…

  The bright star was positioned at the middle of the grey sky, covered by pale clouds that hanged over the land. Merely twelve hours were left, until the two men were going to spar. Athan found himself at the edge of the forest, undergoing intense combat training by Abraham, all so he could put an end to this never ending dispute that was tearing up the family. His sweat drenched fist fell to the ground, accompanied by the lukewarm air exiting his dry mouth. With a fierce gaze, he stared at his tutor, awaiting to hear the evaluation of his efforts.

  Abraham: “(stern) Good… but it’s not enough.”

  Athan: “(tired)... it… is… hard…”

  Abraham: “Of course. After all, it’s Isaac we’re dealing with, of all people. For over a year, he has pushed himself to the limits, broke through all the barriers of human weakness, and fortified his mind to an unrivaled level. Now then… get up.”

  Without a sign of resignation, Athan picked his feet of the ground, hastily swinging his arm towards his very teacher. However, Abraham escaped the attack, effortlessly. Before he could even react, Athan was met by the back of Abraham’s palm. Once again, he came in contact with the earth, barely able to keep his footing.

  Abraham: “(sighs) It seems my point has not been… completely understood. Let’s take things from the start…”

  Steadfast, Athan continued his advance, leaving not a single breathing room for Abraham… or so he thought. As if he had some sort of third eye, Abraham stopped the hit, yet again, tightly grabbing the young man’s fist. Disbelief was written all over his face.

  Abraham: “First rule of combat: Expect, the unexpected.”

  With unparalleled force, he squeezed Athan’s hand, making him scream in pain.

  Abraham: “Second rule: Know your place.”

  His teacher’s steady arm seized control and wrapped around his own, throwing him wildly onto the dirt… for the fifth time by now -surprising right?-.

  Athan laid down on his back, bewildered at the event that just occurred. Suddenly, Abraham appeared into his like of sight, with the clouds as his background.

  Abraham: “Third rule: Never let your guard down.”

  Upon finishing his sentence, Abraham drove his fist straight into Athan’s face. Admirably, Athan  tilted his head to the side, roughly avoiding the charge. Quickly, he rolled to the side, springing himself back into action. The teacher’s lips widened into a satisfied smirk.

  Abraham: “Ahh… so we are getting somewhere, after all. Come on, keep up the pace, remember the rules.”

    Athan: “(determined)... I… can… do… it…”

  Abraham: “Your adaptability is rather impressive… few have the ability to catch on so fast… maybe… you really do have what it takes to defeat him.

  Hearing his words, Athan’s confidence rose to new heights. Yet, this was only the beginning. With a composed body and mind, he stared dead ahead, locked onto his teacher…