I waited patiently until my Master came out to greet me. Today was the day I would compete in my first tournament. I waited for ten years and was trained vigorously. My Master told me that if I were to become skilled enough, I would be able to participate. But it was hard enough going through lessons and getting everything straight to the point. Years flashed before me as if I only started training the week before. But everybody in this tournament learned at different times and ages. I had a fairly big advantage by starting at the age of eight; where as most girls started at age twelve.
The only problem that I dealed with starting so young was how fragile I was. I didn't have that much strength and my body was just beginning to grow ever so slowly. My main concern was breaking a bone or stretching a muscle because then I would have to withdraw lessons until I would heal fully. It almost surprised me that during the first year or so I didn't go through any big accidents. The only injury I had was a slight sprain in my wrist but that healed within a week.
Every participant in this battle never had a choice to become part of this tournament, it felt like you were drafted. The main objective of the tournament was to win family honor and self respect. But for some people, they just wanted to feel accomplishment. My older brother, Quile, wanted to have it all. I, on the other hand, just wanted to feel self accomplishment like many others before me.
I recall watching Quile when he first started instruction. He started around age six and showed a lot of commitment to himself. He was determined to get everything right the first time and show his Master he could do anything. Most of the time I would watch him from inside and cringe anytime he fell to the ground. Father assured me that Quile was strong and could endure any pain; even if it could cause complications later on.
Luckily for me, Quile helped me learn some forms of combat. Quile was my first instructor even though he wasn't the tough type. He made sure I wouldn't get hurt, but at the same time he showed me how to inflict damage on me to show me what could happen. Father didn't really aprove at first, but Mother told him that Quile was being very cautious and that he shouldn't worry.
Shortly after Quile left home for futher instruction, I turned to a good friend of mine by the name of Morgan. He started taking instruction shortly before me, but he helped me gain a lot of potential. We were only seven but it was good to have a good friend teach me some important lessons. Much different from Quile, Morgan refused to hurt me in any kind of form. He allowed me to hit or kick him but he didn't want to cause damage on me. Morgan claimed he wasn't pacifist, but he just didn't feel comfortable about the scenario of hurting me.
Some of things he taught me payed off. I learned most things from him and Quile and was very thankful for their help. Unfortunately, without warning, one day Morgan was selected to join his first Master shortly before celebrating his eighth birthday. We had to say goodbye without knowing if we would ever see each other ever again. My parents told me that night that from this day forward, it was possible that he would become my enemy. I dind't want to believe what I was hearing, but slowly accepted the truth. Friends were always seperated and some of them would be known as enemies forever.
A year passed and I talked to Father about if I could start instruction. Father wanted me to wait, and so did Mother. But I was able to convice them how much I wanted to learn. Being parents, they told me to be careful and not get killed by something. I laughed only slightly but I thanked them for accepting my choice. The day I turned eight was the last day I would see my family for a long time. My Master came to our village and came to take me for instruction. I bid my Mother and Father goodbye and I left our village with no regrets.
My Master was always serious and expected a lot from me. Unlike most beginners, I was determined to learn the first time just like Quile. My Master showed great respect to me and I did the same to him. It wasn't easy for the first year, but I eventually go the hang of everything. Mostly everything I learned took time and effort; whether it was handling weapons or using my surroundings for help. But I learned quickly, and Master was very proud of my success every step of the way.
Now, I stand waiting in the waiting room of the Shiyru Stadium waiting for my name to be called. I was anxious to know who my first opponent was and when I would fight. I paced back and forth until another fighter would stop me. Thankfullly, nobody did. Every other fighter was doing the same or talking to some of their friends or family.
"Lyra, you're ready. You don't need to be so nervous." I turned around to see my Master before me.
"Yes, Master. I know I'm ready, but I am so anxious!" I exclaimed in a calm voice.
Master chuckled slightly and left to go talk to some other fighters. Suddenly, a door behind me opened. I turned around to see who it was; I could slowly feel adrenaline rush through my viens.
I have to go, but i see potentioal in this story, and I will come back and finish reviewing! Feel Free to PM me if you have any questions!