Chapter 42: Training and Preparation

Chapter 42: Training and Preparation

Later, back at the Eagle Clan Magic Guard offices.

Zeth, Sasha, Kurt, Emily, Joe, and Yurk gather at the secretary desk.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to rush there,” Emily states.

“We have one week!” Zeth yells. “Every moment we wait is a moment closer to them being shipped away!”

“Zeth, I’m going to have to agree with Emily,” Kurt interjects. “You all got beaten by Gorge in one hit each. Maybe he won’t be at the poachers’ base… but what if he is there?”

Zeth grits his teeth, struggling to let out the words. “I… I… I know! But I hate just sitting here and waiting!”

Yurk leans forward and points his index finger directly at Zeth. “My boy, you won’t be just sitting here twiddling your thumbs. You will be training yourselves.”

“What could we possibly accomplish in under a week?” Zeth asks. “If we’re truly that much weaker than Gorge, we won’t make that all up in a handful of days.”

“You’re right,” Yurk replies. “But what you gain could be enough to make the difference in escaping with the captured civilians. There’s a gym in this city that I highly recommend. It’s called ‘Eagle Eye Fitness.’ Check it out.”

Zeth sighs. “Okay, okay. Fine. But after five days, we’re going!”

“Sounds like a plan to me!” Joe says enthusiastically.

***

Later, inside the Eagle Eye Fitness center.

The five heroes stand just inside the entrance, glancing around at all of the equipment, mainly the treadmills and bench presses.

“I guess we’d better get started,” Emily says.

The others nod before they walk over to the treadmills.

“I admit, I’ve never really worked out before,” Sasha says as she steps on a treadmill.

“Prior to being captured by the Hawk Clan, I didn’t either.” Zeth replies. “But this will be good for us. We can work on improving our stamina and then improve our physical strength.”

***

The next day. Only 6 days until the civilians are shipped to the Hawk Clan.

Emily walks back into the weapon shop, walking up to the front desk, which the owner sits behind.

“Ah, it’s you again,” the manager says in surprise. “I hope you were able to stay safe during yesterday’s… event.”

“Yes, I did,” Emily replies. “But I will be going on a mission to help rescue the captured civilians. There’s a gun I want hanging on the wall behind your desk.” She focuses her eyes on one specific gun. “A sniper rifle.”

The owner shakes his head. “Sorry, no can do.”

“Why not?”

“Sniper rifles are reserved for official soldiers of the Eagle Clan Magic Guard. If I sell it to regular people, it would be putting people in danger of assassinations.”

“People could assassinate someone with any weapon.”

“That’s true, but there is much less risk of a person being seen if they do it with a sniper rifle.”

Emily stands firm, raising her voice. “Please! We’re going out to rescue the civilians! We’re doing this with authority from Magic Guard Chief, Yurk Egli!”

The owner stares back, completely silent and his eyelids slightly lowered.

“If it’s that much of an issue, just consider me renting it!” Emily shouts. “I will return it after the mission!”

The owner sighs. “Okay, fine. I suppose I can allow that just for this occasion. Since you will be renting it, I will charge a lower price. Just 400 Doles for this.”

Emily smiles in relief. “Thank you very much.”

***

Later, that night.

Zeth stands with his magic energy charged in his parents’ backyard. He’s otherwise silent, the only other noises being the chirping of crickets and other insects. He stares at a large of stack of concrete blocks that are taller than him. The ground beneath the stack is the only part of the backyard missing grass. He doesn’t take his eyes off it for even a moment as his aura swirls all around him. He forms a Star Shine Blast in his hand, extends his arm forward, and releases it, blowing directly into the stack. It explodes upon impact. Once the smoke clears, there is nothing left of the concrete block stack other than tiny pieces of debris.

“A bit more efficient than last night but I need for it to leave nothing left.”

He places his left hand over his forehead, seemingly in thought.

“You’re doing a great job in my eyes,” Sasha says as she walks out the back door to stand next to him.

Zeth turns his head, lowering his hand. “Sasha?” he says in surprise. “What are you doing out here?”

Sasha smiles, keeping her gaze on him rather than on the result of his attack. “I just wanted to see how you were doing.”

Zeth smiles back. “I appreciate that. It’s always nice to know there are people with you who have your back.”

“I truly admire the kind of person you are. You don’t step down when others are in danger. You put your best foot forward. And for me, you motivated me to be better, like I can make a difference.” She gazes up at the stars in the night’s sky, still smiling. “That makes me happy.”

Zeth gazes at her in awe. “Sasha…”

She continues speaking while still smiling up at the sky. “Truth be told, regardless of where this journey takes us, I have no home to return to… So, I hope… I hope that I can live close to you. It doesn’t matter whether that’s here, in the stars, or even beyond them.”

Zeth smiles warmly and nods. “Of course.”

Joe opens the back door and glances out, spotting them. “Woah. What are you two doing out here together?” They stare back at him as he continues. “Is this some kind of romantic get-together under the stars? You should have told us you were dating. Anyway, come on inside! Food’s ready!”

He closes the door, leaving Zeth and Sasha silent as they turn back to look each other in the eyes.

Both of them break out into a short nervous laughter as they close their eyes, smiling, and rubbing their backs of their heads.

“H-He was just joking. I’m sure,” Zeth says during his nervous laugh.

“Y-Yeah. I mean we just met recently,” Sasha says during her nervous laugh.

The heroes train and prepare, but is something blooming between Zeth and Sasha?

Chapter 42 END

To be Continued in Chapter 43: Frustration and Preparation on the Other End