Chapter 40 - Training Time! P1

"Hmmm...I see." I responded after hearing about how this all started to begin with.

"And I must say...I approve." I smile at Magma, and he looks back at me with a raised eyebrow.

"You approve...of what, the training, the killing, or something else?" The look he gave me increased in intensity as he scrutinized my form for any changes to give away what I was thinking.

"Of course, I'm talking about you becoming brothers with him!" The smile on my face widen and the look he gave me changed to one of mild surprise.

"...Really?" I don't know why...well I did save his life, but it still takes time to truly trust someone from the deepest and darkest depths of one's heart, so I don't blame him for suspecting me for my somewhat queer statement.

"Yeah, didn't I tell you and everyone else that my main goal is to create a family, and a large one at that, and I meant that very, very, seriously." The smile drops off my face, letting him know I truly wasn't playing around with him and his, well our, people.

"*Sigh*, I'm sorry, for doubting you...just being cautious is all...I already messed up once, not trying to do that again." He hung his head down in shame and sadness for doubting and offending, not that I am, the one who recused him and his village, and for being the one to bring all this trouble in the first place.

"Cheer up buddy, I'm not mad at you, I'm in fact proud of you, you are not just one of those people that just take everything head-on and never thinks of the consequences of their actions, but someone who can think before they act, and not only that you are kind to your people, going as far as fighting your own family to protect them. Those are the type of people I want side-by-side with me protecting and leading our new family." While he was still sulking I walked up to his side and placed my paw on his back and rubbed it gently. He slowly was raising his head to look at me, but shoot straight up at me with a look of surprise after hearing the last bit.

"...Wait...you mean?" I guess that got his gears grinding.

"Yes, I meant what I said...you would mean a fine leader for a troop of elite combatants that will protect the clan...of course this will be discussed more with the other members of the council, however, I believe they will also agree with my decision, as there wouldn't be a better choice." I dropped my paw from his shoulder as I back away from him and continue to look at him, observe him.

"Thank you." He said softly after a while, but I can understand the weight those words had on him. Sure he is strong, kind, and strong-hearted, but he single-handly almost killed all his people, while trapped in his body. While he himself didn't 'technically', knowing him, even if only a little, he blames himself and puts himself down for it, and I basically gave him a new way of repenting for what 'he' has done, so of course he would be emotional. It would be weird and unusual if he wasn't.

"Anyways, let's push aside this depressing and mushy moment, and talk about Mungo." I wave my paw in the air -as if I meant to do that physically- and my trademark playful grin -at least to me for now-, makes its way to my face, as Magma calms himself down, as he inhales heavily and exhales, causing all the leaves, small clumps of dirt, and pebbles to be pushed away.

"Yes, your right your Maj..." I hold up my hand to stop him.

"Just call me Ryoku from now on, this your Majesty, your Highness, things like that just kinda make me feel all squirmy."

"*Ahem*, alright then...Lord Ryoku." My lips twitch at the Lord part, but there is nothing I can do.

"Alright, since you people are so keen on addressing me so formally, I won't stop you, and just get over it. But, in private at least call me just Ryoku, it makes us sound so...distinct. I know you didn't like Mungo calling you 'Mr.'"

"Yes, your right...Ryoku. Anyways, where I left off with Mungo was..."

*A few days ago, Magma's POV*

"Alright, now that we are alone and away from prying eyes, it's time to start your training Fledging Mungo, are you ready!" I stop once we are in a clear in the forest, surrounded on all sides by massive and thick trees, that will hopefully keep most of the loud sounds Mungo will be making from his beat- I meaning very harsh training, and make a good rest place too.

"Yes, I'm ready, Sir Magma!" He shouted back full of unrelating passion and energy.

"Good! Now, try and kill me." I grin as all his energy seems to disappear back into his body, and looks at me in confusion.

"Ahh." Was all he let out as his mouth hung wide open in shock.

"Hahaha, yes I meant what I said, however, to make this easier to bear, since you are but a beginner at best, just attack me with all you've got." And with that his energy came back, full force.

"Alright, I hope you're ready." He dropped to all fours and take a stance, that while not good, it was okay...if he was trying to run away that is.

"Haaaaaaa-" He charged at me with a battle cry, and without stopping rushed to me and tried to jump on me...keyword being try, as I quickly grabbed him by his face.

"Mmmmm, aht mmm guuuu." He tried to talk as I had him by his face, and I could barely make out what he was saying.

"....Mungo...I honestly have no words for how horrible of a display that was, I honestly don't. So I'm going to describe to you how what you did was beyonnnd idiotic, and even your basic instinct should have told you so, so when I'm done explaining, I want you to try again, but better this time. Do I make myself clear!"

"Usss Surrr!" He says, still trapped in my hand, his body dangling and swaying like loose grass in high winds." I throw him back to the opposite side of the field and he lays on his back and slides a bit before he stops and gets on his feet.

"*Sigh*, dammit Mungo, lesson one always land on your feet, you never want to be in a position where you can't defend yourself properly. Now, to list off what you did wrong-"

*A few hours later*

"...wow, I'm honestly very impressed with you. You have moved up from a beginner to a novice and in only a short amount of time...you are very talented in the ways of fighting." I smile at Mungo, as a massive grin slowly takes place on his face.

"Really!" He jumped in glee at my praise.

"Indeed! However, you have much more to learn and while you may have done good in this spar, that will not be the same in an actual battle. As your enemies will not be the same as me or any other, and the area around you can affect the way a battle can go down, meaning there are constant changes in a battle and a single mistake will cost you. So don't be content and grow a big head with what you have achieved now, and continue with the mindset that there is always someone better than you out there, and there is room for improvement."

"Yes Sir!" He straightens his back, stands on his rear legs, and does that weird gesture -that feels right- again and his face dead serious, taking my advice to heart.

"Good. However, I think you are forgetting something, Mungo..." I grin slowly creeps its way onto my face, as Mungo slowly starts to get nervous.

"A-A-And w-what d-did I f-f-forget Sir?" His body softly shaking and his legs quivering. My malicious grin now full-blown and my eyes squinted slightly.

"If you don't land a hit on me by tonight...and I say you have at most, hmmm, 30 minutes to an hour tops, you don't get to eat tonight. However, could you forget what I told you earlier, hmmm?" An expression of a mix of utter despair, torment, shock, and disbelief was on his face and his arms that were raised in excitement earlier were now hanging by his side limply, as he stared at me in horror.

"Y-Y-You weren't joking! B-B-But-"

"No buts! I'm being very serious here, if you don't land a hit on me in the next few minutes, then no dinner for you mister." He only stayed there silently and staring at me.

"*Sigh*, Mungo there is more to battle than just hitting your opponent, overpowering then, breaking their bones, and all that other junk, while all that is important, your mindset is just as important, if not more so. If you already think in your mind 'I can't do this', then you have already have lost the battle, as I have said already, a single mistake will cost you the battle, and that right there will be your biggest mistake. Now Mungo, believe in yourself and never doubt yourself, you won't always win and you may not get the results you wanted, but never ever give up and don't leave yourself with regret for not even trying." Mungo's head shoots down to the ground and he clenches his fist tightly, and his body and legs stop shaking, as he takes a deep breath and releases it.

"Alright." He looks back up at me, a fire in his eyes, the same as the one when he asked me to train him.

"Good. Now, are you ready?" My face hardens, and my body tenses in preparation.

"Yes!" His face also gets serious and he drops to the ground again, but this time his muscles are tensed and primed, ready to burst in any direction he needs to, whether that be to dodge or be the one to attack. His left hand in front of his right and his right leg bent and in front of his left, slightly lowered to the ground along with his body, and his tail swaying lightly back and forth. I nodded.

"Good, now come at me with me all you've got!"

"Yes!" And with that, he blasted at high speeds in my direction.