*RUMBLE* There was a low rumbling sound of thunder, causing everyone in the training arena to look up to the now dark colored sky. "Get back to your training. This weather will help ya harness more nature energy...Trainees! PAY ATTENTION!" There were two boys in their late teens who were talking amongst themselves to the side of the arena. When man in his 40's called out loudly, it startled them and they looked over apologetically and bowed deeply. "I know I know, y'all are sorry right? Just pay attention boys. Don't let that little pink haired girly out learn ya. I expect more from y'all. She's only 16, she needs help from her seniors, now GET IT TOGETHER!" *RUMBLE* another round of thunder rolled through as the man shouted at the young men. The other members, laughed to themselves at the scenario. "Akemi! Dumuzi! Just because y'all are already members, doesn't mean you don't need to set a GOOD example for the youngin's." When they heard their names being called, they stopped goofing off, "Yes sir Senior Cadman," "We humbly apologize for our actions," Akemi spoke first, them Dumuzi followed suite.
Along with Akemi, Dumuzi, and the two other boys, there was one woman currently in the training arena. The other Lightening members were completing a mission, whereas Michael and Vivi were on their way. The man in his 40's, Cadman, suddenly stopped what he was doing and looked over to the entrance of the arena. He sensed there were people coming, he just wasn't sure who they were. 'I hope its Michael so he can teach these brats some manners,' Cadman thought to himself. After no more than a few seconds, Wren suddenly appeared amongst a thin layer of smoke, followed by Vivi, then Michael at almost the same time. "Heh-heh I won," Wren stuck her tongue out at Michael, "And I was in second so that means Mi-" "MICHAEL!" The women yelled gleefully, as she quickly walked over towards Michael. Michael managed to smile at her as she came closer and closer.
"Greetings, Miss Milan. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, do be mindful of who else is in your company." Michael looked over to Wren and Vivi; Wren nodded her head slightly and Vivi waved. Milan did not even seem to notice as she tried to cozy up to Michael. Wren rolled her eyes and walked towards Cadman while Vivi went to join the others. "My apologies for her behavior Miss Priestess, you'd think she would at least acknowledge your presence. It's not like you haven't saved her ass on missions before, ungrateful little hus-," "That is not your fault, she has always been rather, enthusiastic around both Finton and Michael, plus she never likes to admit that I saved her due to me being her junior." Wren said, then Cadman leaned closer to whisper something to Wren, "Between you 'n me, I think she's just jealous that Michael was appointed as your personal guard and not hers."
Wren giggled and Cadman looked over to Michael who was desperately trying to escape Milan's attention and chuckled, "Heh, just because her Uncle is rich..." Cadman trailed off as he shook his head and turned to round up the other members and trainees. "Sorry to interrupt your training session Senior Cadman, I was trying to persuade Michael to come this way and we saw Vivi, so we brought her along. I won't be intruding on the training will I?" Cadman waved his arms for the others began to come closer, "Nonsense Miss Priestess, you are never a bother. I kinda miss having you around so often." Cadman looked over to Wren and Wren looked over as well, "I think you just liked that I could beat Michael at his own game." Everyone was almost within range of their conversation, "Hehe, those were the days. Seeing his smug little face, scrunch up, all mad because a girl younger'n him kicked his a-" "Greetings Madame Priestess, what brings you to our arena on this rather dreary day?" Dumuzi asked after bowing slightly, "Nothing of importance, just a bit of teasing that one over there."
Dumuzi and the others looked over to where Wren had nodded her head and saw Michael still trying to politely escape Milan. "Always such a rebellious streak My Lady," Akemi said with a grin. Wren rolled her eyes and smiled, "How are the new trainees doing? Rei and Liam correct?" The two teenagers who were bickering earlier nodded their heads enthusiastically. "We are doing-" "Great Madame!" The shorter boy, Liam, was first to answer and the taller boy, Rei, interrupted; resulting in a smack on his back from Liam. Before the two could begin bickering again, Wren spoke up, "It seems like you are doing well boys. How old are the both of you now?" They both looked to each other and Rei spoke up first, "I'm 17 Madame, Liam is about half way though 19 now." Wren chuckled slightly, "Well I'm glad to hear all is well. I look forward to seeing your progression." Wren smiled and Rei and Liam both smiled and nodded enthusiastically.
*RUMBLE!* Thunder rolled through once again, this time much louder, and was followed by a few light raindrops falling to the ground. "I'll leave you all to your training. I'm still not quite up to par to participate just yet," Wren said as she was walking to the side of the arena. "Milan! Get over here, the rest of you as well, get to your places!" As Cadman ordered, everyone quickly got into their stances and continued with their training from earlier. "Now...Focus your mind...Feel the energy around you..." Cadman began going through the ritual to teach younger or inexperienced members and trainees how to harness the nature energy around them. All of them were focusing intently on his words, making sure to follow the steps and requests asked of them. The rain had become more consistent as time went on and the sky turned a deep grey color. The lightening and thunder were also becoming more consistent, illuminating the faces of the members and trainees after every *CRACKLE and BOOM* from the storm.
As she watched, Wren could see different amounts of nature energy being pulled towards their bodies. Most people were not able to see the flow of nature as well as spiritual energy unless they have years of practice. Wren was pleasantly surprised to see how well everyone here was doing. After gathering adequate amounts of energy, everyone broke off into pairs, including Vivi and Michael. Some of the pairs were sparring with each other, while others were working on their teleportation technique, which was an important aspect of most missions Lightening members were assigned too. After a bit of time, the rain began to fall at a faster rate and decreased their visibility. The groups switched their tasks after sometime and began to spar and practice short bursts of teleportation once again. During this time, Akemi and Michael were sparring with each other. Due to their level of strength, they moved farther away from the other groups and used more force than those before them had done. *CLACK* the sound of the sparring swords, (wooden swords), could be heard amongst the low rumble of the thunder, drawing everyone's attention.
After more back and forth between the two, Cadman spoke up, "Okay boys, that's enough showing off now. If y'all wanna spar later, then by all means go ahead, but for now CUT IT OUT! I need everyone else to focus." Michael and Akemi laughed, bowed to each other, then moved on to help others. *RUMBLE! CRACKLE!* A loud and bright lightening and thunder combination lit up the surrounding area which was now very dim. "MAKE WAY!" Cadman yelled to everyone, while some were confused, some also knew and could sense why he said this. Without warning there was another loud rumble and crackle from the storm, but this time the lightening struck in the middle of the arena. As the dim surroundings were lit up by the lightening strike, and the lightning began to fade away, there was a young woman who was crouched on one knee with her fist on the soft dirt. Rei, Liam, and Vivi gasped when they saw a woman had basically replaced the spot where the lightening had just struck.
"Serena! Are you-" "MOVE!" The young woman, Serena, who had just appeared seemingly out of the lightening, yelled for Cadman to move, just as another lightning struck the ground near his feet, "UGH!" With a thud, Cole and Ravi appeared, with muddied clothes and obvious wounds. They were all panting, "Where's Rian?!" Serena ran over to the spot where Cole and Ravi were just getting back to their feet. "He *pant* was right behind-" Ravi was cut off by yet another lightening strike that was just on the outside of the arena. "RIAN!" Serena, as well as Cadman, and Wren, ran over to where the lightening last struck. There was a badly beaten and bloodied body of a man, sprawled out in the dirt. He was breathing but it was labored and his eyes were closed. "Rian, answer me! RIAN!" There was still no answer as Serena began to shake the man. "Serena, calm yourself. Vivi, take Rian to Shoyo now!" Vivi nodded and rushed over to Rian. She took a deep breath in, then lightly touched Rian's shoulder. After she left her breath out they both disappeared.
"Serena, what happened? I thought this was a simple mis-" "It's the island on the far side of the Tradelands. They've all but declared war on us; we need to brief Lord Valen. Please excuse us," Cole spoke for Serena who was now visibly shaking; they then disappeared. "Ravi, come with me," Michael extended his arm towards Ravi, who was a Lunar Level Member and was not able to teleport. After Ravi grabbed Michael's arm, they also disappeared. Throughout these events, the rain had never let up and only seemed to be falling more. "Senior Cadman, I must go now. Please send everyone back to their homes and ensure they will not speak of this until Lord Valen makes his statement." Wren said, then without waiting for his response, a thin layer of smoke appeared around Wren's body and she disappeared as well. "Well shit!" Cadman said to himself as he turned to face the others.