Training Partner

Both headed out of the training facility with Alex taking the lead.

"Sure they won't mind you coming with me," Alex asked once again.

"Nahhh, they won't mind. Though I'm excited to see you display your skills." Zephyr replied, with a hint of excitement in his eyes.

Few minutes ago, after the introduction to the group and some minutes of discussing about the past, their past, since Alex had secluded himself not wanting to bring back old memories.

He had eventually asked Zephyr to become his training partner which he had eagerly accepted. Currently they were heading to the hut.

'I hope senior Fen won't mind,' Alex thought as they passed through the academy building.

"I don't usually see you around the dorm building... it seems you have a separate place you stay."

"Yeah, I'm staying with Senior Fen for now." He left it at that not wanting to say more.

"Whoa! That's awesome. I'm pretty sure he's helping you in your training."

"Nope, he hasn't been around. C'mon lets hurry up," Alex said increasing his pace. Finally getting to their destination, they settled down for some minutes before Zephyr stood up

"So do you want to start now," Zephyr asked standing before him.

"Sure, prepare yourself." He said as they got into their stance. Taking a deep breath, he charged forward. Zephyr remained at the same place his leg firmly planted to the ground.

Alex had attack from the side with a kick. Zephyr, moving his hands perfectly blocked the kick and with a shift of his leg, threw his fist which landed on his chest squarely.

"That's a nice one," Alex said, retreating. He charged forward and then with a spin swung his legs down. Once again he had raised his arm taking the hit on his shoulder.

Alex didn't stop there, making use of the Crane's Grace footwork, he flipped backwards avoiding the fist coming towards him and diving right in had punched his stomach.

"Darn! His body is so strong," Alex thought jumping backwards.

"You were able to hit me, I knew you were a different one when I saw you," Zephyr said with excitement, "but don't think I will slip up again!"

~~~~

It was just another day in the orphanage with Zoe working on the little garden. The roses she had planted had finally bloomed beautifying the garden. After working tirelessly, she had decided to have some rest.

Walking out of the garden towards the little building she sat on the wooden chair. Watching the little children running round the field, she let out a sigh.

"Still thinking about him?" Coming through the door was the head of the orphanage, Mrs Sheila. She settled down beside her, holding onto her hands. "Where ever he is, I believe he's alright. I see you've been working tirelessly, why don't you rest for the day I'll handle the rest."

"I'm alright, not yet tired." Zoe replied.

"Listen to me, rest for the day," she said calmly looking into her eyes.

With a resigned sigh she nodded her head and stood up, about heading to her room. "Who's that person," she asked all of a sudden pointing forward.

The kids had stopped playing and were staring at the strange person walking towards them.

"Alright, everyone, get inside." Sheila had said loudly with the children running into the building. "You too Zoe," she said looking at her.

"No! I'm not leaving you alone." She replied with a determined expression.

The man had finally gotten to them and they could see him holding his sides. He wore a dark robe with a hood obscuring his face.

The orphanage having been built for the survivors of the outer zone stood with just one guard appointed. A rank 2 mage who was currently out.

"Help me!" The man barely said raising his head. They could finally see his face, his faded eyes and haggard face coming into view. Looking closely, they could see his hands stained with blood.

"Zoe, clear the floor quickly and prepare some water and bandages down." Sheila said walking towards the man. She had assisted him taking him in.

Minutes later, the man was placed on the floor and his robe pulled down to his waist with his stomach wrapped round in bandage. The man was currently asleep with his heavy breathing filling the room.

"What a strange tattoo," Zoe couldn't help but mutter looking at his chest. On his chest was a serpent like tattoo with blood red eyes baring it fangs.

"C'mon, let's leave him to rest," she said and both had walked out of the room. It wasn't long they left and the man eyes shot open with a smile slowing forming across his face.

~~~~

"Alright! Listen up everyone! Today you are all going to display what you've learnt since the past two weeks. These who are able to put up a good show would be given this," rasing his finger they all saw a golden pill emitting a soft glow. "This is a Qi pill and will greatly help one in forming his dantian."

It's been two weeks now since they had been training and were finally standing before Alfred the combat instructor. Their earlier plan of meeting the week before had been cancelled by him, reasons unknown to them.

"So you all should pair up and give yourselves enough space." The field they stood was large enough to contain twice their amount and have all the space needed.

A guy from the group of the other day had requested Zephyr to spar with him. Alex looked around as everyone choose their partners.

"Hey, how about you become my partner."

The spiky blonde hair and the arrogant tone and expression on his face had made him recognised the guy standing before him at once.

'With this guy I would be able to show my skills and impress the Instructor. ' Borin thought masking the smile trying to show across his face.

Looking round Alex realised he was the only one left and with that reluctantly accepted him. "What's up with this guy," he thought as he took a stance.

"I will give you the chance to attack first," he said with a smug look placing his hands behind his back.

"Is he looking down at me?" Alex thought with a slight smile.

The rest had started around them with the sound of fighting going off.

Alex taking the cue charged forward his hands placed beside him. "I'll show you... giving me the opportunity to strike was a huge mistake!"