6 Scars

'It's been a year since I've started calling Lucy Mom and I've grown a lot. I'm still young enough to be considered a calf or a baby, but I've grown big enough to easily pin a mosswine with one paw. Mom said I was old enough to start tempering my body so my training hell started. Actually it's the reason why I'm collapsed on the floor right now. I have been firmly reassured that my Mom is STRONG. She makes me spar with her every day and boy do I get my but whooped.'

Lucy "I'm back Lucius. Here's an Aptanoth eat up and rest for a few minutes, than get ready to listen to today's lesson."

"Ok Mom I'll call you when I finish."

With that I chow down and finish an Aptanoth leg which was almost as big as me.

'Mom really takes training seriously even though she's holding back I still cant hold a candle to her.'

Lucy's training was brutal. Lucius was forced to outrun his Mom for half an hour and if he got caught she would beat him with her tail. Half an hour may not sound very long but when you weigh as much as a two or three full grown men and have to outrun a Nargacuga the size of a few horse drawn carriages it's an intensive workout.

But Lucius reaped huge benefits. His stamina and agility were improving immensely while his bones were getting sturdier with every beating. Of course he was also learning all the ins and outs of how to move his body to get through the dense over and undergrowth of the forest.

"Okay Mom I'm ready."

Lucy "Ok Lucius now tell me what did we cover yesterday?"

"You told me how to best use my body in combat and how to train correctly. You covered how to use my tail as a weapon or a means to further enhance my movement. How to use the bladed wings on my forelimbs efficiently and how to avoid injury when training."

Lucy "Correct. Now tell me how can we use our tails specifically?"

"Our tails are extremely strong and can be used as whips to crush opponents and when I grow up it will grow scales that can be used as blades to cut opponents or to be used as throwing projectiles.

Our tails can also be used to help balance ourselves when we run through the forest or when were jumping around in a fight."

Lucy "Good you're absolutely correct. Now today's lesson is where to attack. Now Lucius would you tell me where the most vulnerable place is on almost any monster?"

"The head."

Lucy "Close but not quite. I've told you this on your hunts before."

"Oh, the throat."

Lucy "Yes the throat because it is often the least armored spot on a monster. It is also where the elemental organs of some monster are. An elemental organ is a body part that allows a monster to spit fire or shoot lightning."

'Wow where did Mom learn all of this? I had access to the Hunters Guild's notes and guides but Mom was out here in the wilds. How old is she? Actually that's a bad idea. I better make sure I never ask that accidentally.'

Narrowly avoiding a landmine Lucius asks a different and less offensive question.

"Mom where did you learn all this?"

Lucy "I once traveled the land and I've seen many things from the vast expanses of marshlands to the volcanos that rage and spit fire. With age and experience comes knowledge. I have also been taught by a good friend. I'll tell you more as you grow up Lucius.

Where was I? Oh yes elements. Elements are very dangerous Lucius. Before you ever engage in a battle closely observe every detail about an opponent as it might give away details about their prowess and skills. A basic rule you should always follow is never engage in a scarred opponent recklessly. They either gained their scars in battles from experience or a more dangerous monster in the area wounded them.

One day Lucius when you grow to be as as old as me you'll gain the scars to represent the battles and adversities you've conquered."

Lucy kneeled down and pushed aside the fur along her shoulder, chest, and back revealing scars from the battles of her past.

"So cool! Mom how did you get all these!"

Lucius thought the scars were the coolest thing in the world. To him they looked intimidating and practically screamed 'Dont mess with me!'"

Lucy "Hahahaha Lucius those are stories for another day. But for now this here what I'm most proud of."

Lucy pointed to the largest scar that ran from her left shoulder down to the right of her hip.

Lucy "In my battle against the wind dragon Kushala Daora, it gave me this scar but with the help of my friend we slayed it. This is my greatest achievement, defeating one who stands above the rest. An elder dragon."

Lucy's eyes glimmered with pride for the achievement she had gained and Lucius' jaw was on the floor over the fact his Mom beat an Elder Dragon.

'Wait a Kushala Daora?! An elder dragon class wyvern! Holy crap Mom is insanely strong!'

Lucy "Those were the good days. As I grow older I lose my touch little by little. But now that you've heard my stories I expect you to go beyond what I have done. One day when you grow older and achieve great things show me the scars you have gained over your adventures."

"Of course Mom! I'll become strong enough where even Elders will quiver in fear of my presence."

Lucy "Hahahah, Lucius I expect great things from you. But every journey needs a start and that for you is training. Now get to it."

With an even greater respect for his Mom than ever Lucius also gained a new goal. Become strong enough to make his Mom the proudest Mom a monster could ever be.