Sakura gasped and ducked under the war hammer swung over her head. She had underestimated the extent of his range. She rolled backwards and settled into a familiar stance, her katanas ready for his next attack. He started forward swinging his war hammer. She brought both blades up and blocked up, but the blow sent her skidding backwards. That gave her enough distance to fire a dust arrow. Flames licked at him, but his aura was well intact, and well her aura...wouldn't stand another blow.
Think quick, she said to herself, warhammers are slow and brutish weapons. Katanas are light and quick.
With a rapid series of offensive strokes, she ran forward, hoping to close the space. It didn't work. With a heavy blow she fell backwards, her aura falling barely into the red. The buzzer sounded her defeat. Picking herself up, she sheathed her katanas, trying not to look as disappointed as she felt. She had hoped to last a bit longer. A gasp escaped her lips as the war hammer swung at her again and she barely ducked in time.
"Doruido!" Professor Sterling shouted, slamming his war hammer into the dirt. "Do you expect an enemy to give up just because your aura is in the red?"
"N-no no sir," she stammered, staggering backwards.
"Think girl!" he swung again. "You have to learn to outsmart bigger opponents!"
"I-i," she reached back to draw her katanas again, avoiding his blows.
"Your aura is in the red," Professor Sterling lectured. "You have no one. A fight is never fair! You must learn to use whatever advantages you have."
Sakura managed to draw them, blocking his next blow.
"What happens when you're in a fight with a Red Fang who's ten times your size?" Professor Sterling advanced aggressively. "Or when a Goliath decides to squash you into human jelly? What are you going to do? You're alone and pathetic! Learn to use your head, Doruido!"
Sakura staggered backwards again, her head swirling with thoughts that wouldn't stay still long enough for her to think fast. All she could think of was getting away. Suddenly, a flash behind Professor Sterling caught her eye. The professor turned just in time to block Jazpeer's sword.
"She'll have us," Jazpeer's eyes burned. "Her aura is depleted, leave her alone."
Professor Sterling's unimpressed look was clear as he threw Jazpeer backwards. He quickly rolled to his feet, edging in front of Sakura, keeping Professor Sterling's attention on him. It was his only strategy right now.
"Aldenwood, did I call you into the arena?" Professor Sterling asked.
"You did when you started attacking Sakura when she was in the red," Jazpeer gripped his sword.
"Like I said, an enemy will not stop just because you are in the red," Professor Sterling straightened. "Sakura Doruido has a disadvantage here. She is younger, smaller, and has less training that some of the students here. Although she is well trained, she is not ready for combat. You will not always be there for each other. You cannot count on friends. Report for detention after school, for interrupting a training lesson," Professor Sterling stated. "Next time, do not interrupt a fight next time."
"A fight is unpredictable and never fair," Jazpeer quoted.
Professor Sterling smirked, "Glad to hear you've been listening. That doesn't change my mind. Detention for a week."
"Training simulation failed. Do you wish to begin again?"
Jazpeer wiped the thin sheen of sweat from his forehead with a rag, staring at the simulation robot. He pressed yes and stood ready. When he fought, he forgot things. Every inch of him was focused on the battle in front of him and not the ones all around. Ones that invaded his memories and reminded him everyday how different he was. No matter what he did, it never felt like he truly fit in, not even in his own team.
"Training simulation completed. Do you wish to restart?"
"Hey."
Jazpeer jumped, turning around to find Cloud standing behind him, her staff in hand. He wiped his forehead again
"Hi," he nodded.
"Want a sparring partner?" she asked.
"Sure," Jazpeer replied.
They moved over to the sparring pad. Cloud cocked her head as if listening to his soft footsteps on the foam. She held her bo staff loosely, as if not ready to begin.
"So what was that in combat class?" she queried.
"What?" Jazpeer frowned, locking down emotionally.
"Come on," Cloud shrugged. "You defied the combat Professor. That's no small task and I can't even see the guy. Guess intimidation works on all senses."
"I don't want to talk about it," Jazpeer sighed. "Can't we just fight?"
"Yeah," Cloud shrugged. "As soon as you get that mess off your chest. I don't need my semblance to feel all those emotions on you."
Jazpeer heaved a heavy breath. "How would you know?"
"Plenty," she answered. "Start talking."
"I…" Jazpeer stammered. "Do you really want to know."
"Yes," Cloud said, softer than before.
"I couldn't protect my mother," Jazpeer gave up, seeing he was in a losing battle. "I didn't even know how bad the depression was. I didn't see how her meds kept increasing. I couldn't protect her from despair...I...I let her kill herself."
Cloud stood there silently and Jazpeer cursed himself for giving in so easily to her. Now he looked like the fool he was.
"It wasn't your fault, Jazpeer," Cloud said at last. "You can't blame yourself for her death."
"I wasn't even there when she jumped," Jazpeer gripped his sword. "The meds...she got off balance...and…"
Cloud put her staff down and walked over to Jazpeer. Reaching out she pulled him into a hug. He dropped his sword, collapsing into her embrace. Despite his fight for control, tears welled in his silver eyes.
"It wasn't your fault," Cloud repeated.
Tests won't be as bad as you guys thing :D Well maybe for History and Grim...but Tactics, Combat, and Semblance will be amazing