In an ironic twist of fate, I came upon the realization that I would have to learn how to do one of the things I was specifically instructed to never do.

A female figure that emitted an air of regality stood at the other side of the hallway, waiting for me to lunge at her. I didn't think I had it in me to go through with it. To physically attack anyone, for any reason.

It feels like only a couple of days ago when Rachel told me to never fight for any reason. Now I am learning to fight, so I can protect her wish.

Swallowing my fears, I ran towards her and tried to hit her. Key-word on tried. I should have expected her to dodge, because she had handled several people who were way stronger than me at once. Before I even knew what had happened, I was staring at the ceiling with this painful sensation in my back.

The figure, Endorsi, sighed at me. I slowly got up and trudged back to the other side of the room. The only way to get better is to keep trying.

"Rule 1: You must anticipate what your opponent is going to do. If you don't, you will always fall short," Endorsi told me, with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

She wasn't the only one who felt annoyed. I was annoyed as well; not because I had failed to hit her, but because I tried to hit her. I didn't like the idea of hitting anyone, regardless if it was necessary or not.

The next few attempts were similar to the first one. Eventually, a surprised look crossed my face as I realized she tended to dodge right rather than left. I should attack in that direction instead!

Endorsi stared at me with a strange look in her eyes. I wondered what she thought right then.

I found out rather shortly. I lunged at her, and punched to the right. However, she didn't move anywhere, and instead swept my feet out from under me. How irritating…

"Rule 1a: Anticipate your opponent anticipating you. I was wondering when you'd attack to the right instead of normal. Right before you attacked, the most ridiculous expression crossed your face, so I figured you had come up with a plan. And, as it turns out, I was right!" Endorsi stated in a triumphant tone.

In other words, she told me to hide my emotions. At that point, I was wondering if she had any positive emotions.

This time, she volunteered to help me up. She was smiling, but it looked more like she was gloating at me more than giving advice. "One more round. Try your hardest this time!"

Rachel told me that my thoughts would affect my actions. I could see that she was right. I had decided to go against my morals and do whatever it takes to accomplish my savior's dream. She had saved me, so I figured I should "save" her as well.

With these thoughts in my head, I charged at Endorsi one more time. To my surprise, she aimed straight at my face instead of trying to counter me. In shock, I ducked barely in time.

Yes! I'm finally getting somewhere!

I looked up at Endorsi with my own triumphant smirk. It didn't occur to me that the fight wasn't over. She then hit me to the floor in my moment of weakness.

I felt the wind go out of me. I just sat there for a few seconds trying to catch a breath. Endorsi looked down at me, and to my surprise told me we would practice more tomorrow.

I didn't want to practice more, but I had to. I had to help all of the people around me. In my mind, I believed that nothing mattered as long as Rachel accomplished her dream.

"Looking back on that session, I realize now how naive I was. You probably were refraining from making fun of me the whole time, Endorsi."

"All that while, I wanted to help Rachel accomplish her dream. I didn't realize until too late that she didn't want my help."