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"Why is it embarrassing? I've been stretching for years. Flexibility didn't happen overnight for me, just like it won't happen overnight for you. The point is, you're willing to try and ready to learn. I can work with that."
"Really?"
He nods.
"Can… can our training stay between us?" I ask, sheepishly.
"Before I say yes, can I ask why you want to keep it a secret?"
"Because when you tell people what you're trying to do, a lot of them won't support your decision. I don't want anyone trying to stop me. I'd rather surprise them once I've mastered it."
Sadness suddenly clouds his face. "Is that what you're used to in Midori?"
I have a lot of fond memories of life in Midori, but being free to explore new hobbies or develop new skills wasn't encouraged.
When I don't immediately respond or meet Nyx's awaiting gaze, he taps my foot with his and says, "Your secret is safe with me. Let's surprise the hell out of everyone."
I smile up at him. "Thanks, Nyx."
"You're welcome, Kitarni." He hops up and crouches in front of me. "Now, let's whip you into shape."
I've never sweat so much in my entire life. And that's saying a lot considering I grew up in the desert and survived the Necropolis of Bava.
Over the next hour, Nyx doesn't let up on me. If I thought Atlas was a taskmaster, Nyx is showing him up tenfold. He won't allow me to make any excuses, quitting isn't an option, complaining is frowned upon, and any attitude I give him is ignored.
My knees are wobbly, my back aches, and I'm pretty sure I've simultaneously activated and aggravated muscles I didn't even know I had.
"Ok, Kitarni." Nyx motions me forward and I reluctantly stand to my sore feet and crack my back as I straighten to my full height. "Let's practice the moves I showed you one more time and call it a night. You can get washed up for dinner."
Dinner.
That one word alone has my stomach roaring and my mouth salivating. Finn's homecooked meals are so much better than anything I've ever eaten in Midori, and I know I've been spoiled. No one's cooking will ever compare and I honestly dread the day I'll leave these shores and return to my homeland.
My heart sinks imagining life without the Harland brothers and Eris by my side. It's only been a few weeks, how have I come to care for them so much? A tightness lodges in my throat and I shoo the unwanted tears away.
Turning my focus completely on Nyx, I take up my fighter's stance, keeping within the imaginary box he told me to visualize.
"Begin."
The first combo I know by heart because Nyx had me practice the moves Atlas taught me in class the other day. With little effort and great speed, I block his blows and spin, using his momentum against him. I drive my elbow into his back, and he grunts.
"Good, Kitarni!" he praises. "Do you think you can add in the rest of what we practiced at the same speed?"
"I can try."
We take our starting stances and run through the moves once more. Our arms are flying. Blocks, jabs, thrown elbows. It's all so fast and yet, after an hour of practice, I'm keeping up. Doesn't mean my arms aren't aching with each blow, but I'm determined to improve and if that means soreness and bruises, then I'll take it. Nyx sweeps his leg under me, and I hop over him. I drop to the mat and attempt to sweep his legs out, but he expects the move and not only avoids me, but lunges on top of me, pinning me to the mat.
"Damnit," I hiss, knowing I've lost.
He slides to his feet and extends his hand. "You did a damn good job."
I accept his help and he hoists me up. A deep-set frown mars my face. "I hate losing."
He points a finger at me with a grin so wide I'm afraid his face will split in two. "There it is!"
"There what is?"
"The competitiveness. You want to be the best and you will be one day."
