I spent the next 3 days training through this process. This allowed me to become more in tune with these intense emotions. In a short period of time I could only make so much progress but it was the most efficient way for me to do so; according to Liliana.
"This will desensitize you to your own emotions enough so that you will be able to control them. You are strong-willed so the typical side effects shouldn't effect you too much...Hopefully" Liliana said to me on the 1st day with uncertainty.
It's the 3rd day now and I can feel the effects taking place. Just two days after doing this scenario training I am able to control myself from the get-go of it. Though, in the real world and not my mind, I'm not as in control; I still have sudden bursts of emotions, particularly anger -- but none have resulted in the loss of a hand so I'd say I'm making progress.
"Since you've made sufficient progress in your emotions, today I'll start training you control of my powers. You have an innate ability to do this due to us being paired together so becoming proficient at it shouldn't take long...Unlike all the other things Camila is trying to teach you."
That last part kind of stings but she's right...
We're in the middle of this all-too familiar training grounds with Camila to the side, watching us. The sun is beaming down on me and I'm drenched in sweat. It's beyond uncomfortable.
Liliana's jab at me does nothing but give me motivation. I'll prove you wrong you bipolar OP spirit.
"Yea, yea, let's get on with the training I'm ready to go." I urge her.
The past 3 days have been much more laid back than the first. I've gotten to know Camila more and we're just on the cusp of getting out of the awkward acquaintance stage, close to friendship! She's a kind woman who works hard here at the house. Though, it's quite obvious that she is very talented in combat. I don't know why she isn't using those skills in that field rather than working here, but that's a question that I'll ask further into our friendship, if it goes that far.
My relationship with Liliana has stayed relatively the same, although I wouldn't say this is bad. From the start I felt like our relationship was a close one, despite just barely meeting her. It was a weird feeling being so close to someone, both literally and figuratively, yet barely knowing them. Now, it's just my reality, I don't think about it too much despite it's polarizing nature.
"Ok ok, you remember what Camila said about harnessing energy right?"
I nod.
"Well, I can do that naturally, far better than any human could attempt to. Most of the time I will always be able to do this process for you. This leaves only the responsibility of the usage of that energy when you are in control. Understand? That's what we are training today."
"Right."
"First step..." A silence follows and I feel a burning sensation develop in my feet. It rises into my legs and eventually I can feel it all over my body. It feels like a hot pepper was smeared across my body, it's more annoying than painful.
"I've gathered heat energy from ground. Hold out your hand and try to guide the energy to the palm of your hand."
Such vague instructions...
I try to do as she says and I feel some success, despite the unclear instructions. The itching heat travels to the right side of my body on my first attempt but doesn't go anywhere specific.
Now, the right side of my body is in pain in result to what I assume is the concentration of the energy on one side of my body. It's even worse due to the fact that it's inside of me. Not like flames, where the pain is external. I've never been on fire but this sucks really bad so I assume it's worse.
I automatically redirect the energy to disperse throughout my body to ease the pain.
"Good job. In a few days you will probably be able to direct energy to a specific spot in your body and if your determined, you will be able to manifest that energy back into your environment."
A grin forms on my face, finally something I got on my first try! Once I get this down maybe I'll be able to hold my own without Liliana.
Next, Liliana harnesses energy from the 3 remaining major elements for me to guide. Water, air and earth. Feeling each element envelope my body and being able to somewhat control them was really cool. It reminded me of Avatar. Chris really likes that show. I wonder what he's doing right now?
My thoughts are interrupted with a heel smashing into the side of my skull.
After I finished training with Liliana I began sparring with Camila. Getting lost of my thoughts with her was the worst thing I could do. Although she's a nice woman usually, when we train there's an unnatural ferocity and strictness she displays. Though, I guess it's not unnatural, just weird for me to see.
I fall to the floor, gripping the side of my head.
"Why didn't you block it?!" Camila exclaims as she runs up to me.
"Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts..." I manage to say through the pain.
"Sorry for kicking so hard...I'll go a little easier in case your distracted." She apologizes with concern. Her face is pained with worry, who would've thought such a kind face could produce so much pain.
"No! It's not her fault you weren't paying attention. Step up your game Roman. Time is ticking and you don't seem to be taking this seriously." Liliana scolds me.
I wince one final time and get up. Reassuring Camila that I was ok in the process.
"You're right."
This has been happening a lot. I think back to before all of this and get lost in the fantasy. I need to stop. All I should focus on is what I can do now.
After a short rest me and Camila begin sparring again.
My body hasn't only changed in appearance. Liliana told me that because of her immense strength, as time goes on I will slowly become stronger physically. This is due to her acclimating to my body. Just 3 days ago I could barely keep up with Camila, now, I'm on the cusp of matching her speed with just my own physical strength.
Camila starts off with the same flying knee, her speed is borderline inhuman but I manage to dodge to the left of the strike, avoiding it for the first time. I smile.
I see Camila smile for a moment, it gives me confidence for a moment until she speaks.
"So you're ready for gear two huh?"
As soon as she lands from the flying knee she quickly switches directions, throwing up dirt in the process, I ready for an impact while the dirt momentarily hides her; but, she doesn't rush at me in the cover. Instead, the dirt stays in the air. Floating.
Your...Serious?
"Gravity, Roman. Spirit's can control almost every aspect of reality. My Telum may be low in rank but any spirit's powers can be put to use with the right user."
Gravity? They know about gravity...What was civilization like when Newton discovered it? Was it like this? No...This civilization has aspects of both modern society and society hundreds of years ago. What could this mean?
"You're lucky I don't come out of hiding and kick your face in again." Camila says with annoyance in her voice, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"I'm sorry! I was in deep thought again..."
"I kept calling out your name! Pay attention, this is important."
I feel bad and nod in agreement then yell yes ma'am when I realize she can't see me.
"My spirit specializes in gravity, hence the phenomenon your seeing right now. I intentionally kicked up as much dirt as possible to make use of his ability. You may not have to worry about this as much but it's an important lesson: raw power will be outmatched with strategy."
"I see..."
Suddenly, Camila comes out of the cloud of dirt and dust in front of me and goes for a punch to my chest.
I instinctively duck my body when I see her launch towards me and the punch lands flush on my forehead.
I fling to the ground and land on my back.
Camila stands over me and looks down with a smile, "Another lesson, be unpredictable."