Reasons to Live; Lessons to learn //Jack, Anatra, Cameo

It's true that it's impossible to miss anything you've never had. Now Gala's understanding that because before she's never lost friends. The struggle of losing her mother after she disappeared at least held the company of her sisters. For a short while they all were getting along to get through that rough patch together. Mischievous and trouble-making Gala never faded though and it didn't take long for her sisters to take the parenting role. Everything's changed from even that though, in less then a year time span to. Becoming a career brought many new experiences, all ranging between good and bad, but all worth it non the less. Now everything's going back to the old ways and not for the better, something Gala's not quite happy to see occurring.

Least this time around a friend actually occupies Gala's life for a change. Once Matthew returns from his academy, maybe she'll even have two. It's getting through this lonely period that's difficult. Distraction is key though, as she's managing to completely fill her time. For the most part her wounds and breaks have all healed, meaning there's nothing to hold her back. Each day is either packed with training as a career or practicing her trapeze act with Gwen. Even an occasional hangout goes on with Kyanite, something Gala never pictured herself doing but finds herself now loving.

"It's the weird guy I told you about, he's been training me a lot. Figured you should meet him." It completely slips Gala's mind that it was actually Liam's idea to have Kyanite along for one of their sessions. After all she did want them to meet eventually, get the approval from Ky since she is now an important person within the youngster's life. Just as expected she didn't even have an ounce of hesitation as she's more of a big sister to Gala then any of her actual ones. The time and place gets settled, and a bit of excitement actually fills the little career due to her lack of training with her older friend for quite some time.

Right on time Gala strolls into the gym as people begin leaving for lunch. Liam suggested the couple of hours when it'll be completely empty to give them all enough room. Sounds logical to her as she already prefers as few people as possible. Unlike most she's far from being a social butterfly, could even say the completely opposite. "What's the plan for today?" Just as usual she cuts straight to it as she joins Liam at the array of weapons. Well this should be fun. "Kyanite should be here any minute."

Every single time it appears that Jins is a little surprised to see Gala show up. As if he's waiting for her to discover a secret that'll change her mind about him training her. She decides to take it as that she's now a sort of celebrity career after her short performance within the pregames. Maybe he's thinking she has trainer's knocking at her door with how many years she has left to become a successful victor. At least that's how she prefers to take it. Another weird knuckle punch is given, and by this point she gives no thought to it, the nickname though doesn't seem deserved. A couple of times Kyanite's titled her G, but Jins has no right to. Whatever though, the whole point is just getting some helpful tips out of the guy.

The longwinded Jins begins as he gives a mini-lecture on their plan for today. Just another thing Gala doesn't really like, but she's just one for few words. He questions if Matthew's ever taught her some knife training skills. No pause is given for her to answer though. Instead he continues on to Kyanite and his knowledge of her being the best knife thrower out there. Last time they trained he couldn't even remember her name, and now he knows all this information? Once again Gala simply ignores his odd ways. There's such a desire to object and protest Ky's ultimate talent over anyone else, after all that was how they first met. And maybe a couple of months ago she would, now she knows better though.

"I don't know she's pretty good..." A small denial of Jins being the best escapes Gala because it's impossible for her to not stick up for her few friends. There's no point in arguing when Kyanite will be here any second to prove this anyways. "We'll find out for sure though." She gives a sly grin upon her innocent face before turning her gaze over to the array of blades. This should be interesting, being trained by the supposed two best. Though Jins walks away with the larger options, Gala settles for the ones that suit her petite hand better. They're nearly twice as small as his, but it's talent that matters anyways. With that she follows him off to the secluded target practicing area.

Already he's showing off his skills before she has a chance to even step in. Surprisingly a smile does grow upon her face because he is pretty good, and learning those sort of things is Gala's main purpose of doing this. Without a word she does the same, setting four them aside for her first round. Predicting that he's going to need to know her current progress she goes in for her first throw. Before she joined it probably wouldn't of even stuck, or reach the target for that matter. After being trained by her two older friend, she has certainly improved. It's no where near the middle, or as good as Jins, but it's still decent.

Honestly the hit sucked, and even Gala's able to admit that. Maybe she's decent for a career that only just started, but it's still far from being good. Clearly Jins is just trying to be nice as he visualizes one of her weaknesses for the first time. Good thing she didn't make into the second round in the pregames, where weapons were involved and there for there's a need for good aim. If ever reaped she's heading for the deadliest thing to swing around because that's obviously going to be her strongest suit. "No, I was looking at the target." Because clearly that's the right answer to where her eyes should of been trained. Honestly she's unable to remember as her entire concentration was upon just doing decent.

The lesson begins as Jins demonstrates a new strategy to gripping the weapon. Before Gala simply held it the way it help comfortable, within the palm of her hand where she feels the most control. Experimenting with different ways is needed though and she gives it shot. It's a bit awkward as she adjusts her fingers properly, thankful that she grabbed the tinniest knifes because anything bigger she wouldn't be able to do such a thing with. "Yeah, I think." She's more of a visual learner then anything else as his words seem to be a jumbled mess within her brain. Anyone else would understand within an instant, though they'd probably already be better at their knife throwing skills to begin with.

Watching will be better, and Gala keeps her eyes focused upon his hand and blade as if her life depended on it. It's the fact that he also demonstrates it in his left hand that really does the trick for her. Being left handed it's difficult to constantly reverse everything as the majority of people are all righties. Even if Jins doesn't do as good of a job with his less dominant side it still gives her a better understanding. She switches the grip between her fingers a bit and the discomfort slightly minimizes. It's only due to the fact that her hands desperately needs a growth spurt, along with the rest of her body. His words travel through the air again before she's able to give this strategy a try.

A small awkward chuckle escapes Gala as Jins uses that famous term of things being in someone's favor. Seems so ironic, yet people tend to use it a lot. To her it's a joke, but it's apparently not to some. "Alright." Gala agrees with a simple one word as she often does. Sometimes she has a lot to say, more likely around the ones she knows better, though it's still an occasional thing even then. With the approval to go she gives the different method a try, mimicking exactly as Jins did to the best of her ability. It must of been the demonstration with both hands that helped her. Of course it doesn't hit the red area, but it still greatly improves from the throw she did only moments ago. "Yeah, it's okay." She allows a small grin to spread across her cheeks, reaching for another one with knowledge that it's only practice that makes perfect.

Improvement, that's always the important part when it comes to training. The new method turns out to not be half bad as it does follow closer to Gala's aim. Not near being perfect, but it's better then she ever expected. Even Liam gives an approving congratulations as he prevents her from grabbing another knife with a sort of half hug. It's awkward to say the least, but then again she's gotten used to how strange he is by now. After going from her first couple of friends being Matthew and Kyanite, it's an odd adjustment but one she's getting used to. Who knows what other types of characters are lingering around these halls. As much as she'd love to pull away from his unwanted grasp, she decides to try to go for the friendly route. After all Ky was the one to suggest not judging people by their cover, and this guy is far from read.

"Yeah." Gala agrees subtly to Liam's praise of her having this down in no time. It would be awfully cool to be able to throw at Kyanite's able to, even more so to impress her older friend with it. Of course he has to continue with his words, though this time his words actually fade out to the sound of someone else's. Instinctively her head turns along with his, along with a slight movement of their bodies as he keeps his hold upon her shoulder. Gala on the other hand keeps her arms lazily at her side, affection's not really her thing and especially towards someone she hardly knows.

Usually a large smile will form across the youngster's face at the sight of Kyanite, but as soon as their eyes lock is clear that she's not happy. Maybe she's had a rough day? Seconds later the truth unfolds as Liam greets her as if they've known each other forever. There's no doubt within Gala's mind that he acted as if he hardly knew Ky when he talked about her last time they trained. Hell he even pretended to forget her name, though it's pliantly clear that they've met before by the sound of his words. Why would he lie? More importantly though is that look upon Kyanite's face, which she assumes is from the unwanted title of baby. More is discovered as the older female's mouth opens with an angry question of what Gala was doing with him. It's too obvious now that something's up.

Immediately Liam responds with the suggestion that Kyanite's mistaken him for someone else. That to is obviously wrong, and instinctively Gala attempts to get distance between her and the guy she found strange this entire time. Instead his large hand doesn't even allow for her to budge though. More then ever it's bluntly clear that something's up. "This is Liam, the guy I told you about..." A baffled and concerned look covers her expression, but her words hope for a misunderstanding.



At that moment Gala's heart drops to the pit on her stomach. What has she done? Even without any other dialogue she's able to tell that she's placed Kyanite in a horrible position. She could ever careless if she's the one closest to the freak that she had an instinct not to trust. The fact is that Kyanite's upset, and surprisingly that's the last thing Gala wants. Before she could careless about making people angry, now though it's much different. "What?" She's as confused as ever as she attempts to get all the pieces in place. There's a loss for words though, with only a desperation to understand what was happening.

There's a lot that Gala's witnessed in her short life, but angry Kyanite is not one of them. The older career has been scared, happy, and crying in front of her yet this is an emotion she has yet to experience. Maybe she actually has. It's completely impossible to tell when it seems to be directed at her though, as if being scolded for being with a friend her sisters have denied her from seeing. Yup, she's seen that look before. Upon Kyanite's face it's much different though, as fear and confusion reflects on her as well. If only Gala knew what she had gotten herself into, instead she hopes that her stuttered words gets across her innocence.

It all clicks together when Kyanite declares that the guy Gala came to know as Liam is only a lie. Everything's determined to be a setup without anything else being said, she's smart enough to realize that. If only she was smart enough to not get them in this situation to begin with. Desperation comes upon her young features as she's staring up at Ky for direction. Before the information is even given she has put two and two together that the guy squeezing her is most likely the only enemy her older friend's ever talked about. Every emotion is retaliated to Gala as she's fully aware of the danger she's caused. This is her childhood bully Jins, wanting nothing more then revenge most likely.

Suddenly, cast and all, Kyanite comes charging towards Jins, who luckily didn't hold Gala in front of him. Demands join in as it's clear the Brunette's taking full responsibility in the older sisterly protection mood. There's such a need to tear up and smile all at the same time because no one's stood up for her like that since Matthew and Ky saved her from that group of careers. It's even more emotional now with the more personal situation occurring. She's easily shoved away and it's now her friend that's in the grasp of the scary guy.

Of course the automatic response is to lunge forward and attack, and at first that's exactly what Gala does. Before she reaches them she halts herself though, trying to take in the knowledge she's learned from the two closest to her. As much as her strength is useful, she's still tiny, and going in without a strategy's just destined for failure. There's no time for planning as their words distract her young mind from focusing. A taunt from Jins erupts as he declares that Kyanite's unable to tell him to to do, and once again adds in that nickname that even annoys Gala. It's not even directed towards her, yet she wants to claw his throat out just because of it. Or maybe it's the fact he has one of the only people she cares about within a painful grasp.

"No." For the first time Gala denies taking orders from Kyanite, one of the only two she's actually willing to listen to. This time her request is unreasonable though. There's no way in hell that Gala was going to possibly leave at a time like this. Certainly it's logical to go run and get help, but she's also smart enough to know what time it is. By the time she'd actually reach someone, who knows what Jins could do to her friend. It just wasn't going to happen. And before anyone has a chance to object the creep himself has to open his mouth once more.

This Jins dude is far from crazy now. It's safe to say he may be mentally insane. For some odd reason he has the nerve to title himself as Kyanite's boyfriend, and even Gala gets offended by his statement. As if she'd ever let him train her again. There's nothing capable of holding her back after those words, and with desperation she digs her decently long nails into the arms captivating someone very important to her. She takes it as a life and death situation as she attempts to help.

"No you're not!" Gala protests along with her struggle. Of course it's not going to be enough though, because Jins is much too determined. Kyanite's in the way of doing any other real sort of damage, but something else has to be done. The closest weapons towards her is one of the large knifes that he picked out, but it'll have to due. With everything she has she quickly snatches it and holds it up to her newly found enemy. "Let go of her!"

If theres's one thing that Gala knows it's that her trainer is dedicated to Kyanite. No matter what Matthew will always be the one that trained Gala originally. And him and Ky belong together in her young eyes. Seeing the grasp that Jins holds upon her friend is disturbing and unwelcoming. There's still the difference of size as she stands well below the both of them. Running away to get help is out of the question though. It's now or never and she goes forward with hopes of causing damage. Strength given her size is still to her advantage, even if it's low compared to what she's up against. There's still a chance, and she's has to take it. It's the scream from Ky that fuels her rampage for blood, wanting to take upon the protection always given to her.

Red streaks results from the sharp nails she's grown since quitting the habit of biting them off. There's no better sight as she fines satisfaction in her retaliation. After all the lies, now knowing that this is Kyanite's bully, Jins deserves even more payback. Still release isn't given as the grasp tightens around her captured friend. Words echo through the empty gym as Gala reaches for further protection, a weapon. After everything he still expects a kind reaction from the youngster. Too bad that she automatically takes Kyanite's side when it comes to anything. From the beginning she found this guy to be creepy, and now it's only confirmed that he's actually in fact evil. How he could possibly think that Gala would take his side after this is beyond her understanding. She's easily influenced, yet she's able to read him like a book now. Deny anything he might try to convince.

The knife fits awkwardly within her tiny left hand as she's used to unarmed fighting. When it comes to aiming, she fails. Maybe not so much when it comes to the weapon being secured in her hands though. With this position the weapon doesn't even need to leave her hand to cause damage. There's hardly any distances between her and the opponent. As if now would be any different, a load of words leave his mouth. This time it's harshness though as he gives everything he has to destroy Gala with his words.

Everything that Gala gave up, and the information given through the pregames, suddenly is used against her. When she first met Liam it was completely different as he treated her like a celebrity. All of that turns into revenge as he uses it to dig into the most sensitive of areas. After two chance at the first round she still blew it, though it was impossible to win to the ultimate Kyanite. Of course the failure still dawns on her today, and even more so as light in shined onto it. Somehow she sucks up the sorrow his words create. So she's far from the best career, but her few friends convinced her of the success she's accomplished from it thus far. Now it really lingers upon her thoughts. Before she already knew of her failure, but it's different as it's actually vocalized. But as much as she'd love to feel pity over these comments she has to stay strong.

As sarcastic as innocent Gala's able to be, she falls silent as she absorbs the insults Jins has given her. The difficult part is the fact that it's all completely true. As good of a trainer as Matthew and Kyanite are, she still fails at anything aside from showing off her amazing strength compared to the thirteen year olds of any gender. When it comes to defeating someone much larger she fails, and hopefully it's only due to her short experience of being a career. Just as any other strong career would do she holds her blade securely in the grasp of her left hand, in hopes of cause a threat. Sure his words burn deep within her heart, but he doesn't need to know that. With lack of a word or budge of her knife she keeps her stern position.

Now there's a demand to go as the anger within Jins grows like a wild fire. By now it's sort of obvious where Gala stands, as she refuses to budge from her stance. Stupidly she has gotten Kyanite and herself within this position, she wasn't going to run from it as well. As if she'd ever run from her friend being in danger anyways. Was he threatening to kill her or Ky if she didn't leave? Didn't matter because she's not exiting, nor is any harm going to be done if she's able to help it. This time a request from Ky is given again for Gala to leave. The youngster only shakes her head slightly. After all of this time was she really expected to give in that easily? Especially with a weapon equipped within her palm.

"I said let go of her!" Gala finds more power embracing her then ever before as an instinct to protect kicks in. The large blade within her hand holds her complete concentration for a change. With the mission only involving the freedom of her friend, her knife goes directly towards the thing keeping the hostage. There's hardly been any friends within the young career's life, so the only two are of course given great importance to her. A need to cause as little damage as possible still controls her mind as she only gives a nice slash upon Jins's forearm. Not even an ounce of guilt is felt though as she's fully aware that he deserves it. As if there was anyway that she was actually going to leave. No, she's going to fight.

Acting all courageous and strong controls most of Gala's actions as she appears to stand well put together. When it comes to proving herself she's on top of her game and her words are as cocky as ever. There's hardly anything she'll stand down to even, which seems to put her more into trouble then anything though. The truth of the matter is the fact that only Ky and Matt have witnessed the truth. As good of a show that she puts on she was unable to raise her chin to the group of careers that attacked her. Fear controlled her as she completely relied upon the protection of the strangers she now calls close friends. Perhaps she's grown a lot since then, or the situation is just that much different. A grin fills her chubby cheeks as she stares at the spots of blood underneath her fingernails, though it quickly fades at the lack of loosening arms upon her friend.

By this point nothing's going to stop Gala, or have her running away. As much as Kyanite begs, and Jins threatens, she's not risking what could happen in the time span of getting help. Not with the position she currently holds as she's the one armed with a weapon. She was the one stupid and naive enough to get them into this situation, she's unable to bring herself around to being scared. Currently she holds the upper hand to, and with that knowledge she's dashing forward with intent of causing harm. Clearly he's not going to give up that easily, and hopefully a nice slash will establish how serious the little one is. If he's so content with refusal to do it willingly, she'll force him to back off.

Exactly what Gala was planning folds out in front of her. The main purpose was freeing Kyanite, and though he does it quiet violently, it does happen. How could she even possibly hope that he wouldn't retaliate in such a way? At least her friend is away from him as she's tossed off like a rag doll. It's all too painful to even watch as she's forced into one of those small tables along with the wall. She's upon the floor and it's obvious that Gala's job is yet to be completed. Luckily the anger is now directed towards her, and she has the weapon and ability to escape.

Still her heart drops to the pit of her stomach at the sound of Jins's new threat. Death. With a gulp her eyes fall upon Kyanite who's still retrieving from the floor. There has to be someone around here that's capable of helping, and if she brings along Jins there'll be no need for concern over Ky. Good thing that Gala's better with running then aiming...well at least she used to be. Before she's off she has to make sure that her little friend will certainly be following her. A knife is thrown her way as she considers how to do so. He sets it up himself though and she's able to slide just a couple of inches to dodge the flying knife. Clearly he's only used to still targets.

With that success Gala goes further to taunt him by sticking out her tongue as if they were children playing tag. Now there's no way in hell that he'll be sticking around as revenge must be filling him. Seconds later she's off in a flash, her eyes gazing behind her every so often to make sure he stays on her trail. Just as planned he's following though. Of course it doesn't lay out perfectly as the reminder that she's no longer speedy burns her lungs. Ever since the surgery she's found a struggle in anything that gets her out of breathe. Adrenalin supports her though as it pushes her along further then she's ever achieved since the games. Before she'd be able to keep this fast pace up for an hour, but now she finds a desperate grasp for air as she peers behind her to notice she's gotten a nice distances between them.

A corner later she's sliding into the door closest to her, assuming that anything's better then the open hallways. Maybe she lost him. It's hard to tell but he'll certainly catch her if she doesn't get a hold of her breathing. Just a second, though she may need longer as her ribs are extending and contracting as if they were racing as well. She presses her back against the walls only to gaze upon the one wrong room. The blue that matches her eyes sparkles in front of her as she's stumbled upon the large pool room. This is the last place to get caught in, but even that doesn't matter as she's still struggling with her breathe. Might as well go in for a hiding spot. She tangles through the bars supporting the bleachers, fairly familiar with them as her circus contains the same thing. Only the slight splash of the water and Gala's breathing interrupts the silence. She clutches onto knife for good luck, her eyes darting back and forth between the tad bit of blood drying upon the blade, the door, and that stupidly large amount of water.