12 Old friends and new fate

Red scorching flashes cut through the penumbra of my inner space, forcing Darkness to dance in air and ground to avoid them, always by a hairsbreadth.

Cold sweat dripped from my forehead, as my mental energy was drained, each time more. Noticing the situation, Darkness couldn't help but laugh

"Tired already? Weren't you going to make me submit?"

Then, I made the move to summon and throw the talisman instinctively, yet nothing happened this time, surpringing both me and Darkness. He saw the surprise in my face and reacted a millisecond faster, landing a blow straight into my abdomen, forcing my air out of my lungs and saliva out of my mouth.

Anger clouded my mind and fueled my fists, that flew into his direction, only to be parried and driven away.

"Oh ho ho, now that's a scary face" Darkness mocked me, before turning serious back again "I liked that"

We were locked I a flurry of fists and feet, the metallic sound of the gauntlets hitting each other, the leathery sound of the legs parying each other, the cracking sound of flesh and bone formed a violent symphony, solely dedicated to hatred.

But it was useless. I was dancing right into his tune, falling over his hand. His fist penetrated my defenses, while mine only met with the wind.

I felt my body growing heavier, hotter, my vision got blurred. Some parts were already swollen with the hits I had taken, meanwhile Darkness was clean. I could sense that each hit of his made the world darker around me. I was losing the battle to him.

I managed to push him away a few steps, yet enough for me to catch my breath. I can't let my hot head be my downfall.

"Why did you stop? I was having SO MUCH FUN" Darkness yelled, taunting me to dive back in

We were circling each other, analyzing, waiting for a chance to engage.

"Because I know I can't defeat you if I get too emotional. That is what feeds you"

Bullseye.

A small flick on his lip, but it definitely happened.

"What happened? Did the cat bit your thonge?" I couldn't help but tease him back.

That agonizing face, a mix of anger, fear and hatred, my own face, reflected on him. The tables have turned.

Darkness jumped back and raised his hand, before a dark flash came traveling in my direction.I rolled on the ground, only to notice dark flames burning where I stood.

"Can you do that!?"

Darkness gave me a half-smile and spoke with the same mocking voice

"Boy oh boy, I can do much, much more"

Black fire rained down on me, the tables indeed have turned. This time I was the target to many unforgiving dark fire talismans, some did indeed hit me, scorching my skin or heating my gauntlets, making the smell of cinders and coal rise in the air.

I can't keep like this. I decided to advance. Abandon all defense!

Running amidst the rain of fire, dodging the hot flashes

"Ho ho... You are approaching me? Instead of turning back, you have decided to approach me?" Asked Darkness as he intensified the attacks, sweat dripping from his face, his eyelids slowly falling

"I need to be near you to beat you down"

"Then come!"

We have gone back to the flurry of hits, dancing into a storm, this time, my mind was clear. I didn't let my emotions guide me, my mind guided my hits into his flesh and my body out of his attacks.

A clean kick on his thorax. A square hit on his chin. Hooks and jabs mixed with kicks and throws. The experience to fight oneself forces you to recognize the flails of your techniques. None of the openings I exploited showed twice, he was learning about himself, and so was I.

None of us had the mental strength to conjure the talismans, nor the physical strength to throw another punch or kick, but our bodies remained, kept standing only due to pride.

"What happened Darkness? Is that all you.... all you got?" I panted my way through this phrase

"You talk big for someone who's about to lose"

He was right. I couldn't subjugate him, not yet. But how do I get out, now?

As if listening to my pleas, I felt a hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of that space, I could only see Darkness falling on the ground and saying "See you soon, boy"

I woke up to see my parents looking at me with a worrisome stare.

"My son... what happened to you? What is all of this?" Mother asked me anxiously.

I looked around, my body was covered in bruises, my nose and mouth had fresh blood running, traces of fire surrounded the place I was sitting on, I felt drained and aching at each moment.

"I.... I just.... I...." I didn't even know where to begin, I kept looking around, as if searching for answers as much as them.

Father hugged me "It's alright son, whatever it was, it is already over. You should go wash yourself and get some rest"

I noticed he looked at Mother while he said that, meaning that they wouldn't pry any further, at least for now.

"I..... Alright. Thanks, both of you.'

I got up and forced myself to the bathroom, I can't keep being a burden to them. I was afraid of the shadows I projected on the ground, afraid Darkness would merely show up and somehow harm them. I would never forgive myself if something hurt them because of me.

After cleaning my self, bearing the pain of the bruises I went back to my room. The floor was scorched in a perfectly drawn circle

"Well, I actually needed to redecorate. Talking about needs, I also need to grow stronger... but how?"

You know, people say that luck is something that strikes when we least expect. Well, I definitely wasn't.

I fell asleep without noticing. A tumultuous night passed without dreams.

And the first rays of the morning brought a new opportunity with them, as we were eating breakfast, I could tell that my parents were avoiding the topic of what happened during the night, at least I wouldn't have to explain something I don't understand myself.

But our peaceful little moment was soon broken by the sound of horses galloping and armor shaking, soon, a loud knocking could be heard at our door. I turned to my parents and said "Don't worry, I will go".

When I opened the door, I met a guard donning a complete silver armor set, although simple in design, it was efficient and sturdy. The serious look in his face was proof that the man was a seasoned warrior.

"Yes sir, how can I help you?"

The man looked at me and said "Actually, you are exactly one of the people I am looking for. The army is going to promote a training through the Adventurers Guild starting today, and by imperial decree, the scouts of the army are to personally invite all of the younglings.

The man passed me a round badge, nearly of the size of half a palm, with the symbol of a dragon rising to the clouds.

"Uh.... what is this?"

"This is you certification, present it at the gates of the Adventurers Guild to join the training, and don't you dare to lose it"

"Wait, you are going to simply tell me to go there and train? Without further explanation, nor precise instructions?"

The soldier was already turning his back to my house in order to go to the next when he said "Life is hard, kiddo." His joking tone showed his nice sense of humor.

I was left flabbergasted, staring at the wooden badge in my hand. The soldier was right, I can't keep whimpering forever.

I went back

"Who was on the door?" Mother asked

"A imperial guard. There is a decree for those of younger age to go present themselves at the guild, to receive training"

A concerned look grew upon my parents, as they looked at each other and back to me

"What...? Is it bad?"

"Son, this kind of thing usually only happens in war times, when the army is busy patrolling and defending the borders..."

Those words hit me like lead

"So, am I being conscripted?"

"We don't know, we can only hope this is a preemptive measure" Father sounded as if he was trying to convince himself more than anyone.

"Well, there is only one way to discover" Anticipation and fear disputed space inside my heart, formal training was, after all, a hard thing to receive, and to get it for free could change my whole future as a cultivator, I might even be able to subjugate Darkness.

"I will pack my things and prepare the foldable cart to take today's shipment to the city, since I will be going anyway" I hugged them and helped with the dishes before going to my room.

I packed the essencials on a leather sack, along with the wooden foldable cart, a invention Father made to help with the logistics of his plantation, that usually came in handy on other chores.

Now ready to leave, I hugged my parents once more, I can only be grateful for everything they always do to me.

"Take care, my boy" Said Father, with a proud smile

"Don't let them break your spirit, son" Mumbled Mother, she was trying to hide that she was already missing me before I even had departed, but that is just her way of showing love.

"I will come back soon, please take care!"

After loading the cart, I departed to Thousands Sword City once more.

The orange was now getting stronger over the green hues of the leaves, and a chilling wind began to blow over. Soon, the leaves would abandon their trees and embrace the ground.

The Autumn would soon take over, to paint the world with an exquisite warm colour before the winter could spread itself.

Maybe Father will start producing heavier clothes for the cold...

Right in the outskirts of the settlement, I met a couple quarreling, they were Lucas and Jasmine. Although they were clearly councious of the place, the wind carried some of their whispers afar. But they were always like this, discussing over the smaller details but never leaving each other's back.

Time for me to do my trick. I filled my lungs with air before shouting to them

"Alright guys, you better help me pull this cart or start kissing already!"

Both of them looked at me confused. Although it was hard to say due to her color, I am sure Jasmine was blushing as hard as Lucas was, who, due to his fairer skin, looked like a ripe peach under the sun.

"We weren't quarreling, it was just a heated debate!" Exclaimed Lucas

"Yes! And how could we do something so indecent in plain sight? Hump!" Added Jasmine, turning her face, making her golden wavy hair fly

"If you say so.... Anyway, what are you guys doing out here?"

Lucas regained his posture "We are going to the Thousand Swords City. What about you?"

"Now that's some coincidence..... or not, considering our situation. Are you guys attending to the imperial decree?"

"That's right" nodded Jasmine.

"How about we go as a group? Somebody has to stop one from killing the other, when you two are together"

"We wouldn't KILL one another" Said Jasmine in indignation

We stared blankly before breaking in laugh.

It is always good to see old friends.

"It's decided then. Let's go! Adventure awaits!"