Qen stood tall, his eyes focused, mind resolute. Not once did he take his eyes off his opponent, even as Atlas spoke.
"You know the drill. Qen already gave his introduction earlier so go ahead."
"Yes sir! Hi, my name is Amelia Augury. It's nice to meet you Qen." Qen stood silent as she waited for a response. None came.
"Uh, I'm from Lyre Oregon, I've been told I'm a low snake and my Gift…" She hesitated. "My Gift is Song of the Deep…" Her smile faded.
"Done? Perfect! Now before you two begin, I need you to promise me you'll try and use your gifts this time." Amelia stepped back.
"But Atlas-"
"Nope, I don't wanna hear it. You can't expect to improve as an Executioner if you won't even hone your Gift. Don't worry, I'll cover your classmates. Just worry about sparring. Qen, you need to start focusing on your core. The more aware you are about the Akino flowing through you, the easier it will be to draw out your gift."
Qen focused his mind, he could feel it deep within his being, the warm glow of his core. From his head down to his feet, coursing through his veins. He could see it, swirling from the palms of his hands like a purple haze wafting to the heavens. This was his Akino.
"Now, begin!"
Qen rushed forward with the speed of an arrow. He could feel the Akino pulsing through his muscles like gas fueled pistons. He jumped up, shooting his foot forward like a javelin slicing through the air.
That's when he heard it.
Soft and alluring, like the hold of a mother on a cool autumn day. The sound slithered around him like a coiling serpent, filling his mind and body with sweet bliss. There was something about it, something he couldn't place. Like vicious, hungry eyes leering past the dark of the night.
Something was wrong…
He opened his eyes, colliding with the ground. His body twisted as he tumbled forward. His boots scraped across the ground, working to slow his momentum. As he came to a halt he looked up, prepared to continue the assault.
That's when he felt it.
*Am… I crying?*
He placed a finger on his cheek and wiped. Blood bubbled from his eyes, ears and nose.
*I didn't hit the ground that damn hard! It's that melody. I have to… stop…*
He could feel himself going under. Taking a deep breath in, he steeled his resolve, slamming his head against the gym floor.
"Wait, stop! I… I didn't mean to-" He was on her in an instant. She tried to continue but felt her head shift as the first blow hit her diaphragm. He continued, with a strong right hook, knocking her to the ground. He raised his foot for another attack but was stopped short by a hand on his shoulder.
"That's enough Qen. Good job." Atlas ruffled his hair, bending over to check on Amelia. She held her stomach in pain. "Well, that's thirty seconds. Do you see what happens when you hesitate?"
"Y-yeah. I'm sorry, I just didn't want to hurt him."
"See, that's your problem. *Sigh* You'll learn eventually. In the meantime, I think it's time we get someone else in here."
"No *Arrgh* complaints here."
"Dorin, you're up! After I fix up Qen that is." After taking a second to recover, the two took their positions. The young man was a great deal shorter than Qen who stood at five foot eleven himself. Despite his height, he in no way looked weak. He stood firm, body toned with the conviction of a warrior. Most concerning of all, was the large flat serrated blade at his back. It was ornate with sharp black crystals lining its edges.
"Welcome, Qen. My name is Dorin Ackerman, the last member of the Ackerman Forge guild. I am only a Low Rabbit at best…
And I have no Gift." Qen stood confused as Atlas raised a hand and spoke.
"Now Qen, I already know what you're thinking. "How'd a guy like that make it though with no gift." I understand your confusion but there's a reasonable explanation. Do you see that big sword he has? That weapon was soulforged. Weapons made with Akino fused into their very being. They never dull and get stronger with every life they take. Pretty cool right? They're even ranked in power the same way we are. Few groups specialize in their creation but even fewer are as good as the Ackerman's. That why-"
"That's why they let me in! Not because of my strength or by my merits and merits alone! It was by the blood of my father I was even allowed in here…" He clenched his fist. "I am a tool… a product of the past. I go where I am told to go, I do what I am sent to do. That is all." Atlas frowned.
"I wish you wouldn't talk like that. Like I've told you time and time again, a weapon is only as good as its wielder. That bear level blade wouldn't be nearly as good if it wasn't in your hands!" Qen froze.
"Did… you just say bear level blade?"
"Oh yeah, I didn't tell you? I'd say that blade is probably High Bear minimum." Qen took his stance, sweaty as he waited for Atlas's signal.
"Alright, have fun you two."
"Dorin gripped his sword, charging towards Qen who readied for an attack of his own.
*I know he won't kill me with that thing. I can use that. If I can get up close quick enough, he won't have time to counter attack.*
Just as he neared his location, Qen shot forward with reckless abandon, straight into the path of his blade. Dorin swung, blunt side forward, the moment Qen had been waiting for. He ducked down, throwing his entire body into his legs. As he fell, Qen wrapped his arms around him and lifted him into the air.
Qen threw him down with all his might, surprised to hear the sound of wood and steel colliding. The floor splintered as Dorin slammed his blade into the gymnasium floor. The force of the impact flinging Qen off and into the air.
"Reckless..." Dorin said under his breath as he raised his blade to strike. Qen barely had time to block before the blade slammed into the tender flesh of his arms.
"*Gahh*" He could feel his bones compress as he flew into the gym wall. That indeed was no normal blade. His Akino felt… off. Like someone had submerged his core in ice cold water. He could feel it, the steam of his Akino reduced to a trickle.
"Do you feel it, Qen? The true power of Spirit Eternal? This is my fathers legacy… and greatest failure." He placed his weapon back in its holster. "Nothing about being an Executioner is even remotely worth it. I don't care who you talk to, nobody becomes an Executioner without losing something they love. No exceptions… for anyone."
"Wait Dorin, what are you doing? That wasn't even close to thirty seconds!" Atlas said, holding his hands in confusion.
"I trust him, he knows who I am. That's what these are for right? He has good instincts but for now, I'd say he's a low snake at best. I don't like needless violence."
"*Sigh* You know students are supposed to respect their counselors, right? Fine, whatever. Messiah, come on up! Let's fix you up, Qen." In the distance, Lia seethed.
"Rama, I'm going to kill him…" Lia could hardly contain her fury, her eyes locked on Qen.
"Come on, you kept messing with him. What did you think was gonna happen? He said he wasn't used to talking..." Her leering gaze turned to him. "Okay, okay! My bad."
"That doesn't mean he can just say whatever he wants to me. If he wants to be disrespectful, I can, be, disrespectful…"
"Go ahead Messiah!" Even through the black windbreaker he wore, he could tell this guy was bigger than Dorin. Under his buzz cut and past his beard were two green eyes. From a distance, Qen could spot something in his right eye, something unnatural.
"Uh… my name is Messiah Gray, I'm from Saint Louis, I'm a low wolf and my gift is Ten Labors. Welcome to the team... I also wanna say you're not doing too bad so far." He took one of his hands out his pocket, waving slightly as he waited for a response. Qen thought back to his fight with Amelia.
*I should probably do a better job on my first impressions. I bet most of them don't even like me…*
"Hi there buddio…" There was an awkward silence in the room.
"Yeah… you two should just start now." Qen was the first one to move again. Going in for a quick jab, he stumbled as his punch was redirected away. He saw flashes of white as two fists connected back to back, though their power was lacking.
"Hey... you have to be more careful when fighting."
Qen regained his footing, launching himself around for an uppercut. His attention was diverted as he shifted his gaze to the mark on his eye.
*Is that a roman numeral? Two? Is that what it-*
"Buddio, focus!" He tried to resume his attack but a swift sweep to his legs sent him straight to the ground.
"You don't wanna take unnecessary damage! Mistakes make you vulnerable, vulnerability leads to desperation and desperation causes mistakes." Qen picked himself up.
"Why are you telling me this? We're supposed to be sparring."
"That's a dumb question… it's not like we're trying to kill each other right? If you're gonna be a part of the squad, I want to see you at your best. No mistakes." He held his hands up. "Now try again."
Qen jabbed, hitting air as Messiah slid past him. Qen arched as he felt cold rubber collide with his back.
"You have to think ahead, know your weak spots if you miss and protect them…" He grabbed the back of his neck. "And keep up the pressure when you strike!" He smashed Qen's face into the Gym floor. "You alright?"
"*Cough* Yeah!" Qen pushed against the ground with all his strength, sending Messiah flying backwards.
"That's perfect, nice job! When you're fighting you can't get hurt. No desperation, no vulnerability, no vulnera…." He rambled to himself as Qen prepared to attack.
*No, no, no! His form, it's all wrong! That punch is terrible!*
"Qen you-" He was cut short as a piece of wood flew into his forearm.
*W-what? Oh, now I see. He grabbed a piece of wood off the ground, must've still been there from his fight with Dorin!*
"Alright Qen, you're listening! How about we step it up a notch. We'll work on your dodging next. I'll make sure these punches break bones, then you'll have no choice but to dodge! Get ready, I'm giving this all I've got!"
*Hold on… what did he just say?*
Qen's eyes widened as he watched his fist barrel towards him like a forty pound bullet. He heard the sound of bone on bone contact but… he was fine.
Atlas stood between them, fist planted firmly on his chest.
"What are you doing? Can't you see I'm training the new guy?"
"You should've skipped the filler, your thirty seconds are over man."
"Can't you make an exception just this once? This is too important!"
"Stop glazing man, he'll be fine without the training. Besides, you might break him."
"Fine, If you say so. Don't worry Qen, I'll make sure you learn. Sooner or later. Sooner…" He wandered away, disappointment oozing from his lethargic frame.
"Don't worry about him Qen, he's just projecting. He's scared he'll have to activate his gift again so he's hyper focused on training. Can't say isn't paying off though."
"So fear… fear makes him strong?"
"Eh, I like to think that fear is converted into willpower. Willpower can make anyone seem strong."
"..."
"Maybe that's the problem, find something that motivates you, something real. Use it to make you stronger, give you purpose." He placed a finger on his forehead.
"How do I find a purpose?" Atlas pondered the question for a moment, smiling as he found his answer.
"I like to think you don't find a purpose, real purpose finds you."
"That's the smartest sounding thing I've heard you say…"
"*Ha* Well don't get used to it, talking to you is exhausting. *Sigh* Anyway, you better find that purpose soon because… Lia, you're up!"
Qen tracked her every move and emotion as she stood on the opposite end.
Her eyes boiled in fury, her fist clenched into balls of steel. Just as he watched her, she burned her gaze into him.
"Since you have a Gift, I will not be allowing you to use your Soulforged weapon. Besides, you don't know how to restrain yourself."
"Can I start Atlas?"
"Go right ahead."
"Lia Bridgely, Saint Louis, high snake. My Gift is Hunters Mark. You're about to learn how to watch your damn mouth."
"Didn't I tell you to shut up already? You think I'm scared of you, huh?" They each took a step forward, Atlas eyeing Qen.
*He's really heated right now, just look at that Akino burn. Maybe this will be good for him.*
"Okay you two, remember the rules. Try not to get too carried away now…
Three…
Qen clenched his fists.
*Who does she think she is anyway?"
Two…
He tensed every muscle in his legs.
*Why would anyone think they have the right to tell me what to feel?*
One…
*She should watch her mouth... I'll make her watch her mouth!*
"Begin!"
The two shot forward with everything they had. Lia threw her fists in a wild frenzy, missing as Qen dashed to her left.
*Weak spot.*
Qen slammed his fists deep into her side. One after the other. He smiled as he continued the barrage.
*I can feel it… my Gift is working*
With each blow his Akino grew, mist enveloping his body as his speed intensified.
*I thought she was supposed to be tough. She thought she was tough!*
"Next time you should keep your mouth shut you-"
He felt her elbow dig deep into his scalp. Something hot formed at the site of the impact but he held strong.
"Really, that's it? That's light work!" He braced for impact as she prepared another strike. He felt the impact reverberate through his skull as he rocketed to the gym floor. His chin pierced the wood as he struggled to keep conscious.
"I should keep my mouth shut, Is that what you said?" She kicked him in the ribs, sliding him across the floor with devastating force.
"There's no way I just heard you say something that stupid! I don't care about the rules. You better get up." He recovered from his daze and checked his rib. It burned like he'd been hit by a cattle prod, he could feel the heat bite at his fingers.
*What is that? My rib, it's glowing!*
"You see that? It's my hunter's mark. If I hit you anywhere else it'll do less damage but that doesn't matter. I want you to know that when I hit that mark, I will be shattering your ribs." She dashed, slamming her boot into his arm as he blocked the mark. He jumped back, examining his arm. She continued the assault, fist after fist colliding with arm, chin and chest. His sweat stained his shirt, his breathing rapid and panicked.
"Blame your parents for this. Maybe if they'd taught you how to shut your mouth I wouldn't have to." He stopped, dead in his tracks, lowering his guard as he spoke.
"Who do you think you are? My emotions are mine to manage… who gave you the right to tell me how I should feel and what I should be saying?" He clenched his fists. "You don't know me nearly enough to ever tell me what I need to be doing. If you did… you'd know I don't give shit about my parents." Atlas raised an eyebrow.
*Is he sure? I can see his veins from here.*
She wavered for a moment, pushing down doubt as she moved forward. She threw her foot straight into the mark. His body barely moved in response.
"Go ahead… hit your mark." She continued to attack, each impact crashing limply against him. Akino began to swirl wildly around his hands, growing like a raging vortex around his arms. Lia stepped back as Qen raised his fists, ready to strike. Atlas stepped forward.
*That's Akino Reinforcement. He's not holding back is he? I have to stop the fight before he…*
Lia dropped her guard as she watched the tears stream down his face.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Are you proud of yourself? You made the new guy cry, you monster." Atlas shook his head.
"I… I didn't do anything!" She turned to Qen. "You… think before you speak next time." She took a deep breath before storming out of the room.
"Why? *Huff* Why does my throat hurt? *Sniff* Why am I crying?"
"Clearly you care more than you thought you did."
"No! No… that doesn't make sense at all!" He thought back to his mother's words.
*You… you're not even human.*
"Emotions don't make sense… that's kinda the point." Qen wiped the tears from his face.
"So… is that it? Am I in?"
"Does this answer your question?" In his hand he held a small white pin depicting a serpent.
"Is that…"
"Yeah, you've been evaluated to be around a high snake. You're a far cry from the weak, sad, wimpy, no friend having loser who arrived three days ago." Before Qen could complain he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders.
"Damn man, where was that when we were fighting?" Rama said with a smile.
"Your offense is improving! I will take you… and work on your dodging! A few broken bones is worth the effort I'm telling-" Amelia stopped him.
"I think he'll be fine, Messiah. Your training might be a little too harsh for him starting out." Dorin spoke next.
"She's right, until you can better grasp self control, you'll have to keep training with me instead."
"But… If he can't dodge, he'll be vulnerable and then…"
"Buddy, I think we know already…" Amelia said dismissively. Qen looked towards Atlas, tears in his eyes.
"So, what now?"
"Same thing everyone else did. We'll get you some rest…
And prepare you for your very first mission!"