Sightless Wandering

Paul sat on a tree stump as he relaxed his sore body. He was amazed how much of a difference his new sword made in combat. It seemed the training Corona had been putting him through really made a big difference. He not only noticed a difference physically, but mentally as well. He wasn't afraid of so many things anymore.. his feelings were hurt less often.. everything about him was changing. There were weird moments where his eyes would change and he wouldn't need his glasses for the next few minutes, too.

[Corona]> Excellent work for today. I think you can rest, now.The voice of Corona rang through his mind. How many times Paul got in trouble because of it. No one else could hear Corona, but Paul sometimes forgot that.

"Man.. I'm getting hungry.. maybe I should head back to the school, soon." He stood up and adjusted his glasses, looking around in all directions, soon realizing he wasn't sure what direction the school is in.

[Paul]> Umm...
You got lost again, great. Actually, I mean that. Now I can test your survival skills. You are to get back to the school before sunset. If you don't, you fail. And.. probably die, too.

Paul mumbled at Corona's words, he knew that he wouldn't really let him die. Still, his little jokes were sometimes sort of annoying. Of course, he knew Corona was serious about the test. While Corona probably knew the way back, he wasn't about to actually tell Paul. Then again, Corona has gotten Paul lost before. Maybe Corona really didn't know the way and hoped Paul would figure it out..

Nah...

He made a pretty good guess as to what direction he needed to go, and began his trek towards (hopefully) the school. Before he made too many steps, however, he heard the movement coming from somewhere nearby. He stopped and listened for a little while, but didn't hear anything. He decided it was just his imagination and began walking once more.

Again, he heard movement. It was definitely not his imagination, someone or something was coming towards him. He looked around for a place to hide behind and saw a copse of trees. He quickly ducked behind one of the trees, hopefully not making much noise (though he did step on a few dry leaves).

Looking out from the trees, he saw a girl that looked around his age, maybe a bit older. She seemed combat-able and wondered if she was up here training like he was. Of course, it was against the rules to come up here alone. Not that it ever stopped him (though, one could argue that Corona is with him, and in a lot of cases that would help him more than any other group of in-training students could).

Crap, she heard or saw me I think..
What were you gonna do? Jump her? Who cares.. now make yourself known before she freaks out and attacks you.

Paul was more afraid she was an enemy. Actually, he was more afraid Corona figured it was an enemy and wanted to test Paul's combat skill more. Not being able to trust another soul within your mind wasn't exactly fun. Either way, he figured that Corona was probably right.

"Um.. hey.. sorry if I scared you.." He said as he slowly walked out from behind the tree. "I was only hiding because I was afraid of who or what you were. Heh.."

Also, you're weaker than most girls and she could probably kick the crap out of you.

Couldn't forget that little comment at the end..

"I could be asking you the same thing." He said, trying what Corona suggested to gain information from people without giving away too much himself. "It isn't exactly common to see people out here alone, especially when night is so close. Though you appear like you know how to fight.

"Hmm.." He walked up to her, and put his face up to hers, staring into her eyes. At first, it seemed like he was going to kiss her, the way his face pressed against hers. But after a few seconds, it would become quite clear that he was just being.. strange.

"Seem like a human to me."