As the storm came and went. The clouds left leaving the sky clear, with the only thing in their place was the rising sun painting the morning sky, giving the light to the dark blue.

  Today was like so many other mornings: the sound of clashing blades echoed early in the morning Red continued with yet another day of sparring with Maryan.

  Hellia simply watched the training, enjoying the morning as she drank a morning coffee, reaching for a bread roll.

  'Huh, that's strange...'

  With each echoing clash of blades, one was forced back. This was nothing new even after watching countless matches they always have something to look forward to in the mornings.

  But today was different.

  'Red isn't normally this aggressive.'

  True to her observation, Red was on the attack this time. Swinging Breaker at Maryan, who simply let him play the role of the aggressor, blocked each one of his strikes.

  But that didn't mean she let his mistakes go unpunished.

  Leaping in, swinging Breaker, Hellia watched a blindfolded Maryan evaded and blocked each attack with all the grace of a dancer. Following up, more like punishing him, with a swift kick to the chest sending him across the yard.

  "Be careful Red!" She called out, giving the crimson-eyed boy a chance to find his footing. "How about you come take a break and get some breakfast?"

  She went ignored as he charged Maryan. A simple smile took form graced her face, evading each slash the boy made.

  A descending strike was easily sidestepped, she felt the wind getting cut. Not relenting Red followed up with a horizontal slash. However, like a snake in the grass, one moment Maryan was there and the next she was gone.

  Realization painted Red's face, turning around and slashing his blade. He could only watch as Maryan caught it with her fingers.

  He watched a smile grow on the woman while her other hand, her finger shot out and flicked him back.

  "He's stubborn like Lyn was at that age. I still can't tell if that's a good thing."

  "Well if you ask me, it depends on the context."

  The new morning arrival stole her attention away from the match to her son-in-law.

  He was dressed in his usual clothing with his shield at his side. However, her obsidian eyes were drawn to the tackle box he had at his side and the poles over his shoulders. "Morning Achilles I see you're all geared up. What's the occasion?"

  "Oh nothing, just wanted to go fishing and wanted to see if Red would want to tag along."

  "That sounds nice. But you might have a hard time with that, he's a little preoccupied." A hardy laugh was shared between them. Only to watch as Breaker was removed from his grasp nad Maryan tripped him, using her foot to sweep his legs out from underneath him.

  "I can see that."

  Turning away from the match, the meeting of blades still rang out while she addressed her son-in-law. "What about Roy? I'm sure he'd be more than willing to come."

  "You'd think that, but when I went to check on him. I found him in Red's room wrapped up in his blanket. He looked like a cocoon."

  The statement got yet another chuckle out of her as she imagined what her other grandson looked like. "So I assume Lyndis is still asleep?"

  "No, she's awake but she didn't want to get out of bed. You know, for a family called Riser, it's kinda funny that most of our family tends to sleep in."

  "Yep it's something I learned very early on when I first met Igneel, and it seems like Lyndis takes after him in that regard."

  "You're telling me. I felt like a body pillow this morning."

  A laughing Hellia couldn't help but relate. "I see we have something in common."

  Their conversation was interrupted as they heard a loud thud, only to find that Red was disarmed yet again and was slammed face-first into the ground.

  The pair couldn't help but wince at that blow. Watching as Red tried to get up only to have Maryan step on his back preventing him from getting up.

  "Maryan, I can keep going!"

  Despite having just been thrown to the ground, they watched surprised...

  Maryan, more tired and slightly annoyed at the boy's stubbornness.

  ...As he tried to get back up, only to have Maryan pressed her foot down harder, keeping the boy in place. Much to Hellia's amusement.

  All Maryan could do was groan. "Red, your will to keep going is admirable but, please pace yourself. We've been at this for so long, the sun is starting to rise."

  Walking away, Maryan's body had a slurring sway to it with each simple step. Finding an open seat at the table, she sat across from Hellia. "I must say, it looks like the sun isn't the only one casting a shadow Achilles."

  Instinctually he reached for his chin, feeling the scruff along his face. "Huh, guess it's getting time for a shave."

  "Why not let it grow out, you'd look nice with a beard."

  "You think so, Hellia? Maybe I will." He only continued to rub his hand against his chin feeling the short hairs that painted his face. Picturing what he'd look like with a beard.

  The look on his face made it safe to say he liked the idea.

  "That boy, I don't even think calling him adamant is sufficient." The groan from the heteroromantic-eyed woman made her frustration clear when she fell into her set.

  "He's a part of our family, would you expect anything less?"

  "I guess you're right, but honestly it can't be good for him." Suddenly her gaze snapped from dread and coffee to the boy's father. "Achilles are you just gonna stand there or are you going let your boy swing that thing till his arms break?" Her cry pulled a distracted Achilles back to reality.

  "You might be right, the boy needs to take a break."

  "So what are you going to do about about it?" Maryan couldn't help but wonder what he was planning. "I mean, even when I tell him to stop he starts going on his own."

  "Let's just say I have a little plan to get him to stop, at least for today." Pulling out a red vial, its red color caught her eye as she started grinning.

  —

  With each swing of the blade, his arms only grew sore.

  However, the drive to improve continued to be fueled by images that painted the void in his mind. They drove him to go further, he tried to cut down the wind when it blew past him.

  With each move, falling deep into a trance and slowly, images of red and blue flames, a burning blade beam, incomparable speed, monstrous strength and so much more filled his mind.

  In a dark space the more he swung, the more an imaginary figure started to form. The opponent in front of him seemed to be constantly changing its weapon.

  Was it a sword or a spear, maybe it was multiple weapons?

  Its details were blurry like it was covered in a foggy mist, but the only detail that could be made out was the hair. Changing from orange to silver to yellow, from long to short, loose to tied.

  With each change, he did as well. From countering a single sword with a swing of his own to blocking multiple blades that were launched at him.

  "H...y... ed. Yo... ere... on?"

  Moving to block them, both projectiles were deflected. But this time the figure's hair turned black.

  "H...y ...ed."

  Without even thinking he swung the blade blade behind him, only to feel that it was stopped by something.

  Breaking free from his mind, to find that Achilles had stopped Breaker. "Oh... Sorry, Dad."

  He wasn't even mad, just smiling at the situation."That's a good swing, how's your arms feeling?"

  "They're fine, just a little sore." Once Breaker was released, he caught a vial. Looking over it, he uncorked it and downed the red liquid. Once the vial was empty he felt that the slight stiffness started to fade away as his arms felt loose and relaxed.

  "That's good. You up for a little match?"

  "A match?"

  "Yeah, I mean after all you've been spending a lot of the morning with Maryan. So what do you say, up for a match with your old man?" Achilles smiled, patting his fist against his chest.

  With an accepting nod, Red watched his father put some distance between them and readied his shield. "You aren't going to use a sword?"

  "Well, I think the only thing I need to beat you is my shield." Laughing at his taunt, Achilles didn't even try to hide his confidence, much to his son's annoyance.

  Hellia and Maryan both watched intrigued as the battle started when Red rushed in at a breakneck pace. The sound of clashing metal echoed the moment Breaker collided with his father's shield. Achilles' grin only grew more confident and launched his son back the moment he appiled even the slighest effort.

  Sliding back, he took the time to steady himself. 'Ok, there's no way I'm winning if it's gonna be a game of power. Maybe I could–

  He couldn't finish his thought as Achilles raised his shield and charged him like a raging bull.

  Red had no time to second guess and met the charge with Breaker. The sound of metals colliding echoed throughout the yard yet again. But rather than take the full force of his father's attack. He used Breaker to block the attack and rotate around his father.

  Trying to retaliate he was met with a boot to the chest that sent him flying back.

  Achilles charged again.

  As is on reflex his hand rose...

  'Come on don't quit, it just started!'

  "Firebolt!"

  A small bolt of flame launched from his hand, but it had little to stop Achilles' charge. He just ran through the attack, not eveing using his sheild to block it.

  Avoiding his Father's charge and ducking under his follpwing kick, Red felt the force of his father's kick. Time seemed to slow down when he followed with a straight punch, again Red was able to dodge. Following his son's movement, Achilles swung the arm that held his shield.

  It was a complete role reversal. The sword was used to block the shield's strike.

  'I know he's holding back but...

  Avoiding another hit, jumping back trying to put distance between his father.

  ...Even that Spider Ape never hit this hard!'

  Breathing was all Achilles could hear as he watched Red close his eyes.

  'If I'm going to win I can't just rely on power and I still can't use Firebolt properly yet. But I'm not going to let him just treat me like a punching bag!'

  Earth was kicked when his eyes shot open and .

  'If I can't use strength, then I'll use speed!'

  Each strike was blocked. Darting in and out of his father's striking range. He kept trying to find any advantage he could use to find a path to win.

  Hellia and Maryan enjoyed the morning display. Their gaze didn't leave the match of father and son, watching the shield stopped each slash that came from the sword and how Red avoided each strike that came from Achilles.

  Red didn't remain still for long because after each time their weapons would meet he darted away before attacking from a different side.

  This exchange continued but with each clash, Red found it harder to land a solid blow.

  Backing off Red started to run circles around his father, trying to stay out Achilles' reach.

  Eyeing his father he looked for an opening, any opening that he could use to get a hit in. But he wasn't the only look looking for one.

  In the blink of an eye, Achilles threw his shield. Red was able to avoid it.

  'Nows my chance!'

  Rushing his father, he raised his sword. Only to catch a last-minute detail.

  Achilles was still smiling.

  Then he felt something hit him, the shield bounced off the ground and nailed his back. The hit forced him off balance as he stumbled forward, right into Achilles' tackle.

  Getting back on his feet after slinding acorss the ground. His breathing became steady, and his grip on Breaker became firm. ''Ok, calm down and think. Alright, let's give this one more try.'

  Achilles watched small flames slowly started to form, spreading from Red's arms and up the blade. Planting his feet he simply waited for the attack.

  His breathing became deeper, and more focused. Sweat started to form and Breaker was surrounded by a thin layer of flame.

  In a single moment, not even a millisecond passed. Red rushed his father, closing the distance the boy's father could see the fire burning in his crimson red eyes as he got closer.

  So he responded in kind and prepared to meet the strike.

  But just when the weapons were about to meet again Achilles pulled back, spinning around he slammed his shield into Breaker, knocking it out of Red's hands and across the yard.

  Crimson eyes shrunk as the image of Achilles' fist grew rapidly. Out of a combination of fear and sheer instinct, he flinched. But rather than the blunt force, Red felt the wind brush against his nose. Slowly his eyes opened, trailing up his father's forearm before ending on a cocky grin.

  "Looks like I win this one son." Retracting his fist, the grin never left his face. "Now what to have you do?"

  "I guess I still have a long way to go before I'm even a challenge for you too, Dad."

  A small applause came from the porch, Hellia and Maryan were both clapping at the match's conclusion. But they weren't the only ones to have seen the end of the match.

  "What was so entertaining this morning Mother?"

  At the call, Hellia smiled at her daughter dressed in her regular attire. "Good morning Lyn, how are you this morning?"

  "Well, you know how the rain serves as a great background noise for sleeping." Her morning smile slowly faded the second she spotted a viper. "Maryan."

  "Lyndis."

  A tired sigh escaped from the brunette as she felt the atmosphere thicken when her daughter took a seat opposite of Maryan. Neither side said anything. Their gazes locked, only for them both to turn away as they tried to look anywhere but at each other. They

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  "Look Mary—

  "WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO MORE TRAINING!?"

  The loud protest halted any further conversation, all three women saw that Red had gone from calm to shocked as he held a fiery stare at his father.

  "Yes, now come on." Despite the ire that was sent his way. Achilles didn't lose his smile even with his son glaring at him. "Come on son, it's not permanent. After all, consider it a lesson not to agree to something without knowing all the details."

  "Alright... So what are we doing today?"

  "I'm glad you asked, now go get the fishing poles and the tackle box. You're spending the morning with me!"

  —

  Despite the early morning, Crystal Lake Park was still populated in the early morning. Old men were casting out their fishing lines as they listened to the birds' morning song. Others were just partaking in ohter physcial actvities. Red watched a familiar group running laps around the lake before the late July heat became too pronounced.

  The lake's small waves pushed against the pebble-covered shore, joining the natural orchestra of frogs and cicadas. A ripple disrupted the calm still of the water as a bobber sank before bobbing above the water, it took only a moment for it to settle.

  Standing on the wooden dock the father-son duo looked out onto the sparkling lake view. The only thing out of place was a metallic smell that lingered from a small bag.

  "Now this is how ya spend a morning." Achilles felt relaxed, looking out into the water. "Come on son, get a line in before they start biting."

  "Right." Reluctantly, Red cast his line. Watching the chicken liver baited hook flew out and into the lake. Bobbing up and down on water's surface as the bait sank. The two sat quietly, neither spoke. Simpling watching their lines like hawks while the rising sun heated their backs.

  But like clockwork, thanks to the peaceful quiet...

  "Oh, but last time I was in a dungeon I got to fight a Spider-Ape on my own!"

  ... the intrusive thoughts invaded the crimson-eyed boy. So much so that the bending of his rod was nothing but an afterthought.

  'Lucina and Hector did it. So why wasn't I able to—

  "Hey, Red! You got a bite!" Achilles' informational shout caught him off guard as his eyes snapped to his fishing pole.

  "Huh? Oh crap!"

  Pulling the rod he reeled in the line, trying to set the hook. But as it grew closer to shore the line slack, snapping. Both his opponent and hook were lost.

  "Ah, damn it."

  Putting on a new hook, he reached into the bag and put a piece of liver on the hook. Casting it out once more. It grew quiet between the two once more, they took in the fresh morning air.

  "Are ya doing ok?" Not responding, Red just looked from the water to the ground he sat on. "Come on, what's wrong? You can tell me if something's wrong, y'know that right?"

  Giving the boy his full attention, Achilles ignored the slight twitch at the tip of his rod. Red's shoulders sunk, eyes seemed to lose their light as a deep breath escaped him.

  "Am I... weak?"

  To say the warrior-turned-husband was shocked wouldn't do him justice, but he processed those words a small grin formed.

  "When it comes to physical strength, you, Grandpa, and Hector are all far beyond me. When it comes to using a blade, Arthur can keep up with me even on a good day, but when it comes to magic...

  His words froze but they were forced out.

  ... I can't even hold a candle to Mom, Ash, Lucina or—

  A hand to the back of the head silenced the boy. "Would ya cut it out? So what if you think you're weak, you don't look weak to me."

  The bending on the fishing rod continued, but even so, there were more important things at the moment.

  "Easy for you to say, Dad. When it comes to strength, you're just as strong as Gramps. Maybe even stronger."

  "I'd like to think I am!" He couldn't help but laugh slightly but his tone rapidly became somber as the line went slack. "Y'know we're more alike than you know. I wasn't always this strong."

  Turning to meet his father's gaze, he saw that a nostalgic smile painted his face. Watching him stare out into the lake.

  "Growing up wasn't easy for me. My parents died when I was young so I spent a lot of my time on the streets in one of the cities outside of Phera. Surviving on whatever food or money I could get my hands on, from working to stealing. There wasn't a lot I wouldn't do back in those days, I was no better than a street rat. "

  Achilles couldn't help but laugh at his past, but Red felt his gaze fall to the ground. 'And here I am complaining about my so-called issues, I really am pathetic.'

  "But that all changed the day I made the best mistake of my life." Looking back at his father, he kept going. "One day two people made their way into the city, honestly I didn't know who they were at the time and I didn't care. So for a while, I tailed them until the sun went down, looking back they probably knew I was there the whole time."

  "So..." He finally spoke up, but his voice was quiet. "... then what happened?"

  "Once night fell, I made my move." His answer was blunt. "To say I was forced to kiss the pavement would be an understatement."

  Laugher broke free as he recalled that day. How once he was sure they were alone, leaping out trying to get the jump on them. Only to have Igneel grab his wrist, slamming him into the ground with a boot placed on his back.

  "After that, I don't know what gave them the idea to take me in. Whether it was Hellia having mercy on me or Igneel thinking that this idiot kid should have to pay a debt of some kind, honestly I still don't know. But all I know is that they took me in, put a roof over my head, and a warm place to sleep"

  "Wait then how did you—

  "Get to where I am now? To be honest I couldn't tell you, it was like that day cleared my skies." Simply placing patting Red's head he looked back out into the water. "I just knew after that point, I had to pay them back. So I worked hard, probably just as hard as you."

  "Day in and day out. I pushed myself to the breaking point. From swinging a sword, to bashing with a shield. I trained till my arms gave out and refused to move." Rubbing his arms, recalling the pain he endured during those days, his smile didn't fade.

  "There were days I'd wake up in bed only to find Hellia and Lyn from time to time watching over me. Between you and me, once your mother and I got together it was like having an angel watch over me."

  The thought of his parents acting lovey-dovey made him cringe as images of his mother feeding a resting Achilles appeared. It just didn't feel right to have those thoughts.

  "But did you try to learn any magic?" Questioning his father, trying to change that subject. "I mean you never talked about it when I would ask Mom for advice."

  "Well, that's because I didn't. Could you imagine that, me? Sending out bolts of flame or a storm of icicles?"

  The thought did give Red something to humor himself with. "So you never tried?"

  "No, I tried for a few years but it just wasn't a part of my skill set. Even when I had Lyn, Tastu and even Lumara trying to help me, I never made progress."

  "Oh... so I guess I should take a page out of your book and stop then."

  The answer Red got was twofold as he felt Achilles smack him upside the head again. "No you shouldn't quit, I mean you've made more progress than I ever did. What you need is to find your reason."

  "My reason?"

  "Yep, your reason for magic." Final reeling in his line and rebating the hook. "Something to give you that drive, you know a spark.

  Achilles was about to send his line back out, only to stop as he noticed his son's pole twitch.

  It only lasted a moment, until it suddenly violently bent and the line went taut. Nearly pulling the rod into the lake if Red didn't grab it in time.

  Pulling back he watched as the further the line went out it seemed to circling. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, his eyes shot open with a razor-sharp gaze. Cranking the reel the finishing line came in. The water's surface bwent wild as the fish thrashed wildly, trying to break free.

  The fishing pole bent left and right, pulling the line in every direction. The resistance became so fierce that the reel started creaking when it was turned. But with each rotation, it got closer and closer.

  As the fight continued, the more the fish grew closer the splashing on the surface got wilder. With each turn of the reel, the more his arms started to burn. Cranking even faster until it was within a few feet of the dock, Red flung the rod back as his quarry broke the water's surface.

  Flopping the surface its white underbelly hit the wooden deck, a fat-looking fish with a flat head and fleshing whisker-like appendages. It had a blue strip at the end of its tail and going along its dorsal.

  Satisfaction filled his face, slipping his fingers into its gills, it had a good out of weight to it. Looking over his catch it was a little over three feet long and felt like it weighed ten, maybe thirteen pounds.

  "That's a good Blue-Stripe Catfish, looks like it will make for a good meal. Hellia sure does know how to make a mean dry rub."

  "Yeah, I guess you're right Dad." He couldn't help but look it over.

  "Now come on, put a knot in the fish and get a line back in the water."

  Doing what he was told, he secured the catfish to a rope and tied it to the dock. Sitting back on the dock, Red rebaited his hook and sent it back out into the water. It didn't take long for them both to get another bite. It was clear that thing morning the fish were biting.

  —-

  While many of Phera's citizens enjoyed the morning weather choosing to partake in relaxing activities. One family however wasn't taking the time to enjoy the beautiful morning in the park a blond-haired woman led in their run.

  Footsteps raced along the walkway, between the three that ran while a pair of blonds kept pace with the woman. A white tipped black, fluffy tail moved while she ran. Despite her best efforts, Fir strugglied to keep up. Her feet grew sorer with each step she took, trying to keep up. Watching them pull ahead only made her run harder. Her breath grew labored and rapid.

  "Mis. Shauna! Arthur! Please... wait up!"

  They both looked back, but only Shauna stopped, jogging in place, the sword at her hip bounced with each step. Arthur however went on ahead.

  "Come on Fir, we only have two more laps around the lake." Even still Shauna showed no sign of slowing down as she made her way over to Fir.

  "But... Mis. Shauna... I can't feel my legs and my feet burn."

  Having seen this sight before, a malicious grin grew on her. "You know if you want we could call it quits for this." Fir's hope-filled ears perked up. "But... If you quit we'll be going double the amount tomorrow!"

  "Wait, that would mean...

  "Yep! Thirdy laps next time."

  The thought of having to do thirty laps around the lake almost made her puke.

  "So what'd ya say, still want to quit?"

  The smile that Shauna had was anything but comforting, in fact, it was horrifying to Fir. However it did motivate her, the reason why it motivated her didn't matter, but she got up and started running.

  "Ata girl, let's get going!" Shauna cheered, jogging behind a horrified renard. Fear was a horrifiyng motivator.

  —

  In the middle of the park's forest, a different type of training was happening. With each gentle sway of the bodies, Hector followed his mother's movement. Their movement was synchronized as with each motion, they struck the air.

  A strong one, two punch combo was followed by a front step kick, ended with them spinning into a tail slam.

  And once they finished, they repeated the motions once again. After all, "The key is repetition."

  "Hector, can you feel the energy of the world flow through you?"

  Still following her movement, trying to concentrate on this energy she spoke of Hector deepened his focus. "No sorry Ma, I don't think I can."

  "Well, with each motion try to feel it in your core. From the wind in your hair to the grass under your feet and the sun on your skin and scales. Concentrate on how that feeling changes when you move."

  The only thing that managed to distract him was a gentle breeze, carrying green leaves. A striking fist disrupted the wind, Hector made contact with his target.

  The dancing leaves.

  But rather than being pushed by his fist, it was torn apart. Another hit led to a second torn leaf, a follow-up ended with another being ripped apart this simple act continued until there were dozens of ripped and tattered leaves at his feet.

  Exhaling to calm himself down as he returned to his basic starting, only to find his mother staring at him with a glowing smile from the display. With a light nervous laugh, he returned to his form ready to follow her lead once more.

  However, while she instructing Hector, there was another student under her watchful, brownie brown eye.

  Howling winds moved through the trees, gathering near a massive boulder that stood over thirty feet tall.

  Pulling off loose leaves, taking them down the windy trail to an ashen-haired boy stood amidst the whistling vortex.

  The more he focused the greater the vortex became. The wind raced at such a rapid pace that it started to gather loose leaves, nuts, small branches and stones.

  The scowl on his face grew alongside his concentration.

  Extending his hand towards a portion of the broke off from the tornado that engulfed him.

  "Wild winds dance freely with no chains to bind them."

  There was a calm presence that dominated his voice, wind started to take shape in his hand.

  "I will however change that fate and use them as my blade to slice those in my path."

  The ball of wind in Ash's hand. Soon four points shot out and started spinning, the wind disk created a buzzing sound.

  "Razor Wind."

  Turning around to face the boulder, he eyed the black line that marked the tip.

  Calm, shallow breathing could barely be heard of the buzzing, howling wind. He eyed his target. With the sudden snap of his arm, launching the spinning disk at the top. The Razor Wind disk soared at a mind-numbing speed as it passed through the boulder's peak and into the sky.

  The only thing that moved was the whirling wind around Ash. But the top started to slowly slide off, Ash reacted by creating yet another Razor Wind in his hand.

  Watching gravity take hold the stone slab, it raced to the ground. Ashen gray eyes followed it as he prepared to throw the wind blade.

  Taking aim he...

  "Hey, Ash! I'm back!" A voice called out with a hand smacking his back.

  ... stumbled, losing focus allowing the wind blade and the vortex that surrounded him to dissipate the same moment the chunk of bolder hit the ground.

  "WHAT THE HELL ARTHUR !?" The younger yelled at his older brother. "Couldn't you see that I was trying to concentrate?!"

  Arthur however, couldn't help but smile as his hand ended up behind his head. "Haha. Come on Ash if that's going to distract you, you have to concentrate better." Laughing at Ash's anger.

  "Ah, whatever. So where's Mom and Fir?"

  As if the world was ready to answer his question, Shauna's voice announced her arrival. "One, two, one, two! Come on Fir we're almost there!"

  While Shauna was seemingly unfazed from what she would call a light warm-up, Fir on the other hand. It looked like her soul was trying to leave her body and they both crossed the line.Fir hit the ground exhausted, trying to catch her breath.

  "Wait here, I'm gonna go get the next phase for you ready. Hey Arthur, come give me a hand. Following his mother to help prepare the next section, however, once Arthur left his brother. Ash put his own training on hold.

  With legs that were screaming out in anguish and with a heavy chest that seemed to burn with each breath. The world went ignored, that was until a cold canteen was pressed against her.

  "Thanks, Ash."

  "Don't mention it, after all, what are friends for."

  Sitting up, Fir took the moment to breathe and drink with she gave her body a moment to rest.

  A rest that didn't last very long.

  "Hey you two, get over here! We're ready!"

  Turing to meet the call, only to find Shauna waving them over. when they approached, Fir took notice that two targets were pinned up against a wooden board on a tripod. They looked to be thirty, maybe thirty-five feet away from Shauna, with what looked to be a bow and quiver next to her.

  "Alright you two are going to be hitting those targets, that's your assignment." Smiling at the two, she precisely shoved the bow into Fir's arms and in the blink of an eye, she tied the quiver around her waist. Fir found herself looking a the bow she was given.

  "That's a good look for ya. What do you think?"

  "A bow?"

  "So after hearing about the trouble you kids ran into and talking with Noble, told me you used to join him when he went hunting. Now give it a shot."

  Shauna stood back as Fir swapped the bow to her other hand and tried to pull an arrow from the quiver.

  'Oh, so she's left-handed.'

  Drawing the arrow, she took aim for a moment. Once released the arrow flew through the air until it hit the blue inner ring.

  "That's a nice starting point Fir. Now I want the both of you to hit those targets until I say otherwise got it?" She was met with agreeing nods. "Alright good, now get to work. Hey Arthur, you better be ready for your assignment!"

  As Shauna made her way to Arthur, a katana was pulled from its sheath while Arthur drew both his blades. It didn't take long for the clashing of steel to start.

  The passage of time was peaceful, the thudding of arrows and Gale Strike hitting the targets joined clashing steel as they created their own little symphony throughout the forest. However, the flying arrows slowly stopped.

  Ash turned to find the bow on the ground and Fir holding her wrist. "Hey Fir, are you ok?"

  "My arms are killing me, I don't think I can draw another arrow." Barely able to keep her arms up, they felt stiff, like they were made of stiff, lead boards.

  Ash didn't hesitate or think to ask. Placing his hand on her shoulder, his hand once again covered Fir in a light green glow.

  "Please guardian spirits hear my call. I request your help to mend the wounds of the injured so that they can continue with their journey."

  "Full heal."

  Sunset yellows watched as light moved acorss her body and slowly condecned on her arms. It was stragne, her arms went cold for a moment then turned warm. The pain slowly started to fade.

  "How's that feel, Fir?"

  The renard could only give a light groan. "My body still feels sore."

  "My my, it always surprises me to see how much you've improved, Ash." Looking back they could watch Tastu approach them. "But healing soreness and stiffness is a little different from healing physical wounds."

  Placing her hands on top of Fir's head and Ash's hand. Her voice was calm, soothing while she chanted Full Heal. It ididnt take long for them to get enveloped in the same soft light.

  "You feel this Ash, how effective this is?"

  "Not really, no."

  But while Ash didn't understand the 'feeling' Tastu was talking about, Fir however felt it. Thr stiffness that plagued ber body vansihed as everying became light and loose again. Swinging and bending her arms, all forms of stiffness and soreness were gone.

  "Thanks Mis. Tastu. I feel great now." She coudn't help but flex her arm and place her other hand on her bicep.

  "Glad to hear that, but I need to ask a favor of you, Fir. Would it be alright if I borrowed the knife your father gave you?"

  The two looked at one another before she handed it over.

  With a smile on her face, Tastu took the knife and slashed the palm of her hand.

  She didn't even flinch or hesitate. The same couldn't be said about the pair in front of her, as they failed in a panicked shock that went completely ignored by the draconian while she chanted.

  They grew calm as healing light engulfed her hand.

  "Now Ash, I want you to pay close attention to this." Pulling the two out of their stupor. she brought her cut hand to him. Charcoal eyes watched as it started to close slowly from one end to the other. "You see, when it comes to healing. Different parts of the body require different healing methods. For example healing physical wounds, like a cut, is like sewing. While healing muscle soreness is more like applying a relaxing ointment directly to the muscle."

  "I guess that makes sense."

  "Well give it time and if you need any tips you know where I am." Flashing a warm smile, they watched Tastu made her way back to Hector. Taking the lead once again in their mirror martial arts training.

  Ashen-colored eyes changed from his hands to Fir's knife, he reached out.

  "Hey!" Fir reflectively pulled backand kept the knife out of Ash's reach. "You better not get any ideas by copying what Mis. Tastu did!"

  All Ash could do was give a nervous laugh as Fir chastised him.

  Suddenly the sound of colliding metal stopped. "If you two are done at the range, maybe I should have you both go for ten laps around the lake!"

  The vocal appearance of Shauna made the two scramble to fire off another shot at the target. Ash prepared Gale Strike, while Fir notched an arrow.

  As the arrow and blast of wind hit their respective targets, the pair looked back to see Shauna standing over a knocked-down Arthur. Her gaze changed back to her blond-haired son as they continued.

  "Gezz, Mis. Shauna is really intense."

  "Yeah, Mom used to be one of the top gaurds in our hometown before she and Dad moved here."

  "You don't say." Looking over, watching Shauna parried each strike from Arthur.

  Blocking one hit, she stopped the other followed up by side-stepping the strike, and grabbed Arthur's right wrist. Bending it so he was forced to kneel and even causing him to drop it.

  Seeing Arthur spin as he tried to strike his mother, Shauna simply leap back, but her blonde son was unrelenting. Pressing on he slashed wildly, Shauna just moved from side to sideto evade the attacks. But when she stopped dodging, she blocked and followed up with a kick that knocked the sword out of his hand.

  The tip of her sword came within inches of Arthur's nose as he fell back in defeat.

  Fir barely avoided making eye contact with Shauna, turning back to the target and trying to fire off an arrow. She heard her approach, stepping over each blade of grass caused the girl's heart to race.

  Her racing heart messed with her aim because once she released her arrow, but the only thing it hit was the tree.

  Once she felt a hand land on her shoulder it only made her heart race faster. Looking back she ad followed Shauna's gaze to the targets.

  Both her and Ash's targets were damaged with arrows and torn by wind blasts, still, she remained quiet as she looked them over until she finally spoke.

  "Well, that looks pretty good, although you two still have room for improvement I'd say this is a perfect stopping point for now." Hearing that relief fell on both her kids and Fir. "Hey Tastu, what do you say think this is a good time for a lunch break?"

  "I agree, I think the kids have been putting in an honest effort so I say a break is in order.

  Hearing that lunch was on and that they would be taking a break, joy fell on the group as they all did their part to set up the picnic cloth and set out the lunch.

  –

  Meanwhile, on the docks, a father and son laughed. Ignoring the sun's beating ray as they kept reeling in catfish.

  Achilles struggled to bring in the new catfish to shore, but just when it came into view, a mere three feet from the dock. The sound of the fishing line snapping almost seemed to cast a silencing spell in the area.

  But Achilles could only watch as rather than let it get away. The moment the line broke, his son leaped into the water determined to not let it get away.

  A shocked expression covered him, watching the water's surface when from violent to calm. The calm of the water and his own shock only lasted a few moments before now-soaked, brown hair broke the water's surface.

  Lifting his arm out of the water, Red didn't flinch as the catfish bit his hand.

  "Well, I guess it's a good thing I brought you a spare change of clothes!"

  The two couldn't help but laugh, even as Red floated in the water.

  'I guess it's a good thing to take a break every once in a while.'