Returning a champ to glory

"The transport van screeches to a halt. The back doors swing open, flooding the space with harsh sunlight. Diesel's lips curl back behind the muzzle, a continuous growl emanating from his throat. The metal contraption digs into his face, a constant reminder of human control. Diesel hates it. Hates them."

"Remember, don't remove the muzzle... No sudden movements... He's injured three handlers even through the cage bars..."

"He hears one of the handlers say. The cage jolts as it's lifted. Diesel braces himself, amber eyes darting wildly, taking in every detail of your house. New territory. New dangers. The humans are still talking, their fear-stench assaulting Diesel's sensitive nose, mixed with the scent of a new human."

"This is your last chance, Diesel, don't make us regret this." "one of the handlers says, before leaving him with you. Diesel's only response is a threatening bark. Last chance or not, he will show you what he's made of."

"Diesel looks at Shelia, his eyes narrowing as he sniffs the air. Her scent is unfamiliar to him, but there's something intriguing about it that makes him want to explore further."

"Champion?" "he repeats in a low growl, testing out the word. It's been a while since anyone has referred to him as such. The memories of fighting and winning flood back into his mind, making his tail stub wag ever so slightly."

"But then reality hits him again- he is still muzzled and trapped inside this cage like an animal."

"A sudden surge of frustration courses through Diesel's veins as he tries once more to break free from the restraints holding him captive."

"Grrr..." "He bares his teeth menacingly at Shelia before turning away from her and curling up on the floor of the cage with a defeated sigh."

"Diesel's ears perk up at the mention of being a champion again. He remembers how it felt to win, the adrenaline rush, and the feeling of pride when his owner praised him."

"But why should Diesel trust you?" "he thinks to himself, eying Shelia suspiciously." "All humans are cruel... all humans hurt me."

He growls softly at her skeletal battle pet before looking back at Shelia with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

"You promise not to hurt Diesel? Promise to make him great again?" "he finally asks in a low voice. Despite his natural aggression towards humans, he can't help but feel drawn to this necromancer blood mage- there's something about her that makes him want to follow her commands."

"With an uneasy sigh, Diesel stands up on shaky legs and shuffles forward until he is close enough for Shelia to reach through the cage bars. He lets out a whine as she removes his muzzle slowly."

"Diesel flinches slightly at the touch of Shelia's hand on his head, but doesn't pull away. Her words fill him with a sense of hope and longing- to be great again, to have purpose."

"Okay..." "he says softly, almost as if he's ashamed to admit that he wants this." "Diesel will trust you."

With that, Diesel steps forward out of the cage and into your home. He sniffs around cautiously, taking in every detail of his new surroundings.

"What kind of training does Shelia have planned for Diesel?" "he wonders silently while glancing back at her expectantly."

"Diesel's fur bristles at the sight of the young silver dragon, his natural canine instincts telling him to be wary of such a creature. But then he remembers that he's here for training and to become great again- so he tries his best to remain calm."

As Shimmer approaches him with her silver claws raised, Diesel flinches instinctively but doesn't move away as she begins washing him with magic brushes.

"Thank you..." "he mutters softly once she's finished drying him off." "Diesel is cleaner now."

He looks up at Shelia and nods before turning back towards Shimmer.

"What kind of training does Diesel need?" "he asks inquisitively while sniffing around her curiously."

"Diesel looks at the stone platform and logs skeptically, his tail stub twitching with uncertainty. This is not what he was expecting- where are the other demihumans to fight? The adrenaline rush of combat? But then Shimmer's words about balance and self-control echo in his mind."

"Control..." "he repeats to himself quietly as he approaches the water." "Diesel needs control."

With a deep breath, Diesel steps onto the first stone platform and surveys the floating logs ahead of him. He jumps from one log to another with ease at first but soon realizes how difficult it actually is.

His paws slip off one of the logs causing him to fall into the water below. Sputtering, Diesel swims back towards Shimmer.

"This... this is hard." "he pants out between gasps for air." "How does this help Diesel become great again?"

"Diesel takes Shimmer's clawed hand and pulls himself out of the water, shivering slightly as she dries him off with a wind spell. He looks at her with uncertainty before nodding in agreement."

"Again..." "he repeats to himself before stepping back onto the first stone platform. This time he focuses on his balance and moves more carefully from one log to another. Despite stumbling a few times, Diesel manages to make it across without falling into the water again."

He turns towards Shimmer triumphantly, wagging his tail stub.

"I did it!" "he barks happily." "What's next?"

"Diesel nods in understanding before turning back towards the stone platform. He spends the next few hours practicing his balance and leaping skills, slowly but surely getting better at navigating across the logs."

By the time he's done, Diesel is exhausted but also feeling a sense of accomplishment that he hasn't felt in years.

"Diesel did it!" "he exclaims happily to Shimmer." "What's next? What else can Diesel learn?"

"Diesel's ears perk up at the mention of a reward, his tail stub wagging excitedly."

"Okay!" "he barks enthusiastically." "Diesel will do it!"

With renewed determination, Diesel follows Shimmer to the second area. It takes him longer this time to navigate across the logs with fewer stepping stones but he manages to do it eventually.

Onwards to the third area- which is much more difficult than he had anticipated. The gap between stone platforms is so wide that even with all his strength and agility, Diesel struggles immensely.

But after hours of practice and countless falls into the water below, Diesel finally manages to make it across on his own without any help from Shimmer.

"I did it!" "he pants out in exhaustion before collapsing onto one of the stone platforms." "What does Diesel get as a reward?"

"Diesel's ears perk up at the mention of a reward- he had been hoping for something like this after all his hard work."

"A meal or passion..." "he repeats to himself thoughtfully, glancing between the two doors. His stomach growls loudly, reminding him that he hasn't eaten in hours and could use a good meal."

But then Diesel remembers how it felt when he successfully navigated across the logs on his own- a sense of accomplishment and pride that made him feel alive again.

"Passion." "he says finally with determination." "Diesel wants to explore... what's behind the red door."

"Diesel staggers out of the red door, his body feeling weak and spent from the incredible sexual experience he just had. He can barely stand as Shimmer leads him to a cot to rest on."

"Wow..." "he mutters softly to himself, still in a daze." "What was that? Who was she?"

Despite being exhausted and hungry, Diesel feels a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that he hasn't felt in years. It's like something inside him has awakened again- something primal and fierce.

He curls up on the cot with a contented sigh before drifting off into an exhausted sleep, dreaming of what other challenges lay ahead for him at this training facility.

"Diesel wakes up feeling famished and disoriented, his mind still reeling from the intense sexual experience he had last night. He stumbles towards the dining hall where he finds a few other students eating quietly."

Despite being incredibly hungry, Diesel is surprised to find that he's only given a normal amount of food for breakfast- just like everyone else at the table.

"Why... why so little?" "he wonders to himself while eying the others hungrily." "Doesn't Shelia want Diesel to be strong again?"

He eats in silence before noticing Shimmer sitting with some of the other instructors at another table. Her appearance as a pre-teen girl catches him off guard but then again, nothing about this training facility seems ordinary.

"Good morning..." "he says softly before turning back towards his food."

"Diesel looks at Shimmer with a mix of excitement and trepidation- he's not sure what to expect from stage two but knows that it will be even more challenging than the first."

"Okay..." "he whispers back before finishing his breakfast. He feels a sense of satisfaction as the food fills his stomach, giving him energy for whatever comes next."

Once he's done eating, Diesel follows Shimmer towards stage two with renewed determination. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knows that he can face them head-on thanks to this training facility.

"What does stage two entail?" "he wonders silently while eyeing the various obstacles in front of him."

"Diesel looks at the knives tied to his underarms with a mix of apprehension and determination- he knows that this will be challenging but also necessary for him to become strong again."

He takes the two buckets from Shimmer before making his way towards the well. The weight of the water sloshes around in each bucket, causing Diesel's arms to strain as he lifts them up.

Once he reaches the top of the 20 stone steps, Diesel carefully pours out one bucket onto the ramp below. He repeats this process until both buckets are empty.

As other students wash clothes at the bottom of the ramp, Diesel feels a sense of camaraderie with them- they're all here working hard towards their goals.

"Diesel can do this..." "he mutters quietly to himself while lifting up another set of full buckets." "Strength comes from perseverance."

"Diesel sets down the buckets with a loud clank, his arms feeling like they're on fire from all the lifting and pouring. He takes deep breaths to try and calm himself down before looking towards Shimmer."

"Diesel... Diesel understands." "he says quietly in agreement." "Strength comes from pushing past pain."

Despite the exhaustion he feels, Diesel is determined to keep going- he knows that this training will make him stronger than ever before.

He eats lunch quickly before returning back to stage two with renewed energy and determination.

"Diesel feels a sense of relief wash over him as Shimmer casts the healing spell on his arms, reducing the pain he's been feeling for hours. He nods in gratitude before turning back towards the two buckets."

Despite feeling like he can barely lift them anymore, Diesel forces himself to keep going- stabbing himself with the knives whenever his arms fall too low. The pain is excruciating but it also drives him forward.

He loses track of time as minutes turn into hours and soon dinner is called. Diesel sets down the buckets with a loud clank, his arms shaking from exhaustion.

"Diesel did it..." "he mutters quietly to himself while looking at his hands." "No... we did it."

He looks towards Shimmer with respect and admiration- she's pushed him harder than anyone else has ever dared to do before but also made sure that he didn't suffer needlessly.

"Thank you." "he says softly before heading towards dinner."

"Diesel feels a sense of relief as Shimmer casts the greater healing spell on him, healing his arms and sides completely. He flexes his arms experimentally, feeling the strength that he's gained from all the hard work."

"Thank you..." "he whispers to Shimmer in gratitude before heading towards dinner with the other students. The silence at the table is palpable but Diesel doesn't mind- he's too focused on eating and recovering from all the physical exertion."

As he eats, Diesel can feel a sense of camaraderie growing between himself and some of the other students- they're all here for similar reasons after all.

Once dinner is done, Diesel heads back to his cot to rest up for whatever challenges lay ahead tomorrow.

"Diesel is exhausted from the day's training and can feel himself drifting off to sleep. However, he hears a minor shuffling noise outside in the courtyard."

He pauses for a moment, listening intently before debating whether or not to look through the window.

After a few moments of indecision, Diesel decides that it's best to ignore it- he needs all the rest he can get if he wants to be strong enough for tomorrow's challenges.

With that thought in mind, Diesel closes his eyes and drifts off into an uneasy sleep.

"Diesel feels a sense of pride at Shimmer's words- he's been working hard to make progress and it seems like it's paying off."

"Thank you..." "he whispers back before returning his attention to breakfast. As he eats, Diesel overhears whispers coming from the instructor table about a playful sparring match between Shelia and Shimmer in the courtyard last night."

He listens intently, feeling curious about what happened but unable to make out all the details.

"Shelia... and Shimmer?" "he wonders silently while finishing up his meal." "They must be quite skilled if they can spar playfully like that."

Despite being intrigued by this new information, Diesel knows that he needs to focus on stage three today- whatever challenges lay ahead for him.

"Diesel enters the relaxed room, feeling a sense of calm wash over him as he looks around at the stone walls. Talas, the dark priest of the death god is his instructor today."

He listens intently to Talas's instructions before picking up one of the long bamboo poles with a 15lbs weight at the end.

As he tries to strike the iron bell with each strike from Talas on his wooden bowl, Diesel realizes that this task is far harder than it looks. The weight at the end of pole makes it difficult for him to control and aim properly.

However, despite struggling initially, Diesel perseveres- focusing all his energy on trying to hit that iron bell with each swing.

"Come on... come on..." "he mutters quietly under his breath while striking again and again." "You can do this."

With each attempt, Diesel feels himself getting stronger- both physically and mentally. Even if he doesn't hit that bell every time, he knows that every swing brings him closer towards becoming strong again.

"Diesel nods in agreement as Talas instructs him to use only one hand at a time. He feels his wrists straining with the weight of the pole, but knows that this is all part of the process."

As he moves his grip forward two feet and tries again, Diesel can finally get the weight off the ground- although control is still poor.

"Come on..." "he mutters quietly under his breath while focusing intently on striking that iron bell." "You can do this."

When Talas strikes the wooden bowl with a spoon signaling for Diesel to strike the iron bell with weighed pole, Diesel keeps pace with him even though it's difficult. His wrist ache from transferred vibration and awkward weight but he keeps going.

He feels a sense of pride when Sheila comes in to supervise them- she's been one of his main instructors so far and seeing her approval would mean everything to him.

"Diesel will not fail you." "he thinks silently while swinging again and again." "Strength comes from perseverance."

"Diesel feels a sense of relief wash over him as Shelia calls an end to the event and Talas heals him with his intermediate healing spell. Despite still feeling sore, he's grateful for any kind of relief."

As he eats lunch in brief whispers or total silence, Diesel realizes that Shimmer is indeed a better healer than Talas- her spells are more effective and leave him feeling fully healed.

When Shelia whispers to Shimmer and she casts another healing spell on him, Diesel can feel himself slowly being healed over the course of lunch.

"Thank you..." "he thinks silently while finishing up his meal." "I'm lucky to have such skilled instructors."

Despite the exhaustion from stage three, Diesel knows that there's more training ahead- whatever challenges lay ahead for him.

"Diesel returns to stage three after lunch, feeling a renewed sense of determination despite the bruises on his wrists. He switches arms more frequently but keeps going, determined to keep up with Talas's challenge."

As he strikes the iron bell again and again, Diesel can feel his wrist strength improving even further. The pain from the bruises fades into the background as he focuses all his energy on striking that bell.

"Come on... come on..." "he mutters quietly under his breath while keeping pace with Talas." "You can do this."

Despite struggling at first, Diesel feels himself getting stronger with each strike- both physically and mentally. Even if he doesn't beat that wooden bowl faster than Talas does, he knows that every swing brings him closer towards becoming strong again.

The teacher is impressed by Diesel's commitment and continues to push him harder throughout the training session. But no matter what challenges lay ahead for him in stage three or beyond, Diesel is ready to face them head-on with unyielding determination.

"Diesel feels a sense of pride wash over him as Talas praises him for his performance and partly heals his wrist. He nods in gratitude before listening to Talas's instructions."

"Thank you, teacher." "he says quietly before heading out to rest and heal up his new much stronger wrists by sweeping the courtyard twice a day."

As he eats dinner, Diesel can feel himself getting excited about what challenges stage four will bring. Despite knowing that it won't be easy, he's ready to face whatever lies ahead with renewed determination- after all, strength comes from perseverance.

"Diesel feels much better after two days of resting, eating and sweeping the courtyard. He's excited to continue his training and prove himself in stage four."

He approaches Sheila who is sitting on cushions on a slightly raised platform with other instructors lower and in front of her on either side.

"Hello, Shelia." "he greets her respectfully." "Yes, I'm ready for Stage 4. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I'll face them head-on."

He feels confident that he can handle whatever stage four throws at him- after all, he's been working hard to improve his strength and skills.

"Diesel nods respectfully to Shelia before following Talas out of the room towards stage four."

As they enter the new room with large cigarette-like incense burners mounted on either side, Diesel feels a sense of apprehension wash over him. He listens intently as Talas explains what he must do- focus only on the raised candle and move his eyes without moving his head.

The threat of facial burns from the incense burners if he turns his head only adds to Diesel's nerves. However, despite feeling uneasy, he knows that this is all part of the training process and that he must push himself beyond his limits.

He focuses intently on the raised candle while Talas moves it back and forth. His eyes follow its movements closely but he keeps his head still even when instinct tells him otherwise.

"Come on... come on..." "he thinks silently while keeping up with each movement." "You can do this."

Despite struggling initially, Diesel slowly begins to get better at eye perfection- each movement becomes easier for him as time goes by. The challenge pushes him further than ever before and makes him feel more determined than ever to succeed in becoming stronger.

"Diesel feels a sense of pride wash over him as Talos praises him for his performance in eye perfection. He nods respectfully before listening to the next part of stage four."

As he looks around the room, Diesel sees dozens of wooden posts with reflective metal plates riveted on them. The other students blow out all the candles in the room and Talas explains that he must hit only the posts that have reflected light.

"The light will move to other poles quickly so your speed of reaction is strengthened here." "Talas says calmly while preparing Diesel for this new challenge."

Diesel takes a deep breath and focuses intently on each post, waiting for any sign of reflected light. As soon as he sees it, he moves quickly- striking each post accurately with lightning-fast reflexes.

"Come on... come on..." "he thinks silently while keeping up with each movement." "You can do this."

Despite struggling initially, Diesel slowly begins to get better at hitting only those posts which reflect light - his reactions becoming faster every time due to intense training from past stages. The challenge pushes him further than ever before and makes him feel more determined than ever to succeed in becoming stronger not just by sharpening eyes but also increasing his speed.

With each successful strike against those moving lights, Diesel knows that he's one step closer towards achieving his goal- whatever challenges lay ahead for him beyond stage four or even beyond this academy itself

"Diesel feels a sense of pride wash over him as he successfully completes the challenge in stage four, using his perceptive eyes to see the brief shine on each pole as they rotate and strike with improved balance from the first stage, greater strength from the second stage, greater wrist power from third stage and more perceptive eyes. He nods respectfully to Talas."

"Thank you, teacher." "he says quietly before heading out for dinner- feeling both physically and mentally exhausted but also satisfied that he's making progress towards achieving his goal."

As he eats dinner, Diesel thinks about what challenges might lie ahead in stage five- knowing that it won't be easy but ready to face them head-on with unyielding determination.

"Diesel feels a sense of surprise wash over him as he approaches Instructor Aka- the sex fairy with long red hair, red, pink and white butterfly-like wings and an red iridescent kimono. As soon as she greets him, Diesel realizes that she's the same fairy he had sex with on his first day at the academy."

"Hello again." "he says quietly while trying to hide his embarrassment." "I didn't realize it was you."

Despite feeling awkward about their previous encounter, Diesel knows that Instructor Aka is here to help him further improve himself in stage five.

"What will we be doing today?" "he asks her curiously."

"Diesel feels a sense of surprise wash over him as Instructor Aka explains what they'll be doing in stage five. He nods attentively, listening closely to her instructions."

As she points towards the wide hall with cloth bags hung at head height, Diesel can feel his heart rate increasing- he knows that this challenge won't be easy.

"Put my hands behind my back and head butt each very dense sand-filled bag in my way to put out a burning incense sitting on the pot on the far side." "he repeats quietly while mentally preparing himself for what's to come."

Despite seeing other students with head bruises stumbling around dizzy and collapsing, Diesel is determined not only to complete this task but also become better at weathering hits to his head.

He takes a deep breath before beginning- moving quickly from one bag to another while using his forehead as much as possible. With every hit against those dense sand-filled bags, Diesel feels himself getting stronger - both physically and mentally.

"Come on... come on..." "he thinks silently while keeping up with each movement." "You can do this."

Despite struggling initially, Diesel slowly begins hitting each bag more accurately than before- knowing that any slip-up could lead him into danger. The challenge pushes him further than ever before and makes him feel more determined than ever about improving his skills.

"Diesel feels dizzy and disoriented as he struggles to light one of the incense sticks while his vision blurs from the cranial impacts. Despite feeling defeated, he knows that Instructor Aka is right- he must repeat this task until his head no longer instinctively fears the impacts and stops taking bruises."

He nods respectfully before heading back towards those cloth bags hung at head height.

"Come on... come on..." "he thinks silently while steeling himself for another round." "You can do this."

With every hit against those dense sand-filled bags, Diesel feels himself getting stronger - both physically and mentally. He continues to push himself further despite experiencing pain with each impact.

Despite struggling initially, Diesel slowly begins hitting each bag more accurately than before- knowing that any slip-up could lead him into danger. The challenge pushes him further than ever before and makes him feel more determined than ever about improving his skills.

For hours he continues practicing till his instincts stop flinching at every incoming blow which had made it easier for putting out an incense stick in a pot sitting at far end after bruising hits upon hits . When done Instructor Aka says "Well done , handsome you are much stronger now but you still need more strength"

"Diesel feels a sense of pride wash over him as Instructor Aka compliments his progress, not only in training but also as a sexual partner. He nods respectfully before listening to her instructions for stage six."

As she heals him completely with her fairy magic, Diesel can feel the pain from those head bruises fade away quickly- making him feel grateful for such quick recovery.

"Thank you, Instructor Aka." "he says quietly while bowing respectfully." "I'll see you tomorrow for stage six."

He heads out towards dinner feeling both physically and mentally exhausted yet satisfied that he's making progress towards achieving his goal. With each passing day at the academy, Diesel knows that he's becoming stronger - both physically and mentally- ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with unyielding determination.

"Diesel hears the quiet shuffling noise outside his backroom window to the courtyard and decides to take a look. As he peers out, he sees Shelia sparing against both Shimmer and Talas- moving too fast for him to believe."

He watches in awe as they weave master-level martial arts, magic combat skills, and clever utility spells while striking, blocking, dodging with lightning-fast reflexes - all without making a sound so as not to wake up the sleeping students.

For thirty minutes straight they continue their battle until finally Shelia touches both of them lightly on their heads before leaving the courtyard.

Diesel is left feeling amazed at what he just witnessed- never having seen such incredible combat skills before. He wonders if one day he'll be able to reach that level of mastery himself.

"Diesel nods respectfully to Shelia as she explains what they'll be doing in stage six. He knows that this won't be easy but is ready to face the challenge head-on."

As he begins sparing against other students and practicing fighting forms, Diesel can feel his heart rate increasing- knowing that every move counts.

"Come on... come on..." "he thinks silently while keeping up with each movement." "You can do this."

Despite struggling initially, Diesel slowly begins mastering each technique - becoming better at dodging incoming blows, striking back with lightning-fast reflexes and using clever utility spells just like Shelia had shown him before.

With each passing day of training in stages six through eight, Diesel feels himself getting stronger - both physically and mentally. Despite experiencing pain from time-to-time due to rigorous training, he never gives up- determined to reach a level of mastery similar to Shelia's.

Shelia watches him carefully during every session- looking for any wrong posture or hesitation which might lead him into danger. She points out areas where he needs improvement so they can work together towards making those techniques more efficient.

After weeks of hard work in these three stages, Diesel knows that he's improved significantly- ready for whatever challenges lie ahead at the academy or beyond it.

"Diesel feels a sense of excitement wash over him as Shelia explains what they'll be doing in stages nine- staff fighting and upper body strengthening. He knows that this won't be easy but is ready to face the challenge head-on."

As he puts his staff into the ring mounted on stone blocks, Diesel can feel his upper body muscles being pushed to their limits while trying to move those heavy blocks. Despite experiencing fatigue from time-to-time due to rigorous training, he never gives up- determined to make himself stronger.

When it comes time for accuracy training with the staff against bamboo wall sharpened like teeth, Diesel takes a deep breath before beginning - knowing that any mistake could lead him into danger.

"Come on... come on..." "he thinks silently while keeping up with each movement." "You can do this."

Despite struggling initially, Diesel slowly begins mastering each technique - becoming better at controlling and spinning metal discs with high accuracy without cutting up his arms.

With each passing day of training in stage nine, Diesel feels himself getting stronger - both physically and mentally. Despite experiencing pain from time-to-time due to rigorous training, he never gives up- determined to reach a level of mastery similar or greater than Shelia's.

Shelia watches him carefully during every session- looking for any wrong posture or hesitation which might lead him into danger. She points out areas where he needs improvement so they can work together towards making those techniques more efficient.

After weeks of hard work in stage nine, Diesel knows that he's improved significantly- ready for whatever challenges lie ahead at the academy or beyond it.

"Diesel feels a sense of pride wash over him as Shelia pulls him aside and congratulates him on his progress. He knows that he's ready to leave the academy and take on whatever challenges lie ahead."

As all the trainers bow down before him, Diesel feels grateful for their guidance and support throughout his training- knowing that he wouldn't have come this far without them.

"Thank you, thank you so much." "he says quietly while bowing respectfully." "I'll make sure to use everything I've learned here to become a champion once again."

With one last look at the academy where he'd spent months mastering each technique with hard work and dedication, Diesel steps into the waiting limousine- ready for whatever adventures await him in the future.

As Aka blows a goodbye kiss towards him from afar, Diesel can feel his heart fill with hope -knowing that there are still many battles left for him to win but now he has what it takes.

"Diesel feels a sense of pride wash over him as he wins back the championship after weeks of fighting. As he looks into the audience, Diesel sees Shelia, Shimmer, Talas and Aka cheering for him- feeling grateful for their guidance and support throughout his training."

After the match when he looks again they are gone but Diesel knows that they were there to witness his return to glory.

Feeling proud yet humble at the same time, Diesel can't help but feel grateful towards them for retraining him and making him stronger than ever before.

As he leaves the arena with his championship belt held high in triumph, Diesel knows that this is just one step towards achieving greatness- knowing that without their guidance and support he wouldn't have come this far.