The sun was still low in the sky, reflecting off the calm river that ran beside Briarford. Kael stretched his arms, his bandages mostly healed thanks to the villagers' care, and looked at Maverick perched on a rock near the water. The black cat's golden eyes glinted in the morning light, tail flicking lazily.
"Alright, little tiger," Maverick said, voice calm, "today we start for real. You've been through enough battles, now it's time to understand what you can do… and what you can't."
Kael grinned, trying to mask his nervousness. "So… this is the actual training? No more hiding or small exercises?"
Maverick purred. "Nope. We start from scratch. Balance, footwork, movement, and control over Crimson Fang. You're not just swinging a sword anymore. You have to make it work with your energy."
Kael nodded, crouching slightly as Maverick watched his stance. "Okay, show me. What do I do first?"
Maverick hopped down to the ground, circling Kael. "First, feel the ground. I don't mean just standing—actually feel it. Every step you take transfers your weight, your power. Try walking along the riverbank like you're floating, not stomping."
Kael took a step and immediately stumbled. "I… I don't feel anything."
Maverick flicked his tail. "Of course you don't. You're thinking too much. Stop thinking. Just move. Balance comes from knowing your center. Bend your knees, keep your core tight. Again."
Kael adjusted, bending low and taking slow steps. Maverick's eyes followed him, ears twitching. "Better. Now faster. Don't just move—react. Pretend there's an attack from behind. Step, pivot, dodge. Keep your focus on the river, not me."
Kael exhaled sharply and tried. His movements were jerky at first, but gradually, he started feeling a rhythm. "Like this?"
Maverick's tail twitched. "Yes. Much better. Now, combine it with your energy. Crimson Fang isn't just a burst of power—it's an extension of you. Feel it in your arms, legs, even your eyes."
Kael's eyes flickered red at the edges instinctively, and he felt warmth spreading through his body. "I… I can feel it!"
Maverick's ears perked. "Good. Now, use that energy to strike. Not wildly—focus. Punch the air as if there's a target, but feel how your power flows. Don't just swing; direct it."
Kael moved, his fist cutting through the air. A faint red-black aura flared around him, the wind rippling slightly as if acknowledging the energy. "Like this?"
Maverick nodded approvingly, sitting calmly on the riverbank. "Better. But now you need to learn control. Power without control is dangerous. You could hurt yourself, or worse, someone else."
Kael frowned. "How do I control it? It feels… like it wants to take over."
"Exactly," Maverick said, tail flicking. "That's why you have to focus. Each strike, each movement, you tell your energy: this is the limit, this is the target. Not the other way around. Crimson Fang obeys you if you command it properly."
Kael took a deep breath, centering himself. Slowly, he punched forward again. This time, the aura didn't flare wildly—it spread smoothly along his arm and followed the direction of his fist. He smiled. "I think… I did it right this time."
Maverick purred, eyes gleaming. "Yes. That's how it feels when you start to get it. Now, let's try a combination. Step, pivot, and strike three times in a row, each strike focused, each using Crimson Fang just enough to push, not explode."
Kael tried, his movements initially clumsy, but Maverick corrected him after each attempt. "Too much here. Not enough there. Center yourself. You can't let the energy rush before your body is ready."
After several tries, Kael finally completed the combo. The energy flared slightly, then dissipated smoothly as his fist returned to rest. "I… did it?"
Maverick flicked his tail, looking pleased. "You did. And that's your first lesson in controlling the Crimson Fang. Power is nothing if you can't control it. Remember that."
Kael wiped sweat from his brow. "It's harder than I thought. But… it feels good. Like I'm actually doing something."
"Good," Maverick said. "But training isn't just about learning moves. You need endurance, reflexes, and strategy. We'll work on those next. But before that, a reminder."
Kael looked up, curious. "Reminder?"
Maverick's eyes glinted. "Your father… your mother. Don't forget why you fight. You will find your father one day, and you'll need strength to confront whoever's behind your mother's death. Crimson Fang alone isn't enough. You have to be faster, smarter, stronger."
Kael nodded, jaw tight. "I'll find him… and I'll make them pay."
Maverick flicked his tail and leapt onto a tree branch. "Good. Now, let's move on. Balance and energy are important, but so is adapting. The next exercise is about reaction. I'll throw small stones, sticks, whatever I find at you. You dodge, parry, redirect your energy. Ready?"
Kael clenched his fists, eyes sharp. "Ready."
Maverick threw a small pebble. Kael barely moved, and it bounced harmlessly off his arm. "Again!" Kael shouted, smiling.
For hours, Kael trained. Stones, sticks, movements along the riverbank, jumping over logs, even striking targets Maverick pointed out. With each attempt, his movements became smoother, more confident. The aura of Crimson Fang no longer flared uncontrollably—it followed his intent.
Finally, Kael collapsed near the river, breathing hard. Maverick jumped down beside him, tail flicking. "Not bad for your first proper day. Your body is tired, but your energy… it's improving."
Kael laughed weakly. "I never thought training could be this exhausting… and fun at the same time."
Maverick purred, looking at the village beyond the river. "Remember, Kael, what you do here matters, but the world outside is not as forgiving. Keep learning. Keep improving. One day, you'll need every bit of what you've learned here."
Kael's eyes hardened. "I will. For her… and to find him. I'll get stronger every single day."
Maverick twitched his ears. "That's the spirit. Now rest for today. Tomorrow, we start again with footwork, evasion, and… a new technique I think you're ready for."
Kael smiled faintly, lying back on the grass. "I'm ready… just tell me what it is when the time comes."
Maverick curled up beside him, tail wrapping around his paws. "You'll see. And Kael… don't waste your energy thinking about me. Focus on yourself. Everything else will follow."
The river flowed quietly beside them, birds chirping in the distance, and Briarford slowly stirred to life. Kael closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his promise and the power he was beginning to understand.