A week went by quickly. After all that transpired, Valtor withdrew from the others, spending most of his day with the soldiers and returning to their quarters only at night. His friends, weighed down by mistrust, kept their distance and found company only in themselves.
As promised by the council, combat training was set to begin. At dawn, Lieutenant Ashton led them to their training quarters, where they awaited their instructor.
The facility was vast: a gym packed with state-of-the-art equipment, a simulation chamber, shooting ranges, and a combat arena. Entering the arena, the group spread out, taking in the sight of punching bags lined along one wall, a mat stretched across the center, gear and protective wear hanging in rows, and a few benches at the back.
They settled on the front benches, all dressed alike in black tank tops and khaki soldier pants. Valtor, however, chose the last bench. He leaned against the wall, arms folded, eyes closed, his dark hair falling loosely across his forehead.
Orea glanced back at him, sighing before turning forward to tie her hair.
"I hope you're happy now," she muttered, frowning at Lynx beside her.
His face remained impassive. "Your boyfriend's a traitor, Orea. You're going to have to live with that."
She spun to face him, words already on her lips—when the doors suddenly swung open.
A broad, incredibly built man strode into the room, boots thudding against the floor with measured force. He looked mid-thirties, his blonde hair cropped neat, and short beard complimented his pale skin. His tight green top and soldier's pants fit him like armor, his presence commanding but not unkind.
"Wonderful morning to you all." His husky yet warm voice contrasted his rigid frame. A friendly smile followed as he stopped at the front.
The group rose from the benches, moving toward him.
"Apologies for the wait," he continued. "I'm Lieutenant Ross, your training instructor. Welcome to the Vatican Army Training Quarters, where you'll learn not only to control your abilities, but to wield them effectively-and creatively-on the battlefield."
His gaze swept across their faces. "Gear up. Head guards, chest plates, knee pads. All of it."
Once they obeyed, Lt.Ross began to pace slowly, hands clasped behind his back.
"Training will focus on three essentials: strength, speed, and battle intelligence. You'll also learn martial arts-because in some fights, powers won't be enough."
He stopped and scanned the group. "For our first session, I'll need two volunteers."
Lynx stepped forward at once.
"Thank you, Mr. Orion," Ross nodded. His eyes shifted. "I need another volunteer,..a guy perhaps?"
Silence ensued..
"Mr. Steel? Mr. Greenwood?, he pestered. Which of you will that be?"
Valtor glanced at Kymani, who remained unmoved. With a quiet sigh, he stepped out.
"Thank you, Mr. Steel", Lt.Ross acknowledged
The two boys faced each other, eyes glaring. The room seemed to tighten around their unspoken rivalry. Their friends looked on uneasily, gazes bouncing between hazel and blue eyes.
"This is only going to be a light sparring match," Lt.Ross spoke up, catching the charged air between them. "The goal is simple- show me how well you can control your powers."
He motioned for the others to step back, while ushering both fighters towards the mat. Then raised his hand.
"Are you ready?"
Yellow and blue eyes simultaneously glowed in response.
"Fight!"
Lynx struck first, shooting a blast of ice toward Valtor. It slammed him against the wall with a heavy thud.
The others gasped as Valtor groaned, struggling to push himself off the floor.
"Stop!" Lieutenant Ross was at his side in an instant, hauling him up. His tone sharpened. "That was reckless, Lynx."
Lynx yanked off his headgear. "You said fight! How was I supposed to know—"
A sudden blaze of fire flew past his cheek, forcing him to twist aside just in time. He turned to see Valtor, eyes burning, fist raised for another strike.
"Enough!" Ross seized Valtor's arm, forcing it down. His gaze hardened as it swept between the two. "Five minutes. Everyone."
The rest shuffled back. Ross leaned closer to the fighters. "You two obviously have issues to settle, and you'd better fix them before stepping on my mat again. Do I make myself clear?"
Neither boy answered. Valtor turned on his heel and stormed off, fury evident in every step.
"Valtor!" Orea rushed after him, catching him before he reached the doors. She blocked his path, standing firm though her chest tightened under his glare.
"What's going on with you?" she demanded. "You've been shutting us out and ignoring me throughout the past week"
"Not now." His eyes flared with frustration as he finally faced her. "I need to get out of here."
"If you want to get through that door, you'll have to get past me," she said, her voice steady though her heart wavered.
To her shock, he kept advancing. She backed up until her shoulders hit the door, his frame looming over hers.
"Step aside, Orea," he said lowly.
She held his gaze, brows furrowing.
"You know, I'm really trying to believe the others are wrong about you, but you're making it difficult."
Her words cut, but he only shook his head. "Maybe you should stop trying." His hand brushed the door handle. "Maybe they're right."
He looked at her one last time before walking out, leaving her frozen in place.