The Emerging Part I: Dream
CHAPTER LV

For three days after Hawk and Desert’s duel, Vaiqon has forced the Pentad to do nothing but conditioning exercises. The Pentad has completed innumerable push ups, sit ups, pull ups, Edge Runs, and even had another Circumference Run. Vaiqon rarely speaks to the Pentad, but when he does, it is usually more punishment for Hawk and Desert’s duel.

“I do not believe I told you to quit doing push ups. Keep going until I say stop,” Vaiqon’s normally calm voice storms.

The Pentad does push ups until their arms collapse and they physically cannot do anymore. Vaiqon’s voice storms again, “On your backs! Sit ups, as many as you can do before I say stop!”

The Pentad does sit ups until they are starting to arch their backs and throw themselves up to their knees before Vaiqon yells, “That is enough! Edge run! Three of them, go!”

Already feeling exhausted, the Pentad set out to try to complete three Edge runs. Fortunately, it rained the night before and the heat has gone. The weather now is only slightly warm with a cooling wind blowing over the Injhihato.

After completing the first of three Edge runs, the Pentad slows to a walk to gather their breaths. Too tired to speak to one another, they only look at each other. Hawk and Desert only stare at each other the entire time.

“Get running,” Vaiqon’s voice echoes in their heads. The Pentad shoots off into the distance.

After a second Edge run, the Pentad stops and notices that each are not panting and gasping for breath as they had the first time Rhino made them run the Edge three times.

“Is it just me, or was that actually easy,” Pork asks the others. They nod in agreement.

Hawk suggests, “Maybe all the training we have had in the past few weeks has given us a boost in stamina and strength that we did not notice.”

The others offer nothing to debate against Hawk’s statement for Vaiqon’s voice storms in their head, “One more run, get going!”

The Pentad, seeing and feeling that they are in fact stronger and fitter than they had been when they first arrived, starts to replace the Edge Run a relaxing experience. The dizzying trees they once thought were ominous are now provide ample shade. The rivers and waterfalls they ran through and once drenched them, are now cleansers and refreshers. And the winding path they have to take for the Edge Run is now just a simple road that requires no thinking.

When the Pentad finishes their third and last Edge run, they all notice that they are barely breathing hard and feel that the three runs were almost nothing compared to the circumference.

“Well, that was a nice run was it not,” Fox asks.

“Yes, I say that that was nothing as to what it was the first time,” Hawk supports.

Desert says, “I think we should run three a day, in the morning, it would be a great warm up for the day and it is great exercise.”

The others, including Desert, break out in laughter at Desert’s sarcastic statement. Unfortunately, Vaiqon has just walked up behind them and has heard them all laughing.

“Found three Edge runs hilarious have you? Well, I wonder how funny another Circumference Run will be!” The Pentad starts to move, but not quickly enough for Vaiqon, “Slow, slow, slow! Get moving Pentad! Hawk, whip that Pentad of yours into shape! Have Santhemum help you if that is too much effort on your part!”

The Pentad, donned with all of their equipment, heads for the first ring at a dead sprint. They arrive at the first ring to replace other Rniti training with swords, axes, bows, and arrows. The Pentad begins their circumference sprint to sneers from the training Rniti.

Completing the first quarter of the circumference, the Pentad discovers that, just like with the Edge Runs, they have become able to easily perform the task before of them. Eager to show Vaiqon that they have become strong beyond their imagination, and possibly Vaiqon’s expectations, they sprint the entirety of the circumference without ever slowing down.

Waiting for the Pentad at the finish of the circumference, Vaiqon does not expect the Pentad to be back before the sun sets. He hears a constant thud coming from in front of him. Using the air currents to intensify his vision, he sees that the Pentad is approaching, and fast. Blown away, Vaiqon thinks to himself, ‘If they can perform the most grueling tasks with such ease and speed, maybe perhaps they are ready for the training I intend to bestow upon them.’

The Pentad sees Vaiqon waiting for them and sprints to join him. Hawk starts, “Vaiqon, is it possible for us to grow so strong in such a little time?”

“I do not know what you mean, Hawk.”

Desert explains, “Hawk means that we all were able to do the Edge Runs, and the Circumference Run with relative ease. Of course the push ups and sit ups were getting difficult, but only after we did so much of them at one time.”

Hawk continues, “I think that if we are able to do these grueling tasks you have us doing so easily, we are ready to be trained the fastest and most intense of any class. You let us know what you want us to do, and we will do it without question.”

Vaiqon cannot believe his ears, “You are telling me you will gladly accept the challenge that awaits you? I promise you, it will be the most destructive, dangerous, and glorious experience you can ever imagine.”

The Pentad singularly nods their heads.

“Very well, we shall begin,” Vaiqon states.