- Chapter 9: Fight Club -
The time had finally come. Lady Lavender was now going to commence their Battle Training. She wanted to draw it out, make sure they were ready. But, even Lockett was running circles around her lessons now.
They'd be no more ready now, than if she spent several more months teaching them the in-and-outs of Laws, and History.
Lady Lavender stood there, at the center of the Academy's courtyard as she waited for the rest of the squires to show up. Most of them had already arrived and were gathered around in small groups nearby.
It was her group, along with the Other Sky Knights squires. She knew they'd be participating in this as well.
Lady Lavender looked up at the sky overhead and let out a sigh before turning around to glance over at her students that were gathered behind her in their robes, and squire tunics.
She felt an uneasy feeling well up inside her stomach, but she continued on with what she was doing.
"Hello cadets. Today is a very important day. It's not only time we've finally made progress on our battle training, but also because each one of you is graduating to the next level." Lady Lavender explained in a calm tone of voice to her squire as they all stood there watching her.
"We will be having a friendly sparring match amongst yourselves and the other Sky Knight Squires here at the Academy." Lavender added on.
"However, that does not mean you will all be doing the same thing- Your courses will be more focused on improving your strengths, and weaknesses. Some of you may prefer spears, perhaps shields. Some energy swords, others staffs. The goal of today is to learn what Fighting Style you will want to specialize in, and to practice it." Lavender continued explaining to the crowd of squires in front of her as she met each of their eyes in turn.
"You will be paired up against another squire or Sky Knight Squire and given time to spar with them. Sky Knight Sterling?" She motioned to the Interceptor leader.
The tall, muscular man approached Lavender before bowing respectfully to her and taking a stance beside her as he addressed the squires gathered around them in front of him.
"Hello cadets- I'm Sir Sterling Skies of the Interceptors." He smiled. He could hear some of the younger kids excitement. "Attention, please." He called out in a calm tone of voice to get their attention before continuing on with what he had to say while standing beside Lady Lavender.
"Today is a day for training and practice...I expect everyone here to behave accordingly and not let emotions run high...if you get injured or hurt...step away and we'll take a break until you're better. May Lightning Strike and Carver Cruiseford, step forward. This is our first fight." Sterling announced to the crowd of squires before glancing over at Lady Lavender. the two knights giving a nod as they and their fellow knights went to observe.
Lightning and Carver were allowed to choose their training weapons. Lighting chose a wooden sword. He looked to the shield for a long while. It reminding him of the shield he seen when he was in the Realm of the Dead. He wanted to pick it up.
"Hurry up." Carver said impatiently as he waited on Lightning to choose his weapon.
Lightning hummed a bit before just grabbing the shield. Lightning coming up to the center of the courtyard and waiting for Carver to join him as well.
"Did your father teach you how to use a shield?..." Carver asked, curiously in a neutral tone of voice as he waited for him to get ready.
"Never knew him." Lightning retorted.
Lightning heard Carver chuckle.
"You're that...slumrat, yeah?" Carver taunted Lightning with an amused look in his eyes. "I heard your father was nothing more than a waste of space." Carver added on with a smirk on his face.
"...Yeah." Lightning replied in a cold tone of voice to Carver, "I think yours is more worthless."
Lightning could see the man's expression change immediately. Carver letting out an angry growl before running forward and raising his wooden sword in the air before swinging it down towards him.
"Wait- We didn'-" Sterling began before being stopped by Lady Lavender.
"Let them be- It will make it easier for us to judge their styles of combat. If Lightning can't handle this then he doesn't deserve his spot on my squadron." Lavender told Sterling as she continued watching the sparring match between them, with a concerned look on her face.
Carver came down with his short sword. Lightning raised the shield up, blocking it.
"Aaaahhh!" Lightning gritted his teeth as Carver hit Lightning's shield with his wooden sword hard. It nearly sent Lightning back. "I'm going to kick your ass slumrat!"
Lightning held the shield up, blocking Carver's next attack with it as the Knight continued to swing his sword at him over and over again while trying to break through his defenses.
Carver swung his sword down hard on Lightning's wooden shield, causing it to crack down the center and split. Lightning swinging up with his wooden longsword. Hitting Carver in the jaw, knocking him back as Lightning could hear a few gasps from some of the spectators.
Lady Lavender wanted to yell out advice, but she know she couldn't. Advice and Tips were not allowed. They'd have to see just what they were capable of. She could tell Lightning was good with the shield. It looked like it was second nature for him.
It seemed almost all too familiar.
Lavender's thoughts were cut short as Lightning tackled Carver and tried to strike him with his sword in hand before having it knocked out of his hands by him and used as leverage against him. Lightning yelling out in frustration as he got slammed onto his back and held there by Carver, who got the upper hand.
Lady Lavender grew tense. She regretted what she said earlier, afraid the young squire was about to lose the sparring.
But, just because she couldn't say anything, didn't mean others could not.
"GRAB HIM, LIGHT-!" Lockett called out. "Imagine you and I are fightin' the Felledy Boys!"
Lightning fought through the pain as he moved his body, pulling his legs up and around Carver. Throwing the boy off. Lightning scrambling to his feet before gathering his weapons once again.
"YEAH LIGHTNIN'!" Dena yelled out cheerfully as she watched their fight, "GET HIM!" She added on in an excited tone of voice while a few of her friends watched on. Some of the other noble kids beginning to take interest in the fight themselves.
"..Yeah!...Lightning! Go for the knees, again!" Nora, Carver's younger sister called out.
Carver was the Son of Duke Cruiseford, he encouraged all his children to try their hands at becoming knights.
Carver shot daggers to her. "Nora, shut u-!"
Lightning came in. The kid ramming Carver with his shield as he forced his opponent back. Carver feeling the air getting knocked from him a bit.
"Agh!" Carver growled out loud at him angrily. His face red from embarrassment as he came at Lightning once again.
Carver swung his sword at Lightning, striking his wooden shield hard as the young Noble threw his all into his attacks trying to beat his opponent. Lightning keeping his cracking shield up, as he continued backing up.
"Keep him on the defensive!" Lockett yelled out to Lightning as she watched him and Carver continue sparring with each other.
Lightning glanced over at his friends. Lightning gave a wink before returning his focus.
Lightning dodge. Carver stumbling forward as Lightning had moved out of the way. Carver could see the other raise his sword. Carver seeing it in his peri-vision. He braced himself.
Lightning swung his sword, aiming for Carver's weapon as he knocked the short sword from his hand. Lightning seeing Carver go for it before tackling him again.
Carver fell back with a loud huff. The young man trying to regain himself before seeing Lightning standing before him with his training sword raised to him.
"It's over." Lightning stated in a calm tone of voice to Carver as he stood there watching him carefully.
Carver wanted to spit. "You are going to pay for this-!" The Noble snarled out at him angrily with hate burning in his eyes, "Do you know who I am!?"
"Carver Cruiseford." Lightning stated in a neutral tone of voice as he met Carver's eyes, "Son of the Duke of Terra Trista. Only one of us doesn't know who they're dealing with..."
Lightning didn't seem phased in the slightest as he met Carver's eyes with his own. "...If you really want a fight- We can always continue this later."
Carver bit his lip hard in anger as he sat there on the ground in front of him.
"Slumrat-"
"Silver spoon baby-"
"Okay, Okay. That's enough-" Sterling stated in a calm tone of voice to lightning as the taller male brushed him off before glancing back at Carver once more.
"Carver." Sterling uttered, looking to the young man. "I suggest that you do not underestimate your opponents. No matter what their station in life may be. Cyclonians will not care who your father is when they throw you from the skies..." Sterling chastised Carver with a disapproving glare.
"Lightning. you did well. However, your inexperience prolonged this fight. There was many oppurtunities for you to have ended it sooner, which Carver would have known." Sterling explained to Lightning in a stern tone of voice before turning his attention to the young man again.
"You would have known this, if you paid more attention to your opponents weakness and strengths, instead of the insults thrown at you in combat. This was a sparring match- not a playground squabble..." Sterling sighed deeply as he shook his head.
"Next time you're in an actual combat situation- Remember, that there will not be me, or your father or any other Sky Knight present to save you from your actions." Sterling reminded Carver before walking back to his place beside Lady Lavender, leaving the two squires there, alone together.
"...For some sheltered kid, you fight good. Wouldn't mind you being on my side in a Dock Fight," Lightning mentioned, as he looked at Carver on the ground, still a bit frustrated and angry at Lightning's words.
"...Like I'd associate with some slumrat," Carver stated, pushing himself up and collecting his weapons and dusting himself off before tossing his training sword at Lightning's feet, before he stormed off. "I'm done here."
Lightning just watched, picking up the equipment before placing it back.
Lightning heading back to his seat before the next spar match. Carver's younger sister, Nora giving him a wave as she and Lockett took center stage.
"Nora Cruiseford- VS- Lockett Lovehart." Sterling Skies called out. The tall intercepter turning his attention to Nora, "I trust you will behave, young lady."
"Always!" She gave a warm salute.
"I don't think this is fair. I ain't gonna hit a girl-" Lockett stated in a serious tone of voice as he eyed the small female squire in front of him, before glancing over at Lady Lavender. He was nervous. "Uh...No offense...Miss?"
Lady Lavender waving her hand with a chuckle, showing no offense was taken.
"Like what was said to Young Lightning and Carver. Do not under estimate your opponent Lockett," Lavender added in a light tone of voice to him with a warm smile on her face, "Young Nora might just surprise you."
"Begin!"
Lockett had grabbed a padded training hammer. He'd beat up guys looking to steal shit from the Condor with his tools before. If it was a weapon, Lockett would always grab a tool.
Nora on the other hand, had a padded staff. Something he wasn't expecting her to choose.
Lockett swung the hammer around a bit, before twirling it some as he got into position, waiting for Nora to come at him first.
Nora stalking around as she did the same.
Lockett watching closely. He knew in terms of equipment, they both held long reach weapons. He'd have to get creative if they got into close quarters with one another.
Lightning was fascinated. He knew Lockett knew how to fight better than he did, but it was still interesting to watch the difference. Lockett was full focus...perhaps too much.
Lockett's eyes narrowed in on Nora as he waited for her to make the first move against him, since he was determined not to hit a lady.
"Lockett!" Lightning called out in a loud tone of voice to his friend as he watched him stand there, "Watch your feet-!"
"Wha- WOAH-!" Lockett lost his footing on an uneven part of the stone floor before falling forward. Lockett seeing Nora had run up on him. She was fast…
Lockett grit his teeth, he had to stand up. Gather his footing
He had to-
"LOCKETT-!" Lightning was jumping out of his seat, Dena slowly standing as she clenched her fists. Ace covered his eyes.
Lightning shut his eyes quickly. He couldn't bear to see it happen-
CLAAACK-!
Lightning blinked before glancing back at the sparring ring in disbelief.
Lockett had gotten his footing together and pulled the hammer up, holding it above his head as Nora made contact with it.
Lockett's arms ached a bit from the hit, but he held it together. He needed to clear her off him and get up. He could hear cheers from some of the other Squires who were watching, as they clapped and hollered.
Lightning let out a sigh of relief, sitting back down, as Lockett regained himself and pushed Nora off before scrambling to his feet and gripping his hammer tightly as he and Nora circled each other.
"Gotta pay attention~" She teased, twirling her staff before she pounced back. Nora flipped backwards, twirling her staff into the air as she somersaulted distance between them. She'd catch the staff once more with her hands and get into fighting stance once again.
Lockett groaned. "Great, all that flippy, floppy stuff is just going to make me motion sick." The young man growled under his breath as he watched Nora crouch some while eyeing him cautiously before moving in quickly as she charged at him once again and came in for another attack on him.
Lockett was ready this time though as he brought his hammer down with his strength, knocking the staff from Nora's hands before backing up to put some distance between them before she could get him.
Nora tried to stand up onto her hands, sending a kick upwards to his face. Lockett leaping back quickly, avoiding it, before going for a swing at her with his hammer. Lockett was trying to knock her back and on her rear like he had done previously to so many in Dock Fights.
She was too nimble. Lockett groaning more at how she danced around this fight.
'This isn't a damn ballet...' He thought to himself as he gritted his teeth before letting out a sigh, Lockett steadying his breathing as he moved forward once again. 'You're not even in full uniform you little showboat-'
Nora felt him swing at her. Lockett still trying not to hurt her, just knock her down.
"This is a fight, LOCKETT-! Fight!" Nora growled at him as she blocked his attack with her padded staff before sending him a kick, catching him in the gut, knocking the air from him as Lockett held his stomach some before backing up again.
"And what'da ya' know about that?" He barked some.
Nora only giggling, "I have 4 brothers."
She crouched, flipping herself backwards before sprinting towards him, locking her arms around his legs, and throwing Lockett backwards as he landed with a thud on his back once again.
"That's playin' dirty-!"
"Not in a dogfight." She said, putting her staff to his neck. "You're pretty strong though! What're you? 10?"
"I'm 13!" Lockett snarled at her. He tried getting up, only to have her place more pressure on his chest with the staff as she placed a foot on him.
"Oh..." Nora laughed sheepishly, 'You definitely have a baby face then~ C'mon." She got up, giving him a hand. "Let's spar again sometime, Lockett." She grinned from ear to ear.
Lockett stood up with a groan, wiping himself off before glancing over at Nora with a deep sigh before rolling his shoulders. "So ya' can beat me again? Miss Fancy Feet?"
"Maybe you'll win next time!" Nora poked his stomach, earning a flinch and a groan from Lockett as she giggled at him with an amused look in her eyes. "Just gotta learn some agility- A quick-draw isn't gonna always work, Lockett~"
Lockett rolled his eyes at her.
"I did notice some showboating, Nora. Although you're sportmanship was good. You should always be ready for anything your opponent throws at you during combat." Sterling Skies explained in a calm tone of voice to Nora before giving Lockett a stern look as he eyed the boy for a moment in silence.
"Lockett, your chivalry is as mighty as your brawn, but Nora is correct. Some spacial awareness may do you some good." Sterling added on, before letting out a deep sigh, "But, not bad overall- Both of you." Sterling Skies stated in an approving tone of voice to them as he gave the two squires a small smile and nodded his head.
"Let's continue-!"
Next, was Dena and a squire that was training under the Interceptors, and Sterling.
"Dena Saharr'itra vs. Devan Allaster." Lady Lavender announced, stepping to the side as the two squires went up, choosing their weapons. Dena chose a polearm. The wooden 'blade' curved inwards, something like a hook.
Devan was a large boy, tall and buff for his age. He looked like he could give even Carver a run for his money in a fist fight. He chose an energy sword, and shield.
The spar began, and Dena attacked first.
She grew up on Saharr. She knew how to race, and she knew how to brawl. So when she jumped in the air and aimed her polearm to the ground, javelling over the wooden pole as it pressed into the cobblestone. She propelled herself forward, gaining speed as she slung herself through the air at her opponent-
Devan was caught off guard as Dena's feet kicked him hard. The boy raising his shield.
Like her Father, Dena was an offensive fighter. She went hard. She knew Devan had a shield and energy sword. It'd take a lot to break that wall. She came in once more, jabbing at his shield with her polearm, before bringing it up in an upward slash with one hand. The wood clacking together with each hit.
Devan was busy trying to avoid being thrown off balance by Dena's hits, and kicks, as he fought to keep his shield up and himself balanced while the girl kept coming at him.
She spun around. Kicking his shield from his hand as she then held the wooden blade up, giving a wink to Devan.
"Sorry, grew up on Saharr~" She beamed. The wooden blade was at his neck. His sword couldn't reach.
"Damn. You're pretty tough. I guess keeping your footing in sand is hard." He congratulated. "...If you hadn't of done that, I'd have totally won though." Devan chuckled. "Hey- could you help me get my shield?"
"Course!" She gave a thumbs up and grin.
Lavender and Sterling were both proud by the good nature between the two. No hard feelings, no reservations. Just sparring.
"Well done, however there can always be improvements. Sir Sterling would you care to explain?" Lavender asked, turning to Sterling.
"Indeed...Devan your balance needs improvement," Sterling said as he faced the large boy, "As for Dena, try not to let yourself get carried away- It's easy to let the excitement of battle lead you on a path of destruction. I know your father well, and how he's trained you to become quite the bright, young pupil. But there can be humility while even in battle. Sparing is not war. Do not forget that."
Dena nodded along as she listened intently to Sterling's words of advice. "Yes sir! I will take it to heart." Dena nodded as she saluted Sterling in respect.
"Good job, both of you. As well as your sportsmanship towards one another." Lavender praised the two squires with a smile on her face before nodding her head, "Very well, Next-"
The group finally finished their individual sparring around Noon. Lady Lavender motioning to the next event. Where the squires would have to spar with their mentors.
Each of the Sky Knights had gathered up with their groups.
"Alright squires, your first group exercise is with your Sky Knight! I want each one of you to engage your mentor in a fight! We are going to gauge what combat style suits you the best in the long run. Perhaps you may even point out something we could learn as well. " Lavender explained in a serious tone of voice to her students as they all watched her carefully while listening intently to what she had to say, before continuing on with what she was explaining to them, "You'll have fifteen minutes per person with your Sky Knight. I will allow your mentors to further explain."
Lady Lavender turned to her squires. She clasped her hands behind her back, eyeing them carefully for a moment in silence as she waited patiently for them to approach her and line up.
"Let's begin- I want you all to work together. Pull together each of your strengths, and devise a course of action you believe may best me. That is all I will tell you." Lavender told her group of squires before turning around and heading back towards the courtyard with a calm look on her face as she waited for them to join her.
Ace whined, "I can't fight Lady Lavender! My fight was already embarrassing..." Ace leaned his head against Lockett's shoulder with a defeated sigh leaving his lips.
"Come on, we've trained with her almost every day for over a year now. Surely we can think of something that can keep her on her toes." Dena said in a confident tone of voice as she looked at Lightning. "Lightning, I know you're still new, but you've read a lot about Sky Knights and all, do you know any weaknesses she has?" Dena asked curiously as she glanced over at Lightning.
Lightning hummed some as he thought about it for a moment. "There isn't much written about her in the books I've read, just what has been observed...Um-" Lightning wasn't sure if he should bring this up or not, "One thing I've noticed is that she tends to close her eyes when she goes on the defensive. Maybe if one of us could distract her and throw her off?"
"Got it! Lockett. You had that little spar with her a few months back. You managed to catch her off guard by throwing her once she got in close contact. If you did that again, she'd probably get thrown off her game." Dena said in a determined tone of voice to Lockett, "If you managed to distract her while you did that, then Ace can attack from the front! One of her weak spots are her legs- If she's stuck in the air from your attack, Ace should be able to sweep her off her feet before she recovers. Then Me and Light can go on the offense."
Ace was smiling brightly as he and Dena started plotting on how they could possibly win.
"Oh man-! Lady Lav is gonna be so impressed if we pull this off! Yeah!" Ace said excitedly with a nod of his head as he glanced over at Lockett with a grin on his face before nudging Lockett playfully in the ribs, "We could do it-!"
"Why do I gotta' be the damn punching bag-" Lockett punched the air as he turned around. "She hits hard-!"
"It'll be worth it- C'mon-!" Ace urged him. "If we lose- Lightning and Dena have to cook lunch AND Dinner tonight~!" Ace sang happily with a cheeky grin on his face.
"Hey, we didn't agree to that!" Dena raised an eyebrow.
Lightning only rolled his eyes listening to them all. He could almost swear they were a full team. "Let's talk this through a little more, and then show Lady Lavender what we're made of!" He spoke. The others on board as they all cheered amongst themselves.
After a few more minutes, they approached their mentor.
"That was quite some time. I assume you are ready?" She inquired.
"Yes, Ma'am-!" They all said in unison.
"Then let's begin."
With those final words, the fight began. Lockett came in first. Using his size to his advantage as he tried to tackle the Sky Knight. Instead, she threw him, though not too harshly.
The others had prepared. Ace watching for his moment to present himself. Lockett getting up, charging the woman once again. Her throwing him once more, though it wasn't as elegant as before, giving Ace just the right chance he needed.
Ace came in with a good sprint towards her as he shot a look at Lightning who gave him a quick nod in response to his silent question. Ace slid in, trying to sweep her feet.
Lady Lavender's reflexes were sharp as she leaped over his foot with a raised brow at him, before she felt Lockett ram into her from behind with all his might before sending her forward and off her feet from the force of his tackle.
Lady Lavender switching her footing, throwing him over her. The woman stood up as she got into fighting position, dusting herself off calmly.
Lockett groaned. Ace trying again to follow the plan by kicking at her legs. Lady lavender not moving an inch as she smiled down at the young boy. "Clean work, perhaps we can work on your strength." She smiled before jumping up, dodging Lockett as he came in again, watching Dena run in with a yell as she attempted to land a hit on the Sky Knight, but failing miserably as the woman avoided her strikes with ease.
"Agrressive."
Dena got her weapon snatched, Lady Lavender disarming her before tossing Dena back into Lockett.
"Sloppy."
Ace got up, running towards her again as he pulled out a dagger he had hidden in his uniform as he tried to swing at her while she avoided his swings with ease as she grabbed him by his arm and tossed him aside.
"Well done, Ace. Always be prepared, but too slow, dear."
Lightning saw his time to attack coming in as he charged in with his sword and shield out as he blocked Lady Lavender's blows before engaging her in a sparring match with her as he focused all of his attention on the woman while doing his best to fight her.
Lady Lavender smirking. She was pleasantly surprised. Lady Lav charging forth, weaving through the boy's strikes as she tested Lightning's block and defences, the Knight wanting to see just how skilled he was with a sword compared to the others.
Lightning was struggling to keep up with her speed. His wrist was beginning to hurt from the Long sword. It was a two handed weapon, it was hard to maneuver with only one.
Lightning could hear his friends cheering him on, on the sidelines as they watched him fight Lady Lavender with anticipation before he felt his wrist twist slightly when the woman almost caught him off guard. Lightning parrying her strike in time with his shield before gaining distance between them quickly while regaining himself.
Lightning gripping the sword tight as he had rolled his wrist.
Lady lavender coming up as she seen the pain on his face. "Lightning, are you alright. Are you-"
She was cut off as Lightning pushed through the pain in his wrist. Lightning striking up before disarming her. Lightning huffing. "Cyclonians won't care if my wrist is hurt-"
He smiled a bit as he had just a moment to breathe, his eyes still locked on to her.
Lightning keeping his guard up as he waited for her to move towards him once again as he stood there in front of her in anticipation, his heart racing while his focus remained on the woman.
"Hm, well done. Very well done." Lavender smiled, picking up her weapons before returning them to their rightful spot before glancing back over at Lightning, "Perhaps a healing charm will do you some good." Lavender nodded at Lightning's injured wrist before turning to the others with a smile on her face.
"I overheard. It was perhaps not your plan, but you worked well enough together to give Lightning an opening. He is also correct. If you ever feel you are down, about to cave, fight through it. Battles are won with one's resolve more than their blades."
She couldn't help but grin a little, "You done well. I must say, you kids kept me on my toes for sure. Though if I were Cyclonian..."
Lavender picked up Ace and held him up like a trophy. "This is a symbol of your defeat~! Oh! I have slain your comrades! Accept defeat-!" Ace was screaming, the young kid acting along before giving a dramatic. "I'm dying! Bleeh~"
Dena was laughing, Lockett only gave a small chuckle, before seeing Lightning come up.
'You shall not get away with that, evil doer! Storm hawks, Go!" Lightning laughed, running toward Lavender.
"Oh nooo! Now the true strength of the Storm Hawks is upon me! Oh noooo~! I can't take it anymoreee-!" She placed Ace down gently as Lightning pretended to stab her with the wooden. Lightning getting a kick out of watching the young kids smile. Lady Lavender and the other three always trying to keep things light and fun in these sorts of lessons, despite it's importance in the war and reality.
"For the Honor of Ace!" Lightning exclaimed. Lockett coming over and slidding to Ace with a theatre worthy "Nooooooo!"
Dena couldn't keep a straight face, giving a full belly laugh.
She began falling to the ground dramatically. "Oh! The pain! The agony! It's too much~" Lavender looked over at her squires. Ace was laughing, doing horribly at acting dead.
Lady Lavender smiled. Lightning giving his hand to help her up. She took it with a grin before looking over at the young boys and girl that she was training as her eyes shined brightly while she felt warm inside as she watched them all happy and laughing together before nodding her head, "Good work everyone, that concludes today's exercise...Go get cleaned up, and enjoy the rest of your evenings. I am proud of you all. Well done." Lady Lavender praised her students before gesturing towards the main building before the students left and went to go clean themselves up a bit.
She smiled, watching the squires head off to the showers to wash themselves up and relax. Lavender looking over to see Sterling come up.
"Quite the little team you have there." He smiled to her. "I'm glad."
"Indeed, though... I do worry. They're so young, Sterling..." She admitted as she let out a deep sigh. "It's not just Cyclonia I worry about...You even heard Carver today with Lightning...That kid has so much on his shoulders."
"He reminds me of myself... Though at times a bit...Like you." Sterling said before rubbing the back of his neck, "I get what you mean though...I feel the same with my squires. But, that is the very reason we build them up best we can. Build them into the knights we know they can be...They will be okay." He reassured her. Sterling always had such a gentle and calm aura about him when he spoke. She wondered where his confidence and patience came from sometimes…
"How is your daughter's training, and your boy? I hear your son will assume you position if you were ever to step down. Quite the legacy." Lavender chuckled a bit at Sterling with a small smile on her face.
"Starling is doing well. I hope one day she will join me and her brother. As for Sterella, she still wishes to become a pilot. For now though, she is content with being in the clinic with Starla." He said in an approving tone of voice as he had a proud look in his eyes while he thought about his two daughters. "...Stephen I wish was better. He was on patrol with some others of our squad. They were ambushed-"
"Is he alright?!" Lavender asked, alarmed.
"Yes, yes. He's fine now. He broke his arm. The enemy fled though. Stephen and the others were in an unknown region..." Sterling explained in a calm tone of voice to Lavender with a deep sigh leaving his lips, "I just worry how that would effect his sisters. They look up to him so much."
"Do they know?"
"Not yet...Stephen wished to keep it under wraps for now...Don't let me keep you though, I just wanted to check on how you and how your squires were faring." Sterling told Lavender with a small smile on his face as he patted Lavender's shoulder lightly before glancing up at the sky for a moment.
"I'm sure we'll find a way to beat Cyclonia. It's important that we remain positive at least in front of the children." Sterling uttered in a calm tone of voice to Lavender as he watched her nod her head in agreement with him before walking off to return back inside the academy
(Howdy, Howdy. Hope you're liking it so far. This has been really fun to write out and experiment with the ideas in my head. I've always wanted to write about the Original Storm Hawks, what their lives were like. Their names were actually really fun to come up with, and after 500 name generators, flipping a coin, and working out as many kinks. I'm really proud of how it's forming. Hope ya' stick along. See ya next chapter - Ducky )