Ancestor or Predecessor [Part 2]

“Alright. Ready? GO!” Elros shouted in excitement!

With zero hesitation Aeryvon started to swing hit after hit at Írui with great speed. But amazingly Írui was easily dodging his swift attack or making quick counter strikes. It was honestly hard to closely examine the fight! The only aspect I could even concentrate on were the dense sound of their attacks.

In one swift and precise twist of her body. She kicked Aeryvon which sent him backwards a few meters. Aeryvon was still able to block the brunt of Írui’s kick so he was still standing tall. His nostrils flared, probably because he's a little mad too.

The two continued to trade blow after blow for a few minutes. I was still amazed at how equal they were in skill. But then suddenly Írui got backed against the wall and hunched over, hugging herself almost.

“Ow, ow, ow! You hit my boob! AH—!”

Aeryvon had little regard for Írui’s pleading statement, as he promptly hurled a single punch at Írui. Barely dodging Aeryvon’s punch, Írui was able to escape, which was a good move since he practically destroyed some of the wall that Írui backed into.

“I’m not falling for that again.” Aeryvon growled.

“Ok, ok. I think that was a good long match!” Írui backed off with a grin, breathing heavily.

“Tch, it would have been shorter if I wasn’t sparring with Elros earlier.” Aeryvon released a long snarl.

“Haha, sure Aeryvon… Well, that is some of the skills I got! What did ya think?” Írui remarked walking to Quen and I.

“Truly amazing, Írui!” I expressed with awe. Seeing Írui made me feel so proud to be a woman. I hope I get to her level of strength someday.

Being able to witness first hand everyone’s strength and skills, really eased some of the concerns I had. I had a feeling that they were strong, but they are borderline superhuman. They all seem pretty calm and confident about the whole situation, but they could just be creating a facade, kind of like what Quen is doing. There is no way to know unless I just ask. I suppose a question like that wouldn’t hurt. It has to be on everyone’s mind to some extent.

“Hey do you all mind if I ask a question?”

They all quickly shifted their focus on me. That kinda threw me off guard a little. This reaction alone answers my question. They must be on edge, if they are willing to answer random questions from the newbie.

“I know I’m still pretty new here, so I don't know a lot of details about how your Guild works. But, do you have a plan for situations like this?”

They all looked at each other for a moment.

“Imma slice them with the swiftness!” Elros shouted.

“Beat them into submission!” Írui announced.

“They won’t even get close to me!” Quen remarked.

"They’d run away at the sight of my blade!” Aeryvon asserted.

They all answered at once, making it difficult to tell who said what. They made numerous gestures resembling punching the air to sword swinging. This isn’t much of a good sign. They were just going to wait for the attack and simply fight whoever came to the mansion. I feel kind of bad. They joined this Guild with some type of expectations and they most certainly didn’t get that. They barely even have a leader.

“Um… So that’s not really a plan. That’s more like what you are going to do to the enemy.” I mentioned as they stared at me with silence.

“Well, I'll be the first to admit. But I’ve never been in a situation like this before.” Írui spoke up. She must actually be concerned. The others nodded in agreement, but they were still hesitant to do so.

“Okay, well if you don’t mind me sharing, I have a plan.”

They came a little closer to me. They have to be nervous. I’m pretty surprised with some of them: with the amazing skill they have, one would think they’d have some type of strategy ready. Even pretty boy Elros. He’s a royal knight or whatever.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t mind hearing about your plan.” Aeryvon was the first to respond, the others seem to agree.

My mind fogged up for a moment as their eyes were tightly focused on me. The same uncomfortable rush popped in my head from when I had to do my first presentation at Uni. Why does it feel like they are putting so much faith in me? I’m the newest member: Why would they want to hear my plan? Are they just that desperate for leadership? No matter…

Hu? Is that Nel?! Why is she hiding in the bushes like that? Ha… She’s even interested in what I have to say… This is starting to raise my anxiety.

“Alright here it is but keep in mind I just remember that I forgot to include Nel in the plan.”

“WHAT!!” Nel shouts from the other side of the courtyard.

Haha. I had a good feeling she’d react like that.

“Oh, Nel come over! I want you to listen to Ryosuke too.” Írui waved for Nel to come by us.

“What good will that do?! The idiot didn’t even put me in the dumb plan!” Nel shouted in frustration.

“Hey, Nel, I was just messing around! You play a very important role.” I remark. What I said was true, she is in my plan. I just wanted to get her mad, because I think it’s funny.

Nel had a scowl on her face the whole way to the group. Even though she’s upset, she still looks like a little kid. So cute. I think the others thought so too; they also had a smile on them.

“Thanks, Nel.” I smiled as she puffed in annoyance.

“Okay, well. Here’s my plan.”

I illustrated the plan to them. They even gave me their opinions and feedback. Which I greatly appreciated. I would even say that my plan is no longer mine. As a group we communicated properly with respect to each other's thoughts and ideas. We were able to form a well constructed plan that includes everyone. A plan that would highlight everyone’s skills as well. At the end of our discussion. I had a great deal more confidence about the future. I would even say, happy about it too. I felt like I was back home. At Stanford, studying with my friends. Helping one another; expecting nothing in return. Only with the gratification of knowing that our future as a group will be bright.

A future worth fighting for.

⧫⧫⧫

A confused rush came upon me in the middle of the night. Eyes widened as the confusion was coming from the repeated knocks at my door.

“Hu? Who could that be?” I sprang out of bed the moment my mind had a worrying idea.

“Oh no! Could it be?!” I rushed to the door.

“Ryosuke! One of the traps went off!” It was Quen reporting that tonight may be the night the attack will happen.

“Okay, is Vahaemarr in position?” I asked.

“Yes, it looks like he’s made contact with the enemy as well.” Quen responded.

“Understood, now get in your position and stay alert!” I instructed.

Quen went off to get the others into their positions. So, tonight’s the night. After several days of waiting and training. My Guild has faith in me and I have faith in my Guild. Regardless of our backgrounds. Tonight, we are going to accomplish the first challenge as a team!