The Fight

The following day, Vallen was ignored by everyone except when they thought he wasn’t looking. Vallen used this time to focus and work with Master Baraygo and Brock during the drills in class that were meant to teach control over their Sulkra. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, Vallen just couldn’t find his Sulkra. But as far as he knew, it was still his secret, and no one else knew besides Dante. With all the conflict with Deacon, it was odd that nothing else had happened. It was as if everyone who hated him became content with knowing that he was going to be taken care of soon. During their lunch break, Master Belcoo approached his students in the dinning hall when Vallen was walking by, “I must travel south on a special mission, I’m looking for three volunteers.”

Vallen stopped when he saw three hands go up, which prompted Master Belcoo to turn towards Deacon, “You don’t want to go.”

Deacon smiled and looked at Vallen, saying, “Sir, I have already made plans.”

Master Belcoo huffed, “Pathetic, you’ll never get better being lazy Deacon.” Master Belcoo turned to see Vallen frozen in place, “Is something wrong, or do you always look that stupid?”

Vallen shook his head and walked away while everyone from Deacon’s table laughed. Vallen realized he had misinterpreted the letter, and now he was going to fight someone who could end his life. Deacon was too strong, and even if he didn’t show up, he would still have to go home in defeat. The worst possible thing had happened, and it was his fault because he thought he could outsmart his problem. The anxiety ate away at him in sitting down to eat, but he couldn’t touch his food. Soon everyone left the dinning hall to continue their training, but Vallen returned to his room.

I...

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... in Roanox is an expert of their environment, I mean even your uncle knew about it. You couldn’t sneak around even if you tried. It was a good learning experience, for you and for Deacon. Now come with me, you have a lot more to account for since you missed your training this afternoon.”

Vallen got up and dusted off his pants, saying, “Brock.”

“Yes.”

“I can’t use my Sulkra yet, would you help me.”

Brock smiled, “Finally, you can admit it.”

“You knew that too?”

Brock nearly burst from laughter, but he contained himself, saying, “Of course I knew. And yes, I will help you. But you have graveyard duty in the kitchen sink, and since you haven’t eaten dinner tonight, tomorrow you will go without breakfast. Does that punishment sound fitting?”

Vallen nodded and followed Brock to the dinning hall where he was introduced to a whole tub full of dirty dishes to wash.