(Training Flashback) Training days Part 2 (Solo)

[Darren]

Date: 54th of Summer, 505 Location: Outskirts of town He woke with every bone in his body aching, it was a normal response from his body after using flux in such a young body. However the fatigue he felt from the usage of his djed was multiplied by the mass amount of strenous work Geode managed to fit in that single day for him. He wasn't sure if Geode knew that he had access to the dangerous art, nor was he sure why he is being put through such a rigorous routine.He took a good amount of time lying on the bed silently recalling some words from his father regarding flux. Anything that man said Darren would follow immediately, even with the threats of overgiving, injury or even worse. Somehow his father knew how to push Darren to the brink of his very being, bring out more from him then he ever would have expected from himself and still manage not to permenantly scar him for life. Such finesse and skill was all that Darren needed and as he recalled the words he heard, there was without a doubt, only blind devotion to the words he spoken. "There is no need to be afraid of your own weapons. Rather develop yourself to able to conquer it at any given time. That's the only way" he said softly. He stared at the wall, wondering if he truly understood, truly was devoted to what he was saying. After all he still was pretty unsure about the very weapon he was given, the aftereffects were coming at him at full force. Ever part of his being felt strained and as he removed himself from the bed covers the sweeping chill that followed caused him to skip a beat. Labored breathing followed as sore muscles being moved to prop himself up, it was a small miricale to him if he could ever get used to this condition. He looked weak, pained, vulnerable every time he used. That's what he called using flux for secrecy sake, slightly in fear of how others would react if they knew. Mornings like this were normally a private time for him before he rallied himself to start the day. Today was different though. Today he was in a stranger's house and would most likely wouldn't have the luxury of gathering himself. As if on cue, Shenri propped the door open to see the dirty Vantha still in bed, his clothes having wrinkles all over him. "Hey princess get dressed. We are going out today, clothes are in the closet, first drawer." he sneered as he closed the door. Darren fell back on the bed hearing the crippling information. There was more? Are you kidding me?!?! he mentally screamed as he threw his arms back in a gesture of surrender. He found himself only going through the motions that morning. Breakfast was bland, as usual, and the incessant taunts from the family were starting to bear heavily on him. Today was where they were going to going to the outskirts of town to try something new. Something that was probably painful. But he wasn't allowed be uncommited to the cause, as shown by Geode's taunts turning into words of "encouragement." "Trust me laddy, once were are done here you'll look at the world differently. A real rush and eyeopener. You'll never be the same" he guffawed as they made their way what looked to be the same field Darren and his father frequented. Geode checked around to make sure they were alone until he continued, "Here is where we are do a little body training and some running. By the looks of it you would seem to warm up really well to the latter Darren" he said, trying to provoke the smaller boy. "oh and at the end we are going to wrestle up our own personal beastie and see how you handle them." The expected respone from Darren was to be excited for the new test given to him. Instead Darren had other pands as he looked up at Geode. The look he gave him was that of indifference as he shrugged casually. "Hitting a poor creature? How boorish" he said evenly, closing his eyes annoyed. However despite his icy exterior, inside of him his brain and heart were screaming out in protest. You like animals! You don't want t hit a loveable creature of nature! his heart protested as his brain agreed alongside it. You are what you hunt. his brain agreed as he forced the image of a cripple defenseless animal to the front of his mind. Is that what characterizes you? One that preys on that which doesn't have a chance against you? it asked as Darren shook the voices away. No... I am one that will hunt the most dangerous creature of them all. Humanity, intelligent beings that utlize every advantage given. Fight them and give it my all my 100% live for the moment. Cowards die many times before their death, I but will not die even once he solemly promised. Geode watched irritated at the defiant boy before smacking some sense into him. Note having the ability to read minds he took the disobedience personally as he applied a bit more force then the situation warrented. "Shaddup, your going to do it and your going to like it" he growled before shaking his head indignantly. "The matter with you" he muttered as he pulled Darren next to Shenri. They started with all the bodybuilding excercises first, calistenics Geode called it. Stuff Darren was pretty familiar with but he never really gave his actions a name, much less a thought. Starting with jumping jacks they hopped in place for a quick minute... and another... and another. Darren's expression grew wide as he looked on with amazement such a simple exercise was starting to feel taxing. "That's it... you gotta keep at it. Can't let up with only your body holding you down" Geode explained as they switched over to lunges quickly. It was an appreciated chime and a half of rest as they simply moved forward and keep their balance. Only having to deal with a small pull at his waist and calve he looked curiously at what else they had to do.

[Darren]

"Alright enough of these warm ups. You all set for a run?" Both the boys nodded as they secretly dreaded the new task given. "Just a quick three kilometer run" A look of confusion was given by both boys as they looked at Geode incredulously. "That's it?" The Whitevine thought at least they would have to at least do ten by the end of the day. "Pretty much, three kilometers front and back through rough terrain. Your going to have to figure the way to the halfway point where I have set up another task for you. Then that should do it for today." At the explination Shenri's brow furrowed as he ran it through his head. "I'm gonna go with him? Out in the Reaches? Where are you going to be?" "I'll be doing my own type of training. I'll be meeting up with some associates from out of town and give them a small tour of the waters near our harbor. "