Chapter Text
Sun ran his hand through his hair. He couldn't handle it, he couldn't keep it all bottled up inside any longer. He needed a way out, a way to rid himself of the unbearable pressure inside him. But he knew the only solution would be to tell Neptune about what he felt and he couldn't ever do that. Trembling, he picked up his glass of water and examined the contents. Tiny particles of sediment spiraled around inside the glass, faster then slower, round and round again.
If I tell Neptune, he could let something slip. I know Neptune's bad at secrets. I would be shunned and called a freak. I am already. I can't tell him but I can't hold it inside. I have to tell him.
Round and round went his thoughts. With a cry of frustration he hurled the glass against the dorm wall. The glass lay broken on the red carpeted floor.
"Hey Sun you in here?" Sage stuck his head round the door. "What are you doing dude?! We need you in practice. Neptune's figured out some awesome new team moves and he wants to polish them before the tournament starts tomorrow."
Sun twisted round and looked at him. He liked Sage, but he had awful timing.
"Go tell him I'll be right there. I just need to... Get some extra ammo for Ruyi and Jingu from the armoury. I'll be right there, promise."
Sage rolled his eyes.
"Fine, if you've promised." Sage grinned and the door swung shut. Sun scowled. He didn't need this right now.
A cloud drifted over the sun, momentarily blocking the powerful rays of sunshine filtering through the thin blinds. He looked reproachfully at the long, slim, red and gold staff lying next to him. The polished metal gleamed in the gentle light. He slipped it under his shirt. But he still didn't move off the bed.
"Come on Sun. It'll be hour tops." He bit his lip hard and dug his nails into his hand."One hour. That's nothing. No time at all." With a final effort he stood up, running his hand through his hair. One of the wet pieces of glass sat on the floor glinted in the sunlight, catching his eye. A sob caught in this throat. Sun swallowed and shook himself.
"Keep it together for an hour. I got this."
He strolled out. He walked quickly, head up and soon arrived outside the training hall. Pushing open the door, he caught sight of Neptune in the far corner, enigmatically explaining something to Sage, Scarlet standing next to him, occasionally interjecting. He carefully made his way over to them.
Sun was correct, training flew by. He was concentrating hard, hanging on Neptune's every word, attempting again and again the complicated maneuvers. He pushed himself to his limits, immersing himself in what he loved most: the art of the fight. Martial arts of every kind, marksmanship, sword fighting, maces and sniper rifles, blades and ropes, his beloved staff and nunchucks. Like an unpredictable dance of the utmost elegance and control, where life itself hangs in the balance, where one wrong step could be fatal. It occupied his thoughts entirely, carefully placing each blow and dodge, calculating the impact of every landing and the trajectory of every leap, jump and flip.
The sun was fading out of the sky. Sweat was pouring down his back and every muscle ached.
"I gotta shower, I'll catch you guys later." Sun strode back across the hall before they could say anything.
The cool water coursed down his back, carrying with it all the grime and sweat. Sun stood there silently, eyes closed, embracing the much welcome relief for his burning muscles. He watched the water swirling down the plug hole. Round and round.