บท 12: Training
*Flower maiden's POV*
"Please don't burn my hair!"
I cried out in horror. Anything but my hair! I wrap my hair around my face protectively… my hair.
"If you yell anymore I will!"
Kyuu-san yelled in frustration, her hand erupting in spirit-like flames. Eep! I curl into a ball. All the while this conversation took place as Klara-san dangled me like a flailing cat.
"Kyuu-san, you know her?"
She indicated to me with a little shake. Hey! Don't shake me! Kyuu-san rubbed her temples and sighed, the flames engulfing her hand sizzling out.
"Yes… she's a brat we took in recently. I told her not to follow me! I don't know why I expected you to listen."
"Hey! I got mom's permission to spy on you. Wait hang on, I wasn't supposed to say that… but I didn't get hurt and stayed out of the way! Can't you let me have some fun?"
Upon accidentally slipping out the little secret, I'm sorry mom, Kyuu-san's face winced with embarrassment and disappointment. Ironically almost like a mother finding her kid breaking the dish... again.
"Wait! Mom?! I'm so going to have a talk with her when I'm done."
Klara-san let out a little snicker and swung me into a bridal position. Woah! I look up to see her alluring smile. Her brimstone eyes and obsidian iris seeming to pick me up by the chin, having an almost entrancing effect on me.
"Awww… is the mean ol' fiery fox mean? She's a meanie isn't she?"
Kyuu-san lowers her head in shame at Klara-san, hands to her sides. Her eyes bearing a friendly irritation.
"Klara-san, don't make me report you, you're hitting on a minor of not even a month old yet."
Klara-san raised her eyebrow and looks back to me still in her arms.
"Not even a month old? With that body?"
"Long story short, Goddess Myriam wants me to take care of this anomaly of a brat."
Klara-san seemed to ponder for a bit, her captivating eyes scanning me up and down almost like prey... I don't think I would taste good.
"Is that right? Well, she looks old enough for me."
"Klara-san…need I remind you about the reports of you flirting with the girls here?"
An almost proud expression came across Klara-san's face.
"I see the rumors do me justice, you're making me blush Kyuu-san. Relax, I'm kidding… unless…"
Klara-san looks at me and pulls me closer, her forked tongue licking her bottom lip.
"You like what you see…"
I blink my eyes absently at her... like what I see?
"Of course! You look so cool and pretty especially the way you fired off that awesome blast!"
Klara-san lets out a holler of laughter, her scaled tail slamming the pavement repeatedly, shaking the ground. She wipes a tear away from her eye.
"I can't do it hahaha! You're too precious… how did you end up with Kyuu-san? I should've kept you myself."
She rubs her cheeks against mine which was surprisingly tender and squishy. She finally lets me down gently. Kyuu-san walks over to me, arms crossed in disappointment.
"Alright brat, time to head home."
"Eh!? But I was only watching! Please… pretty please let me stay. You looked so cool!"
Kyuu-san's tail stiffened as I see her blush. This must've been her students' first time seeing their sensei lose her composure and cool so quickly as they stifled their laughter and hid their shocked expressions. Kyuu-san turns her head sharply, her fiery eyes narrowing at her students. Her students quickly turn away, pretending not to see anything. Klara-san nodded in agreement.
"Come on Kyuu-san, let the kid stay, she's interested. I saw those peaking eyes staring at us. Interest in martial arts and quanta arts are rare these ages."
Kyuu-san grits her teeth still trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Are you kidding? If I let her stay, who knows what she'll mess around with and embarrass me even more. Not happeni-"
Before Kyuu-san can finish her declaration, a silky voice cuts her off.
"Come on Kyui, let her watch, how could you crush such a young girl's curiosity?"
Mokuren comes striding in, her aura as bright as ever and her eyes sparkling that emerald light. Two familiar green-feathered birds were perched on her antlers, chirping away and looking at me. They were the pair that followed me! And with her presence carried the sweet scent of Magnolia.
"Hey, beautiful. Klara Smok Wawelski at your service."
Klara-san did a bow with her wings like a fancy cape, hiding her big, eager grin.
"Hey miss lady killer."
"Oh ho? I'm getting compliments left and right today."
Kyuu-san shakes her head in utter disappointment. The other students who were about to come back from break all saw Mokuren and some proceeded to do a little bow.
"Good morning Mokuren-sama."
"Good morning everyone."
Kyuu-san raised a suspicious eyebrow and steps in. Her words drawn-out, clearly showing signs of fatigue.
"Hey Mokuren, and what brings you here?"
"Just checking up on you and the little flower girl."
Mokuren does a little wave to me with her fingers and I do a little wave back.
"Good morning Mokuren."
With her here defending me and Klara-san, surely I can stay and watch.
"Morning little flower. I see that you were caught, I must say, that was quite the way to travel."
One of the little birds hopped onto Mokuren fingers, tweeting at me and flapping its little wings. So they were spying on me? Touche. Kyuu-san did not seem pleased at the prospect of more news of me mess-ahem, safely looking around.
"What? Ok, Mokuren what did you see her do?"
Mokuren held a finger up to her lips playfully.
"I'm not telling… I wouldn't sell out the little flower would I?"
Mokuren winks at me and I give her a small thumbs up. Kyuu-san looked like she wanted to throw a fit, her pride her only obstacle.
"Urrghhhaa!! I don't have time to deal with this… come on, Klara-san, let's start. I don't want to waste any more time."
I once again, beg Kyuu-san and put my hands together.
"Please Kyuu-san! I just want to stay and look pretty please? With a cherry pie stacked on top?"
Kyuu-san takes a deep breath, trying to calm her frustrations with all the tables flipped against her. She was about to say adamantly "No!" again before I cut in again.
"I'll do your and mom's chores... for one... no, two weeks."
I put up two fingers in front of her... no one can refuse such a glorious offer. Kyuu-san leaned down to face me, her expression ever more serious.
"Three. Weeks... and that you'll never mess with me again, got it? If you break this deal, you are going to be in a world of pain."
I stare back with all the seriousness I can muster.
"Deal."
Kyuu-san's expression seemed to lighten a bit, feeling more in control of herself again.
"Don't go back on your words brat. I wouldn't have done this if Mokuren isn't here. Mokuren, if you don't mind keeping an eye on the brat?"
Mokuren nods back.
"Now sit over there on the tatami mats."
Our deal settled, Kyuu-san relaxes for a bit and turns back to her students, who were still staring at us curiously.
"Alright! Breaks over! Let's gather around the ring."
Klara-san tightens her black gi a bit more, flexing her muscles. She does a little head wave with her fingers to me and Mokuren.
"About time I head back too. Sorry lovely lilies, I'll come to get you another time."
She flies off laughing and Mokuren retorts back in a snarky tone as well.
"Yeah, yeah you narcissist, now go train your students."
We move to the rooms and temples that enclose the dojo and I sit in one of the open rooms, looking into the training ground. I saw behind me an array of different weapons mounted on the wall. I see poles ending in a curved, moon crescent blade, staff poles, axes, and swords of all sizes... even a massive sword almost two times my height... how does someone even use that?
I watch as Klara-san and Kyuu-san round up their students in their respective groups. Kyuu-san and her students gather at the center of the dojo training area where a large ring enclosed the inner area which seemed like a sort of arena. Kyuu-san's students formed a ring around the center with Kyuu-san standing in the center.
"Alright, we will practice close-quarters combat today. CQC for short. For those that are new here, CQC is a more modernized and one of the more realistic and effective ways of martial arts. No there will not be any fancy moves, those more often than not will leave you wide open to attack. A demonstration first. This move is to counter more straightforward jabs and hooks from the opponent."
Kyuu-san nods to one of her students who stands up and approaches Kyuu-san. A human... it was rare to see them around in this village. He had short, wavy dark-brown hair and an olive skin tone. He raised his hands and planted his foot. One arm forwards slightly downwards palms upon while the other was at his waist palm open and faced up. One of his feet held most of his weight and the other was forward in position firmly planted. Kyuu-san gave a slight nod.
"Strike when you feel like it, for in real battles, attack and battle often come without a warning."
However, Kyuu-san didn't move much. She simply stood there, back straight but flexible, her knees slightly bent and legs spread apart at shoulder length. Her arms remained by her sides slightly in front of her. She emanated a calm, almost too calm of an aura. I narrowed my eyes looking for any hints of movement in her body, she was entirely relaxed. Only her piercing fiery eyes gave away that she was focused on the student before her.
Suddenly I noticed the slight twitch of the student's arm muscles before it shot forward like lightning… so a slight twitch huh. I thought Kyuu-san was about to be hit but I didn't even register what happened for the next moment I noticed, Kyuu-san already closed the gap between them, her right open palm centimeters away from the student's chin, the student's punch completely missing its mark. Kyuu-san's right leg was also behind the student's as well, easily allowing her to trip the student. The student was wide open, his attack defeated by such simple, minimalistic yet smooth motion of Kyuu-san's body.
I sat there amazed as a wash of wind blew all the way to me from the force and speed of her movement. The student praised Kyuu-san.
"Fast as ever sensei, I couldn't even react properly."
Kyuu-san smiled back.
"I'm going to take that as an insult that I didn't train you better, Artemas. Alright, I assume you didn't see that so we'll slow down what just happened."
Kyuu-san and her student reenacted what happened, this time I got a clearer look. As soon as the student stepped forward and launched a right jab, Kyuu-san took a step forward and with a swift, the smooth brush of her left hand she directed punch away from her while simultaneously her right hand moved to the student's chin and her right leg positioned, ready to trip Artemas. Kyuu-san's move seemed… like a pretty painful open-palmed snap of the neck and head… Kyuu-san's kind of scary.
In one smooth moment, in one singular connected motion, her body moved to completely counter her student without ever giving away her attack due to how dangerously calm her stance was. Artemas was not in the position to defend himself once Kyuu-san opened him up, her right leg ready to sweep and knock him over. Many of the students looked in admiration and some in awe.
"This is what CQC is, or more accurately, an adapted form of Krav Maga. A quick combination of smooth and flow of movements to counter your opponent and dispatch them. In time I shall introduce new moves from various other martial arts."
Artemas did a bow with his fist and open palm and Kyuu-san responded in kind. This time Kyuu-san turned and looked around at her students, gesturing to Artemas.
"My veteran students shall be your best teachers most of the time, they shall teach those of you here that are new the fundamentals and practice. You can always and should come to me if you have trouble the veteran students can't help with. I'll usually always be around to help and train with if you want."
Kyuu-san coughs a bit, clearing her throat before continuing. Perhaps she doesn't like to talk so much (Yeah who wants to read long lines of dialogue am I right?) She raises her hand as if to prove a fact.
"Always remember, you practice and fight not to memorize the techniques and moves, but to learn them and incorporate them into your own fighting. In time, you shall be an adaptable fighter, creating your own moves with what you learned to truly master yourself. That is why we do practice battles and fights all the time, to hone you in the heat of battle."
I watched intently as Kyuu-san continued to teach her students new moves. A sweeping awesome kick that generated an arc of wind I felt all the way from here and another kick she called the axe kick! Artemas was there to help demonstrate many of the moves. There was one super cool counter move as Artemas did a sidekick, Kyuu-san swiftly used one hand to brush it aside without taking the impact and at the moment Artemas's back was exposed in the kick, Kyuu-san moved behind him and used her leg to trip him, knocking him down.
I want to get closer! How could I even sit on my bum watching this!? I tried to mimic what Kyuu-san did to the student in the first demonstration as I brought my hands in front of me… palms open right? I open my hand slightly, trying to remember what Kyuu-san did… quick smooth motions… I close my eyes and let the motion carry me, imagining my body moving simultaneously as Kyuu-san did. My movements were slower, but I think replicating the motion, the flow and feeling the motion with my body was what felt the most important.
As Kyuu-san said, it was not about memorizing. I feel my hand move through the air, the air lightly brushing against my skin as my body moves naturally but not perfectly.
I feel Mokuren was beside me looking at me with curious eyes, her notebook in hand. She seems to be watching my movement… does she wanna try out martial arts as well? I could have Mokuren as a buddy!
"Do you want a closer look?"
"Do I?!"
Wait no!
"I can't... I'll break the deal and... I don't think I wanna face Kyuu-san's wrath."
Mokuren gives me a reassuring wink and takes my hand and leads me closer... I was hesitant but I couldn't hide the increasing, excited pounding of my heart. As I approach Kyuu-san stops her teaching and instructs her students.
"Alright, that's some new moves for today. Split into your respective groups and start doing one-on-one training. Don't worry, the veteran students shall be in charge and look after you for safety. Those new can watch and participate if you feel up for it."
As her students disperse into groups some in the center of the circular arena while others went into individual temples with training rooms. Kyuu-san then realized something and called out again.
"If you want to use the Akasha realm for more intense fighting and battle make sure to ask me, I need to get Goddess Myriam's permission to use it. I recommend using it if you really want to push yourselves to improve."
The Akasha realm? Is that a place? Kyuu-san has her hands on her hip, a satisfactory smile on her face. Her ears twitch upon our approaching footsteps.
"I thought I told you to stay put and observe."
I'm hiding behind Mokuren, hugging her waist for protection.
"She just wants a closer look Kyui, won't you let her? I'm beside her after all, she seems really passionate about martial arts."
I give Kyuu-san my best puppy look. Her eyebrows twitch and she falters a bit.
"Tch... fine, at least I can trust you to look after the brat. Just make sure not to get too close when they're training."
"Aw, so you do care about her."
Kyuu-san continues to help watch over her students and help anyone in need. After a while and seeing everything was fine, she walks towards Klara-san's direction when Klara-san called for some help demonstrating quanta flow and interaction... sounds complex.
I wonder what Klara-san is up to. I look towards the far side of the dojo where it opens into the massive field with many different columns and platforms. I see two students firing blasts at each other as one thrusts their hand together as volleys of electric gold balls fire towards the other. The other student quickly rolls out of the way, jumping from platform to platform, and with a wide, arcing swing of their hand, casts a massive wave of energy that cuts through the air towards their opponent. Their attacks clash in a brilliant nucleus of an explosion. So cool!
I turn my attention back to the center arena ring as I hop up and down as I watch two students battle at the center of the dojo. One of them was Artemas. The other was a girl with large, bulky bull horns. Her dark skin matched well with her black, short, tufts of hair. Her tail was wrapped around her waist carefully.
Their movements were connected and fast. They were clearly skilled as Artemas block a flurry of punches and in a quick motion, does an elegant kick upwards before slamming down, sending a flurry of wind with the amount of force. I recognized it immediately as an axe kick!
The other managing dodges to the side but pushed backward by the force. What an awesome kick! It really does remind me of the show I watched. I'm silently pumping my fist in the air yelling Go! Go! Go! in my head. They continue to fight each other and I noticed how Artemas kept side-stepping in random motions and using his feet to try to block his opponent's movement. Small swift kicks block many kicking moves and knee strike attempts from the bull girl. Artemas' movements and low-steps eventually end up making his opponent quickly lose balance and fall as Artemas delivers a throw, catching his opponent's missed punch and throwing her over his shoulder. Before the girl can even get up, Artemas' fist was already ready to slam down on her face.
"Not bad Pandora, you're getting better and better. We should ask sensei to enter the Akasha dimension for our next battles. We can go all out however we want."
Pandora chuckles and takes Artemas' outreached hand.
"You better watch out Artemas, I'm closing on you fast. Won't be long till you're flat on your ass."
Artemas' group watches with great attention in their match, clearly learning from the battle. Pandora calls up Naga for her next training match. A monkey girl walks over to me. Hey, I think Kyuu-san helped her before... Wukong was it?
"How cute, are you interested?"
"Heck yeah! I want to learn!"
Her tail swings around in thought, her hand scratching her golden, brown hair.
"You're a little young, but I think it will work as long as sensei agrees. I'm rather a bit new too and still learning... though I feel I'm not doing so well."
"I don't think so, I think you looked awesome with your punches... I think it is fun, not giving up and pushing yourself."
I do a little punch to her and she giggles a bit. Just imagining myself in the ring, the exhilaration of dodging a punch and fighting... if only Kyuu-san lets me! Mokuren sees my excitement.
"Hehe, I think it'll work out. Why don't you try it out a little? Don't worry about Kyuu-san, I'll watch over you. And if you get hurt, I can heal you and everybody."
But... what about the deal? I don't want to break my promise again. Mokuren sees my hesitation and fear of breaking my promise.
"Hey, it's ok. I know Kyuu-san seems strict and well, she is. But she's just worried for you as she always has. I know you guys made the deal, but if you truly want to try... truly feel it in your heart."
Mokuren points her elegant fingers to my chest, feeling a warm touch on my chest, and brings them to her own. Her emerald eyes, sparkling sincerity.
"Then I'm sure Kyuu-san will even understand."
I nod silently at Mokuren, affirming my desire. I look expectantly at Wukong and she pats my shoulder.
"I hope sensei doesn't get mad... she will... but we got permission from Mokuren-sama, right? Alright, I'll ask one of the veteran students here to help. Though..."
Wukong looks at me up and down slightly embarrassed.
"I think you should put on some clothes first, I'll find a gi that fits first."
Oh right, I'm not wearing a lot as I look down at my bare upper half, my petals covering my breasts. I hug Mokuren.
"Thank you."
Mokuren pats my head. Later, she comes back with a small white gi. Mokuren uses her branches to weave a little barrier around us and begins to help me change. Wukong helps take off my shorts and tied jacket.
"Wait? How come you aren't wearing any underwear?"
"It's stuffy and itchy, I don't like it."
Wukong wags her finger in front of me.
"Little girls have to wear their underwear ok? You have to take care of your body... and speaking of body... what are these?"
Wukong proceeds to lightly stroke my petals and I almost flailed them around, still lacking proper control over them. I never got much time to put them into good use, with Kyuu-san watching over my shoulders.
"Hehe! It tickles."
Wukong lets out a surprised yelp.
"Woah! What are those... a part of her? I've never seen this before..."
Mokuren smiles at her Wukong's bewilderment.
"She's a bit of an anomaly my mother is watching over too and me as well. You could say... she is a little demigod?"
Mokuren teases her... I'm no demigod... I'm me.
"A new demigod?!"
Wukong upon hearing does a little bow to me.
"Sorry for disturbing you... uhhh... what shall I call you?"
"Oh stop, I was joking... but it wouldn't be far from the truth I imagine."
I finish putting on the gi... it's so itchy! The material is so rough and uncomfortable. My petals were tucked in there as well which doesn't help one bit. I begin scratching myself all over, squirming around. Wukong chuckled to herself.
"You too huh? I hated wearing the gi, it is so itchy. Why wear such clothes?"
I look at Wukong, feeling a sense of bond... finally, I found someone who gets it! Where have you been all my but a week old life? I start feeling warm, water in my eyes. Wukong starts panicking, waving her hands.
"I'm sorry! You're getting teary-eyed!"
I cling on to Wukong to her confusion, Mokuren patting me on the back.
"I'm not upset, I'm happy, you hate wearing clothes too! Just like me."
"Wait but that's not what I mea-"
She stops and sighs... cuddling back. After getting over my... slightly embarrassing outburst. I stepped out, a belt tied around my waist. Ready to rumble! By then, a student with gray gi stepped in to greet me. It's Artemas!
"Hey kid, my name's Artemas, I heard you wanted to try out martial arts and quanta arts? Don't worry, sensei's a bit... harsh... but we got you."
He gave me a thumbs up. What did I do to deserve such good people?
"So what do you want to do first? We all train with quanta and martial arts, even weapons training. Our sensei's switch up martial arts and quanta arts each day."
I recall back to the incredible display of their fighting skills and battle and can still see Pandora sparring with the Naga, Pandora jumping out the way of the Naga's massive swing of her tail. I immediately blurt out.
"I wanna spar!"
Artemas had a bottle in hand and was taking a sip of water, wiping the sweat off his forehead from his previous sparring. He nearly spat out his drink upon my answer.
"Pfffttt!! I love your enthusiasm kid, but shouldn't we start with learning some basics?"
Oh... he's right... the excitement got to my head a little. Just imagine the feeling of clashing fists! The rush of power and battle! I'm a little in over my head here, aren't I? Artemas, rubs his chin a little bit.
"Hmmm... actually that might not be a bad idea, I could get an idea of your strength, speed, and movement so I can give you better lessons."
"Really?"
My heart rocketed into the sky as I give Artemas my biggest smile.
"Oh crap! Too bright!"
Artemas blocks his eyes from my smile... what's wrong?
"Alright, then it's settled."
Artemas gives me a cheeky thumbs up and yells to the group he was with, just in time as Pandora's leg next to the Naga's face, her kick perfectly positioned for a powerful blow as she balances on one leg. Pandora taking the victory this time.
"Folks, let's clear the ring for a bit, today we have a special little guest."
He moved out of the way, revealing me behind. Some stared curiously at me and some smile at me.
"Awww... so little and cute. You wanna learn martial arts huh?"
I pout... I'm not that small. Except this motion was only met with more Awwwss and coos. I feel the heat rising to my face... I'm not that short!!
"Awww look, she's embarrassed."
"Come on folks, let's stop with the teasing... even if she's funny looking. Alright kid, let's stand in the ring."
*Third-person POV*
The flower maiden steps into the ring. The arena is fairly large allowing free motion and combat to take place. Artemas also does this same and stands opposite to the flower maiden. He proceeds to do a little bow and the young girl responds in kind. Artemas explains.
"It's a respectful and honorable gesture before proper battle and combat."
Artemas tightens his belt as so does flower maiden... still uncomfortably shifting in her gi. But still, she steadies herself. Mokuren was at the side on the outside of the ring along with Artemas' group, showing keen interest in what is to unfold, her matrix cube at the ready to record. Artemas says back.
"I want you to come at me with everything you've got ok? Don't hold back, I need to see your strengths and weaknesses to properly assess you."
Don't hold back? The flower maiden thought. But the last time I didn't I caused some trouble... I'll hold back just a little. Artemas takes his stance again, though much more relaxed this time against such a young, small opponent.
"I best be careful to hold back against the kid."
The young girl steadies her breathing and closes her eyes, recalling back to Kyuu-san's calm nature. She slowly brings her hands up, palms open, and faced inward. Her leg slightly apart, balancing her weight steadily. A stance the girl saw in Kyuu-san's many moves when she taught her students. Artemas' eyes widen in shock... that's a Krav Maga stance, when did she learn that?
But before Artemas can finish his thought, in the very next blink he took, the girl was in front of him, a whirlwind kicking up behind her. Artemas barely had enough time to put his arms up as her fist collided, sending a ringing impact throughout the dojo from the shockwave. Artemas was sent back several meters from the force, his feet keeping him grounded. A bead of sweat trickled down Artemas' face... what... what power.
ความคิดของผู้สร้าง 
Wild_Silver
Wild_Silver This was a long chapter to write! And so much research to look at in martial arts. This is my first time writing some action so please with a cherry on top criticize me and make any suggestions. It is how I will improve hopefully! I am kind of burnt out I'm not going to lie, look into chapter 11.5 for some real action!