Chapter 3

Nuri

Bardia woke up when the sun hit his eyes. Before he opened them he reviewed the happenings of the peculiar dream he had. It had something to do with him being a prince, or had it been a movie he'd watched the night before. In fact, why was the sun hitting his eyes? He always pulled the shade down for this exact purpose. A funny feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. He took in a deep breath and held it. His eyes opened suddenly and instead of the normal four blue walls that normally surrounded him when he woke up every morning, he found himself settled in a bed inside a tent. Slowly he released the air he held in his lungs. It hadn't been a dream and it wasn't a movie he'd seen. Had everything that was swirling in his mind had actually taken place? No it couldn't have. Maybe when he walked out of the tent he'd be back in his bed in his room. He took a deep breath and left the tent.

To his disappointment, or maybe relief, he found no bed, there was no room, nor even the world he'd ever known. There was, however, a fire and a man sitting by it who seemed to be cooking something. The man was Kimball. He was the leader of the warriors. He taught Shamira Kella, a young girl of whose current whereabouts were unknown, to be one of his finest students. Bardia let out a mournful sort of moan.

"Ah, good morning young sir, I trust you've had a good nights sleep."

"Oh, well actually I feel like I've drank my weight in beer. Where's Kel, oh, I mean Shamira?"

"She's gone off to find us some food."

"So she hunts too?"

"Oh Shamira can do many things young sir." Kimball explained. "She's one of my top students. After some more training she may possibly be the best. It is best we speak no more of this. We'll be joined shortly. Come warm yourself by the fire, it's a bit cool out this morning."

Bardia agreed, it was cooler than he had expected it to be. He sat on the ground across from Kimball and warmed up. Less than a moment later the echoing sounds of twigs breaking broke the silence between them. Bardia stared into the woods, but Kimball continued on fussing with the fire.

"Master Kimball why fuss with that manually when you can just easily keep the fire going with your staff." Shamira shouted as she came from the trees.

Her clothes had changed from the night garments to lose silver pants and a button down flower patterned silver shirt.

"Shamira, you know, as you learned when you first began your training, that using your powers for use of no real reason is frowned upon as it could drain your strength. Do we need to review your studies?"

"No sir. I was only making a suggestion. The air smells pure. I didn't think it would cause much …"

"Didn't think eh? Well then that seems to be much of your problems, not thinking your actions through. We've been through this before haven't we?"
"Yes sir, I apologize sir. If I may sir, I've brought us some food. I scouted out a herd of rabbits, young, but meaty." She handed the dead animal to Kimball.

He gave her a nod of approval and took the animal from Shamira to prepare it. Shamira joined Bardia on the other side of the fire.

"So, how'd you sleep last night?" She asked while poking at the fire.

"Okay, I guess. I woke up and thought this was all a dream."

"Most people would. Chin up though, we start your training today."

"Training? You mean fighting, like you did last night?"

"A little. Mostly you'll learn mental preparation first. That's basically learning what your birth ability is and how to take control of it."

"What is my birth ability?" Bardia asked curiously.

"Oh, well we won't know until Master Kimball performs the birth rights ritual."

"The what?" Bardia asked quickly. "He's not going to like stick a needle in me or anything?"

"No." Shamira chuckled. "No, it's a simple procedure. It doesn't hurt, you don't feel anything actually. You'll see."

The smell of cooking meat began to fill the area. The animals that Shamira had brought back looked very much like rabbits only they had wings. Kimball cooked them to a light brown and handed out pieces. To much of Shamira's surprise he handed her a piece before anyone started eating. This was unusual for Shamira was the lowest ranking of the three. Usually she would eat her fill after the other two began eating. Shamira didn't argue with this and sunk her teeth into her breakfast.

"Shamira, why don't you get some drinks for us." Kimball requested. He used his staff to create thermoses.

"Is there a stream around?" She asked.

"I'm sure you'll find one. Training will begin in one hour. I expect you to be on time and with water."

For one brief moment Shamira was ready to argue. This seemed unfair, but she knew it was better to do as she was told and not to disagree.

"Yes sir." She whispered obediently.

She picked up the three thermoses and disappeared into the forest again. Bardia shifted uncomfortably on the ground.

"Young Prince, I thought we should discuss your ritual before it is done and we begin the first part of your training." Kimball said raising to his feet.

"Oh, well yeah okay." Bardia said with a hint of confusion in his voice.

"First things first." Kimball said bringing his staff up and pointing it again at Bardia, just as the night before a warm fog engulfed him and his clothes changed. Now he had on clothes that let him move around more, sort of an elegant sweat suit.

"The ritual is two parts. All that is required of you is concentration." Kimball went into his tent and came back out with three silver vials and a wooden bowl.

"Sit down sir." He said.

Bardia did as he was told. Kimball knelt down in front of him and began making a mixture from the vials. In the bowl was created a thick green liquid. He took some of this substance on his fingers and rubbed it onto Bardias forehead. It was warm and soothing on his skin.

"Now young sir, I need you to concentrate. Concentrate hard on the stars. Close your eyes and imagine yourself among the stars."

Bardia closed his eyes and felt as though he was in a peaceful place. He seemed as though he was floating in the night sky. It was a beautiful place. There were many different stars. Something was taking place on each of them. On one there were tornadoes, though nothing was being destroyed, in fact they seemed to be rejuvenating a land that had been dying. On another was roaring fires. The heat was comforting. Ahead of him was a star with oceans, lakes, rivers and beautiful waterfalls. One however, seemed brighter than the rest. It was very green. Plants and trees inhabited this one, yet there was something strange about it. Bardia wanted a closer look. As he moved in he noticed that the ground kept shifting. Trees would move from one spot to another, flowers were being uprooted and planting themselves in other areas. Bardia was intrigued. He wanted to go to that star. He lowered himself to step onto it and just as he did the ground shifted beneath him. His eyes shot opened and he found himself back in front of Kimball.

"What happened?" He asked a bit out of breath.

Kimball smiled.

"Look beneath you sir." He said.

Bardia looked and underneath him the piece of land he was sitting on rose up above the rest of the area.

"What was that? How did that happen?" Bardia asked once again confused.

"You floated towards the green star. Your birth ability is earth. You will learn how to manipulate the earth to shift and change. In time you will be able to move mountains if necessary."

"But, how did that happen?"

"You landed on your star which indicates what your birth ability will be. Although you didn't do it on purpose your concentration on the earth made the land beneath you rise. When Shamira began her training it was a bit more powerful. A small tornado tore through the village. I found it a bit amusing myself, but the villagers were quite upset. Many of them felt it was a warning. Well let's get started."

"Wait, a warning of what?"

"Oh, nothing really, just some old superstitions. Now let us begin. The first thing you need to know is how to concentrate. Being that your ability is earth, obviously you must concentrate on the earth. See that pebble over there? Try to move it over."

"Just by concentrating on it?"

"Yes, just concentrate"

Bardia stared at the pebble. He kept thinking about it moving to the left.

Move to the left. He thought. Move to the left. Please. Please move to the left. I'm telling you to move to the left. I'm asking you to move to the left.

The pebble didn't even shake. Even though nothing happened energy seemed to be decreasing with every thought. Bardia felt drained. He took a few deep breaths and gave up.

"That…wasn't…ea…sy." He said between breaths.

"This takes a lot of energy sir. Don't worry. The sun has almost moved for an hour. Shamira will be back shortly with water. Then we'll do something a bit more physical. You'll more than likely enjoy that. You'll be sparring with Shamira."

"Shamira? I can't fight her. She's a girl."

"Oh I assure you she's much more than your average damsel in distress of old fairy tales. Trust me Prince Bardia you'll want to try your hardest fighting her. Young sir, I must warn you while in training you are considered an equal to Shamira. There's nothing I can reprimand her for."

"But, I thought I was the prince. She can't actually hurt me! You'd punish her for that."

"I'm afraid I cannot sir. That would defeat the purpose of training sir. You're meant to learn how to fight and if you learn with someone holding back it will only hinder your abilities. Not to worry though. I will place an enchantment on your. During training you won't feel the pain as much, only a slight pressure when you're hit."

"I don't know about this Lord Kimball. You know Shamira Kella. She doesn't control her emotions as well as she should yet." buzzed Shaylee.

"What was that?" Bardia asked looking for the source of the voice.

"It was I young Prince. Shaylee of the wind fairies at your service. I've was sent to keep an eye on Shamira, though she's quite a handful."

"An eye on me? Why was she being sent for that? I though she was just a messenger between our worlds." Shamira said suddenly emerging from the woods. She looked a bit warn out and had dirt on her face and hands and there was a hole in her pants exposing her right knee. Her hair was tangled and in her face. She dropped the thermoses to the ground. The water inside swished around as the hit the ground.

"Whoa. What happened to you?" Bardia asked at the sight of the unclean Shamira.

She ignored his question completely, she didn't even look at him.

"What does she mean, Master Kimball, by keeping an eye on me? Why does she need to keep an eye one me?" She stood only inches away from Kimball now demanding an answer to her questions.

"Come. We have much to prepare for." Kimball said stepping around Shamira.

She just stood there, dumbfounded. She began to breathe a bit heavily. She was whispering to herself.

"Calm down. Calm down. Sh, it's okay, calm down." She whispered over and over.

Something inside of her began to burn. Her skin seemed to heat up.

Why? Why did they need you to be watched? He apparently doesn't trust you. Find out why. Don't let him just walk away.

"I have to." She whispered to herself. "Just let it go."

Her clothes began to change into the red robes she'd fought Dima in. Her hair darkened and grew as did her height. The blue was fading from her eyes. Red took its place as it had before, only this time, Shamira hadn't made it happen.

"NO! DON'T YOU WALK AWAY FROM ME! I WANT TO KNOW! I WANT TO KNOW WHY SHE WAS WATCHING ME!" She grabbed at her sword on her side and it became visible once more.

Again it was glowing, only this time the color matched her eyes. She charged towards Kimball screaming. Kimball merely stood his ground. He crossed his arms in front of him and held his staff out. As Shamira struck it didn't penetrate Kimball, in fact, it didn't come near him. Only a loud BANG, was heard. A blinding white light lit up the area when she hit. The blow seemed to have an opposite affect. Shamira stumbled backwards, hitting the ground hard. She was rattled. Kimball moved towards her and stood above her with fury.

"SHAMIRA KELLA! IT IS NOT I WHO IS YOUR ENEMY!" His voice boomed with power.

It was easy for Bardia to see why Shamira said he was the best. Many people must have feared him if he could yell like that at someone who wasn't his enemy.

"DO NOT PROVE THEM RIGHT SHAMIRA!" The ground shook as he yelled. "YOU WILL CONTROL YOUR ANGER NOW!" He demanded.

Shamira let go of her sword. It lost its glow when she released it. The red drained from her eyes and the blue took its place. Tears streamed down her eyes. She shook with fear. Shamira brought her knees to her chest and placed her head down as she began to rock herself back and forth.

Kimball was no longer angry. He knelt down beside her and took her in his arms. He caressed her hair as it shortened and glowed in the sunlight once more. He rocked with her and seemed to sing a soothing song.

"Sweet young child. Fear not the inner wild. Find love within the stars. For one sweet moment, know who you are. Take this song deep to your heart. You'll one day know your part. Sweet young thing when the time is right. There will be no reason for you to fight. Take your anger away from here. Find your peace that is so near. Shhh, Shamira. It's okay, it's over. All in due time Shamira, all in due time."

"I got the water." She whispered through her sobs.

"Yes, I know. You've done well."

"I'm sorry master. I did not mean to lose my temper sir."

"It's been taken care of. All is well. Come now. You've not trained in some time now. We must resume. We'll be in the field beyond those trife trees to the west. Compose yourself and meet us there." He rose to his feet and Bardia followed him not glancing at Shamira.

"It is best we do not speak of this young sir. I ask you not to bring this matter up in the future." Kimball whispered to Bardia as they left. His silence indicated he agreed.

Two hours had past since the incident and Kimball had started Bardias physical training. The first hour was meditation, which Bardia found simply boring and useless at this time. They had just started fighting. Bardia seemed amused at having to fight with Shamira. He still thought he'd just beat her like he could any other girl. He was about to discover he was very wrong.

"Now Bardia, we'll start with just your arms. Shamira just block for now. Bardia, see if you can hit her." Kimball instructed. "Ready, begin."

Bardia stepped towards Shamira and tried to hit her swinging his arm. He missed completely as she dodged him quickly stepping back. He fell off his balance after missing. He circled her for a moment and took another swing. Just as fast as he swung she put her arm up and stopped it. It went on like that for quite some time. After a while Bardia was quite winded. He didn't land one hit.

"Well, well. So much for being able to do anything better than me, being that you're a man eh?" Shamira taunted.

"Oh shut up." He said aggravated. "I don't understand. Why can't I hit you?"

"I'm fast. Just wait until I try to hit you."

"When will that happen?"

"Not until after you learn how to concentrate on hitting a mark."

"Shut up. How am I supposed to concentrate?" Bardia whined.

"Aw, poor baby, getting frustrated?" She laughed beginning to crack up.

"I said shut up!" He yelled and ran towards her to tackle her.

Shamira wasn't paying attention from laughing, making it easy to grab her and throw her to the ground. She was surprised and screamed. He started tickling her and she didn't do much to try to stop him physically. She begged him to stop.

"Bardia! Stop please!" She pleaded through her giggles.

"Come on cutie! You can get up, I know you can! You know you can! Or have you been subdued to my might!" He teased.

"Okay! That's it! You're dead!" She composed her strength and pushed him off of her, pinning him to the ground. "Now its my turn! You're doomed!" She threatened.

"Don't Shamira! I'm warning you!" He shouted.

"Are you threatening me young sir?"

"As a matter of fact I am. I'm your prince! You have to do what I say."

"Not while training!" She said and began to tickle him.

He flailed about as he pleaded with her to stop.

"NO! PLEASE STOP! YOU'RE SO DEAD SHAMIRA!" He yelled.

Before it could go any further Shamira was forcefully pulled off of Bardia and thrown to the ground. Kimball gave them both a stern look of disappointment.

"You're supposed to be training, not playing." He said forcing back his amused smile. "Now, if you two feel the need to waste your energy fooling around, I have a better idea."

"Master Kimball, please, we, we were only having some fun." Shamira frightfully explained.

"Well this will be fun Shamira, you've seen to take a liking to have to do it."

She guiltily looked down and sighed.

"Now the two of you will run the path I make until I come back. I apologize young sir, but I've explained, while training you must be treated equally" He scolded.

He took his staff and cleared a path for them to run. Some of the path was harder and went up hill. Some of it had puddles of water and mud.

"Ready? Start running and don't stop until I return." Kimball demanded.

The two of them dashed down the path set for them, occasionally running through water or jumping over rocks. Halfway around the first time Shamira knew Kimball had left.

"Come on your highness, stop running. He's gone." She told him.

"What? But he said not to stop until he comes back."

"Please. Come on, he'll be gone for at least an hour. Trust me, I've been through this many times."

They slowed to a walk and began talking again.

"Okay, so I'm a prince. Is it the whole place I am prince of?" Bardia began.

"Yes, the whole place."

"There's one thing I don't understand. I have to claim the thrown. What's so hard about that?"

"Oh." Shamira seem a bit unwilling to answer this question. "Well. There are people trying to kill you, a whole planets worth actually. And if you don't make it by the set time then, well it means that the worlds will declare a full blown war."

"But we have a year. How long will it take to get there?"

"About that time, all depending on a few things. Things like the weather. If it snows for a few days, we can't travel. If any of us gets hurt, that'll slow us down. Or if any of us gets sick for that matter. There's going to be a lot of people coming after us. Morrigan knows we've come back. They also know I'm here with you."

"What does that matter? What is it about you that freaked that kid out? Last night you said you carried a burden. What does that mean?"

"Not too much. I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Why not? Come on Shamira, I want to know."

"Look, just drop it okay. I don't want to dis…" Shamira stopped dead in her sentence.

"What? What's the matter?" Bardia asked looking around.

"Sh! I'm listening."

She put her nose in the air and breathed in deep. Her eyes widened. Quickly she shoved Bardia away and to the ground. Bardia looked back at her from the ground and saw her dive as what seemed like a ball of fire hit the ground.

"What the hell what that?" Bardia yelled in fear.

"Stay there. Don't move."

Shamira stood very still. She seemed to be waiting for something. She closed her eyes and looked disappointed.

"Still to loud!" She yelled as a boy ran towards her.

It was a boy whose hair was dark and fell just above his ears. His skin was dark too, but his eyes were blue. He was a lot bigger than both Shamira and Bardia. He had Shamira pinned down under him, though it seemed she let him take the upper hand. His hip rested upon her hip while he pushed her hands down above her head. Shamira wriggled to get out. She flipped him over and landed on top of him, but it didn't last. Just as quickly she was underneath him again.

"Hey now little fishy, calm down. You know you can't beat me. You never could."

"Sure Nuri, that's what you think and you know it. You know I'm better than you, I've taken you before."

"Ah, but you've been out of the game for a while haven't you? I've been up and practicing. Hey, who's your little boyfriend?" He teased.

"Actually that little boyfriend happens to be Prince Bardia, your prince and mine."

"Seriously?" He said his facial expression turning more serious.

"Come on Nuri, get off me." She asked a bit more politely this time.

"Hm, say uncle." He taunted.

"Nuri! Come on get off!"

"Say Uncle fishy! Come on say it! Say uncle!"

"Rrrrr! Come on!" She started to yell.

This made Nuri squeeze her arms harder. They began to burn a bit.

"Oh forget it." She said seemingly annoyed.

Instead of continuing the argument she stared intently at him. Harsh winds picked up and Nuri watched in defeat, he let her up. On her way she punched him, hard, in the shoulder which he grabbed in a bit of pain.

"Ow, come one there was no need for that." He said smiling at her.

"So Nuri, how've you been? Oh wait, hey Kid, come on over here."

Bardia came over still a bit confused.

"Bardia, this is Nuri. One of the guys I trained with. Don't look so nervous, he's on our side."

Bardia looked over at Nuri who bowed. He seemed to relax a bit more, although he was still unsure about this new comer, and he wasn't sure why.

"What'd you do?" Nuri asked looking around the intense track that lay before them.

"What?" Shamira asked.

"The track, looks painfully familiar. You definitely did something. Only you could…"

"Hey! Wait a minute. Why assume it was me?" Shamira protested.

"Oh come on, admit it, you did this."

"Not alone." Kimball said from out of no where.

Both Shamira and Nuri closed their eyes and swallowed hard. Slowly they turned to face Kimball, maybe wishing they had been hearing things. They bowed down in respect to their master.

"Master Kimball. We, were, that is..." Shamira sputtered out.

"Stalling? Not doing what you're supposed to be doing? Disobeying? Take your pick."

"Master Kimball, it was my fault. I interfered with what they were doing." Nuri tried to explain.

"Ah, Nuri, how wonderful to see you. And as wonderful as it is you know as I do the consequences of all your actions. Shamira, I believe you should start your run now. Prince Bardia and Nuri will begin a few minutes after you. That may work more efficiently." Kimball disciplined.

Shamira took in a deep breath, held it in to control her temper and took off jogging down the track. They all watched her until she was over a hill and out of sight.

"Now this time, I won't be leaving. For one hour you will run the track. Starting now."

Bardia and Nuri set off just as Shamira did. Once they were over the hill and knew they were out of Kimballs vision they slowed their pace, knowing well, Shamira had done the same.

"She hasn't changed one bit has she?" Nuri asked when the slowed down.

"Well, I guess not. I haven't known her as long as you apparently." Bardia answered.

"Oh that's true. Let's see, stubborn, but caring, quick to insult, always there with a compliment when you need it, easy to anger, or better put, fun to piss off."

"Yeah, yeah, that's her." Bardia laughed. "Have you always been friends? I mean, I've known her my whole life, have you?"

"Oh, um, I've known her my whole life. We come from the same village. Everyone knows everyone. But, no, no we weren't always friends. Didn't become friends until after training started."

"Why?" Bardia asked curiously.

"Why what?"

"Why weren't you friends?"

Nuri searched the ground nervously trying to come up with an answer, or a lie, Bardia coudln't tell which.

"She's had it tough. In the village. It was hard for her growing up the way she did."

"How? What way did she grow up?"

"Um. Maybe we shouldn't talk about this. It's not really my place to say. When she's ready to tell you, that's when you'll know the details. Besides, I'd rather not think about it. I, I was pretty mean to her at that point."

"Until training you mean?" Bardia asked, not daring to pry more, knowing it would be useless.

"Yeah. That's when I realized that she wasn't what everyone made her out to be, me included. She got me out of a bad situation. Would have been kicked out of training had it not been for Shamira, been friends ever since."

"What happened?"

"Well ... "

"Welcome to your first day of training." The man standing in front of the group of teenagers said.

The man was young and wore robes similar to the ones Kimball wore, only these were white. There were many men wearing robes, some stood in a line behind the man speaking. They were red robes.

"As you are all aware you've been invited to train here. Not everyone gets that privilege. Each of you have shown strengths, but do not think for one minute that this makes any of you above anyone. For the time being you are not welcome, not until you prove you have the knowledge, honor, and respect you need in order to stay. And still after that you need to prove your control, improvement, and the ability to work with others." He preached.

While he continued his speech the kids began to glance around surveying one another. They tried to guess which of them would be kicked out or who would take the longest to move up in rank. Some of them looked unsure of themselves, others looked over-confident, one looked determined.

A fifteen-year-old girl stood out from the rest. Her hair was a bright yellow lost in a sea of shades of brown and dark blonde. Her eyes, unlike the usual brown, green, or blue, were an elegant shade of violet. Shamira stood in the back, not quite looking forward, but had an expression of determination on her face, while she demanded to herself she would accomplish everything the man was saying. She was also trying like hell to block out the mumbled insults directed at her.

She didn't cry anymore, like she had wen she was younger. At that time when the boys teased her and the girls avoided her, she'd run off crying, alone. As she got older her lonely sadness turned to lonely anger. She did not want to lose her temper right here, especially on her first day. He was not about to be kicked out on the first day, but getting her kicked out seemed to be this boy's mission.

"Pst, hey animal!" The boy whispered. "What are you doing here?"

Shamira stayed quiet.

"What's the matter freak? Afraid to talk? I don't blame you. You'd just make a fool out of yourself. You know you don't' fit in. Just go home, or go where ever it is that you go."

Shamira clenched her teeth, as her nails dug deeper and deeper into the palms of her hands. She focused on the little pebble by her feed desperately trying to ignore the boy.

"Go back to daddy Shamira. You'll never belong here." He hissed.

It was the last straw. The blood in her body boiled. She shut her eyes tight afraid of what might happen if she opened them. Her heart felt like it was going to burst. Before she could do anything there was a loud Bang, like someone had his something with a piece of wood. She opened her eyes in surprise and saw the boy grabbing the top of his head. A younger Kimball, in his black robes had struck the boy, and struck him hard. He hit him again only this time he hit the boys hands that still clung to his head.

"Nuri," he scolded angrily, "I believe one of the qualities Lord Dishodo has been discussing is the ability to work with others! SO far, in addition to disrespectfully talking during his speech you have displayed the exact opposite of that! As such a punishment will be arranged accordingly. Beyond those trees is a lake. You will run, not walk, there where two wooden buckets will be waiting for you. Fill those buckets with water, bring them back here and dump them into the well under the trife tree. Do this until the well is full. This is a minor punishment ladies and gentlemen. Just a taste of what lies ahead for those of you who feel you are above others. Get started Nuri."

They all knew who he was, Kimball, but never expected to see the greatest warrior there. He served with the other Alricks, the highest of warriors.

Nuri hesitated for a moment. Kimball gave him a stern look at he ran towards the lake. Kimball inspected the rest of the group. He let his gaze drift to Shamira, who, unlike the rest of them stared back at him. They'd met before, multiple times in fact, though she did not know who he was until that very moment. She'd never seen him in robes before. Walking over to her she never flinched. He'd approached her before.

"Keep your temper under control. Go have that healed." He said to her, his face expressionless.

Without saying a word to anyone he turned at just as fast as he had appeared, he was gone. Shamira looked down at the palms of her hand, blood trickled down from her nails piercing through her skin.

Later, when Shamira's hands were healed, and Nuri's hands were blistered, the group found themselves once again face to face with Kimball.

"By your reactions before, I take it my presence is a surprise. Normally I wouldn't be here until you've reached the end of your training, however, I've been asked be a group mentor for one of your groups." He began.

Whispers rose from within the group. Kimball would be teaching one of the groups. It was an honor to have someone has great at Kimball to teach them, but which group would it be? They all knew a test would be administered in order to form the groups, but no one knew exactly how the mentors were selected for each group.

"As I'm sure you know you'll be given a test in determine what groups you will be in. Normally groups are from three to five people, this year will be different. Two students will be my students. Two students who have much in common and who's differences compliment each other, will be my students and will be trained, rewarded, punished, eat and sleep how I see fit." He continued to explain. "The way the two students are chosen will remain a secret between the council and mentors. You don't have to show off, or try out or feel the need to impress anyone. Try your best and your hardest. Remember like I've said no one here is not now, nor will ever be better than anyone. There's rice and fruit waiting for you. I suggest you get some now. Your placement tests will take place in one hour." Kimball turned to the mentors and they all walked away leaving the group speechless.

They all staggered into the tent where the food was. Shamira ate some rice and some trifes. Nuri help himself to the solitary spot she had been sitting.

"I bet you found that funny." He said bitterly.

"Actually, no I didn't. I would have much rather dealt with you on my own. You're lucky if you ask me." She replied concentrating very hard on her plate of food.

"Well, I didn't ask you if I was lucky. Look at this. If these blisters on my hand hinder my chances in anyway I swear you're going to pay for this you half-bred freak of nature." He got up and knocked the plate out of her hands spilling the rest of her food to the ground. "Good luck on an empty stomach."

Shamira closed her eyes and brought her knees up to her chest resting her head on them. She let him walk away. She didn't do anything. She let herself concentrate on passing her test.

An hour later they were once again surprised. Although people who had already gone through training never really spoke about it rumors about the placement tests were notorious. Some said you had to fight one another and the loser left. Others claimed you were left out in the wilderness alone for a week. Whoever didn't summon for help passed. Still, nothing had them prepared for what they saw when the regrouped. They followed Master Dishodo into a building. Inside the building were hallways of doors. Each door had the name of one of the students on it. As they walked through the hallway the when the door had the students name on it they proceeded to go in. The last two doors had Nuri and Shamira on it. Nuri glanced over at Shamira before entering. Shamira didn't hesitate.

The room she was in was empty, just an empty white room. She waited. She didn't know how long she was going to have to wait in there. As if expecting a change she kept looking around. Nothing happened. She sat down in the middle of the white room and continued to wait. Every now and then she'd hear a door opening and closing. Naturally, hearing one close she'd look at hers hoping it would open. It never did. She was beginning to become anxious. How long was she to stay in here? She decided not to think about time. The more she thought about it the longer it would seem. So she thought about the first time she'd seen Kimball.

She was sitting on the maple-bridge staring down at the creek running under it. Snow had begun to fall earlier that evening. Shamira was only seven. Her feet dangled off the side of the wooden bridge. She had apparently been sitting there for some time; snow had started to accumulate in a mass on her legs, head, and shoulders. Tears fell from her puffy eyes. Her little nose was red and would wrinkle every time she sniffled. She had no winter clothes on, just sweat pants and a sweater. She didn't hear Kimball approach, but knew he was there.

"You don't want to come near me mister." She said in her small nasal voice.

"Oh really? And why is that?" He asked, not threatened.

"Because I am a monster. And monsters hurt people. And they kill people" She sobbed burying her face in her hands.

Kimball sat down next to her and hung his legs off the side just as she had them.

"Why do you say you're a monster? You don't look like a monster?"

"Well, have you ever seen a monster?" She retaliated through her hands.

"Hm. Good point. But I have read about them. You don't look like anything thing I've read about. And you certainly don't seem like you want to hurt anyone, least of all kill them." He pointed out.

Shamira threw her hands back onto the rail of the bridge. Neither of them said anything for a minute or two.

"Well. They all think I'm a monster." She sulked.

"Who think you're a monster?"

"Everyone."

"I don't think you're a monster."

She looked up at him with her bright violet eyes.

"See look at you. Two eyes, two ears, one nose right where it belongs, one mouth, show me your teeth."

Shamira grinned widely.

"Ah ha! Your teeth are no shaper than any teeth I've ever seen and I've seen a lot of teeth. I still don't think you're a monster."

"But I've killed someone." She cried.

"Have you?" Kimball asked, fully aware of what she was about to say.

"Yes. I killed my mommy."

"Who told you that?"

"They did, the people from the village. They say I'm like him."

"Like who, I wonder?"

"I don't know," She said puzzled, "but they say I'm like him. That I was born a monster and I killed my mommy. That's why no one will play with me and no one will take care of me like the other little boys and girls.

"Let me tell you something little Shamira. When you're mommy died, she was very sick. You didn't kill her. You saved your mommy. You're mommy was very sad before she knew you were going to be born."

"Why was my mommy sad?" she asked, her interest peek, forgetting the fact she had never told him her name.

"That's something I can't say for sure right now. All I know is that when she found out that you were growing inside of her she was very happy. You made her very happy. People die all the time. I assure you, no matter what anyone tells you, you did not kill your mommy. In fact, even though you don't remember her you did meet her. Three times you met her in fact. She held you so close when she fed you. She looked at you as much as she could. She loved you. She never thought you were a monster. You were her perfect angel."

Shamira smiled through her tears. Kimball stood up.

"Come on. It's getting late. I'll take you back to Miss Rami's. You know, Miss Rami worries about you."

"No. I think she's afraid of me too." She said taking his hand to help her up.

He laughed.

"Well my dear. She's an old woman. Many things frighten her, but she helped your mommy when you were inside of her. Trust me, you may not know it now, but she cares about you, no matter what she says."

They walked through the streets of the village in silence. Shamira kept turning around to see her footprints in the freshly fallen snow. Then she kept stopping and opening her mouth to catch the snowflakes. One time, while she stood with her mouth wide open and tongue hanging out, Kimball took a small pile of snow from a near by bush and dropped it on her face. Shamira laughed and shook it all off. Finally one of the cottages had a dim light lit in the window. Shamira ran for the door.

"Miss Rami! Miss Rami! I'm home!" She yelled running up the steps.

The door swung open. An elderly, someone sick looking woman stood there.

"Oh child, not so loud. You'll able to wake everyone in the village up. Where have you been? You know I don't like it when you come in after all the other house lights burn out."

"I'm sorry Miss Rami. I was with a grown up though." She said drawing an angel in the snow with her finger.

"Grown up?" She asked nervously. "What grown up?"

"Him!" She said pointing out to the road.

In the distance, barely visible through the increasing snow stood Kimball. Miss Rami gasped. Composing herself she bowed her head. Then he was gone.

"Come child. Let's get you inside." She said softly, a tear in her eye.

A door opened. Shamira looked up startled from her thoughts. Master Dishodo stepped into the room.

"You've done well, Shamira. Better than most of us would have assumed." He said motioning for her to step towards him. As she left the room, she noticed something strange. The door they left though, had not been the same door they had entered. It was an entirely different door on the opposite side of the room, leading to an entirely different place. It lead outside, where it was now night. Only half the group was there, including Nuri.

"She's the last one Master Kimball." Master Dishodo said quietly.

"Very well. Congratulations to all of you. You've passed and each have been assigned a mentor. Each of you will be handed a sheet of paper saying who your mentor will be and where to meet him or her in the morning. You will not discuss who your mentors are. When you are handed your paper you will return to your tents in silence. You will find dinner plate there waiting for you. In the morning you will be woken up and will go directly where you've been instructed to go. Again, congratulations." Kimball finished and left before any papers had been handed out.

There was an aura of both excitement and disappointment. Everyone remaining would move on. They all knew most people were dropped during the placement tests. Some people had been parted from friends. Friends they'd known all their lives and would, both regretfully and hopefully not be seeing for at least a year. And no one understood what the test they had just taken was all about. Master Dishodo handed everyone their papers. One by one they went back to their tents. Shamira carried hers to her tent and never looked at it. She placed in face down one the ground when she returned to her tent. She stared at it while she ate. She placed her plate outside of her tent and changed. She still hadn't looked at her paper when she went into her sleeping bag. Holding it in her hands she took a deep breath, held it in and quickly turned the paper over. It said two things on in.

Master Kimball

Lake

Shamira's heart skipped a beat. Why had he picked her? Who else had he picked? For the first time the whole day she smiled, put her head down and went to sleep.

She woke up with her heart pounding hard in her chest. She was breathing heavy. The sun had just started to come up. Everyone would be woken up in about an hour. She'd been having a dream. She didn't remember this one. Not wanting to wait Shamira got dressed and walked down to the lake. It was a long walk. She imagined Nuri having to do it yesterday, back and forth with buckets of water, definitely nothing she'd want to do. The lake was beautiful. Knowing that no one would be around for quite sometime she took of her shoes and stuck her feet in the water. It wasn't as cold as she would have guessed. She took off her clothes folded them, placed the on a rock and emerged herself in the refreshing water. It was cool and relaxing. Laying on her back she let herself float to the middle of the lake and stared at the dawns sky. Everything was peaceful. She swam in tranquility for about a half an hour and figured she should dry off and put her clothes back on she swam for shore. Once she was dressed she was glad she did it. Her companion had obviously woken up early as well and was on his or her way down. She heard them coming, then sighed.

"Oh great." Was her greeting.

"Not like I planned it Nuri. Trust me on that."

"Can't really trust a monster with anything can you?" Nuri grunted back.

"Look we're just going to have to deal with this. Or you can quit. It's up to you." She said feeling aggravated.

"Or, you can quit and deal with that."

Shamira rolled her eyes. She wanted to ignore him so she focused on the lake. They sat in awkward silence until Kimball came.

"I am you master now." Was the first thing he said, "When I come I expect to be greeted with a bow, it's only respectful."

Shamira and Nuri stood up and bowed their bodies towards Kimball. Both were slapped on the head by his hand.

"No. On your knees and bow."

They both quickly dropped to their knees and bowed.

"Better. First things first, you will of course, call me Master Kimball. Don't ask why either of you were chosen, you may never know. As I have already noticed you don't get along. While you are training you will forget all of you differences," he stared directly at Nuri as he said this, "and will cooperate with one another. You may quite possibly be together for a very long time. Time spent in good company flies by and can be good. Bad company makes time linger. Do what you will with your time, but do not waste my time with nonsense. Lets' begin. You both know your birth abilities. Nuri you're from the star of fire, Shamira, star of wind, correct?"

They nodded in agreement.

"Okay. Let's clear our minds. For one hour sit here, together. Embrace the beauty of the lake with one another. Hear the whisper of the winds. Feel the texture of the ground. I shall return in an hour." Just like that he was gone again.

"He doesn't believe in sitting still does he?" Nuri said still looking in the direction their master had gone. He turned at look at Shamira who was already sitting at the edge of the water. He sighed and joined her. "So, what are we supposed to do? Meditate? What a waste of time. We should be doing some sparring. Can't wait to get out there and kick your ass."

"Would you shut up? We're supposed to be embracing the beauty of the lake. Are you that dimwitted that you can't find beauty in all of this?"

"It's difficult to find beauty in something you had to walk towards and away from for three hours yesterday, filling buckets, emptying the buckets, fill the buckets, empty the buckets. Three hours I did that! No thanks to you." He blamed.

"What? Me? I wasn't the one making fun of myself. I wasn't the one talking during Master Dishodos speech. You did that all on your own. Don't blame me."

"You exist. That's reason enough for me. You and I both no you shoul…" He was cut off by a fist smacking into his mouth. He fell to the side from the blow. Quickly, he turned back to see Shamira standing over him. Her eyes were blood red.

"DO NOT TALK TO ME ABOUT MY LIFE! YOU KNOW NOTHING! I'M NOT A MONSTER! I HAVE REASON TO EXSIST AND DON'T DARE SAY OTHERWISE." She screamed.

Nuri smiled. He'd finally broke her. He'd accomplished setting her off, just as he wanted.

"Easy there monster." He said foolishly.

Without a word Shamira was pounding her fists into his face. He couldn't believe the force she had. He was overpowered. It only lasted a minute until all the wait was suddenly lifted. He looked up and saw Shamira being tossed to the ground. She still had blood red eyes. She was furious, and didn't care that Kimball had returned. She opened her mouth to scream something, but instantly stopped. She was horror-struck. Kimball had pointed his staff at her and she couldn't move. Nothing happened. She begged her paralyzed limbs to move. The red faded from her eyes. Kimball looked crossly at her.

"SHAMIRA KELLA! YOU WILL LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR TEMPER!" He screamed. "And you!" He yelled storming towards Nuri. He raised his staff and swung it at him slapping him across the face. He did it three times. When he stopped hitting Nuri, he released his grip on Shamira, who immediately began gasping for breath.

"Go to your tents" He said with fury, "Do not come out for anything until morning. You will be back here the same time."

They both remained still.

"GO NOW!" Kimball demanded.

They both scrambled to their feet and ran to their tents. Shamira throw herself into her sleeping bag. She was trembling from head to toe. She had never felt so much power before. She was also frightened of the man who had always been kind to her. The only one of two who had been kind to her. Those days were apparently in the past. Still, despite her fear, frustration and hunger, exhaustion took over. She slept through the rest of the afternoon and straight until morning.

The next morning her fists were soar. She woke up later than the day earlier. She got dressed and walked with her head down all the way to the lake. She knew it would be no easy day. Not after the performance they put on yesterday. It had only been a few minutes after sitting on the big rock when she heard heavy footsteps coming towards her. Turning her head Nuri came running through the trees. He was out of breath with something in his hands.

"Nuri? What's going on? What happened?" Shamira asked rushing over to him. Then she noticed what he held in his hands. "Nuri, that's not, you didn't."

"Shamira … it … is … I just saw … it and … and took… you have to help me… he's …" He muttered out.

Nuri didn't finished his sentence and Shamira knew what he was saying. He was coming, Master Kimball was coming to find the one that stole his staff. The staff that currently was located in Nuri's hand. Shamira looked around frantically trying to figure out what to do. That's when they heard the loud yelling and fierce footsteps stomping towards them. Nuri's eyes widened with fear as the movement in the trees got closer and closer. He was about to come out of the woods when Shamira lurched forward and grabbed the staff from Nuri's hands and tightly gripped it in hers.

"What are you…" Nuri started to ask, but stopped when she just shook her head 'no'.

Before anything else could be done Kimball leapt from the woods and glared enraged at the two of them. He held his hand out. Shamira gave him what he wanted. Nothing was said. Shamira and Nuri waited in absolute fear for what was to come.

"Who?" Was the only thing he said.

Nuri went to say something, but before he had a change Shamira stepped forward. She got down on her knees and bowed.

"It was me Master Kimball. I stole your staff sir." She said still bowing.

Nuri looked from her to his master over and over until Kimball finally said something.

"You?"

"Yes sir. I, I'm sorry sir. I, I saw it there and, and, um, I just lost my temper because of yesterday and I, well, I just, just took it. Please, forgive me master." She begged not daring to look up.

"Shamira Kella. I should kick you out for this."

Nuri once again wanted to say something but was interrupted once more.

"Yes I know sir. I understand if you do."

"No one will be released today. I must express my deep disappointment Shamira. You will, naturally be severely punished."

"Naturally sir." She agreed, feeling relief that she was not being kicked out.

Kimball walked to the edge of the lake and seemed to be thinking. Shamira stayed perfectly still, not daring to test her master.

"For two months Shamira, you will come here directly after supper. Swim across the lake. You will see a track, a difficult one. You will run the track until midnight. From seven until midnight you will run that track. You will know every inch of it. You will learn the most difficult way to go about it and you will learn the easiest way. For two months Shamira you will do this. Now, go get breakfast, both of you." He said, keeping his back to them the whole time.

They walked back to the camp, both still shaking.

"Why did you do that?" Nuri asked.

"I don't know." She said shrugging her shoulders. "It just seemed like the right thing to do. You'd have definitely been kicked out had he known you did it. Anyway, it's just running. It could have been much worse."

"I don't get it though. I thought you hated me."

"You hate me, remember."

He didn't say anything the rest of the way. When the reached camp they started to separate to get food. Nuri spun and ran back towards her.

"Shamira wait."

She stopped and waited.

"Shamira, I, I mean …" He tried to say.

"I know."

She turned and started walking away. This time she turned around and smiled at him. He smiled back and ran to catch up with her.

"So, you stole his staff?" Bardia asked quizzically.

There was a moment of silence as Nuri searched for an answer that didn't sound stupid. Unfortunately there really wasn't any.

"Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time." He answered shrugging his shoulders.

"Why didn't you just drop it?"

Nuri made a face and abruptly stopped from their slow jog. Bardia stopped a moment after him and looked at him.

"I never even thought of that." Nuri laughed and started jogging again.

The sun was out of view, but it was still light out by the time Bardia and Nuri stopped. Shamira had already begun piling up firewood for the evening. She giggled to herself making sure Kimballs back was to her as Bardia tried to catch his breath. Unfortunately Bardia had noticed the look of overwhelming satisfaction in Shamira's eyes and stuck his tongue out at her, knowing well she'd do it back to him. What she didn't expect was his sudden urge to loudly clear his throat while her tongue hanged halfway out of her mouth. Kimballs turned, almost in time, but Shamira was concentrating very hard on the pile of wood she had been fusing with. It was now Bardia who laughed.

Once a proper fire was lit and food cooked Kimball and Bardia sat on two rather uncomfortable logs and ate the food Kimball had prepared, a sort of thick creamy soup. Shamira and Nuri had what was left, which was plenty after the other two had finished. Bardia could barely keep his eyes open by the time he had finished eating, understandable for the amount of energy he had used during the day. Kimball had done the same thing he had done the previous night and made a tent for his to sleep in. Bardia would say he was asleep before he hit the pillow.

Shamira and Nuri, being used to the use of energy, were, although tired, nevertheless still wide awake. Kimball took the opportunity to speak to them.

"Young ones. We have much to do ahead of us. This journey is not going to be easy. Dima has more than likely told Morrigan who was with the young prince. He will be aware of our return to Elam. We are far from any villages. The young prince must learn some more before we set off. I sense darkness falling around us soon. This place will not be safe for much longer. Tomorrow, we cannot have any nonsense. Nuri, I take it you were sent to meet us here by Lord Dishodo?"

"Yes Master."

"I assume you will be sticking with us?"

"If that is acceptable master, I would like to."

"Know this Nuri, this may get very dangerous."

"I am prepared for that master. This is my will."

"Very well then. Sunrise tomorrow we will begin again. This time, however, the two of you will fight. Sometimes, seeing how it's done helps when learning to do. Neither off you will have a tent tonight, not as a punishment, mind you. I'd like you to be alert if anything stirs in the night. Get some sleep now. Mind your dreams Shamira." He said getting into his own tent.

Nuri looked over at Shamira.

"What does that mean, 'mind your dreams'?" He asked.

"Nothing." Shamira said shortly. "Master Kimball is right."

"About what?"

"Something feels wrong."

"What is it?" Nuri asked looking around.

"I don't know … just, something."

They got into the sleeping bags on the ground. Shamira stayed awake long past the rest of them. She was right, of course. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.