Trials - Introductions
Trials - Introductions
After classes had concluded for the day, the group of friends headed to the training center. As they stepped inside, one of the trainers welcomed them and handed them each some training clothes to put on. Stella looked at Michelle and back at the clothes in her hands, “I don’t do training, this is going to kill me.” She huffed out. “Don’t worry, stick with me, I will help you get through it all.”
They walked to the changing rooms to get dressed, while Michelle was explaining to Stella about the basics of training and how she would help her build up muscle strength so that she could keep up with everyone else. “I am a healer, Michelle, not a warrior witch.” “I will be by your side every step of the way, don’t worry about it.” Michelle patted her friend on the back, knowing how Stella is feeling now is what she used to feel in high school.
“Besides, I am pretty sure that they won’t kill us on the first day.” Michelle smiled as she got dressed. Stella looked at herself in the mirror and pulled her face. “I look like a ragdoll in this. I hardly have the same muscles you do.” Michelle looked at Stella, not understanding what she was going on about. “You look good in those, and you are well-built enough to be able to handle light exercises. I will help you with some extra training sessions daily to help you strengthen your muscles and improve your stamina, so that you don’t feel like you do now. Deal?” Stella looked at Michelle, not sure what she was getting herself into. “Deal, I think.”
They walked back into the hall of the training center and went to stand by the boys just as the doors opened and 2 trainers walked in. Celine recognized both. It was Louis, whom she met at the meeting at the castle just over a week ago. The other trainer was Athos, the young Alpha who saved her mom’s life before the last war started. But she was confused as to why Athos was here; he was an Alpha; did he not have duties to do for his pack? When they looked in her direction, she gave both a polite, soft smile, which they both returned. Darius felt a bit protective and pulled her close to him. “Do you know them, Cher (Shaa)?” She melted into his chest and swooned over her new nickname from her mate. “I do, yes, Athos saved my mom’s life years ago, in the war just before my brother and I were born. Louis, I met him the day of the meeting at my parents' castle. Athos is a dear friend of the family, and the human, well, he seems to be an ally.”
Hearing her describe them in this way made Darius relax. He knew that by saving Queen Celine, Athos also saved Michelle, and for that, he would always be indebted to Athos. He made a mental note to introduce himself to Athos after the trials and thank him for what he did all those years ago. He also remembered meeting Louis at the meeting that night. At least now he can see that he is a man of his word, and worked with them all in protecting the Kingdoms.
Athos and Louis stepped up on a makeshift stage and drew everyone’s attention to start. Only then did they all realize that there were more people on the stage and standing around the hall, along the walls. “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you all for coming today. My name is Athos. I was the Alpha of a newly formed pack, but when I was offered the chance to train the new Elite Team of the academy and help protect it and the Kingdoms from any possible future attacks, I took it with both hands. I asked the King to make my Beta, the new Alpha of my pack. I was then welcomed into the Royal Pack as a senior warrior and as a senior trainer to take up my post here.” The candidates all applauded. Michelle and Drake nodded in agreement and respect.
Louis stepped forward next, “My name is Louis.” He spoke in a deep Louisiana accent, and Darius knew that this was where he recognized him from. They were both orphans from that area. While he was adopted by his vampire parents, Louis was adopted by humans, who had a settlement between Michelle’s Kingdom and his parents' Kingdom. When he heard him speak at the meeting, he knew he looked familiar. “I am a human, but I was tasked to teach you what I do, and how to deal with traps set by humans, and what to look out for. I will also be helping out those of you who are here as healers. The rest of the trainers you see standing on the stage here and around the hall are all from different classes of species, and are here to train you all in different aspects of protection, healing, etc., from each species. The more we know of each other, the better we can help and protect everyone. Now, the hard truth is that not all of you will make it today, and even as we carry on with training after trials, a lot of you will either quit or will be asked to leave. Do not see this as you failing, just know that we need the best of the best in the various fields.”
The candidates all applauded, but there were soft murmurs amongst them about what was going to happen next. Athos stepped again, his voice booming out through the hall. “We will be assessing your basic fitness first. Pair in groups of 2.” Stella walked to Michelle and grabbed her arm, “You and me, right?” “Yes, you and me, and don’t worry, I will help you get through this. You are tougher than you think.” Michelle felt a soft kiss on her neck and turned to see the golden eyes of Darius as he walked off with Drake. Remus and Sheamus paired up, and Lumus and Neil paired up. Remus gave Stella a reassuring smile, making her feel a little more confident.
“Everyone is going to start off with 10 laps around the track in the hall. If your partner is falling behind, it is your job to help them finish the 10 laps. If they can’t, then you are both eliminated. This is not just about basic fitness, but also about how well you can work as a unit. GO!” They all started running around the track. The boys finished their laps quickly and started cheering on Michelle and Stella, who, surprisingly enough, kept up with Michelle as they ran around the track. Once they finished their final lap, Michelle turned to Stella and patted her on the shoulder, “Well done, Stella. You did that with ease.” Stella smiled, feeling good. “But running is easy.” Lumus looked at her and just grinned. “Not when you're running with this one.” He said, pointing at Michelle. Stella looked confused, not sure what he meant. Michelle just smiled, looking awkward.