The following morning, the sun had barely begun to rise when Skydancer arrived at the training field. The village was still shrouded in the quiet of early dawn, the only sounds being the soft rustle of the trees and the distant calls of birds. Today was different. Today, he wasn't just training to become a better Blitzball player; he was preparing for something far more intense—Basic Close Quarters Combat (CQC).
Kanu had called for a special session, one that went beyond the confines of Blitzball. It was time for Skydancer to learn the other half of what it meant to be a warrior in Loto Village—how to fight with nothing but his hands and his instincts.
[System Notification: Special Training Session Initiated]*
[Objective: Begin Basic Close Quarters Combat (CQC) Training with Kanu]
Skydancer approached the field with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Kanu was already there, going through a series of warm-up exercises that showcased his raw power and fluidity. The early morning light cast shadows across his muscular frame, highlighting the definition in his arms and the effortless grace with which he moved. Kanu was a force to be reckoned with, and today, he was going to pass some of that strength onto Skydancer.
"Morning, Sky," Kanu greeted him without breaking his rhythm. He was performing a series of rapid strikes against an invisible opponent, his hands moving so fast they blurred. "Ready to get started?"
Skydancer nodded, setting down his gear and rolling his shoulders to loosen up. "Yeah, mate, ready as I'll ever be. Let's see what you've got."
Kanu stopped his exercises and turned to face Skydancer, his expression serious. "Blitzball's important, but out here, you need to be able to defend yourself in more ways than one. The jungle isn't just full of monsters; there are other dangers too. And if you want to protect yourself and the people you care about, you need to know how to fight with your bare hands."
Skydancer absorbed Kanu's words, understanding the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just about learning how to throw a punch; it was about survival—and more importantly, it was about becoming a complete Blitzball player.
[Sub-Objective: Complete Basic CQC Training with Kanu]
Kanu motioned for Skydancer to follow him to a flat area of the field that had been cleared for combat training. The ground was firm, with a few scattered rocks and patches of grass. It was a simple setup, but it was all they needed.
"First, we're going to work on your stance and your balance," Kanu explained, moving into a low, wide stance that kept his center of gravity steady. "Everything starts with a good foundation. If you're off balance, you're an easy target—on and off the Blitzball field."
Skydancer mirrored Kanu's stance, feeling the tension in his legs as he adjusted his posture. Kanu circled him, occasionally nudging or pushing to test his balance, correcting his form with a sharp eye.
"Keep your feet shoulder-width apart," Kanu instructed. "Bend your knees, but stay light on your toes. You need to be able to move quickly in any direction, whether you're dodging a tackle in Blitzball or defending against an opponent in close combat."
"Right, light on the toes," Skydancer muttered, adjusting his stance. "Like a bloody Roo ready to jump."
[Nice one, Skydancer. Just don't start bouncing all over the place, yeah?]
"Cheers, Nexi. I'll try to keep the hopping to a minimum," Skydancer replied internally, a smirk playing on his lips.
Once Kanu was satisfied with Skydancer's stance, he moved on to basic strikes. He demonstrated a series of punches and kicks, each one delivered with precision and power. Kanu's fist sliced through the air with a sharp *whoosh* before connecting with an invisible target, his body twisting fluidly to channel every ounce of force into the strike. His kicks were like thunderbolts, swift and devastating, each one landing with a resounding thud that seemed to shake the ground beneath them.
Skydancer watched closely, noting the way Kanu's entire body seemed to flow into each movement, turning every strike into a controlled burst of energy.
"Your hands are your primary weapons," Kanu explained, demonstrating a quick jab followed by a powerful cross. "But don't forget your legs. A good kick can end a fight before it even begins. The key is to strike with intent—don't just throw your limbs around. Every movement should have a purpose, just like in Blitzball."
Skydancer tried to replicate Kanu's movements, throwing punches and kicks with as much precision as he could muster. His fists cut through the air, but unlike Kanu's strikes, his movements felt rigid, disconnected. He grunted in frustration as one of his kicks landed awkwardly, his balance wavering.
"Don't tense up," Kanu advised, stepping in to adjust Skydancer's posture. "Relax your shoulders. Power comes from the whole body, not just your arms. Let it flow naturally, the way you've started to let it flow when you pass or shoot in Blitzball."
Skydancer nodded, focusing on loosening his movements. He shook out his arms and took a deep breath, letting the tension drain away. As he continued to practice, he could feel his strikes becoming more fluid, more powerful. Each punch started to connect with a satisfying *crack*, and his kicks began to carry a weight behind them that hadn't been there before.
[System Notification: Combat Skill Progress - 10%]
[Blitzball Basics - 40% Mastered]
The training intensified as the morning wore on. Kanu introduced more advanced techniques, including blocks, counters, and grappling maneuvers. He demonstrated a quick takedown, sweeping Skydancer's legs out from under him in one fluid motion before pulling him back up just as quickly. "You've got to stay on your feet, Sky. The moment you're down, you're vulnerable."
"Sounds like a bad Blitzball match," Skydancer quipped, dusting himself off. "But what about monsters, Kanu? You've got us practicing against people, but out there in the jungle, it's a whole different ball game, right?"
Kanu nodded, his expression growing more serious. "You're not wrong. Combat against people is one thing—predictable, in a way. But monsters… they're wild, unpredictable, and most of them are a lot stronger than we are. You can't just rely on brute force. You have to be smarter, more tactical."
Skydancer's curiosity piqued. "And what about this Monster Tide I've heard whispers about? What exactly are we up against?"
Kanu's face darkened, a shadow of concern passing over his features. "A Monster Tide is one of the worst things that can happen. It's like a massive stampede or an all-out attack from every monster in the area. It can be caused by a lot of things, but usually, it's triggered when two or more Monster Leaders—think of them as the apex predators of this world—start battling. Their power and rage are so intense that they send everything around them into a panic. The monsters nearby get affected by that aura, and they, in turn, spread that panic to others. Before you know it, you've got a chain reaction of angry, terrified creatures tearing through everything in their path."
Skydancer's brows furrowed as he absorbed the information. "So, it's not just one threat—it's a whole damn horde.
"Exactly," Kanu said grimly. "They're like natural disasters with legs. If a Monster Tide hits, it's not just the monsters you have to worry about. It's the destruction, the chaos. People get caught up in it, villages get wiped out. It's the kind of thing that leaves scars on the land—and on those who survive."
Skydancer felt a chill run down his spine. The stakes were even higher than he'd realized. This wasn't just about learning to fight—it was about preparing for something that could level the entire village if they weren't ready.
[System Notification: Monster Tide Threat Confirmed - High Priority Objective]
"Well, isn't that a lovely thought," Skydancer muttered, trying to mask his unease with humor. "Guess I'd better start taking this training even more seriously, huh?"
Kanu's expression softened slightly, a hint of encouragement in his eyes. "We're in this together, Sky. We train hard, we prepare, and when the time comes, we stand our ground. That's how we survive."
Skydancer nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Right. Let's get back to it, then. If we're going to face a bloody Monster Tide, I need to be ready."
Kanu smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit. Let's make sure that when the time comes, those monsters don't know what hit 'em."
They resumed their training, the intensity kicking up a notch as they both pushed harder. The ground beneath them became a battleground, each step carefully calculated to avoid the uneven terrain. Skydancer's muscles burned as he blocked a strike, pivoting to counter with a kick that Kanu easily deflected.
As they sparred, Kanu suddenly switched tactics, moving from a series of strikes to a swift takedown attempt. Skydancer barely had time to react, but his instincts kicked in, and he shifted his weight just in time to avoid being thrown to the ground. His body moved almost on its own, twisting out of Kanu's grip and landing a solid punch to his side.
Kanu grinned, clearly impressed. "Nice recovery. You're getting the hang of this."
They continued to train until the sun was high in the sky, its heat beating down on them. By the time Kanu called for a break, Skydancer was exhausted, but there was a sense of accomplishment burning in his chest. He had held his own against Kanu, and while he still had a lot to learn, he could feel himself growing stronger with each passing minute.
Kanu handed Skydancer a water flask, his own breath coming in steady but deep intervals. "You did good today, Sky. You're picking this up fast. But remember, combat isn't just about strength or skill. It's about mindset. You have to be willing to fight, to do whatever it takes to win—on the field and off."
Skydancer took a long drink, nodding as he absorbed Kanu's words. "I get it, mate. I'll keep pushing myself."
Kanu clapped him on the shoulder, a gesture of approval that carried more weight than any words could. "Good. We'll keep at this every day. By the time we're done, you'll be ready for whatever this world throws at you—whether it's a monster in the jungle or a tough opponent on the field."
[System Notification: Basic CQC Training - 25% Progress]
As they finished up their session, Skydancer couldn't help but reflect on how far he'd come in such a short time. From struggling to keep up with the basics of Blitzball to now learning the art of combat, every day in Loto Village was a new challenge. But with Kanu's guidance and the support of his newfound friends, Skydancer felt more prepared than ever.
The countdown in his mind continued to tick away, but with each passing day, he grew more confident that he could face whatever was coming. The Loto Divers were his team, his family now, and he was determined to be ready for whatever trials lay ahead.
As they walked back toward the village, Kanu turned to Skydancer with a thoughtful expression. "Tomorrow, we'll focus on integrating what you've learned into your Blitzball training. The two go hand in hand—you'll see. It's all about becoming a well-rounded fighter."
Skydancer nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I'm ready for it, Kanu. Let's do this."
[System Notification: Training Complete for Day 5]
[Basic Close Quarters Combat - 30% Mastered]
[Blitzball Basics - 45% Mastered]
[Countdown: 25 Days, 12 Hours]
As they headed back to the village, the sun setting behind them, Skydancer couldn't help but think about the battles yet to come. The clock was ticking, and with each day, the stakes were rising. But if there was one thing Skydancer knew for sure, it was that he wasn't going to back down.