Time to Train

Job Details:

Based on my character's personality, I'll be training with every one of the potential trainers but as per the reward, I'll only take one Strong(+) weapon

Sunlight shone down upon Fiore. The plants reached for the sky, wishing to be embraced by the sky. The ground glowed with happiness. It was very nearly a perfect day. Kyran was happy to return to beanstalk village on such a day. He wanted to train with the retired rune knights, to become better than he was. His last few missions hadn't gone quite the way he wished for. There was a hope that training would help him overcome the few weaknesses he had.

Kyran stopped by the herbalist's shop. It was only for old times sake. His first job as a mage had been for the herbalist. She was more than happy to point him in the direction of the retired Rune Knights. They apparently had an entire section of town all to themselves. Kyran smiled slowly as he walked toward their part of town. They must like the different plants as much as he did.

The first house he approached was in good shape. Its white walls gleamed above a foundation of stonework. A porch wrapped around the front of the house, open as if to greet any visitors. there was a small garden hugging the porch and the grounds beyond were pristine. Kyran quite enjoyed simply looking at the house. It reminded him of the home he had once lived in. On the porch was an old man in a rocking chair. He dozed peacefully, cradling a spear in his arms.

"Hello there! You...wouldn't happen to be...a Rune Knight, would you?" Kyran called out. It was a struggle to sound relatively normal. In the presence of strangers, Kyran protected himself by saying only the most necessary words. Trying that with older people might not come across well and he desperately wanted to be trained.

The old man jerked awake at Kyran's call. He was a little slow but his spear came to the ready. Kyran stood still, his body language open. There could be no misunderstandings. Kyran could feel the hum of magic coming from the spear. It probably wouldn't be a good idea to be poked by it. "Hi." Kyran said slowly, trying to seem friendly. "I was...looking for retired...Rune Knights. I...would like some...training from them. Are you...a retired...Rune Knight?"

Word Count: 375

The old man smiled relaxing his stance. "Why yes youngster it just so happens I was a Rune Knight." He squinted at Kyran. The mage held still, unsure of what the man was looking for. He didn't want to offend him by making the wrong move either. "Are you looking to learn a thing or two from your elders? There's quite a few of us willing to teach what we know to you young folk."

Kyran hoped his large smile wouldn't dazzle the old man. That was exactly what he had wanted to hear. Training with the old Rune Knights would sharpen the skills Sylvia had taught him so long ago. "I would...love to learn from...such famous Rune Knights! I haven't....been able to sharpen...my skills much since I...started being a...wandering mage. The jobs are...either too difficult...to properly advance...or too easy. My name is...Kyran, by the way...sir." He bowed low.

Perhaps it was laying it on too thick but above all else, Kyran wished to improve. These retirees gave him his best shot. He wasn't lying when he said his jobs were too easy or too hard. He hadn't advanced in much more than his magic. While Kyran loved his magic to an extent, his hard won skills were more important to him. What he learned from the retirees should bridge the gap he kept finding on jobs in regards to his skills.

The old man laughed heartily at Kyran's earnest manner. He made his way down the steps and patted Kyran's shoulder. "You have a strange way of talking but I'll teach you, my boy. And it is Burt. None of that sir stuff." Burt gestured for Kyran to follow him. There was a path of round stones set close together on the left side of the house. It was this path Burt took toward the back of the house.

As they walked, Kyran got a better look at his trainer. Burt had the physique of a man somewhere between his prime and old age. It was surprising as Burt was clearly nearing his late 90's if he wasn't there already. Liver spots marked the man's arms which shook slightly from holding the spear. Burt's hair was completely gone except the soul patch on his face and his eyebrows. Bald didn't look too bad on the old timer. Kyran couldn't help but admire the man. It was difficult to keep in such good shape so late in life. Living on a farm must have helped a great deal.

Burt stopped in a large training circle behind his house. There was little to no vegetation within the circle. Sand was most of the circle's makeup though dirt poked through here and there. Kyran wasn't sure what to do as he stepped into the circle. Burt tossed something at him. Kyran hurried to catch it. The long staff fumbled in his grip. It was clearly weighted at one end.

"This is a spear. Not a typical weapon for most people nowadays except the Rune Knights. Mages tend to be a little too fast for them." Burt said stepping out of the circle. His spear was resting on his shoulder, held with a familiar ease. When Kyran made to move, Burt shook his head. "What you're holding is a facsimile of a normal spear. It's meant to be a thrusting weapon. We'll get into the throwing and short versions later. Now, a spearman's stance is where all his power comes from. Unfortunately, the speed at which some mages can move requires you to constantly be moving as well."

Burt moved suddenly. He didn't move fast but it was so unexpected, Kyran was caught unawares. The shaft of Burt's spear hit him square across the shins. Electricity arced through Kyran as his feet were swept out from under him. He landed with a loud expulsion of air. Burt looked down at him, grinning widely.

"Be prepared, Keeton. No matter who your opponent is. That is my first lesson." Burt gestured for Kyran to stand. Kyran clambered to his feet with a groan. The practice spear lay a distance away and Kyran hurried to retrieve it. This would be much more difficult than he first believed. Who knew old people could hit so hard? When he returned,
Burt continued with the lesson.

"Now, widen your stance. Plant your feet and hold your spear in the middle of each end." Kyran attempted to stand correctly. Burt used his spear to correct his many mistakes. "Bad form can get you killed, Kylie. Your spear can splinter if you aren't holding it right. You have a long way to go before you are even a beginner." Burt shook his head sadly.

He began Kyran on a set of drills. First, Kyran had to relax himself and drop into the proper stance. When he did it incorrectly, Burt used his spear to shock him. After that drill, Burt had Kyran spin, jump, roll before dropping into the stance. Kyran suspected the old man got a thrill out of shocking him. The sun had nearly dropped below the horizon when Burt had him stop.

Kyran stood, covered in sweat and panting. His body trembled from the effort of the drills. He could feel bruises trying to form in various places on his shins. Burt had particularly liked hitting him across the shins. Burt took the practice spear back. "Good work, Kay. You made a little progress. Meet me back here tomorrow at noon to run through the drills again. I'll bring around some of the others too so you can meet us all." Kyran nodded slowly too tired to even speak.

It took a long time for Kyran to make it back to the village. His camp had been set up when he arrived the night before. It was a relief not to have to set it up or look for an inn. He struggled to prepare himself for bed. After a long minute, the mage simply gave up. Kyran toppled onto his bedroll. Sleep hit him like a hammer moments later. The mage had forgotten how grueling training could be. Moving up in the world didn't change such a simple fact.

Word Count: 1033
Total: 1408

The next morning, Kyran was preparing himself for a day of training. He was still sore from the other day but rather than deter him, it only invigorated him. Burt hadn't shown any mercy on him. Kyran was glad of it now. The reminder of how awful training could be would make sure Kyran never forgot those beginning lessons. Now that more trainers would be showing up caused Kyran to nearly bounce as noon approached. There was a skip in his step when he headed back to Burt's training circle.

Burt had gathered three other people. They were all standing on the edge of the training circle clearly waiting for him. Burt tossed him the training spear once Kyran entered the circle. Kyran caught it this time. He couldn't stop the thrill that ran through his veins. "Run through your drills, Kreg. I'll introduce these youngsters here while you're at it." Kyran got right to work.

Burt held his spear in his left hand as he approached the first woman. She looked like a martial fighter to Kyran. Her outfit was a black gi. It revealed she was in good shape still. Her red hair was faded from the sun. Somehow it hadn't quite began to turn white on her yet. "This here is the famed Fist Tigress, Sheila. She will be teaching you unarmed combat and passing to you her signature black tiger style." Sheila squinted at Kyran, taking him in as he trained.

"I suppose he'll do as a successor. There are worse people I could teach it to. Your name is Kreg?" Kyran shook his head. An imperial eyebrow raised creating a grin upon his face. "My name...is Kyran, ma'am. Burt can't...seem to get...it right." Sheila nodded slowly before bowing to Kyran. "I'm pleased to meet you, Kyran. You have a funny way of talking but you'll do. From now on call me, Master Tigress. At least until your training is complete."

The woman next to Sheila snorted. "As if, 'Master Tigress'. The boy won't be staying for that long. He's got real work to do. Merely teach him the basics and move on!" Kyran shifted his stance to take the second woman in. She looked older than Sheila yet younger than Burt. She was in what Kyran would call half plate, armor covering her hands, shoulders, thighs, and chest but not her stomach, feet or several other areas. Those not protected by metal were sheathed in leather. Kyran could only imagine she was in good shape as well. Probably better shape than Burt or Sheila.

Burt laughed heartily, pausing only to correct Kyran's mistakes. Kyran grit his teeth against the zap. "That there is Maris. She'll be training you in the whip. Her fire whip once struck fear in many a dark mage's heart. Some say she single-handedly ..."

"Enough of that chatter. The gentleman clad in full armor next to me is Captain Ponk. He'll train you in the sword and when he is done, you'll be a master. Even with your short training time." Maris murmured the last part under her breath. Kyran had a feeling she didn't like him much. Yet he was a way to relieve the monotony of farm life so she was here. At least that was his hope.

Burt sputtered at Maris for a good while. Kyran kept his eyes on Ponk. He was around Maris' age but he felt different from the other three. Farm life suited them. They had settled into it and it showed. Ponk looked like he settled down unwillingly. Twin swords rested upon the captain's back. Kyran had a feeling they were quite lethal should Ponk want them to be.

Kyran faced a mountain of work with all of these trainers. Instead of scaring him, the daunting task made Kyran want to sing. He had a challenge within his reach that he could conceivably do. Not only that but the potential rewards from this challenge were contacts and perfecting styles of fighting. He was only disappointed there wasn't an archer to teach him. Sylvia had only taught him the basics for hunting. Using a bow against mages was much more difficult.

Kyran bowed as bes the could while continuing his drills. "Thank you... for your time... and effort. I will strive... to be the best...student I can be. I place...myself in your capable hands. Hopefully... I can live... up to... the challenge you'll give me." The retirees all nodded their appreciation. Maris opened her mouth to say something but Ponk raised a hand. Kyran could feel the command in the gesture. Ponk wore leadership like a cloak.

"We are pleased to have such an eager student." The retired knight's voice was a deep rumble. Kyran was surprised the helmet didn't shake from it. "How many days will you be with us, Kyran? That will allow us to put together a comprehensive training schedule." Kyran could almost see Ponk in his prime simply from hearing him talk. Ponk must have been amazing to see as a Rune Knight. It was too bad farm life didn't suit him.

"I have... about a week before... my funds run out. I... can promise... to return periodically... and hone... my skills... when I can." Kyran said slowly. Ponk nodded, the great helmet sending light into the mage's eyes. Kyran closed his eyes against the light. Immediately, he was delivered three blows. A fist crushed his stomach, driving all the air from his lungs. A shaft hit his shins sending electricity coursing through his body. Finally, a hand struck him across the cheek. Kyran crumpled into the sand.

"Rest now, Kyran. We may have more work to do than we thought." Kyran could have sworn there was amusement in Ponk's voice. He decided to ignore it. Laying in the sand for a short rest was fine. It beat taking shocks repeatedly for mistakes. He hoped they wouldn't take too long however. Kyran was eager to train. Learning new things had always been a passion of his.

Word Count: 1007
Total: 2415

The group decided to let Kyran continue his training with Burt. At least for the time being. Burt had more to teach him than the rest. Swords mostly worked the same regardless of size, Sheila only had one fighting style and there wasn't much more to a whip. Whereas there were many ways to use a spear and different kinds of spears on top of that. Kyran wasn't sure their logic worked but he wasn't about to argue with his trainers. It would be a good way to make them angry which would make his life hell.

Burt was given a day to train Kyran however he liked. At noon the next day, Sheila would take over. She would have a day and so on. This kind of training would push Kyran's body to the limit. When Ponk got a turn, he would almost be dead on his feet. One day of rest after Ponk's training. Afterward all that had been learned over the week would be tested. Kyran was ready for the challenge. His endurance was high and he felt he might make it through without too many issues. His eye caught the magic weapons held by the group. Then again maybe not.

Burt jumped right into training with Kyran. Clearly, he did not want to waste any time. The spear stances were changed for throwing stances. They were similar though Kyran had to blade his body instead of facing the opponent directly. Burt took great delight in zapping Kyran any chance he got. Kyran grit his teeth against the pain and improved as the sun sank toward the horizon. Burt called his stances passable. Kyran wouldn't be moving quickly with a spear any time soon but he would be able to use one efficiently. They stopped as the sun touched the horizon.

They rested on the edge of the circle. The others had brought a cooler for drinks. Burt pulled one out and handed it to Kyran. After pulling another out for himself, the old man sat on the cooler. Kyran was forced to sit on the ground. "I'm afraid I haven't the time to teach you the short spear, Kreeton. Instead, I'll have you start moving through your stances as you face me in combat. I won't take it easy on you but I also won't use old Thunder Bird. It wouldn't be fair." Burt finished off his drink. Kyran set his aside unopened. It took a while for his body to cool down and if he ate or drank anything that wasn't water, he ended up feeling sick.

Burt caught up a training spear. Kyran swept his off the ground. The moment he stepped into the circle, Burt attacked without warning. It was the only way for the old man to have an advantage. Kyran was much faster and possibly much stronger. His younger body could outlast Burt's by a long shot. As it was, Kyran's training kicked into place. His spear swept up, the shaft going vertical. Burt's strike landed solidly against the wood. Kyran spotted a grin ghosting upon Burt's features. The old man began to spin, stab, sweep, his spear moving more like a snake than a solid piece of wood. Kyran could barely keep up with the retiree. He found himself being pushed back.

Admiration spread through Kyran. He had underestimated the old timer. It was a mistake he never wanted to repeat. He could feel the strikes that slipped through his defenses. If Burt had been using a real spear or Thunder Bird, Kyran would have been bleeding all over. Kyran spun his spear in front of him. It was a ploy to gain some space. Burt stepped back as he wanted. However, the moment his spear stopped, Burt slammed his spear into Kyran's gut. The mage was forced back out of the circle.

Burt offered his apprentice a hand. "One last lesson: Don't spin a spear. At least not repeatedly. It presents an opening to your opponent the moment you stop." Kyran grabbed the offered hand and was yanked up. Burt demonstrated what he meant. The spear spun briefly, slapping back into a ready position within seconds. Kyran understood his mistake for the most part. The bruise forming on his stomach wouldn't let him forget.

He bowed carefully to Burt. "Thank you for the lessons, teacher. I wish I had more time to learn all you have to teach me." Burt bowed in return. The bow was stiff and short. Then the old Rune Knight shooed Kyran away. "Get your rest tonight, Krater. You'll need it. Sheila will not take it easy on you simply because you have a few bruises." Kyran nodded and headed back to his campsite. He didn't bother undressing. Merely he fell into the bedroll, falling asleep in seconds.

Word Count: 804
Total: 3219

Kyran went back to Burt's house the next morning. The sky was overcast with dark clouds, pregnant with rain. Kyran doubted there would be too much training being done if the clouds unleashed their payload. "There you are, Kai. You're in the wrong place today. Sheila is down the road. It's that rather strange looking house. She'll be waiting outside for you. Better book it or she'll have you running most of the day by yourself!" Burt called out from the porch when Kyran tried to walk towards the back of the house. Kyran saluted the retired Rune Knight and took off running down the road.

Sheila was waiting outside. She didn't look happy that he was late but she didn't say a word. Kyran watched Sheila spin on her heel. He hurried after her as she hurried away. It turned out that there was a dojo attached to the back of her house. It wasn't very large. It was well used however and the feeling inside was quite comfortable. Kyran smiled as he looked around. Sheila's strike took him completely by surprise. Her hand locked into a claw shape, tearing at his arm. Even as he tried to defend, Kyran felt several different blows rain down upon his body. Sheila had him on the floor before he put up any meaningful resistance.

"Sloppy. We'll train your reaction time and other essential skills. You'll return to me once a month for training until you become adept at Black Tiger style." Sheila said frowning down at Kyran. He nodded, wheezing from the force of her blows. This was probably his punishment for being late and he couldn't blame her. Each trainer only had so much time before he was gone.

Kyran spent the next twelve hours with Sheila. She worked him to the bone. Her training worked his muscles to the limit. His spear stances helped expedite his training somewhat, a blessing in disguise. Because of that, Shiela was able to teach him the basic punches and kicks of her style. The Black Tiger style was about shredding your opponent, always advancing never retreating. Sheila would let up a surprised smile whenever Kyran learned something particularly quickly. Clearly she had wanted someone to pass on her style to. Kyran worked himself as hard as he could manage until he noticed Maris standing in the corner. Sheila paused their training when she noticed her fellow retiree.

"What can I do for you, Maris? Sheila asked relaxing. Kyran flinched backing away from his master. Whenever she relaxed, Sheila was at her most dangerous. She could explode into action from that point. Maris raised an eyebrow. "You've eaten into my time to train with the boy, 'Master Tigress'. I was patiently waiting for you to give him up. Apparently your all important style must be passed on. Kyran didn't miss the sneer on Maris' face nor the one in her voice. These two had to be rivals of some sort. Sheila looked over at Kyran. When he looked back, she waved him toward Maris.

"Who am I to keep the other trainers from their prize? I didn't realize it was so late. Don't take it out on the boy." Sheila said. Kyran thought she was being deceptively passive. There was no way to tell with this woman. He waved to her as Maris led him from the dojo. To Kyran's surprise, Maris led him to Burt's training circle again. It wasn't the same simple sand circle it had been before. Now there were logs with bottles or other breakable objects on them.

Maris didn't let Kyran rest. Fatigue plagued his mind. It slowed his movements, dulled his reactions. Yet Maris managed to drill her lessons into his head. Repetition, repetition, repetition. She never let up. He was able to flick the whip correctly and hit his target nine time out of ten regardless of where the target was. Needless to say, he was not going to return to Maris. She was a slave driver. Perhaps that was why she enjoyed the whip so much.

Ponk saved Kyran. He appeared on the edge of the training circle with the rising sun.
"Enough Maris. The boy is about to drop dead. You and Sheila showed him no mercy." Maris opened her mouth but Ponk made a sharp motion with his gauntleted fist. "No. We didn't agree to torture the boy. You're done. Argue with me and I'll get my wife to erase his memory." Kyran fell flat on his face in the sand. Maris walked away. The only indication Kyran had of her exit was her receding muttering. "Sleep now boy. We'll build upon your sword training when you wake." It was the last thing Kyran heard before he passed out.

Kyran awoke to a sword sticking in the sand in front of his face. "Get up, Kyran. It's time to train. We'll build upon your training already." Ponk's voice pierced through the fog of sleep. Kyran rolled over and snatched up the sword. "How do you know I have training?" He twirled the sword, dropping into a ready position. Ponk reached up and pulled his helmet off. Kyran was surprised to see an older man. He had a full head of white hair and appeared to be in the best shape of all the trainers.

"On guard!" Ponk shouted leaping forward to attack. Their swords clashed together. They fought for the next hour. Kyran could clearly feel Ponk holding back. The retiree was pushing Kyran while keeping his full potential back. Kyran did his best to draw out Ponk's greatest potential. He failed miserably. Ponk disengaged. "Well fought, Kyran. You are quite skilled. I'll be proud to bring your skills up to intermediate level." Sweat beaded upon Kyran's skin. He shook as he stood in front of his trainer. Sleeping hadn't been enough. The bruises and sore muscles were adding together.

Ponk didn't care. He drove Kyran just as hard as the other trainers. Harder actually since Ponk wasn't against leaving cuts on his body. Kyran was forced to learn quickly. His steps became quicker, his strikes faster. Ponk's eyes glimmered with respect as the hours ticked by. When Ponk finally sheathed his sword. Kyran fell over without the constant motion. "Rest Kyran. We'll skip the final day of training. You need the rest more than we need to stroke our egos."

Kyran barely felt the hands close around his body. He couldn't bring himself to care. Usually he would freak out over other touching him. Kyran was carried all the way to his camp site. He was placed upon his bedroll. Feeling safe, Kyran fell asleep. He didn't get up for the next three days.

Word Count: 1122
Total: 4341