Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010.

  Location: Ramada Inn, William’s Lake, British bia, ada

  The sun was climbing higher in the sky as Tyson and Illyana made their way out of the Ramada. Tyson looked particurly invigorated. There was an undeniable brighto his eyes and a lightness in his steps, suggesting that the night had been rather rejuvenating for him. Illyana, however, painted a trasting picture. Her usually pierg blue eyes seemed a touch subdued, and there was a slight slump to her posture, and now and then, she'd stifle a yawn. While she'd never admit it, st night's adventures had taken a bit out of her.

  As they walked, the faint aroma of the tial breakfast lingered on them. It hadn't been the most gourmet meal they'd ever had, with its slightly over-toasted waffles and lukewarm scrambled eggs, but it had been filling. Given the ret events, they were grateful for whatever food they could get.

  Approag the inn's shuttle stop, they chatted about their move. "You'd think a pce like this would have a bus depot, but an airport?" Illyana remarked, her voice tinged with surprise.

  Tyson shrugged, "It was a lucky break, otherwise who knows how long it would take to get back."

  The shuttle meas way out of town, taking Tyson and Illyana away from Williams Lake and toward its periphery. As they moved further from the tower, the sery began to ge. The usual hustle and bustle of small-town life was repced by stretches of untouched wilderness.

  Sitting side by side, Illyana took in the view. Despite her usual tough exterior and sarcastic demeanor, she leaned into Tyson more than usual, enjoying the way he held her. They watched as the shuttle made stops at two more hotels, each time colleg a new group of travelers. Some were families with young children, clutg their stuffed animals and looking wide-eyed at everything around them. Others were loravelers, buried in their books or lost ihoughts.

  Pirees lihe sides of the road, their evergreen leaves rustling softly in the breeze. And then, as they rounded a bend, Williams Lake Airport came into view. It was quaint, to say the least. A single small runway stretched out, looking almost like ribbons id out on a vast green carpet. The airport building itself was modest, refleg the spirit of the town. A handful of small pnes were parked oarmac.

  As the shuttle pulled up to the airport's entrance, Illyana took a moment to assess the situation. She watched as passengers hustled towards the main doors, pulling their luggage behind them. The whole se seemed pretty ordinary, "Why don't we just sneak onto the tarmac?" Illyana whispered to Tyson, her voice filled with mischief. "Or better yet, I could just teleport us directly onto the p would be quick."

  Tyson g her with a raised eyebrow. "Illyana, that's a bit...extreme, don't you think? Besides, there's always a risk someone might spot us."

  She smirked, twirling a strand of her hair. "e on, where's your sense of adventure?"

  Tyson leaned in, his voice low. "I think blending in with the passengers is a safer bet."

  Illyana rolled her eyes. "You and your illusions."

  Tyson chuckled, "Well, besides, I he practice. Let's see how ving I be."

  Illyana sighed but gave in, "You were pretty ving st night. Fine, we’ll do it your way."

  Together, they walked toward the airport entrahe automatic doors slid open, and the duo quickly moved ihe airport's ambiance filled the air; the sound of soft chatter, shoes clig oiled floor, and rolling suitcases.

  "Why don't I just ask?" Illyana suggested, "I py the lost tourist card."

  Tyson seemed to sider this for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. You hahe talking, I’ll hahe rest."

  Illyana smirked, "'t be that hard."

  The pair approached the che ter, positioning themselves behind a family of four and a busiraveler. Illyana's fident stride was in trast to Tyson’s more subtle movements. As the family moved away, it was finally their turn. The woman behind the ter gave Illyana a polite smile, "How I assist you?"

  "I'm sorry," Illyana began, pushing a strand of her ptinum blonde hair behind her ear, "I seem to have lost my stuff. you tell me when the flight to Calgary is?"

  The woman, whose ag read ‘Melissa’ checked her puter quickly, "It's in two hours."

  Illyana tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes log onto Melissa's, "Any avaible seats?"

  Melissa typed away for a sed and then looked up, "Yes, we have a few spots left. Would you like to book seats?"

  Before Illyana could ayson cleared his throat, drawing the woman's attention. When Melissa made eye tact with him, her gaze went distant for a brief moment. Her face took on a dazed look, and her fingers moved across the keyboard of their own volition.

  "Don’t worry Mrs. Smith. It’s fihat you lost your tickets," Melissa said in a slightly off-tone, her eyes still slightly unfocused. "I'll print new ones right out for you."

  Illyana gave Tyson a side gnce, whispering, “Mrs. Smith? Huh.” though she was impressed by his timely intervention; he just offered her a subtle wink iurn.

  Tyson's eyes sed the interior of the pne, noting its pact size. "Good call oickets," he whispered to Illyana, who was adjusting her seatbelt.

  She smirked, leaning slightly closer to him, her ptinum blonde hair brushing against her shoulder. "You were right though, sometimes it's easier to just blend in. Look around. This p's tiny."

  Tyson looked around, realizing the truth in her words. The aisles were narrow, and the seats were packed close together. Passengers were crammed in, trying to occupy their thoughts with magazines, and devices. "Point taken," he murmured, leaning ba his seat, feeling a slight pressure as the pne began its takeoff.

  The vibration from the pne's engines grew stronger, and the two felt the push against their seats as the aircraft accelerated. As the pne lifted off the ground, the world outside the windows became smaller.

  ~~ Rogue Rept ~~

  As the pne dipped lower, the vast expanse of Calgary unfolded before them. The hustle and bustle of Calgary Iional Airport was evident even from the sky, with paxiing and taking off in anized chaos.

  Illyana peered out of the window, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Calgary's bigger, busier, more eyes." She g Tyson, her blue eyes assessing. "We need a pn."

  Tyson nodded, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. "Agreed. This isn't a tiny terminal we just waltz out of."

  She leaoward him, "We could always teleport."

  He raised an eyebrow, "And risk being seen?" Tyson thought for a moment. "We stick to the basics. If it worked o’ll wain."

  The pne's wheels touched the ground with a jolt, bringing them back to the reality of their situation. As the aircraft taxied to its designated gate, the duo exged a gnce. "Ready for another adventure?" Illyana whispered, the excitement evident in her voice.

  Tyson grinned, "Let’s do it."

  The bustle of Calgary Iional enveloped Illyana and Tyson as they disembarked from the pne, a stark trast to the small-town vibe of Williams Lake. Everywhere they looked, people moved around; families on vacation, travelers, or flight attendants. Illyana gnced around, taking in the modern architecture and the art that dotted the terminal. "Quite the upgrade, don't you think?" she quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

  "Definitely less rural." Tyson adjusted his jacket and ran a hand through his hair. While most passengers veered towards the baggage cim, Tyson and Illyana took a different route.

  She nudged him pyfully, "You said New York's our best bet. Let's find the flight out."

  They weaved through the crowd, reag a massive s dispying the myriad of arrivals aures. Illyana's eyes sed the listings rapidly, searg for any flights bound for New York.

  "There," she poio a flight scheduled to depart in three hours. "Looks like we have a bit of a wait. Any ideas on how to y low?"

  Tyson gnced around, taking note of a small café nearby. "Coffee? On me, of course."

  Illyana ughed, "Always the gentlema's go."

  At the café, Tyson and Illyana found a secluded er spot with a clear view of the terminal. Tyson gave a fleeting g the menu, then turo Illyana. "What's your poison?"

  She leaned ba her chair. "Bck coffee. And maybe one of those sandwiches. Turkey, perhaps?"

  Tyson nodded and approached the ter, drawing upon his illusion powers. He made brief eye tact with the barista, and at that moment, her gaze gzed over. "A bck coffee and a turkey sandwich, please," he ordered smoothly.

  The barista, under his subtle influenodded and prepared their order. Once done, she ha over. Tyson fshed a winning smile. "Thanks." Returning to the table, he set the sandwid coffee in front of Illyana. "Bon appétit."

  Illyana took a bite, raising an eyebrow in approval. "Not bad for airport food."

  They ate in panionable silence for a while, watg the passengers e and go. Once doyson proposed their move. "We should get those tickets to JFK before it gets crowded."

  Illyana nodded. "Lead the way."

  At the airline's ter, Tyson took the lead. He met the gaze of the airliendaing his influewo first-css tickets to JFK, please."

  The attendant's fingers flew over the keyboard, her face void of any suspi. "Of course. Here you go." She hahem the tickets, her smile automatic.

  Illyana smirked, taking one of the tickets. "New York, here we e." She held her fist out to Tyson. "To free rides and easy getaways."

  Tyson bumped her fist with his, sn. "This getaway has been anything but easy."

  The pne's engine hummed softly in the background as Illyana and Tysoled into their plush first-css seats. The spacious was dimly lit, with the ambient light creating a seremosphere. Illyana fiddled with the eai system, finding a suitable movie. Once she settled in, she ed her arm around his. "We've been through worse, Ty. We've got this."

  The flight attendants began serving meals and drinks. The aroma of microwaved chi and buttery rolls filled the . Throughout the flight, Illyana and Tyson chatted, and reminisced, and she even caught up on her missing sleep.

  Exiting the airport, the duo quickly navigated their way to the JFK AirTrain. The train was sleek, with shiny silver panels and clear windows that offered a panoramic view. Illyana, taking a seat by the window, was instantly captivated by the view. The train car was moderately packed with a mix of tourists and locals. The hum of versations, the rattle of luggage, and the soft chime of the train's annous created a rhythmic backdrop. The ing of the train wheels began to slow as they he Archer Aveation. Oransfer and a half an hour had them in Penn Station. The muffled annous overhead heralded their immi arrival. As the train doors slid open, a cacophony of sounds greeted Illyana and Tyson; chatter, eg footsteps, and the occasional annou over the PA system.

  The st of roasted nuts from nearby vendors and the distinct st of the New York City subways mixed in the air. Streams of people flowed in all dires. Some rushed to catch their trains, others leisurely meandering, and tourists with wide eyes trying to get their bearings.

  Illyana took a deep breath, taking it all in. "It's been a while since I've been in a pce this crowded," she remarked.

  They made their way through Penn Station heading to the statioors. She gestured toward the asding steps. Without a word, they positiohemselves on the escator. After they asded, Tyson turned back to take in Madison Square Garden. The Garden’s rouructure and tall perimeter walls made it look like a coliseum of the pe. The jumbo ss fshed with vibrant colors, promoting certs and games that were to be held in the ing days.

  Tyson absorbed the sight. The noise from the streets, the honking of the cars, and the distant versations became mere background hums as Madison Square Garden cimed his eention.

  Illyana, sensing the shift in his mood, g him with . "Is something wrong?"

  Tysoated for a moment, staring at the ground before lifting his eyes to meet the imposing structure of the Garden once again. "Just thinking about how much happened before I finally made it here."

  "What do you mean?" Illyana inquired, her blue eyes searg his face for uanding.

  Tyson took a deep breath. "Remember when I got hurt badly by Mago? You were one of the first people to visit me when I regained sciousness.”

  Illyana nodded slowly as memories flooded back, "Yeah..."

  He tinued, his voice tinged with sorrow, "He came after me by setting a trap. He lured us out of the institute with tickets to a basketball game. NBA finals, at Madison Square Garden" Tysoured to the arena and sighed heavily. "We never made it to the game."

  Illyana yson lightly. "Well, that wasn't a great couple of days for you in terms of basketball." She smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I remember saying to you that basketball isn't your sport. Maybe you should give hockey a try."

  Tyson chuckled, the sadness in his eyes repced by amusement. "Hockey? Seriously? I 't even skate!"

  Illyana winked. "There's a first time for everything." She paused for a sed before asking, “Who was the first to visit you?” Tyson responded with a questioning eyebrow raise. She crified, “You said I was one of the first to visit you. Who was the first?”

  Tyson answered, “Jubilee was there when I woke up.” Illyana hummed nonittal. He rolled his eyes, a gentle smile pying on his lips as he suggested, "Let's find a hotel for the night. I know we didn't do much today, but traveling sure takes it out of you."

  Illyana smirked, folding her arms as she tried to put on a serious face though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her pyful i. "And no funny busionight," she warned with mock severity.

  Tyson held up his hands in surrender, his eyes wide in feigned innoce. "Yes, ma'am."

  Illyana pointed a fi him, her pyful demeanor belying her serious tone. "I mean it. Some of us need sleep."

  They wandered a few blocks before spotting a nearby hotel with a neon sign that hummed softly in the dusk. After a quick che process, they made their way to their room. Illyana, true to her word, wasted no time in sh and tumbling into bed, her fatigue evident. The soft sounds of her evehing filled the room shortly after, signaling her swift dest into slumber.

  Tyson took his shower. Once done, he ed himself in one of the hotel robes and sat down at a small table. He unfurled the map of Manhattan they had acquired earlier, his firag the intricate web of streets and ndmarks. His mind was already w on the steps of their journey.

  ~~ Rogue Rept ~~

  M sunlight filtered through the gaps iel room curtains, casting a gentle glow over the interior. The noise from the streets below was muted, but Tyson could still hear the distant murmur of early risers and the beginning of another bustling day iy.

  Illyana rubbed her eyes as she leaned over Tyson’s shoulder to take a closer look at the map. Her fingers brushed over various locations, her brow furrowing in thought. "So," she began, her voice filled with curiosity, "where are we going?"

  Tyson sighed, his firag a random route on the map. The enormity of their task was beginning to set in. "That's the tricky part," he fessed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I know what I'm looking for if I see it. But I have no idea where it is."

  She raised an eyebrow, "How big is Manhattan anyway?"

  He paused, trying to recall the specifics, "About 13 miles long and 2 miles wide."

  Illyana's eyes widened slightly, realizing the challenge ahead. "That's a lot of ground to cover." She sat on the edge of the bed, pulling her knees up to her chest, looking thoughtful. "So, what's the pn?"

  Tyson g her, taking a moment to appreciate her tenacity. When it came down to business, Illyana was always ready.

  "We should start at the very bottom and work our ," Tyson said, pointing towards the southernmost point on the map. "One block at a time. Methodical, so we don’t miss anything."

  Illyana smirked, "One block? You're fetting our little advantage," she teased.

  Tyson chuckled. "Right. Two blocks, then. With my illusion power, I see through your eyes and mine, so long as I don’t stray too far away. It'll double our ce."

  Illyana gave a nod of approval, "Effit. I like it."

  With their phe duo ventured out of their hotel, making their way through the pulsating veins of Manhattan's streets, with taxis honking, pedestrians chattering, and the distant sound of sirens providing a familiar urban melody.

  The air was a mix of salty sea breeze and the unmistakable st of city life as they approached the Staten Isnd Ferry Terminal. With the shimmering waters of the Hudson River to one side and the t skyscrapers of the Financial District to the other, the sight was nothing short of breathtaking. Tyson's eyes sed every er, every alleyway. He was looking for a needle in a haystack, but he was hopeful. With Illyana by his side, the task seemed a little less daunting. uters rushed past, ferries honked, and tourists stood by, taking photos of the iic Statue of Liberty in the distanbsp;

  The Financial District was a world unto itself, an arena of t steel and gss. As the m sun gnced off the high rises, it painted a mosaic of light and shadow upon the ground. Illyana’s boots thumped against the pavement as she walked alongside what seemed to be Tyson. To any onlooker, she was just a girl chatting to her earbuds as she explored the city. But iy, it was Illyana versing with an illusion, a figment of Tyson's power, while the real Tyson was a block away.

  "So, any lu your end?" Illyana asked. Her voice echoed in Tyson's mind as she strolled down Broad Street, her eyes sing every nook and y.

  "Nothi," Tyson responded.

  Thanks to the psionik created by his power, it seemed like he was talking to her from a few paces away. His body however was running at peak-human speeds down the adjat Wall Street. It was a strange trast, with Illyana leisurely strolling and engaging with the illusion, while the actual Tyson covered much mround with his speed. It was a strategy that pyed to their strengths, allowing them to survey a vast area in a short amount of time.

  "I don’t uand why they’re taking pictures at that Bull," Illyana ented, refereng the throngs of tourists gathered around the famous bronze sculpture.

  The m hours slipped by quickly. By midday, they had scoured the area, their uandem approach proving effit and thh. They rendezvoused at City Hall Park, the small green wn providing a stark trast to the urban juhey had been navigating.

  "Well, that's one neighborhood down," Illyana remarked, "Ready for the ?"

  ~~ Rogue Rept ~~

  The busy streets of atown buzzed with activity. With their prior strategy w well, Tyson and Illyana dived right in, each tag a different street while staying in touch through their special link.

  Tyson skimmed through Pell Street, pausing occasionally to take iails, his enhanced senses and speed making the job somewhat easier. Oher side, Illyana wandered along Doyers Street, gng at the assorted stalls, the restaurants, and the throngs of tourists.

  But around 3 p.m., as the sun cast a warm, golden hue over the streets, Tyson noticed something. Not the target of their main search, but something else, something familiar. Without hesitation, he had his illusion guide Illyana towards him, drawio Moreet.

  As she arrived, she took a moment to look around, her gaze finally nding on Tyson. "Did you find it?" She asked, her voice tinged with hope.

  "No," Tyson replied with a sigh, "But, look at this." He poio the building he was standing in front of. Illyana followed his finger, her eyes slowly drifting up to a sign affixed near a rusty fire escape. The sign was numbered 43 itom ers. The top ainted red with white bold letters that read, "Chikara Dojo," followed by intricate ese characters. Below that, in trasting bck with white lettering, the sign eborated on the discipliaught: Karate, Jujitsu, Kempo, Kenjutsu.

  The sun was casting a gentle golden hue over the streets of atown, the shadows lengthening as the afternoon wore on. Amidst the bustling market stands and the cacophony of nguages, the front of the Chikara Dojo stood in muted trast, its sign a touch of the traditional amidst the porary.

  Illyana raised an eyebrow. "A dojo? Really?"

  He nodded slowly, pointing to the list of disciplines on the sign, particurly to the st one. "Kenjutsu," he said with a hint of reveren his voice. "That’s using ons… like swords."

  Illyana looked at him, her arms crossed and her face pulling into a smirk. "Okay… So, what? Yoing to enroll and bee a samurai now?"

  He gestured towards a flyer hanging in the window. Illyana, ever curious, stepped closer to read it. Tyson had a wide smile pstered across his face as he replied, “Not me, us. And not samurai… we’re going to bee ninjas.”

  ly printed on pale paper, the flyer read:

  The Chikara Dojo is dedicated to realizing the potential of every student who walks through its doors. While it may be located in the heart of atown, Chikara heless guarahe very fi education in the Japa of Kenjutsu that New York City has to offer. Students of all ages are wele.

  Illyahe flyer aloud, her voice dang betwee and seriousness. "Sounds fancy," she said, "You think I need lessons on how to use a sword?" When she looked over, he still hadn’t looked away. She sighed, "Fiyson. My ninja, lead the way."

  Tyson mumbled, “My ninja… Really?” Illyana looked at him with an i grin, leaving Tyson unsure if she knew what it sounded like she said.

  The chime of a small bell echoed as the wooden door creaked open. Tyson and Illyana stepped into the Chikara Dojo, their shoes clig softly on the polished wooden floor. The exparaining space was bathed in warm, muted lighting that cast a seremosphere over the room. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, and the walls were lined with various traditional Japanese ons. The ter of the room was dominated by a rge practice mat, surrounded by a few wooden dummies and pung bags at its periphery. To one side was an altar with inse burning, sending thin wisps of smoke upwards, leaving the air heavy with the st of cedarwood.

  On the practice mat, a young woman was deeply engrossed iraining. It was clear she was a master of her craft; every movement she made urposeful and deliberate. She paused in her routiurnitention to the newers.

  The woman before them exuded an aura of calm strength. Her almond-shaped eyes, warm tan skin, and raven-bck hair tied ba a ponytail, all spoke of her Asiaage. Standing at an average height, her physique was deceptively slender, yet her posture and the slight definition of muscles beh her white gi hi formidable strength and agility. She appraised them for a moment before breaking into a friendly smile. " I help you?"

  "Hey," Illyana said in a casual tone, with a hint of her distinctive Russian at. "oves you were doing there. I try?"

  Tyson gave Illyana a sidelong gnce, "What she means," he began with a more reserved demeanor, "is we saw a sigioning a free lesson. Thought we'd give it a shot."

  The woman chuckled lightly, her demeanor weling. "I'm Colleen Wing," she introduced herself, exeg a slight bow with the elegance of practiced tradition. "This is my dojo. And yes, I offer free lessons finners. Always gd to introduce more people to the art."

  Illyana's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Beginners? Oh, this will be fun." She g Tyson with a pyful wink. "You ready to get schooled?"

  With a nod of aowledgment, Tysourned Colleen's graceful bow. Straightening up, he g Illyana before addressing Colleen. "Both Illyana and I have had our fair share of... enters," he began cautiously, choosing his words carefully. "We believe some official training would be of great be."

  Illyana crossed her arms defiantly, "Speak for yourself. I fight just fine."

  He let out a soft sigh, casting her a knowing gnce. "Illyana there is always room frowth. There are tless fighting styles out there, and eae offers ueiques that could be adapted to our... special circumstances."

  Illyana rolled her eyes but didn’t interrupt. Instead, she simply huffed, looking somewhere between annoyed and begrudgingly agreeing.

  Colleen raised an eyebrow, "Your friend has a point," she said, nodding towards Tyson. "Every style has something to teach, even if you're an experienced fighter. Being open to learning and adapting is what makes a true warrior."

  She gestured toward the ter of the dojo. "Let's start simple. Show me your stances, both of you. Let's see where we build from there."

  Illyana muttered something under her breath in Russian, but stepped forward heless, ready to demonstrate. Tyson just shot her an amused gnce, readying himself as well.

  Colleen watched the two newers carefully, her sharp eyes taking in their every movement. The dojo had seen a diverse range of students, but Colleen couldn't quite put a finger on the vibe that these two newers gave off. They had the weariness of those who had been on the run, or perhaps teens who'd faced a challenging upbringing. However, appearances could be deceiving. But at the same time, there was a notable differehey didn’t have the typical ragged appearance of those living oreets. Their clothes, though casual, were and showed no sign of long-term wear, and the way they spoke hi a det education.

  "So," she began, g her hands together to gain their attention. "Let's start with the basics." She moved to the ter of the training mat, her stance precise. "First, the jab," she said, demonstrating a quick punch. "Then the cross," she tinued, shifting her weight and throwing a punch with her other hand.

  Illyana smirked, seemingly unimpressed, "I've thrown punches before, you know."

  Colleen simply nodded, "Of course. But the question is, you throw them correctly?" She challenged.

  Tyson plied, throwing a punch with precision that suggested prior training. His form was det, and the power behind his strike was evident.

  Illyana muttered something in Russian but assumed a fighting stance, mirr Colleen's movements.

  "Good," Colleen nodded, their efforts. "Now a front kick." Once more, Tysoed with a certain finesse, driving his kick forward with good band speed. Illya out a dramatic breath as she delivered a front kick

  "Good," Colleen aowledged. "Now, the roundhouse kick." She demonstrated, her leg sweeping in a trolled arc.

  As both Illyana and Tyson attempted the movements, Colleen moved between them, adjusting a foot positioning here, realigning a shoulder there. She leasantly surprised. Despite Illyana's brashness, both teens had the foundation of good fighters. Illyana’s movements were fluid, arikes had potential, but they cked polish. It was clear Tyson was far more practiced and crisp with his strikes. But his teique was remi imeraining, military perhaps.

  After a few rounds of different teiques, Colleen paused, taking a moment to assess. "Not bad," she finally said. "You've got potential, but there's still a lot to refihe real question is," Colleen tinued, "are you both willing to unlearn to relearn? Training here means humility, discipline, and hard work."

  Illyana's eyes gleamed with a mix of challenge aement, "Bring it on."

  The dojo was filled with the echoes of grunts, kicks, and punches as Colleen took Illyana and Tyson deeper into their lesson. Both showed clear signs of prior training, but with each teique, Colleen pushed them to step out of their fort zones.

  Tyson first. His strikes were precise, and calcuted, but cked a certain fluidity. "You're tid," Colleen observed. "Think of the water. It flots, ges its form but never loses its essence."

  Tyson rying to internalize the advice, but the strain on his face was evident as he struggled to implement the feedback.

  Illyana, oher hand, was all fire and brimstone. Her moves were aggressive, even reckless at times. "You've got the spirit," Colleen said, her voice firm yet encing. "But you o el that energy, not let it trol you."

  Illyana huffed, her pride slightly wounded. "I'm not some wild animal," she snapped.

  "No," Colleen replied, holding her gaze. "But you're letting your emotions drive your as. Here," she added, motioning to the dojo floor, "you o find bance."

  As the lessressed, Colleen had them spar with her and each other, pointing out fws, and challenging them to think on their feet and adapt to different fighting styles. At one point, Illyana lost her temper, her emotioing the better of her. Her movements became more erratic as she attacked Tyson in their spar. Colleen intervened swiftly, grabbing Illyana's wrist and pinning her in a hold.

  "trol," she whispered into Illyana's ear, her voice calm yet stern. Illyana's breathing was ragged, but she he fight draining out of her.

  Tyson, meanwhile, was trying to shake off his rigidity, to flow like the water Colleen spoke of. But it wasn't easy. Each time he felt he was making progress, a missed block or slow ter reminded him of how far he still had to go. By the end of the lesson, Illyana was drenched i, her body ag in pces she didn't know could ache.