Tales of Destiny: The Ancient Power

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own characters.

Chapter 12: Training

Once Shinn returned to the waiting area, the official explained.

"All right, congratulations for winning the first round. You now have the rest of today and tomorrow to train and rest up. You still have a ways to go."

With that, the official left.

Shinn turned to Dylan and Falcon. "All right, I'm gonna take a look around, see if I can get some information on our next opponents. See you later."

Shinn walked off.

Falcon turned to Dylan.

"In order to fight our future opponent and enemies, one must train extensively. I'm off to train. You are welcome to join me."

Dylan thought, then shrugged. "Okay. Why not?"

----

"All right. Show me your stance."

Dylan snapped into his normal stance.

"Hows this?"

"…You're wide open."

"What!? How?"

"The stance is fine, a little weak, but you're more for speed rather than strength. You're holding your sword wrong. It deviates from how swords are meant to be used. This makes you more vulnerable."

"Hey, I can use a sword!"

"True, you have some skill, but you have a long way to go."

The two did some light sparring, mostly because Falcon did not want to go full strength and accidentally kill Dylan. Dylan got a little annoyed at the hidden insult at his skill, but stayed quiet.

When the sun had fallen to the west, near 5 o clock, Falcon stopped the session.

"What's wrong? I can go farther, and I'm sure that you've barely broke a sweat."

"There is a difference between training and exhausting yourself. We will stop here for today. However, we won't stop here."

"Huh?"

"Your performance today was a sign of your lacking skills. Your swordsmanship is unrefined. Also you are overconfident. That is not forbidden, but a warrior must always be serious with any opponent. Had your fight been for real, you be dead right now."

Dylan stared. This had not entered his mind.

Falcon calmly turned and headed back to the arena. "Do not worry. You know this now, so you can be ready for it. Focus on eliminating your vulnerabilities and you will become stronger."

Dylan followed silently, but he was fuming.

'GAHH! Just because he's a little better than me, he has to talk like he knows everything…Okay, a lot better than me.'

---

Sarah was watching the castle as it came into view. It looked frightening, despite the ordinary appearance. The only thing different from other castle was its slightly bigger size.

Naruto and Kenjaro had been shunted to another part of the train. After what was claimed by the other slaves that Dylan had overpowered the guards and escaped, the train was forced to double time.

After entering the castle, Sarah was led into the dungeon areas in the basement and thrown in a cell.

"OW!"

Sarah got up, glaring at the guards.

"Didn't your mother tell you how to treat girls?!"

"SILENCE!"

Brute was in the doorway.

"Do not move against or talk back or you will regret. Lord Kiritsu commands the breath that comes from you. He controls whether you live or die. There is no light and little food or water for you. You will be here until the time comes when you will need to see or to eat or drink. Lord Kiritsu has spoken."

With that, Brute turned around and walked out, the cell door closing behind him.

Sarah glared at door. She didn't care that Brute was a ninja, she just wanted to give him a piece of her mind.

"There is no reason for any rash actions."

Sarah spun around, startled. There was a woman sitting on the bed, meditating.

"It won't do any good. That man is too strong, even for most ninja. His special armor makes him nigh invincible."

Sarah's eyebrows went up. "Special armor?"

"His armor increases his chakra drastically. He has never needed to worry about running out."

Sarah turned thoughtful. "That sound like chakra armor. I thought only ninjas in the former Land of Snow ever made those."

"It does not matter. Your fate was sealed when you were locked in here. The only reason I'm still alive is that there is no reason to kill me."

Sarah shook her head. "Doesn't matter. No matter how strong those Kiritsu and Brute are, Dylan and everyone can take them down."

"Dylan? He does not sound like a strong ninja."

"He isn't, but he's match for any of them. He is the Destined."

"I do not like fairy tales, girl."

"This is no fairy tale. Dylan's going to charge in and kick their butts. I know he will."

Sarah sat down, eyes closed.

'Dylan, if you can hear me, please come soon.'