The next morning I begrudgingly got up for Breakfast and too tired to care I threw on clothes and wandered down to the dining room area. Noxos waved me over to sit with him after I got my food. I was actually really hungry, but also still sore from my training session.

"Well it's true, you didn't die in training yesterday," he said as soon as I dropped down in the seat beside him.

"I feel like I got kicked by a horse though. If I die in training make my grave sound kick ass okay?" I said. I can just see it now, 'here lies Tyrian, never made it through basic training'. Yeah that'll look totally awesome, not. He laughed at me.

"Neh, if you die in training I'll give you an unmarked grave stone. That way at least no one in the future will know it was you," he said. I rolled my eyes at his teasing tone. "Then again, the story would be hilarious and people might pass it on as a what not to do story," he added totally not helping, as usual.

"Stop while you're ahead, Naxos," Diana said and sat across from me. "You'll do fine, Tyrian, if you need extra training to build up your strength let me know," she said to me. I nodded, though I'm not sure what she can do exactly.

Once Breakfast was pretty much over I swore and grabbing my bag I headed to the training grounds. Naxos called after me asking where I was going. I replied that I didn't want to be late for training. Which if I don't hightale it right now I most definitely will be late and as scary as The Master is when he's not mad I don't want to see his angry side.

I made it on time, but just barely and I got that look from him that said "you're lucky, Boy" and I sighed. Thank the stars I wasn't a minute later than I was.

"The rest of you pair off you know your routines. As for you, Tyrian, we're going to kick up your training a notch. I won't go easy on you today, like I had yesterday," he said and my breath caught.

'So he was going easy on me then? Shit.'

I grabbed a sword nervously and then I shook my head. No I got to focus, I know I can do this. I'm not who I was two years ago and I won't let him humiliate me again.

As he took his stance I took mine calmly and confidently across from him. I'll gladly meet this challenge if I have to, if not for me then for the Captain and my friends. It seemed like everything and everyone around us went still to watch. Why do I feel so confident despite my past endeavor? Don't get me wrong, I'm still terrified of him, but I now know that back then he was harsh on me because I wasn't quite ready.

He made his move and told me not to get distracted thinking too much. However, I dodged and turned to face him again. He did the same and came in for a second blow. My sword met his with a metalic clang.

You see The Master is a skilled fighter, but his magical abilities enhance his skills. Though I could tell he isn't using his magic right now. I've been around these guys for so long I've picked up the ability to sense when they gather their magic for spells or call their abilities. I thought he said he wasn't going to go easy on me though.

Going with yesterday's lesson I shot my foot out to knock him off balance, but he dodged by jumping back out of my reach. He studdied me for a moment and this time I attacked him. His sword easily met mine.

"You seem more determined and fired up today," he said then smirked, "Perhaps I underestimated you. You are definitely a different kid now, than you were -" I tried to kick him and he stopped my foot with his hand. He knocked me to the ground and tried to thrust his sword down at me while standing over me. I used my sword as a shield of sorts and heard the clang.

"You're right, and I know all of this already, so shut up," I muttered as he staggered back from surprise. I got back up and resumed my stance.

"So that's why you seem so confident today, you realized your potential, huh? I got news for you, you may have gotten stronger, but you have a long way to go," he said and I felt it then, his magical energy.

"Sir, don't. You'll kill him," Oliver said. I hadn't realized the others had stopped to watch us, so that's why it seemed so eerily quiet.

"He brought this on himself for being too cocky. I won't hurt him, much," he said and then came at me. His speed increased so dodging his blow was a close call.

"He - he dodged it?" Issabella said surprised as the dust from The Master's speed settled. We were already facing off again. This time though when he attacked I managed to dodge his sword, but not his fist. I hit the ground hard and was dazed for a moment. I still managed to roll out of the way of his sword as he attacked again. Shit, now he really isn't going easy on me. It's all I can do just to dodge him, let alone land a hit of my own.

Honestly, why is no one stopping him? I mean it isn't a fair fight with his magic against my novice fighting skills. Not to mention it's forbidden for Guild mates to severely harm one another even on the training grounds. All ill willed fights are to be witnessed and approved by the Captain and are not to result in any deaths. If the Master keeps this up, he really could kill me.

I got back up with my sword and we faced off again. A few of the guys told me to just give up and forfeit the match. Don't they know I can't and won't look like a loser or a coward again, not this time? How can I beat someone with powers without powers of my own? As he came at me again I saw it, his rage and anger are making him sloppy. He left an opening and I purposely took the direct hit and I shot my foot out as I fell. Kicking him in the stomach area.

He only staggered as I hit the ground with force. I spit out blood as I started to get back up. I barely did any damage with that kick. If I'm going to last a little longer I'll have to use the sword against him.

"Tyrian, stop. Just stay down already. You know you can't fight him!" Lilliana called out.

'Damn, why did someone have to go and bring her out here?'

As I was distracted by her he made yet another move and landed a punch to my stomach. I flew back into a tree and before I could focus he was there and hit me again and again.

After about the third hit he stopped and stepped away. Then he sighed letting his power drop.

"Tyrian, I'm honestly surprised how well you take a hit, but stay down. There is no shame in admitting you've lost. That is another important thing about battle, you have to know when you've been beaten and to give in," he said and I slowly, but weakly started to get back up.

"That is the difference between you and me then. See if it's for the Guild or my friends I would fight till my very last breath," I said.

"But this is a training battle, you don't have to keep going. It's just reckless and stupid. If I accidentally ended up killing you, well you know the rules," he said.

"Why the change of heart now? Didn't you want to teach me a lesson?" I asked.

"Listen, I don't even know how you are even concious let alone standing. I hit you with my powers," he said, "I think you've learned enough of a lesson today and let me tell you, so have I," he said, "You are still a mystery, young one."

"So our lesson is done for today then?" I asked leaning against the tree. He nodded and I nodded back before heading back to the Guild building. I needed to clean up and needed a serious nap.

"Tyrian!" Lilliana and Oliver called out catching up to me as I stopped. "How did you do that?" Lilliana added.

"Do what?" I asked and shrugged at them. Honestly, I'm wondering the very same thing.

"You know exactly what, how did you make a complete 180° change from two years ago without any training at all? I mean, the fact The Master went all out on you and your still breathing is a miracle," Oliver said.

"The honest truth is - " I started and paused knowing it was driving them nuts then finished, "- I have absolutely no idea." They got that 'are you serious right now' look on their faces and I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly. At least I was being half honest, but I can't tell anyone about "That Day" no matter what.

At that very moment I felt a twang of fear and hatred wash over me and I knew something bad was here. When we heard the screams I forgot about both of them and I took off. They, however, weren't too far behind. As we entered the square outside the building we saw it. Two of our members lying dead and motionless on the ground. Blood was everywhere.

"In case you thought our first warning was a bluff, here is our final warning to you pathetic power users, be prepared because we're coming for you with everything we've got," the man said. His voice was like nails on a chalkboard, but way more evil. I clenched my teeth in anger and balled my fists.

'Those damn bastards messed with the wrong people.'

"You bastards! I'm going to kill every last one of you!" I heard Zane yell from the group of our people. He tried to run at them but they disappeared like the  cowards they are. "Damn it!" He yelled.

As he punched the tree I couldn't hold back and I punched the wooden door frame I was standing in. Surprisingly it didn't hurt even a little, though I think I may have split the wood. Those near me looked at me surprised I was too pissed off to care. This is there second warning now, why don't they stop provoking us and fight us already?!

The Captain walked up and dispersed everyone and had a few select people help him with our fallen member's bodies. I couldn't watch so I went to my room and got into a hot shower. I needed time to myself right now.

As I stood there under the water my tears came and I slammed both my fists against the wall.

'How could the Captain be so calm about this? Why aren't we taking the fight to those damned evil scum? Most importantly, what are they planning that they don't mind warning us twice ahead of time. Are they arrogant enough to give us time to prepare so they can fight us at full power or do they have another plan?'

"Damn it!" I growled out hitting the wall again.