The Fox, Red

015 - The Gifted Student

My day starts as is the usual, the sun comes up, hits my eyes, and blinds me awake. I stretch, pop, and try to wake up as quickly as I can because either Madam Odette or Madam Delula will come after me if I'm late. Unlike Madam Odette, Madam Delula likes to sleep way past when she should. Lucky for me that she leaves her notes out and books that I need. Today she's picked something that seems to focus on the Air element. It's more precise than the beginner one. It seems to focus more on control and flow almost like running it through an obstacle course. It's weird but I have a feeling that I may be able to get this.

I let Madam Delula sleep while I read at the desk. I have a feeling that this is going to be the new routine for us. I read for a couple of hours then go outside and practice on my own until she wakes up where she will then refine it and teach me something related and new. The theory behind this is rather simple. Use focal points to bring the energy out then focus it from point to point and move the energy that is already being expelled. It's a controlled wind, is what it breaks down to.

I head outside with the book giving it another skim over to get the focal points correct. It takes me a few tries to get a light breeze going but once I do I'm able to constantly do it. Next up is the control. I try and try to get it to change direction but I seem to be having an issue keeping the focal points and shifting it to another point after it is expelled. I take a seat on the grass looking over the chapter again looking for anything I may have missed and sure enough, I was able to find it. My problem is that I am releasing the energy straight away instead of keeping control of it the entire time. Now, this might be where I need help.

I go back inside not trying to be quiet but Madam Delula is still out. "She can't be that heavy of a sleeper." I move around to make some noise but she never woke up. "Well, whatever. I'll look at this more myself." I head back outside and get hit by a small gust of breeze. I hold onto the book to make sure that I don't lose my place when I have a realization. I've been trying to drag the breeze but in nature, something pushes the air from behind. Not a bad idea to try so I give it a shot.

I take my focus and push the energy keeping control. I'm able to get it to travel and take a slight turn to the right before it dissipates. I try again making it take a sharper turn this time to the left. I think I'm getting it. I'm going to try something and see if I can do it. If I can, then I am pretty sure I can quickly knock this off of my list. I release the energy to my right, have it take a hard left to go sideways to me, then continue holding and push for another left. I release my focus and let the soft breeze go across my face. I continue to play with it until I'm able to constantly keep it going where no matter how many turns I make, no matter how far it stretches, I am still in control of it. To make it more challenging I pick up and juggle a leaf around the grass keeping it low but off the ground.

I was so engrossed in my play that I didn't notice Madam Delula behind me until I turned to the cabin while walking this leaf. I see her standing there with her hand over her mouth and I lose my focus on what I'm doing. I can't tell if she's stunned or disappointed. "Red, you were able to go through all three of my lesson plans already?"

"Three? I only found the one with the controlled breeze."

"You... wait, only one? Only that one? What book are you reading?"

"Yes, Madam Delula. I was only able to find this one."

I hand her the book where her skepticism turns to disbelief, "Oh my god. Lady Odette, I just don't know what to do."

I'm slightly confused. Why is she talking to Madam Odette? She's not... "Delula, what's wrong?" I immediately jumped out of my fur, "Oh shit!"

Madam Odette was there. She was standing right next to me. I didn't see her come up. I didn't hear her. Nothing! She wasn't there and then she was. "Red, language." I stutter through the scare, "Y-you weren't there a-a-a-and then you were and... Oh my god, what is happening to me?" Slight panic attack from being scared. That's what that is. I forget that she seems to be everywhere at the same time watching everything. I step back a little to catch my breath keeping my ears open while the two of them talk about me. "Lady Odette, I can't teach him. I just can't." I'm confused. Madam Odette seems to be as well. "What's wrong, Delula?"