The training room doors hissed open, releasing a wave of stale, recycled air thick with the smell of sweat and ozone.
Elias stepped over the threshold, his boots sinking slightly into the firm, blue synthetic matting that covered the floor. The heavy thud of Colby's unbalanced gait followed right behind him.
Across the room, the sharp crack of impact rang out. Kikaru drove her shin into a reinforced training dummy, the synthetic material groaning under the force. Paul stood nearby, three jagged glass shards orbiting his shoulders in a lazy, dangerous spiral. In the corner, Faye sat with her knees pulled to her chest, her bird-like Ikona trilling a low, wavering note that sent faint ripples through the air.
Kikaru threw another kick, caught sight of the entrance, and missed her target completely. Her foot glanced off the dummy's shoulder, throwing her off balance. She stumbled, catching herself, her eyes wide as she stared past Elias.
