A way to a better self

[Elvinos2003]

Planet Crete / Heraklion / Fortaleza de Elysion

The next day, still spending most of her time at the headquarters of The Brotherhood, Fortaleza de Elysion, the young Elder was sparring with a soldato of The Brotherhood. On a field, as in space, she was quite beyond average. After all, she had just done that, sparring with Gutierrez, and today, she was an equal. She had not asked to spar with anyone that morning, but the soldato made the request. He wanted to challenge Nina Rodriguez because he thought he was lucky today. With a willing heart, she accepted his request, and by the end of the spar, the soldato gave up. He was unable to outmatch The Crimson Queen. Panting lightly to regain her breath and wiping her forehead with a hand towel, she realized how beneficial this was. She could unleash the anger she held inside through this activity. Curiously enough, she became more approachable afterward and perhaps even a little more joyful compared to her usual cold personality.

After a shower, just to be presentable, Nina left the headquarters building and walked into the yard. The flags of The Brotherhood danced in the breeze. Some members were patrolling, while others were chatting, and she—she was simply looking up at the sky. She inhaled deeply before closing her eyes and thinking. Her perception of time seemed to slow. For once, she had managed to find peace. Silence slowly settled around her. She was somehow disconnected from reality, lost within herself. ''I really need to work on myself... I need to change... but it is hard.'' She opened her eyes, returning to reality, and began walking through the yard again. Suddenly, a voice called out to her. ''Elder Rodriguez!'' She stopped walking and turned her head toward the origin of the voice. A Corsair—a woman, barely younger than Nina—ran toward her, panting slightly as she straightened her posture. ''Please! Be my mentor!''

The request shocked Nina. As she looked at the other woman, she saw the same determination she had once possessed before becoming a Centurion. That woman had the same fire inside her soul that Nina did. A few seconds passed before she relented. ''Fine... and who are you?'' Nina asked, looking the woman up and down. ''Soldato Katerina Agneli. I will be totally honest with you. Your combat skills, your name—they resonate within me... Almost like a revelation! And your speech on Canal Uno—you had real guts to say such things. And that courage you have, it’s what I value in someone... even if they are known to be... turbulent. BUT you! I want to be under your command! After a duel. If you are willing to satisfy this request of mine.'' She accepted Katerina's request, and they both made their way to the training arena.

The arena was empty, but a few spectators were present. Katerina held a shield and a single-handed sword. Her uniform did not belong to The Brotherhood, appearing more like a sub-design of the Custodi’s. Her brown hair was tied into a ponytail, and the armor she wore closely resembled that of the ancient Greeks from Sol. She had the look of a seasoned warrior. Her lightly tanned skin suggested Hispanic origins. She smiled at Nina, ready to spar. On the other side of the arena, Nina Rodriguez stood still, holding two swords. Her crimson hair danced in the breeze, and her iconic black coat with the hood down completed her striking presence. She wasn’t sure who was watching the spar, but she didn’t particularly care. There were only two rules for this duel: no killing, and victory was determined by forfeit or exhaustion. The bell rang once, signaling the start of the duel.

At the sound, Nina sprinted toward Katerina with speed. She was determined to win with ease, but she hadn’t expected her opponent to be so capable. Seeing Nina approach quickly, Katerina positioned herself to block any attacks. Her shield was perfectly placed to protect her upper body while remaining low enough to keep her opponent in view. With her sword in her other hand, she prepared to strike. In the blink of an eye, Nina changed her approach, rolling on the ground to pass Katerina—but she was met with a surprise. Katerina kicked her in the face. The impact made Nina grunt. She was slightly stunned, but she quickly regained her ability to move. She jumped backward before taking a defensive stance. Katerina then charged at Nina with her shield, but Nina dodged the attack and kicked Katerina’s leg, making her lose her balance. Seeing an opportunity, Nina brought her swords directly to the woman’s throat. With Nina’s blades threatening her, Katerina dropped her weapons. ''I surrender.'' After she surrendered, Nina helped her to stand up but when their eyes locked, Nina felt a connection. A semblance of sisterhood. Katarina broke the silence. ''You are incredible. You are quite agile and I think that's what made me unable to win, but I am sure, I will get better with you.'' This remark made Nina unable to remain cold. She had a light smile. ''We will see.'' On these words, they split.

When she left the arena, she saw Buonocore heading for the main building or maybe it was Cesar. But she decided to follow the man.

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