Daniel AKA Dan - training grounds

Looking at the shadow in front of me, I didn't know what to say. I mean... I don't know anything about it, except that the one behind the shadow should be a man because of its voice. Should I accept or not?

"Oh, so you want to take a student, who would've guessed, it's so rare, wait...it the first time, right?" another shadow asked.

"Yes" "Totally" "Didn't see it coming" "You don't say?! It's been 3 years I've been betting that he wouldn't get a student!" " I was doing the same, it was supposed to be a sure win!" "it was until today" "You finally have to pay!!"

I didn't know who was talking...but it looked like they deviated pretty quickly.

"Well, we'll see that later, you know Rogue 'cause it's the first time you wish to take someone in I won't fight with you for him, I think the agree with me?guys?" ???

"Go on" "You can take him" "It's a pity, tough, he would've been an awesome archer, I'm sure" "Oh come on we all want to know what will become a guy taught all the way by Rogue" "Totally" "Right" "Agree"

"..."

It looked like the decision wasn't mine, to begin with.

Redirecting my attention my soon-to-be teacher, I still didn't know what to say.

Looking back at me (I guess) he said:

"So what?Are you finally gonna say something boy?"

"What can I say, you've already taken the decision in my stead!" I answered.

"He talked back!" "Oh man!" "Didn't see it coming" "Well, I mean, they don't know who we are." "Right" "Look like we forgot" "I because of Rogue! I'm putting all the blame on him" "We should present ourselves, no?" "Later, let's enjoy the show!" "Right" "Agree"

They're still talking, it looked like they were enjoying the show.

"What do you want?" Rogue

"Strength" I answered determined, I only need that to look for what I lost.

"What is 'strength' ?" He asked me in a serious tone.

"What is needed to win a fight, what is needed to protect" I answered directly, the world were as engraved inside of me, as if I heard them time and time again, even if I don't even remember when, where or even who said them.

Nodding he asked again: "Do you need the strength to win overweeningly? the strength to destroy armies and the likes?" Rogue

"I just need the strength to win any fight. " I said smiling weakly.

"I didn't choose wrongly, I will give you what you're asking for. Call me however you want, but now you're my 'disciple', 'student' or whatever, there is a single you have to do and that is to not shame me or my name, you have to live up to my expectations. I will pick you up when they've finished " Rogue

Saying that the shadow that represented him exposed in a puff of smoke.

"That it?" "Damn, this guy knows what he wants" "Rogue, you're lucky... If I knew he was like that..." "Don't whine, hey don't you think that Rogue was ...sterner?" "Yeah, but it the first time they see us, we must appear as authoritative as possible." "Right" "Totally" "Agree" "Guys I don't want to pop your bubble, but they can hear you, you know?"

After hearing the last shadow, there was suddenly a silence.

"Guys we'll start so-" Whip started, but only to be interrupted.

"I think the best way to train someone is to start from the basic." said one shadow.

"Right, only with firm foundation can one advance!" answered another one.

" I personally think that..." they started a discussion.

'Starting a serious discussion now won't help you to take back our first impression!' I though dumbfounded, looking around me, I saw that I was not the only one, it looked like nobody knew what to think. Looking at the beat-*cough* at Whip I could see an angry expression.

Her tattoo was...moving? The vine was leaving her body, leaving her beautiful face, her body, it was only visible at her feet

She was ever prettier without the vine, captivated by her beauty, time passed, the instructors were still engrossed in their 'serious' conversation when...

"Hey what's that!" "It looks like the vine..." "Wait you have it near you too?" "It's Whip's right" "When have we angered her?" "I think I heard her starting talking but we interrupted her." "Oh God what have we done" "Pity, please it was the last time! I swear"

But it looked like whatever what attacking them paid no heed to their cry, as the shadows exploded, and sounds of trashing (1) and cries could be heard. The cries continued for 5 min straight, everybody around me was focused on the smoke that used to be the instructors.

When the cries stopped, I saw Whip tattoo climbing back on her body.

Clapping hands to catch our attention, Whip talked with a beautiful smile, not letting any hint that she was at the origin of the attack on the instructors:

"Well we will soon start, I will present them"

As if they were waiting for Whip's call, the shadows reformed themselves, even if they were uniform, I could swear that I could see injuries on some of them.

Looking back at Whip, her eyes meet mine, I think she saw my scared gaze 'cause she winked at me, I didn't know what to do and could only blush.

They human-shaped shadows had a military-like formation, not moving, not laughing, I couldn't even see if they were respiring!

Well, I understand, Whip may beautiful, but she is scary.

Note to self to survive: Never anger Whip