky, Boy" and I sighed. Thank the stars I wasn't a minute later than I was.

"The rest of you pair off you know your routines. As for you, Tyrian, we're going to kick up your training a notch. I won't go easy on you today, like I had yesterday," he said and my breath caught.

'So he was going easy on me then? Shit.'

I grabbed a sword nervously and then I shook my head. No I got to focus, I know I can do this. I'm not who I was two years ago and I won't let him humiliate me again.

As he took his stance I took mine calmly and confidently across from him. I'll gladly meet this challenge if I have to, if not for me then for the Captain and my friends. It seemed like everything and everyone around us went still to watch. Why do I feel so confident despite my past endeavor? Don't get me wrong, I'm still terrified of him, but I now know that back then he was harsh on me because I wasn't quite ready.

He made his move and told me not to get distracted thinking too much. However, I dodged and turned to face him again. He did the same and came in for a second blow. My sword met his with a metalic clang.

You see The Master is a skilled fighter, but his magical abilities enhance his skills. Though I could tell he isn't using his magic right now. I've been around these guys for so long I've picked up the ability to sense when they gather their magic for spells or call their abilities. I thought he said he wasn't going to go easy on me though.

Going with yesterday's lesson I shot my foot out to knock him off balance, but he dodged by jumping back out of my reach. He studdied me for a moment and this time I attacked him. His sword easily met mine.

"You seem more determined and fired up today," he said then smirked, "Perhaps I underestimated you. You are definitely a different kid now, than you were -" I tried to kick him and he stopped my foot with his hand. He knocked me to the ground and tried to thrust his sword down at me while standing over me. I used my sword as a shield of sorts and heard the clang.

"You're right, and I know all of this already, so shut up," I muttered as he staggered back from surprise. I got back up and resumed my stance.

"So that's why you seem so confident today, you realized your potential, huh? I got news for you, you may have gotten stronger, but you have a long way to go," he said and I felt it then, his magical energy.