Retaliation

Chapter 12 Warm Welcome

We have been hurtling through space for what felt like an eternity. I was glad to say that we were on course to reach Earth in just a couple of more hours. Even though I loved space, I learned that I hated living in a spaceship for an extended period of time. I felt too constrained. I needed to feel something else but cold metal underneath my feet.

I've been asking Jasmine to train me more often as it was really the only exercise option available. We were currently working out right now. As we built more trust for each other we began to move into more physical teaching. As a result, I was starting to get more confident in my technique. 

I noticed I was getting quicker in my movements, and Jasmine assured me that if I could make contact with my kicks and punches, they would surely damage the receiver. She also stressed the importance of playing dirty like going for the eyes or biting if you are put in a restraining position, especially to get the upper hand as it is about life and death in a lot of cases. They also won't be afraid to play with your emotions to weaken your guard.

These training sessions appear to improve Jasmine's mood as well. She wasn't as likely to start having negative thoughts about herself during our practices. Maybe it was because she felt important and needed which was good because at first, I thought the effect would be the opposite as fighting may remind her of her past trauma. I threw a quick right hook aimed at her throat but stopped as I was about to make contact.

"That was good but you can't be scared to hit me, now try and knee-strike me," Jasmine encouraged.

I came at her with full force but she easily dodged my attack. I jabbed and crossed my punches and attempted a few push kicks but whiffed on all of them. I then try a roundhouse kick and Jasmine let it hit her side and it generated a soft orange glow, she left me an opening to strike at her chest. I run up to her and bring my knee up, letting it strike her square in the chest. 

"Good job. I think we should take a break now. I need to check things up in the cockpit anyway."

"Ok. I'll probably take a quick shower. I want to make sure I look and smell good for my first impression with the locals." I joked. 

We walked out of the storage room and went our separate ways. I ended up standing under the warm water much longer than I intended. I just couldn't help but think about the future and what it has left to bring for me. It felt like I was starting my whole life over again. Everything I knew and was familiar with was gone. 

All I had was Jasmine now...and I don't consider that in itself a bad thing. 

I'd rather have somebody than nobody. 

I finally exited the shower and wrapped a dry towel around my body. I had already laid out a clean pair of black sweatpants and a T-shirt. I quickly slipped them on after I dried myself off. Not having anything else to do, I thought I would sit up in the cockpit with Jasmine until we reached our new homes. 

After some long discussions, I finally decided to live on the outskirts of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a big city with beautiful landscapes and river rapids as the name suggested. The plan was for Jasmine to drop me off and then say our goodbyes. From there she would take the ship to Jacksonville, Florida. We would finally be going our separate ways. She seemed adamant about keeping the files and laptop, being that this was all she had about her past. I let her have them without a fight. She needed them more than I did anyway. 

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a big purple mass materialized in the middle of the room. The mass started the resemble a small figure as it began to take form. The deep magenta mist quickly started to disappear as light green skin took its place. I let out a fearful scream for Jasmine.