Singularity

Kira took her food and sat down in the corner alone. She ate quietly and tried to keep to herself. It didn’t last long as Michalei sat down across from her.

“What do you want?” She mumbled in between bites.

“After supper is free time. I thought that maybe you’d want to spar a bit.” He replied.

“Why would I want to do that?” She asked. “Especially after the last ass beating you gave me.”

“Speed up your training a bit. Try to get you caught up with the rest of the people your age. You really held your own in class today you know.” He replied casually.

“Why are you doing this?” She scoffed. “What’s in it for you?”

“We’re not that different Kira. The only reason I’m called elder is because I’ve been here longer.” He replied harshly.

“Oh, how long do you have to be here to be an elder?” She replied.

“I’ve been here since I was eight. I’ll be eighteen in a month.” He shrugged.

“Why do they come here that young?” She replied shocked.

“It’s a badge of honor to train here. Only the elite are accepted. If you weren’t born from who you were they never would have taken you at your age. Most of the masters already think you’re un-trainable.” He replied.

“Well, that’s not fair. They don’t even know me.” She pouted.

“So, prove them wrong. You have the attitude for it.” He stated.

“Alright,” She decided. “Train me.”

“Ok,” He said and stuffed in his sandwich. “Let’s go.”

Michalei led Kira back to the staff training room. He took two of the quarterstaffs from the training wall and tossed her one.

“You remember the basics from this morning?” He asked.

“Left, right, center,” She parroted.

“Ok,” He rolled his eyes. “Next step up then. Blocking is doing the opposite of your opponent. When it comes to the staff.” He explained.

“So, if you go left, I counter with right.” She said.

“Smart girl. I’ll call the first few out for you. Then you’re on your own.” He stated.

“I’m ready.” She replied.

“Left,” He said as he took a swing.

She countered it as he shouted, “Right,”

The staff rattled in her hand, “Shit.”

“Come on Kira.” He growled. “Center.”

“Damn it!” She howled as she missed and his staff hit her hand.

“Goddess, maybe you are useless.” He huffed.

“I am not!” She howled and cracked him in the face with a fast right swing.

“Now we’re getting somewhere.” He smiled and licked the blood off his lip.

“Shit,” She cussed and ducked as his staff went whizzing past her head.

Kira jumped back and deflected another blow meant for her rib cage. Michalei was relentless. He struck at her without reserve. It was all she could do to keep it from connecting where he aimed. Finally he backed off with a grin.

“Not bad, I thought I would hit you more than that.” He shrugged.

“That was exhausting.” She leaned on her knees trying to catch her breath.

“You’re bleeding again.” He said as he saw the blood running down her shoulder blade.

“You should get that checked out.” He added as he put the staff’s away.

“No thanks. What I need is some damn fresh air. This place is suffocating. I can’t heal in here.” She replied.

“You can heal yourself?” He asked surprised.

“In the right conditions, yes.” She replied as she made her way out into the hall.

“You mean the whole earth, air, pagan crap?” He replied.

“It’s not crap. It’s at the center of all life. It can give life or it can take it away. I was blessed with the ability to connect with it.” She explained.

“I don’t get it.” He smiled. “Get some rest witch. You’ll be back to work in the morning.” He chuckled.

“Good night Michalei.” She smiled and closed the door between them.

Kira stripped out of her clothes and crawled into bed. She felt like she had just fallen asleep when the door flung open and crashed into the wall.

“Get up.” Michalei barked.

“Goddess, turn the other way then you pervert.” She growled.

Michalei chuckled and put his back to Kira. She slipped out of bed and dressed quickly then grabbed a hair band. As they walked together to breakfast she pulled her hair out of her face. She ate fast and was dropped off at staff training without another word from him.

Kira did better with the staff than she did the day before. She kept up with the rest of the class and wasn’t nearly as sore as she thought she would be. Michalei walked her to her weapons storage chore where she finished organizing the dagger collection before lunch. She then ate lunch alone looking forward to her training with him afterword.

Now that Kira had accepted her fate she found that she could actually enjoy things. Here she was toe to toe with Michalei, and she had permission to beat the crap out of him. It never made venting so much easier. The more she practiced the more speed she picked up. She was bobbing and weaving and even managed a decent strike here and there. Although she felt like he was letting her hit him.

Kira got her validation of that thought as she made to strike Michalei again. She spun intending to back hand him while avoiding his boot to her chest. But this time he anticipated it. Once her back was turned, he wrapped his arms around her and slammed her into the ground. It took her breath away. She lay there wheezing and gasping for air.

“What’s with those girly spins?” He muttered as he towered over her.

“I got happy with myself.” She choked out.

“Was that a good idea?” He asked.

“Nope,” She pushed herself back up on her feet.

“Things can change in a split second.” He said to the whole class.

“Anticipate that and you’ll make less mistakes.” He stated.

“Yes elder Michalei.” They replied.

“That’s enough for today. Class dismissed.”

“You did better today though. Just watch out for over confidence.” He said as he walked her back to do her chores.

“Thank you.” She replied.

“Are you up for more training after supper?” He asked.

“Sure, just as long as I’m not too wore out after. I could use a decent shower.” She replied.

“I’ll make sure you get one.” He smiled. “See you in a bit Kira.”

Kira smiled and got right to cleaning. There were still weapons everywhere so she moved them out of the middle of the floor and swept up the dust. As she worked on the floor she began to realize the immense size of the room she was in. It took her the rest of the afternoon just to get the dust off the floor. Before she knew it, it was time for supper. Michalei stood in the door way looking impressed by Kira’s work. She smiled at him and didn’t say a word as they walked down the hall, picked up their meal, and took a seat.

“You’re making progress.” He commented. “It’s starting to get noticed.”

“In a good way I hope.” She smiled.

“The masters are talking about weapon assignment for you. It’s the fastest I’ve ever seen anyone progress.” He stated.

“I’d celebrate but over confidence already got my ass kicked once today.” She chuckled.

“Very true.” He winked.

“I’m ready for a rematch.” She said as they stood up.

“You barely touched your meal.” He commented.

“I’m not hungry. Come on let’s practice.” She insisted.

Kira was already half way down the hall by the time Michalei caught up. She had the staff off the wall and tossed it to him as he tried to strip out of his black leather trench coat. He caught it one handed and threw his coat on the floor by the wall.

“A bit energetic today don’t you think?” He said glancing at her.

“Less talk.” She replied and took a swing at him.

Michalei swung back nearly knocking the staff from Kira’s hand. She held on but couldn’t counter his second swing. She took the hit straight on her thigh and hissed as it began to sting. She refused to let it slow her down. Their staff’s connected as she attacked. He easily defended her advancements and counter attacked, pushing her into a defensive position.

The staff’s locked together as Michalei backed Kira up against the wall. She knew that she was defeated, barely holding him back as the staff closed in on her throat. As she stared into his blue eyes something within her reached out. She could feel herself inside his mind. As he broke away from her he staggered back and hit the floor.

“That’s enough!” She heard.

Kira hit her knees and bowed.

“You were warned about the use of magic.” The master growled.

“It was not magic master.” Michalei replied from bended knee.

“It was I who hesitated. Kira merely took advantage of my weakness.” He stated.

“Is that the case?” The master asked her.

“Yes, master.” Kira stammered unsure of how to reply.

“Be gone then child. You Michalei will stay.” The master ordered.

Kira glanced at Michalei from the corner of his eye. He mouthed the words’ ‘just go’ and nodded at the door. She didn’t hesitate.

“Yes master.” She replied and scampered away.

“The truth Michalei.” The master demanded.

“It was magic but not of her kind. I looked into her eyes and felt things master. I hesitated.” Michalei stated.

“Do not attach yourself to this witch. You have worked too hard all these years and will soon earn the right to be called master.” The master stated.

“Yes master, I shall distance myself from the witch. No longer will it affect my training.” Michalei stated.

“Very well, dismissed.” The master stated and then faded away.