Chasing Darkness (Sequel to Remember Me)

Part Twenty

"Today is the day," Jaya takes a long breath as she looks at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair has just been expertly styled into two separate braids by her own hands to keep it away from her face. Her eyes don't leave her reflection as she stands stiffly in place, "I refuse to let (Y/N) down."

Her mind wanders back to the emotionally immature mercenary she's being forced to partner up with and she doesn't hesitate to roll her eyes. She looks down into the sink now, watching water drip from the faucet and fall into the drain.

"He is not a tolerable person but for (Y/N)'s sake I can put up with him," Jaya speaks her thoughts aloud, her voice echoing off the walls of the empty bathroom, "If he steps out of line, I will not hesitate to put him down. I cannot let him hinder our mission."

She thinks back to her fight with him, recalling how he moved and nimbly countered her sword blows, "He's strong. His ability is useful. If all goes well, perhaps he can be an asset to (Y/N)."

Looking back up from the sink, she glances in the mirror again. Instead of seeing herself, she sees a familiar face in the reflection, "Father, I have yet to let you down."

"You know that Shadow shouldn't be allowed to live," The man in the mirror speaks back to her, "He's a danger to society."

"(Y/N) believes he deserves a second chance and I am inclined to agree with her."

Her father shakes his head, his stern look refusing to fade from his face, "Just how many people has he killed or injured? Probably more than you can count, huh?"

"I am very certain that it's a large amount, yes," Jaya replies, her eyes boring directly into his, "(Y/N) believes in him and I have faith in her decision."

"Are you trying to disappoint me on purpose, Jaya? Haven't I taught you better than this?" The man's arms are crosses against his chest now, a snarl on his lips, "I never thought you would be okay with being a failure."

Jaya narrows her eyes in response, her voice cold, "I am far from a failure. Your words mean nothing to me."

"Do you not respect your own father and mentor?"

"I respect you greatly and you are more than aware of this. I became a Blacklist hunter to follow in your footsteps but, I also know how manipulative you can be," Jaya says in response, her tone of voice unwavering, "I won't allow your words to wound me."

Her father's gaze on her hardens, his figure seeming to grow taller as he looms over her, "You need to do the right thing, Jaya. Do as I say. You already know that my judgement is always correct."

"I already believe that I am doing the right thing."

"Do you?" He questions her, "It seems like you are questioning yourself."

"I have had enough of this conversation," She turns away from the mirror, taking quick steps towards the door, "Thank you for your concern."

"Jaya Glover," His voice echoes throughout the room, halting the woman in place, "I taught you better than this."

Jaya turns around wordlessly and approaches the mirror again, "I do not require your advice. Perhaps I am questioning myself, but I believe in (Y/N). She is a much better judge of character than you."

He quirks up an eyebrow in response, "I find that hard to believe. (Y/N) is a part of the problem. You would do better if you were on your own."

"Enough!" Jaya balls her hand up into a fist throwing a punch at the mirror and shattering the image of her father into pieces as shards of glass fall onto the tiled floor. She pulls her hand away, taking note of the blood oozing from her knuckles, "Damn, I lost my composure."