The Dawn Of Phoenix Fire

Trained To Kill.

The three teenagers; Daisy, Bubbles and Taster returned that early morning, their breaths ragged as they sat down.
I managed to muster a small smile to the young Phoenix-Borns before turning to the little band of available warriors and scavengers.

My hands clasped the guard of a blade as I raised it high, my eyes rolling over the faces before my person covered in scars and dirt. A voice released itself from my lips, one that I did not recognise.

"Today we accomplish one of our highest achievements. I know these actions seem rather coarse and harsh but know that I am willing to do what it takes so we don't lose anyone else!"

I paused for a moment as many nodded in agreement while others stayed silent and finally I was able to say what I always wanted.

"We have been stuck in this continuous battle with the pain of losing so many, both young and old, every day we run to survive and now we have the means to end this tiresome war! Let this be the beginning. Of the End!"

Some of the older warriors cheered and raised their swords, but one girl gripping a gun in her hands stared at it with a pursed lip. Ten, possibly twelve, she was one of the youngest among the group.
"Sweet-pea."
Honeycomb eyes full of discomfort met mine, I spoke as soft as I could and whether or not I was trying to reassure her or myself my words sounded as clear as day.

"First don't be afraid of it, it's just a tool. What I'm asking you to do is unfair, it's a burden not everyone can handle, But please hang on for a little longer."

Sweet-pea gave a curt nod, clenching the gun closer to her and taming a deep breath.
I straightened my back as I glanced at Bear, he couldn't contain his grimace at such a sight while I held my sword out in front of me.
Slowly following each command I called out to the other sword wielders they began to find it easier to swing the sword with finesse.

Once the sword training ended I started setting up targets for the Gunners, trying to save ammunition proved to be a bigger issue as more and more bullets hit the walls then the dummy targets and glass bottles.

"Good work everyone, Training will start again tomorrow. Don't forget to rest your arms and teach yourselves how to focus!"

The sun would begin to rise within less than three hours, it seemed barely enough to do everything that needed to be done. Grabbing the checklist I quickly scanned through then when determining what to do next I went to go check on the supplies inventory.

"Ninety-three cans of food...one-hundred and twenty-two bottles of clean water and drinks...thirty extra candles...twelve medical kits....."

I pointed to each supply as I made a mental note of things that needed to be resupplied and others that did not, my counting stopped as I felt a presence behind me.
I swerved around hurling a dagger at the person purposely making it only just miss their face,

"Reveal yourself."

"You missed."
A male walked out from the darkness, the tilt of his lip lifted as he seemed to look through my tone of voice. I sheathed my second dagger as I released a sigh.

"Nightwalker, you know I could've hurt you. Next time please announce your presence BEFORE I blunt my dagger in an attempt to apprehend the person following me."

He seemed amused only amounting a chuckle in response while pulling my dagger from the wall and throwing it allowing me to catch it by its hilt, his finger tapped against the shelves of provisions growing slower with each step he took. The intensity of his gaze lingered as he calmly talked yet his hunched shoulders seemed to flinch, he couldn't even bare to lay his eyes upon me.

"So is it true you've started training some of us? You always were so skilled in fighting but you also hesitated to ever use it..."

"It's true, why do you ask?"

Turning with his eyes glossed over it was clear what he wanted, the only thing that could bring him peace of mind.

"I want retribution."

He was one of the more capable fighters and his skill could be used in many ways, he refused to do anything lately but hearing this now was a turning point. With his training and his power maybe it would be possible to truly tear down the Guild at least that's what I hoped at this point, however, his mental state was still unconfirmed. Could I let him do what he wished at the risk of him becoming a monster?

'Would that be so bad?'

I almost flinched at my response; had I already lowered myself to the thoughts, someone, from the Guild, would have?

"Beauty, I will fight, either way."

I felt my chest rise and fall slowly,

"Fine."