"Good Morning Candidates" A voice from the entrance of the doors hooked all of the Candidates' attention. Dr. Carter entered the dining hall, wearing his signature white lab coat. He had a scruffy beard and visible bags under his eyes, but he gave off a tired smile. " I see that you all enjoyed your breakfast, well." Dr. Carter then looked at his phone for a moment and placed it back in his coat's pocket. "You guys have 10 minutes to prepare, I'll see you all at the gym." Dr. Carter then starts to leave the hall but stopped at a butler. "Hey, can I have a cup of coffee please?" The butler then nodded as Dr. Carter disappeared at the corner.
"Welp, I'll see you all in 15," Alexis said as she got up and walked out of the hall, Shaniah then followed after her. " See you Aiden," Shaniah said with a small smile, Zarrah then quickly stood up and quickly walked past Aiden followed by Donatello. Aiden then gave a small sigh while getting up from his chair. Umbra, who wasn't noticed by the others stood behind Aiden and patted his shoulder. Afterward, gave a small nod of sympathy to Aiden then exited the hall as well.
"That guy still gives a bit of the creeps, sheesh," Aiden mumbled to himself.
*
Aiden was now walking down the manor with new clothes and fresh from the shower. He wore a grey shirt, black gym pants, and running shoes. he scratched his head by running his fingers through his slightly damped head. He finally arrived at two doors. He opened them and was greeted by the gym. The gym was larger than any normal one, it was 5 times larger than the gym in the school. It had all of the equipment needed for different types of sports and exercises with a large clearing in the middle. The other candidates were already there and were starting to warm up. Alexis was practicing stretches on the large mat that covered most of the center of the gym, Umbra was on the small parkour course on the right side, Donatello is lifting a few weights on a bench, and Zarrah and Shanaiah were having a small sparring match if, which was simply trying to knock each other down their feet.
"Hey there Aiden," Alexis said while in a Forearm Stand. "Oh hey, Alex...is," Aiden said a bit distracted on the position Alexis is in. "You seem to be a bit late don't you think," Aleix said while falling down onto her backside and landed on a sitting position down on the matt.
"Well, you guys are just early," Aiden said while stretching. He then went onto beside Alexis and started to do push-ups. Alexis then watches Aiden doing push-ups and quickly starts to get tired. "Come on princey, I can do more than that." Aiden simply gave an annoyed grunt at Alexis' remarks. Alexis was then distracted and looked at Shaniah and Zarrah's spar.
"There they go again, getting way too caught up in the fight." as she then gave a sigh, Aiden then looked up onto the spar between Zarrah and Shaniah. Their small spar started to get a bit more intense than it should have been. Focus, was plastered on their faces, the safe takedown and counters started to turn into quick jabs and hits with more deadly counters to defend themselves.
"Why don't you stop them?" Aiden asks while looking at Alexis who just gave a small shrug. "It's more fun to watch."
Zarrah quickly darted towards Shaniah's side and delivered three quick hits onto her ribs and side. Shaniah quickly grabbed Zarrah's arm and gave a knee kick but was blocked by Zarrah's other arm. But Shaniah punched Zarrah in the throat causing her to lose air. Zarrah stumbles back with Shaniah now grabbing onto her arm and shoulder attempting to throw her to the floor. But Zarrah quickly wrapped her legs around Shaniah's waist knocking them both down with Zarrah on top of her. Zarrah was about to hit Shaniah with a punch but was stopped by a voice.
"Alright, that's enough Number 1 and 4." Dr. Carter said who entered the gym unnoticed by the 4 Candidates. Donatello and Umbra were already standing on the matt behind Dr. Carter. "Well then, let's begin training." Dr. Carter said while clapping his hands together. " As you can all see, we aren't using the underground training room, for now, today we will be sparring. And I see some of you are already excited about it." Dr. Carter said while looking at Shaniah and Zarrah who were slightly embarrassed.
Dr. Carter then checked his phone again, after reading something he nodded and gathered the kid's attention. "Alright, let's begin. Number 3 and Number 2, please get on the middle of the matt." Alexis and Umbra then walked towards the center standing opposite from each other. " Get Ready." Alexis then angled herself so her right side faces Umbra while Umbra just bends down waiting for the signal.
"GO!" In a split second both darted to each other. Alexis quickly sidestepped a punch from Umbra. She quickly kneed Umbra at his right side. Umbra was knocked back but quickly regained his balance. Alexis started assaulting Umbra with a flurry of kicks. Umbra was able to block them when Alexis di a large spinning kick. Seeing this chance, Umbra quickly grabbed her foot, Alexis anticipating this then used her other foot and brought it onto the right side of Umbra's face.
With this, Umbra lets go and feel a bit discombobulated. Alexis then bright up her leg with her flexibility and brought it down on top of Umbra's head.
Umbra quickly grabbed the foot surprising Alexis and grabbed onto her leg. Umbra then kicked Alexis' other leg bringing her down onto the matt. Alexis now knocked onto the floor, Umbra grabbed her leg while pinning her down and placing her a leg lock. Alexis then tries to twist herself to reposition on top of Umbra but only made Umbra slightly twist her leg which made a small yelp escape. After this, Alexis begins to tap out.
"Match over, Umbra wins." Dr. Carter's loud voice stopped the spar. Umbra releases Alexis from her leg lock. Alexis on the other hand then laid on the floor, a hand was stretched forth and she saw Umbra bent down reaching out for her. She accepted the hand and was pulled up. Umbra then pointed down and she noticed him pointing to her leg. "Oh it's fine, you didn't sprain anything. I'm much tougher than I look." Alexis said while patting her chest. Umbra gave a small sigh and patted her back.
Alexis then went to Shaniah and Aiden while wiping some sweat with a towel from the folded one on a bench. " Wow, he really beat your ass back there," Lilian said.
"Aiden language! Although I have to agree with him." Stephanie said with an agreeing look. " Wow, thank's for the comforting words." Aiden then chuckled a bit.
"Candidate Number 4 and 1, please get on the middle of the matt." Dr. Carter said while writing on a small notepad. "That's my turn," Shaniah said and walked towards the center of the matt. She stared down at Zarrah on the other side who in turn returned the glare. "Get Ready." Both of the Candidate's fists curled.
"Begin!" Shaniah was the one to attack. She dashed towards Zarrah, she quickly did a low sweep. Zarrah stepped back to avoid the attack. Seeing her attack fail, Shaniah back away just dodging a hard down kick on where she was for a moment. Shaniah rolled back and stood up. She then started her offense again. Her flurry of Kicks and Punches placed Zarrah in a full defense state, blocking each attack. Zarrah sidesteps making Shaniah falter a bit, but that was what she needed. Zarrah then punched Shaniah in her chest knocking some air out and quickly brought a tiger palm up her chin. Shaniah who should've been knocked out managed to grabbed Zarrah's wrist and pulled it down with her. Zarrah was out of balance but quickly freed her arm from Shaniah's grip. But Shianiah's legs kicked hers knocking her down too. Shaniah jolted back up and sat on top of Zarrah, now beating her with punch after punch.
Lilian seeing this quickly grabbed Dr. Carter's coat. "Stop the Match!." Aiden shook him, but Dr. Carter grabbed one of his hands and looked at him with his tired face. "Don't worry, I know when to stop it." Seeing that Dr. Carter won't help he then approached them but was stopped by Alexis. 'Aiden I know it looks bad, but trust me this is part of the training." Aiden still troubled decided to listen to Alexis's words and watched with curled-up fists due to worry and fear for their safety.
Zarrah after being pummeled by Shaniah's punches she blocked a fist and leaned to the left to avoid the other. She did a quick strike on her neck making her lose air. "Fell for it again," Zarrah said and pushed her back from her. Zarrah then quickly did an elbow right jab on Shaniah knocking her on her left side. Zarrah stood back up with a nosebleed and some bruises on her face with Shaniah with the same condition, with a small scar on where Zarrah hit her with her elbow. Shaniah, now wary of Zarrah decided to stand her ground figuring out the right way to attack. Seeing the doubt in her opponent's movements, Zarrah took this opportunity and starts to Unleash her attacks. Shaniah was now defending as the roles reversed. Shaniah blocked a punch and counter by knocking down the arm and did a large uppercut. Zarrah leaned her head to the side avoiding the punch. Zarrah kicked Shaniah's lower hip making her falter and loosen her grip on her arm. After freeing herself, Zarrarh unleashed a quick chain of punches on Shaniah's chest knocking Shaniah back. Shaniah managed to grab both of Zarrah's hands and headbutted her, making Zarrah back away and Shaniah dazed for a moment. They were then back to their original positions waiting for the other to strike.
Suddenly Zarrah bolted towards Shaniah and did a large open jab which Shaniah quickly noticed, she grabbed the arm. Zarrah planned for this and pulled her arm back bringing Shaniah close and kneed her on the stomach making her arch down. Shaniah let out a choked gasp, Zarrah kicked her legs bringing her down to her knees. Zarrah then attempted a large kick as the leg neared Shaniah's face.
"Match over! Zarrah wins." Dr. Carter shouted as Zarrah's foot stopped in mere centimeters from connecting to Shaniah's face, making her hair slightly move from the wind from Zarrah's kick. Both girls breathed heavily, with sweat soaking them both and mixing with their blood. Zarrah then fell down onto the matt heaving. Alexis and Aiden then quickly ran towards Shaniah, quickly helping her up and Donatello and Umbra helped Zarrah onto her feet.
"That was, wow just wow," Aiden exclaimed while placing Shaniah on a bench. Alexis then grabbed a bottle of water and gave it to Shaniah. "Wow, she really beat your ass back there," Alexis said with a smirk, Shaniah then gave an annoyed look and continued drinking her water. " I was surprised that you guys kept on going," Aiden said while giving a towel to her. " Why didn't you guys just top, I mean you could have been very hurt," Aiden said with the worry returning to his eyes. Shaniah then gave a satisfied sigh from the cold water. "It's just part of our training Aiden, not everything will be through rules."
"I guess, you'll be covered in stitches always," Alexis said as Aiden just shakes his head. Lilian then grabbed another towel and an antibiotic.
"It's ok Aiden, I'll handle this," Alexis said and took the antibiotic off from Aiden's hand. "We're fine Aiden, you got to pre-Ah!" Shaniah said and hissed for a moment when the towel touched her bruises and cuts. "You gotta prepare, you're next princey." Alexis said, and just in time, Dr. Carter called out. "Candidate number 2 and number 6, please enter the middle of the mat."
Lilian starts to get a little nervous, seeing Donatello walking up to his side of the matt. Upon arriving at his post he then sees Donatello with a focused face. "Get ready." Dr. Carter said, Aiden took a deep breath a focused himself waiting for the signal. Donatello on the other hands started to hop on his feet
"Begin!" Dr. Carter shouted. Both Candidates unlike the other matches both boys didn't directly charge at the other as they circled each other. Donatello started to make his way onto Aiden with his hands up in fists. Aiden then hunched down copying Donatello's stance. When Donatello was now in front of Aiden, he made a quick jab at Aiden. Aiden blocked the jab with his arms but was knocked back. Donatello then weaved himself towards Aiden with a quick chain of hard punches soring Aiden's arms.
Donatello punched Aiden in his right ear making him release a groan. Upon dropping his defenses, Donatello couldn't help let out a small smile. He landed a punch on Aiden's stomach making him arch down and placed a strong uppercut on Aiden's chin. Aiden managed to lift up a hand and softened the blow a bit. Donatello continued his assault with each punch with much force, enough to knock back Aiden in each hit. But even from the hits, Aiden was still able to stand on his feet.
Donatello kicked Aiden's legs knocking him down. He quickly brought his foot up and attempted to stomp on Aiden. Aiden managed to roll off to the side as the spot on where he was got stomped on by Donatello with a small echo coming from it. Aiden grabbed the foot and pulled it making Donatello kneel down. Aiden then pulled himself up and pulling Donatello down even more.
Aiden now up, started kicking Donatello in the face. After a few kicks, Donatello punched the foot making Aiden limp back. Donatello then stood back up.
He then started to bounce again and shuffled his feet. He then started to approach Aiden again. Aiden eyed his legs and planned to knock him back down.
' I just might have a chance if I get him to the floor again.' Aiden copied Donatello's poses again. And when he was close, Aiden made a feint and aimed at his legs. But Donatello bent down as well expecting this and backed his leg away which resulted in Aiden missing. Seeing the opportunity, Donatello made a large uppercut knocking back Aiden and almost making him flip. Aiden now lied down at the matt, gasping for air and in a daze with a loud ringing on his right ear.
"Match over! Donatello wins." Dr.Carter said with a sigh of disappointment unnoticed by everyone. Aiden struggled on pushing himself up from all of the bruises on his arms. A Hand was outstretched and he saw it belonged to Donatello. He accepted and Donatello placed another on his back lifting him up.
"Thanks," Aiden said, but as he talked the bruises on his face started to ache which made him wince in pain. " Don't mention it, I just got cocky," Donatello said with an annoyed face. It was the first time Aiden heard Donatello talk. He simply nodded as Donatello placed him on a bench.
Alexis and Shaniah approached him with towels and water. Dr. Carter was seen deep in thought but had a disappointed look as he then wrote something down on his notepad. "Alright Candidates." Dr. Carter started talking while walking as the Candidates lined up in front of him. " I had my findings and to be honest, I'm not proud of them. Number 3." Dr. Carter said in which Alexis slightly jumped from nervousness. "You treat it like a game, not even batting an eye for the serious. Stop it, this is NOT a game." Alexis just hung her head down and slightly nodded. "Number 5." Dr. Carter then glances at Donatello. " You lost focus, and had your cockiness be your downfall."
Dr. Carter then stopped in front of Aiden, he eyed him up and down. "Number 6." Dr. Carter stopped in front of Aiden eyeing him and the disappointment returned to his face. " I expected a lot...I was wrong." Dr.Carter then continued talking about what they were gonna do today. Aiden bit his lip and gave off a long sigh.
"Today we will doing a small activity we call the Test Tournament, you will all be fighting each other one by one. Whoever wins will fight another one, if he or she loses then another will replace them and on and on. Whoever beats everyone 3 times will be the winner. There are only 3 rules, do not land any fatal blows, never attack an opponent when the match ends or if they tap out, and don't die." Everyone just had a confused look on their face as Dr. Carter continued. "Now, we'll be starting off with Number 5 and Number 2." Donatello and Umbra went towards the middle of the matt.
"Ready...Begin."