Steven and Elijah had gotten to Glmpton after their journey to Tampa to hunt down a beast. They got out of the carriage and Elijah went to the association's head office to tell him about their success in Tampa while Steven went to the training hall feeling proud of his achievement.
Steven walked into the training hall, expecting to see his friends Jake and Liam waiting for him. "I guess Liam is already a friend huh" He had a lot to tell them about his adventure in Tampa, where he and his teacher Elijah had hunted down a beast that had been terrorizing the city. He was proud of his achievement and hoped his friends would be impressed.
But as he entered the hall, he saw only Jake sitting on a bench, looking gloomy. Steven approached him and greeted him with a smile.
"Hey, Jake, I'm back! You won't believe what I did in Tampa. I killed a beast with Elijah. It was amazing!"
Jake looked up and forced a smile.
"Hey, Steven. Welcome back. I'm glad you're okay."
Steven sensed something was wrong.
"What's the matter? Is there anything wrong happening and Where's Liam?"
Jake sighed and looked away.
"Liam… he's in the infirmary. He got hurt in a friendly duel with me while you were away."
Steven felt a surge of shock and worry.
"What? How did that happen? Is he okay?"
Jake shook his head.
"Well since you were not around to spar with him, he dueled with me, and during the duel, he got hurt really bad with me hitting him on his chest and making a cut on his shoulder with my Ki slash. And he has been in the infirmary for a day now.
Steven couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"A day huh? Well, he will be fine right? I should go see him right now."
Jake nodded.
"Go ahead. He's in one of the rooms in the infirmary, just ask for him when you get to the infirmary. He would love to see you right now I guess because he wished he had dueled with you instead of me.
"I am sure that the fight must have been an epic one, I wish I was there to witness the duel. But don't worry Jake, all will be well."|
Who would have thought that you would care for him so much?
Well, I am trying to be a good brother Steven so this is part of it. Jake answered as Steven went to the infirmary
Steven had gotten to the infirmary and asked about Liam to know where he was. he had gotten into his room to see his condition, and Steven could see that Liam's shoulder had been bandaged up. With Liam not having little to no Ki energy, his body would not heal as fast as the other beast hunters would.
You came back from where you went Steven, and at the wrong time because I did not want to see you in this state that I am because of my brother; Liam said as he stood up from the infirmary bed and walked up to Steven.
"And to think that Jake beat you bare-handed in the duel, that must be quite embarrassing Liam don't you think"
"Please don't tell me that Steven. Jake had always been stronger than me since he had been trained by our father especially since he was the favorite son and had been taught different techniques. And one day, I will be stronger than him." Liam said as he clenched his fist.
***
Elijah arrived at the association's head office to report his successful mission in Tampa. He walked into the room and saw the association head talking to someone he recognized. "You've got to be kidding me. Kai?" Elijah exclaimed, feeling a surge of anger and resentment. Kai was his rival, and maybe his former friend, who had betrayed him on several occasions.
Kai turned around and smirked. "Well, well, well. Look who's here. if it isn't Elijah who has just returned from a mission." He said mockingly.
The association head cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, please. There's no need for hostility. You're both here for a reason. You're both one of the best hunters we have in the Ironclaw association, and I need you to work together on a very important mission."
"But I just got back from one," Elijah said as he and Kai exchanged incredulous looks. "And why would I work With him?" They said in unison.
"Yes, work together. With him." The association head repeated firmly. "There's a situation on the road between Cairo and Volem that requires your expertise. Beasts have been killing dozens of people along that part. We don't know what kind of beasts they are, or where they came from, but we need to stop them before they cause any more chaos."
Elijah and Kai hesitated. They both knew that this was going to be a dangerous mission, but their occupation was full of danger. They also knew that they hated each other and that they would never trust each other. But they also knew that they had a duty to the association and that they couldn't refuse a mission from the head.
"Fine. I'll do it. But only for the association. And only if I get to call the shots." Elijah said.
"No way. I'm the leader. You're the follower. And don't you forget it." Kai said.
The association head sighed. "Enough. You're both leaders. And you're both followers. You'll have to cooperate and compromise if you want to succeed. And you'll have to leave your issues behind. This is bigger than both of you. This is about saving lives and protecting the world from a deadly threat. Do you understand?"
Elijah and Kai nodded reluctantly. They understood, but they didn't like it.
"Good. Then pack your bags and get ready. You leave tomorrow. And don't let me down. The fate of the people dying depends on you." The association head said.
Elijah and Kai left the association's head office. They didn't say a word to each other, but they both felt the same thing. A mix of fear, excitement, and curiosity. What kind of beasts were waiting for them on this dangerous mission? And what kind of secrets would they uncover along the way?
I can't believe that I would have to go on a mission with him again, I pray he does not leave me on this mission like he did the last time while we were fighting against the beast. Elijah said as he headed home to take a rest before the next mission.