Over the next couple weeks, the training had gone from a Zen class to a war-time boot camp. Amara had me running miles and shooting at moving dummies. I summoned huge fire-storms and hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, earthquakes, things I never dreamed about a month ago. It was unbelievable and awe-inspiring. Even Amara and I battled a few times, so I could get the feel of a real life-or-death battle. But Amara would never kill me. I don't think. One day after training had finished and Amara and I were in the main room drinking some energy tea, there was a knock at the door. I jumped up, hoping it would be the boys.
"Stay here," Amara said firmly, "It could be a danger, and it could kill you. That can't happen." I sat back down on the pillow. Amara opened the door cautiously.
"State your name and intention."
"It's Matt, Dom, and Chris. We're here to see Leila," Matt said. I jumped up and ran towards the door. I tackle-hugged Matt and he almost fell over.
"Hi!" I said excitedly. I hugged Dom and Chris tightly. Amara walked inside, inviting everyone else in. The trio sat on the couch.
"They've been watching you, Leila," Dom said. Matt made wiggly fingers at me, mouthing, "Oooooooh."
"Have their expectations been met?" I asked.
"All except one," Dom answered.
"They hoped for perfect obedience," Chris added. Matt cut him off.
"But what can they do, you were raised human. You are really exceptionally good with this though, all of this."
"Thank you, I guess." I bowed slightly.
"We need to get to the point, Matt," Dom said, taking on a serious tone.
"What's going on?" I interjected.
"A skirmish has broken out in low orbit. The council thinks this would be an optimal time to debut our power." My eyes widened as I realized two things: That I was going into a real battle, and Dom was a true leader. His hazel eyes had frozen with near-Vulcan emotionality, and his face was now that of a veteran commander. It scared me, but made me feel comfortable. I wouldn't die from his lack of ability. Mine, however, was a different story. The thought of dying made me shudder.
"OK," I said. My mind had muddled into a kind of clarity, if that's possible.
"OK." Chris sighed and got us going. I bowed to Amara and then waved goodbye. The hover vehicle waited outside. Now I was going into battle, knowing what I was getting into. But really, what had I gotten myself into?