Limits

After a while of practice, Aran showed me the Second Sword Form. It was the same Form, that the youngster used when he attacked me. Of course, Aran displayed it precisely and fluidly. The Form used a different style of attacking. Instead of using all basic Holds, Aran used only one Hold, but incorporated a specific foot technique in order to carry out the attack.

When Aran finished his demonstration, he said "The foot technique is not difficult at all. What you have to remember, is to stay in the Attacking Stance all the time. I did just that, but moved in a way that wouldn't break the Stance, which you no doubt you noticed. I can't really explain this properly. Training is the best way to learn, and get a feel for it". I nodded my head, and agreed. When I tried the footwork a few times, I understood why it was used like this.

'This is to face the opponent at all times, and make it easier to dish out the attacks. The footwork is, as he said not that difficult, but I will need to pay attention to the blade direction, my opponent placement and so on. No wonder that kid was so sloppy with it, the Form actually requires good knowledge, and a lot of practice' I thought. I trained the Second Sword Form until the evening. When we stopped the training, Aron said "You are making good improvements. I expected as much, the first three Forms are the basics of the Lethal Sword Technique. There are seven Forms in total, so you still have some things to learn". I nodded, and bid Aran farewell.

Back at Finch's house. Only Tina was sitting downstairs. When she noticed that I returned, she asked "How was your day?". I smiled, and said "Good. I learned a few new things, and checked up on the field". She nodded, then asked "Are you hungry?". I decided to have something to eat, before going back to my room, so I nodded. Tina prepared something for me, while Haily returned home as well. She didn't say anything to me, and sat down at the table.

Tina brought food for me, and asked Haily if she was hungry too. She declined, and just sat there. I wasn't bothered, and ate my food. As I was eating, Haily asked "How long are you going to freeload here?". Before I could answer, I heard a loud "Smack!". Tina smacked her daughter on her face, and said "How dare you say this? Is this how we raised you?". Haily shouted back "Shut up! Some sort of bum comes here, and says he is my family. You all get worked up about some guy, who you never saw!". I could see Tina raising her hand again, so I said "Stop".

Tina restrained herself, and apologised to me. Haily stood up, and ran towards her bedroom. I released my Aura, and said "You stay as well". She froze immediately, and stood there, like a wooden pole stuck in the ground. I said "I came here to visit my family. You are the only people related to me, that are left. I never liked lofty and arrogant people, so don't act like this in front of me. I never offended you, yet you try to do that everyday". I then retracted my Aura, and Haily fell to the floor.

I then said "To answer your question. I will be leaving soon. Not because you don't want me here, but because I have goals in my life too. Think about your own actions, and learn to be modest. This may save your life one day". I then continued eating, while Haily picked herself up, and left. Tina didn't know what to say, so I helped her out by saying "Don't worry, I'm fine. She will be fine too. I did that to make her realise, she is still acting like a spoiled kid. What I said is also true, if she acts like this with the wrong people, bad things may happen".

Tina sighed, and said "I don't know why she doesn't like you. You always smile, and treat everyone nicely here. Even the common villagers like you. I really don't know what is happening to her". I didn't know what to reply, but Finch walked down, and said "What Nex said isn't wrong. Nex is her family, yet she treats him like an enemy. I'm aware of those petty things she tried doing… I think she is jealous". I was lost at this stage, and asked "Why would she be jealous? It's not like I take away all your attention from her. Besides, she is 23 already".

Finch smiled, and said "I think she is jealous of her brother. You treated Norty very well, you even made him stronger. She feels left out, and wants attention from you". I massaged my forehead a bit, and said "I don't get it anymore…". I stood up, and said "I'm off for the night, goodnight guys". Both of them said goodnight, and I left. I headed upstairs, but didn't go to my room. I walked over to the room that was next to mine, and knocked on the doors.

No one answered. I tried entering, but the doors were closed. I smiled, and disappeared from that place. Because it was summer, windows were usually opened. I entered stealthy through Haily's window, and sat on the chair. She was laying on her bed, and didn't even realise that I was already inside her room.

I said "You know, you could've just ask". She immediately jumped out of the bed, and exclaimed "How did you get in!". I smiled, and said "I have my ways". She sat down, and asked "What do you want?". I asked the same question "What do YOU want Haily? You never tried to get to know me, yet you always assumed stuff about me. Are you really jealous of your brother?". She replied "Ha! Jealous? Of what?".

I shook my head, and said "Don't lie in front of me, it will not work. I can see through you, and the charade you are putting up. So why don't you just act accordingly?". She replied "You don't know shit about me!". I smiled, and said "I don't? Well then, how about this? You always pose as arrogant and lofty, but that's not the true you. You are a good kid, and you care for your family. Norty is open about it, but you are not. You think that showing emotions as a woman, is a weakness. Why do you think I said "Don't act like this in front of me"? Be yourself, instead of hiding behind fake coldness and arrogance".

Looking at her face, I knew all of that was true. Her expression proved everything. She didn't want to believe it, and asked "How can you…?". I smiled and said "I can, and I can much more than you may imagine. But because you always choose to play a game, you never learned anything about me". I then stood up, and said "Think about what I said. I will not force you though. You are a grown woman, and you can make your own decisions". I then left the room, and entered my own room.

'She stands in front of a choice. She can either abandon that futile attempts to fool people, or continue with that charade. Whatever she chooses, she is still my family, but I will also have to act accordingly' I thought, and went to sleep.