Eclipse of the Damned || Original Story ||

Chapter 4

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the training grounds as Irene and Blossom prepared for their session. Irene, her grief and rage over Ambrose's death mingling with a fierce determination, was resolved to push Blossom to her limits. Blossom stood quietly, her calm demeanor concealing the storm of emotions brewing within her.

"Are you ready?" Irene's voice was a blend of fierce resolve and underlying sadness.

Blossom nodded, her gaze steady. "I'm ready."

"Good. Let's start with the basics," Irene said, her tone resolute but softer than before. "We need to see what you can do, what powers you've inherited."

Blossom took a deep breath, focusing her energy as instructed. "First, try to summon a shield." Irene directed, staring intently. "It should be simple enough."

Blossom nodded as she closed her eyes, concentrating. At first, nothing happened. Her face flushed with frustration as she struggled to draw forth her power. Irene watched, her worry mingling with her fierce resolve. She knew Blossom's potential was there, but it was hidden behind a wall of uncertainty and fear.

"You need to focus." Irene encouraged gently. "Imagine the shield, visualize it protecting you." She took a step forward as she maintained eye contact with her daughter.

Blossom nodded once more as she tried again, her hands trembling slightly as she focused as much as she could.
Slowly, a faint shimmer began to form around her, a translucent barrier emerging weakly before her. Irene's eyes widened slightly, a spark of hope lighting up her features.

"Better!" Irene exclaimed, her eyes wide. "But it needs to be stronger. Don't let your emotions scatter around your energy."

Blossom rapidly nodded, her heat beating in anticipation, her concentration deepening. She was pumped full of adrenaline. The shield grew more solid, though it wavered intermittently. Irene could see the determination in Blossom's eyes, a reflection of her own fierce resolve to avenge her beloved.

"Focus on the sensation of the shield." Irene advised. "Feel its strength, its purpose."

Blossom focused intently, her hands steadying as the shield became more robust. Irene released a test shot from her bow, aiming for the shield. The arrow struck the barrier and ricocheted off, unable to penetrate.

"That's good." Irene spoke in adoration, her voice filled with a mix of pride and relief. "You're getting the hang of it." She gave a brief grin.

Blossom's face lit up with quiet triumph. "I think I'm starting to understand it."

Irene hummed in acknowledgment.

"Let's move on to your attacks," Irene continued. "Try to manifest a strike."

Blossom took a deep breath and raised her hand. She concentrated, visualizing the energy as it flowed through her. A soft glow began to emanate from her palm, and she released a small, focused burst of crystals. The energy hit a nearby trunk of a tree with a satisfying crack.

"That's it!" Irene's face softened with a mixture of pride and awe. "You're doing great. Your powers are definitely coming through." She clasped her hands as she began thinking of multiple ways on what Blossom could go next.

Irene decided to ramp up the training to challenge Blossom further. "Now let's work on more complex strikes. We need to see how you can use your crystals in more difficult combat situations."

Blossom's eyes narrowed in focus. She took up a practice staff ; a simple branch. With a determined strike, she swung it , channeling her energy into it. The staff glowed brightly as she unleashed a shockwave that shattered plenty of branches on the same tree. The leaves rustling as they hit the ground harshly.