Training was an important part of growing up in the clan. Every young gargoyle had to learn how to fight, glide, and work as a team. It was part of their survival, part of their duty.

Brooklyn knew this. He had seen the older warriors train under Goliath's watchful eye, their movements sharp and precise, their wings spread wide with confidence.

But now, it was his turn. And despite finding his voice, he still felt a twinge of nervousness.

Inside his mind, Fear was already pacing. "We'renotready for this! What if we mess up? What if we make a fool of ourselves in front of Goliath?"

Sadness sighed. "It's okay if we're not perfect right away."

Disgust crossed his arms. "Ugh, I justknowwe're going to trip over our own feet."

Red took a deep breath as he stood alongside Olive and Blue in the castle courtyard. Goliath stood before them, his massive form casting a long shadow beneath the moonlight. His gaze was stern but not unkind.

"Tonight, you will begin learning how to defend yourselves," Goliath said, his deep voice rumbling. "Strength is not just in the body—it is in the mind. You must be ready for anything."

Red swallowed hard. He wanted to be strong. He wanted to prove himself. But standing in front of Goliath, he felt small again, shifting uncomfortably from the piercing gaze of the lavender male.

Inside, Fear whispered, "He's so big... what if he thinks we're weak?"

Joy spoke up gently, "We're not weak. We're learning."

Goliath's sharp eyes landed on the red beaked gargoyle before him, making him stiffen. "You seem distracted."

Red hesitated before shaking his head. "I—I'm fine." He mumbled, wrapping his wings around himself, feeling the eyes of his rookery siblings among him.

Goliath studied him for a moment before continuing. "Then let's begin."

The training started simple—basic footwork, dodging, and blocking. Red was careful, mimicking Goliath's movements as best he could, though his steps were still hesitant. Olive and Blue were beside him, also learning, but Red couldn't help feeling like he was behind.

As the night went on, Goliath watched each of them carefully, correcting their stances and demonstrating proper techniques. When he approached Red, the younger gargoyle tensed.

Inside, Fear panicked. "He's going to notice we're not good at this! He's going to be disappointed!"

Sadness murmured, "Maybe he's just trying to help."

"Young one." Goliath's voice was steady. "You are holding back."

Red breath caught, feeling his face burn even further in embarrassment, upset that he was disappointing his leader.

Goliath continued, "You hesitate before every strike. You flinch when you should stand firm. Why?"

Brooklyn's claws tightened into fists. Heknewwhy. He had spent so long afraid—of speaking, of fighting back, of being weak.

And then, before he could stop himself, the words spilled out, still trying to get used to being heard again.

"It's because of the bully."

The training yard went silent. In the far back, the bully heard that, his eyes glowing, growling softly that this little runt had snitched, creeping away. He would find the right time to get back at him.

Olive and Blue both turned to look at him, their eyes widening. Even Goliath seemed slightly taken aback.

Inside Red's mind, Fear froze. "Did... did we justsaythat out loud?"

Disgust groaned. "Oh great, now everyone knows."

Sadness whispered, "Maybe it's a good thing."

Goliath's expression remained unreadable. "Explain."

Red hesitated, but then, feeling the weight of his friends' support beside him, he took a deep breath. "He... he used to shove me around. Hurt me. Broke my wing." His voice grew softer. "I was scared of him. Istillam sometimes."

Goliath's gaze darkened slightly. "A warrior does not let fear control him."

Red lowered his head, ashamed.

But then, Goliath added, "However, a true warrior also acknowledges his fears and overcomes them."

Red blinked in surprise, staring in slight awe of what his leader had said.

Goliath knelt slightly, leveling his gaze with Red's. "Fear is not weakness. Running from it is. You have already begun to face it by speaking of it."

Inside Brooklyn's mind, Joy brightened. "He doesn't think we're weak."

Fear hesitated, then slowly nodded. "Maybe... maybe wecanget stronger." He murmurs, slowly feeling a small spark of courage he normally would never feel. Ever.

Red met Goliath's gaze and, for the first time, felt something shift inside him. The fear was still there—but so was something else. Determination. Even a small smile formed on his beak from what felt like a fatherly gesture from Goliath.

"I want to keep training," Red said, his voice stronger now. "I don't want to be afraid anymore."

Goliath nodded, a small but approving smile forming. "Then let us continue."

And as the training resumed, Brooklyn pushed himself harder. This time, not just to learn—but to prove to himself that hecouldbe strong.