The Boy in the Forest. (Training. Sub-chapter)

James looked at the woman, but only for a moment. He was more interested in watching those trees. He heard her asking why he needed help, but he was a bit more focused on those three trees. His mana was running low. He couldn't keep this up forever. He barely caught that she could help him with martial arts, but only slivers. He was now staring at the trees. "You wanted to know why I need training?" He released his focus on the trees. The first tree shattered back how it was before, then fell, then proceeded to do the same thing as before. "That's why." James said. "Quite frankly, I never was good with using mana, so it's especially hard for me to hold spells for long." James sat down. He needed more energy. "And with healing spells like that, if I can't heal the tree fully before my mana runs out... well... that happens." James glanced at the woman. "See, that's why I shot a small bullet sized rock through there and not a full blown energy ball, like you did. I was starting small." James closed his eyes, and began refreshing his mana.

James sat there listening to the woman. He changed his eye colour back to silver, then deactivated his contacts. Perhaps she was trying to insult him? Perhaps it was pity? James could not tell the difference. All he knew was that what she was saying was completely true. James closed his eyes and leaned back up against the tree. He needed to get his mana back before he tried any even remote form of training. Martial arts training sounded like it'd be painful. He wanted to know if the woman knew how to use blades. He wanted to know what he could do to further his knowledge of magic. But he supposed first, he'd offer an apology. A simple gesture of kindness couldn't hurt. James swallowed his pride. He couldn't further his power being mean to her, so the suggested course of action was a change in attitude. "Okay. I guess you're right. I'm sorry." He smiled and removed his hood. "By the way, I don't believe I've properly introduced myself. My name is James William Caldwell." He bowed, then rose. "Nice to meet you, Miss...?"

James removed his glove to shake the woman's hand. He supposed he'd play along for awhile, at least until he could fully utilize his own power. James looked at the woman. Kyron, eh? he thought. It was a fitting name. She asked him how he acquired energy. Energy like, mana? She further explained to him something that sounded a bit more like a breaking point, than energy collection. He was still lost. He had no breaking point's to speak of, and James wasn't especially gifted in magic either. His equipment always did all the work. "When you say 'push yourself to the limit', do you mean some type of breaking point?' He asked. "Also," he continued. "I can't even do simple spells without the aide of this glove. I collect my mana from my surroundings. It takes awhile to fully recharge, but it works. But like I said, without this glove, I'm just you're average genius." James smirked. He may not be magically gifted, but he sure was technologically gifted. His ability to invent most anything he set his mind to was his strong suit. Most would have taken years to even begin using mana, James included, but with his glove, he could use it like a pro. "Also, do you teach bladework? I have something I'd like to invent, but I can't until I have the skill required to use it." James wanted to make daggers. Nothing beats getting up close and personal with your enemies. Come to think of it, James thought. "Martial arts sounds fine too." He said lastly.

Kyron seemed to have misunderstood his meaning. As soon as she'd stopped her first sentence, he saw a chance to clarify. He didn't want to say that his glove did all of the work... "Actually," James started. "My glove only manipulates the mana flow, so that I can utilize it. As it stands, I'm quite unstable with my mana control. My glove aides with that. That is all. The magic is already within me, this glove simply... taps into it." He'd hoped he'd explained well enough. Wait, why was Kyron apologizing? She'd said nothing wrong. James' mana flow was not much of a big deal to him, as he'd solved that problem with his own ideas. Besides, he didn't need her pity. James was fine on his own. He was certain he'd figure out all that she could teach him on his own... Someday. Of course, James didn't have until "someday", so he was willing to accept whatever aide came his way. "I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting. I will do my best to help you out, but I don't think I do anything with blades. I don't think it was something I ever learned, but the martial arts I can help with. Who knows, maybe over a bit of training we can get a few powers into ya!" Kyron said. Wait, again, what was she expecting? James really needed training in bladework, but he supposed that was something for another day, possibly another person. Training was fine with him. All he needed was to further his power, and then plan how he wanted to use it. She attempted to pet him on the head, but he caught her hand. So you can touch me, but I can't touch you? I see how it is. James thought. He removed his hood and hat, and replaced her hand on his head. James was prepared to speak, when the woman cut him off. "So, whatcha wanna learn first?" James looked at the woman. She couldn't teach him practically anything that might be useful to him, but only something completely new to him. He sighed. "Martial arts, I suppose." James just hoped she was good at that because it seemed to be all she knew. James removed his mana gloves, and replaced them with his regular black leather gloves. If it was to be hand-to-hand combat, he didn't want to break this woman's fists. Or anything else of hers... James shuddered. She seemed like the type to lose her temper.