Gauntlet Rite of Ascension (13 page)

“The real threat lies in the Descended. Their uncontrollable rampages leave many in their wake, hurt and bitten. Some of whom have the genetic makeup that allows the Beast to rise.”

“Under your fathers decree the Rite has become more of a show of mastery of the Beast. The one being tested has to undergo a series of feats that have been designed to show an ability to control the Beast without placing innocents in harm and using magic to create monsters for us to kill.”

“There are ancient clauses that still govern the Rite and the Pack leader can use them under certain circumstances. Your father did a great job at governing the Pack in a fair and kind manner. That doesn’t mean that a new Pack leader doesn’t have the ability to call for more barbaric methods if they find the proper loophole.” He finished.

“That’s why there is such seriousness. You’re afraid that I will have to undergo a much more brutal Rite?” I asked.

“The current Pack leader was no fan of your father. You have the right to challenge and he fears that, he fears you. Yes you are still young and seemingly not a threat, but how many times has the son of a deposed leader rose up to seize power from the one who took it in the first place?” He said.

“So what am I stuck in some Shakespearean drama?” I asked.

“In a sense, yes. You will have to out think and out maneuver your enemy. Being Ascended is not all about brute strength. There are many ways those that want you dead can achieve this even after you are a member of the Pack. It is ruthless and cutthroat. This was something your father was trying to change, and successfully, I might add. Now the Pack has fallen into the hands of someone who does not believe like your father, someone who is dangerous.” Abaddon said.

“That’s why I have to continue with school? So that I’m not an idiot?” I asked.

“Yes, you need to be as lethal in mind as you are in body. A good education will help hone that. It is essential.” He answered.

So, not only did I have to learn to physically defend myself to save my life, my grades, literally, depended on it. I also had to learn the ins and outs of how to politically operate within the Pack. Things just kept getting better and better.

“When do I have to undergo the Rite of Ascension? How much time do I have?” I asked.

“Normally, when a person is raised within the Pack they undergo the Rite a year after Ascending. You are a rogue and have a sponsor. They allow more time for you.” He said.

I looked at him, impatience showing on my face.

“Two years, you have two years to prepare.” He said.

“That seems like a long time. Will I be able to see my family?” I asked.

“It would be best if you didn’t. Not until you are a member. In order to keep you from attacking anyone else with the Beast’s blood you are not allowed to see your family.” He answered.

Damn, two years. I wasn’t going to be able to see my sister or mom for two years. Abaddon watched me, understanding my concern.

“Do not worry. The time will go by very quickly. You will see. The training will be intense and there will be little time to fret over your family’s absence. Besides, it is for the best. You have to succeed if you want any chance at seeing them again anyway. If you fail you won’t have to worry about not getting home for the holidays. You’ll be dead.”

“I know it’s a lot to deal with, but I have a duty to prepare you. There will be time to absorb everything that is happening.” Abaddon said as he stood in the arena.

“For now all you need to focus on is learning to protect yourself. Now that you have your weapons we can really begin your training. I have to admit, I’m curious to see what those gauntlets can do.”

All of my life I have prepared for the future. I worked hard at school to make sure I would have a chance at getting into college. I saved my money to make my move possible. I stayed out of trouble to ensure nothing tripped me up. Planning for events that would come about years from now wasn’t something that was alien to me. Hell that’s all I had been doing. The thought of training and preparing for two years was actually welcome. I liked having the ability to ensure I was ready. I excelled at making sure that when the time came for my life to take the next step I did everything I could to anticipate it.

“Let’s get started then.” I said, walking up to Abaddon.

I may have been thrust into this situation and literally thrown to the wolves, but by god when the time came to make an accounting of myself I wasn’t going to fail.

Chapter 14

Abaddon stood apart from me. We watched each other waiting for a clue, a signal, a small tic or movement that would initiate a sparring session. The last few months had indeed gone by very fast, just as Abaddon had said.

Almost on cue Abaddons hand flexed, slightly, hovering over the handle of his sword that was still in its scabbard on his hip. I moved in fast, taking the offensive.

I had been learning many different fighting styles and techniques. Abaddons knowledge of different weapons and fighting forms was amazing. He believed that in order for me to be able to truly fight a skilled opponent I not only had to understand the weapon I used but I had to understand the weapon my opponent used. This innate knowledge of others fighting styles, weapons and tactics would allow me to anticipate their moves. If mastered this would give me an edge against any opponent.

It was hard as hell.

I had a tough enough time learning how to use my own gauntlets, much less every other weapon and differing style.

Thankfully, Abaddon was condensing his in depth training into a few groups in order to speed up his usual training schedule. All this meant was that he sliced and diced me with five main weapons instead of fifteen.

At the moment, I was learning how to fight with the katana. Abaddon felt learning the basic single sword attacks were enough to encompass most sword users and had settled on the katana. It could be used single handed or two handed. It was fast and yet powerful. All in all it was a pretty dangerous blade. If only it were in the hands of someone who was skilled.

I called on the Beast to fuel my attack, I came in hard, veering towards Abaddon’s right only at the last second I twisted to his left and brought the sword in a low sweep that passed in front of my legs and came up to his shoulder. I hoped the quick change in direction would distract him and make his drawing of his sword slower and more awkward allowing me to land a hit on his unprotected shoulder.

Abaddon met my blade with his an inch from his shoulder. The metal rang off each other in a familiar sound that had become an anthem in my life.

I would wake up late at night with the fading echoes of that ringing in my head.

He quickly parried my attack and with a quick twist of his wrists tried to unarm me. I was prepared for that and allowed the momentum of his swords rotation to flow through mine. I waited until his attempt to spin my blade from my hand was over and used the movement to bring my blade in a quick slash towards his exposed neck.

Again, Abaddon’s blade met mine and blocked my attack.

The first few weeks had been excruciating. Abaddon believed that pain was a wonderful motivator and I had to admit it was. He never failed to find the weakness in my defense and the sloppiness in my attack. He rewarded these failures with painful lessons of steel cutting flesh.

Yes, I healed almost instantly from non silver metal, but it still hurt like hell.

I quickly fell back as Abaddon began to press the attack. He came at me with a numerous series of thrusts and slashes. I barely managed to keep his attacks from landing.

Over the countless hours of training and failing had I slowly began to show some promise. It had taken along time and a lot of blood and pain, but I was finally beginning to not be defeated almost instantly.

Abaddons attack overwhelmed me and in a desperate attempt to break it and turn the tide of his offense I put more effort than necessary in deflecting his blade in hopes of making him go wide and giving me an opening.

As I hoped his deflected blade was pushed off further than normal and I eagerly moved in to take advantage.

As I thrust my sword towards Abaddons ribs, over extending myself in eagerness, Abaddon side stepped my attack and swept his blade up, throwing my arms above my head.

Pain exploded from my abdomen as Abaddon sliced open my stomach with a vicious cut. I felt a weird sensation as the open wound Abaddon gave me allowed my intestines to start to fall out of my body cavity.

Abaddon quickly came in and with his hand stopped them from escaping. The pain was overwhelming. Abaddons face was a few inches from mine when he said as he pushed my guts back into my body while the wounds began to close, “You attack like an over eager child, too impatient to wait for an opening, too hungry for the kill. You have to stalk your opponent and wait for them to make the mistake. Take them down when they think they have almost won.”

His words sank home as my body healed itself. He let go of me and I fell to the ground as the shock took its toll. I lay there panting, being eviscerated was a new one.

“You do not anticipate my actions, you react. Many of the Ascended have been using their weapons for decades and are experts. You cannot defeat them with quick reflexes. You have to get to a place where your Beast helps you instinctively understand your opponent’s intentions and you effectively combat that.” He said, handing me a water bottle.

“How? I have been trying. I know all the moves, countermoves, parries and thrusts. Learning the information has never been a problem.” I said.

“Knowing the technical aspects to fighting is important, but it is but one part of the whole. It takes time.” He said, sitting in front of me, crossing his legs.

“Come sit down.” He said.

I took a big pull of the water then set it down. I gathered myself and sat in front of him, crossing my legs as well.

“Your will is a weapon as dangerous as any sword. It too needs to be honed and strengthened. Gather your will and begin.” He said.

I slowed down my breathing and forced my thoughts away from my failure in the arena.

I drew in my will and focused it. This was something I was pretty good at.

I concentrated on my right hand and willed it to change. There was a sharp piercing pain as the bones of my hand elongated and reformed, hair sprouted from the top of my hand and my nails grew and curved into wicked looking claws. The hurt subsided and I marveled at the results. No matter how many times I did this it still amazed me.

“Good, that was faster. Your control is getting better, now the other hand.” He said.

Again I concentrated and again my other hand underwent the same change.

“Now back.” He said.

This time I reversed the process and soon I saw both hands in human form.

The ability to alter my bodies form was an important one. The Beast lived within me but it found oneness with the form of the animal. I possessed heightened abilities but they were only at their greatest when in Beast form. Manipulating my form in all stages of the change was essential to my ability to control the Beast. The more control I had the more strength I could use.

We continued this for hours. I shifted parts of my body and then shifted them back. Near the end, my focus was frayed and I had a hard time concentrating. Abaddon noticed my decrease in control and called for a stop.

“That is good for now. You are progressing nicely, but I think we need to push you further. Your control of the Beast can help overcome your lack of experience with the blade. This is a good thing that you are so adept at applying your will.” He said.

“God, my hands feel like jello.” I said, turning my hands over and flexing them.

“That is normal. Shifting is difficult and takes a toll on the body even with our healing abilities. It is getting late and you begin school tomorrow. Get some rest.” He finished, standing up and leaving me alone in the arena.

I was glad to start classes in the morning. The last few months had been filled with combat training, usually consisting of being cut to hell, lessons in control and Pack law.

I looked forward to getting out of this place and onto a college campus. Don’t get me wrong spending hours on end having my ass kicked was appealing, but I welcomed the change in pace.

I got up and went to my room, checking to make sure I had everything I needed for class. The first few days were usually tame; most schools spent this time letting the students get comfortable with class locations and the campus layout. I lay down, eagerly anticipating the morning. Sleep took its time, but eventually it came and plunged me into the depths of my own imaginings.

I woke up and looked at the clock. In my eagerness to start school I had woken up thirty minutes early. I knew I wouldn’t be able to go back to sleep so I went into the kitchen and made breakfast.