Page 19 of The Blackened Blade

The snapping of a twig in the distance pulls my attention, followed by the crunching sound of leaves beneath feet, making its way closer.

I crouch down beside a large fallen tree trunk, hiding in its shadow and behind its moss-covered bark.

The figure moves closer, a hooded dark jumper covering its face. The person sighs, it's cold breath forming like my own into smoke with the colder air here.

Its large frame and physique tells me it's either a man or a tall boy.

His shoulders are stiff, his back rigid as he looks out into the darker end of the forest.

What was he even doing out here? Was he a student, or maybe a teacher on patrol?

But to be this far out?

He moves forward, making his way further toward the eerier side of the woods, when a small trickle of moonlight catches on to his hood, making a little strand of silvery-white hair visible in the light.

I wait, watching on as he slowly disappears into the right-side of the woods before I pull myself up and head toward the opposite area and the one with more moonlight covering its forest floor. A few more minutes of walking and I find a small clearing with trees surrounding it on all sides that gives me great cover from prying eyes.

I listen for any noises of footsteps around me before I head in.

But there's only the scattering of leaves with the wind and some small animals scurrying about.

I pull off my hoodie and step into the clearing, stretching the tiredness from my limbs as I make my way into the centre.

I roll my shoulders out and take my stance, remembering the movement and training I had picked up in The Facility when fighting.

Even in my most weakened state I tried to train my body.

Every day that I could move in that cell, I trained. Even if I couldn’t throw a proper punch or could only complete ten pushups, I’d still keep moving to strengthen my body.

Even if I didn’t have the strength or agility right now, I had my memories and the mind was a powerful thing.

I raise my fists, putting as much strength into them as I can as I throw out a jab-cross combo, building my pace quickly before switching to a lead and rear hook. I snap back quickly, changing my stance as I lightly bounce on my feet, a rhythm taking place as I bring my hands and fist to my head. I pivot my hips and foot, twisting into a strong roundhouse kick. I repeat it over and over, alternating between each leg, and then turn into another jab-cross combo, while pivoting into a side-step.

I let my body relax into the movements, letting my old routine play out over and over until I lose track of time, and all I can feel is the physical burn from my body and the sound of my own racing heart and heavy breathing in my ears.

After a while, I swipe away the sweat dripping down my face and chest as I take a minute to calm down.

I was much more out of breath and tired than I’d hoped I’d be.

It seems it might take a bit longer to get to where I needed to be. I’d have to train every night.

I grab my hoodie from the ground and throw it on quickly, the icy air catching me.

Soon it would be winter, and with it would come a few‘fun’events. But this time, I wouldn’t be sitting still.

I make my way out of the small clearing and back toward the academy, listening as I move through the dark forest for any footsteps or voices.

I didn't want to bump into the strange guy from before.

After a few minutes of walking, the trees break and I make out the familiar shape of the academy and the dormitory building.

I quickly slink into the courtyard's shadows and make my way toward the dorm's back door.

I give the door a gentle pull, only to be met with resistance.

It was locked.

Ms. Klein must have made her way to bed.I guess I had spent longer training than I had thought.

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