Chapter 11: Push

Six Months Later

For six months, Ven trained with Nyx every single day.

Nyx had done exactly what he promised.

He made Ven run for hours, chase strange creatures to improve his reflexes, lift rocks and boulders to build his strength, and endure countless other exercises designed to push his body beyond its limits. The slim body Ven once had was gone. In its place was a stronger, more muscular physique forged through relentless training. Enishi and Kia had been monitoring his progress, while Ezreal continued to keep a close eye on him as well.

However, despite his improvements, Ven still struggled with one thing.

Acceptance.

The inhabitants of the Tower of the Republic continued to avoid him.

Because he was a Tenari, many feared him. They whispered when he walked by, watched him carefully, and kept their distance. Ven felt lonely at times, but he refused to let those feelings distract him. He focused on his training. There was one person, however, who seemed determined to make his life even more difficult.

Lox.

A Water Madokai prodigy and unlike the others, Lox didn't simply avoid Ven. He actively provoked him.

He constantly taunted Ven, trying to push him into reacting violently so that he could be removed from the Tower. The Tower had a strict no-violence policy. Anyone who harmed another person without reason would be permanently expelled. That was the only thing saving him, but after six months of relentless training with Nyx, Ven had finally earned his approval.

He was ready to move on.

Now, it was time for Kia to train him.

Kia and Ven

“You ready for this?” Kia asks with a smirk. She stands with her hands on her hips, looking Ven up and down. The two of them are outside the Tower walls, deep within the Meridian Forest. Kia had created a small training arena using nothing but dirt and rocks.

“I heard you can be pretty tough,” Ven says teasingly. “But after six months of living with you, I don’t think so.”

He grins. “You’re actually the biggest softie.”

Kia chuckles and cracks her knuckles. “Let’s see what you got.” She raises her hand. “Come at me.”

Ven stares at her. “Wait... you actually want me to hit you?”

“Yes.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes.”

Ven looks confused. “I can’t hit you. You’re a girl.”

“I’m not a girl.” Kia’s eyebrow twitches. She steps closer. "I’m a grown-ass woman, and you will respect me as such.” She points at herself. “And as your trainer, I am telling you to attack me.” She narrows her eyes. “Try to punch me.”

Ven sighs. “Fine.”

He walks toward Kia and throws a light punch.

Kia doesn't even move, she just stares at him.

Silence.

Then...

“You have got to be kidding me.”

Ven blinks. “What?”

“What the hell was that?”

“I’m not going to hit you!”

Kia growls.

Then she punches him. Hard. Ven flies backward and lands on his backside.

“What the hell?!” he shouts, rubbing his bruised cheek. “That hurt!”

Kia stomps toward Ven. “You think because I am a woman that means I cannot be a threat?”

“No! It’s just—”

Kia gets in his face. “Listen to me.” Her voice becomes serious. “I was not respected here because I was a woman.” She points at him. “I earned my place by putting people like YOU in their place.”

Ven stays silent.

“I know Nyx and Enishi have told you what I am capable of.” Her eyes narrow. “Don’t underestimate me.” She pauses, her gaze hardening. “Don’t look at me and see weakness simply because I’m a woman and I’m more than capable of handling myself and there is a reason I’m training you. Do you understand?”

Ven quickly nods. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” She adjusts her hair, her stern expression easing slightly. “Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way…”

"Yes," Ven grits his teeth.

Kia chuckles. “I would have bullied you too.”

“Wow. Thanks!" Ven rolls his eyes.

“I’m just being honest.” She smiles slightly. “But don't worry. I’ll teach you everything you need to survive.” She points at the ground. “Now get up. We have a lot of work to do.”

Ven gets back to his feet and Kia takes her place beside him.

“We’re going to work on your stance first.” She demonstrates. “Copy me.”

Ven watches carefully.

“Bend your legs like this. Keep your feet planted firmly on the ground.” She raises her fists. Keep your hands up. One hand protects your core. The other protects your face.”

Ven copies her movements. “Oh! So like a Karate pose.”

Kia tilts her head. “A what?”

“It’s a form of martial arts. Probably one of the most popular forms.”

“I see.”

She studies his stance. “We do not call it that here, but every wielder has their own form.” She begins explaining, pausing only to make sure that Ven was following. “Fire Madokais use Moto Form. Water Madokais use Maji Form. Earth Madokais use Dunia Form. Wind Madokais use Hewa Form.”

Ven listens carefully.

“Fire Madokais are aggressive. They rely on fast, powerful movements. They focus on overwhelming their opponents with strength and speed.” She looks at him. “The more skilled Fire Madokais can use every part of their body to manipulate fire. Earth Madokais are powerful and hard-hitting. They use their bodies to create force and withstand attacks.” She continues. “Wind Madokais are swift and graceful. Hewa Form focuses heavily on hand-to-hand combat. Wind Madokais are tactical fighters, and they are extremely light on their feet.” Kia pauses. “If you think you have the advantage against one, you probably don’t.”

Ven raises an eyebrow. “And Water Madokais?”

Kia smiles. “Maji Form.” She moves her hands gracefully. “It copies the movements of water.” A small stream of water forms around her fingers. “Water can be calm.” The water suddenly crashes into a small wave. “Or unexpectedly fierce.” She lets the water disappear completely before continuing. “It can take any shape, which makes it the most versatile element.”

Ven looks impressed.

“But not many people truly master it.” She looks back at him. “What I will teach you are the basics of each form. Each form is different yes but the basics are all the same.” She points at his stance. “Now focus!”

Ven holds his position and Kia examines him for a second then nods her head in approval.

“Good.”

Ven smiles slightly. “Really?”

“Yes,” She walks away. “Now hold that position for two hours.”

Ven freezes. “Two hours?!”

Kia raises an eyebrow, her voice suddenly becomes more stern. “Is something wrong with that?”

Ven immediately straightens. “No ma’am.”

“Good.”

She walks over to a nearby boulder, climbs onto it, and sits down.

“Are you seriously going to watch me stand?”

“No,” Kia crosses her legs. “I’m going to SIT and WATCH you stand.”

Ven stares at her in disbelief.  “I’m going to pretend like that’s not creepy.”

Kia shrugs.

One Hour Later

Ven remains in the same position.

His muscles are burning.

Kia is still sitting on the boulder with her eyes closed and he cannot tell if she is meditating or sleeping.

“Kia.”

Her eyes flick open. “Yes?”

Ven looks at her. “We’ve lived together for six months, and I still feel like I barely know anything about you.”

Kia raises her eyebrows. “What do you want to know?”

“Everything.” Ven looks at her.

“Where are you from? How did you grow up? Do you have a family?”

Kia sighs. “I was born in the Kingdom of Rain.”

Ven stares blankly.

“Okay...” Kia bites her lip. “Fine.”

She quickly looks away. “I was born in the Kingdom of Rain.” She pauses and looks down at the ground for a brief moment. "I was kidnapped when I was two years old.”

Ven’s expression changes.

“I don’t remember my real parents and I don’t even remember my real name. The person who kidnapped me was a war criminal who escaped from the Water Kingdom’s prisons.”

Ven stays silent.

“Why she took me, I don’t know.” Kia looks toward the sky. “But she became like a mother to me. She taught me everything. How to fight. How to control water. How to hunt.” She quickly cuts her eyes at Ven. “How to kill.” Her voice becomes quieter. “She molded me into a strategist. A survivor. We were together for three years.”

Ven looks shocked. “You were only two.”

Kia shrugs. “You always remember things that are traumatic.”

Ven hesitates before speaking. “How old were you when you...” He struggles to finish the sentence.

Kia understands immediately. “When I first killed someone?”

Ven looks at her and frowns.

“Five.”

“Kia...”

Ven looks at her with concern. She shakes her head and raises her hand. “Life wasn’t easy. We were always running. She gave me the tools I needed to survive.”

“I had to grow up quickly. Without her, I would be dead.”

Ven lowers his gaze. “What happened to her?”

Kia becomes quiet.

For a moment, she says nothing.

Then...

“She was hit by an arrow.” Her voice softens. “Straight through the heart. She jumped in front of it to protect me. I watched her die." She takes a deep breath. “We were being chased by elite soldiers from the Water Kingdom. They cornered us near a cliff. One of them was careless and fired an arrow.” She closes her eyes and shakes her head. “It was meant for me. She saved me.”

Ven remains silent.

“We fell off the cliff together and she died immediately. The soldiers never searched for me so they probably assumed I died from the fall,” Kia smiles faintly. “That mistake saved my life.... and it cost them theirs,” She twirls a strand of her hair around her finger. “I hunted them down.”

Ven’s eyes widen.

“I caught them by surprise. And I killed them,” Kia looks away. “After that, I wandered for days. Eventually, I found the Tower and I have been here ever since.”

Ven nods slowly. “So that’s why Enishi and Nyx respect you.”

Kia nods. “They might be physically stronger than me, but my skills? My mindset? They cannot compete.” Her expression darkens. “The mind of a killer does not simply disappear. It stays with you. You cannot erase it. You can only tame the beast.” She locks eyes with Ven. “For a while.”

Ven swallows.

“Plus...As a Water Madokai, there are things I can do that they cannot.”

Ven tilts his head and asks, “What do you mean?”

“What is your body mostly made of?” Kia quizzes him.

“Water.” Ven answers immediately.

She nods. “Exactly. Water gives life and it is everywhere. I can control the water inside your body.”

Ven stiffens.

“I can drown you without ever touching you. I can control your blood flow. If I wanted to, I could send blood rushing to your brain and cause it to rupture.”

Ven shudders. “Nyx wasn’t lying.” He looks at her. “You really are scary.”

Kia throws her back and laughs. “Don’t worry,” she says reassuringly.  “I have no intention of doing that.” She quickly pauses and stares into Ven's eyes. “Again.”

Ven coughs. “Again?”

Kia gives him a playful smile. “Never mind.”

Ven shakes his head. “If you’re stronger than Nyx and Enishi, why does it seem like Enishi is the leader?”

She rolls her eyes and scoffs. “I’m a woman, remember? Ezreal would never allow someone like me to lead.”

Ven frowns. “Stupid.”

“Indeed.”

“Would you ever return to the Water Kingdom?” Ven asks, changing the subject.

Kia ponders for a minute. “I don’t know. I’m afraid of what I would find. But enough talking,"  She points at his stance. “Refocus.”

Ven sighs.

“You still have one more hour.”

One Hour Later

Ven finally completes his training and the two of them walk back toward the Tower. Night has fallen and the moon shines brightly above them.

“I’ve noticed something,” Kia says. “You’ve been having issues with the others here.”

Ven raises an eyebrow. “You noticed?”

Kia nods. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”

Ven sighs. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“That they’re afraid of you?” Kia shrugs. “Of course.”

Ven looks annoyed. “Gee, thanks.”

Kia's expression softens. “I understand what that feels like.” “People were afraid of me too.” She laughs quietly. “Probably still are.” She looks ahead. “I cannot control how people see me. All I can control is myself. It took time, but I found a family here.”

“Nyx and Enishi?”

She smiles and nods. “Just because you’re different doesn’t mean you’re a monster. What your ancestors have done...” She shakes her head. “That is not on you.”

Ven listens.

“If people refuse to give you a chance, then you know what?”

Ven eyes her. “What?”

Kia stops walking and gets right in his face.

“FUCK THEM.”

Ven bursts out laughing.

Kia smiles. “We have your back, Ven.” She pats his shoulder. “Even Nyx.”

Ven raises an eyebrow. “Even Nyx?”

“He won’t admit it, but he’s the biggest softie out of all of us.” She smiles. “Enishi too.”

Ven looks down. “Enishi... doesn’t really talk to me.”

Kia rolls her eyes. "Enishi is complicated. But trust me. He has nothing but good intentions for you. He’s just carrying a lot right now. Ezreal has been sending him on a lot of reconnaissance missions lately.”

Ven nods.

Then suddenly... He pulls Kia into a hug.

“Thanks, Kia.”

She pats him on the back. “Anytime.”

They separate and continue walking.

“One more thing.”

Kia looks at him.

“You and Enishi...” Ven smirks.

“Do you two have something going on?”

Kia freezes.

“You two have this weird flirty energy.” Ven says while grinning.

“And when Nyx said something when we first met, you hit him with water—”

SPLASH.

Ven is instantly drenched.

“MIND YOUR DAMN BUSINESS, BOY!”

Kia storms ahead, leaving Ven soaked and laughing behind.