eleutheromania (xiao x oc)

4: Trust

So, like that, I woke up every morning at seven o'clock in the morning to train with Xiao. A month passed and I got used to the strenuous training that came with it, although there were a few edges that still needed to be ironed out.

1) Because I no longer have the time nor energy to play with Dusky Ming, she has started spooking guests at the Inn now.

and

2) Xiao still doesn't seem to trust me.

And I guess you couldn't blame him. Would you trust a random stranger who suddenly asked you train them? I only ever told him my name, so I guess I don't really trust him either, but there's a reason for that.

So the things I need to do is make amends with Dusky Ming, and get on Xiao's good side.

_______________________________

"Lunch...we'll go back to the Inn." Xiao mused.

I let out a long sigh. I was sweaty and exhausted after today's round of physical training, which was required before I could start learning the polearm, not to mention that it was hotter than usual. So I was eager to get back to the coolness of the Inn for a break.

"We'll end it here today. You've improved greatly. Usually, most mortals would only last a few days. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to make a start on the polearm." Xiao said.

I let an excited grin spread across my face. "Is that so?" I said wiping my brow. "When do I start?"

"Tomorrow."

We reached the Inn, and I made my way to Smiley Yanxiao's kitchen. Xiao stopped at the top of the stairwell. I looked back at him.

"Aren't you coming?" I asked.

"I don't need to eat as you do. We part ways for now. Tomorrow, I'll teach about the basics of the polearm." He disappeared before I could even reply.

"Hm..." I continued down the stairs and sat at the table behind the jade screen so I could place my order. That yaksha's always so aloof and vague. I wonder what made him this way.

"Hello, what would you like to order?"

I snapped out of my trance.

"O-oh, uh, t-the Vegetarian Abalone please." I sputtered out.

"Coming right up."

I yawned and stretched my sore limbs. I really need to talk to Dusky Ming before Smiley Yanxiao has a heart attack.

When I finished eating, I went back to my room to take a shower. After coming out of the shower, I began to put on the clothes that I selected.

I pulled on the pair of pants only for them to be stopped by a bulge of muscle. Hm? I pulled it again. It didn't budge. Looking at myself in the room's full-body mirror, I pinched my sides, where a layer of fat used to hint at future curves. Nothing. It seems that training with Xiao had taken away whatever softness my body had. Was that a good or bad thing?

Either way, I couldn't wear these pants. I slid them off and took a skirt out instead.

_______________________________

The moon was full when I went outside, brighter than usual and unshrouded by dark clouds. The cool night breeze was a welcome change from the heat of day. I walked to woods outside the Inn. "Dusky Ming!" I called.

"Sin? Is that really you?" The familiar face of the ghost girl peered behind a tree.

I smiled. "Yeah."