The gang took a stop at a valley where they were currently training with their weapons. Their training was hunting down some cattle for tonight's dinner.
"Nice." Ren sheathed Dragon Bane after killing the final one.
"Looks like meat's on the menu tonight!" Blaze cheered.
"Not so fast. We've got company." Mavis informed.
Looking behind them, imperial troops were landing.
"Looks like dinner will have to wait." Zane said, reloading his gunblade.
"What timing." Lucinda commented.
"Should we run?" Garroth asked.
"And leave the meat?" Ren and Blaze looked at him like he was crazy with all the meat they collected.
"I don't want to, but-"
Troops were closing in with everyone charging to battle. Another memory from the past played out during the confrontation.
(Flashback)
"Oww..." A kid fell on his butt after dealing with a powerful blow to the chest.
"You can do better than that." Ren said, holding onto his Shinai. "Don't focus on just the attack."
The student gets back up and practice once more. The lesson was over as the student's parents arrived to take him home.
Ren puts the Shinais away before heading back home. Sasha prepared dinner and the two sat down at the table.
"So how was it?" Sasha asked.
"It went well though the kid still needs more practice." Ren replied, biting into a carrot.
"Still aren't you going a bit hard at him?"
Ren sighed as he was cutting his meat. "Maybe... But he won't improve if he continues to act like that."
He knew the kid since he started teaching him. Wasn't bad, but had a huge attitude problem. Parents did their best, but couldn't find out the reason why. The next day, Ren continued teaching his class. Until...
"He's gone?!"
"We didn't see him since class started." One student said.
"Where the hell'd he go?" Ren questioned. "Continue practicing, I'm going to have a talk with his parents."
The students continued practicing as their teacher went to make a call. It wasn't until later that the search began.
Ren soon finds a photo on the ground which was of missing kid and a girl. Both looking very happy together.
"Must've dropped this. Excuse me, do you know the girl in the photo?" He asked one of his students.
"That's Katie. They were best friends since 6th grade. Sadly she's moving away soon. Her parents got a new job over sea." The student explained.
Eventually they found the kid, who was covered in bruises and cuts. With him was the girl in the photo.
"Where were you?!" His father shouted. "You had us all worried sick! Well? Say something!"
"Sir. It's my fault for not looking after him. Although his carelessness might've put those around him in danger. He's should consider this in the future." Ren said.
"I understand your concern with this, but this is a family matter. What I want to know is where he got those bruises from."
"I didn't feel like coming to class, so I went for a walk. Katie was being harassed by a older man. I stepped in and beat the guy up." The kid explained.
"You're grounded for the rest of the week." His father said.
"Sir, I believe your son dropped this." Ren hands him the photo. "I know what's been acting up."
"What's that?" The mother asked.
"Your son has a crush with his friend, Katie over there, but since she's moving this impacted him deeply."
A week has passed since then. Class was back in session as Ren taught the kid privately.
"Get up!"
The kid barely a blow as he fell onto the floor.
"Dang it!" The kid sat there frustrated.
"You still got a long way to go. But... you got guts. Finding love isn't all that easy like in fairy tales. You did well handling your own, but that doesn't mean I'll go easy on you. You got a lot to learn before taking that big step."
"Then teach me."
The two got up and fist bumped each other.
"Isn't that why I'm here?" Ren got into stance. "Show me what you got."
(Flashback Over)
The gang were able to defeat troops with the herd running away.
"Whew, I'm beat!" Blaze sat down due to exhaustion. "Time for steak?"
"Not until we replenish our spice supply. We'll have to return to town and buy more." Zane said.
"Can't we buy them in the next town?" Blaze asked.
"It's quite a distance." Lucinda said.
"But I'm starving now!" Blaze complained.
Ren starred at the distance. Thoughts were running as he wonders what Aphmau and the others were doing.
"Hope to see you soon."
YOU ARE READING
Aphmau: Brotherhood
AdventureThe gang continued their journey to find the weapons of the kings and the trails awaiting Ren. During their time on the road, they recalled old memories from the past. Memories of which came from when they were children.
