The Strongest 12 Year Old
"Diary entry: week 207
I have almost mastered basic control over my anima. It took me six weeks to do it, but I finally was able to slightly enhance my strength and speed without too much rebound. My big sis still thinks that I need to practice more, but I think she's just doesn't want to accept the fact that I have already surpassed her. After all, I'm special. At least according to tall man who visits every once in a while. He has never once said a word to me but Martha always says that he was interested in me because of something I was born with. I mean, I'd be interested in me with my level of talent. I'm probably the strongest twelve year old in the world right now. I can't wait to finally go out into the world and explore what's out there.
Asuka."
Having finished her weekly diary entry Asuka put on her white bastian shirt, brown pants and boots and left her desk and went downstairs for her training. Meeting her there was her mentor who had a less than impressed face.
"You were supposed to be up by four. Your tardiness is not appreciated Asuka. You need to be more serious about your training."
Asuka then rolled her eyes at Martha's comment.
"I'm being serious Asuka. Lately you've been slacking and taking it easy. I can't train you properly if your not giving it your all."
"Alright then, I'll take this seriously," Asuka said sarcastically.
All Martha could do was sigh and shake her head.
"Good. Now let's go to the training ground."
They then stepped outside the house. Asuka looked it up into the night sky. The two moons that glow a nightmarish yellow and angelic white could still be seen in the dark night sky and with the hundreds of billions of stars shining in the background, it was a sight that truly mesmerized the girl.
"How beautiful."
"Asuka."
The girl was brought back from her gaze in the stars.
"We just came from talking about being more serious."
"Sorry."
"Alright, now remember when jumping from branch to branch, be careful not to trip."
"Of course. I still have the scar from the first time."
Chills went down Asuka's spine as she recalled when she first started learning how to control her mana a couple weeks back.
"Now, let's not waste any more time."
Martha then dashed forward heading into the forest.
"Oh, your not getting away that fast."
Asuka then closed her eyes and slowly felt a something warm surround her legs.
"Alright Asuka, now just don't lose focus."
In that second she leapt onto the branch and jumped to the next in pursuit of her mentor.
Asuka and Martha arrived at the training ground ready to begin. It was an circle shaped area in the forest covered in grass.
"Alright Asuka, you know what to do."
Asuka then walked to the center of the circle and sat in the lotus position. She then formed a 6 with her hands and positioned them horizontally with her right hand above her left. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Alright, time to prove my worth."
Asuka then tried to sense the living beings were enveloped in her. The hissing of a snake, chirping of birds and ants, the breaths from her teacher, she could feel them all.
"She has increased the range again. As to be expected. Guess I've got to increase the radius of the field again later today."
Martha then peered to her left.
"I guess she is here to test Asuka's sensory skills. I wonder if she will sense her."
Martha then chuckled a little.
"4 birds, 2 snakes, 278,561 ants and 1 human."
Asuka then looked up at her teacher and gave a cocky smile.
"Too easy sis. Now let's get on to something more exciting."
Asuka got up and started to walk away but Martha called out to her.
"Not so fast young lady. Are you sure about your answers. Because they're all wrong."
Asuka turned and looked at her mentor with a look of shock.
"WHAT! How can that be? I'm sure I got it right that time. Are you sure that you aren't the one wrong sis."
"Yes. There are 6 birds, 4 snakes, 311,986 ants and two humans."
Asuka's face expressed a look of confusion.
"Two people. But excluding me, there was only you. And how are we able to confirm whether you were correct, huh?"
"Yes Asuka. Martha was correct."
Then, a woman wearing dark purple pants and shirt with aging hair walked out revealing herself.
"And there were 311,989 ants Martha."
"Damn. I must be getting rusty," said Martha with a smile and scratching the back of her head.
"In any case, you really have gotten better Asuka. Though you still need to work on your sensing accuracy and range."
Asuka just sighed.
"Whatever."
"Now, what's that attitude for? I thought you wanted to get stronger. Don't you enjoy training with Martha."
"I mean, yeah. But I can't help but think that big sis is being overprotective. I know I'm strong enough to handle myself. All I need is a chance to prove it and I swear I'll deliver."
"Those are bold words coming from someone who can barely sense insects who can't even hide their anima."
"And so? Putting my anima into my arms and legs to hit harder and move faster is useful. But why will I ever need to sense my enemy. Like I get it for when I'm looking for an enemy, but there is a huge disadvantage of them being able to sense me as well."
Suddenly an arm wrapped itself tightly around her neck.
"Now if you were able to sense me, you wouldn't have found yourself in this predicament," said Martha.
She then contracted her arms a little more her Asuka's neck.
"Alright, alright I get it. Now can you please let go. Its getting hard to breathe," Asuka said in a strained voice.
"Hmph. I guess it wouldn't play to our advantage if you died now."
Martha then released her grip and Asuka gasped for air.
"Go get our practice swords Asuka so we can practice your sword skills."
"Fine. But just so you know, when I get stronger I'll never have to sense any sneak attack."
All Martha could do was chuckle at Asuka's proclamation.
"We'll see about that."
Asuka then went to retrieve her practice sword when Martha and Thalia started to talk about her.
"So, how long before she is ready?"
"She is growing at an incomprehensible rate. I had expected it to at least take six months like it took me. But it seems she'll be ready with only six weeks done."
"That's quite the feat, seeing as you yourself are a prodigy Martha."
Martha then looked down with a somber expression.
"Yeah. I guess you could say I was."
Thalia then looked at Martha with a concerned look. She cupped her hands around Martha's face.
"Hey now. I understand how you must be feeling. But you know it's for the best."
"Yes. I know this is the only way for peace. But…"
Martha then clenched her fist.
"Why does my little sister have to go fight and risk her life while I get to live here with family. I should be the one protecting her, not the other way round. Otherwise, it'll just be like…."
Martha then grabbed her elbows while shaking as she recalled the events that took place twelve years prior.
"Martha you shouldn't blame yourself. You were only a child then. There was nothing you could have done then."
"I know that. But….still."
Tears started to form in her eyes.
"There is no 'but still'. You did all that you could."
"...yeah….."
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?"
The two women turned to see Asuka standing there with her practice swords.
"Oh Asuka, its nothing. You don't have to worry," Martha said as she turned around to wipe away her tears.
"No."
"W..what?"
"You were crying just now weren't you big sis. I'm not stupid. Tell me what's going on."
"It's nothing that you need to concern yourself with right now Asuka. Martha will tell when she is ready. For now, just focus on your training."
"Well in any case, there is no need to cry anymore."
"Huh…"
"After all, your student and little sister is going to be the strongest in the entire world. So there's no need to worry," Asuka exclaimed with a bright smile on her face.
'How nice 😊.'
A look of shock then relief crossed Martha's face.
"Alright then."
Asuka then through her the practice sword got in a fighting stance.
"Let's get started."
They coated there arms and leg with mana and clashed there wooden swords, kicking up some dust in the process.