Having had a good rest and positive energy in Bodhi, we set off on our wanderings. Our next stop was Stav Kesh, a martial arts temple, aka armoury. Not only did they learn how to fight, but they also studied new types of weaponry, working in close co-operation with Vur Tepe, the temple-temple.
Our path led us to the giant ice ridge, a chain of mountain peaks, among which the temple of Stav Kesh was located. We travelled great distances on Raptors with the Force.
«Guys, it would seem that if you take art as a form of expressing yourself and what's inside you, - Feng was discussing at the camp, gesturing with a fried leg of a pendly bird. - Then how do you perceive those who can't express what's inside them?
«You can't. Not everyone has that kind of talent," I shook my head, stirring the coals in the fire with the Force. - You and I, guys, are fighters, and that says it all. However, we look at other works, listen to the melody, and choose what is closer to us. So, after listening to a composition, or reading a book, I can confidently say that I got acquainted with its author. And if I like his creative work, it means that the energy put into the melody, or lines, or sculpture will be dear to me. So, collecting a chain of other compositions, you can understand what you yourself are made of, despite the fact that you are not very good as a creator yourself.
«And if you don't have this? Well... For example, would it be forbidden?
«What nonsense? - Ramira exclaimed, quietly pulling two bars out of my bag while Vessira tried to distract me with hugs. - How could music be banned?
«No, well, hypothetically. I just remembered the Temple of Balance, its minimalism, and something just occurred to me about it.
«As Master Laniron said," Wes joined in, "why do you need a mirror if there's nothing to reflect in it?
«Hm... Reasonable.
Here I remembered the canon and what should become with the Order in the end. Vaguely, of course, how much time has passed, but still. Which is why I asked the following question:
«What if someone believes that emotions can lead to the dark side of the Force? - I was looked at like an idiot. - Erm... No, I'm just hypothesising, like Zeng, since it's such a dance.
«It's bullshit. You can't give up emotions just because they're always with us. If you try to keep your balance by restraining your emotions, you'll only upset yourself more," Wes shook her head. - And what's the point, when one thing is perfectly levelling the other. Shade, how could you even think of such nonsense?
«How can I say it," I squinted at the sky, trying not to laugh, "I did.
«Shade?
«М? - I'm looking at Wes.
«What are you keeping quiet about, eh?
«Okay, still a little short-circuited from the "wandering lights" trail.
«'N-yeah,' Wes said calmly, and shrugged her shoulders. - It's creepy.
We sit, silent, watching the fire crackle and listening to Ramira crunching.
«Rami, have a conscience, - I squint at our medic. - Not so loud?
«Why?
All I had to do was roll my eyes.
«Speaking of creepy, have you noticed that the higher we go, the harder it is to breathe? - Feng changed the subject.
«That's because of the thin air. We'll be up here for a week and we'll get used to it. Hrum-hrum.
«Gro-ra-aru ur.
«Yes, Gris, I agree. It feels weird.
That's how we got here. A couple of times, of course, we had to face the local flora and fauna, but nothing serious, we are already scientists and understand in which cases we have to do the legs, and in which cases - that to us runs dinner delivery at home.
And then there was the Stav Kesh temple. From the side it looked extremely epic, a monumental large fortress, literally embedded in the mountain and as if merging with it. There were no high spires and towers, everything was more or less squat, if not for the light in the observation slits looking out of the mountain. We also found three large landing platforms, where heavy ships landed. And now one of them was occupied.
«So, brothers," a glance at Ramira, "and sisters, welcome to the temple of martial arts!
«Ta-tada-da-da-s! - Zeng cheered me on.
«Gre-e-i ar ra-a-ai.
«That was vulgar," Wes punched him in the shoulder.
«Ur ar ar-re grae.
«'Yes, yes, from the resort to the ball,' I sighed, even here hearing the master's sharp and loud commands resounding. - Let's go already.
Even as we approached, we were met by a pair of students. The pair of Twi'leks said a polite hello and, citing that the masters were busy, invited us to follow them. As we walked through the courtyard of the temple, I made a mental analogy to an army. One group trained together and practised the same technique on command time after time. Another, of six xenos, ran past us. The third broke into pairs and fought against each other.
«Shade, you were wrong," Zeng said suddenly.
«М? - I turned to one of the twins.
«This is HERE to teach us how to fight," the Zabrak looked at me.
«Mm-hmm... Heh," I realised what one of the twins meant. Zeng just reminded me of what I said the day we met, when I said we can fight, we can't fight. - That's true.
«What's it to you, though, you're a great swordsman," Feng added.
«Well, let's just say I can't shoot. Besides, there's no limit to perfection.
«That's true.
Meanwhile, in the background of the conversation, for some reason, my gut was stirring. It's like it's warning me about something. And I felt something in the Force. Something familiar, very, very familiar, but what was it?
«Hmm.
«AERO!!! - There was a shout not far from us, which made me freeze half a step, and the guys turned around. - You ill-mannered, insolent, lazy, tactless, shameless, unscrupulous, fucking arsehole!
Slowly turning round, I saw Hadiya walking from the door to the complex, in our direction. Grown up, changed a lot, and very, very angry.
«Hadiya..." I whispered with just my lips. Yes. That's a surprise.Pulling out the knife I gave her, she came at point-blank range, and thrust the point into my chest, forcing me to pivot back, began to press:
«How dare you, for so many years, not once wrote to me, not call me and not warn me that you changed the number of the communicator! - The twee'lechka sputtered more and more, poking me in the breastplate with her tip at each reproach. - Do you have any idea how worried I was?! You left, you don't write, you don't call... You've done so much in these two years, so much has happened, who am I supposed to tell all this to?! - Gesturing brightly with her weapon like a pointer... Mm-hm, Hadiya was indignant. If I hadn't sensed her true emotions, and didn't know her character, I might well have believed that she was trying to kill me. As it is, I'm very welcome, but it's physically impossible not to be outraged.
«Um... Shade, do you two know each other? - Feng asked.
«Sort of.
«What do you mean, "Sort of?!" - stomped the twee'leek's foot. - He's my husband! - I was stabbed.
«...
«...
«...
As the information was processed, the gears were still trying to turn the suddenly rusty mechanism.
«WHAT?! - shouted the boys, and me along with them. Gris was silent, but his wide-open eyes spoke for him.
«She-e-e-e-e-aid? - Smiling sweetly, Ves called out to me. Hmm... I wonder if I jump down now, won't Ramira be able to pump me up? Knowing our medic, I reckon she would. Eh.
«Hadiya," I sighed, resigning myself to my fate. - One, the fact that I am your husband was a farce, played at your own request. Secondly," I pinned her with my gaze without letting her open her mouth, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I forgot, it slipped my mind. And I didn't have time for it. But I've been asking about the news through Irbis and seeing how you're doing, so I know more or less how you got up. And thirdly, maybe you should stop scaring people and put away your mode, because your guards, - I nod at the fighters who are huddled together and don't know how to act, - will soon die of heart attack.
«That's their problem, I care about you! - I was once again poked with a dipstick.
But before I could open my mouth, Wes intervened.
«Hey! What the hell are you, girl?! Not only are you encouraging my boyfriend to do something adventurous, but you're pointing a gun at him?! - Wes, who's already a little freaked out by this scene, came over to us.
«So, I think we should go..." Feng whispered, and the others nodded.
"And you're Brutus?" - I looked at Gris. He wrinkled his nose, but only supported me with his fist, and followed the twins.
"Traitors!" - my soul was tearing up as I looked at the fugitives.
«Who the hell are you anyway! - Hadiya turned to Vessira.
«I'm his girlfriend! - Wes growled.
«Yeah?" Hadiya looked at me. Then, as if remembering something, she nodded to herself and waved at Ves. - Well, congratulations, not anymore. Now get out of here!
«...
"Oh, what's about to happen..." - I took a step back. And for good reason. Instead of answering, Wes gave Hadiya a simple and uncomplicated slap. No Force, but a very fairy-like one, which made her recoil, almost fall, but she managed to hold on.
«Watch your mouth. If you were the Queen of Chikagu, no one would come between me and Shade! - Wes growled.
«When I'm queen, no one will dare to defy my will," Hadiya hissed.
«Girls, I'm a bigot, but this is too much even within my limits," I intervene, trying to separate the sides. I know he's suicidal, but does a suicide bomber have much to lose? I don't think so. - We're in the main square of the temple, and you're making such a fuss.
«Shade," Wes glared at me, Hadiya mirrored it.
«Hadiya, Wes is my girlfriend, full stop. And insulting her means insulting me," I glared at the first one. - Wes, Hadiya may be stroppy, and she may be insolent and tongue-tied, but she and I have some agreements..." I added after a moment's thought, "even if I've forgotten about them myself.
«I haven't forgotten, by the way, and in two years I've dug up everything and a little more," the twi'lechka said, crossing her arms over her chest.
«You have? - Wes wondered.
«Business partners," I shrugged.
«Nope. I haven't forgotten what you said about me growing up! Well, I've grown up, and you're not only not happy to see me, but you have such a face, as if you wouldn't show up any further, - I turned away from me, upturned my nose.
«Actually, I am. I'm just... a little surprised. Very, very slightly. In fact, I'm not happy about the way you sent Wes. Like I said, insulting her is insulting me.
Wes cooled down at that, and there was a look of triumph in her eyes. But no pride. Just the look of a woman proving to a rival who was in charge. Hadiya just sighed, and rubbed her burning cheek.
«Okay. I'm sorry.
«Huh?" Wes's ears perked up, wanting to hear a repeat.
«'Not you,' Hadiya waved it away. - I'm sorry, Shade. I'll try to watch myself. For myself.
«That'll do. Come here, little one," I put my arm around the twi'lek, who was now reaching up to my nose with the top of her head, and used the Force with my other hand to relieve the burning. The swelling won't go away, and I'm a lousy medic, but at least it won't hurt.
«I'm not small. I'm not small anymore. Not only have I grown up, but I've made Chickaga so that no one dares to call me small. You're the only one left.
«I don't give a damn.
«Hee," Wes chuckled.
«Come on, let's go. Tell me what you did, what you found, and what you're doing here.
«Mm-hmm.
I mentally shook off the sweat as we walked into the fortress under the stares of the onlookers. Irbis, may Strength, health and patience be with you, I'll remember you forever! Who would have thought that his lessons in bringing the two conflicting sides to peace could save my life? Just like that. I would never have believed it, even if I had seen it in visions of the Force. But we've had more than that in our practice. I remember, we once came across a married couple, who were ready to tear each other's throats out, and to destroy the company, which they managed together, just to keep the other one away. They got out of it.
But then we managed to solve it in such a way that we didn't have to go back to it later. For me, the situation came to a temporary peace, when the two sides are glaring at each other, walking on the left and right sides of me. I directly felt myself as a point of singularity, when there is antimatter on one side and matter on the other. And it's my job to make sure they don't hug. Yeah.
My, what is more important, whole face, especially in the company of Wes and Hadiya, was able to cause a new attack of beady-eyedness in the friends sitting in the dining room. They must have buried me already, you bastards. And traitors. Yes.
«What, you bastards weren't expecting me? - I snicker.
«No, they were waiting," Zeng smiled.
«But in parts," Feng added.
«Ar-rg ear-r rirru," Gris nodded in agreement.
«You bastards," I sat down at the table, dropping my bag beside me. The others had already managed, apparently, to spread the stuff around the rooms.
«And me?
«No, dandelion, you're weak and fragile, and generally a well-mannered lady, you can't listen to such things, let alone take an example.
«Hee.
«Hadiya, these are my friends. Gris," I nod at the Wookiee. - Zeng and Feng, - the twins synchronously raised their hands to greet the new acquaintance. - Ramira," the girl smiled shyly and nodded. - And Wes.
«Hadiya.
Well, she's still a work in progress. A cold mistress among the high servants.
«Arru ru-ae erg?" asked Gris, wondering how we knew each other. I looked at Hadiya and got a nod and started the story:
«Well... Anyway, I met Hadiya on Chikagu. It was our first mission together with Irbis. The now defunct Shea Clan... I think that's what they called it, but whatever. They decided to get strong at other people's expense. Hadiya got married, her father got burned, the girl got drugged because of a tragedy. It's a common theme in Chicago," I explain to the surprised eyes of my comrades. - And then get rid of her too. So, they would get the whole clan for use, and there is nowhere to go. And for everything to be quiet and calm - they invited Irbis and me... Or rather, him, and I was just on the side of the heat, in case of an aggravation and covered the teacher. He's not a fighter himself," I shake my head. - But that's not the point. In general, all is well, but the girl ran away, and there I am so handsome in the city walking, as Irbis and I could not see each other at that time. I found her, so I decided to help her, just for fun. And she followed me. Then I found out the backstory, made a plan, Hadiya worked it out and got it going. That's how I met her.
«Wow.
«That's a lot of passion there," Zeng chuckled.
«Rar er-r-r-r-r iarg," Gris nodded in agreement.
«This is Chikagu," Hadiya snorted, as if that said it all.
«You quickly get the habit of poking the other person with a knife," I sighed, and added at Ves's glance. - Well, my mum's from there, and you know as well as I do how she likes to negotiate," Vessira nodded in agreement. - Wo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o.
«No, well, of course, I knew that Chikaga has a special... atmosphere, - Ramira chose the word. - But that much?
«That's bullshit. I saw a lot of that when I was under Hadiya," I snorted, pushing at Hadiya's smirk. - It's like Tython, you can't relax.
«I see.
«Listen, Hadiya, what's the situation... with marriage? - Rami was curious, and Wes had her ears perked up and her tail twitching back and forth. - Shade didn't tell us any of that.
«Pfft," she glanced at Ramira, then glanced at me, but when she saw the judgement, she sighed and decided to answer: "I've had a lot of people bothering me," the bitch said with a forceful tone. - Anyway, I asked Shade to play my husband to keep the others away. We started a rumour. It worked.
«You just got me in a lot of trouble," I rolled my eyes. - Almost immediately, they tried to eliminate me five times, and only on the sixth they calmed down. No imagination at killers, then poison, then shot, then bomb. They're suckers. I'm not even talking about how nervous Ves was during this farce," I squinted at the blushing katara.
«So, wait, - sharply shook Ves. - What do you mean, they tried to "eliminate" you?!
«That's right.
«You didn't say," Ves twitched her ears and tail indignantly, frowning menacingly.
«Why should I? It's a common thing. I used to wring somebody's neck when I was on Chickaga. That's where they taught me how to detect and disarm charges. I'm no good with poisons, but," I grinned, "the poisoners obviously didn't count on the fact that the food we eat is prepared by me, Hadiya, or the two cooks I've been keeping under wraps.
«Can you cook? - Wes looked at the twi'lek, surprised.
«Well... Cooking is a bit of a mouthful, but I can cook," the twee'lechka mumbled. - Why?
«No... It's just that, for your status, it's... Strange, to say the least.
«Only for Shade," Hadiya countered. - Otherwise, you're right.
«R-r-r-r-r.
«Ladies, calm down," I cut in. - Hadiya, you said you were up.
«Huh? Yeah, well, Dad put me in charge of weapons, fuel, and a few related profiles involving the first two aspects. With fuel and some... losses, I've squeezed a number of competitors, bought out businesses, increased revenue and bought up Vortics stock, so I own part of the market for the trading and transport company.
«Wait a minute... Chicago has its own company. "Hagarad, right?
«It's already mine. All mine.
«I don't even want to know how you did it. I'm squinting at that lekki monster.
«No, no, no, no! What are you insinuating? All I did was put a knife to his throat, a sickle to his balls, and handed him a pie. A very, very big pie. And a hearty one. Which was impossible to refuse. I told you I took over a couple of companies with some losses... or rather, costs," I glanced away. - All right, a couple of dozen companies.
«And you're not at all embarrassed to talk about such things in the open... in front of witnesses... - Wes waved her pen in the air.
«What's wrong with that?
«What's wrong with it? It's illegal, the trial, all that?
«Oh, don't be ridiculous," Hadiya said.
«Weight, you can't judge them. With such only to negotiate, - I explain. - Or take off their heads. Along with the entire ruling class.
«Yeah, yeah, Shade's figured out how we do things," Hadiya nodded, moving her ass closer to me. - Well, that's only half of it.
«Half of what?
«What do you mean, half of what? Achievements, of course!
«...
«The other half is the gun. I was already messing around with them, and when my dad turned over all operations and control to me, I turned around. I interrupted a couple of companies from Knox... figuratively interrupted! - she explained to Wes, who opened her mouth, and I freaked out. - So she took the contracts and then bought up the stock for cheap. There were two tense moments," she tapped her lips with the tip of her knife, "that, shall we say, made me very tense.
«Hadiya, if something made you very tense, it's not a 'tense' moment, it's fucked up!
«If you say so," she shrugged and moved her heel a little closer, sitting down close to me. - Anyway, they tried to take me down. I bit back. That's where the J'Daii flew in. I was hoping it would be you and Irbis, but no," they shot me a glare. - I explained the situation, said I'd take care of it. They nodded, but waited until things settled down. So I eliminated the competition. I mean, completely. Because I didn't have to. Can you believe they threatened to find my Shade? - Hadiya was righteously indignant, and she banged her knife on the table.
«Khe-khrm! - Weight.
«Well, he's my husband," Hadiya sang out and hugged my arm. - And they could. They had their own J'Daii, albeit former ones. I landed these ones from orbit to be safe, and I found the owners too. So now I have the main flow of weapons in the Tython system. There are other major players, but I've made it to the top, even the Ryo clan doesn't dare to cross me," and after a little thought, he adds: - "albeit not right away. But it's only a weapon. And since it affects all spheres of influence, I was able to get to the drug dealers, and nail them. I simply asked my colleagues in the trade to hold on to their goods, and I raised the prices myself. Eventually, they came to me to make peace and take my patronage. I don't mind, why would you give up an extra source of income when it comes to you, you just need to keep it safe? - Hadiya finished as if she were talking about the weather.
«Shade..." Feng called out to me.
«М?
«What abyss did you pull that monster out of? - Zeng asked in a hoarse voice.
«Rugr aruee-er urur-ae.
«No guys, you're wrong. Hadiya, it's just a little miracle," the twi'lek bloomed. - ...vicher. And if she's a monster, it's political. She's a monster in that respect.
«That's so sweet," Hadiya sang.
«Shh, shh, shh," came from the other side of me.
«Hadiya, pull yourself together. Wes, don't fall for it, she's provoking you.
«Ф!
«How the hell did you get in here anyway?! - I'm righteously indignant, turning fully round to the twi'lek.
«I contacted Irbis, and he told me that you were no longer his apprentice and that you were wandering around Tython. I contacted the Jedi. They asked me to find out where you were last seen. So they gave me a likely place to look for you. Unfortunately, I didn't see you in Bodhi. I didn't make it, so I flew here. And since I have contracts, including contracts for arms and spare parts for weapons, I flew here on a cargo ship. Or rather, there were several ships, among them cargo ships. Some went straight here, others respectively to other temples. Anyway, that's how I decided to wait for you here.
«Yeah.
«Well, what else can I do when you don't call or write, and I have to find out where you've been from the third hand?! - I was stabbed reproachfully with a knife, flashed with sincere indignation and a touch of resentment.
«What can I do, I'm really caught up in the moment. I'm sorry.
«No, I'm not!
«Hadi.
«All right, I forgave you, - at that moment, I noticed by the edge of my vision that Ves's eyelid twitched. What's going on in her emotions, brrrrrr.
«Kha... Mistress Hadiya, isn't it... Doesn't it scare you that you're not on your own planet, there are so many strangers around... - Zeng started from afar.
«A chance to eliminate me? - the Twi'lek asked bluntly.
«Yes.
«No chance. As long as Shade's around, no one will lay a finger on me.
I got a kick out of that, because Hadiya said it as if it were a sure and certain fact.
«How are you doing here? - The twi'leka turned the tables.
«Well," I raised my eyes to the ceiling, "I'm stoically travelling the way of the wanderer, overcoming all the hardships of bearing the burden. It's like that. Walking around Tython, sunbathing, taking in the sights, visiting famous sites, meditating, communing with the wildlife.
«Huh? - she raised an eyebrow and took my left hand and raised it. - Where did you get this?
«Oh, we got caught in a storm and got struck by lightning.
Hadiya was already different from the others somewhat pale bluish skin colour, and here she turned white.
«It's all right! Alive, healthy, awake, don't worry.
«So... - she changed her face, glanced at me and my company. She thought for a while, but finally shook her head and exhaled sorrowfully, amused by the changing cocktail of feelings.
«Heh-heh, I can just see you getting up and telling me to come with you, instead of just messing around.
«Mm-hmm," she mumbled, resting her head on my shoulder. - What's the use of shouting at you, it's all the same.
«And don't tell me, I'm suffering myself," Ves muttered quietly, turning away and resting her cheek on the hand on the table. - Oh, I mean... - Vessira was confused. - Ouch, never mind. By the way. You said something about mutual co-operation. Shade, it turns out, rescued you, and what did you give him? - The katara perked up and squinted predatorily.
«He asked me to find...
Beng! - A gong sounded, interrupting Hadiya.
«What's that?
«A break. The whole academy's going to be here," I sigh. - Okay. Thank you for coming, I'm really glad to see you, and even more glad that you're okay," Hadiya didn't answer, just smiled. Like she did then, with that genuine and genuinely kind smile that she only showed me. - If you don't mind, we just got off the road, so I want to grab a bite to eat, spread out my stuff, and then we can talk about my request," Hadiya nodded. - Did anyone say anything to you guys about a master, a teacher, you know, who's going to be assigned to us?
«Nope.
«Not a word. They just asked me to wait here, said he'd be here.
«I see. Then we'll wait, find out the plans, and then unpack, - a look at Wes, to which she nods in agreement.
«Hadiya, how long are you staying with us? - Vessira inquired in between, looking at her claws.
«It depends. I brought the communication centre with me, so I can work right from the ship.
«Oh.
«You're not happy? - Hadiya was genuinely surprised.
«Well, how can I put it... I'm just surprised. Your visit itself... Unusual. I'm also worried about you. Tython is not a place where those who have not been gifted with the Force will feel good, much less safe.
«You're telling me that? - she raised an eyebrow.
«Yes, Hadiya. Because once you cross the threshold of the temple, you'll be slaughtered in the first hour outside its walls.
«Why go out?
«Because once we're done here, we're moving on.
«Um, why go? I can give you a lift," she said with a wave of her hand.
«The Temple of Healing, by the way, is in the middle of the ocean," Zeng added thoughtfully, which earned him a very 'kind' look from Ves. - No, I'm just saying. Sailing through the sea of takedu - I don't really want to, to be honest.
«Gra-r-re uri.
«They forgot to ask you," Vessira muttered.
«No, why? I understand you're on a pilgrimage of sorts? So let me give you a lift round the temples, why do you want to walk? The fact that they didn't give you a ship is the Je'Daiyans' problem, not mine. М? - At that, the first students and masters began to enter the dining hall.
«Shit..." Ramira exhaled, glancing longingly at Ves. She realised it herself, but she couldn't just give up. - Wes?
«R-R-Rladno. I'm in.
«There you go! - Hadiya was happy.
«Folks, remember. This particular girl," I nodded at Hadiya, "has basically taken Chicago's economy by one place with an iron grip. Not all of it, but I think that's it for now," Hadiya nodded in agreement, "so there. She's got enough cunning and cunning and scheming skills to take on all of us combined. So never, do you hear me? Never argue with her. She'll always find something to outbid you or outbuy you.- And you? - Feng smiled.
«He doesn't give a damn," replied Hadiya. - It's as useless to argue with him as throwing peas at a wall. And he's stubborn enough to go against his own interests, so I can't influence him.
«Still sulking? - I'm smirking.
«Yes! How could you refuse... from... from... - Hadiya puffed up with indignation, and in her eyes flashed all those golden mountains that I was promised.
«I don't care at all," I put my elbow on the table and looked at the boiling kettle with amusement.
«Here! There!!! That's what I'm talking about! See?! And that's how it always is.
The people laughed, and Wes was smiling, watching Hadiya complaining about my sins to the guys. And then our idyll was interrupted by Master Shaalin. The Sith to whom our group was temporarily assigned.
In the course of a short conversation we found out that his task was to find out our conventional indicators of strength, capabilities and skills, and in accordance with them to carry out redistribution, assigning each member of the group to plus or minus the same talents.
We agreed to meet in the evening, and in the meantime, as agreed, we went to our rooms to sort out our things and rest. Hadiya also went to her room, to give her orders and to check on her idiots. Well, who would have thought it?
And in the evening, each member of our gang had a showdown with the master. Our goal is to at least take him down, and then we'll take it from there. Zeng and Feng, probably the first time they fought alone without their brother, did not perform well. As a pair, yes, they were able to put down the master, but as a pair, what would you do if you were alone? So the twins were split up and sent to different teams to improve their skills. Ramira... Well, Ramira is Ramira, she's not a fighter, as they told her. She was assigned to the same guys, who were not going to connect their lives with fighting, but at least they could stand up for themselves and represent something of themselves.
Gris was already a little better than the twins. Yes, he couldn't put the master down, but the tactic of "I'm a tank and I don't give a fuck" also has its advantages, you just need to bring it to the point. Although, what a tank... More like a BMP, because for a tank he was too fast and dodgy.
The one who did well was Ves. She was able to surprise Shaalin. As the Master relaxed on the others, Vessira took advantage of that and put him on the ground in the first minute. Mmmm... And her mum had trained her well. In the second round, Master Shaalin was more serious than usual. And when he recognised Wes's abilities, he left her in the private group.
There was a problem with me. Shaalin knew who I was, and he knew my mother. And when it was my turn, he just came up to me and asked me straight out:
«What are you not good at?
«Shooting.
«More?
«Why don't you judge for yourself? I'm kind of confused...
«Shade, Aala warned me that she taught you not to fight, but to kill. So the real sparring is with you," he shook his head. - You've had a sword in your hand since you were a baby, and you've never let go of it. The only thing I can offer is close hand-to-hand combat and advanced training, but this course is taken when you get the status of Master of Martial Arts. You're only on a pilgrimage, so it's too early to profile you, and I can't offer you anything on the level.
«I'll just be honing what I have," I shrug. - And unarmed combat, of course. If it's possible, I'd still like to look into the Master of Martial Arts programme.
«All right. You're also staying in my group.
I nodded. That was the end of the training, and Hadiya, who was watching us, congratulated us on our success. She was especially happy for me, saying that even the other Je'Daiyas recognise me as a great guy. I'm the coolest guy here, and nobody's my equal. Yeah.
Ves was burning like a torch at that moment, but only in her emotions, and because of our connection, even the block she had put in place didn't allow her to hide them from me. Eh, I'll have to talk to her before I go to bed....
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