Ken
It's been two since l've been training my students to hone their skills, and five years since l stayed in this village improving my swordsmanship. It was a fun ride talking to them, exploring their strengths and weakness, and even tell each other stories. They were all amazing memories l won't forget.
But that will all come to an end.
***
It was a regular day like any other day, l watched Blake and Arthur training with each other perfecting their combat skills, honestly, Blake was always at an advantage. Arthur may be smart but he doesn't have enough strength to counter Blake, he's quick to assess the situation, but his action would amount to a different outcome.
"Hiyah!" Arthur screamed swinging his fist, Blake blocked with his palm and smacked Arthur's face.
Blake was still pretty scared despite hanging around together for long, it was starting to become a problem. They'll be a time he has to face a situation all on his own without any of his friends.
I just want the best from him.
The reason l took him as my student was because he was born in a strict household, he couldn't do anything but follow his father's rules, all that fact lead to his current situation, intense fear. After l witnessed his father scolding him and beating him with a wooden plank, l decided to step in. Yes, it didn't concern about family situation or whatever, but beating a child that badly is straight abuse.
"Grrr... what do you want sport? It's none ya business." His father growled, meeting my gaze.
"I'm sorry Sir, but, this isn't right. Your child is pleading for you to stop." I calmly replied, yet having a tense look.
His strength was far beyond me, at that moment he pushed me away. He then let go of Blake and immediately came after me, without hesitation l stood up before he came close. He continued growling, causing a stampede, and even smashing into things. He was in rage, l could tell. He peeked at a knife, grabbing it and tossing towards my direction.
I left my sword before coming in, it was a sign of respect after all.
I quickly ignited my hands with flames to avoid the hit. Seconds later, the knife passed through my cheeks cutting the air and sticking at the wall. That was close.
"This is none of your business, kid! Go play somewhere else, this isn't a game you know. I could even kill you if l wanted to, so don't make me!" He yelled spitting on my face.
"....." I was speechless, nothing in mind to counter his words.
Blake's father proceeded to strangle Blake, l don't know what the hell was wrong with him, but, it seriously looked like he was going to kill him. Blake hadn't uttered a single word after his father put me to place. Just how scared was he to not be able to talk back? This was getting messed up. "It's all because of you! Every single day you remind me of her! Why do you exist you demon! What have l done to you? Just leave me alone, leave everyone else alone!" His father rambled towards Blake, his eyes reflected darkness.
"I... am... sorry... Father..." Blake whispered, pouring out tears.
I couldn't take this any longer, but l can't allow my emotions to be the reason of my actions. My mind clouded with worst possible scenarios, then l launched myself forward as my right hand engulfed in flames. Even if it's blood related, friends, no one is allowed to face cruel acts. As l got close, meeting eye to eye, l shot a fire ball at his face. I reduced the heat power to avoid burning him completely. He pulled back, falling on the ground screaming in pain, l took Blake and ran away. He didn't say anything as l dragged him away, just his eyes showering in pain.
"We are far away, let's hope he doesn't start looking for you."
"....."
"Kid?"
Blake didn't say anything. Just silence.
I relocated him in my house, where he joined up with Iris, l wanted him to feel safe, and overcome his fear. Watching him cry made my heart ache, l never asked about his father's reasons, it was only going to get worse.
At the current state, he's doing just fine, thanks to Arthur. Although he spent some of his life with Iris, she wasn't your typical good teacher, hence she always bullied him. Kids. Arthur was another story, l remember peeking at them talking about their favourite animals, for the first time, l saw Blake smile. I realised it was fate that made me meet Arthur, he looked like the type to repair broken hearts, literally. His relationship with Arthur wasn't just growing, but getting stronger, it was a mile stone.
"Ahhhh! Arthur you punched my face... wha... why!?"
"Come on! That punch wasn't all that, stop whining and start fighting back you big baby."
"B... baby? Whawww!"
"This is my team by the way." Arthur stated sounding annoyed.
Arthur and Blake were having their back and forth, but it takes too long for it all to end. But, something felt oddly weird, where could Iris be? "Hey you, Arty and Blaky! At your feet this instant." Here comes her ruckus, acting like she's a ruler or something. Arthur was unfazed with her entrance, while Blake was jump scared that he peed his pants. A normal afternoon with these kids.
I honestly don't know much about Iris either, she just randomly spawned at my place and wanted somewhere to stay, short after she decided to stay and train under me. I remember severally asking her about where she came from but her only answers were: "I'm from the Western village from this parts." Or, "I lost my way home, so l just wanna stay here." Sort of stuff, l don't know what she's hiding but if it's personal, it ain't my fish to fry.....? I know, l know what you thinking, but l intervened with Blake's affairs, that's a different point of the story.
"You were so random," I whispered.
"What are you saying Kenny? You mumbling to yourself? Adults are weird." Iris said, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not saying anything, Plus, don't call me an adult, l'm only eleven."
"I see."
She was the most clueless in the group, but, they're only kids after all.