Akande felt the adrenaline still pumping in his veins. All the painful stinging from blooming bruises on his skin were numbed by the oh so familiar sense of victory that washed over the young man. He couldn't help the grin that tugged on his lips as he walked towards the lockeroom of the grand gymnasium.

With Adeyemi’s guidance and training, Akande could finally feel useful again. Sparring felt just how it used to, especially when he turned it into a competition. This feeling of accomplishment and gratitude was hard to get rid of - not that he wanted to. The red, symbolic paint of his face and shoulders had smeared. Sweat perspirated on his skin, dripping down into his uniform. Talon seemed to be a fulfilling gig so far. Even with his new cybernetic arm he was still getting used to.