Fresh Glass of Milk {Murphy}

@"Omino"

Bear was lumbering about quickly with a speed unbefitting the large animal. His eyes shone with an intelligence normal animals didn't have. His swipes were precise, but sluggish from his injuries. The animal was actively dodging attacks, and seemed to be actually using attacks in a pattern, a style. It was similar to some of the moves Milk had been using.

Milk on the other hand, was like a dancer. She easily dodged the attacks Bear sent her way, bending over his paw and contorting her body in ways that didn't seem physically possible. She blocked punches, and sent swipes away, correcting Bears form as she did so. It was entrancing to see how well she taught and fought, and how seamlessly she combined the two.

@"Omino"

About thirty minutes later, Bear and Milk were done sparring. Another few attacks from each fighter, and they slowly wound down. Milk gave Bear another few pieces of advice before he made a growling noise and nuzzled her. She patted his head, and sent the large animal on his way, Bear moving back into the forest. Milk returned to Murphy, sweat dripping from her forehead and her muscles.

"Did you complete your strength training for today, Murphy?" She asked in her normal monotone, taking her water bottle and drinking from it.

@"Omino"

Milk frowned at Murphy's words, and it only deepened as he went on. She did not enjoy hearing people talk about how weak they are. She stormed over to him angrily, crossing her arms.

"It does make sense. Yes." She nodded, before cocking her head to the side, continuing. "But you seem to be whining about how you will not come to my level of strength. This is true. It is incredibly likely you will not be as strong as me. It is also likely that nobody else will. That is why I spar with Bear. Because he is one of the few beings on this island that I can safely spar with. That is why I have you punch the rock, Murphy. You may not notice, but you are getting stronger with each punch, your tolerance to pain growing. Soon, I will begin your training Murphy." She continued, putting a hand on the boys shoulder, squeezing softly.

"Just because your abilities are not the same as mine, or as inherently powerful as other students, does not make them a joke. Where is the Murphy who just a few weeks ago destroyed a portion of this forest." She gestured to the forest, the newly grown trees among the stumps of those that were destroyed. "Where is the Murphy that stopped me from losing control in the hospital? Where is he?"

The fighter was getting an angry hint to her voice. "Yes, you will not be able to fight Bear. That does not matter. When I am finished training you, you will be second to none on this island." She grabbed Murphy's other shoulder, looking into his eyes, a fire in her brown eyes. "You feel inadequate because you are comparing yourself to unattainable standards. Compare your current strength to the strength of the Murphy that existed when we first met. Who sprained his wrist punching my arm."

She gestured to the rock, the large imposing boulder still standing in the sunset, an orange glow tinting off the stone. "Would he be able to punch the rock for this long without nary a complaint? You say your arms are killing you, but I think it is the voice in your head that says you cannot do it. You must overcome the voice Murphy, only then will you find true strength. Do you understand my words?"

@"Omino"

"It is okay Murphy. You are welcome. I know you can do it." Milk nodded, a smirk cracking on her normally expressionless face. She stepped forward, wrapping Murphy in a tight, powerful hug. "I am aware that a hug is used to end matters such as these. That is correct, yes?" She said, hugging Murphy tightly.

God Dammit Milk.

@"Omino"

Milk nodded, releasing Murphy. She had a faint smile on her face, and she spoke, crossing her arms again.

"Training is complete for the day. It is time to return to the school. Come Murphy." She gestured for him to follow her, beginning her walk back through the forest.