Wizardly

Chapter Eight: Training Room

Once the captain left I sighed and decided to head back to gather my friends. I better introduce them to Master so they can train, if they chose to that is.

Max seemed excited to actually see the training area and so was Amber. I took them down stairs to the large training room where a few of my guild mates were still training and knowing Master Faraday he'd be in the weight room, since he isn't in the training room.

"Come on, follow me," I mumbled. However Candice stopped me and asked who the guy blowing things apart was. When I looked I realized she was refering to Dustin. "His name is Dustin and you should all really stay away from him, he's dangerous and bad news," I muttered.

"He the same Dustin that took you out of commission for weeks?" Max asked. When I nodded he said if I ever need him to wipe the guy out, he'd be glad to. I rolled my eyes and said that I'd keep that in mind, then motioned them all to keep walking.

When we got into the weight room I instantly spotted master helping another guild mate on the bench press. He was scolding him about not doing too much at once. I cleared my throat to get Master's attention. When he turned around his eyes instantly darted to my friends behind me.

"I was wondering when you would bring them by. Honestly, Tyrian, you should be more punctual," he muttered and studdied my friends a moment. "Alright, follow me. I want to see your skills and should you meet my espectations I will allow you to train here," he said to them and walked out, completely forgetting the kid he was helping.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, then helped the kid lift the bar off himself. Man that was heavy. I warned him to be a little more careful and followed after the others. As I stepped out I saw that Max and Master were already sparring.

"What did I miss?" I asked and Candice said that as soon as they walked out and the Master grabbed a sword Max grabbed one too and attacked. The smile I saw on both Max's and Master's faces told me they were both excited for the challenge.

This could take a while actually, especially if Master continues to fight without his power. It's so not fair though, why did he go all out on me - a member of his own guild and a nonmagic user - but not on someone as strong as Max? I mean he did say he wanted to test them right?

"You're looking lost in thought again, Tyrian," Lillyana said as she came up to us. I awkwardly laughed and waved it off saying I was just brainstorming ideas.

"Anyways, what are you doing here, Lillyana?" I asked her trying to change the subject. I know she said I could talk to her/them about any reservations I have, but this one I will keep to myself for now. Besides how can I burden the girl I like with all my negative emotions.

"Not much really, I was bored and heard you guys were heading here. I wanted to watch," she said motioning towards the fight. "Dustin seems really angry, I saw him storm out on my way in," Lillyana added.

"As long as he leaves us all alone I'm not even going to get involved. I honestly don't even know what that guy's issue is with me. I mean I don't recall ever doing anything to him," I mumbled. She shrugged and asked if I wanted her to try and find out. That had me instantly look at her and shake my head. "No, absolutely not. I don't want any of you to even go near the guy," I said not wanting him to hurt any one of my friends, especially not her.

"Easy, Dude, don't scare the poor girl. She was just trying to help, no need to get all grim and serious," Max said as he and Master joined us.

"No, your wrong. The way he treats me and the looks he's been giving anyone close to me, tells me he could hurt any one of you, should you cross paths with him. I don't trust him," I said back.

Master had a serious look on his face and studied me for a minute. He then asked me if I wanted to spar with him for a while. No doubt he was trying to help me release some of this fear and anger I have bottled up. Fine with me. I grabbed a sword and we headed away from my group of friends.

He didn't waste any time before starting and my sword came against his with an easy clang. He nodded, then we separated and squared off again.

If Dustin does attack one of my friends there really isn't anything I can do to stop him and I doubt even my friends could hold their own one-on-one with him. Not that I don't have faith in my friends' abilities, but his ability is just way too hard to avoid.

I dodged out of the way as Master charged at me. I better focus before he really does hit me, because that was close. I met his sword blow for blow - and dodged the ones I wasn't able to block - for a little while. Then he called his powers and I backed away from him instantly. Why is he so freaking hard on me?

His speed increased and defending my self was a lot trickier, just like before. However, I did manage to avoid getting hit and even landed a kick. He was definitely holding back this time, so perhaps Captain had a talk with him about our first all out fight. Or it could be cause we're indoors and he doesn't want to damage anything. When I was too exhausted to continue I took a knee to catch my breath and he backed off.

"That's enough for today," he said sheathing his sword and I agreed. "You are getting better. Your friends seem like a skilled group, so I would be honored to allow them to train here and on the feilds," he added as he offered me his hand.

It was the first time I ever felt I belonged here. I don't think he's ever treated me like an equal before, but as our hands clasped each others I knew I've earned his respect. He pulled me back to my feet and I saw a small smile tug at the edges of his mouth before he turned and walked away.

"That was pretty awesome, Tyrian. I didn't know you could fight like that," Amber said. Max nodded in agreement and took my sword from my hand.

"He didn't use that kind of power against me and I'm a magic user," he said as he put the sword away, "How you kept up with him with him using that much power agaist you is beyond me."

"Actually, he was holding back this time. I completely got my ass handed to me the first time," I said.

"Don't be modest. You were still standing even after you got your ass kicked," Noxos said and punched my arm lightly. "It was really something to see honestly. Master didn't hold back, but by some miracle our man here was able to keep getting back to his feet," he added to Max and the others.

"I'm not all that proud of it though. I mean it wasn't a real fight so I probably should've given in. But I guess I thought I needed to prove something to everyone," I said and shrugged, "Anyways lets get out of here, I'm tired and hungry."

They all agreed and we left the training room. It wasn't quite meal time yet so I just took them on a tour around the building. I was going to wait till they were all here but I needed something to do.